Today's news - Monday, June 30, 2008

Deal on Pa. budget averts threatened shutdown

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell struck a deal on a new state budget early this morning, averting possible furloughs of 25,000 state workers and a partial government shutdown. Rendell, flanked by state House and Senate leaders from both parties, called it "a good budget." He says there was a lot of give and take on the budget:

RENDELL

The fine print will be hammered out by legislative staffers in the coming days. But leaders described it as a $28.2 billion spending plan that represents a 3.8 percent increase over the past year's spending. The "rainy day" contingency fund will not be tapped, but a transfer from the past year's surplus also will be withheld. The governor says the deal involves a compromise on energy policy and will result in $350 million spent this year to fix about 400 of the state's most dangerous bridges. He says the deal will also result in $800 million going to water and sewer system upgrades over the next few years. The budget accord was announced less than 24 hours before the expiration of the fiscal year at midnight.

Pottsville man dies in motorcycle crash

We now know the identity of the man who died in a motorcycle crash in Pottsville Saturday night. 42-year-old Bryan Harman died around 10pm when his motorcycle lost control on a curve near Dunkin Donuts on Route 61 He hit a guide-rail and a utility pole. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Police say that Harman was not wearing a helmet.

Senate passes bill for PACE enrollees

PACE and PACENET enrollees received some good news Saturday from the state Senate. Senate Bill 4 passed, preventing PACE and PACENET enrollees from losing prescription benefits due to cost of living adjustments. State Senator Jim Rhoades is the prime sponsor of the bill. Participants could still remain enrolled and eligible for the programs, if they exceed the maximum income limit due to a Social Security cost of living adjustment. Under the legislation, the exemption for PACENET would be retroactive to December 31, 2007, while the exemption would begin for PACE recipients on December 31, 2008. The exemption would remain in effect until the end of 2010. The bill now moves onto the House of Representatives for consideration.

DUI related crash on Route 61 Sunday morning

A Pottsville man suffered only minor injuries in a Sunday morning crash on Route 61. Schuylkill Haven state police say that 27-year-old Jason Hewes was northbound on 61 near Enterprise Rent A Car when he lost control and his car went up an embankment. The vehicle rolled over several times, coming to rest on its roof. Troopers believe that Hewes was driving under the influence of alcohol. He consented to blood tests at Pottsville Hospital. Charges are pending the result of those tests. The crash happened after 2am Sunday.

Indecent exposure at KMart

Frackville state police are looking for a man who exposed himself at a local shopping mall last night. Around 5:30pm, a white male, in his 50's, exposed himself to two juveniles while they were shopping with their grandmother at K-Mart at the Schuylkill Mall. The man is described as being 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 10 inches tall, approximately 200 to 225 pounds., with a goatee and brown, graying hair. If anyone has information about this man, please call Frackville state police at 874-5300.

Assault in McAdoo

A McAdoo man is jailed following an altercation with another man Saturday night. Just before midnight, 54-year-old Francis Ruta and 27-year-old Dominic Yates were fighting at an East Washington Street home in McAdoo. According to state police at Frackville, Ruta attempted to hit Yates in the head with a frying pan, then threatened him with a knife. After pushing and shoving continued, Yates left the home and called police. Ruta was arraigned on charges and taken to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing will be held in the near future.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell havestruck a deal on a new state budget. The early-morning agreementaverts possible furloughs of 25,000 state workers and a partialgovernment shutdown.

SAYRE, Pa. (AP) - A Bradford County man is dead afterconfronting police with a gun. Police went to the home of44-year-old Norman Fuller in Ridgeburg Township near Sayre earlySunday to check on his welfare. Police say Fuller was shot andkilled by state troopers.

LATROBE, Pa. (AP) - State police say a tree fell on a car inWestmoreland County, causing fatal injuries to the driver. The manwas pronounced dead at Westmoreland Hospital after the tree fell onthe car in Unity Township on Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Police say a man with a sawed-off shotgunforced five employees of a Philadelphia restaurant into a walk-infreezer during a robbery. The gunman took the Boston Marketworkers' personal belongings and money from the cash register andfled.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A federal appeals court in Philadelphia is scheduled to hear arguments about an Egyptian man fighting deportation. Sameh Khouzam, a Coptic Christian, says his murder conviction is a sham and that the Egyptian government wants to torture him over his religion.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Feeling the pinch over soaring gas prices? Nine in 10 people in a new Associated Press-Yahoo News poll expect the ballooning costs to squeeze them financially over the next six months. Nearly half think that hardship will be serious. AAA saysthe average price today is $4.09 a gallon. Oil has topped $142 a barrel.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The head of a helicopter company involved in the deadly Arizona collision says it would be rare fortwo medical helicopters to be trying to land at a hospital at the same time. Six people died and a seventh person was critically hurt when two choppers collided in mid-air near Flagstaff Medical Center. Two patients are among the dead.

FOLEY, Mo. (AP) - Barring any major storms, the Mississippi River is expected to crest in St. Louis today and in southeastMissouri by Wednesday. As the water recedes, people in some rivertowns in Missouri and Illinois are left to ponder whether they should rebuild, or move away, to higher ground.

AUSTELL, Ga. (AP) - The Batman roller coaster at Six Flags over Georgia will remain closed today out of respect for the SouthCarolina teenager killed when he was struck by the ride Saturday. Asia Ferguson's father says they may never know why he hopped twofences to enter a restricted area.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - No bombs, just a sonic boom. Pakistan's air force says a fighter jet that broke the sound barrier caused the loud blasts near the capital, Islamabad, today.The noise triggered fears of a militant attack amid a Pakistan in offensive against extremists.

