Regional Roundup: Texting While Driving Fines Take Effect Thursday

Here are some recent highlights from area Patches.

: Pennsylvania's new law prohibiting text-based communication while driving will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, making texting while driving a primary offense carrying a $50 fine. This includes reading or writing a text-based message and browsing the Internet on your smartphone.

: Michael Hays, 21, of Newtown Township was charged with public drunkenness Sunday after the early morning incident.

: NHS students celebrated their 59th Gym night this weekend. The weekend is full of dance exhibitions that are designed and choreographed by the students, and relays between the Red and Blue teams.

: Four teams with the Pennsbury Falcons Cheerleading Association participated in the two-day "Reach the Beach" competition held in Ocean City, Md., and earned top honors in the national competition.

: The borough plans to use $1.8 million in federal grants to cover curbing, sidewalks and decorative crosswalks.

: Willow Dale second grader Lauren Hoffman earned an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for Girls Scouts' 100th anniversary celebration in June for selling 1,000 boxes of cookies.

: Doylestown Borough Council is seeking students to fill five junior advisory positions on various boards and commissions that govern matters in the town.

: Three area quilting teachers—Harnish, Linda Armbruster and Linda Weingard—opened The Quilt Academy at 3671 Hulmeville Rd. last spring. Classes range from $45 to $90.