Schuylkill Proud held its first event in the county Saturday, the inaugural Schuylkill County Cornhole Tournament, at Barefield Recreation Complex in Pottsville.

The organization wants to make a difference in the community by giving back. The idea started when Jeff Buchanan, managing member of the five-person group, and others were at a local restaurant and heard people behind them saying there was not much to do in the county.

“We are proud to live here,” Buchanan said.

For a $10 general admission charge, those 21 and older could attend the event. Those who entered the cornhole tournament paid $65 a team to play in the tournament and drink beer, a choice of Miller Light or Shock Top, a Belgian White beer. The winning team won $1,000, second place won $500 and third place won $250. There were other games for cash prizes. A raffle was also held for a set of cornhole boards. Food donated by local businesses was available for purchase.

Blind Pigeon Records had six bands at the event.

Proceeds benefited Schuylkill Community Action to help the homeless.

“Our goal is to hold events like this four or five times a year,” Buchanan said.

A total of 64 teams, 128 players altogether, competed for the chance to win. Teams played against each other. The first team to get 21 points would advance. If the approximately 6-ounce cornhole bag went through a hole in the board on the other side of the basketball court, the team that tossed it was awarded three points. A bag landing on the board was worth one point and a hanging bag was worth one.

The final round did not end until about 6:20 p.m.

The group Bad News Bears with teammates Eric Weeks, 25, of Ringtown, and Mike Goodman, 32, of Morea, were the winners. Weeks said he entered the game with confidence. He learned to play at a party and has been playing for years. Goodman was not new to the game, either. He said he did not want to lose, but admitted he was surprised Bad News Bears won considering all the other contestants.

Both said they will use the money for household needs. Weeks said he is going to pay bills, and Goodman said he will buy items needed for his children.

“I’m happy with the turnout for the first year,” Buchanan said.

Stephanie Buchanan, daughter-in-law of Jeff and member of Schuylkill Proud, said she hopes events like this “give a renewed appreciation for the area.”

The summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty of family-fun events to do in Schuylkill County.

The Schuylkill Haven Island Park festival will be held Saturday. Enjoy non-stop amusement, family fun, food, horse-drawn rides, bingo, magic, climbing wall, Kids Korner entertainment, tons of live music and more.

Heritage Day and the Parade of Nations is slated for Saturday in downtown Shenandoah. Parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by festivities at Girard Park. Enjoy the 21 nations represented at the parade and ethnic foods, crafts, games and live music.

The Schuylkill Master Gardeners present Field to Fork at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hope Hill Lavender Farm. Learn container vegetable growing and sample fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits. Hope Hill lavender products, cut flowers, fresh produce, potted plants and baked goods available for purchase.

A Faerie FanFaire! Festival will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Stonehedge Gardens. Music, dance, theatre, crafts, games, unicorns, trolls, contests and prizes and food. Rain or shine.

A hike to the Lebanon Reservoir is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Meet at the Swatara State parking lot to carpool to the dog-friendly, easy five-mile hike. Bring a bagged lunch to this Schuylkill on the Move walk. Call 570-622-4124 for details.

Your single blood donation can save the lives of up to three people. Premature babies and cancer and surgical patients sometimes need blood during treatment. There is no replacement for fresh blood, and it expires too quickly so maintaining a steady supply is vital. There will be blood drives at the Bethesda EC Church in Schuylkill Haven Monday, at the Friedensburg Fire Company Thursday and at the Schuylkill Mall Aug. 29.

Schuylkill Make A Difference Day will take place the week of Saturday, Oct. 24. Join thousands of your neighbors during Schuylkill County's largest volunteer event to help improve the quality of life in our communities. No project is too small and every effort helps someone. If you or your group or business need a registration from, are looking for project suggestions, or have questions, contact this office at 570-628-1426 or jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact info for those specific opportunities and find other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Call us at 570 628-1426 or e-mail to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/schuylkillcountycommunityvolunteersinaction.

Road to Recovery drivers

Times: Flexible. Choose own availability or location.

Responsibility: Drive patients to and from treatments. Use own vehicle or agency vehicle if available.

Skills: Must have valid PA driver's license, good driving record, a reliable vehicle and vehicle insurance. Background checks and orientation required.

Location: In and out of county.

Contact: Dee Mathis, American Cancer Society, 570-874-1458

Homework helpers

Times: One hour per week after school during the school term and daytime during the summer.

Responsibility: Help students to reach their full potential by assisting them with homework in science, technology, engineering, math, reading, language arts, artistic and cultural enrichment. Assignments are given in advance. Teacher support provided.

Skills: Age 55 and above, high school education, clearance fees reimbursed. Apply now so you're ready for the school year in September.

Location: At several school districts.

Contact: Carol Bowen, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-622-3103.

BY VICKI TERWILLIGER

As educators ready for the start of classes in a few days, one Upper Dauphin Area teacher presented his views on standardized testing to a state-wide audience this summer.

UDA elementary teacher Daniel Bloch testified July 29 during a public hearing before the House Education Committee in Harrisburg.

Bloch, who has taught fourth- and fifth-graders at UDA for the past 34 years, told the committee why he views the current testing system as a “constraint to learning.” He also offered suggestions for improvement, including moving testing times to May, which is later in the instructional year, and having Pennsylvania-certified teachers design the test questions and score the exams.

“In my 34 years, I witnessed many education initiatives come and go, but I have to say that the focus on testing, and how those test results are used, has become too large of a focus within education. Do not misunderstand; I recognize the need to assess students. We all have a responsibility to assure them, their parents and the taxpayers who support our public schools that students have the skills they need to be successful in life.”

Bloch noted the current testing system discourages creativity to engage students, puts enormous pressure on pupils, and forces teachers to move quickly through the curriculum to meet testing deadlines.

“In preparing this testimony, I recalled a recent lesson that I was co-teaching to some students as part of the reading curriculum. To grab their attention and get them excited about the subject I shared a story about how I traveled to Indonesia a number of years ago and hiked to the edge of a volcano. Today, the thought is that there is no time for stories like this or we, as teachers, will never get through the curriculum to prepare students for the assessments.

“This idea greatly concerns me as a professional educator. How can we ignore the importance of sharing life experiences whether it is through a personal narrative about seeing a volcano or something like a nature walk as part of earth science, or a social studies lesson about the Native Americans who first inhabited Pennsylvania? It is anecdotes like this and relatable real-world experience that may be the hook that captures a child’s drive to pursue a career in any given field. This change in instructional approach and limitations on time are what I honestly find the most discouraging about our public education system today, because it can all be tied back to one thing: testing.”

Unavoidable limitations on curriculum and instruction are the most detrimental consequences of the constant cycle of assessment and the state standardized testing system, he noted.

“In my school district, there were approximately nine days devoted to PSSA testing this past school year. The way it was scheduled was actually an improvement compared to years past. The testing period was extended over a three-week period, and assessments were given several days a week over those three weeks. Although the tests were spread out, it gave students a breather in between the subject areas. But test preparation really begins the first day of the school year.”

“From day one, teachers are instructing in a way to help their students be prepared for the PSSAs,” Bloch said.

“About a month before the PSSA exams, test preparation becomes more purposeful with practice exams and sample questions. This just adds more days to the testing regimen.”

Another huge impact that he’s seen from testing is the stress and anxiety it causes the students, he said.

“My students are more nervous and agitated leading up to and during the PSSA exams and keep in mind - they’re 9 and 10 years old. Teachers say this again and again, but it feels like no one is hearing us: These assessments cause too much pressure and stress for kids.”

In his testimony, Bloch also addressed the issue that 2014-15 is the first year the PSSAs were aligned to the PA Core Academic Standards, and the new cut scores that were just approved by the State Board of Education.

“Everyone is guilty of looking at test results and saying at one point or another, ‘That school or that district is failing.’ Such judgments are pre-supposed by policymakers and some advocates who are supporting the state takeover of low-performing public schools. Much of this is the result of the No Child Left Behind mindset that has come to pervade public debate on public education and education quality. Unfortunately, a system built around the state assessments encourages the belief that the test score is the problem, and so educators, schools, and districts focus resources on raising test scores without ever being encouraged to define possible causes of low achievement,” he said.

“We need to remember that a low test score is never the problem - the problem is whatever is causing the low test score. We all need to retrain our brains to see test scores as the symptom, not a disease. This is going to be especially important this fall when PSSA results are released,” Bloch testified.