Today's News-Saturday, June 28th

POTTSVILLE - Pottsville police and the FBI have a lead on a suspect in the Dec. 13 armed robbery of Murphy Jewelers, Detective Glenn A. Dove said Friday. According to the Republican and Herald, Dove said the suspect is from Chester, Delaware County, and is an inmate at Delaware County Prison on unrelated charges. Dove would offer no further details. The robbery occurred at 7:21 p.m. Dec. 13, Dove said. According to the timer on Murphy's security video tape, the incident lasted about a minute.

POTTSVILLE - A Mahanoy City man will go to state prison and be subject to Megan's Law sanctions when released after being sentenced Friday in Schuylkill County Court on charges of having improper contact with two girls in the borough. According to the Republican and Herald, Antonios Anastasopoulos, 50, continued to protest his innocence as Judge John E. Domalakes sentenced him to spend nine months to five years in a state correctional institution. Domalakes also imposed Megan's Law sanctions on Anastasopoulos for 10 years after he leaves prison. The judge concurred with the finding of the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board that Anastasopoulos is not a sexually violent predator; that finding would have meant lifetime Megan’s Law sanctions against the defendant.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Legislators are resigned to the prospect of working through the weekend - even though leaders say they're making progress toward a budget agreement three days before the end of the fiscal year. Without an agreement by Monday, Governor Ed Rendell could order a partial government shut-down as early as 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, idling state parks and driver license centers and sending thousands of government employees home without pay. At issue is the roughly 28 (b) billion-dollar state budget. Negotiators on both sides say they're narrowing numerous differences over the level of spending and how to plug a hole left by this year's smaller-than-expected surplus. Still, talks tonight did not go well, with Republicans and Democrats expressing frustration with the other after the session broke up. Negotiators plan to meet tomorrow, and House and Senate voting sessions are scheduled each day through Monday.

LEBANON, Pa. (AP) - Police in Lebanon have released the names of two people killed in what they believe was a murder-suicide. Investigators say 43-year-old Raymond William Zegowitz killed 23-year-old Khrystina Ann Bixa and then himself. They say the shootings followed an apparent argument early Thursday at the Green Tree Village apartments. The bodies were found at about 10 a.m. Thursday after Bixa's boss called police when she failed to show up for work. Police say the couple's two young children were in the home when police found the bodies, but investigators do not know where the children were during the shootings. Police say the boys are staying with relatives.

TROY, Missouri (AP) - The National Guard says Winfield, Missouri, families whose homes are threatened after a second levee breach have been moved to safety. Water started coming into the town after a sandbag levee leaned from the pressure of rising water. It had been hastily built after the town's earthen levee failed yesterday.

KHYBER AGENCY, Pakistan (AP) - Officials say Pakistani forces bombarded suspected militant hideouts with mortar shells today and have taken control. It was the launch of a major offensive against Taliban fighters threatening the main city in the country's volatile northwest. The area is a key route for moving U.S. military supplies into Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama says a planned summer trip to key nations in Europe and the Middle East will help him assess the situation in countries critical to American national security, and to consult with friends and allies about common challenges. The campaign had already announced plans for a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan this summer.

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - President Bush is using his radio address to praise religious charities. He says with some federal financing, the groups have made a "remarkable difference," helping to reduce homelessness, finding jobs for former inmates and fighting diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS overseas.

NEW YORK (AP) - If two baseball teams split a double-header, how does the home team end up losing both games? The Mets and Yankees have answered that riddle. Yesterday afternoon, the Mets beat the Bronx Bombers 15-6 at Yankee stadium. The two clubs then traveled to Shea Stadium in Queens for the nightcap. The Yankees took that one 9-0.

Today's news - Friday, June 27, 2008

Skook-a-Palooza cancelled

The Skook A Palooza event has been cancelled. The music fesitval, originally scheduled for this weekend at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, then moved to Club Paparazzi in Frackville, has been cancelled and the organizer, Neil Moyer, arrested for using a stolen ATM card. The Republican and Herald reports that Moyer was arrested on charges of using a stolen ATM card and made a withdrawal of $105 dollars from a checking account. Moyer was picked up by Pottsville police on a warrant from Schuylkill Haven PD. Moyer reportedly posted bail. The benefit concert was scheduled to help local charitable organizations. It had to be moved due to contract issues between Moyer and FARM, the parent organization of the Schuylkill County Fair. Moyer reportedly was unable to satisfy terms of the rental agreement.

Fire destroys Cressona home

A Cressona woman’s home was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. 78-year-old Betty Moyer was not home at the time of the 2pm blaze. She lived alone there. Incident Commander John Woleschok (wall-eh-shock) tells us what they found on arrival:

WOLESCHOK

The home was filled with alot of stuff, according to Woleschok, making access to the inside of the home difficult. Firefighters had to vent the roof in several places to fight the blaze from the attic. Crews from Cressona and a number of other communities were on scene to provide relief due to the heat and humidity, working in platoons to fight the fire. State police fire marshal John Burns said that the fire started in the dining room of the home, possibly caused by a light fixture. Damages are estimated at more than $35-thousand-dollars. Cressona Assistant Fire Chief Jim Krammes Jr. suffered a laceration to his hand. An adjoining property had exterior damage.

