Local News-Wed. May 2nd

The trial of Jeffrey Zimmerman, who murdered his wife last summer, began in county court yesterday. President Judge William Baldwin is hearing the case to determine what level of conviction Zimmerman will face in the beating death of his wife Cindy in her parents home in Orwigsburg. The Republican and Herald reports that Schuylkill County DA Jim Goodman is not seeking the death penalty for Zimmerman, but argued that the murder was pre-meditated. His attorneys, while not denying that he committed the crime, are looking for a third-degree murder conviction. That carries a less-than-life in prison sentence. The non-jury trial is expected to conclude today.

1-7-1-9-5-2…a number indelibly inked on the arm of Severin Fayerman, a concentration camp survivor. He told his story last night in Pottsville. As part of the Holocaust month observance, the Wyomissing resident captivated a crowd of over 600 people at DHH Lengel Middle School with his story of imprisonment, harsh labor and daily fear of death at Auschwitz and Buchenwald camps during World War Two. Fayerman and his father and uncle were interred by the Germans after Adolf Hitler annexed his hometown from Poland. Fayerman said that his determination and resolve to stay alive and the hope that one day the war and his incarceration would end. A self-made millionaire who is retired chairman of international manufacturer Baldwin Hardware, Fayerman was able to emigrate to this country with his parents to make a new life.

Preparations continue for the May primary. Schuylkill County officials are preparing touch-screen voting machines for the May 15th election, and are still offering county residents an opportunity to try out the machines at several locations. On Thursday, demonstrations will be available at Boyer’s Food Market in Tamaqua, and at the Community Banks branches in Pottsville, St. Clair and Ashland. For display times and other information, call the election bureau at 628-1467.

The Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is receiving funds for improvements. The Pennsylvania Conservation Corps awarded a $103-thousand-dollar grant for a boardwalk for access from the clubhouse to the park’s waterfall, for development of a trail and to pay for wages for the corps’ workers. The Conservation Corps provides jobs and skill training for young adults to help preserve and beautify the state’s public spaces.

A regional banking company with a significant presence in the region is being acquired. The parent company of Susquehanna Banks is buying Community Banks for 860 (M) million dollars in cash and stock. The deal would create the 45th largest bank holding company in the United States, with over 12 (B) billion dollars in assets and approximately two (B) billion dollars in market capitalization. Both company boards have approved the transaction. Lititz-based Susquehanna Bancshares operates 163 banking branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, including Baltimore and the Philadelphia suburbs. Harrisburg-based Community Banks has 80 banking offices in central and eastern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.
The acquisition will require the shareholder and regulatory approval.

It’s a sure sign of spring when the American Way Fair in Pottsville rolls around. For several decades, a few blocks in downtown Pottsville transforms into a carnival, complete with food, amusement rides and music. Scheduled acts include showman Bob Pleis, the Pottsville High School marching and jazz bands and the Fabulous Greaseband. Organize Billie Payne talks says that for those who don't have the ability to go to an amusement park, the American Way Fair has something for everyone. The fun begins this Sunday afternoon at 1pm in downtown Pottsville.