“There has to be a better way to assess students. This current system is just not working,” said Bloch.

“ ... I encourage you and all of your colleagues in the General Assembly to take a definitive position and adjust the focus from test scores to student learning. Educators and parents will support you,” Bloch said.

Bloch’s complete testimony can be found at the Pennsylvania State Education Association website at www.psea.org.

Upper Dauphin Area Superintendent Evan P. Williams explained the district’s approach to testing in an email to The Citizen-Standard Aug. 10.

“Our building principals, guidance counselors, teachers, and staff have striven to make the testing process as tolerable as possible. We give the students snacks, we limit the amount of testing per day, and we give the kids enjoyable activities after testing,” Williams said.

“All that being said, the kids have done so well because they are quality students who have been working with a quality curriculum that quality teachers deliver. That being said, as the state has totally changed the test, so our scores, like other districts, are all over the map, but mostly lower.

“I need to emphasize that this year’s test, the 2015 test, really is a different test, which is not fully ‘normed.’ Tests need to be administered more than once to establish a significant population to get valid ‘cut scores.’ This year, the kids were essentially the trial subjects in the first run of a new product.

“Please note we may have difficulty explaining to kids who have scored proficient or better throughout their school careers that they are now scoring ‘basic’ or ‘below basic’ because the state changed the test. How can the kids and their parents look at the scores as measures of their achievement?

“Explaining this will be a real challenge,” Williams said.

n Allentown: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown is partnering with ArtsQuest to host a viewing of the Mass that Pope Francis will celebrate on The Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Sept. 27 on the big screens at the SteelStacks campus in South Bethlehem. According to a diocesan press release, Mary Fran Hartigan, the diocesan secretary for Catholic life and evangelization, said the diocese “wants people who can’t make it to Philadelphia to have the opportunity to experience the Papal Mass as a community. That Mass is the close of a weeklong celebration of family, so as a family, we hope people will gather at SteelStacks to participate from a distance in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.” According to the release, the day will begin with Mass on the Levitt Pavilion stage at SteelStacks at noon, followed by three hours of food and entertainment leading up to the Papal Mass via live stream at 4 p.m. Viewing the Papal Mass on the big screens at SteelStacks will not fulfill a Catholic’s obligation to attend Mass, officials said in the release. The faithful may fulfill their Sunday obligation either in their parish churches or at the noon Mass at SteelStacks.

n Heckscherville: Clover Fire Company will donate $1 to Wee-Wee’s Crew, a team in the Alzheimer’s Walk, from every adult breakfast sold on Sunday. The company’s all-you-can-eat breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to noon at the fire company, 8 Clover Road, at a fee of $8 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call 570-544-5834. Wee-Wee’s Crew will also have a wooden bat softball tournament Saturday and Sunday at the Heckscherville ball fields, 587 Valley Road. The fee is $200 per team registered. The first 12 paid teams will compete in the event. For more information, call Bill at 570-544-5834. For more about the Alzheimer’s Walk or to make a donation, go online to www.alz.org/walk.

n Pine Grove: Pine Grove Wesleyan Church will sponsor “Divorce Care,” a 13-week program to help people who are experiencing or considering divorce or who have been divorced. It will begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at the church, 74 Bethel Road. Each week a topic associated with divorce will be addressed through video and discussion. There will be a $5 fee for a book. For more information, call 570-682-0929.

n Pottsville: Carl Edling, past chairman of the Schuylkill River Greenway Association board and Lions Club member, recently addressed the Pottsville Lions, saying the association was founded in 1974 by Reading industrialist Ferdinand Thun. Its purpose was to establish a biking, hiking and water trail for 118 miles from the headwaters of the Schuylkill River near Pottsville to Philadelphia. In 1995, the Schuylkill was designated as a Pennsylvania Historic Area by the Department of Natural Resources and then in 1999 as the River of the Year, according to the Lions Bulletin. A year later, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Congress designated the Schuylkill as a National Heritage Area. As a result of the special designation, the association began hosting a canoe/kayak sojourn from Schuylkill Haven to Philadelphia. With the success of the initial event in 1999, the group now hosts an annual sojourn that includes a summer event on the river and a fall biker sojourn, Edling said. He added that the river “continues to play a prominent role in our nation’s history” and said sojourn sponsors include the National Park Service, Exelon, Stroud Environmental and the Philadelphia Water Department. He said the society is continuing efforts to expand its trails with a bike trail that will extend from Pottsville to Schuylkill Haven, and connecting to Hamburg and beyond.

n Saint Clair: Quo Student Ambassador Travels will sponsor a Coach/Vera/Thirty One bingo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Saint Clair Lions Club site, 259 McCord Ave. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, call 570-527-5787.

A Pottsville man will remain in prison after a Schuylkill County judge ruled Friday that he had violated a protection from abuse order.

Richard A. Olt Jr., 22, is guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell ruled.

Russell sentenced Olt to time served to six months in prison, pay costs, have no contact with his mother, Bonnie DeLong, and undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Olt violated the order by entering 257 Long Stretch Road, Pine Grove Township, where DeLong lives.

“He was out of control. He started hollering and screaming,” Richard A. Olt Sr. said of his son. “I was tired of it.”

Also on Friday in the county court, Christopher S. Bagley, 29, of Philadelphia, pleaded no contest to simple assault and harassment. President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted Bagley’s plea and sentenced him to serve 2 1/2 to five months in prison with immediate parole and pay costs and $505 restitution.

Schuylkill Haven borough police alleged Bagley committed the assault on March 10 in the borough.

By pleading no contest, Bagley did not admit committing the crimes, but offered no defense to them, admitted 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.

In another Friday case, Shakier J. Kingsley, 24, of Allentown, pleaded guilty to possession of a small amount of marijuana. Baldwin accepted Kingsley’s plea and sentenced him to serve 15 to 30 days in prison and pay costs.

State police at Frackville alleged Kingsley possessed the marijuana on Oct. 12, 2014.

MILL CREEK — Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said an autopsy conducted Sunday at Reading Hospital failed to yield new clues into the death of an East Norwegian Township man.

“The exact cause and manner of death is still pending,” Moylan, who assisted Dr. Richard P. Bindie in the autopsy of Ronald Scott Haslam, 28, said.

Toxicology information will be sent to National Medical Labs in Willow Grove. Moylan said the tests are routine and it will take time to get the results back.

“I’ve requested an expedited review,” Moylan said. The review could take 10 to 14 days to complete.

He declined to reveal any other information about Sunday’s autopsy.

A virtual autopsy was conducted Saturday at the Simon Kramer Institute, New Philadelphia. Moylan said that autopsy also could not find the cause and manner of Haslam’s death.

State police said Haslam was found in his home at 3019 Chestnut St. about 1 a.m. Saturday. Saint Clair police and EMS were dispatched for a medical emergency, and Haslam was pronounced dead at 3:20 a.m.

“Somebody else that lived in the house found him,” and called 911, Moylan said, declining to give an identity. According to the Schuylkill County Assessment Bureau, the property is owned by Bradley Jason Haslam.

The Troop L Major Case Team was activated to investigate the death.

Trooper Robert Kluge of the Schuylkill Haven station, the investigating officer, could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Luzerne County contractor charged with hiding inside his home knowing there were felony warrants for his arrest between January 2014 and June 2015 appeared for a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Anthony J. Montanari Jr., 45, of 642 Market St., Box 42, Weston, was arrested by West Mahanoy Township police Chief Shawn Tray and charged with flight to avoid apprehension or punishment.

Tray withdrew the charge, but at a hearing on separate charges, Montanari had felony charges of theft, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and home improvement fraud held for Schuylkill County Court.

In that case, prosecutors allege Montanari charged an elderly Shenandoah Heights man $456,910.26 for improvements to his home between 2001 and 2011. Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman said an appraisal of the man’s home earlier this year estimated its worth at only $18,000.

The charge of flight to avoid apprehension or punishment was filed by Tray after attempts to serve the felony theft warrants on Montanari were unsuccessful.

Other court cases included:

Albert J. Besparis, 56, of 899 W. Coal St., Shenandoah — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

George D. Mammarella, 55, of 22 Circle Drive, Barnesville — withdrawn and moved to a citation: depositing trash on a street.

Tabitha M. Murphy, 41, of 217 S. Main St., Shenandoah — waived for court; DUI-high rate, DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, obstructed windows and no rear lights.