Man steals prescription drugs

Tamaqua police are looking for a robber who stole painkillers from a borough pharmacy Thursday. The suspect, described as a white male, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and a handkerchief over his face entered Shafer's Pharmacy and demanded Oxycodone from a store clerk. The clerk handed over a handful of bottles and the suspect fled. He was last seen getting into a dark colored vehicle driven by a white female, headed toward the Coaldale area. Police say that the drugs were valued at $500 dollars, but have an estimate street value of more than $20-thousand-dollars. Anyone with information about the robbery should call Tamaqua police at 668-6100.

Assault in West Brunswick

An Auburn man is jailed following an incident Wednesday night. Around 10pm, Schuylkill Haven state police were notified that a domestic dispute was taking place at 2144 Market Street, Auburn.
36-year-old Brian Galen and Karen Spotts were arguing. Galen left, and returned a short time later, breaking down a back door. Galen is accused of slapping and pushing Spotts, and a 13 year old female, and reportedly threatened to shoot a 15 year old male with a sawed-off shotgun. Galen was arrested and charged with aggravated and simple assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and possessing a prohibited offensive weapon. Galen was arraigned via video conference at the Schuylkill County Prison.


Coal mine accident investigation report

Federal and state investigators say a coal miner killed last week by falling debris at an eastern Pennsylvania anthracite mine was working in an unprotected area. Investigators could not immediately say why Robert Carey was in a section of the mine that lacked ceiling supports. Forty-five-year-old Carey was killed June 16 by falling rocks or coal inside the Harmony Mine near Mount Carmel. He was an assistant foreman from Shamokin with nine years of experience. Tom Rathbun, of the state Department of Environmental Protection, says a joint investigation by the agency's Bureau of Mine Safety and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration found that roof supports were in place as required in other parts of the mine. Officials have given the mine's owner, Mount Carmel-based UAE Coal Corp. Associates, permission to resume normal production. Carey's death was the third fatal mining accident in Pennsylvania this year.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissionofficials are expected to appear Friday before a state Housecommittee considering the proposed 75-year lease of the turnpike.But the House Transportation Committee chairman says he stillthinks the idea is "insufficient to achieve what the goal ishere."

LONDON (AP) - A group of British lawmakers is criticizing Heinzfor pulling a TV spot that showed two men kissing. Six legislatorsfrom the governing Labor Party say the decision was"ill-considered" and likely to offend homosexuals. They'recalling on the Pittsburgh-based ketchup maker to reconsider.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - Geisinger Health System says 400employees at its South Wilkes-Barre campus will lose their jobs ina restructuring of its two Luzerne County medical campuses. Thechief medical officer of Geisinger Northeast says same-day, urgentcare and outpatient care services will continue at the SouthWilkes-Barre facility.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The City of Philadelphia has a new 10-year,10-step action plan to revitalize the Delaware River waterfront.Mayor Michael Nutter says it will begin with a transformation ofthe Penn's Landing Corp. The agency has been marked by secrecy andscandal since its creation in 1970.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The state Department of Agriculture saysthe emerald ash borer has been found in Mercer County. The invasivebeetle was discovered in Butler and Allegheny counties last summer.Officials are surveying this year to gauge whether the insect hasspread.

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks are headed for a lower open today,even after yesterday's tumultuous dive. Already, oil is above $142a barrel. Ahead of today's data releases, the Dow futures fell 57,to 11,405.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton aren't justtalking like they're on the same page after a bitter presidentialprimary, they're showing it, in a town called Unity no less. Thetwo will campaign together in the New Hampshire town today.

YONGBYON, North Korea (AP) - The most visible symbol of NorthKorea's nuclear weapons program is gone, as the communist regimeblasted apart the cooling tower at its main atomic reactor. Thatcomes 20 months after Pyongyang detonated a nuclear bomb,confirming its status as an atomic power.

BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military says a ceremony handing oversecurity in Anbar province to the Iraqis is postponed becausesandstorms are in the forecast. The announcement also comes a dayafter a suicide attack in the province killed more than 20 people,including three U.S. Marines. No new ceremony has been scheduledyet.

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Paramilitary police and bands of rulingparty militants in Zimbabwe are hauling people into pollingstations to vote in the country's presidential runoff election.Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai (SVAHN'-gur-eye) got the mostvotes in the first round, but withdrew from the runoff after anintense campaign of state-sponsored violence against his backers.

Today's news - Thursday, June 26, 2008

Truck crash in Gordon

A runaway truck on the Gordon Mountain road nearly misses a home at the bottom of the hill. A rig loaded with canned goods, driven by Otis Frazier of South Carolina, lost control of the truck and hit a utility pole, coming to rest on its side in the yard of Harry and Carol Cheeseman, only a few feet from the home. Frazier was removed from the vehicle and flown to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment.

Netchel will go to trial

A Mount Carmel man, accused of taking his elderly mother from a Pottsville nursing home, will face trial on all counts. 58-year-old Robert Netchel took his 83-year-old mother Ruthann, from Schuylkill Nursing Center on April 30th. She died the next day. Employees at the nursing home attempted to stop Netchel during the incident. A hearing was held yesterday at the office of District Judge Charles Moran, and he determined that Netchel will go to trial on counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, kidnapping and related counts. Netchel is free on bail, awaiting trial.

