Today's News-Saturday, October 20

POTTSVILLE - A packed house rocked and rolled, danced and sang to America’s greatest rock and roll band for kids last night. The Sovereign Majestic Theatre was sold out for the high energy performance of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band. Kids and grown ups were encouraged to dance in the aisles and scream the words to the New York-based entertainers, who have appeared on Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Noggin TV networks. During the 60-minute show, members of the band ran up and down the aisles, singing and dancing with the audience, sort of like a mosh pit for kids. The program was sponsored by the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic.

PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP - A woman from Pottsville was hurt in a Pine Grove Township crash Friday afternoon. Brittany Corbacio was driving north on Lovers Lane and slid through a curve on the wet road. The car hit a telephone pole and came to rest facing north. Corbacio was taken to Pottsville Hospital for her injuries. Her passenger, Ashley Dudash, was not hurt. Both were wearing their seatbelts.

NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP - A Gilberton woman suffered minor injuries when her car crashed yesterday afternoon on Route 61 near St. Clair. Shannon Martofel was traveling north when the car left the roadway and struck a guiderail. After impact, the car overturned and ended up on its roof. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The accident happened after 3pm Friday.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - As ghosts, witches and superheroes will soon be trick or treating on streets across the state, PennDOT urges motorists to slow down and watch for the kids. Parades and trick-or-treat nights bring children out in droves, and due to nighttime travel, drivers may not see the children and their parents crossing streets until its too late. Parents can also take the lead in protecting their children by purchasing brightly colored, highly visible costumes that do not interfere with the child’s ability to see, hear or walk. Stripes of reflective tape should be added to darker-colored costumes and trick or treat bags. Carrying a lightstick or flashlight also helps. Finally, Moms and Dads should take time to review safety behaviors with their little Halloweeners, paying attention to their surroundings and the dangers that traffic may present. Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

POTTSVILLE - Just like a football team who's leading at halftime, the Schuylkill United Way 2008 campaign is building momentum for a great second half. With a month left in the million-dollar campaign to help 16 member agencies, the organization is slightly ahead of last year's total, with 38 percent, or $380-thousand-dollars accounted for so far. Schuylkill United Way relies on people from all walks of life to help them reach their goals. From individual contributions, Pacesetters who give a quick start to the employee campaigns at area businesses, every dollar helps those in need. The Tamaqua portion of the campaign typically raises 10 percent of the overall goal. Currently, they stand at just over $31-thousand-dollars, or 23 percent of its $135-thousand-dollar goal. All monies raised during the Schuylkill United Way campaign stays right here in the county. The "We Are…Community Strong" campaign ends in mid-November. To contribute, call Schuylkill United Way at 622-6421.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - More communities are getting a financial boost to help their recycling efforts. Another round of $5.5 million dollars is going to 267 communities, including three in Schuylkill County. Governor Rendell announced the awards this week. Mahanoy City is in line for $812 dollars, Schuylkill Haven borough will receive nearly $17-thousand-dollars, and Tamaqua, $76-hundred-dollars. The commonwealth's commitment to recycling has helped lead to record collection levels. In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in waste disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577 million. The grants awarded reflect 2005 collections.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - A threat from Iran. A top commander of the country's Revolutionary Guards says Iran is capable of firing 11,000 rockets into enemy bases within the first minute of any attack. State media say the Guards will soon have rockets with a 155-mile-range.

BAGHDAD (AP) - At least three people are dead after a roadside bomb hit a minibus on the road from Baghdad to the mostly Shiite city of Hillah today. In southern Iraq, police say 30 suspected Shiite militants have been rounded up in joint U.S.-Iraqi raids.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Several stores in Washington have boarded up their windows to prevent vandalism by people protesting the weekend meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Police say there were no arrests during protests last night, but one woman was struck in the head with a brick.

DETROIT (AP) - Authorities in Detroit have charged a man with killing "a very close associate," a woman and her two children in their sleep. The four were found in a house that neighbors call a hub of drug activity. The suspect, Patrick Smith, is being held without bail.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Bill Maher has taken security into his own hands. The political comedian helped security push a rowdy protester out of the audience of his weekly HBO show last night. The man was shouting about a 9/11 conspiracy and wouldn't shut up.