Local News-Wednesday, Oct. 18th

An Auburn man who reportedly pleaded guilty to four driving charges is looking for a second chance to contest them in Schuylkill County Court. Edward Kenderdine took his case to court to ask for another opportunity to defend the citations, saying he didn't know that he had a chance to fight the charges. He was cited for driving under suspension several times in 2004. The appeal was filed recently by his legal counsel. According to the Pottsville Republican, Kenderdine contends that he was not advised of his right to appeal during hearings before District Judge James Ferrier. Ferrier testified that he did in fact tell him that he could appeal the charges. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin did not rule on the issue during the proceedings.

A Watson man was not hurt following a crash in New Castle Township Monday. State police at Frackville now say that William McCollin was southbound on Route 61 when he failed to negotiate a left turn and struck a large rock embankment. McCollin was wearing his seatbelt. The crash happened after 9:30am Monday.

Two area men are in trouble for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Cass Township last week. Frackville State Police investigated the reported theft of a Ford Bronco belonging to Peter Schultz of Hegins. Schultz and the accused, Scott Sargent of Pottsville, and Craig Hendricks of Branchdale, were attending a gathering in Cass Township Thursday night into Friday morning. The two men took the vehicle without the owner's permission. They were stopped by a Reading police officer for an unrelated matter later that day, but were released since the vehicle was not known to be stolen at that time. The investigation continued, leading to the arrest of Sargent and Hendricks for theft, receiving stolen property and related charges. Both were arraigned.

A Tamaqua woman was involved in a one vehicle crash in West Penn Township yesterday afternoon. 18-year-old Rachel Walburn was traveling north on Route 309 near the Lehigh County line when she lost control on the wet roadway. The car struck a metal guide rail then back across all three lanes of the highway. Her car struck a small ditch and embankment before coming to rest. A portion of 309 was closed for about 30 minutes while the scene was cleaned up. She will be cited for traveling too fast for conditions.

If you love apples, and who doesn't, then Ashland is the place to be this Saturday. The Third Annual AppleFest will be held in downtown Ashland from 11am to 6pm Saturday. The apple-themed event will have a country-like setting where visitors can enjoy the feel of an old-time outdoor fair. There will be plenty of food, activities for young and old, and entertainment from three of the area's best and original performers. Folk, bluegrass and coal mining music will be provided by Van Wagner, Jay Smar and the Coal Cracker Barbershop Chorus. Homemade apple dumplings will warm your insides, along with a wide variety of other delicious fare. There will be games and prizes for young and old. A pumpkin decorating contest, face painting and free balloons are just some of the many activities for adults and kids at AppleFest in Downtown Ashland Saturday!