School taxes

The Tamaqua Area School District is accepting Assessed Occupation Tax exemption applications for the 2015-2016 school year. This will cover the 2015 calendar year. This year's forms are orange.Retired people and those with no earned income who have previously been exempted do not need to file again unless their status has changed and they are now earning income.Also, those who are disabled or at least 75 years of age who have been specifically notified of their exemption by the district need not file an application.Students who reach the age of 18 by June 30, 2015, will be responsible for paying the tax unless exempt by application.Requests for exemption must be filed with the district by March 1. Application forms are available at the school district administration building, all tax collectors' offices, Tamaqua Borough Hall, the Tamaqua Public Library, and all post offices and bank branches within the district.Snow rulesTamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning snow removal.Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least 3 feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and ice must be removed from these pathways within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.Snow, ice and other materials may not be thrown into the streets. Fines of $25 and up may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice into the street, or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway.People who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must remove any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street or parking areas could be cited.Residents are asked to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains and are encouraged to clear snow from these areas.Further information is available by calling 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300.Zion LewistownPastor Jim Williams will officiate at this Sunday's 10:30 a.m. service in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:15 a.m.Also this Sunday, Zion's will sponsor a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the social hall. Walk-ins are welcome.On Jan. 13, the fundraiser committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. and the preschool board will meet at 7:30 p.m.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion and a Baptism. Sunday school class will meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class meets at 10:30 a.m. and the bell choir will rehearse at noon.Activities for next week: Wednesday, Monday, church council meets at 7 p.m.; Thursday, property committee meets at 7 p.m., angel choir rehearses at 6 p.m., shepherd choir meets at 6:30 p.m. and the chancel choir will practice at 7:30 p.m.Items for the February issue of The Messenger are due by Jan. 18.