Vincent A. Davalos, 21, of 23 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rigoberto Paniagua-Gutierrez, 34, of 13 S. West St., Shenandoah — withdrawn: careless driving, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and failure to use safety belts. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving without a license and disregard for single traffic lane.

Megan J. Beury, 27, of 1704 Spruce St., Ashland — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Colleen M. Marushak, 47, of 29 S. D St., Mahanoy City — dismissed: corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, selling or furnishing alcohol to minors, simple assault and harassment.

Thomas Cooney, 38, of 314 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew Clews, 24, of 526 W. Centre St., Shenandoah — withdrawn: simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David L. Klepsch, 56, of Box 992, Pottsville — withdrawn: unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Jordan A. Zulkowski, 25, of 332 W. Arlington St., Shenandoah — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Dauphin County man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday in three cases from three townships.

Clifton D. Webb, 27, of 501 Mall Road, Harrisburg, is charged with theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and conspiracy in the first case, two counts each of conspiracy, receiving stolen property and corruption of minors in the second and three counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one each of corruption of minors, conspiracy and receiving stolen property in the third.

Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi bound over all charges for court after Webb waived his right to the hearing.

Foster Township police allege the first and third cases arose from incidents on July 22, 2014, and Aug. 16, 2014, in Frailey and Foster townships, respectively, while state police at Schuylkill Haven allege the second one occurred on Aug. 12, 2014, in Upper Mahantongo Township.

Webb remains in prison in lieu of $500 straight cash bail in each case.

Other defendants whose cases Rossi considered on Thursday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

David J. Botek, 35, of 14 S. Mill St., Saint Clair — unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving, failure to drive at a safe speed, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and driving unregistered vehicle; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Anthony J. Brasher Jr., 26, of 803 E. Wiconisco Ave., Tower City — simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Donald F. Cielinski, 44, of 420 Coal St., Minersville — driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving, traveling on cultivated land, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Marilyn M. Harris, 21, of 323 W. Laurel St., Tremont — four counts each of theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and conspiracy and three of corruption of minors; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of theft.

Katie M. Keister, 20, of 100 E. Main St., Hegins — two counts of conspiracy and one each of theft and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of theft and receiving stolen property withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Robert Mehlman Jr., 26, of 322 Laurel St., Minersville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of possession of a controlled substance withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Jeff C. Mendoza, 27, last known address of 722 Sunbury St., Minersville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kris D. Prutzman Jr., 25, of 219 Laurel St., Minersville — possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Leon D. Russaw, 25, of 429 S. 17th St., Harrisburg — three counts of conspiracy and one each of theft, theft by deception and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Audrey C. Sprickler, 44, of 324 Park Road, Valley View — DUI, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

James A. Whitman, 25, of 424 Maple Ave., Tower City — false reports to law enforcement and furnishing authorities with information without knowledge; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

David L. Wilson Jr., 29, of 71 Pleasant Valley Road, Pine Grove — two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a small amount of marijuana; charges held for court after preliminary hearing at which defendant did not appear. Rossi asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Wilson.

A 41-year-old man charged with exposing himself in the 700 block of East Main Street, Schuylkill Haven, on June 8 is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Thursday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Gregory J. Drews, who lists an address of Country Squire Motel, 300 Route 61, Apt.-Suite 25, Schuylkill Haven, was arrested by Schuylkill Haven police Patrolman Warren Firing and charged with open lewdness.

Firing said he charged Drews after witnesses saw him pull down his pants and urinate in a yard in clear view of the public.

Others scheduled to plead not guilty, and the charges against them, include:

Dennis G. Davie, 61, of 114 N. Third St., Saint Clair — DUI, DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Michael P. O’Brien, 31, of 235 Union St., Pottsville — DUI, DUI-highest rate and entering vehicle or crossing a roadway violation.

Holly A. Schaffer-Heiser, 31, of 500 E. Norwegian St., Apt. 2-A, Pottsville — DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, careless driving and driving without insurance.

Keryn J. Cashman, 25, of 18 N. Fourth St., Hamburg — DUI, DUI-high rate, careless driving and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Kory M. Aungst, 34, of 4 Fidlers Court, Pine Grove — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, windshield obstructions and careless driving.

Kaitlyn K. Miller, 23, of 690 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove — DUI, DUI-highest rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Lee A. Madenford, 56, of 728 Mountain Road, Pine Grove — driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Matthew D. Artz, 43, of 739 Hornung St., Pottsville — DUI, DUI-high rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving.

Jill C. Steiff, 27, of 1012 Fountain St., Ashland — DUI, DUI-highest rate and opening and closing vehicle doors violation.

Kori B. Fetterolf, 31, of 875 Deep Creek Road, Ashland — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving and stop and yield sign violations.

Ronald A. Wills Jr., 27, of 26 S. Sport Lane, Locust Gap — DUI, failure to obey traffic control signals, driving at an unsafe speed, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, following too closely, turning movements and required signals violation, failure to use seat belts, careless driving and reckless driving.

Michael D. Postic, 63, of 710 N. Warren St., Orwigsburg — DUI, DUI-highest rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Amanda L. Sisko, 22, of 1714 Running Deer Drive, Auburn — DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to obey traffic control signals, divided highways violation and careless driving.

Geraldine E. McClenahan-Ulicny, 43, of 228 W. Centre St., Shenandoah — DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, failure to use seat belts and careless driving.

Ryan K. Sadusky, 23, of 1251 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and general lighting requirements violation.

Amy L. Peel, 35, of 132 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — driving under the influence of drugs, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, unattended motor vehicles, failure to give information and render aid and careless driving.

Debbie L. Steibler, 48, of 12 N. Madison St., McAdoo — DUI, DUI-highest rate, reckless driving and careless driving.

Brian M. Obrzut, 44, of 220 New York St., Shenandoah — possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and general lighting requirements violation.

Tony A. Schannauer, 35, of 1459 W. Main St., Valley View — altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates, fraudulent use or removal of a registration plate, failure to be licensed and driving without insurance.

John W. Houston, 38, of 610 McKnight St., Gordon — theft and receiving stolen property.

Jessica M. Kufrovich, 33, of 819 Centre St., Apt. 304, Ashland — identity theft, theft, receiving stolen property, access device fraud and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

James L. Flowers Jr., 49, of 511 E. Market St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Darrin R. Keip, 25, of 424 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair — simple assault and harassment.

Scott A. Wise, 37, of 1803 W. Market St., Pottsville — illegal possession or use of firearms, receiving stolen property, carrying firearms without a license, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas J. Elliott, 49, of 114 Avenue B, Schuylkill Haven — receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Tyler J. Haas, 29, of 8 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven — harassment.

William L. Evans, 30, of 422 Boone St., Pottsville — receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Scott D. Petrie, 41, of 48 S. St. Peter St., Schuylkill Haven — receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Tomara R. Scott, 23, of 218 E. Market St., Schuylkill Haven — possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dennis J. Wiederhold, 24, of 2355 Fair Road, Auburn — carrying firearms without a license and criminal mischief.

Kaitlin S. Leibensperger, 33, of 1296 Schuylkill Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven — possession of drug paraphernalia and general lighting requirements violation.

Jack P. Smith, 22, of 1410 Stag Drive, Auburn — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shane M. McNulty, 23, of 182 S. Front St., Schuylkill Haven — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeff Najunas, 21, of 732 Brock St., Ashland — delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dennis T. Cooney, 39, of 314 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah — theft, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeifri J. Graciano-Suazo, 26, last known address of 124 N. Chestnut St., Shenandoah — delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amber L. Hall, 25, of 8 Spruce Ave., Barnesville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael F. McGinnis, 25, of 1957 W. Market St., 1st Floor, Pottsville — unsworn falsification to authorities.

Alicea M. Purcell-Anthony, 25, of 117 N. John St., Girardville — endangering the welfare of a child.

Kody A. Kirkland, 23, of 221 Fairview St., Pottsville — theft of leased property.

Joshua M. Canfield, 24, of 235 N. Second St., Apt. 2, Saint Clair — simple assault and harassment.

Lance T. Reis, 31, of 209 Walnut St., Minersville — theft by deception, receiving stolen property and bad checks.