Haven man injured in motorcycle crash

A Schuylkill Haven man was injured in a motorcycle crash in Pottsville Wednesday morning. 32-year-old Kenneth Schultz was headed north on Route 90, and 71-year-old John Hester of Auburn was attempting to turn south on 901 from Sharp Mountain Plaza when the two collided. Schultz was taken to Pottsville Hospital, then flown to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. An unidentified passenger was on Schultz's motorcycle. The crash happened around 11am.

Spot appeals legislation moving forward

The issue of spot tax assessment appeals continues to be a focus of two Schuylkill County lawmakers in Harrisburg. The practice, where taxing authorities reassess properties when they are sold to increase property tax revenue, has been an ongoing problem. Representative Tim Seip and Senator Jim Rhoades are pressing Harrisburg to limit when the reassessments can take place. Rhoades explains:

RHOADES

The Senate Finance Committee yesterday approved legislation to close the "spot" assessment appeal. House Bill 1438, introduced by Representative Seip, addresses the same problem. Taxpayers have presented testimony in hearings in the county in recent months about spikes in their property tax bills because of the "spot" assessments. If approved, the legislation would set specific limits when a reassessment can take place. Local taxing authorities could only appeal an assessment if a property is subdivided or when improvements are added or removed.

Rock removal going on in northern Schuylkill

Motorists traveling on Route 924 have been experiencing traffic delays as work continues to shore up rock facing. Delays of up to 20 minutes at a time are in place as a Penn DOT contractor is working to prevent rocks from falling on the road. Traffic stoppages are expected through the early part of July, in Gilberton and Frackville and West Mahanoy Township.

Prison Kitchen improvements approved

The Schuylkill County Commissioners approved the purchase of new kitchen equipment for the county prison during their Wednesday meeting held at Shenandoah Borough Hall. The equipment will be purchased from Singer Equipment Company of Elverson. Because the county received Singer’s quote as part of a state contract, the equipment did not have to be put out to bid. The equipment will be paid for with funds from DUI fines. In other business, the Commissioners approved a contract for the installation of ductless air conditioning systems for the offices of Judge Jacqueline Russell at a cost of $6,300.00. They also approved the advertisement for bids for Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at the William Penn Fire Company. Also approved was a contract for a sanitary sewer extension project East Norwegian Township to B&R Construction, Harrisburg for just over $21,500.00. This was the third time this year the Commissioners meeting was held outside the courthouse.

Commissioners on road trip

For the third time this year, the Schuylkill County Commissioners convened their Wednesday meeting outside of the courthouse. Wednesday’s session was held at Shenandoah Borough hall. Commissioner Chairwoman Mantura Gallagher said it’s an opportunity to bring county government to the people:

Gallagher

Previously this year the commissioners met in Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua. The Commissioners heard from Doug Fallon, who spoke from the audience in favor of keeping coal as the heating source for the courthouse and prison. Commissioner Gallagher said the county is only accepting proposals and have not made a decision on a heating source. She said the bottom line is money. She said they are looking to lower the burden on the long suffering taxpayers. Other proposals have been received to keep coal as the primary heating source.

UNDATED (AP) - Republican John McCain will be in the swing stateof Ohio again today. Democrat Barack Obama takes his presidentialcampaign to Pittsburgh, before heading to Washington, wherevanquished rival Hillary Clinton plans to introduce him to some ofher best fundraisers.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A state House vote has movedPennsylvania's system of collecting local wage taxes closer to anoverhaul. The House voted 171-to-29 on Wednesday to amend the LocalTax Enabling Act to streamline the state's system of collectingearned income taxes. The measure still requires approval by thestate Senate.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A state investigation has found that two girls living in a Saylorsburg group home were on their way to aNarcotics Anonymous meeting when they overdosed on more than twodozen methadone pills that were stolen from a counselor. One of thegirls died. The other girl faces what a relative says will be alifetime of care.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A beer company is drawing fire for puttingup malt liquor ads in graffiti-style paintings that mimic themurals that Philadelphia uses to fight blight. The Colt 45 maltliquor ads show comic-book-style characters clutching bottles andcans of beer. Jane Golden, the director of the city's Mural ArtsProgram, calls them "distasteful."

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh's Roman Catholic bishop iscanceling some appointments over the next few days so he can serveas a juror in a criminal trial. Bishop David Zubik will be known asJuror Number 9 in a home invasion and sex assault trial scheduledto start today in Allegheny County court.

SUPREME COURT (AP) - The U.S. Supreme Court wraps up its termtoday with a major case still pending. The court is to rule on theconstitutionality of Washington D.C.'s handgun ban. The decisioncould spell out for the first time whether individuals have a rightto own guns.

BAGHDAD (AP) - There's been another attack on a municipalgovernment building in Iraq. Police say at least 12 people died inan attack today in a town outside Baghdad. Four Americans wereamong 10 people killed Tuesday in a bombing at a government officein Baghdad.

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - A forecast of more lightning could meanmore problems for hard-pressed firefighters in California. Oneblaze spanning nearly 30 square miles is threatening thepicturesque coastal town of Big Sur.

UNDATED (AP) - Republican John McCain campaigns again today in
Ohio. Democrat Barack Obama is in Pittsburgh looking for votes, before heading to Washington in search of dollars. Former rival Hillary Clinton will be introducing him to her top fundraisers.

PARMA, Ohio (AP) - TV host Drew Carey is sending out for pizzato celebrate Saturday's season finale of his Price-is-Rightgameshow. And putting a whole new spin on "takeout," He's having45 pies flown to Los Angeles from his favorite pizzeria back inParma, Ohio. That's $450 for the pizzas, plus delivery and tip.

