Local News-Friday, March 16th

The calendar says there are six days till spring. But Mother Nature has other ideas. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region through Saturday morning. A storm moving from the south is expected to bring snow, heavy at times, throughout the day into the evening. Total storm accumulations may reach 8 inches. To the south, the precipitation may mix with sleet. By all means, take your time when traveling as the storm intensifies, and stay tuned for updated weather conditions.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a weekend again this year, the likelihood of impaired people getting behind the wheel rises. In an effort to keep drunk drivers off the roadways, local and Pennsylvania State Police will be conducting DUI roving patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings. According to PennDOT, there were 70 alcohol-related crashes resulting in seven fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day last year, which occurred on a Friday. That marked an increase over the 2005 holiday when there were 50 crashes and two fatalities. Mark Alonge, from the Pottsville-based North Central Highway Safety Network said there is a simple way to lessen your chances of being involved in a drunk-driving incident on St. Patrick’s Day…if you plan to drink, get a designated driver. Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2005, 579 people died in alcohol-related crashes. PennDOT invests about $2.8 million annually into DUI enforcement, which includes funding for approximately 400 local police departments and Pennsylvania State Police. Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but do it safely.

A Pine Grove woman suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in North Manheim Township. State police at Schuylkill Haven said the crash happened as 37-year-old Rayna Dove was traveling east on a wet Route 443, near the intersection of Bensinger Road. 79-year-old Doris Popovich of Schuylkill Haven, was traveling west and did not see Dove’s car. She turned in front of Dove and their cars collided. After impact, Popovich’s ended up on the front lawn of Krista Hertz’s home on Long Run Road. Police said Popovich had minor injuries, but would seek treatment on her own. Dove was not hurt, and neither were two passengers in her car. The crash happened after 4 o’clock.

State Representative Tim Seip weighed in on the state budget debate, outlining his priorities for the 125th District. He addressed several items during testimony before the House Appropriations Committee. His top priority is property tax relief. While acknowledging the Governor’s proposal to raise the state sales tax, Seip said that the money should be directly earmarked to property tax relief for homeowners primary residences. Seip also said that healthcare and energy are major issues that need to be addressed. Health care costs continue to rise in excess of inflation, and needs to cover more people and for the right purposes. Seip concluded his testimony by stating that the state needs to go after big oil company profits made in Pennsylvania, and to reduce the dependence on foreign oil by using alternative fuels, like the proposed ethanol plant scheduled to be built in the western part of Schuylkill County. Seip is a freshman legislator, representing Schuylkill and Berks counties.

The Pottsville School District is taking a step to possibly reduce property taxes for its residents.
The district moved its monthly meeting to Tuesday, the last day to propose any referendums to be placed on the ballot. The Pottsville Republican reports that voters will be asked to consider increasing the earned income tax six-tenths of one percent, in order to reduce property taxes for owner-occupied and farm properties. The district estimates that property taxes could be reduced by about $235-dollars if the referendum passes. The tax adjustment would take effect July 1st if approved.

In spite of the fact that we are expecting snow today, spring planting is on the minds of Pennsylvania farmers. They have a tough job, working long hours that are essential to the well-being of all Pennsylvanians. State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff drew attention to the potential dangers surrounding farm operations. According to federal statistics, farming is among the most dangerous occupations. There are more than 25 deaths and nearly 45-hundred disabling injuries every year on Pennsylvania farms.