Local News-Tuesday, March 6th

A spark from a blow torch ignited a fire that destroyed three businesses and an apartment building in Hamburg yesterday. Over 200 firefighters from Berks and Schuylkill counties battled the inferno, which was fueled by high winds, in the main business district on Fourth Street. Workers who were repairing a leaky roof with a torch apparently sparked the blaze around 4pm. The Burkey and Driscoll Furniture Store and Funeral Home, at 40 South Fourth Street, the Curves Fitness Studio at 36 South Fourth and apartments above the business were also destroyed. Eight families were displaced by the fire. The fire was under control by about 8pm, but crews remained on scene late into the evening to extinguish hot spots.

State police at Frackville provided additional details about a fatal crash that killed a New Ringgold woman Saturday. Through interviews and physical evidence at the scene in West Penn Township, troopers believe that 18-year-old Randi Salem failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Route 443 and Mush Dahl Road. A passenger in Salem's car said that they were attempting to make a left turn onto Route 443. Reports indicate that Salem was talking on a cell phone while approaching the intersection, but are unsure if she was still on the phone when the crash occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Two weekend fires have prompted the American Red Cross to aid the victims. The Schuylkill and Eastern Northumberland Chapter assisted 10 families who were left homeless in Coal Township and Tamaqua. They are providing emergency shelter,clothing and food, but also need your help. Donations of household goods for the Coal Township fire victims are being accepted at St John’s United Methodist Church at 1210 West Arch Street, Coal Township from 9am to noon. Their phone number is 648-2842. The agency is also asking for financial contributions to support these victims, since all disaster assistance they provide is free. If you would like to make a contribution, call 622-9550, or 339-1246. The local chapter of the American Red Cross has covered 27 incidents affecting over 100 individuals since July.

A St. Clair teenager, charged in a shooting last week in New Castle Township, has been identified. Officials say that 17-year-old Justin Snyder was arrested by New Castle Township police late Thursday after allegedly firing a handgun at a girl at a home on Broad Street, according to the Pottsville Republican. Although Snyder was arraigned as an adult on charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, firearms charges and other offenses, his name was not released until yesterday. Snyder, and a 13-year-old boy who was with him, fled the home after firing the shot. They were discovered a short time later. The pair reportedly wanted to scare the girl with the weapon, but it went off. Snyder was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison, being unable to post bail.

Students in the Pottsville Area School District are celebrating Foreign Language Week. The national celebration is aimed at increasing students knowledge of foreign lands and appreciation of other cultures. This year’s theme is "Languages: The Key to Common Understanding". At Pottsville, the observance features special activities, contests, foods and assemblies. Yesterday, students honored Colombia. The remainder of the week,Germany, Canada, Finland and Italy will be celebrated.

A Tower City woman was not injured in a crash on Route 209 Sunday night. 19-year-old Jordon Deiter was southbound on 209 near the entrance to the Porter Tunnel, when she lost control on an icy patch on the road. The car crossed the highway, hit an embankment and a guiderail. The impact caused the car to spin out, coming to rest again on the guiderail. Deiter was wearing her seatbelt, and was not hurt. The crash happened around 11:30pm Sunday.