Today's news - Wednesday, June 25, 2008

NE Pa. man sentenced: took sexual photos of girl

POTTSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A Tamaqua man who admitted taking videos and photographs of a girl sexually exposed and engaged in sex acts has been sentenced to state prison. Thirty-seven-year-old Timothy Dunstan was sentenced to 12 to 24 months Monday on charges of indecent assault, corruption of minors and sexual abuse. He pleaded guilty to the counts in March, after charges of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated indecent assault were dropped. Dunstan told Schuylkill County President Judge William Baldwin, "I know my actions were wrong." He asked the judge to let him stay in the county prison to continue attending weekly group therapy sessions for sex offenders. Dunstan cried as he finished his statement. Dunstan's ex-wife had reported him to police.

MedEvac to resume flights from Pottsville-rewrite

The MedEvac helicopter, based at the Mazzuca helipad in Pottsville, is expected to resume operations again next week. WPPA/T102 News first reported the announcement yesterday morning, in a press release from Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac and Mazzuca spokesman, Attorney Sud Patel. A helicopter crashed right after takeoff on May 30th, near the helipad in the west end of Pottsville. Crew members suffered minor injuries. The parties involved have determined that based on preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration into the crash, they have decided to re-establish flights from the site. Patel said that they based their decision on the "tremendous reputation" and experience of Lehigh Valley and the MedEvac program and the lives that have been saved. Hospital officials believe that the crash was an isolated incident. Residents in the Mount Hope section of Pottsville, near the helipad, raised concerns at this month's Pottsville city council meeting about resuming the flights after the crash.

New IU chief named

An area educator has been named the new Executive Director of the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit. Dr. Diane Niederriter (need-ur-writer), Superintendent of the Williams Valley School District, has been named to replace Dr. Gerald Achenbach, who is retiring. Niederriter has been with the district for 12 years. She will also be the Chief School Administrator for the Schuylkill Technology Center. She was chosen for the position based on the fact that she knows the needs of the IU 29 school districts and the operation of its programs, considering that she has been a Schuylkill County educator. She holds a Doctorate Degree from Temple University, and undergraduate degrees from Slippery Rock and Edinboro Universities. The Intermediate Unit provides services to the county's 12 school districts and private schools, along with pre-school and adult programs.

Pottsville Hospital earns 5 stars for maternity care

The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic has earned a 5 star rating for its maternity care by an independent healthcare ratings company. HealthGrades announced the award yesterday. Michael Peckman, Public Relations and Marketing Director at the hospital explains:

PECKMAN 1

Hospitals submit statistical data to the rating agency about their maternity operations as part of the ranking process. In addition, the hospital was ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation for its maternity operations. This is the third year in a row for that award. Pottsville Hospital also received the HealthGrades Maternity Care Service Excellence Award, the only hospital in our region to be given that honor. Peckman said that these accolades are a reflection of the staff's hard work:

PECKMAN 2

HealthGrades analyzed over 12 million hospital delivery and neonatal records for the years 2004-2006. For a complete look at the ratings, log on to www. healthgrades.com.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Legislation to force Pennsylvania'smassive public sector pension funds to unload investments inforeign companies tied to Iran and Sudan has won a key House vote.The teachers' pension fund and state government employee pensionfund would have 16 months to sell the holdings.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The AFL-CIO is on the verge of endorsingBarack Obama for president. The leaders of the nation's largestlabor organization started voting Tuesday on whether to endorseObama's presidential nomination. The voting is being done by fax.It is expected to end on Thursday.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A Penn State University forecast saysnatural gas royalties earned by Pennsylvania landowners will ripplethrough the broader state economy. Energy companies are rushing tolock up rights to suddenly valuable deposits of natural gas.

BREINIGSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Lehigh County Executive Don Cunninghamis offering 12 acres of county-owned land to lure the U.S.Bicycling Hall of Fame. The hall of fame collection was located forseveral years in a Somerville, N.J., storefront. The countycommissioners plan to vote on the proposal today.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The FBI says a 19th century painting worthtens of thousands of dollars is missing from the Philadelphia ParkSystems office. The John Woodside painting "Fairmount WaterWorks" is gone. It is believed to have been made around 1842. TheFBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information.

HENDERSON, Ky. (AP) - Police say a worker at a plastics plant in Henderson, Kentucky, argued with a supervisor early today beforefatally shooting four people, then killing himself. Two otherpeople were injured. Police say the shooter used a handgun he gotfrom home on a break.

WINFIELD, Mo. (AP) - The Mississippi River may crest today at Winfield, Missouri, where officials hope a fragile levee will holdback floodwaters. Volunteers have been filling tens of thousands ofsandbags to shore up the waterlogged berm.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - A foreclosure rescue bill is on track topass the Senate, despite President Bush's threat to veto it.Democrats are fighting over key details that could delay a finaldeal on cheaper loans for 400,000 struggling homeowners.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama's campaign could be givingHillary Clinton some debt relief. Obama's asking key fundraisers tohelp Clinton erase at least 10 million dollars in debt from thebruising primary season. She's more than 22 million dollars in thered.

SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil has been above $137 a barrel in Europeantrading today, amid concerns that demand for gasoline in the U.S isweakening. Several recent reports have offered evidence thatAmericans are driving less because of prices topping $4 a gallon.

