Local News-Friday, April 20th

A hearing was held last night about a proposed medical helicopter site in Pottsville. The meeting of the Pottsville Zoning Hearing Board was convened to consider an application by Mazzuca Enterprises to establish a site for University MedEvac to operate its service from a helipad in the Mount Hope section of Pottsville. Mazzuca’s initial application was denied by city zoning officials. The Pottsville Republican reports that Mazzuca was granted approval to proceed with the project in a 3 to 2 vote of the board. The Pottsville Concerned Citizens Group, made up of residents opposed to the plan, have contested the project from the start, citing noise and safety concerns for their neighborhood. By receiving approval, Mazzuca can proceed onto the next step, and await the decision by the city for an occupancy permit. Pottsville Concerned Citizens have 30 days to appeal the decision.

All five candidates for the three member Board of Schuylkill County Commissioners met with members of the business community during an informal get-together at Luther Ridge Thursday. The candidates are; incumbent Democrat Mantura Gallagher and her running mate, County Sheriff Frank McAndrew; Incumbent Republicans Frank Staudenmeier and Robert Carl, and John Schickram an unendorsed Republican candidate. Each talked about their qualifications and accomplishments. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lori Kane told WPPA/T102 News that the forum was held to inform the business community, and provide an opportunity to meet the candidates face to face. The event was sponsored by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. Chairperson, Judith Schweich said the good turn-out shows that there is a lot of interest in county politics, and that its imperative to get involved.

We now know more details about questions surrounding representation on Schuylkill County’s special election board. WPPA/T102 News reported yesterday that West Penn Township resident William Mackey Jr. questioned whether Jerry Knowles could serve on the board, since he is employed by the state. In a document received from the county, Assistant Solicitor Jay Jones outlined portions of the state constitution that Mackey called into question about Knowles ability to serve as one of three members of the board, replacing the standing county commissioners who are seeking re-election. In summary, Jones said that the election board is not serving as district election officers, but rather as the election return board. Under the constitution, Jones feels that Knowles is able to serve in that capacity, even though he works for the state in Harrisburg. Mackey questioned Knowles authority to serve at this week’s county commissioners work session.

A locally-based beauty education company is merging with another to form the largest one of its kind in the US. Empire Education Group has announced their merger with Regis Corporation, based in Minnesota. Frank Schoeneman, CEO of Empire, made the announcement yesterday about the combination. The deal only affects Regis cosmetology schools. Empire would be the majority owner. The company will operate 88 cosmetology schools in 18 states nationwide.

A missing persons case ended safely in northern Schuylkill County yesterday. State police were notified that Edwin Andaluz, a resident at White Owl Manor in Mahanoy Township, was missing yesterday morning. Andaluz reportedly left the home to purchase cigarettes at a local convenience store, but never returned. After an all-out search of the area, Andaluz was spotted walking on FireTower Road in Ryan Township, and police were contacted. He was taken to Pottsville Hospital for a checkup, and then returned to the personal care home. State police were assisted by Mahanoy City police.