Local News-Friday, March 2nd

Watch for standing water on area roadways this morning. An inch or more of rain has fallen since yesterday, coupled with melting snow and blocked drains, causing puddles to form. A flood warning is in effect until early afternoon. Take your time when traveling today.

Former educator and sports coach Dan Shields entered his plea in Schuylkill County Court Thursday. Shields pleaded guilty to charges of corruption of minors, invasion of privacy, sexual abuse of children and indecent assault after he secretly videotaped female members of the track team on several occasions. He also sexually assaulted one of those team members. The courtroom was packed, as Shields, family members and his attorney appeared before Schuylkill County Judge D. Michael Stine. Jury selection in the case was supposed to begin this week in the case. A pre-sentence investigation will be conducted prior to sentencing in May. He remains free on bail.

The review findings of Schuylkill County’s Mental Health/Mental Retardation program were released in a public meeting Thursday. Representatives from Parente Randolph, the accounting firm engaged by the county and the state Department of Public Welfare’s Bureau of Financial Operations presented the findings at a special Commissioners meeting for the years ending June 30th, 2002 through 2004. The review took three years to complete. The process was not an audit per se, but a review of provider contracts and supporting documentation of the MH/MR program, specifically those administered by the ReDCo Group. The report indicated that cost adjustments to be returned to the county’s programs total $439,811-dollars, with the largest amount due to the Mental Retardation program. The review was conducted because of cost overruns of $3.2 million-dollars in the programs for those years. Officials from Parente did not believe that there was any fraud involved. The Commissioners now must decide how to proceed with collecting the monies, and if any further investigation is warranted. The ReDCo Group was not in attendance at the meeting. They are expected to release a statement about the matter today.

A four-county theft ring has been busted by State Police. Troopers report that 45-year-old Robert Linkchorst of Ashland and a 14-year old broke into Pride Homes in East Norwegian Township on December 11th, 2006, and took a rifle, credit cards and some tools. Linkchorst used the credit cards to buy numerous items at stores in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties, and open an account at an online dating service.
Linkchorst’s home was searched yesterday, and more items, including hunting and audio equipment, were seized. They are believed to be from other thefts in Schuylkill, Columbia and Northumberland counties.
He is charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and other offenses. After arraignment, Linkchorst was taken to Schuylkill County Prison. The recovered items are worth an estimated $50-thousand-dollars. The investigation is continuing. State police believe that additional arrests will be made.

A Minersville woman was injured during a two vehicle crash at the King’s Village intersection in Norwegian Township yesterday afternoon. Cars driven by 35-year-old Charles Ankney of Mt. Carmel and 36-year-old Rebecca Cornell were westbound on Route 901 approaching the intersection. Cornell was in front of Ankney’s car, signaling to turn into the left lane when traffic slowed. Ankney’s car hit the rear of Cornell’s car, pushing it into the concrete divider. Cornell had back and neck injuries and was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Ankney and his passenger, Cheryl Mack of Mt. Carmel, were not hurt.