Local News-Tuesday, Oct. 17th

Police are looking for an armed bandit who attempted to rob two stores late Sunday and early Monday. Mahanoy City police report that just after midnight Monday, a black man wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and mask attempted to rob the Uni Mart on Centre Street. The thief reportedly brandished a handgun and demanded cash. The robber was unsuccessful, and fled the store. A man fitting a similar description reportedly attempted to rob a convenience store in Nesquehoning a short time before. If anyone has information pertaining to the holdup, call Mahanoy City Police at 773-2313.

There is something foul smelling in some homes in the city of Pottsville. And residents are upset. About a dozen homeowners have reported smelling sewer gas eminating from drains in their homes. According to the Pottsville Republican, city officials received the complaints about the foul smell which may be relating to the recent work completed during the sewer upgrade project by the Greater Pottsville Sewer Authority. The project made changes mandated by state regulators to separate storm water runoff from sewage. The project affected around fifteen-hundred homes in Pottsville city. According to officials, the solution may be as simple as installing traps or plugs in the basement drains to eliminate the smell. But affected residents are looking for more guidance. An informational session to address the matter will be held prior to the Pottsville City Council meeting on November 13th in council chambers at City Hall.

It has been two weeks since the tragic shootings of 5 young Amish girls in Lancaster County. And the issue of school safety is on the minds of school administrators. The tragedy in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, reminds us that keeping our children safe while they are in school is of paramount importance. We spoke with two superintendents of local school districts yesterday to get their assessment of the school safety and security on their campuses. Richard Rada, Superintendent at Schuylkill Haven told us that they have reviewed their procedures for protecting children and staff both inside and outside of the school. He also noted that new security measures, like additional cameras and door locking systems were installed last year. A lockdown drill was conducted to make sure that students and staff know how to handle emergency situations. At the Pottsville School District, Dr. James Gallagher said that the district has a solid security plan in place, with improvements made over the past several years. Gallagher noted that the safety and security of students and staff is extremely important, and that the district attempts to strike a balance of protection and also to provide a welcoming environment for students and visitors alike. Both officials noted that school safety will be one of the topics discussed with County Emergency Management officials at a meeting next week.

A Pottsville man is accused of stealing money from a St. Clair church. State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated theft of more than $1-thousand-dollars from the office of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in December, 2005. 37-year-old Scott Webber is accused of the theft. Troopers say that Webber was working at the church as a groundskeeper, and was at the church removing snow the day the money went missing. Following the investigation, a warrant was issued in August for Webber's arrest. Pottsville Police finally located him yesterday. After arraignment, Webber was taken to Schuylkill County Prison.

An Ephrata truck driver was not hurt, but his truck was destroyed by fire along Interstate 81 Monday. Thomas Shank was northbound on the Interstate near mile marker 106 in Frailey Township when the truck caught fire. State police at Jonestown say that Shank escaped from the burning vehicle, but it was totally destroyed. The incident happened around 9:30am.

A Pine Grove man is charged with driving drunk in the borough of Schuylkill Haven. Schuylkill Haven State Police report that 47-year-old Stanley Brown was traveling on Berne Street in Schuylkill Haven and drove through a red light while turning left onto Route 443. During the traffic stop, state police determined he was under the influence. Brown faces additional charges as a result of the DUI stop.

Senator Rick Santorum said Monday night he understands foreign policy and threats abroad. Democrat Bob Casey says the Republican administration has been too hasty to take military action over diplomacy. Last night's event at the National Constitution Center marks the last time the two candidates will debate before the November election. They are competing in one of the nation's most competitive Senate races. The morning debate on K-Y-W A-M in Philadelphia followed themes similar to the candidates' first two debates. Casey said Santorum shares responsibility for creating a "toxic" culture in Washington and Santorum accused Casey of not understanding the issues. The exchange over work ethics came as Santorum was boasting about legislation that he has sponsored to help curb gun violence in cities like Philadelphia. Today, at 3pm on WPPA's For Your Information, Casey and Santorum will discuss issues like the War on Terror, Education and Healthcare.