Local News-Wednesday, Feb. 14th

A wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain has made for a less than sweet Valentine’s Day. The storm, which kicked into gear late yesterday, started as snow, but has been mainly sleet and freezing rain since late last night. Travel is difficult, and if you don’t have to be out on the road, stay home. A large number of businesses and organizations have opted for late starts or closures. The storm is expected to wind down late this afternoon, but will bring additional accumulations and tough going. Drive safely.

Schuylkill Haven State Police are investigating a robbery at Kay Jewelers in the Fairlane Village Mall last night. Around 7:30pm, an unidentified black man entered the store, smashed a display case and took jewelry, then fled. Witnesses reportedly told police that they saw someone running from the mall and taking off in a silver Ford sedan, with New Jersey plates. The investigation continues.

Additional details have been released in the accidental shooting incident Sunday. State police have identified the third person who was in the pickup truck when a gun went off, taking the life of Leon Wessner Jr. of Schuylkill Haven. He is identified as Marty Shappell, who’s address is unknown. Troopers say that William Kistler of Cressona was holding the gun, but didn’t know it was loaded, in the back seat of the truck when it went off, hitting Wessner in the stomach. Wessner was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, and later died.
According to the Pottsville Republican, troopers are still ruling the shooting accidental. They have turned the case over to the District Attorney’s office to determine if charges should be filed. Reports indicated that Wessner's widow may file charges if the case is finally ruled accidental. The three men were on their way to work in Florida.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has taken further action against R&D Coal Company and three mine officials employed by the company following an investigation into methane explosions in 2004 and 2006 at the Buck Mountain Slope Mine in Tremont Township. The 2004 explosion injured four miners – two seriously – and the 2006 explosion resulted in the death of miner Dale Reightler, 43, of Donaldson.
Final reports on the investigations into both explosions were issued by the department on Jan. 26, 2006, and charged mine officials with covering up the cause and nature of the 2004 explosion, as well as violating a number of provisions of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Mine Act in both incidents. The department has filed a complaint with the state Environmental Hearing Board to permanently revoke the “mine officials” certifications of the three mine officials who were on duty at the time of the accident. They are David Zimmerman, an assistant mine foreman and a partner in R&D Coal Company, David Himmelberger, a mine superintendent and foreman, and mine foreman Steven Zimmerman. The revocations mean the three are no longer able to serve in an official capacity at any mine in Pennsylvania but will retain their state miner certification and can continue to work as miners. Their certifications were temporarily suspended in December.

The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic has opened a new MRI center on its campus. The center, located at 407 Mauch Chunk Street, replaces the hospital’s MRI suite, which had been previously located at Schuylkill Medical Plaza. The new unit, from Siemens Corporation, offers more comfort for larger and claustrophobic patients and higher-resolution, faster diagnostic imaging. Appointments can be made, with the prescription of a physician by calling 621-5999.

A Tamaqua man has formally announced his candidacy for Schuylkill County Commissioner. John Schickram, a former member of the Rush Township Board of Commissioners, is seeking the Republican nomination for commissioner in the May 15th primary. Schickram will run as an independent reform candidate, focusing on returning fiscal responsibility to county government, environmental issues and bringing better jobs to the county. He has been a local businessman, and is the owner of Schickram’s Car Wash, Excavation, Welding and Hauling businesses. Schickram is a Vietnam veteran and a member of a number of service organizations.