Local News-Tuesday, Oct. 3rd

A Pottsville man is dead as the result of a crash on Route 61 Monday afternoon. 52-year-old Michael Marchefsky was driving a bucket truck owned by the Pottsville School District, traveling north of the jughandle near Seven Stars when for unknown reason, he lost control and drove up a grass embankment. The truck went across the road, striking the concrete Jersey barrier and back across the road, rolling over on the bank. Marchefsky was pronounced dead by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Jack Harley around 2:40PM. An autopsy will be completed to determine if medical conditions may have contributed to the crash. If anyone witnessed the crash, please contact Schuylkill Haven State Police at 593-2000.

A Schuylkill County Judge has handed down his ruling in a reassessment dispute between the Blue Mountain School District and the county. Judge Charles Miller ruled that the Blue Mountain School District will not have its reassessment appeals heard on 270 properties in the district because they did not follow the proper procedures for filing them in writing. The Pottsville Republican reports that Judge Miller’s ruling upheld the appeals board's decision to deny the appeals. Officials say that those appeals could have resulted in more than $300-thousand-dollars in additional tax revenue for Blue Mountain if considered and approved. The school district sent their appeals to the county past the September 1st due date, and did so by email, and not on the prescribed forms mandated by the county. District officials reportedly are considering an appeal to the ruling. Blue Mountain has 30 days to do so.

The Pottsville Bicentennial Celebration kicks into high gear this week with a host of events. Thursday night, a Welcome Home Native Sons and Daughters Banquet will be held at the Pottsville Club. The dinner will be hosted by Federal Judge John Jones the third, with special guest, retired General George Joulwan. Also Thursday night, a special Bicentennial Weekend Kickoff Happy Hour will be held at the Greystone Restaurant from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Friday, a trophy presentation honoring the 1925 Pottsville Maroons World Championship team will be held prior to kickoff of the Pottsville-Muhlenberg football game at Veterans Stadium. The Bicentennial edition of the 5 bands, 5 bars for 5 bucks will be held at local establishments beginning at 10pm. The Pottsville Bicentennial Parade will roll through downtown Pottsville beginning at 1pm Saturday. The event will feature the Penn State Blue Band, which is sponsored by the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic. The gigantic parade will feature marching bands, floats and other groups celebrating Pottsville's Bicentennial heritage.

The Ashland Downtown Incorporated capital campaign has reached a significant milestone in its fundraising efforts. ADI Treasurer Barbara Mullins has announced that 'The Campaign for Ashland" has eclipsed the $200-thousand-dollar mark, with over $61-thousand-dollars already in hand. The campaign began in February of this year, with an initial goal of $175-thousand-dollars. The monies raised will assist Ashland Downtown to join the Pennsylvania Main Street Program and qualify for grant funds of up to $500-thousand-dollars. The monies will allow Ashland to pursue economic development opportunities.

The November General Election is just over one month away. There are a number of important races that will be decided on November 7th. Among them is the battle for the 125th Legislative District, which will have a new representative after incumbent Bob Allen was defeated in the May primary. Schuylkill County Controller Gary Hornberger, the Republican candidate will face Democrat Tim Seip, a social worker. Hornberger has served in county government for a number of years, while Seip is a relative newcomer to the political arena. You can hear a live debate between the candidates today on For Your Information, at 3pm on WPPA.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A local hospital is offering reduced-cost mammogram screenings for women. The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic is offering the program at two locations, at the hospital's Radiology Department and at the Women’s Imaging Center on the Gordon Nagle Trail. The hospital introduced several new mammogram technologies in 2005 to provide comprehensive screenings for women. To be eligible for the screening, participants must be at least 40 years of age, have had no mammogram in the past year, not be pregnant or nursing and have a physician's order for the mammogram. Studies indicate that one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Cancer Institute estimates that the incidence of breast disease has increased more than 32 percent over the past decade. To schedule a mammogram, call 621-5999.