Local News-Wednesday, Dec. 6th

Officials at the Schuylkill County mine where a man died in October have had their certificates temporarily suspended by the Department of Environmental Protection. The fatal accident at the Buck Mountain Slope Mine in Tremont Township claimed the life of 43-year-old Dale Reightler. The action comes as DEP and the US Mine Safety and Health Administration continue their investigation into the explosion at the R&D Coal Company operation. DEP Deputy Secretary for Mineral Resources Scott Roberts announced the orders suspending the employees’ mine official certifications, meaning they cannot act in this capacity at any Pennsylvania mine. The action is only against the mine officials, not other miners employed at the mine. The suspensions are temporary, and the names of the officials are being withheld pending completion of the investigation and the release of the final report on the fatal accident. The underground portion of the investigation has concluded, and DEP and MSHA investigators are in the process of developing recommendations for changes in operating procedures including ventilation controls and blasting practices. The mine will remain closed until the changes are instituted and the mine can be operated in a safe manner.

The public had their turn to speak for or against a proposed landfill near St. Clair last night. About 225 persons attended a hearing conducted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, which is considering applications to build a construction and demolition waste landfill in Blythe Township. More than 50 persons were registered to speak, but a number were no shows. Those opposed to the landfill cited potential negative impact to the environment and the safety issues surrounding a large increase in truck traffic. The application to build the facility has been under consideration for over 3 years.

A Lykens man died yesterday as a result of a crash in late November in Frailey Township. Schuylkill Haven State Police released the information about the crash that claimed the life of 83-year-old Richard Hoffman. Hoffman was traveling on State Route 209, near the intersection of Interstate 81 on Thanksgiving Day when he lost control of his car and struck a tree. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment, but died yesterday.

A fire damaged a two story garage in Auburn last night. Firefighters from the borough and neighboring communities battled the structure at the rear of a Washington Street home after 10pm. The Pottsville Republican reports that the suspicious fire began on the second floor of the building. The state fire marshal is expected to investigate the incident to determine an actual cause.

A Valley View man is under arrest following a domestic dispute Monday. Police say Christopher Troutman allegedly hit Angela Bush in the head and face with a TV remote during a fight at a home in Valley View. Bush was bruised in the fight. Troutman was arraigned on charges of assault, harassment and endangering another person. He is in Schuylkill County Prison.