Local News-Monday, Oct. 30th

The ongoing odor problem at homes in Pottsville will be discussed in an open forum tonight at Pottsville City Hall. The issue has been reported by several dozen homeowners after the completion of the city-wide upgrade project by the Greater Pottsville Sewer Authority. The $43-million-dollar project was mandated by the state to separate storm water and sewage flows. Homeowners in portions of the city have been plagued with odors of sewer gas coming from floor drains in their basements since the new system was turned on. A number of the residents have had to install traps to remedy the problems. The public meeting will begin at 7pm this evening, and will be attended by representatives of the Greater Pottsville Sewer Authority and city officials. The meeting will be held in council chambers.

Two people suffered minor injuries in a crash Saturday morning in Reilly Township. Michelle Murphy of Llewellyn was traveling north on State Route 209 near Newtown when she drove through standing water on the roadway. She skidded into the southbound lane, and into the path of a car operated by 39-year-old Kelly Krise of Tremont. The cars collided head on. Murphy and Krise were taken to Pottsville Hospital. The crash occurred before 9am Saturday.

Three teenagers suffered minor injuries following a Saturday morning crash in Wayne Township. A car driven by a 16-year-old male from Schuylkill Haven was heading north on Route 183 when he lost control of the car on the wet roadway and spun across the southbound lane, struck an embankment and rolled over, coming to rest right-side up along the side of the road. The driver, and two teens had minor injuries. All were wearing their seatbelts.

DUI patrols blanketed area roadways across Schuylkill County Saturday night. Five area police departments conducted DUI enforcement patrols. Nine drivers were tested for DUI, with 2 adult arrests, 1 juvenile arrests and 2 arrests for underage drinking. Thirty-three other traffic citations were issued, along with one criminal arrest and 47 warnings. The checkpoint program is part of the North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program.

An Orwigsburg man is charged with drunk driving following an incident early Saturday morning. State police report that 40-year-old Daniel Frantz was traveling north on Route 61 when he lost control of his pickup truck. He crossed the southbound lane, struck several mailboxes and ended up down an embankment. Troopers say Frantz left the scene of the accident, but was located a short time later. He appeared to be intoxicated, and failed a field sobriety test. He was arrested for DUI, and faces other charges.

Tuesday night will bring out all the ghosts and goblins for trick or treat. Most communities across Schuylkill County will allow trick or treating between 6 and 8pm Tuesday night, but with the change to standard time, the streets will be dark. Parents are reminded to dress children with reflective material in order to be seen by motorists, and carry a flashlight. In the city of Pottsville, the Pottsville Merchants will have conduct their safe trick or treat from 4 to 6pm on Centre and Market streets. Crossing guards will be on duty in the downtown area, and merchants will be open to provide treats and other goodies to children.