Local News-Thursday, April 5th

A hard-working group of communities in northern Schuylkill County will receive additional funds to keep them operating for several more years. A $1-million-dollar grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will fund the Upper Schuylkill Downtown program through 2011, according to an announcement made by State Senator Jim Rhoades. A portion of the monies will be used for new programs over the next 5 years, including marketing efforts and a business recruitment program. Upper Schuylkill Downtown encompasses six communities in the northern part of the county.

The Schuylkill County Commissioners approved advertising for bids on several projects requested by the County’s Economic Development office during Wednesday’s work session.
Director Mark Scarbinsky listed the projects as a bridge replacement in Branch Township, an ADA project for Gordon Borough, and replacement of water line in Porter Township. Scarbinsky also received approval for a change order of just over $12-Thousand-Dollars for the Tremont Borough heat pump project. He said the change order was necessary due to additional electrical, labor and material costs to complete the project. In other business, The Commissioners approved a six-month lease agreement for a truck to be used in the County’s West Nile virus Program. The vehicle will be leased from Airport Auto as a cost of $605 per month. Two other bids were received, but the County Extension office representative said the Airport Auto bid was recommended based on the terms and conditions of the lease. The lease and insurance will be reimbursed by a grant from DEP.

A Pottsville man was arrested following an incident at a convenience store south of Schuylkill Haven yesterday. 37-year-old William Stem went to the Economy Gas Food Mart on Route 61, and attempted to enter the store, even though it was closed. Joseph Gergus was working inside the store, and he said that Stem kept shaking the door, and kicked it until the glass smashed. Stem was inside the store when police arrived. He was charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was released on unsecured bail.

Two people were injured during a domestic dispute in Deer Lake Sunday. State police at Schuylkill Haven now say that former spouses Melissa Christman and Wilbur Shaw were fighting at the Pine Boulevard home around quarter to one Sunday morning. When troopers arrived, they found both Shaw and Christman had been injured during the fight. Christman reportedly pointed a loaded handgun at Shaw during the altercation. Both parties were arrested and arraigned.

State police are reminding motorists to drive defensively this holiday weekend. Easter weekend is traditionally a time for heavy highway traffic. Trooper Edward Maloney, Information Officer of Troop L, State Police, said that increased traffic enforcement will be in place to keep down the number of crashes and injuries. Maloney said that the Easter Holiday is typically a time where there is an increase in DUI arrests, so additional roving patrols and checkpoints will also be in place. Motorists are reminded to buckle up, and don’t drink and drive.

Bids were opened during Wednesday’s County Commissioners work session for two-14 passenger buses for STS. Shepard Bros. Inc. of Canandaigua, New York was the lone bidder at
just under $126-thousand-dollars. Leibensperger Transportation of Macungie Pa. sent a letter indicating they were not bidding at this time. The tentative award date is April 25th. STS was granted approval to declare certain equipment and property as surplus items and authorized advertising for bids for their sale. Bids will be opened May 3rd and tentatively awarded May 23rd. STS is also seeking county approval for the filing of a welfare to work transportation grant application with PennDOT, in the amount of just over $170,900. According to Dennis Zahora of STS, the funding will provide eligible job seekers with employment and childcare based transportation. Approval is expected at next weeks Commissioners Board meeting.
The Commissioners also announced that the County Courthouse will be closed April 6th in observance of Good Friday.

Pottsville police investigated a two-vehicle crash in the city Tuesday afternoon. Reports indicate that 82-year-old Dorothy Kimmel was eastbound on Market Street when Susan Korab’s car pulled out in front of her, as she was turning from 20th Street. Neither drivers were hurt, but a 10-year-old girl in Korab’s car was taken to Pottsville Hospital for a head injury. Witnesses at the scene say that Kimmel had the green light at the intersection, and Korab’s signal was red. The investigation is continuing, and charges may be filed.