Local News-Tuesday, June 26th

It is hard to believe that one year ago, much of Schuylkill County was inundated with more than a foot of rain, causing damaging floods. The rains began on the weekend of June 24th, and continued almost non-stop for several days, dumping more than 14 inches of precipitation, and causing streams, creeks and the Schuylkill River to rise over its banks. Significant damage was rampant, and hit communities like Gilberton, Mahanoy City, Port Carbon, St. Clair and Schuylkill Haven especially hard. The scene was eerily reminiscent of the Agnes floods of 1972, and forced thousands to leave their homes and belongings to seek higher ground. WPPA/T102 News was out and about during the floods, and while the locales were different, the problems were similar. Fast moving water swept into low lying areas, and abandoned underground mines swelled with rainwater that had nowhere to go. Roadways in Gilberton, Gordon and the Frackville-Shenandoah highway gave way as water weakened sub-roads, making travel a nightmare. For those who had to leave their homes, emergency shelters were set up across the region, and support help brought in from American Red Cross volunteers to provide food, shelter and supplies while the waters receded. In the weeks and months following the Flood of 2006, teams from federal and state offices set up shop at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit in Marlin to help people start the recovery process. For many, the money and support was long in coming to help them recover. And even one year later, some homeowners have not yet fully recovered. This week's weather forecast calls for warm and humid weather, with sunshine, with the threat of thunderstorms each day, a far cry from the incessant rains that ravaged Schuylkill County and northeastern Pennsylvania one year ago this week. Thankfully, no one died from the Flood of 2006.

A Pine Grove man will be charged following an altercation Sunday night in Tower City. Schuylkill Haven state police report that Kyle Humphrey and a juvenile got into an argument in the 500 block of East Grand Avenue, that escalated into a fight. Humphrey allegedly punched the teen in the face numerous times. Charges will be filed in District Court against Humphrey.

State police at Frackville are investigating a hit and run crash in Walker Township yesterday morning. A brown pickup truck, traveling on Catawissa Road near Heisler's Dairy Bar, crossed into the path of a car driven by Kelly Derenzo of Minersville. The truck hit the driver's side of Derenzo’s vehicle. A passenger, Joseph Machay of Tuscarora, had minor injuries. State police are still looking for the pickup truck. The crash happened at 7am Monday.

Schuylkill County’s unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percent in May. In statistics released by the state department of Labor and Industry, Schuylkill County's jobless rate went from 5.2 percent to 5 percent, from April to May. While the decrease may signal continued good news, analysts think that a shrinking workforce may have something to do with the decline. Short term swings in unemployment may not be a clear indicator of a long term trend.
Schuylkill County's unemployment rate is still higher than the state rate of 4-point-2 percent for May, and the national average of 4-point-5 percent.

An East Stroudsburg man was robbed outside of a McAdoo night club early this morning. Gordon Fretz left Roxy's Night Club at Blain and Sheridan Street in McAdoo around 2am with two Hispanic men. While outside, they men threw Fretz to the ground and took his wallet, containing $280 in cash. They fled the scene. Fretz was taken to Hazleton General Hospital for minor injuries. Frackville state police are continuing their investigation.

We now know the identity of the driver of a milk truck that overturned Sunday afternoon in Foster Township. According to Schuylkill Haven state police, Alan Quail of Dushore was driving south on Route 901 when he failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway. The rig overturned, spilling a load of milk. Quail had minor injuries.

Pottsville police investigated a three car crash in the city Sunday night. 31-year-old Kevin Samay of Pottsville was driving his Jeep on Route 61 when he collided with the car operated by 17-year-old David Chiplonia of Pottsville, which was westbound on East Norwegian Street. The impact of the collision forced Chiplonia’s car into the Mercedes Benz driven by Sarwat Kheloussi of Pottsville, which was entering the intersection of 61 and Norwegian Street. Kheloussi was taken to Pottsville Hospital for treatment. Samay refused medical assistance at the scene. Chiplonia was not hurt in the Sunday evening crash.

The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic earned a 5-star designation for its maternity care, according to results released yesterday. HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings company in the US, issued the five-star rating, and ranked the hospital in the Top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide for maternity care. Pottsville Hospital was also recognized with the HealthGrades 2007-2008 Maternity Care Excellence Award. The ratings are based on several factors, including in-hospital complication rates associated with deliveries. Dr. David Krewson, Obstetrics Chairman at Pottsville Hospital notes that to receive the 5-star rating for the Maternity Unit two years in a row is a great testimony to the quality of care that women receive at the facility. Approximately 12-hundred babies are delivered each year at the Birthplace of the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic.

Put the pedal to the metal and come to downtown Pottsville Wednesday night for the 6th Annual Wheels of Time Auto Extravaganza. North Centre Street will transform itself into a block party, complete with classic cars, motorcycles, race cars from Big Diamond Raceway and more. The Great Pottsville Cruise Committee and the Pottsville Business Association are sponsoring this annual event to bring people to downtown Pottsville on a summer evening.
The registration for the 14th Annual Great Pottsville Cruise kicked off yesterday, with the unveiling of the cruise collector pin, sponsored by Triple-A of Schuylkill County and Sovereign Bank. The official cruise permit sticker is sponsored by Bruce's Auto Mall in Schuylkill Haven.
Early registration for the cruise, Sunday, August 12th, can be made at several locations, including Jerry's Northeast Auto Sales, 12-Volt Dave's Audio, Bruce's Auto Mall and the Yorkville Coney Island and Downtown Pottsville Coney. Call Jerry Enders at 622-9510 for more information.