Tamaqua news
Gingerbread contest
The Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival will include a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest for artists of all ages. There will be two categories, children between the ages of 6-12, and those 13 and older. Creations should be taken to the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., no later than Dec. 5.Winners will be announced during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which will be held at 6 p.m., Dec. 8, at Depot Square Park.Rules and entry forms are available at the arts center, the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce Office, 114 W. Broad St., or online at
www.tamaqua.net.Street sweeperWeekly street sweeping operations in Tamaqua have been discontinued for the Winter months. The schedule will resume in Spring of 2014. Streets will be posted and notices will be placed in the TIMES NEWS to notify the public.For more information, call Tamaqua Borough Hall at 570-668-3444. The office is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.Tax exemptionsThe Schuylkill County and Tamaqua Borough Per Capita and Occupation Tax Exemption Forms for the year 2014 will become available on Monday for Borough of Tamaqua residents.The exemption forms can be obtained at the Tamaqua Municipal Building, 320 E. Broad St., from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.Forms will also be available at tax collector Alan Kerr's office, the Tamaqua Area School District Administration building, the Tamaqua ABC High Rise, Majestic House Apartment Complex, the Tamaqua Public Library and the Tamaqua Post Office.Residents must complete the form each year to qualify for the tax exemption.Exoneration forms must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.Zion LewistownThe Rev. Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. The service will include a Thankoffering. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:15 a.m.The church has a new web page at