The DARE program is returning to Panther Valley Elementary School.

Nesquehoning Borough Council, during its monthly meeting on Thursday, approved the school's request for the program.Mayor Sam Kitchko said that he spoke with Police Chief Sean Smith, a certified DARE instructor, about doing the program at the school, and Smith agreed.He said the school was looking to purchase the books, and he has already spoke to businesses and has secured some donations for the pizza party and prizes.Kitchko said the program would not cost the borough anything.In other matters, borough council has approved the purchase of a 2014 Ford Interceptor at a cost of just over $30,000 to replace the police cruiser that was totaled in May.To date, the borough has received $9,500 from insurance for the vehicle.Council voted to use $6,000 for a down payment with a four-year term for the purchase.Kitchko also reported the monthly police activity.In the month of July, the police received a total of $2,641.83, issued 37 citations, and drove 3,029 miles on patrol.The department also had 372 incidents reported for the month.Council also voted to increase the zoning hearing fee from $400 to $675, which includes the stenographer fee. Anything left over after all fees are paid will be returned to the applicant.