Local News-Saturday, Feb. 3

Congratulations to our Super Sunday Extravaganza Prize Winners!

Grand Prize Package:

-Ed Udut, St. Clair

Second Prize:

-Bruce Marshall, Pottsville

Third Prize:

-Colleen Selinko, Pottsville

Also, congratulations to everyone who entered. Thanks for playing, and listening to WPPA!

Property tax and rent rebate forms available

It's tax season…time to apply for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for 2006 are now available. The forms are available at local legislators offices. There are some significant changes to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for this year, according to Representative Dave Argall. Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits people who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and disabled people 18 or older. Individuals and married couples who meet the age requirements and whose income is $35,000 or less can apply for a rebate of up to $650 based on the amount of property tax or rent they paid during the previous year. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of four programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

Energy concerns prompt plan by Rendell

Citing the urgent need to cut energy costs, move toward energy independence and stimulate the economy, Governor Rendell released his Energy Independence Strategy yesterday. The plan will push Pennsylvania into the top tier of states taking steps to cut consumer energy costs, and significantly expand the alternative fuel, clean energy and conservation sectors. Rendell's strategy is to cut Pennsylvanians' energy bills by $10-billion-dollars. Another one of the Governor's initiatives include expanding Pennsylvania's energy production and technology sector to create jobs.

Tamaqua student facing charges

A Tamaqua high school student is facing charges for bringing a weapon to school. Borough police say that the 16-year-old boy had metal knuckles in his possession when he came to school Tuesday. The knuckles were taken from the student by a teacher when he dropped them. The teen faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon, and possessing a weapon on school property.

Rush Township theft

Police are investigating the theft of materials from a construction site in Rush Township. The thieves took 15 rolls of electrical wire and a pallet jack, belonging to Hayden Electric of Hazleton, from the Wal-Mart construction site in Hometown. The theft took place last weekend. Officials are still investigating.