Local News - Saturday May 19

Armed Forces Day

Today is Armed Forces Day. The third Saturday in May is set aside as a day to salute all men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country. Prior to August, 1949, each branch of the military had their own day of celebration throughout the year. The Defense Department created Armed Forces Day to honor each and every defender of the Constitution at the same time. President Harry Truman made the day official in February, 1950. Many communities across the country mark Armed Forces Day with parades and celebrations. When you see a former or active serviceman or woman today, tell them to have a Happy Armed Forces Day.

Soap Box Derby

Boys and girls, start your engines…sort of. The annual Soap Box Derby will take place today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the course at Laurel Boulevard in Pottsville. The long-standing event features 15 racers in the stock and super stock categories. Each racer will get the chance to zoom down Laurel Boulevard twice, since its double-elimination. Womer's Garage is the event sponsor, along with M&T Bank providing financial assistance. Individual cars also carry sponsorship as well. The event winners will get to advance on to the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

Chamber hits the Hill

Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce members have a unique opportunity to make their voices heard in Harrisburg on Tuesday. But time is short to sign up. Chamber Day on Capitol Hill is Tuesday, May 22nd and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the PA Chamber of Commerce Executives. Thirty six Chambers from across the state are signed up for the event to give participants a first-hand look at what goes on in Harrisburg. The cost is $20, and a few seats are still available. Make your reservation first thing Monday morning by calling the Chamber office at 622-1942.

Record write ins

While the turnout in Tuesday's election was low to moderate, the number of write-in votes in Schuylkill County set a record. Election Bureau Director Betty Dries (dreez) tells WPPA News that 8,174 write in votes were submitted on Primary Election Day, new high mark. Dries said that about 27 percent of registered voters cast ballots Tuesday, a better turnout than had been anticipated. She was pleased that the election went smoothly with such a large number of candidates on the local and county level. The Election Computing Board met Friday to begin the process of certifying the election.

Trindle must stay away from child before trial

A former Schuylkill County woman who is charged in the death of her daughter cannot have contact with her surviving son, according to a Schuylkill County Judge. Amanda Trindle, now living in Levittown, Bucks County, is awaiting trial in the death of her daughter Jade-Lynn Leonard in September, 2005 in Girardville. The little girl was found starved and dehydrated in filthy conditions. Trindle is living with her grandparents in Levittown. Defense counsel for Trindle had asked that the woman could live with her mother, also from Levittown. But Judge D. Michael Stine stipulated that Trindle have no contact with her son, Leland Leonard. The boy is staying with relatives there. The woman is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment. Her husband, Donald Leonard the Third, pleaded guilty to charges related to the boy's death, but manslaughter charges were dropped against him in return for testimony against his wife. He is serving 5 to 10 years in state prison on the charges, but the sentence was stiffened when the court found out that Leonard had numerous burglary convictions on his record.

Commissioners meeting 5/17

The Schuylkill County Commissioners received a number of requests from various county agencies to approve contracts for provider services during Thursdays work session. The Commissioners were also asked to approve several grant applications. The Commissioners issued three proclamations. Alexander Gross of Orwigsburg was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. May 20th through May 26th was designated Elder Abuse Week in the County. May 21st through May 25th was designated "The Schuylkill 350" week. The 350 represents the number of units of blood the American Red Cross needs to collect during that week to meet the projected needs of the five medical centers served by the Schuylkill and East Northumberland chapter of the American Red Cross.

Pine Grove looking at setting up Community Watch

The borough of Pine Grove is exploring the possibility of starting a Neighborhood Watch program. Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. In addition to the traditional role of the Neighborhood Watch Program, the USAonWatch empowers citizens to become active in homeland security efforts through participation in Neighborhood Watch groups. Pine Grove Police will be hosting a meeting about forming a Watch program on Wednesday, May 30th at 7pm, at the borough police department in Pine Grove. For information, call 345-3555.