Local News-Friday, Dec. 29th

A missing vestment from a chapel in Shenandoah has been found. The tabernacle, which was taken from the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration in the borough early in December, was found in the woods by police Thursday. The Pottsville Republican reports that Chief Matthew Nestor was walking in the woods and came across the vestment. Other than a few dents and some rust, the article is in reasonably good shape. A reward fund was quickly established by concerned parishioners and the community after the tabernacle was stolen. Police are continuing their investigation into the theft.

A Schuylkill Haven man was seriously injured in a two vehicle crash Thursday morning in Wayne Township. 20-year-old Brandon Blankenhorn was driving on Schuylkill Mountain Road around 11am. His car drifted across the yellow line and into the path of a truck operated by 48-year-old Mark Omlor of Pottsville. Omlor tried to avoid Blankenhorn’s car, but a dirt bank prevented him from getting far enough away. The vehicles crashed head on. Blankenhorn was trapped and had to be cut from the wreckage by emergency workers. He was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment. His injuries were deemed to be serious by state police. Omlor was taken to Pottsville Hospital. Both drivers will be cited for traffic violations.

The Pottsville Bicentennial Year will come to a close with a big celebration in the city on New Year’s Eve. Activities for all ages and interests will be featured Sunday night to ring in the New Year. Beginning at 7pm, visitors to Pottsville can stop by various venues up and down Centre Street. Horse and Carriage rides will be featured, and live entertainment by the Breaker Boys will be headquartered at the Schuylkill County Historical Society. Test your knowledge of Pottsville history at the Bicentennial Headquarters on North Centre Street. The Sovereign Majestic Theatre will be open for a photo history program. The theatre renovations are now complete, and it is truly a showpiece for the city. A life sized CandyLand game will be open at Sovereign Bank on South Centre Street, also beginning at 7pm. The night culminates with the raising of the Yuengling Bottle at the stroke of midnight, with DJ music and a raffle for three great prize packages. Fireworks will be held at midnight, compliments of Legacy Bank and Legacy Trust Company. Its been a big year for the city, and we salute Pottsville for a great 200 years!

A New Philadelphia man will be charged with possessing drug paraphernalia. State police, while on routine patrol early this morning, found a suspicious vehicle parked along Route 209 at John’s Family Restaurant near Middleport. Inside the vehicle, James Costello the Third was alone in the vehicle. A search found two pipes with drug residue. Charges will be filed in District Court.