Local News-Tuesday, Nov. 21st

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A year-old case involving arson and related crimes has resulted in the arrest of two men. Buddy Noel of Minersville was taken into custody by Schuylkill Haven State Police last week. Troopers now say that Noel's arrest related to the theft and arson of a vehicle from Goodfellas Bar parking lot last November. Noel stole Dionne Harris' vehicle on November 4th, 2005, and with an accomplice, Nicholas Brown, drove the vehicle to an area off the Burma Road in East Norwegian Township and burned the car. Brown was arrested in the case prior to Noel's apprehension. Noel is charged with arson and related offenses, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and other charges. He was taken to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post bail.

A Pottsville man will spend 5 to 10 years in prison for assaulting a man who eventually died. Kenneth Rich Junior learned his fate in Schuylkill County Court yesterday. He pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated and simple assault, reckless endangerment and other offenses. A charge of attempted homicide was dropped. The Pottsville Republican reports that Rich beat Christopher Seebaren on October 5th, 2005. He was found bleeding behind a building on North Centre Street in Pottsville, and was flown to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment. Seebaren died in March of this year from his injuries. Rich disposed of the bloody clothing that Seebaren was wearing, but the evidence was recovered later. Rich will spend 5 to 10 years in state prison, and pay court costs and restitution.

No injuries were reported after a motor home caught fire on Interstate 81 Sunday. Frackville state police say that the RV driven by Lise Sylvestre, of Quebec, Canada was traveling along the Interstate near the Hegins exit in Frailey Township when the vehicle caught fire. Sylvestre, his passenger and their dog were able to escape, but the motor home was destroyed.

There is new leadership in the Pennsylvania Senate. Senator Joe Scarnati, from northwest Pennsylvania has been picked by his Republican colleagues to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore. He is the first new Senate President in over a decade. Senator Jim Rhoades of Schuylkill County was also being considered for the position, but fell short in his bid. Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County was also a contender for the spot. Dominic Pileggi of Delaware County was elected GOP floor leader, replacing David Brightbill, who was defeated in the May primary.

A number of groups are offering free meals and fellowship to those who may be alone or without a hot meal on Thanksgiving. The Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Pottsville will serve Thanksgiving dinner at 1:30pm Thursday. Call 621-4002 by today to register. The Frackville Lions Club will be delivering Turkey Dinners Thanksgiving Day to shut-ins, elderly and people with disabilities in northern Schuylkill County by noon. Call 874-2945 or 874-7546 to register. First United Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven will serve meals at the church on Saylor Street. Call 385-3941 to reserve your spot. Williamstown United Methodist Church will provide noontime meals. Call 717-647-4845 or 717-647-4480 for reservations.

A local hospital has added new scanning technology to detect osteoporosis in women. The Womens Imaging Center of The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic has installed a GE Lunar bone densitometer, known as a DexaScan at the Women’s Imaging Center on the Gordon Nagle Trail. Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis. Fifty thousand people die each year because of it. The disease results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis. Using DexaScan, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time.