Today's News-Monday, September 17th

A Pottsville woman was involved in a crash while avoiding a deer last night in Norwegian Township. State police at Schuylkill Haven indicate that 61-year-old Mary Strenkoski was driving south on State Route 4003, Peach Mountain Road when the deer ran across the road. She swerved to avoid the animal and her car crossed the road and struck a tree stump.
Strenkoski was not hurt. She was wearing her seatbelt.

Two people escaped injury when their pickup truck crashed early Sunday in Pine Grove Township. Vanessa Brower, and her passenger Douglas Brower were traveling west on Canal Street when she failed to negotiate a right-hand turn. The truck slid off of the road and went up a dirt embankment and struck a tree. Both driver and passenger were wearing their seatbelts. The truck sustained major front end damage and had to be towed from the scene. The crash happened before 3am yesterday morning.

The investigation into vandalism at one area school athletic field continues. Between Friday night and Saturday morning, someone spray-painted several items at the Tamaqua Soccer Field Complex in Walker Township. A light pole, the base of a flagpole, 2 benches and the side of the press box were vandalized, as well as a contractor's skid loader and a utility trailer. The amount of damage is not yet known. Frackville state police are accepting any leads in the investigation. Contact them at 874-5300.

A ceremony was held yesterday to retire worn and tattered American flags in Schuylkill Haven.
Under a bright blue sky, about 60 people gathered at Schuylkill Memorial Park along Route 61 to witness the proper retirement of America's symbol of freedom. The service was organized by the Grabowski family, owners of the cemetery. Musical selections honoring the country, speakers talking about the importance of Old Glory, and veteran’s and scout troops participated in the 75 minute service. One of the organizers, Ken Blischok, a member of the American Legion, talked about the significance of the day:
BLISCHOK
Army Sgt. Jennifer Hartman, a New Ringgold soldier who died a year ago from injuries suffered in a suicide bomb attack, was honored at the service. Hundreds of American flags were burned at the conclusion of the ceremony, with attendees given the opportunity to place a flag in the receptacle as they left the ceremony.

State police troopers from Frackville are investigating a burglary at a West Penn Township home over the weekend. Sometime between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, an unknown person broke into the home of Robert Stabler on Summer Valley Road by smashing a second floor rear window. While inside, the burglar damaged several interior doors by forcing them open. But, nothing was reported taken. The investigation continues.

A Sheppton man is charged with several counts following an incident at the Sheppton Fire Company Saturday afternoon. State troopers report that 28-year-old Eric Matrishion arrived at the firehouse and created a disturbance. He also was driving a car without a driver’s license, which was suspended. The incident was witnessed by several members of the fire company.
Matrishion was charged with disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license by Frackville state police.

BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's Interior Ministry says it's pulling the license of Blackwater USA, an American security firm, after a fatal shooting in Iraq yesterday. An Iraqi official says eight civilians were killed in the shooting in western Baghdad. No comment yet from
Blackwater.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - O.J. Simpson's lawyer says he will vigorously fight any charges filed against Simpson in an alleged robbery involving sports mementoes. Yale Galanter says witnesses have given conflicting statements and are "making deals with the government to flip." Simpson is in jail without bail.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush's apparent nominee to replace Alberto Gonzales as attorney general seems less likely to spark a bitter confirmation battle. Michael Mukasey is a retired federal judge who has the backing of key Democrats. Bush is to announce the nomination in the Rose Garden and will urge the Senate to quickly consider it.

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) - Officials in Thailand now say yesterday's plane crash on the island of Phuket killed 89 of the 123 passengers on board. Authorities have recovered the plane's two flight data recorders and they'll be sent to the U.S. for analysis. Stormy weather may have been a factor.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - After its final season, "The Sopranos" has claimed its final Emmy as the best dramatic series. "30 Rock" won for best comedy last night. "Boston Legal's" James Spader and Sally Field of "Brothers and Sisters" won for best actor and actress in a drama.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Today is the first day of a special legislative session on energy. Governor Ed Rendell plans to deliver a speech on the subject next week before the combined membership of the House and Senate.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Police investigating the death of a Kutztown University student struck and killed by a train are hoping that students returning to class today can help them. Police hope someone who was with 21-year-old Christopher Reynolds will say what was going on.

LEVITTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Police in Bristol Township, Bucks County, are seeking help from the public in a shooting death. Police say 19-year-old Jimmy Dennis Moore in the Winder Village section of the township before dawn yesterday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

WIND GAP, Pa. (AP) - Officials say two men shocked by high-voltage power lines in Plainfield Township two weeks ago remain in critical condition in Lehigh Valley Hospital. They are
23-year-old James Pensyl of Wind Gap and 22-year-old Stephen Loureiro of Bushkill Township.

SPRINGTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The tiny Bucks County village of Springtown may soon have a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission voted last week to recommend that the village be named to the register.