Local News-Tuesday, Oct. 10th

The railroad underpass in Cressona claimed another victim again yesterday. In what has become a common occurrence, a truck driver from Nevada failed to see the warning signs that the bridge only has a clearance of 11 feet, eight inches. 70-year-old Ernest Clark was northbound on Route 183 around 11am when the air dam of his Freightliner rig struck the railroad overpass, damaging it. Thankfully, Clark was able to continue through the underpass and park alongside the road, keeping traffic flowing. Over the past several weeks, a truck has failed to clear the underpass in Cressona. Legislators, Cressona borough officials and the owner of the railroad are scheduled to meet next week to hash out a solution to the problem.

Four vehicles were involved in a crash yesterday afternoon near Cressona Mall. The chain reaction crash happened after 1:30pm. Justin McClure of Kaska was driving in the passing lane of Route 61. McClure's car hit a car owned by Jade Hamm of Pottsville, which struck the rear of Gary Marx's car. Marx's car was forced into the car operated by Jeanne Gerberich of Pottsville. No one was injured, but a 6-year-old girl in Hamm's car was taken to Pottsville Hospital after she suffered an asthma attack. All vehicles involved had minor damage.

Charges will be filed against a Tamaqua man for possession of drug paraphernalia. Borough police say 33-year-old George Hartranft, and Donna Hartranft were arguing about their children at his home on Broad Street Friday. Hartranft told police that he had a pot pipe on him, and was carrying a tin container and a bag filled with a green, leafy substance in it. There were no charges filed in the argument, but the drug offenses will be filed against Hartranft with the office of District Judge Stephen Bayer.

The General George Joulwan Park project is moving forward on Pottsville's East Side. Equipment has been ordered to complete the skate park portion of the project. City Administrator Tom Palamar told council that ramps and other obstacles that skaters use are expected to be delivered and installed by November. The surfaces on the equipment and the pad will be coated with a durable finish to stand up to the wear and tear of use. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $50-thousand-dollars. The equipment comes with a 20-year warranty. In other business, City Council approved a plan to begin accepting electronic payments for residents' garbage bills. The agreement with Systems East Incorporated will allow residents to use Visa and Mastercard or an electronic check to pay their refuse bills, with a service charge of 2.5% of the total bill, which is borne by the customer. The city is beginning with garbage bills, since they are a fixed price.

State police are investigating a theft at a local grocery store. A man, approximately 6-one or 6-two, with dirty blond hair left Redner's Market on Manheim Road near Schuylkill Haven with 8 to 10 packs of steaks. The suspect fled the store, heading north on Manheim Road. The suspect is being sought by state police.

State police are investigating a break-in at a Hegins Township home. Sometime between Friday and Monday night, unknown persons broke into the home of Edna Morgan on Reservoir Road. They gained access through the front door. Once inside, the thieves took two fireproof safes from a bedroom, then fled. Troopers continue their investigation.

Federal funds will be forthcoming to help faith and community-based organizations in Pennsylvania, including one in Schuylkill County. Senator Rick Santorum announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $2.4 million dollars through the Compassion Capital Fund. The funding is designed to help grass roots faith-based and community organizations enhance their ability to provide a wide range of social services for those in need. Those services include aid for homeless persons, at-risk youth and rural communities and initiatives to empower youth and promote healthy marriage. In Schuylkill County, Clinical Outcomes Group, Incorporated will receive a $50-thousand-dollar grant for rural communities projects.