Today's news - Tuesday, June 24, 2008

BREAKING NEWS......1025AM

MedEvac to resume flights from Pottsville

Medical transport services, operated by Lehigh Valley MedEvac, will resume sometime next week at the Mazzuca helipad in Pottsville. In a press release, the parties involved have determined that based on findings from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration into the crash of the helicopter on May 30th, they will resume the flights. Mazzuca spokesperson Attorney Sud patel said that they based their decision on the "tremendous reputation" and experience of Lehigh Valley and the MedEvac program and the lives that have been saved. Hospital officials believe that the crash, which injured two crew members, was an isolated incident. Residents in the Mount Hope section of Pottsville, near the helipad, raised concerns at this month's Pottsville city council meeting about resuming the flights after the crash. We'll have comments from the parties involved and more details at wpparadio.com.

Fight in Frackville

A man had to be flown from the scene of a fight in Frackville early Saturday due to injuries. Frackville borough police say that a brawl broke out around 1:15am on South Line Street between two unidentified men. The victim is in Lehigh Valley Hospital in stable condition. Arrests are pending.


Flood bill passes House

A key piece of legislation to reduce flood-related damage has passed the House of Representatives. We told you last week that House Bill 2539 moved out of the House Environmental and Energy Committee to provide DEP authority to aid communities who are susceptible to flooding, before the waters rise. Floodplain and flood proofing management are key components of the bill. Now, according to Schuylkill County Representative Tim Seip, the legislation could help communities like Pine Grove and Schuylkill Haven, who incurred several million dollars in damages during the 2006 floods. House Bill 2539 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.


Damages on Bartram Trail

The picturesque Bartram Trail along the Schuylkill River provides recreation for many. Now, vandals have done damage to the trailhead near Landingville. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area manages the walking and biking trail, that spans a good part of the more than 100-mile stretch of the Schuylkill. Fences have been broken and handicap signs removed. Officials of the heritage area said that repairs will be made, but it may take some time. According to the Republican and Herald, the split rail fence will be replaced with boulders. The 1.5 mile section opened last September.


New Philly home burglarized

A home on Water Street in New Philadelphia was burglarized over the weekend. An unknown thief entered the home at 124B Water Street, through an unlocked door, and removed a PlayStation gaming system and games worth $800 dollars.


Armed robbery at Ashland convenience

An Ashland man is under arrest for holding up a borough convenience store Sunday night. Officers from Ashland PD were called to Turkey Hill, 1638 Centre Street around midnight, and found that 24-year-old Bryan Uroskie had entered the store, brandishing a knife and wearing sunglasses and a bandana, demanding money. The clerk handed Uroskie money from the register, and he fled on foot. Surveillance footage and other leads led them to Uroskie. Items tying him to the robbery, and the cash were found at his home. Uroskie was charged with three counts of robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and other counts by Ashland police. He was arraigned via video conference and sent to county prison in lieu of $25-thousand-dollars bail.


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Lawmakers are entering the last week of the state's fiscal year attempting to piece together far-reaching policies as well as crafting a $28 billion spending plan. Gov. Ed Rendell's chief of staff says there are no major policy differences to delay a conclusion to negotiatons in the next week or so.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Philadelphia police officer was shot in the arm early this morning, but authorities say he and his partner still managed to capture two robbery suspects. The wounded officer, a 29-year veteran of the force, was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in good condition.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Dauphin County judge is being asked to quash subpoenas issued to some of the 15 journalists summoned to testify at a hearing on whether the secrecy of a grand jury investigation into casino owner Louis DeNaples was compromised. Lawyers for The Associated Press and The Morning Call of Allentown argue that their reporters' articles did not reveal the inner workings of the investigation.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Two former Duquesne University basketball players who were shot in an on-campus shooting in 2006 are suing the university for negligence. Kojo Mensah and Shawn James accuse the university of not providing adequate security at a dance held in September 2006.

ERIE, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania State Police say a woman charged in the drunken-driving death of her son went to a bar after his funeral instead of reporting back to jail. Erin Howard is accused of driving drunk when crashing into a creek bank on June 14th, killing her six-year-old son. Howard is now charged with escape.

NEW YORK (AP) - Don Imus says it was sarcasm. Imus opened his radio show today trying to explain comments about the arrests of suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerbarck Adam Jones. Imus says he was being sarcastic about blacks being arrested for no reason.

WINFIELD, Mo. (AP) - The Mississippi River is receding in some places, but downstream, residents have been sandbagging to shore up levees. The river is expected to hit its high water mark in some parts of Missouri later this week.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Divers have gotten an up-close look inside a ferry that overturned in a typhoon over the weekend. So far, they've found only bodies inside the vessel. More than 800 people were on board when it capsized. Thirty-eight have been rescued.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Fed opens two days of meetings today, but don't expect any more interest cuts. The board is expected to keeps rates where they are in order to keep inflation in check.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Mormon church wants its California members to help amend the state's constitution to ban gay marriage. A letter to Mormon bishops calls for Mormons to donate "means and time" to the ballot measure.

Today's News - Monday, June 23, 2008

BREAKING NEWS AT 1030AM MONDAY

An Ashland man is under arrest for holding up a borough convenience store Sunday night.
Officers from Ashland PD were called to Turkey Hill, 1638 Centre Street around midnight, and found that 24-year-old Bryan Uroskie had entered the store, brandishing a knife and wearing sunglasses and a bandana, demanding money. The clerk handed Uroskie money from the register, and he fled on foot. Surveillance footage and other leads led them to Uroskie. Items tying him to the robbery, and the cash were found at his home. Uroskie was charged with three counts of robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and other counts by Ashland police. He was arraigned via video conference and sent to county prison in lieu of $25-thousand-dollars bail.



