Local News-Tuesday, May 8th

Two men were hurt in a fire in Frackville Monday afternoon while working on a propane truck. The pair were working on a meter on a delivery truck owned by Central Highway Oil Company at their garage on near Altamont Boulevard when the flash fire happened. The owner, Michael Capparell, and John Speidel, an employee, were able to drive the propane truck from the garage, but the building incurred significant damage, according to the Republican and Herald. Authorities believe that the blaze was caused by a buildup of propane fumes that ignited inside. Emergency crews responded to the scene before 2pm Monday.

As summer approaches, the tourism industry in Schuylkill County begins its busiest season.
An open house was held at the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau in Pottsville Monday, in observance of National Tourism Week. Several dozen people stopped by their offices to see all that Schuylkill County has to offer to the traveling public. Mark Major, Executive Director, tells WPPA/T102 News that the economic impact that tourism brings to the county is estimated to be over $150 million dollars, and is responsible for 5-thousand-full and part-time jobs. While people visit sites like the Yuengling Brewery, the Pioneer Tunnel and numerous outdoor venues year round, the visitors bureau focuses their efforts on the spring, summer and fall months. They market the county’s attractions on a state and national level through their website, www.schuylkill.org, and other marketing channels. Major said that Schuylkill County’s best kept secret is its people...a theme that is heard from visitors to our county. County Commissioner Mantura Gallagher noted that all county residents need to pay attention to our surroundings in order to keep our area attractive, and be good stewards of the environment.
The Tourism Industry of America marks National Tourism Week, beginning Monday, May 14th.

Pennsylvania primary day is one week from today. While an off-year as far as the major federal races are concerned, many of the county row office-holders are up for re-election.
Seeking a spot on the November ballot for Schuylkill County Commissioner are Republican incumbents Bob Carl and Frank Staudenmeier. John Schickram, a Tamaqua businessman is running as an independent Republican. Incumbent commissioner Mantura Gallagher and county Sheriff Francis McAndrew are running together on the Democratic ticket. Two newcomers on the political scene are looking to unseat outgoing county Controller Gary Hornberger, who is not seeking re-election. Jason Gherghel is running on the Republican ballot, while Melinda Kantner of North Manheim Township is the endorsed Democratic candidate.
Ms. Kantner has filed charges against Gherghel with the election board because he purchased the internet naming rights to her name on the world wide web. The issue is being investigated by an attorney hired by the county because the Solicitor’s office has recused themselves from the process. For a complete list of candidates, log on to the county’s website: www.co.schuylkill.pa.us, under the 2007 Election tab.

County row offices are on the ballot in May 15th’s primary election. A number of incumbents are seeking re-election, including Treasurer Jacqueline McGovern. The long-time Republican is alone on the ticket. Frackville resident David Bowen is running on the Democratic Ticket.
Incumbent Stephen Lukach is the only Democratic candidate for Clerk of Courts. Attorney Maria Casey of Minersville is seeking the office on the Republican ballot. Prothonotary Peter Symons, the current office-holder, has switched parties and is running for re-election, this time as a Democrat. Mount Carbon Mayor Jeffrey Dunkel is challenging Symons for the right to face off against the lone Republican candidate, Larry Lonergan, a teacher in the Pottsville School District. George Uritis, the long-serving Register of Wills, is not seeking re-election. That brings two newcomers to the political arena. Barron “Boots” Hetherington is running on the Republican ballot. Michael McCord of St. Clair is the Democratic candidate on the May primary ballot. For Recorder of Deeds, incumbent Republican Matt Dudish is seeking re-election. Newcomer Nancy Petritsch of Mahanoy City is running on the Democratic ticket. David Dutcavich of Minersville, a Republican, is seeking re-election to the office of Coroner. The Democratic challenger is Joseph Lipsett.

Two vehicles sustained moderate damage from a crash in Pottsville Saturday afternoon.
Pottsville police now say that 31-year-old Courtney Edwards of Minersville was stopped at the intersection of Prospect and Water Street. As she pulled into the intersection, her car collided with a car operated by Edward Maige of Pottsville. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene, but no one was injured. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation.

A Nesquehoning man was injured in a one vehicle crash in Rush Township early Saturday.
Township police say that Frank Smell of Lake Hauto was westbound on Route 54 when he ran through a red light at the intersection with Route 309. The pickup truck hit a traffic pole.
Smell’s injuries required transport to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading via helicopter.
Police believe that alcohol may have played a part in the crash. That will be determined upon receipt of blood alcohol tests. The crash happened after 1am Saturday.