Local News-Wednesday, Nov. 29th

State police have reported some positive statistics for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Trooper Edward Maloney, Information Officer for Troop L, which covers most of our area, indicated that there were no fatal crashes reported in the region over the extended holiday weekend. Troopers in Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties investigated 70 motor vehicle crashes, with 23 injuries reported. Seven of the crashes were alcohol related, and 16 DUI arrests made. The number of crashes were down from 85 for the 2005 Thanksgiving holiday.

Two Ashland men were arrested yesterday on warrants for burglary earlier this month. 18-year-old Robert McManus and 19-year-old Ian Hartz were picked up on charges related to the burglary of the M&M Sandwich Shop on November 6th, and Danny’s Drive-In on November 19th. They face a host of charges, including burglary, criminal trespass, theft and related offenses. McManus and Hartz were arraigned and taken to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing will be held later.

Groundbreaking will be held today for an important water quality improvement project. State Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty, along with representatives from Exelon Energy, the William Penn Foundation, and local and state representatives will introduce a series of projects to treat abandoned mine drainage in MaryD. The event will take place at 10:30am at the facility site off of Route 209.

A New York man's trial on charges of attempted homicide will begin shortly. 25-year-old Kareem Mills broke in and fired a shot at his former girlfriend's home in Tamaqua back in March, then fled the scene. He turned himself in to New York City police on the charges, and has been in the Schuylkill County Prison since his extradition. According to the Pottsville Republican, Mills' court appointed attorney is requesting that his $50-thousand-dollars bail be reduced until his trial begins next month. The argument for reduced bail was presented before County Judge John Domalakes. Mills reportedly fired a shot in the Broad Street apartment of Kelly Dalessio, then entered the apartment to retrieve some of his clothing. Dalessio's boyfriend, Donald Watts, and her two children were in the apartment at the time of the incident. Watts jumped out of the apartment window following the shooting to the street below.

Not sure what Christmas gift to buy for the person who has everything? Maybe a gift card? But be careful. State Treasurer Bob Casey is recommending that Pennsylvanians who purchase gift cards be aware of possible fees and card expiration dates, some as short as 6 months from the date of purchase. Casey recommends that consumers use the gift cards as soon as possible, and if someone has an expired gift card, to take it to the retailer anyway to see if they will honor it. Earlier this month, Governor Ed Rendell signed legislation which provides incentives for businesses that choose to issue cards that do not expire. The National Retail Federation estimates that gift card sales across the country for the 2006 holiday season will total $25-billion-dollars, an increase of $6 billion over last year. Mills case is scheduled to be heard during the December criminal court term.

A Reading woman is charged with possessing a quantity of marijuana at a state correctional institution. 20-year-old Stephanie Radatti was found to have a small amount of pot in her car while she was visiting at SCI Mahanoy Sunday. She is charged with one count of simple possession of a controlled substance.