More than a year ago, worshippers at the Islamic Society of Schuylkill County suffered a fire at their house of worship in Mechanicsville. After a year of hard work and significant expense, they welcomed the public to an open house Sunday. Members of the congregation and well wishers from all over the county came to the event to unveil an expanded prayer house on East Norwegian Street. Fire heavily damaged the property in April, 2007. Worship leader Dr. Maqsood Malik talks about the road back:
MALIK
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The renovations cost several hundred thousand dollars, funds which came from insurance monies, donations from the more than 100 members of the society and the support of the community. Dr. Malik explains some of the renovations:
MALIK 2
6/23
More than 100 people attended the open house.


Frackville state police are investigating a theft at a Mahanoy Township gym. An unnamed suspect took $16-hundred-dollars in cash and a bottle of prescription medications from Bad Dog Fitness on Route 924. Troopers are asking for the public's help in their investigation. Anyone with information may call the Frackville barracks at 874-5300.


State police are investigating a case of vandalism at a home in Girardville Saturday. Someone entered the home of Sarah Hennessy on Pine Street during the afternoon or evening hours and spray painted the walls of the home, then fled. Frackville state troopers are looking for the vandals.


A New Philadelphia woman suffered moderate injuries in a DUI related crash in East Norwegian Township early Sunday. 21-year-old Malorie Paltanavage was driving south on Route 209 and fell asleep at the wheel. Her Volkswagen Golf hit a utility pole, then rolled on the driver's side and ended up on its roof. Paltanavage left the scene. Schuylkill Haven state police found her at the Pottsville Hospital, and suspected she was driving under the influence of alcohol. She underwent blood tests. The crash happened at 1:45am yesterday.


Troopers from the Schuylkill Haven barracks of the PA State Police are looking for two individuals who broke into the Hegins Community Pool yesterday. Just before 1am, 2 people wearing hooded sweatshirts jumped the fence at the pool and broke into the concession stand. They took an undetermined amount of cash, then fled towards the Hegins Community Park. Anyone with information should call state police at 593-2000.


The Schuylkill Haven community came together yesterday to honor the memory of a beloved doctor and his wife. Dr. Hermann Zwerling, and his wife, Mary, through the Zwerling Trust, made a sizeable contribution to the Haven school district. Sunday, the auditorium was rededicated in their memory. Zwerling practiced medicine in Schuylkill Haven for nearly 5 decades. A crowd of more than 200 people attended the celebration, complete with music from the Schuylkill Haven Elementary's Little Hurricanes, and Metropolitan Opera Tenor Dr. Paul Pitts. A wonderful time was had by all in attendance. The concert was sponsored by Sovereign Bank. Wealth Management Division official Sharlene Hoffman said that the contribution from the Zwerling Trust will keep the memory of the couple alive:
HOFFMAN
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Zwerling came to Schuylkill County in 1947.

TOBYHANNA, Pa. (AP) - A state official says he wants to get lifeguards back on duty at state park beaches in Pennsylvania. It was announced earlier this year that it would have an open swim policy at state parks. The agency says was having a hard time finding guards. Auditor General Jack Wagner says they're needed.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Port Authority of Allegheny County says it will have to cut routes and increase fares unless it can reduce spending by $20 million. Port Authority officials say the savings can be achieved through talks with the unions, but right now health care and pension costs are out of control.

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. (AP) - The state is investigating a series of violent incidents involving people who have received psychiatric treatment at Mayview State Hospital. During the past year, four former Mayview patients have died violently and three have been arrested.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Two townships in suburban Harrisburg are affected by a water main break. Many United Water customers in Susquehanna Township and Lower Paxton Township lost water service Sunday. The utility says when service is restored, customers should boil their water before consuming it.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A plan by Unisys Corp. to put its name up in 11-foot-high red illuminated letters on a landmark Philadelphia skyscraper is drawing protests from luxury condo owners. The city administration says the signs would be a great way to advertise that Philadelphia is becoming a better corporate home.

VIENNA, Austria (AP) - A pledge from Saudi Arabia to boost oil production hasn't kept oil prices from rising. The Saudis have announced they will put out 200,000 additional barrels a day next month and more if needed. Crude prices are up about a dollar today to more than $136 a barrel.

SUPREME COURT (AP) - The Supreme Court is beginning what will almost certainly be its final week of work before its summer break. Justices still have not handed down decisions on cases dealing with gun rights and the death penalty for rape of a child.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A giant in the world of standup comedy has died. George Carlin died of heart failure in California last night at the age of 71. Carlin became a counterculture hero whose defense of free speech in his most famous routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television" led to a key Supreme Court ruling on obscenity.

LOUISIANA, Mo. (AP) - The water is still high on the swollen Mississippi River, but the rise is beginning to stop. More cresting is expected on the river today. Some areas won't see the river hit its high point until Wednesday and are still in danger of flooding.

BEIJING (AP) - Beijing has come up with a plan to ease pollution and save energy in the city: ordering half of its cars off the road. The move is beginning today in an effort to clear the air ahead of the Olympic Games in August.

Today's News-Saturday, June 21st

POTTSVILLE - A gas leak forced swimmers to leave JFK Pool in Pottsville yesterday. Workers installing signs nearly the pool in the city's west end hit a gas line around 2:30pm, forcing the evacuation of several dozen swimmers, according to City Fire Chief Todd March. Air tests were completed and found the area was not at risk. Utility workers from PPL had to repair the line.

