Local News-Thursday, June 21st

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

A Pottsville business has been acquired by a national firm. United Metal Receptacle, a waste container manufacturer whose been operating in Pottsville more than 50 years, has been purchased by Rubbermaid Corporation. According to the Republican and Herald, United Metal is the state’s leading manufacturer of trash and recyclables containers. Their main business channels are in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Rubbermaid officials say that there are no layoff or closure plans for the company. United Metal has been in business since 1919, and employs about 120 people.

The County Commissioners held a public hearing Wednesday to receive public input on a proposal that would take 1.5 acres of land from a property owner for road improvements near a proposed Ethanol Plant. The County Redevelopment Authority designated the land, located along Route 209 near Joliett "Blighted", and the County Planning Commission declared it a redevelopment area under the 1945 Urban Redevelopment Law. The land would be turned over to PENNDOT as part of road widening project to accommodate the proposed development.
During the two-hour hearing, the Commissioner’s heard from Attorney’s from Green Holdings, developers of the proposed Ethanol Plant and Attorney’s from property owner, Rausch Creek Investments. Others testifying spoke both for and against the proposal. Commissioner Chairman Frank Staudenmeier said the Commissioners will study the testimony and make a decision on whether the land in question qualifies as blighted. If the commissioners agree that the land is blighted then the County Redevelopment Authority would begin condemnation proceedings which may lead to a court challenge by the land owner.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has made a decision regarding the expansion of the Pine Grove landfill. The agency announced its approval of a 2-point-4 acre expansion of the landfill in Pine Grove Township, and that this expansion would be their last.
Under a November, 2005 settlement with DEP, the landfill will undergo final closure once the area that is being expanded is filled. The ruling also covers the landfill’s air quality plan for a flare system to control landfill gas. DEP anticipates that at the rate of 850 tons of trash per day, the landfill has enough capacity for four-and-a-half years. The original application by the Pine Grove Landfill, made in 2004, was denied, but during appeal, they agreed to drop any future expansion plans. Pine Grove Landfill will pay approximately $9 million dollars to local, county and state governments during the expansion’s 4-and-a-half year life as part of the settlement.
The landfill is also involved in a gas-to-energy project that will ultimately provide electricity to Guildford Mills, a Pine Grove textile plant.

A Pottsville man is in jail on kidnapping charges. Schuylkill Haven police report that 29-year-old William White was picked up last night at his John O’Hara Street home around 5pm.
White reportedly forced two teenagers to give him a ride to Reading on the evening of June 1st, allegedly threatening them if they didn’t comply. According to reports, White forced his way into the car on Dock Street in Schuylkill Haven, then told the 16-year-old driver to take him to Reading. He also took money from the driver, promising to pay it back when they reached their destination. White was dropped off at a bar near First Energy Stadium in Reading, but never gave the money back. A warrant was issued for White’s arrest last week. He is charged with felony counts of theft by deception, kidnapping, robbery and other offenses. He is in Schuylkill County Prison on $25-thousand-dollars bail.

A Pottsville man is in jail on kidnapping charges. Schuylkill Haven police report that 29-year-old William White was picked up last night at his John O’Hara Street home around 5pm. White reportedly forced two teenagers to give him a ride to Reading on the evening of June 1st, allegedly threatening them if they didn’t comply. According to reports, White forced his way into the car on Dock Street in Schuylkill Haven, then told the 16-year-old driver to take him to Reading. He also took money from the driver, promising to pay it back when they reached their destination. White was dropped off at a bar near First Energy Stadium in Reading, but never gave the money back. A warrant was issued for White’s arrest last week. He is charged with felony counts of theft by deception, kidnapping, robbery and other offenses. He is in Schuylkill County Prison on $25-thousand-dollars bail.

Pottsville police arrested a man after causing a disturbance at Pottsville Hospital earlier this week. Tuesday night, officers were called to the hospital after reports that 50-year-old Stephen McField, a patient, kept getting out of his bed and threatened staff. He reportedly struck a security guard. Once he was cleared to leave Pottsville Hospital, McField was charged with persistent disorderly conduct and harassment. He was arraigned via video conference at the county prison, and kept there on $1-thousand-dollars bail.

State police at Frackville are looking for two male juveniles for throwing rocks at cars on Interstate 81. Tuesday afternoon, the boys were on top of a bank on the east side of the interstate, near mile marker 107. They were throwing large rocks onto the road and at passing cars. Police believe that 10 cars were struck by the rocks, with one having to be towed from the scene. The pair fled the scene on a dirt bike or ATV. Troopers are still looking for them.

Pottsville’s Sovereign Majestic Theatre plays host to the Summer Solstice Folk Festival this weekend. The theatre, located on North Centre Street, will be alive with music beginning tomorrow night, and continues through Sunday. A mix of solo artists, groups, and poets highlight the schedule. The musical menu includes local performers as well as nationally known recording artists, according to Lester Hirsh, one of the festival’s organizers. Tickets for the event, either on a daily basis, or a full weekend pass are available by logging on to www.sovereignmajestic-dot-com , or by calling 628-4647. Enjoy some great music at the Sovereign Majestic Theatre in Pottsville this weekend.