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Lottery Numbers for Thursday, April 20

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Slain trooper’s widow testifies about anger, loneliness at Frein sentencing

<p>UNION TWP. &#8212; A new synthetic track and artificial turf at the football field are being considered by Northwest Area&#8217;s school board.</p><p>This week, the board unanimously approved a resolution to advertise for consulting services for the installation of a track.</p><p>Director Leigh Bonczewski said a consultant is being sought to make recommendations and prepare specifications for the track, with the total expense anticipated to be offset by a $475,000 grant from state gaming funds. Additional grants could up the total to $500,000, Bonczewski added.</p><p>Preliminary plans are to make the track surface a full 400 meters, with six lanes.</p><p>Acting Superintendent James McGovern presented the artificial turf proposal. He cited the benefit to the players and the possibility of utilizing the field not only for football, but also for field hockey and physical education programs.</p><p>Bonczewski said the field matter now becomes an item for the Building and Grounds Committee to discuss; it will be on the committee&#8217;s May 16 agenda.</p><p><strong>Lockers</strong></p><p>Besides the gaming grant, Betsy Ellis, director of operations, announced Northwest will receive 50 lockers donated by Colgate University of Hamilton, N.Y. Ellis said the lockers will be installed at the district&#8217;s renovated fieldhouse &#8212; 25 for female athletes and 25 for males.</p><p>Ellis commented that the fieldhouse, as well as a memorial to the late Ronald Powlus, are scheduled to be dedicated at a May 20 event that will include a race and carnival.</p><p>The board also approved several capital improvement projects:</p><p>&#8226; $15,000 for a surveillance system at the high school;</p><p>&#8226; $5,245 to expand the parking lot at the primary school;</p><p>&#8226; $5,000 for septic system work at the high school;</p><p>&#8226; $11,574 to replace the choral risers at the high school;</p><p>&#8226; $4,948 for the purchase of water tanks for irrigation at the hockey field;</p><p>&#8226; $5,021 for the purchase and installation of water pumps and controls at the hockey field.</p><p>In other matters, the board:</p><p>&#8226; Approved the retention of Angela Evans as solicitor/special counsel.</p><p>&#8226; Accepted the resignation of Carrie Yaple as administrative assistant in the business office.</p><p>&#8226; At the recommendation of Director Michael Kreidler, the board tabled for further consideration a proposal to implement the Mass Customized Learning program in classrooms.</p><p>&#8226; Appointed varsity basketball head coaches for the 2017-18 season, including: Amy Kachinko, girls; and Dustin Babcock, boys. In addition, Kim Piestrak was appointed cheerleading coach.</p><p>&#8226; Heard a report from high school Principal Ryan Miner that an assembly May 11 will focus on students making &#8220;smart decisions&#8221; during prom and graduation season. The assembly will include a guest speaker from Clearbrook Manor and a vehicle crash re-enactment by the Huntington Mills Fire Co.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Tom Huntington</p><p>For Times Leader</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta><p><strong>CANDIDATES NEEDED</strong></p><p>The May 16 primary ballot for Northwest Area School Board features only four candidates running for six open seats.</p><p>Board Chairman Michael Kreidler revealed he is not seeking re-election after having served for 10 years. Kreidler said business and professional issues prevent him from running.</p><p>Board member Daryl Morgan also is not seeking re-election.</p><p>Kreidler said he was not aware of anyone filing a petition to succeed them.</p><p>The ballot at this point includes Gary Boberick and Leigh Bonczewski, who were appointed to the board in 2016, as well as incumbents Peter Lanza and Alton Farver.</p><p>There is also a possible issue involving Director Randy Tomasacci, who is a candidate for district judge in Shickshinny.</p></factboxMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Northwest Area looking into new track, artificial turf at football field