Today's News-Friday, May 2nd

Dr. Terry Madonna, Professor of Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College and a nationally recognized political pollster was guest speaker at the annual Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon held Thursday. Dr. Madonna spoke about this year’s election, calling it the most unusual presidential election in his lifetime:

MADONNA

Madonna said the country's voters could very well elect a women or an African American for President:

MADONNA

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 90th year of existence during the luncheon. State Senator Jim Rhoades presented the Chamber with a Senate citation and County Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier presented the Chamber with a county citation.

Employers and educators from across northeastern Pennsylvania need workers and students. That was the message sent yesterday at the "Get Going" roadshow at the Schuylkill Technology Center's Airport Campus yesterday, as the Northeast PA Logistics and Transportation Industry Partnership held its job and career fair. Surveys of employers across the state indicate that workers are desparately needed in the transportation and logistics field. Paul O'Mallia, of the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board says that got the ball rolling:

O'MALLIA

High school students and older workers stopped by the vendors booths, to talk about opportunities for jobs, and careers in transportation and logistics. Four more of these events will be held in the coming weeks across northeast Pennsylvania. For more information, log on to http://www.nepapeopleonthemove.org/.

National Day of Prayer was observed yesterday across the country. Schuylkill countians gathered at the courthouse to pray. A crowd of more than 50 people sang songs, prayed and showed their faith at noontime. Pastor Harold Alexander, of the Church of the Broken Pieces in Minersville organized the event. He talks about the significance of the National Day of Prayer, and the importance of prayer in the founding of our country:

ALEXANDER

Members of the clergy, the community, businesses and the media participated during the ceremony. The theme for this years event was "Prayer: America's Strength and Shield."

The first part of certifying the primary election has been completed. Schuylkill County Election Bureau Director Betty Dries made the announcement yesterday. Anyone wishing to contest the results of the primary, should contact the voter bureau within 5 days. If no petitions are received within that timeframe, the election results will be officially certified.

A Minersville man has been charged with sexually assaulting two teenaged girls. Minersville police report that 19-year-old Matthew Lazovi is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 12 and 14 year old girl on several occasions. Their investigation has led to charges being filed. Lazovi is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, statutory sexual assault and other offenses. Police made the announcement yesterday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A state audit says Pennsylvania's environmental agency has failed to ensure that all of the state's dams undergo required inspections. Auditor General Jack Wagner also says the Department of Environmental Protection is lax on penalizing dam owners for violations. The DEP's top official responded by saying the agency has already addressed most of the concerns raised in the audit.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The weak dollar, a sluggish economy and a tougher time getting some types of student loans is making it harder for some U.S. college students to study or travel abroad this summer. Universities with large study abroad programs are making changes to keep destinations within budget. Some smaller programs are struggling to find enough students to make the trips feasible.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Whether experts call it a recession, some Philadelphia pawn shop owners say there's no doubt economic woes are increasing traffic to their doors. Nat Leonard tells The Philadelphia Inquirer he's seeing many first-time customers at his Society Hill Loan pawnshop. He says they include business owners who pawn items to make payrolls, something he has never seen
before.

EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Franciscan priest from Altoona is on probation for 23 months for having sex with an inmate at the state prison at Cresson and supplying him with alcohol. Sixty-seven-year-old Rev. Gerard Connolly was sentenced to probation Thursday. Connolly was once a chaplain at the prison. The inmate, William Victor, is serving time for an armed sexual assault
and attempted robbery in the Poconos.

MUNHALL, Pa. (AP) - A former Munhall police officer is charged with trying to solicit sex from underage girls and offering them $1,000 to suck their toes. In February, 36-year-old Michael Curtin was fired from his job as a Munhall police officer. Police say Curtin's association with underage girls began in January 2006. They say he supplied alcohol to at least three teenage girls.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Economists are expecting a rise in the unemployment rate when the Labor Department releases the April figures this morning. The rate is expected to jump a 10th of a point to 5.2 percent. It would mark the fourth straight month of the economy losing jobs.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former presidential candidate Christopher Dodd says the long and bitter fight for the Democratic presidential nomination is hurting the party. The Connecticut senator is supporting Barack Obama and says the ongoing battle between Obama and Hillary Clinton is making it harder for the party to win in the fall.

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been questioned by police investigators. Authorities aren't saying what about, but Olmert is a suspect in several corruption affairs. The questioning is certain to further tarnish the reputation of the already unpopular leader.

BAGHDAD (AP) - At least 36 people are dead following a double suicide bombing last night during a wedding procession in a town northeast of Baghdad. The U.S. military blames al-Qaida-in-Iraq amid concerns militants are regrouping.

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - A bride and groom have pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in New York state after being arrested at their wedding reception after a spat with the band. The bride is accused of trashing a set of bongo drums and breaking a speaker in a dispute over the music.