Local News - Saturday June 2

Girardville celebrating 175th Anniversary

The borough of Girardville is celebrating an important milestone this year. Its their 175th Anniversary. The festivities on Sunday begin with an Invocation and Memorial Flag Planting at the Cannon on Third Street. Residents are encouraged to leave their Memorial Day decorations up and take part in the Red, White and Blue Decorating Contest sponsored by Girardville Pride. Judging takes place on June 7th. Other events include a Postage Cancellation Event at 1 West Main Street on Monday. Visitors can bring a stamped envelope and have it stamped with the commemorative postmark designed by Girardville artist, Rosalie Kuzma. The celebration continues throughout the week at various venues, culminating with the Picnic in the Park at the B Street Park. All of Schuylkill County is encouraged to participate in the week-commemoration of Girardville's 175th Anniversary.

Car fire in Pottsville

A Pottsville man's car was heavily damaged after it caught on fire Thursday afternoon in the city. Pottsville police and fire crews were called to the scene in the 1800 block of Elk Avenue before 6pm, where Monty Lash's car was smoking. When he stopped and opened the hood, the engine compartment was fully engulfed in flames. The fire destroyed the engine compartment of the car and damaged the dashboard. A car parked in front of Lash's Pontiac was also damaged as well. No one was injured. The investigation continues.

Two vehicle crash in Pottsville

No one was injured in a two vehicle crash in Pottsville Thursday. Lawrence Campbell of Pottsville was southbound on Centre Street, and upon attempting to turn left onto Race Street, hit Michael Bondura's Ford Focus, which was going north on Centre. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene and fluids were leaking from the cars. The Humane Fire Company assisted police at the scene. The crash happened after 11am Thursday.

L&I reminds businesses about child labor laws

Now that school is ending, students are turning to summer fun…and jobs. But employers are reminded about the state’s child labor laws while on the job. That law limits work hours and types of work allowed for workers under age 18. The law covers three age groups-less than 14 years of age, 14 and 15 year olds, and 16 and 17 year olds. Children under age 14 may not be employed or permitted to work in any occupation. But, exceptions are made for working on family farms, domestic service like grass cutting and others. Individuals 18 years and older are not subject to the child labor law. There is also a federal child labor law. The more stringent of the two laws in favor of the young worker takes precedence.

Hurricane season is here

The beginning of June marks the start of the summer season, but its also the onset of the summer storm season. In preparation for the summer hurricane season, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency urged all state residents and municipal governments to act now to protect lives and property. PEMA Director James Joseph said that since flooding has prompted a presidential disaster declaration in Pennsylvania in each of the past four years, it is essential to recognize the risk that floods pose to residents living in flood-prone areas and to prepare yourself for the devastation flooding and other severe weather can bring. Residents should take precautions, especially if they live in flood-prone areas. Among some of the items to consider are developing an emergency plan, have a disaster preparedness kit put together, including a flashlight, emergency food and water, a portable radio and other essentials. Additional flood safety information and weather updates can be found on the PEMA Web site at www.PEMA.state.pa.us.