Local News-Friday, June 1st

We now know the identities of women involved in a traffic accident in Minersville Wednesday afternoon. Police report that Carole Palmer and Stella Jeromsky of Minersville
were crossing at the intersections of Sunbury and Third Streets around 3:30pm and were struck by a car operated by Michelle Leitzel of Pottsville. According to the Republican and Herald, Minersville police believe that Leitzel did not see the two women. The investigation is continuing. Palmer and Jeromsky had minor injuries.

An Orwigsburg man facing life in prison for killing his wife is appealing his conviction and sentence to the state Superior Court. 47-year-old Jeffrey Zimmerman, who was convicted in the death of his wife Cindy, is appealing his case to the higher court, according to the Pottsville Republican and Herald. Zimmerman was given a life sentence during the non-jury trial month. According to court records, Zimmerman’s attorney had asked President Judge William Baldwin to find him guilty of the lesser charge of third-degree murder.

With tears in their eyes and excitement in their hearts, 269 seniors anxiously accepted their diplomas and bid their final farewells to Pottsville Area High School. Last night, family members, administration, friends, and students crowded into Martz Hall to celebrate Pottsville High’s 74th Commencement. Amanda Rennick represented the class of 2007 as its Valedictorian, along with Bradley Hallick and Megan Miller as its Salutatorians. The three academic scholars presented their classmates and the audience with treasured memories, words of wisdom, and feelings of gratitude. The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to county President Judge William Baldwin by William Zimmerman, president of Pottsville’s school board, and the traditional Graduation Address was given by Mr. Adrian S. Portland, a member of Pottsville Area High School’s faculty. All eyes were on the proud graduates, adorned in crimson and white gowns, as the recessional song was played and with their tassels, now on the left side of their caps, strode out of the gym and into a new chapter of their lives. Across the region, hundreds of students from other schools dismissed their seniors into the world during commencement exercises.

A Schuylkill Haven man was arrested Wednesday following an incident at a North Manheim Township business. Troopers say that Joseph Hauptly went to the Economy Gas and Food Mart on Route 61 and began to argue with his wife Susan, who works there. Hauptly is reported to have thrown a cell phone at his wife and left the store. He returned a short time later and began arguing again, and is alleged to have threatened her and the place where she is staying temporarily. Hauptly faces disorderly conduct and harassment charges.

Two men and a woman are facing drug related charges following an incident earlier this week near Tamaqua. According to Rush Township police, Jason Weaver of Tamaqua, Jonathan Maury of Summit Hill and April Hughes of Lansford were found to have marijuana and drug paraphernalia in their possession Sunday night. The investigation is ongoing.

Football is not normally an organized sport you’ll find being played in the summertime. But in the borough of Schuylkill Haven, about 60 boys and girls are doing just that in the area’s first flag football league. As part of the NFL’s Flag Football program, Schuylkill Haven police officers and the Recreation Department are giving kids ages 5 to 17 an opportunity to play at the Island complex. The teams will begin play Saturday morning in 5 on 5 competition. Police Chief Jeff Walcott explains that the program's mission is for his officers to build rapport with kids in the community. You can hear the full interview with Jeff Walcott on WPPA’s Sports Saturday at 9am.