Local News-Tuesday, April 17th

The aftermath of Monday’s storm is still being felt across the region. A combination of heavy rains and a shot of cold air created the perfect mix for snow, in some places a foot accumulation, downed trees and power outages. PPL Electric Utilities brought in crews from out of the region to restore power to more than 13-thousand-homes and businesses in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties. The hardest hit areas were in and around Frackville, and many residents are still without power this morning. Crews continue to work to restore power, but PPL does not expect to have everyone back up before 10pm tonight. The Schuylkill County Commissioners made a disaster declaration at noon yesterday for emergency support to residents. Janet Curtis, Executive Director of the local American Red Cross shelter told WPPA/T102 News this morning that a regional shelter for anyone without power is open at the Gordon Municipal Building, Plane and Otto Streets, and will remain open until power is fully restored. Roads are mainly wet across the region for the morning commute.

Yesterday’s nor’easter caused numerous crashes on area roadways. State police reported a three-vehicle accident on Interstate 81 in Butler Township just before lunchtime.
Ruben Garcia of Hazleton was crossing the Interstate from an emergency access road and struck a truck driven by Don Ashley from Messens, New York, who was trying to avoid Garcia’s car on the snow covered road. Ashley Davis from Spartanburg, South Carolina also tried to miss Garcia’s car and plowed into a snow bank. None of the drivers were hurt, but Garcia’s car had to be towed from the scene. He will be cited in the crash. The accident happened near mile marker 117 on I-81.

In spite of the inclement weather, the Schuylkill County Special Election Board met yesterday at the courthouse. Former county commissioner Jerry Knowles, along with Susan Koch and Attorney Lynne Bressi make up the panel to decide election issues in place of the standing county commissioners, who cannot serve in that capacity because they are up for re-election.
he Pottsville Republican and Herald reports that Terry Weller, a Reading attorney, was recommended to serve as special counsel because all three attorney’s in the county solicitor’s office have recused themselves from representing the board. His appointment has to be approved by the county court. Among the issues to be handled by the board include a complaint filed by Democratic County Controller candidate Melinda Kantner, who has charged that her opponent, Jason Gherghel, broke election laws by purchasing internet domain names that include her name, blocking her from using them in her campaign. The issue must be decided before the May 15th primary.

A Hazleton man escaped injury in a one vehicle crash on Route 309 early Monday. The road was snow covered when Andrew Holderman was traveling north on 309. He lost control and rolled his SUV over on its roof. The accident happened just after midnight.

Investigators are trying to piece together the trail of some $400-thousand-dollars that a Shenandoah woman took from her employer. Court records indicate that 35-year-old Holly Laudeman cannot account for how she spent the money she allegedly took from Trinity Mission of Shenandoah Nursing home over a 4-year period from 2002 to 2006. She is charged with taking the money while working in the payroll department there. The Pottsville Republican reports that Laudeman put her boyfriend Ernest Taylor on the company payroll to funnel the stolen funds. She told investigators that she needed the money to pay personal bills for her family. Laudeman waived her right to a preliminary hearing, paving the way for the case to proceed in court.

The time for procrastination is over. Today is the tax filing deadline. Even with two extra days this year, those who put off the annual chore must file their returns by midnight tonight for tax year 2006. David Stewart, Media Relations Specialist from the IRS in Philadelphia says that about 35 percent of all taxpayers have not yet filed. In Pennsylvania, that accounts for about 2 million returns. Stewart says the IRS will see about 10 percent of filers opting for a 6 month extension. But, if you owe any money, you still have to send a check for that amount before midnight. If you file electronically, you can hit the send button for your return or extension request at 11:59PM tonight, even if you are in your PJ’s. That way, you won’t have to go searching for an open post office to get your return postmarked with today’s date. Stewart reminds procrastinator’s that they can log on to irs.gov for any last minute forms, or to use one of the many free e-file options available.