n Gratz: Contestants are being accepted for queen and alternates for the 2014 Gratz Fair, which is set to run Sept. 14-20. Also, applications are being accepted for fair scholarships and the Clair A. Hartman scholarship. According to a press release, the new queen and alternate will spend their year representing the fair and promoting agriculture. For the rules and regulations and applications for contestants, go online to www.gratzfair.net/queen.html, email info@gratzfair.net, call 717-365-3746 or write to Gratz Fair, P.O. Box 204, Gratz, PA 17030. Applications must be postmarked no later than Aug. 1. There will be five Gratz Fair scholarships and one Hartman scholarship awarded for $500 each. The rules and requirements are noted on each type application and must be postmarked no later than Aug. 15. Both types of scholarship applications can be found on the web at www.gratzfair.net/Scholarship.html. People may also use the aforementioned email, phone number and address. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included when requesting an application, according to the release.
n Kelayres: Kline Township officials have issued a reminder to residents that building permits are required before construction or repairs at a residence or business can begin. Examples of things that require permits include installing/repairing fences, roofs, decks, asphalt, windows, siding and driveways. Applications are available at the township police station or by contacting the zoning officer. If in doubt, call 570-929-2195. Work done without proper permits can be subject to fines.
n Lansford: The Lansford Community Pool reopened July 8 with the completion of repairs. The pool was closed due to a problem with a pipe. A contractor was called in to fix the pipe. Tamaqua's H.D. Buehler Memorial Pool - the Bungalow - honored Lansford pool passes in the interim. Mary Ann Krajnak is the pool manager.
n Orwigsburg: The annual Fur Run 5K Run, Walk & Pet Walk will start at 9 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Schuylkill Racquet Club to benefit the Hillside SPCA. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The run is a 5K, the walk is a mile and the pet walk involves laps around the fitness center. The course will start at Heritage Trail in Landingville. The cost is $15 per person. There will be an awards presentation following the races. Everyone who registers by July 26 will receive a free T-shirt. The event will also include door prizes and a drawing. For more information, call Greg Yutko at 570-943-7687 or 570-205-1322.
n Pottsville: The sixth annual Charles D. Shields Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament will begin at 1 p.m. July 26 at the Barefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, 823 Terry Reiley Way. The rain date is July 27. Teams can be registered in the following groups: grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12. For more information and to register, call 570-628-5079 or 570-628-5335 or 570-617-9347. All proceeds will benefit the Pottsville Area boys' basketball programs.
n Shenandoah: With an eye toward raising needed funds, the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, collects Redner's Warehouse Markets tapes and has Boyer's Food Markets Key tags. Tags can be picked up at the library. The library also accepts memorial and honor donations for friends or loved ones. For more information, call the library at 570-462-9829.
n Summit Hill: The Summit Hill Lions Club sponsors an American flag program in memory and honor of veterans from the borough. Throughout the warm-weather months, the flag will fly in Ludlow Park in memory or honor of the veterans. Family members of veterans, or veterans themselves, can request to be scheduled by calling Joseph O'Gurek at 570-645-5171.
n Tamaqua: Auditions for "The Groom has Cold Feet" will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St. Actors and actresses 12 to 20 years old are invited to participate. Anyone under 16 should be accompanied by a parent. Show times and dates for the play are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. Aug. 24.