Local News-Tuesday, Feb. 13th

Our area is bracing for its first real taste of winter today. Forecasters are predicting a storm coming from the west to overspread the area late this afternoon and continue until mid day tomorrow. Early predictions indicate that 6 to 12 inches of snow, mixed with sleet, will blanket the region, making for tricky travel. Stay tuned for WeatherWatch updates throughout the day, on AM-1360, WPPA, and 101.9FM, T-102.

Two men were hurt in a crash on Route 61 near Orwigsburg Monday night. 18-year-old Thor Marcus was attempting to cross 61 onto Route 443 at the jug handle near Renninger's Market, when his car collided with a van driven by Russell Howell. Both men were taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment. The crash happened around 8pm Monday.

There will be a new trash hauler in the City of Pottsville, beginning next month. J.P. Mascaro and Sons, Montgomery County was awarded a 4-year contract for refuse collection in the city. Originally, the city was considering a two-year agreement, but according to City Administrator Tom Palamar, the increase to customers would average out to be about 30 cents per week under the longer agreement. The total 4-year bid totals $3.67-million-dollars. In other business, council authorized the application for Community Development Block Grant funds for 2007 of approximately $400-thousand-dollars. The monies would be used for completion of sidewalks and curbing on North Centre Street, lighting on Terry Reiley Way, a study of the flooding problem on Water Street and additional improvements at Joulwan Park on the city's East Side, among other items. Urban Edge Development Corporation addressed council about possible development of the former Yuengling Creamery on Mahantongo Street. The project would develop the first floor for retail space, with the second and third floors converted to up-scale condominium-style housing, and the addition of a 4th floor. The company requested, and the city approved the submission of an Anchor Building Grant in the amount of $500-thousand-dollars, to aid the developers in the project.

A Philadelphia woman is suspected of bringing drugs to the State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy. 26-year-old Aisha James was stopped by prison guards at SCI Mahanoy while entering the parking lot. During a consensual search of her car, guards found a small amount of a leafy green vegetable substance, suspected to be marijuana. Charges are pending the results of a chemical analysis.

A group of concerned citizens addressed Pottsville City Council last night about the proposed helipad in the city. Pottsville Concerned Citizens opposed to the Lehigh Valley MediVac helipad asked the body about the proposed project, which would allow those helicopters to transport patients from the site of the Mazzuca Enterprises pad in the Mount Hope section of Pottsville. The group is not opposed to the mission of the MediVac program, just the location of the heliport within the city. The issue came to light at January's council meeting, where a presentation was made by Mazzuca’s attorney Sudhir Patel and representatives of the Lehigh Valley Hospital. The existing helipad is located near a residential area, within proximity to the John S. Clarke Elementary School. City officials said that no applications for the proposed facility have been received as yet. City solicitor Tim Pellish said that the matter has been presented to the Planning Commission to determine the legality of such a facility within the city limits. He expects to meet with them about it shortly.

A small fire at Cressona Elementary Sunday shut the school down on Monday. The school's furnace went out over the weekend, and when it was re-started, a small explosion occurred in the chimney due to a buildup of fuel in the heating plant. According to the Pottsville Republican, a temporary heating unit was brought in to heat the school so classes could be resumed today. There was no significant damage, but a professional cleaning crew had to be brought in to rid the building of the smell of fuel oil.

There are new guidelines for citizens to take part at Pottsville City Council meetings. By unanimous vote, council approved a public participation policy for city council meetings. The policy details how residents can address issues with the body at regular meetings. Anyone wishing to formally address council must submit a written request to the City Clerk 5 working days before a city council meeting. Copies of information that is to be distributed at the meeting should be provided with the request. The Mayor also must grant permission to those people who wish to speak who have not been put on the agenda beforehand. Speakers will be given 5 minutes to address the council. The policy also outlines proper conduct by the public during meetings.