Today's News-Monday, October 1st

Two people suffered minor injuries, and a third more seriously hurt in a crash near Deer Lake yesterday afternoon. Cars operated by 56-year-old Paula Christensen and 17-year-old Laura Dillon were both southbound on Route 61 when a third vehicle slowed in the southbound lane suddenly. Dillon was able to slow down, but Christensen could not, and ran in to the back of Dillon's car. The other vehicle left the scene. Both drivers were taken to Pottsville Hospital for minor injuries. Christensen's 12-year-old son was flown to Lehigh Valley Medical Center for treatment. A portion of Route 61 was shut down for about 45 minutes for cleanup.

State police are investigating an incident of vandalism and criminal mischief in Shenandoah Heights overnight Saturday. Martin Cuff reports that his truck was vandalized outside of his home. The culprits punctured a tire and spray painted grafitti on the body panels of the truck.
State police are investigating.

Several people were left homeless after a fire in Tamaqua Saturday night. The fire reportedly started in the kitchen at 116 North Greenwood Street around 6pm, and was destroyed. The home's owner, Randy Lawson, was treated for minor burns. Homes at 118, 114 and 112 Greenwood, all were damaged to varying degrees. Officials say that a Tamaqua fireman was treated at the hospital for heat exhaustion. The Red Cross is aiding those who were displaced in the Saturday evening fire.

Two Shenandoah men are facing drunk driving charges in two separate incidents Saturday night. 42-year-old Gerald Muraczewski was found to be driving under the influence on State Route 4031 in Lost Creek around 9pm. 39-year-old Steven Bath was stopped by state police in the borough around 11:30pm, and was also driving while intoxicated. Both men were taken to Pottsville Hospital for blood tests. DUI charges will be filed after receipt of the tests.

A Girardville man is expected to plead not guilty to homicide charges in Schuylkill County Court today. 42-year-old Joseph Cress was arrested in June and charged with criminal homicide, aggravated and simple assault and reckless endangerment in the death of Roseann Barrett.
Cress and Barrett left a bar together on the night of June 15th, but after she refused his advances, she got out of his truck. He subsequently ran her over with his pickup. Barrett died from the injuries.

A combination of beautiful weather and a wide variety of events had the borough of Schuylkill Haven bulging at the seams Saturday. The 19th edition of Borough Day brought more than 10-thousand-people to the Little Town That Could for food, entertainment and everything in-between. People from Schuylkill County and countless visitors from all over started gathering on Main and St. John Streets as early as 8am to sample crafts, ride on a scenic train excursion to Port Clinton and enjoy foods of all kinds. As the day went on, the crowd grew larger. Many food vendors reported that they sold out of their products before Borough Day ended. The spaghetti dinner at Jerusalem Lutheran Church served more than 600 people. The day ended with fireworks on the Island.

BAGHDAD (AP) - Sixty-three U.S. military deaths in Iraq were reported last month, giving September the lowest toll since July 2006. A military spokesman says the number is still too high, but that the trend is going in the right direction. One soldier was killed yesterday in Baghdad in small arms fire.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - At least 15 people are dead after a suicide bomber struck a crowded police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan today. Authorities say the attacker was a woman riding in a rickshaw.

SUPREME COURT (AP) - A new term begins today for the Supreme Court. Voter ID cards and lethal injections are among the issues that the justices will tackle. They'll also look at the rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

BEIJING (AP) - The head of a special product quality panel in China says the country must do more to resolve its product safety problems. The comments come as China tries to boost its image a safe exporter after a number of its products were found to contain potentially deadly chemicals.

CHICAGO (AP) - Doctors in Ohio say hearts attacks in kids are a rare but "under-appreciated phenomenon." They've issued a report documenting nine cases over 11 years in children as young as twelve. They say parents should check in with a doctor if their children experience sudden chest pain.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A pep rally is scheduled today at Philadelphia City Hall to celebrate the Phillies' return to the playoffs after 14 years. The celebration in the stands yesterday
was nearly as wet-and-wild as the one in the Phillies' clubhouse.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - First lady Laura Bush is to appear at the National Constitution Center today. She plans to visit the exhibit called "First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image." The
Constitution Center is in Philadelphia, near Independence Hall.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - A Luzerne County jury that convicted an Old Forge man of a double murder is set to reconvene today. It's to hear arguments for and against giving 46-year-old William Rohland the death penalty.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to meet today and tomorrow at its headquarters in Harrisburg. Today, commissioners are to hear public comments and get reports and updates. Tomorrow, the board plans to take action on a prepared agenda.

WILLOW GROVE, Pa. (AP)- The Air Force Reserve has officially deactivated its tactical aircraft unit at Willow Grove Naval Air Station. The 913th Airlift Wing was retired yesterday. The unit
used cargo planes to deliver troops, equipment and supplies around the world.