Denise M. Caddy, 48, of 218 N. Balliet St., Frackville — forgery, access device fraud, theft, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

Benjamin F. Victor, 48, of 30 E. Oak St., Shenandoah — criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

Deshone Allen, 25, of State Correctional Institution/Frackville, Frackville — aggravated harassment by prisoner.

Michael Valeno, 29, of 1215 Centre St., Ashland — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian Dietrick, 44, of 7 S. 19th St., Ashland — possession of drug paraphernalia, false identification to law enforcement, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, failure to be licensed, failure to sign registration card and exhibit it on demand and driving without insurance.

Michael Sell, 37, of 25 N. Main St., Shenandoah — delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sharleen M. Mooney, 38, of 334 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City — resisting arrest and defiant trespass.

Michael Pitts, 42, of 100 Pitt St., Tamaqua — possession of a controlled substance and failure to be licensed.

Justin Washick, 28, of 2655 W. Main St., Box 153, Spring Glen — possession of a controlled substance and public drunkenness.

Jordin M. Mitchell, 27, of 1201 Pottsville St., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brittni L. Shaak, 21, of 120 W. Laurel St., Tremont — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert C. Miller, 38, of 536 N. Centre St., Room 2, Pottsville — altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates, habitual offender, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Jessica L. Collins, 31, of 511A Mahantongo St., Pottsville — receiving stolen property.

William A. Griffiths, 32, of 56 N. Second St., Frackville — theft, receiving stolen property, access device fraud and criminal mischief.

Scott A. Wise, 37, of 371 Valley Road, Pottsville — driving under the influence of drugs, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Mahanoy area man

jailed in incident

PARK PLACE — A Mahanoy area man is in the Schuylkill County Prison after he allegedly threatened his mother Saturday afternoon at a residence on High Road in this Mahanoy Township village.

State police at Frackville said they responded to a report of a domestic dispute at 65 High Road at 3:20 p.m. involving James R. Morgans, 24, and his mother, Sheila C. Mullen, 58. Police allege Morgans threatened to kill Mullen while holding a pistol, but police took the weapon and arrested Morgans.

Police charged Morgans with terroristic threats and related charges. The man was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, who set bail at $25,000.

Police said Morgans was sent to the county prison, and an investigation into the incident continues.

Metal railing damaged

at Ringtown home

RINGTOWN — Someone damaged a metal railing near a property in East Union Township last week, police said.

State police at Frackville said Marie Davis, 80, reported that the damage occurred at 9 W. Park Ave. between 9 a.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300. The East Union Township Police Department was not working during the time of the incident, police said.

N.Y. woman injured

in accident on I-81

McADOO — A New York woman suffered minor injuries after she apparently fell asleep at the wheel of her car Saturday morning on Interstate 81 at mile marker 136.9 in Kline Township, police said.

State police at Frackville said Ashley L. Culjak, 22, of Lee Center, was driving north on I-81 in the left lane at 6:13 a.m. when she feel asleep and her 2013 Chrysler 200 left the roadway. Police said the car traveled into the median, struck an embankment and rolled over, coming to rest on its roof.

Culjak, who was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, was transported by Ryan Township EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton, police said. The woman faces a citation for failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, police said.

Tower City man hurt

in mishap in Lebanon

LEBANON — A Tower City man suffered minor injuries in a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County, police said.

State police at Jonestown said Casey J. Stark, 35, Tower City, was riding a 2012 Harley-Davidson XL883N Sports motorcycle south on Goldmine Road, about two miles north of Route 443, at 12:50 p.m. when he overcompensated as he approached a right curve. Police said the exhaust pipes of the motorcycle scraped the road, causing the motorcycle to slide across the road and into the oncoming lane and hit a guide rail.

Police said Stark was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

With not many places left to take old electronics, Schuylkill County officials are still hoping to have an electronic collection at its annual Fall Cleanup event despite receiving no bids for the project.

The annual recycling event provides an opportunity once a year for county residents to drop off tires, electronics, appliances, scrap metal and bulky items at various times and sites throughout the county over the course of two weeks. It is scheduled for Sept. 16-26 this year at 13 sites: Pottsville, Hegins Township, Minersville, CES Landfill, Girardville, North Manheim Township, Pine Grove, Schuylkill Haven, Wayne Township, Porter Township, Tamaqua Transfer Station, Ringtown and Tremont Township.

It is funded through the county commissioners and the state Department of Environmental Protection, which reimburses the county up to 50 percent of the costs.

Two weeks ago, the county opened bids for the event. Mahantongo Enterprises Inc., Liverpool, was the only company that submitted a bid for waste tire collection. The bid was $70 per ton and different pull costs for each site ranging from $440 to $800.

Meanwhile, no bids were submitted to collect the electronic materials.

“Basically, it’s just not profitable,” Joseph Scribbick, county solid waste and recycling coordinator, said Wednesday. “There is no place to go with the end product.”

Wendy Rodriguez, general manager at Responsible Recycling Services, Kutztown, said the value of the metal has dropped to the point it is too expensive to collect the material.

“In the last year, we have seen a horrible decline in the commodities market,” she said Thursday.

Over that time, she said the value of the metals has dropped 60 to 70 percent and no longer covers the employee wages or mileage.

“Once upon a time, we were able to offer our services free of charge because we made money on the back end of it,” she said. “Now it costs $500 to $2,000 just to show up.”

Larger companies charge anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 and metal value has dropped even more over the last 30 days from 12 cents to 15 cents per pound to 4 cents to 5 cents per pound, she said.

“It’s not worth going around and picking it up,” she said. “There are a lot of recyclers that have gone out of business the last year and a half and it’s not getting any better.”

Rodriguez said the company has had to raise prices for certain items, like televisions, and start charging for others, like monitors, and soon for copiers.

“Metal value is down so low it costs money to put a copier on a truck,” she said. “We have been able to survive by raising prices and doing what we can to keep payroll down. We have been hanging in there.”

The company also started a new, mobile, hard-drive-shredding service to destroy medical and other personal information on-site.

“We have been busy with that and that has helped make up the loss in recycling services,” she said.

Since new laws went into effect in 2013 regarding electronic disposal, Rodriguez said there are only a handful of places where people can legally recycle televisions and other devices. The Covered Device Recycling Act forbids trash haulers from collecting electronic devices such as TVs, computers, keyboards, printers or air conditioners.

Rodriguez said many of the sites have waiting lists and jacked up their prices.

“The turnover rate of electronics is even more now than they used to be. There is more volume and the lifespan is not there,” she said. “The need is in high demand, but there is not a lot of money to be made and the new laws are costing us money.”

Electronic collection sites have to be manned so no one can steal personal information off them and they can’t be stored outside because they can be hazardous to the environment, she said.

“That’s the other thing that makes electronics a little more difficult than other things,” Rodriguez said.

The need is definitely there. Just last year, the county event collected:

• 45.33 tons of scrap tires

• 202.29 tons of scrap electronics

• 48.85 tons of scrap metals

• 84.34 tons of bulky items

Scribbick said he has been reaching out to recycling companies about submitting a proposal to collect the electronic material for the event. He said a decision will be made this week whether or not electronics will be collected during the Fall Cleanup.

The ideal solution, he said, would be to have a permanent drop-off facility and have a company periodically collect the material, but that will take time and funding to organize.

Meanwhile, Responsible Recycling Solutions has 14 drop-off locations, including two in Schuylkill County. The only locations in the county are both Vertigo Systems stores at 376 Centre Avenue, Schuylkill Haven and in the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville.

Many of the sites, like Vertigo Systems, require people to call before dropping off items and charge for each item. RRS then periodically collects them.

HECKSCHERVILLE — The Cass Township supervisors voted at a recent meeting to have their municipal building listed for sale with a realtor.

Township Supervisor Michael Kulpcavage said the supervisors took the action at a July 30 meeting. He said that Chairman John Walaitis voted yes, while Supervisor James Wentz voted no.

“We are going to put it out for bid at a later meeting,” Kulpcavage said last week of the building, which will be listed for $160,000, its appraisal price.

The municipal building is the former Cass Township Elementary School at 1209 Valley Road. The building costs a lot to maintain, the supervisors said. The township does have some money for a new building but getting the money from the sale would speed up the process, Kulpcavage said.

The township wants to build a new building on 1 1/2 acres of land that it acquired last year for $27,500. The land is near the current softball field and along Route 901, just outside of Minersville.

