Local News-Thursday, June 28th

062707-Staudenmeier on land issue
Les Blankenhorn

County Commissioner Chairman Frank Staudenmeier had some advice for the developer of the proposed Ethanol Plant and a landowner who are involved in a dispute over about an acre-and-a-half of land "Don't get us involved". During a public hearing conducted by the county last week over whether the land should be declared "blighted", and subject to eminent domain proceedings, both parties indicated an apparent willingness to negotiate, and as Chairman Staudenmeier indicated, its time to get back to the table. Green Renewable Energy wants to build a $300-Million Dollar Ethanol plant and distribution facility near Joliett. Economic officials said the 1.5 acres of land owned by Rausch Creek Land Limited Partnership and RCMS Investments is needed as part of a road widening project to accommodate the proposed development. The Commissioners have not yet rendered a decision on the issue. They indicated during their Wednesday board meeting that they are awaiting transcripts of the hearing before deciding if the land in question qualifies as blighted. If they agree that the land is blighted then the County Redevelopment Authority would begin condemnation proceedings.

062807-Grabowski in better condition
Jay Levan

The condition of a New Jersey man who was shot in the back in Mahanoy City on Tuesday has improved a bit. Eric Grabowski is a patient in the Reading Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound inflicted by Thomas Heiser of Mahanoy City. The Republican and Herald reports that he is in fair condition. Heiser, who lives down the street from the home where Grabowski and two other men were working, has a history of trouble with the law, including drunk driving, theft and other offenses. Heiser told police that he saw the workers removing wires from siding on the home at 1327 East Centre Street, when he became concerned for his family's safety. That is when he shot them. Authorities are continuing their investigation. Heiser is in the county prison on a half million dollars straight bail.

062707-Commissioners get big bucks
Les Blankenhorn

The County Commissioners received a check for well over a quarter-of a million dollars during their Wednesday board meeting. The $389-thousand-134 check was presented to the county by the Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority as payment back to the county of money it received from the sale of land at the High Ridge Business Park. The County floated a $10-Million Bond issue several years ago, some of which went to SEDCO to develop land in the Highridge Industrial park. An agreement between the county and SEDCO provides that when the land is sold, SEDCO returns money back to the County. County Commissioner Chairman Frank Staudenmeier had praise for the jobs that were created and the partnerships that were forged to make it all possible. SEDCO officials said that so far, they have returned over $918-thousand-dollars to the county.

062807-Ringing cell phone causes crash
Jay Levan

A ringing cell phone caused a crash in Pine Grove Township Tuesday afternoon. Schuylkill Haven state troopers report that 37-year-old Sterling Moyer was driving west on the Sweet Arrow Lake Road when his cell phone rang, causing him to drive off the road. His vehicle hit a utility pole. Moyer was able to drive his car into a driveway several hundred feet away from the crash scene. He was not hurt.

062807-Two hurt in crash outside of Pottsville
Jay Levan

Two people were hurt in a crash outside of Pottsville Wednesday night. 57-year-old Stephen Vilarda of Hamburg was headed north on Route 61 when he attempted to make a left turn onto Mill Creek Avenue. The car went into the path of the southbound vehicle of James Lukach, also of Hamburg. Lukach was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment, then released. His passenger, 8 year old Randi Conrad of Schuylkill Haven was taken to Pottsville Hospital. A passenger in Vilarda’s car, Carol Glassmire was hurt, but refused medical treatment. Pottsville police will cite Vilarda in the crash.