Local News-Wednesday, Feb. 21st

The sunny skies and warmer temperatures are a welcome change to a week ago, when we were encased in snow and ice. But, with the warmth comes the problem of falling ice. We have had several reports of ice falling off of roofs onto the pavements in communities across the region. The weight of the ice and snow can cause damage and injuries. Our best advice is to check your roofs for ice buildup, and if it can be done safely, get rid of it. Or, contact a professional who can remove the icy buildup for you.

A Schuylkill Haven man is in county prison on simple assault charges. 39-year-old Joseph and 25-year-old Jessica Bassininsky got into a fight around 6pm Monday. Joseph Bassininsky alleged slammed Jessica Bassininsky’s head and back against a faucet and porcelain tub and was kicked in the back. State police took Bassininsky into custody and was arraigned. He was unable to post bail and remanded to county prison.

Schuylkill Haven police are investigating a motorcycle theft last week. They now say that on Friday, David Henninger Jr. found his 2005 Yamaha missing from his garage on Haven Street. Someone broke in during the overnight hours, and pushed the bike several blocks to Willow Street, where the tracks ended. Later on Friday, someone reported that two males were loading a motorcycle on a truck at the Denny Electric parking lot from behind a snow bank. The pair took off in a dark pickup truck. If anyone has any information relating to the theft, contact Schuylkill Haven Police at 385-2747.

A big party to celebrate Fat Tuesday was held in Pottsville last night. The event to mark Mardi Gras was held at the Greystone Restaurant, complete with authentic Cajun foods like Jambalaya and music by Nick Michels. A crowd of over 100 were in attendance. The second Mardi Gras party was the idea of the restaurant's owners, and they donated the $10 admission back to Pottsville Lasting Legacy for the benefit of community projects. Legacy Chairman Joe Schlitzer said that the community continues their outpouring of support for Legacy's projects and they are looking to building maintenance funds for the Yuengling and Joulwan parks. The fundraising efforts will continue to provide financial support to maintain the various projects already completed, like Joulwan and Yuengling Park.

Before you know it, the snow will be gone, and it will be time for the Great Pottsville Cruise. A pre-unveiling of the 2007 Cruise Car, a 1992 Red Chevrolet Corvette, was held yesterday at Pioneer Pole Buildings on Route 183. Pioneer is this year's official sponsor of the Cruise Car. Laurie Fink, Marketing Director of Pioneer Pole, said that the cruise committee approached the company last month about becoming the prime sponsor and they jumped at the chance to get on board. Non-profit organizations can raise funds by selling tickets to win the Cruise Car. Jerry Enders, cruise chairman, said that over $100-thousand-dollars has been raised for these organizations over the past four or five years by selling the car raffle tickets. The Great Pottsville Cruise Weekend is August 9th through 12th. For more information, log on to www.thegreatpottsvillecruise.com.

A Frackville woman was hurt in a crash yesterday morning in West Mahanoy Township. 29-year-old Laurie Robinson was eastbound on the Morea Road when she lost control on the snow covered road. Her car struck a snow bank and rolled over twice, ending on its roof. Robinson was hurt and taken to Pottsville Hospital. Two children who were passengers in the back seat were uninjured. Robinson will be cited for driving too fast for conditions and other traffic infractions. The crash happened at 7am Tuesday.

A Pottsville man suffered back injuries as the result of a crash at Blue Mountain High School yesterday.
Frank Raczka Jr. was traveling west on Route 443 when Elaine Hollenbach of New Ringgold was attempting to turn onto 443 from the high school. The two cars collided. Hollenbach was not hurt, but Raczka reportedly injured his back. The crash happened around 1pm.

The Schuylkill County Democratic Party announced their slate of candidates for the May primary.
Following their Executive Committee meeting last night in Pottsville, a mix of incumbents and newcomers were introduced. Seeking re-election are Commissioner Mantura Gallagher, Prothonotary Peter Symons, who previously ran as a Republican, and Stephen Lukach for Clerk of Courts. Current Sheriff Francis McAndrew is running for Commissioner with Gallagher. North Manheim Township resident Melinda Kantner is seeking the office of County Controller. David Bowen of Frackville is looking to serve as County Treasurer,
Mahanoy City resident and McCann School of Business faculty member Nancy Petritsch is looking to serve as Recorder of Deeds, St. Clair Council President Michael McCord is seeking the office of Register of Wills and State Police Investigator Joseph Lipsett of Pottsville is running for County Coroner. The primary is May 15th.