A recreation area will be built on land near the softball field, which the township also owns.

The area will be called Condors Complex in honor of the 1957 football team that went undefeated, untied and unscored upon in a season. The complex includes a new municipal building, parking and room for future growth, which could include a garage for the streets department and a building for them and the recreation area.

Earlier this year, the supervisors applied for a $60,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for Phase I of the playground area. They could find out later this year if they are awarded funds.

There are five phases for the recreation component. The first phase includes gravel access roads, handicapped parking spaces, a path, fence and a tot lot for ages 2 to 5 and possibly a rain garden or other storm water management design, Daniel Cook, with Alfred Benesch & Co., a township engineer, said previously.

The second phase includes a larger play structure for children 5 to 12 years old featuring swings, seesaws and the remaining section of the fence. The third involves a walking path around the current softball field, and the fourth has additional parking and a small pavilion.

The last phase would involve softball field rehabilitation. Grants will help to fund the recreation component of the plan, Cook said.

Completion could be five to 10 years away for the recreation improvements. Kulpcavage said the supervisors do have some funds available to accomplish the recreation component.

“We now have the opportunity and the financial stability to take a property that has sat dormant since 1965 and develop it not only with a new municipal building and playground but create the largest recreation complex in the most populated area in Cass Township,” he said. “We also want to reassure our residents we will not nor do we need to raise taxes for this project. Do not be misled or deceived by the few that have hidden agendas that are going around the township making false statements.”

In other news, the supervisors also voted to replace the current sign at the field with a replica.

“It’s in disrepair. We are replacing it,” Kulpcavage said.

The cost to replace the sign is $2,518, he said, adding the cost has been included in the budget. The current sign will not be removed until the new sign is finished.

A sign will also be above the replica sign stating the name of the complex, Condors Complex. The cost for the Condors Complex sign is $892, Kulpcavage said.

The supervisors also voted to buy a 2016 Ford Explorer for police at a cost of $36,039.25. Kulpcavage said the supervisors will give a $10,000 down payment for the vehicle and will take out a loan for the remaining cost.

The vehicle will replace a 2008 Ford Explorer that has about 100,000 miles on it. That vehicle will be sold, Kulpcavage said. The township also has a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria.

Wentz also voted no on the sign and the police car issue, Kulpcavage said.

Deeds

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Daria and Digna Cruz; Lot 375HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Joaquin and Loreta Raymundo; Lot 377HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Chester A. and Maricel D. Bernadas; Lot 306HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Chardin Loyola; Lot 317HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Lauro H. and Maria Elena Cardigal; Lot 348HF3, Eagle Rock; $38,279.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Theophilus O. Maku; Lot 351HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Josefina and Rolando Benedicto; Lot 369HF3, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eurwin and Maria Alian to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 208WS, Eagle Rock; $8,482.72.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Grace W. Wambu; Lot 208WS, Eagle Rock; $45,349.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Amy V. and Allan A. Lim; Lot 283HF4, Eagle Rock; $40,299.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Chris Dunbar and Aaron Antony Muriungi; Lot 339HF4, Eagle Rock; $40,905.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Joseph N. Kimani; Lot 403WS, Eagle Rock; $49,435.08.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Lucille and Kurt Lacuas; Lot 426WS, Eagle Rock; $47,369.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Alex P. Bendanillo; Lot 1216WSS5, Eagle Rock; $53,596.63.

Elizabethville — Scott A. and Rachel M. Deitrich to Scott A. Deitrich; 111 E. Main St.; $1.

Daniel R. and Kristen Snyder to Federal National Mortgage Association; 83 E. Main St.; $88,068.51.

Village Capital & Investment LLC to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 34 E. Main St.; $1.

Ralph L. Snyder, executor of the Estate of Lorraine B. Snyder, to Groff Homes LLC; property on Broad Street; $62,500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Greenview LLC; property on Arch Street; $500.

Saheira K. Farhat to Ameer I. and Taryn K. Farhat; 115, 117 and 121 W. Main St.; $1.

Gratz — Donald R. Moyer to Christine D. and Charles Edwin Snyder; property on Market Street; $35,000.

Lykens — Harold K. and Beth A. Stuppy to Beth A. Stuppy; 506 North St.; $1.

David P. and Brandy L. Ney to Kerry H. and Jane M. Teter; 0.01-acre property on North Third Street; $800.

Kerry H. and Jane M. Teter to Kerry H. and Jane M. Teter; 0.02-acre property on North Third Street; $1.

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Lavern R. Jr. and Denise Joy Brown; 526 S. Second St.; $23,557.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Borough of Lykens; 649 Main St.; $700.

Kristen L. Huff to Anthony Oteri Jr.; 563 N. Second St.; $11,000.

Robert E. and Cynthia Schreffler to Gerald C. and Louella Jane Porter Stover; 201 Division St.; $35,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Federal National Mortgage Association; 611 Market St.; $1.

Lykens Township — Robert H. Koons, by attorney in fact Joel R. Koons, to Amos S. and Aarianne Petersheim; 554 N. Crossroads Road; $120,000.

Arlene J. Dockey to Duane D. Dockey; 757 N. Crossroads Road; $1.

Minersville — Melissa L. Nagy-Deak to Mary Ann Kolbe; 321 New Castle St.; $14,000.

North Manheim Township — Arlene Feger, by attorney in fact Marilyn B. Schwille, to Cori L. Moyer; 10 Crestview Drive; $129,900.

North Union Township — Tae Sik Park to Jungil and Miyoung Park; Lot 286EA, Eagle Rock; $10.

Pillow — Phyllis Byerly and Mary Ann Smeltz, co-executrices of the Estate of Neil W. Schlegel, to M&K Estates LLC; property on Market Street; $48,000.

Joseph D. Kerwin, executor of the Estate of Paul J. Vaverchak, to Erin D. Hammerstedt; property on Market Street; $90,000.

Washington Township — Samuel H. and Helen M. Berger and Benjamin T. Berger to Samuel H. and Helen M. Berger; 3.4248-acre property; $1.

Samuel H. and Helen M. Berger to Samuel H. and Helen M. Berger; 18.1427-acre property; $1.

Dawn L. and James L. Rissinger and Rickey E. and Linda S. Klinger to Robert D. and Rebecca L. Webster; 3939 Route 209; $80,000.

James A. Troutman and Tony C. Shiffer to Jason G. Ficks; 10-acre property; $435,000.

Ann K.E. Scatena to Ann K.E. Scatena, Ruth E. Stadheim and Matthew E. Wilburn; property on Legislative Route 22035; $1.

Laverne R. and Cindy K. Brown to Brian and Shari Kolva; 4-acre property; $70,000.

Nathaniel C. and Courtney Ann Fulkroad to Nathaniel C. and Courtney Ann Fulkroad; 143 Steves Lane; $1.

Wiconisco Township — Barbara J. Adams to Louis J. Giordano; 409-411 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $5,500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Goldstein Couriers LLC; 207 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $3,200.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Greenview LLC; 321 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $8,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Mountain Top Services Inc.; 213 Walnut St., Wiconisco; $7,500.

Terry Harman to James D. and Doris J. Harman; 502 Center St., Wiconisco; $1.

James D. and Doris J. Harman to Donald E. Casner; 502 Center St., Wiconisco; $7,000.

Randall S. Alvord, Lisa A. Alvord and Sheila L. Herb to Lisa A. Alvord; 415 Walnut St., Wiconisco; $1.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Rodney A. Webster; 199 Plane St., Wiconisco; $500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Rodney A. Webster; property on Pottsville Street, Wiconisco; $500.

Williams Township — Kenneth N. and Charlotte C. Hopple to Kenneth N. and Charlotte C. Hopple and Mary E. Smeltz; 156 Umholtz St.; $1.

Thomas J. II and Mary A. Bopp to Jamey J. Noel; 508 W. Market St.; $8,000.

Joanne G. Adams and Jill C. Shuttlesworth, co-executrices of the Estate of Anna E. Rowe, to Jeremy R. Eshleman; property on Broad Street; $1,500.

Ryan M. Webster to Jason S. and Nicole L. Hoffman; 519 W. Market St.; $10,000.

John W. and Patricia E. Kelly to Judy A. Oxenrider; 9825 Route 209; $8,500.

Williamstown — Nancy N. Reedinger, by attorney in fact Carol L. Wetzel, to Brandon W. Long; 157 Spruce St.; $17,500.

