Local News-Thursday, Sept. 7th

The skies are alive with birds at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton. The annual hawk migration is in full flight, according to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary biologists during the first two weeks of September. It is the best time to see bald eagles, American kestrels and fish-eating ospreys. By the middle of the month, the largest number of raptors will pass when a mass exodus of an average 6,000 broad-winged hawks leave their northern breeding grounds and pass in large flocks or hundred-bird "kettles" on their long-distance journey to Central and South America. During this short window, more than 1,000 broadwings will pass the North Lookout in one day during the peak of the flight. Mary Linkevich, Public Information Specialist at Hawk Mountain said that over two-hundred various species of birds have already passed the North Lookout. She explains that the passage of a cold front offers the best chance to see a good amount of raptor movement. She advises that visitors first call the Sanctuary's info line at 610-756-6000, for weather updates, the previous day's hawkcount and flight tips.

The Schuylkill United Way's 2007 campaign gets underway tomorrow. The Kick-Off breakfast is the traditional celebration that begins the annual 3 month campaign. The event begins at 8am Friday at the Quality Inn and Suites in Pottsville. This year's campaign theme is "Good to Be Home," a tribute to the traditions, values, and sentiment that make up Schuylkill County. General Campaign Chairman Matt Tacelosky said he wanted this year's campaign to evoke feelings of pride in the county. Tacelosky is counting on that support this year by reaching the 2007 goal of $915-thousand-dollars., with Tamaqua's share at $100-thousand-dollars. The 2007 Schuylkill United Way campaign runs from Sept. 8 through Nov. 17 in Pottsville, and Sept. 11 through Nov. 15 in Tamaqua. For more information on this year's campaign, call 570-622-6421 or log on to schuylkillunitedway.org.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued notices of violation to the owners of 46-high-hazard dams operating without emergency action plans, including several in Schuylkill County. All high-hazard dams in Pennsylvania are required to have an EAP, which details specific steps to take in the event of problems that result in failure of a dam, threatening downstream communities. In Schuylkill County, four dams owned by the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah were cited. They include Kehly Run dams, number 3 and 5, and Raven Run dams number 2 and 3, all in West Mahanoy Township. Emergency action plans must be updated every five years with input from DEP, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and local municipal officials.

A Pottsville man was found not guilty of selling drugs by a jury of his peers. The panel determined that Zackary Freeze did not sell a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in November, 2005 in the city. City police reportedly witnessed the transaction, but Freeze's attorney Albert Evans hammered the credibility of the informant who allegedly purchased the drugs. Police said that the drug deal occurred in Freeze's car, but his car was reportedly not running at the time the deal took place. The prosecution was unable to sway the jury in the case to find him guilty, according to the Pottsville Republican.

A Minersville man has been arrested on outstanding warrants for narcotics offenses and a DUI charge. Minersville police arrested Wesley Fiscus Sunday after he was stopped for a traffic violation by Cass-Foster Township police. At that time, he was considered a fugitive from justice. Fiscus was arraigned and taken to Schuylkill County Prison, after he was unable to post bail.An annual running event has added a new twist for Pottsville's Bicentennial celebration.

The 26th Annual Sol Lipton 5K Road Run and Pottsville Bicentennial 1/2 Marathon will be held Sunday, September 10th. The 26th annual event will benefit the Sol Lipton Memorial Scholarship Fund for college bound seniors. The 5K will begin at 10:45 a.m. behind Nathan's Furniture, on the corner of Progress Avenue and Laurel Boulevard; the Pottsville Bicentennial 1/2 Marathon will also be held on Sunday, at 8:00 a.m., in front of the Post Office on Centre Street. There will also be a 1.5 Mile Fun Run starting after the 5K at 11:15 a.m. Runners may register prior to September 10th at Nathan's Furniture in Pottsville. Pottsville. Pre-Race Day registration fees are $14 for the first family member and $12 for each additional family member. Race Day entry fees are $15 for the first family member and $13 each for additional members. All registered runners will receive a race t-shirt. Race and participants can win a host of prizes. A picnic will be held at Christy Joy following the race. For more information, call 622-8511.

The rash of copper thefts continues across our area. State police report that on two separate occasions in August, unknown thieves took copper wire from the home of John Belsak in New Ringgold. The thefts of miscellaneous wire took place on August 11th and August 27. Troopers are still investigating.

The old Tremont High School is in line for some refurbishing by the County Office of Senior Services. Gary Bender said his office will be seeking a grant to do selected renovations to relocate the Tremont Senior Center from its present location to the High School. Bender attended Wednesday's County Commissioners work session to ask for approval to submit a grant application to the PA Department of Aging for $200-thousand-dollars. No County matching funds are necessary for the grant. Bender also sought approval to submit a grant application to the same state agency for and estimated $15-thousand-dollars in improvements to the Shenandoah Senior Center. The improvements include accessibility, lighting and carpeting. The Commissioners are expected to give their approval to both requests during next week's board meeting.