Local News-Thursday, July 5th

The County Commissioners were asked to approve applications for two grants during their work session meeting Tuesday. The County Adult Probation and Parole Department wants to submit a grant application for their continuing participation in a program with the state Board of Probation and Parole. The program will reimburse the county approximately 42% of the salaries of 17 probation officers. The grant period runs from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
The Department also asked for approval for a lease agreement with Secure Alert Inc, for additional electronic monitoring equipment at a rate of $7.50 a day for a one year period.
The Commissioners approved a request from the District Attorney’s office to apply for a $100-thousand-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant would provide for Methamphetamine Training and Technical Assistance. No County matching funds are required. The Office of Children and Youth asked the Commissioners to authorize six fees for service agreements. One of the agreements is with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 in Marlin. The I.U. will provision day treatment services at a per diem of $130.00 with a contract cap of $343,200. County Treasurer Jackie McGovern asked for approval to submit an application for space rental at the Schuylkill County Fair for the sale of Hunting and dog licenses. She said her staff working at the fair will receive comp. time in lieu of extra salary. The fair runs from July 29th through August 4th at the County Fairgrounds.

A proposed cargo airport planned for Luzerne and a portion of Schuylkill County will be analyzed from several perspectives. Last week, the state Senate indicated that they will undertake a study of the $1.6 billion dollar airport, being developed by Gladstone Partners LP. The private-public endeavor has garnered a lot of discussion, and Schuylkill County officials want to be part of the process, according to the Republican and Herald. Luzerne County officials have been taking the lead in the project with the developers, and commissioners Chairman Greg Skrepenak said that he will meet with Schuylkill County governmental leaders to get their input. State Senator Ray Musto announced the state-level study about the cargo airport. If it comes to fruition, the airport is planned to be situated on a 43-hundred-acre tract of land in Luzerne and a part of northern Schuylkill County.

A New Ringgold woman suffered minor injuries during a crash early Wednesday morning. Frackville state police report that 19-year-old Natasha Yurchak of New Ringgold was orthbound on State Route 1012 in the village of Delano around 1:20am. Troopers say she was talking on her cell phone and her car left the roadway. The passenger’s side of the car hit the base of a railroad crossing sign, causing it to roll over on its roof. The woman had minor injuries but refused treatment. During the investigation, police believed that Yurchak was driving under the influence. A chemical breath test confirmed it. She will be charged with DUI, underage drinking and careless driving.

Schuylkill Haven state police are investigating a self-inflicted stabbing in Joliett Tuesday night.
42-year-old Patrick Madden was apparently arguing with his wife at his home. When they arrived at the scene, Madden had cuts on his arms and abdomen, apparently self inflicted.
He was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for treatment.

The Schuylkill County Teen-Age Republicans have elected a slate of officers that will take them through the 2007 general election and past next year’s presidential primaries. According to the group’s press release, Hayden Muncy was re-elected chairman. He had been appointed chairman in April to fill out the unexpired term of Scott Thomas, who resigned to become Pennsylvania State Chairman of Teen-Age Republicans. Former Secretary and Treasurer Russell Joy was elected Vice Chairman, Kyle Mullin was re-elected Treasurer and newcomer, Ariel Reeve was elected Secretary.

PennDOT is reminding motorists never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, especially in hot weather. According to state law, if children are left unattended in a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle will be subject to a separate offense for each child left unattended.
The National Safe Kids Coalition warns that on a sunny day, temperatures of just 60 degrees can make a parked car with closed windows a dangerous oven within minutes. Dark-colored seats increase the heat conditions even further. Within just 20 minutes, air temperatures in the 90’s can heat up to 125 degrees in a closed vehicle. Within 40 minutes, the same temperature can rise up to 140 degrees. Authorities remind motorists to lock their vehicles at all times, even in the driveway of your home. Young children can become trapped within minutes. They also remind you to teach kids not to play near a car at any time. Finally, take the kids with wherever you go, even if its only for a quick errand that might take minutes to complete.
The same rules apply for family pets as well.