Arthur J. Hodge and Diane Stewart to Andrew C. and Jane L. Hoffman; 151 East St.; $50,000.

Barbara A. Hummel, executrix of the Estate of Donald E. Grubb, to Henry W. and Ruth E. Piper; 218 Water St.; $42,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Melchor Augusto Caro Rosario; 217 W. Market St.; $500.

Jean C. Klinger, by attorney in fact Bradley R. Klinger, to Jeffrey S. Shadle; 129 Spruce St.; $15,000.

Schuylkill County Controller Christy D. Joy released the 2014 Friendly Understandable Financial Statement on Aug. 4.

The information comes from the 100-page Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The Friendly Understandable Financial Statement breaks down the complex report and uses visuals like pie charts and bar graphs.

“As an elected official, I report to the taxpayers of Schuylkill County,” Joy said in a press release. “In the spirit of greater transparency, the charts and graphs make the financial details easier to digest. The condition of Schuylkill County’s finances should be available and understandable to the public.”

Physical copies are also available in the controller’s office and will be distributed to the libraries and senior centers in the county.

“I want to put them where people can read them,” he said. “I want the public to have a better understanding of the financial activity of Schuylkill County.”

The county’s millage rate for real estate taxes did not change from 2004 to 2013 at 11.98 mills. In 2014, the rate was increased to 13.98. Each mill generates $2 million in taxes, according to the report. On average, 22 percent of real estate taxes go to Schuylkill County government while 64 percent goes to schools and 14 percent to municipalities.

Revenues from all sources totalled $105.62 million while total expenses came in at $101.74 million, according to the report. Primary funding sources come from federal and state grants, property, hotel and per capita taxes and charges for services performed by operating departments in the county. County taxes make up 30 percent of revenue, grants make up 43 percent, charges for services is 21 percent and other sources make up the remaining 6 percent.

The primary operating fund of the county is the general fund. Real estate taxes make up 74 percent of the general fund.

Human services is the largest single area of expenses for the county, according to the report. That includes Children & Youth, Mental Health, Area Agency on Aging and Drug and Alcohol Prevention. Many of these expenditures are dictated by federal and state mandates, according to the report. Judicial, courts, highway and streets and public safety function total 67 percent of expenses. Rest Haven, administration and culture and recreation make up 23 percent of discretionary county expenses.

The county’s overall net position, which is total assets minus total liabilities, increased by $337,970. for 2014. The net asset figures are capital assets like buildings and bridges and restricted funds, those set aside for special projects, that are not available for spending on daily operations.

Although county pension assets have been rising, the amount owed to current and future retirees is increasing as well. According to the report, the pension is 90.1 percent funded.

Using actual market value, the pension was 98.6 percent funded. After six years of increases, the county’s annual contribution has decreased.

“With all the conversation about the pension crisis across the state, I wanted the taxpayers of Schuylkill County to know that past and the current Retirement Boards did an excellent job of hiring managers and diversifying investments, while also balancing active manager’s fees with passive index investments,” Joy said.

The report also includes various fraud hotlines. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner’s Report to the Nation, government is one of the most commonly victimized industries and organizations with fraud hotlines can cut losses due to fraud by 17 percent and the duration of fraud by 30 percent.

“The taxpayers of Schuylkill County can help each other. Fraud and abuse are taxes that everybody pays,” Joy said. “On a tip from Register of Wills, Theresa Santai Gaffney, a retiree was receiving county benefits even though she had passed away. We collected 100 percent of the funds from the executor of the estate.”

The 2014 Friendly Understandable Financial Statement is available under the controller’s page on the county website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.

“While the FUFS might not answer every question, it may start a conversation,” Joy said.

ZION GROVE — A celebration was held at Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday to mark the 150th anniversary of the parish.

About 200 people filled the beautiful white church on Faux Hill in North Union Township showing that they continued to have, as their predecessors had, “a faith that will not be stilled,” words said during the sermon by the Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The presiding minister was the church pastor, the Rev. Dr. Philip Smith, who is also pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Nuremberg.

“It’s going to be a fun day for all, the weather is cooperating and we’re happy to see all of you here,” Smith said.

Smith announced that church member James Schreffler, Zion Grove, was celebrating his 80th birthday on Sunday, which was followed by the singing of “Happy Birthday” by the congregation. Schreffler is an important part of the church’s history since it was his company, Zion Valley Builders, Zion Grove, that was awarded the contract to construct a new church building on the same site as the original, 104-year-old church that was destroyed in an arson fire in 1969.

Anniversary committee Chairman Rod Davis spoke briefly about activities after the service, including the outside gathering with beverages, fruit and cheese that preceded the catered dinner in the church hall.

“This church has really come a long way in 150 years, and we’re glad that all of you could be here to help celebrate,” Davis said.

After the Order of Confession, the entrance rite began with a procession led by crucifer Kristalyn Licina carrying the church’s processional cross, followed by torch bearers Mikayla Kile and Briana Neidlinger and banner bearer Patrick Hayle. Choir members walked down the center aisle and proceeded to the choir loft. Deb Schell is the organist and choir director.

Before the Liturgy of the Word, Licina spoke of attending, with others from the parish and synod, the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit from July 15 to 19 and how it was a great experience for everyone.

The first and second scripture lessons were read by lector Johann Moyer, followed by the gospel reading by Zeiser.

“Please know of my great joy in extending this greeting to you and thrilled to offer my commendation to you for celebrating a major anniversary — 150 years of ministry in the name of Jesus Christ,” Zeiser said in his sermon. “By marking your congregation’s 150th anniversary, you are demonstrating one more sign of the faithfulness of the loving ministry of the congregations of this synod, so I extend my personal gratitude, as well.”

Zeiser extended the congratulations of the 271 other congregations in the synod and noted the partnership of prayer, faith and mission that all the churches share.

“The members of this congregation demonstrate what it means to be an enduring witness to this particular expression of the body of Christ,” he said. “What a remarkable thing for us to be able to do after 150 years, gathering in a congregation today who have signs of the future life of not only this congregation, but of our whole church standing before us.”

Zeiser said the work of the members of the church over 150 years goes beyond the local area and has an impact.

“You are about a lot of ministry, and what we can never lose sight of is that the scope of that ministry is driven by the faith in the resurrected Promised One of God. That’s what powers it all — your faith,” he said. “Inspired efforts of the early members of Mt. Zion to establish this community of faith is to speak boldly of a ministry that they did in the name of Jesus. It is a ministry that was generated by a faith that will not be stilled. They were undaunted and they were daring in the face of difficult odds, and yet they impressed this congregation into the fiber of this beautiful valley and into the fiber of the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod, and into the fiber of the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”

Near the conclusion of the worship service, church member Cheyenne Houser spoke briefly about the use of the German language in worship in the early years of the church, and prayed the Lord’s Prayer in the High German language.

After the service, Schreffler spoke of the rebuilding of the church.

“I was in the business for 50 years and 11 months,” Schreffler said. “At the time, I was carpentry and custom-made kitchens, though there wasn’t much call for custom-made in those days. The church burned down and Nevan Moyer, who was the postmaster, said I should bid on it, and I did. The church is here after 45 years, which is a testament to all the farmers who helped build it.”

When he heard about the fire, Schreffler, who lives a short distance from the church, came to the site and found the back of the church engulfed in flames.

“There was nothing we could do,” he said. “It went right to the ground.”

From 1865 to 1928, the Mt. Zion congregation was part of the Ringtown Lutheran Parish. In the latter years of that period, the pastor conducted services in four churches each Sunday. In 1928, the Board of Home Missions and the Pottsville Conference, with the cooperation of Pastor Krause and the congregations, divided the parish into two parishes — the Ringtown Parish and the Nuremberg Parish. The Nuremberg Parish consisted of Mt. Zion, Emmanuel in Nuremberg, St. Peter’s in Sheppton, and St. John’s in Girard Manor. In 1954, this relationship was dissolved. In 1958, Mt. Zion formed a parish with St. John’s in Mahanoy City. This parish was dissolved in January 1961. In June 1964, Mt. Zion joined St. John’s in Shenandoah in calling the Rev. Thomas J. Keener as pastor.

The original church was 104 years old when it was destroyed in an arson fire on Feb. 27, 1969, following a burglary. The church was rebuilt and reopened in 1970.

