Local News-Monday, Oct. 16th

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held yesterday in St. Clair to honor a Congressional Medal of Honor winner and others. The ceremony was held at the site next to St. Clair Borough Hall, to break ground for the Admiral Joel T. Boone Park. Boone was a St. Clair native. According to the Pottsville Republican, the gathering marked the work already done on the park, and to recognize volunteers who have been part of the project, and veterans from the community.
Boone was a highly decorated soldier in World War One, and was the only Schuylkill Countian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor in that war. He went on to become the personal physician for Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. A gazebo is the centerpiece of the park project, and additional improvements will be made in the coming months.

A Shenandoah man was arrested on a host of charges following an incident last week. 20-year-old Jesse Hernandez is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking and associated charges relating to an incident October 8th. Shenandoah police say that Hernandez was spotted in the police vehicle early that Sunday morning. He took one of the officer's cell phone, police radio and other items and took off. Officers chased him, eventually finding him hiding under a car. Hernandez tried to flee, but police stopped him with a stun gun. Hernandez was arraigned and taken to Schuylkill County Prison. He posted bail last Thursday and was released. He faces a preliminary hearing on November 22nd at the office of District Judge William Slezosky in Shenandoah.

A Tamaqua man was involved in a DUI-related crash in Berks County Friday night. Timothy Martin was traveling on Interstate 78 as he attempted to exit the roadway. Martin was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed and missed the turn. His car crossed over from the exit ramp into the entrance ramp, striking the concrete barrier and flipping over. He had to be removed from the vehicle by emergency personnel, but refused medical treatment. Hamburg state police arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol. A Port Clinton man was injured in a crash in Berks County Saturday morning. Hamburg State Police say that 41-year-old Eddie Campos was driving north on Route 61 in Windsor Township and lost control of his vehicle. The car traveled across both southbound lanes and struck the west embankment. The car then rolled onto its left side and traveled back across the roadway. Campos' injuries required medical treatment. He was life-flighted to Lehigh Valley Medical Center. State police continue their investigation.

A Hazleton man was involved in a DUI-related crash in Mahanoy Township early Sunday morning. The accident happened on State Route 339, one mile south of Brandonville just after midnight. 40-year-old Russel Warg was northbound when he lost control on a left-hand curve and traveled into a ditch. During the post-crash investigation, troopers determined that Warg was under the influence of alcohol and was issued a breathalyzer test, which he failed. Charges against Warg were filed with the District Court.

A Girardville man is charged with driving under the influence in the borough Sunday night.Frackville State Police say that around 10:30pm last night, 29-year-old Gregory Maser was driving on State Route 54 when he was pulled over for a traffic violation. Troopers report that Maser appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Frackville barracks for a breathalyzer test, which he failed. DUI charges were filed against Maser in District Court.

Republican Senator Rick Santorum and Democratic challenger Bob Casey will square off not once but twice today in Philadelphia. The candidates plan a live discussion on a Philadelphia radio station this morning, before meeting up again tonight at a debate at the National Constitution Center. Casey, the state treasurer, has been leading Santorum in the polls leading into next month's contest. The race is being closely watched across the country as Democrats seek to pick up seats and regain majority status in Congress. Locally, you can hear interviews with Casey and Santorum Tuesday at 3pm on WPPA's For Your Information program.