Local News - Sat. May 12, 2007

Haven student receives award for artwork

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – A Schuylkill Haven middle school student has earned statewide recognition for artwork with an important message. Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett Friday unveiled a billboard honoring an anti-drug poster, chosen as the grand prize winner in the 2007 "Drug-Free" Calendar Contest. Brandon Fique's design was chosen over nearly 700 semi-finalists in the competition. His picture depicts a serene neighborhood setting with the caption "A Drug Free Nation is the Best Nation." Corbett's contest allows students to spread the anti-drug and alcohol message in their own way. The nearly 11x23 foot billboard is located approximately six miles from the school on Route 61 in southern Schuylkill County, and will remain on display for the month of May.

Moving wall on display through weekend

Schuylkill Haven - Adjectives like inspiring and solemn do not do justice to the moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial on display in Schuylkill Haven this weekend. The Veterans of the Vietnam War, Post 29 has been working hard to prepare for the arrival of the half-sized replica of the black-granite wall on display in Washington, with the names of more than 58-thousand men and women who were killed or missing from the Vietnam War. The display is open 24 hours a day through Monday morning for visitors to pause and reflect on those who died in America’s forgotten war. On Sunday, a re-dedication of the county Vietnam Veterans Memorial will take place at 2pm. Pottsville native, George Joulwan, will speak.

Donohue stumps in county

A candidate for Pennsylvania Superior Court made a stop in Schuylkill County Friday. Christine Donohue of Pittsburgh, a native of the coal region, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the state court on Tuesday. She was born in Coaldale and raised in Lansford. For the average voter, the job of Superior Court Judge is misunderstood. In addition to her law practice, she served as one of the first appointee Judges on the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline. She is a partner in the firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll and Rooney in Pittsburgh. A graduate of Marian High School, she holds a Bachelor's Degree from East Stroudsburg and law degree from Duquesne.

Relay for Life

Pottsville - The 14th annual Relay for Life got into full swing Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pottsville. Over 90 teams registered to walk for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The stadium floor was transformed into a small city with campers settling in for a long, but fun night. At 7pm, hundreds of cancer survivors walked a "victory" lap, having beaten the disease or are in remission. Tina Slifko, an employee at Practice Management Advisors in Orwigsburg, was getting into high gear with her company team. The Pottsville Relay for Life concludes at 3pm Saturday.