ORWIGSBURG — The borough council granted conditional approval of a land development plan for a Dollar General in the borough.

Borough engineer Greg Stewart must review the plan as part of the final approval.

The proposed 9,292-square-foot store will be built at West Market Street and Seton Drive near the PPL building, borough Manager Robert Williams said. The proposed area is now a vacant lot and will have 36 parking spaces.

Williams said construction could start before the end of the year.

The council voted to approve the development 5-2, with council members Ed Mady and Darle Cresswell voting no.

Ed Davis, project manager for Miller Brothers Construction Inc., Schuylkill Haven, which owns the property, did not return a call for comment Monday.

In other business, the council also voted to adopt a resolution saying the final plan approval for the Villas of Orwigsburg is contingent upon approved financial security within 90 days for the land development plan. Williams said an extension could be given if needed. The council gave final conditional approval for the plan April 8, 2009. Previous borough Manager Mike Lonergan said “the developer ran into financial problems and the property was turned over to Vist Bank in lieu of foreclosure,” adding it took the bank time to find a buyer for the property.

Brian Kobularcik, a partner with B5K-K46, a limited partnership business entity headquartered in Sinking Spring, said the proposed development will consist of 33 townhouses between Grove Street and Hope Avenue on Route 443 East. With the action taken by the council Wednesday, he said the process will continue to move forward.

He said there is a possibility of “breaking ground in the spring of next year.”

Different factors will go into play for that to happen, including current market conditions and other issues. The townhouses will be built in groups of four or six, he said. Cost per home could “start under $150,000,” Kobularcik said. There will be a homeowners’ association for the residents.

The borough will have a new skid loader and compact John Deere 60G Compact Excavator in a couple months after the council voted to order one. The price of the 2015 John Deere 328E Skid Loader is $83,008.31 and the excavator is $81,199.66. The purchase plan for the equipment is $41,051.99 down with 42 monthly payments of $2,932.29 and includes 0 percent interest. The Orwigsburg Municipal Authority, which deals with sewer issues, will be asked to contribute a minimum of 50 percent of the cost, according to the agenda. Williams said the equipment will be also used by the municipal authority. Money for purchases will come from the capital improvements fund. If the municipal authority does not contribute, the borough will pay the cost for the equipment, he said.

Borough roads could also be fixed. The council voted to authorize bid work for areas of South Wayne and South Warren streets. The probable cost of the project is $740,491.26. Work includes stormwater improvements, curb ramps and curb improvements, among other improvements.

“We are not definitely doing the project,” Williams said.

If the borough does go ahead with the project, it has $265,000 in liquid fuels money and is expecting another $100,000 in liquid fuels money at a later date. The borough could take out a loan for the remainder of the project.

A three-judge state Superior Court panel on Friday affirmed the conviction and state prison sentence of a Cass Township man who led law enforcement personnel on a chase that ended in a stripping pit.

In a 12-page opinion, the panel ruled Troy D. Langtry, 52, of Jonestown, provided no reason to justify overturning his conviction or sentence on four charges stemming from the January 2010 incident.

Langtry’s conviction on two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one each of fleeing or eluding police and possession of drug paraphernalia, and his sentence of 3 1/2 to seven years in a state correctional institution, stand. He is serving his sentence at SCI/Forest.

A jury convicted Langtry on March 8, 2011, of two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one each of fleeing or eluding police and possession of drug paraphernalia. The jury could not reach a verdict on three counts of simple assault and one of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Charles M. Miller, who presided over Langtry’s trial, sentenced him on April 25, 2011, to serve 3 1/2 to seven years in a state correctional institution, pay costs, a $500 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account

Branch-Reilly Township police alleged that on Jan. 26, 2010, Langtry led two deputy sheriffs, Sgt. Scott Taylor and Keith Berezwick, on a chase at speeds that at one point exceeded 100 mph.

In the panel’s opinion, Senior Judge Eugene B. Strassburger II wrote that Langtry’s allegation that the sentence of three to six years in prison for fleeing and eluding police was unlawful is incorrect.

“(Langtry’s) argument is belied by the record,” Strassburger wrote.

Prosecutors charged Langtry with, and the jury convicted him of, fleeing or eluding a police officer, which is a felony punishable by up to seven years behind bars, Strassburger wrote. The jury received specific instructions on the charge and decided that Langtry had fled from police, according to Strassburger.

“The trial court was authorized to sentence (Langtry) consistent with a third-degree felony,” he wrote.

The additional six to 12 months Langtry is serving in state prison is for the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judges Cheryl L. Allen and Paula Francisco Ott, the other panel members, joined in Strassburger’s opinion.

HARRISBURG — More than a quarter of the social services agencies responding to a survey expect to cut services this month due to the state budget stalemate, United Way of Pennsylvania reported Monday.

Sixty percent of those agencies plan to borrow money this month so they can continue providing services.

About half have started experiencing cash flow problems.

United Way received more than several hundred responses to its impact survey, the first since the new fiscal year began July 1 without a state budget. It was done after the flow of state payments, which are often a key part of nonprofit budgets, stopped last month.

“Across the board, we are looking at agencies that are starting to dip into their contingency funds and lines of credit,” Gary Drapek, executive director of United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, said.

Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania faces a cash crunch since it doesn’t have reserves and a majority of its money comes from the state, executive director Kristen Kosin said. Meals on Wheels provides some 800 meals each day to the elderly and disabled.

Kosin said a potential cut in services could mean a client missing their only hot meal of the day.

For 110 agencies definitely planning to take out lines of credit, the survey projects the total cost of interest on that borrowing will reach at least $1.4 million by the end of October. Agencies weren’t reimbursed for interest costs during the last major budget stalemate in 2009.

As a result, United Way and seven other organizations called on Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and lawmakers to pass “stopgap” funding at last year’s levels to help sustain the nonprofits during the stalemate or expand the list of essential services receiving state aid from existing state tax revenues.

The other agencies are ARC of Pennsylvania, Hunger Free PA, PA Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability, PA Association of Nonprofit Organizations, PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence, PA Council of Churches and Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association.

This survey was released as the stalemate reached its 49th day with no major signs of a breakthrough to end it.

Wolf has proposed a combination of tax increases and tax shifts to address a $1.5 billion budget deficit, education funding and property tax relief. The Republican-controlled legislature passed a budget with no tax hikes and focused instead of selling the state liquor stores and reducing pension benefits for new state government and school district employees.

Wolf vetoed the budget and related liquor and pension bills.

Another top-level negotiating session is scheduled between Wolf and GOP legislative leaders for Wednesday.

GOP lawmakers are considering either a stopgap bill or effort to override Wolf’s veto, Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Dave Reed, R-62, Indiana, said.

“We are weighing our options absent good-faith negotiations by the governor,” he added.

“The governor is focused on reaching an agreement on a final comprehensive budget,” Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan said.

He said the governor wants a budget that restores cuts made during the Corbett administration to social services agencies.

GORDON — Two more former Roman Catholic churches will soon be memories, with the demolition of a church in Gordon in the process, and another in Ashland to occur in the near future.

A work crew with heavy equipment began tearing down Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Gordon last week. On Monday, the front half was all that was left of the 109-year-old church.

In Ashland, plans are in the works to take down St. Mauritius Church, which was constructed in 1900, replacing the original church built in 1856, one year before Ashland was incorporated as a borough.

As work began to demolish the back of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Mary and Michael Cuthie, Fountain Springs, walked in front and took photos. The couple were not OLGC parishioners, but did attend Masses from time to time in the small church. Both had been members of St. Mauritius, which was consolidated on July 1 with St. Joseph parish in Ashland, Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, and St. Vincent de Paul and St. Joseph parishes in Girardville into St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland.

“We’re from St. Mauritius Parish and I found out on Facebook that they were discussing the demolition at the Ashland borough (workshop),” Mary Cuthie said. “I was baptized in St. Mauritius and received all my sacraments there, our children were all married there and received their sacraments. It’s just a sad thing.”

Mary Cuthie said in recent years they had been attending Mass at St. Vincent church in Girardville, which is a now a sacred worship site for St. Charles Parish.

Speaking of Our Lady of Good Counsel, she said, “I went to daily Mass here when it was seven in the morning.”

“We used to come out here on Sundays,” Michael Cuthie said. “When I was young I was at St. Vincent’s, where I went to kindergarten and first grade, then went to St. Joe’s in Girardville. Then we got married and went to St. Mauritius, and now I’m back at St. Vincent’s again.”

