Local News-Friday, Feb. 16th

Two days after our first storm of the winter season, travel troubles still plague drivers. Roads are still mainly snow and ice covered, and very bumpy. While the main state roads are open, the same cannot be said for the Interstate system. Interstate 78 remains closed in both directions, between Fredericksburg and Fogelsville, while the removal of snow continue. Interstate 81 is closed from Fort Indiantown Gap to Route 309 at Wilkes Barre. I-80 westbound from Exit 304 to I-81, and eastbound from Lime Ridge to the I-81 junction, is also closed. Vehicles have been removed, but ice and snow removal are very difficult at this time. Due to the closure of Interstate 81, traffic is being directed off the interstate at the Pine Grove Exit as well as the Exit at Route 93 in West Hazelton. The American Red Cross has opened three shelters, one at the Pine Grove High School District, at the Altamont Fire Company outside of Frackville and at the Frackville Elementary Center. Janet Curtis from the Red Cross said that about 175 people are at the Pine Grove High School, and approximately 45 people are at the two Frackville area sites. They will be operational until further notice.
Once again, if you do not need to travel, stay home. Otherwise, just take your time.

2006 was a busy year for Pottsville’s 200th birthday celebration. Mayor John D.W. Reiley presented his annual state of the city message last night at the Sovereign Majestic Theatre. About three dozen people attended the multi-media event. Reiley reviewed all facets of the city’s accomplishments, including fiscal operations, public safety, police and other facets of city government. Reiley said that during the bicentennial year, the city’s finances continued in the black, with a balanced budget and no tax increase. The dedication of Yuengling Park and the ongoing Joulwan Park project were among some of the accomplishments cited by the mayor. The city also paved 7 miles of streets during 2006, after the completion of the Greater Pottsville Sewer Authority project. With all of the accomplishments, Reiley talks about one of Pottsville’s greatest resources, its people and the spirit of volunteerism. Reiley was re-elected to his current term in 2005.

The chairman of the Schuylkill County Young Republicans is not happy with the new public participation policy in Pottsville. Scott Thomas issued a statement last night about the policy,which was passed at this week’s council meeting. The policy states that residents wishing to address council must make their intentions known five business days before the meeting, and provides for a 5-minute comment period during meetings. Thomas, in a press release, stated that the public participation policy is quote “a non-participation” policy, and that the new guidelines may discourage people from addressing council. Thomas also said he has a problem with the fact that council members cannot respond to citizen inquiries during meeting. He said that he intends to provide the Mayor and council with his concerns. Thomas is a regular attendee at council meetings.

An accident at a St Clair business last night injured a man. The man, who has not yet been identified, fell about 40 feet through a sky light at E.A. Quirin Machine Shop on Wade Road around 9:30pm. According to the Pottsville Republican, he went to the roof of the building to check on a conveyor belt when he fell. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene, and during treatment the man went into cardiac arrest. He was taken to Pottsville Hospital for treatment.

A fire caused by a heater used to thaw pipes caused minor damage in Girardville last night. The unattended unit was plugged in on the porch at 23 West Ogden Street when it ignited a portion of the house. The owner of the home was able to unplug the heater and drag it into the yard, and firefighters were able extinguish the fire in a short time. Paul Leger, who lives at the home, suffered burns to his hands.