Today's News-Tuesday, September 11th

An early morning fire heavily damaged a home in Tamaqua. Arson is the cause. State Police Fire Marshal John Burns reports that the fire at 266 Van Gelder Street began in the rear porch area and was intentionally set. The property owner, 46-year-old Sue Ellen Smith, was interviewed by state police and Tamaqua officers, and she admitted to setting the fire. She was committed to Pottsville Hospital. One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze. Damages are estimated in excess $30-thousand-dollars. Charges of arson and related offenses are pending.

State police are investigating the rape of a Klingerstown woman. Sometime on Sunday night, 28-year-old Justino Espiridion, of Mexico, a migrant worker, entered the apartment of the 20-year-old woman without her permission and confronted her. He offered her $100 for sex, and she refused. Esperidion then grabbed the victim, struck her head and stomach and forcibly removed her clothes. She was raped. Esperidion was apprehended by Schuylkill Haven state police, and arraigned on charges of rape, burglary, aggravated indecent assault and related offenses. He was taken to jail, on $35-thousand-dollars bail.

A MarLin teen was hurt in a car/bicycle hit and run last night. Pottsville police report that the boy was struck by a pickup driven by 76-year-old Thomas Donald of New Philadelphia. Donald was making a U-turn at Mill Creek Avenue and Nichols Street when the accident happened. The boy was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment. The investigation continues.

Today is the 6th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. One former Army General and terrorism expert says that our country still is at risk. In an exclusive interview with WPPA/T102 News, former Army General Barry McCaffrey says that while no attacks have happened on our soil in the time since, he said that the threat is still there:
MCCAFFREY

McCaffrey, who served as the White House Drug Czar, was in Pennsylvania yesterday to participate in the dedication of a new substance abuse treatment facility in Allenwood.


The Schuylkill River is a keystone to the region's heritage. Now, another piece of the waterways walking trail is open. A 7.5 mile stretch of the Bartram Trail was dedicated yesterday, linking Schuylkill and Berks counties. The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area is overseeing the project, improving the walking path and beautifying the areas surrounding the Schuylkill River. According to the Republican and Herald, a group of about 50 people were in attendance to mark the opening. When fully completed, the Schuylkill River Trail will run the entire length of the river, from Pottsville to Philadelphia.

By Allie Raring:

At last night's Pottsville City Council meeting, an update was given on the progress of the Veterans Monument at Garfield Avenue. The statues and figures will be removed from their location, physically improved and transported to a new spot. All together, the job will take at least 60 days and will be finished in time for Veterans Day, 2007. Strike Zone, a bowling facility in Pottsville requested an exemption from its usual noise regulations. This request will be discussed by the Mayor and Council members and their remarks will be presented at future meetings. Scott Thomas, a senior at Pottsville Area High School, attended the August city council meeting and asked the council members for their consideration and support for a resolution concerning a mural that was suddenly painted over by the Pottsville Housing Authority. At last night's meeting, Thomas expressed in a letter disappointment in the lack of caring and compassion shown by the current majority of office holders in our city's government. He stated that "The mural was historic, educational and added some character and personality to an otherwise, empty wall." Towards the end of the meeting, Councilman Michael Halcovage requested that because school is back in session, drivers should exercise more caution while driving during the morning and times of dismissal.

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - President Bush has begun this September 11th by attending a private prayer service at a church near the White House. He will hold a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House to remember the victims of the terror attacks in the U.S. six years ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) - National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell says there's no doubt the nation is better protected today than it was six years ago. But he's still worried about "sleeper cells" of terrorists inside the country. Nine-Eleven Commission co-chair Lee Hamilton says there's been a lack of urgency in preparing to deal with another attack.

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Al-Qaida is releasing its annual video on the anniversary of Nine-Eleven featuring its leader Osama bin Laden. The last testament of one of the suicide hijackers warns
Americans that al-Qaida will -- quote -- "come at you from your front and back, your right and left."

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are to continue giving lawmakers their assessment of the Iraq war today. In hearings before the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, the two officials will face five presidential hopefuls, who serve on those Senate panels.

MINDEN, Nevada (AP) - Internet tips are pouring in and volunteer pilots are signing up to help find missing aviator Steve Fossett. Volunteers are using Google search technology to scour Nevada's rugged terrain. The Civil Air Patrol says every Google-generated tip is reviewed.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The cable industry promises an estimated 32 million customers will still receive a picture when it shifts to digital-only transmission in 2009. But the Federal Communications Commission chairman is unconvinced. He's trying to pass rules to force cable companies to stick to their word. A vote is set for today.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Northeast Philadelphia couple in their late 80s say they are being denied the opportunity to care for their 5-year-old grandson because child welfare officials consider them too old. Eighty-nine-year-old Morris Brasovankin and his 86-year-old wife, Mildred, will head to Family Court today to try to have the boy returned to them from
foster care.

STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - The defense says it will appeal the verdict in the trial of an East Stroudsburg University professor accused of assaulting a 19-year-old student who worked for him. Jurors in Monroe County Court convicgted Richard Nyamwange on Monday of sexual assault, aggravated assault, and indecent assault, but acquitted him on the most serious charge - rape.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Allegheny County officials are scheduled to announce a new grant and loan program today to revitalize existing business districts in several areas, including those hard hit by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan three years ago. The program is called Allegheny Together. It will encourage investment in established urban commercial districts outside the City of Pittsburgh.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A Penn State panel is recommending that the university be prevented in many cases from imposing sanctions on student offenders before their cases have been decided in criminal court. The recommendation is among a dozen reform proposals by a committee named to study policies of the university's Office of Judicial Affairs, which reviews student misconduct.