St. Charles business manager Patrick Reilly and the Rev. John Bambrick, pastor, spoke about the plans for the churches, and in the case of St. Mauritius, the neighboring buildings.

“It should be clear that any of this cannot be done without the bishop’s permission,” Reilly said.

St. Mauritius has been closed for about four years, Reilly said.

“The insurance people recommended that we don’t use it anymore,” he said. “The floor was bad, the heating system was shot, and the electrical system was questionable.”

“The insurance company called that shot,” Bambrick said.

“They said it was no longer safe,” Reilly said.

“The floor was so weak that you could go through it,” Bambrick said. “You could put a hole in the floor by just walking on it.”

“That happened several times before it was closed,” Reilly said. “There were at least two holes that I know of, maybe three locations.”

“We would put plywood over it and put the carpet back on top,” Bambrick said.

“It’s just the cycle of life, unfortunately, and it comes around and you have no choice,” Reilly said. “If you have X amount of parishioners, you don’t need all the buildings. Of course, each of the churches had a rectory and a school, in some cases. That’s an awful lot of real estate to try to maintain and insure.”

St. Mauritius has been cleaned of all religious items, including the stained-glass windows. Reilly said the pews were moved and are being used at St. Nicholas Church in Walnutport.

“They were tickled to get them,” Reilly said. “Anything religious is in the diocesan warehouse and if they’re sold, it will be to another church, and the proceeds come back to us.”

Reilly said the stained-glass window of St. Mauritius will eventually be at St. Charles. The tabernacle and statues are in St. Charles from St. Mauritius, and the main altar from Our Lady of Good Counsel is in St. Charles.

Asbestos was found in the church, but all of it has been removed according to environmental regulations.

Reilly explained that there are similar factors in many parishes around the county and the country that have led to church and school closings, and St. Charles is no different.

“The population, of course, did shrink not just in the town, but in the county,” Reilly said. “Many parishioners of any given church pass away and there is no one to replace them, so your financial structure gets weakened. It’s a matter of self-preservation and operating within your budget like we do at home.”

The church hall to the east of St. Mauritius, which was originally the parochial school, will also be demolished. Reilly said the building deteriorated over time. The St. Mauritius rectory, which is immediately to the church’s west, will be sold.

“That will go on the market,” Reilly said.

The rectory at St. Vincent church will also be put on the market in the near future.

As for the Gordon church, the years have taken their toll.

“Our Lady’s church had the same problems as St. Mauritius,” Reilly said. “The structure was one thing, it’s full of mold, and the heating system has been completely shot for a couple of years.”

The convent across the street from St. Charles Church and next to the parish office is also being torn down due to structural problems.

The first German Catholics came to Ashland and settled around 1840. According to the 50th anniversary history book of the Diocese of Allentown, the first Mass was celebrated by Father Weggerman at the home of Ferdinand Loeper. Priests came once a month to Ashland from Saint Clair, Patterson and Minersville. On Sept. 19, 1856, three lots on Brock Street were purchased from John Brock. The church foundation was laid in 1856, and the first resident pastor, Father John Baptist Frisch, was appointed in 1858. The St. Mauritius Parochial School was built in 1881.

It was determined in 1898 that the stone church had deteriorated. The current church was constructed and opened in 1900.

According to the diocesan history, Catholics in Gordon worshiped at St. Joseph Church in Ashland prior to 1902, with some Masses celebrated at the home of Michael Sullivan in Gordon. In 1903, a foundation was dug for a church and the cornerstone was laid in 1905. Our Lady of Good Counsel Church was dedicated on Oct. 23, 1906. The church remained as a mission of Ashland until 1922, when it was established as its own parish.

A Mahanoy City woman must spend time in prison after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court.

Heather A. Kessler, 29, must serve four to 12 months in prison, Judge John E. Domalakes decided after revoking Kessler’s probation.

Kessler admitted violating her probation by committing new crimes, failing a drug test, trying to falsify the result of such a test and using drugs.

“It is apparent to the court ... that you have a substance abuse problem, a serious one,” Domalakes told Kessler, who wore handcuffs and leg shackles during the hearing.

In addition to the prison term, Domalakes also ordered Kessler to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, which he said was the most important part of the sentence.

“I expect you to fully cooperate,” he told the defendant.

Kessler originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2014, to identity theft, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of forgery and furnishing false or fraudulent material or information. At that time, Domalakes placed Kessler on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, amounts she still must pay under the terms of Monday’s sentence.

Frackville borough police alleged Kessler stole someone’s identity on April 3, 2014, in the borough.

In other recent county court action, President Judge William E. Baldwin on Wednesday accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Marleeka S. Ballard, 25, of Frackville; driving under the influence and criminal mischief; 10 days in prison, 12 months probation, $750 fine, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of disorderly conduct.

David R. Chuplis, 33, of Girardville; retail theft; $100 fine and $46.24 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of theft by deception.

Derrick J. Harold Jr., 24, of Wilkes-Barre; DUI; 30 days to six months in prison, $750 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of operating vehicle with unsafe equipment.

Andrew C. Hendricks, 30, of Girardville; DUI; 30 days in prison, 59 months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,500 fine, $300 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lane, failure to notify and operating vehicle without valid inspection.

Brandon R. Lafferty, 21, of Minersville; possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and drug and alcohol evaluation.

Michelle M. Sluck, 53, of Mahanoy Plane; DUI; six months probation, $300 fine and 10 hours community service.

Thomas L. Unverdorben Jr., 34, of Saint Clair; DUI and disregarding traffic lanes; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,025 in fines, $3100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.

Derrick R. White, 27, of Myerstown; harassment; 12 months probation and no contact with the victim. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of indecent assault and a second count of harassment.

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

The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf laid out recommendations to improve safety on rail routes that carry Bakken Shale crude oil through Pennsylvania.

In the wake of a handful of spills, and in some case disasters, resulting from derailments in other states and provinces, Wolf retained Allan Zarembski, Ph.D., a railroad safety expert from the University of Delaware, whose report, Assessment of Crude by Rail Safety Issues in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, presents 27 recommendations.

John Hanger, state secretary of planning and public policy, joined Zarembski to release the report during a conference call with the press on Monday.

Zarembski said his goal was to further reduce the already low risk of disaster with recommendations that were practical for the state and rail companies to adopt.

“We want to reduce the risk of a crude-by-rail incident with recommendations that are not cost-prohibitive, that are implementable and have real value,” he said.

Every week, between 60 and 70 trains carrying Bakken crude oil, primarily from North Dakota, travel through Pennsylvania on their way to refineries on the East Coast, including one in Philadelphia.

While the report alludes to the routes through the southern part of the state — Pittsburgh, passing Harrisburg and onto Philadelphia — Zarembski backed off discussion of precise routes or the suggested reroutes of some trains.

But he noted it would be difficult to avoid Philadelphia, since it is a destination for the oil. A very general map of the crude-by-rail in the report shows none passing though the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

Main carriers CSX Transport and Norfolk Southern were described as receptive and understanding with the governor’s office on most discussions; however, they have been silent on suggestions of reducing speeds from 40 miles per hour to 35 when in populated areas, Hanger said.

The recommendations go beyond those minimum standards required by the Federal Railroad Administration. Zarembski said rail carriers already exceed those standards in most cases. Many of his best practices entail stepped-up inspections of tracks, sidings and spurs. Others could be costly, he noted. A wheel impact load detector installed on tracks in questions could cost between $200,000 and $400,000.

The report urges the railroad to install Positive Train Control Systems on the road, which would govern the movements of a train preventing unsafe maneuvers. The report sets more rigorous schedules for evaluation by Track Geometry Car inspections which measure and record geometric parameters of the track. Some of his recommendations are already being carried out by railroad companies, he said.

The report would require more from the state, urging the state Public Utility Commission to fill a vacant railroad inspector post and possibly adding another. A statement from the PUC noted that many of the recommendations pertaining to the PUC were already underway.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Federal Railroad Administration, has primary responsibility for rail safety and inspections under a 1970 federal law. The report also proposes ways the PUC and other neighboring states may coordinate regulation of crude-by-rail and disaster response.

Hanger said they wanted the recommendation to be things that the railroad and state can carry out on their own or in cooperation, instead of relying on other layers of government.