07-04-2025
Commissioners OK $93K grant application from coroner's office
POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County Commissioners have approved the coroner's request to submit a $93,000 grant application for a machine that would dramatically reduce the cost and wait time for toxicology tests.
The coroner's office is hoping to get money from the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program to pay for a Randox Multistat Toxicology Machine, according to Deputy Coroner Albert T. Barnes.
Barnes told commissioners that if he obtains the $93,000 grant for the Randox machine, it will reduce wait time to get toxicology results. Typically, local officials wait six to eight weeks for results from NMS Labs in Horsham, Montgomery County. With the new machine, results could be ready in two hours and costs reduced by 80%, according to Barnes.
The deadline to apply for the grant is late April. A timeframe on when they might receive an answer was not provided.
'I just think it's the way to go to save the money for the county,' Barnes said.
Speeding up the time will aid police officers in their investigations and save money for the coroner's office, Barnes said.
For example, sending out a tissue test to the crime lab costs $496, but doing it using the Randox machine costs $40, he said.
Three staff members will be trained to use the machine, he said.
Commissioner Gary Hess asked if the results can be used in court. Barnes responded that several other coroners' offices have used the results from the machine in court proceedings.
In other business, County Administrator Gary Bender said the the county is seeking to apply to the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $20,000 grant to replace 30 deteriorated park benches at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association will pay for the 15% required match, Bender said.
Also, commissioners recognized April as duck month in the county. County Commissioner Larry Padora encouraged everyone to buy a rubber duck for $5 to support Avenues, with proceeds benefiting people with disabilities.
The 37th Annual Duck Race is set for 3:32 p.m. April 27 at the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair. Ducks will float down Mill Creek .Festivities run from noon to 5 p.m. featuring food trucks, vendors and entertainment.
Commissioners also proclaimed April Donate Life Month, which encourages everyone to become an organ donor.
