Local News-Thursday, June 7th

A 34-year-old Ashland man died in an early morning crash yesterday on Route 901. Steven Wolfgang was traveling west on the roadway at an apparent hig rate of speed when he lost control on a right curve. The car left the road and went up a small embankment and went airborne. Wolfgang's car hit a tree with its roof. Emergency personnel cut the roof away to remove Wolfgang, but he died from his injuries. The pronouncement came after 1am.

County Controller Gary Hornberger cast the lone no vote to hire former County Administrator William Reppy at an hourly rate as a consultant to lend assistance to the person hired to occupy his former office, during Wednesday's salary board meeting. Darlene Dolzani was appointed to fill the position temporarily after Reppy resigned to return to the healthcare field. Hornberger questioned the need to create the position when plenty of expertise is already available within county government, including his own office, if Dolzani would need any assistance. He said that in the 12 years he's been Controller, there has never been a need to go back to a previous administrator for answers. Dolzani said she expects to use Reppy only sparingly. The three County Commissioners voted to hire Reppy on an as needed basis at an hourly rate of $45-dollars-and-30 cents. Dolzani began her new duties June 4th. She served as Chief Assessor and Director of Tax Claims, Tax Assessment and Mapping since 2005. She began working in county government in 2004 as a part-time employee in the Treasurer's office. Before that, she served as President and CEO of Schuylkill Savings and Loan.

The battle over internet domain names in the County Controller's race took another turn yesterday. Democratic challenger Melinda Kantner filed a complaint with Schuylkill's Election Board about her challenger, Republican Jason Gherghel, purchasing internet names including her name so she couldn't use them in her campaign. The board determined that her case should be reviewed by District Attorney Jim Goodman's office a few weeks ago. According to the Republican and Herald, Gherghel has asked Schuylkill County Court to reverse the board's ruling, citing that it exceeded its authority when it sent the matter for Goodman’s review.
Gherghel is also asking to have Kantner's complaint dismissed and to have costs and attorney's fees awarded to him.

Police have charged two men with providing alcohol for an underage drinking party in Schuylkill County. Around three this morning police were called to the 400 block of West Bacon Street in Palo Alto and found an underage drinking party. Police say 24-year-old Fallon Tice and 25-year-old Steven Reed Jr. both of Palo Alto have been charged with furnishing alcohol to minors after providing four minors with beer. In addition both reed and Tice became involved in a brawl at the party and were both charged with harassment.

A Pottsville man and a Minersville teen are in trouble with authorities for lewd behavior in Minersville late last week. Police now say that John Liptok and the unidentified female were seen by neighbors in the 500 block of Sunbury Street engaging in open sexual conduct at the rear of a building. Police will cite the pair with open lewdness, indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. County juvenile authorities will deal with the teen's case.

Week-long activities continue in celebrating Girardville's 175th Anniversary. The northern Schuylkill County community kicked off its festivities last weekend, honoring its mining heritage with the grand opening of its Historical Society on West Main Street yesterday. Friday night, a Wine and Cheeze mixer will be held at borough hall from 7 to 9pm. Visitors will be treated to refreshments and soothing jazz music from Kim Russell-Seibert. Tickets are required for the event. On Saturday, its another full day of activities with the Regatta, a cruise down the Mahanoy Creek. The "B" Street Park will be the site for Girardville's Picnic in the Park, beginning at noon, with music, refreshments and fun for the whole family. Saturday night concludes with mug night at the Ranger's Firehouse.

A 21-year-old Pottsville man charged with stabbing a man several times on May 16th sent his charges directly to Schuylkill County Court Wednesday. Anthony Harkins, was arrested by Pottsville Police and charged with three counts of felony aggravated assault and related counts. The Republican Herald reports Harkins became involved in an argument with Jeremiah uscavage during which he stabbed the man. Ruscavage was taken to the hospital for his injuries. Harkins also allegedly tried to kick and bite the arresting officer. Happy 175th Anniversary Girardville!

The Pocono 500 is this Sunday in Long Pond. There are several traffic changes that travelers should take note of. Work on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County will be suspended on I-81 North between Exit 100 at Pine Grove and Exit 107 at Tower City. The resurfacing project will resume on Monday. Twenty-four hour single lane restrictions will continue in the northbound lanes for approximately 5 weeks before changing to southbound I-81 at the completion of the improvements. For race fans, there will be single lane conditions on I-80 west in Carbon and Monroe counties for approximately two miles between exits 284 and 277.