MARY D - Residents of Mary D celebrated the dedication of their new community sports complex yesterday. Ball fields, a skating rink, walking path and more complete the facility, which cost nearly $450-thousand-dollars to complete. The endeavor is a public-private partnership that has been in the works for several years. Ten acres of abandoned mine lands was donated by the Blaschak Coal Corporation from Mahanoy City. The baseball and soccer fields will be used and maintained by the Tamaqua Area Baseball Association and the Tamaqua Area Youth Soccer Association. Representative Dave Argall threw out the first pitch, accompanied by Senator Jim Rhoades.

POTTSVILLE - Yesterday was the first day of summer. That means that the Great Pottsville Cruise can't be far behind. Registration for the 15th annual event got underway earlier this week. This year's event will be one of the largest ever, according to Cruise Chairman Jerry Enders. SPEED Channel's Dennis Gage, host of "My Classic Car" and Genevieve Chappell of ESPN2's "Bidding Wars" are slated to appear. Enders said that more than 1-thousand classic cars are expected to participate, along with thousands of spectators during the 5 day event August 6th to 10th. A sweet ride, a 1995 Admiral Blue Corvette is this year's official cruise car, and can be won by some lucky driver who purchases the winning ticket. The cruise car is sponsored by Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. For more information. log on to www.thegreatpottsvillecruise.com, or by calling Enders at 622-9510.

SUNBURY - Convicted murderer Richard Curran gets life in prison without the possibility of parole in Northumberland County. At the request of Tina Curran's family Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini withdrew his attempt to seek the death penalty for Richard Curran Friday morning. Yesterday a jury convicted Curran of first degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-wife Tina Curran on August 24th, 2005 at the Shamokin Community Hospital where she was a nurse. The jury was faced with deciding between the death penalty or life in prison, but Tina Curran's family intervened saying they would rather see Richard Curran spend the rest of his life behind bars.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell's chief of staff says a new law to help Pennsylvania consumers cope with rising electric costs could be part of a state budget deal. Electric-rate caps are set to expire for most of the state's electric customers in 2010 and 2011.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's special-education funding formula is under attack in a federal lawsuit that claims it shortchanges needy urban school districts. The formula assumes that 16 percent of all students in each school district require special-education services.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - State police have arrested four people accused of being part of a scheme to issue Pennsylvania license plates under phony names. Police say some plates bought from the Philadelphia business were used on getaway cars used in serious crimes.

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A former mayor of Weissport, Carbon County, won't have to serve any additional prison time following his guilty plea to a federal drug and weapons charge. A judge says 53-year-old Guy Frehulfer has spent enough time behind bars.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush says Democrats in Congress are blocking his energy proposals, and thus share blame for high gasoline prices. In his weekly radio address, Bush urged Congress to lift its long-standing ban on offshore oil and gas drilling.

ALTON, Ill. (AP) - Emergency workers in Illinois are keeping a close watch on levees along the Mississippi River, but officials say they're feeling guardedly optimistic. A state official says lower crest predictions in a number of places indicate the worst of the flooding may be over.

CRANDON, Wis. (AP) - The home where six people were shot and killed by a jealous sheriff's deputy in Crandon, Wisconsin, last year is no longer standing. Crews demolished it this morning, so a memorial can be built there.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency says he'll quit if Iran is attacked. U.S. officials think an Israeli military exercise this month was a warning to Iran that Israel can hit its nuclear sites. IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei (ehl-BEHR'-uh-day) says an on Iran could turn the Mideast into a "ball of fire."

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico has recovered more than 900 pre-Columbian artifacts seized from smugglers in the U.S. and Canada. Among the items reclaimed were 800-year-old fiber sandals, spears and hunting bows looted from nomadic caves.

Today's News- Friday, June 20th

HAPPY SUMMER!

IT WAS A PACKED COURTROOM THURSDAY AS PARENTS FROM THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOWED UP IN SUPPORT OF THE INJUNCTION TO KEEP THEIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN:

HAMPTON (CLICK TO LISTEN)

THAT WAS ATTORNEY - LLOYD HAMPTON - REPRESENTING THE PARENTS OF RINGTOWN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS. THIS ACTION IS IN RESPONSE TO THE MAY 8TH SCHOOL BOARD’S DECISION TO SHUT DOWN THE SCHOOL BY A 6-TO-2 VOTE. A PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JULY 10TH WHERE BOTH PARTIES WILL REPRESENT THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY IN THE CLOSING OF THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL.

THE HEAD OF THE COUNTY'S CHILDREN AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING APPROVAL TO HIRE THREE NEW CASEWORKERS. GERARD CAMPBELL SOUGHT APPROVAL FOR THE HIRINGS DURING WEDNESDAY'S COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING. HE SAID THE NEED FOR MORE CASEWORKERS REFLECTS THE CASE LOAD AND STATE MANDATES. CAMPBELL SAID HIS BUDGET CAN ABSORD THE NEW POSITIONS. THE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY HAS 45 CASE WORKERS. IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE COMMISSIONERS WERE ASKED TO CONSIDER AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR A SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT IN EAST NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP. B&R CONSTRUCTION SERVICE, HARRISBURG, WAS THE LOW BIDDER OF JUST OVER $21 THOUSAND DOLLARS. APPROVAL WAS ALSO SOUGHT TO ACCEPT A QUOTE FROM YOST MECHANICAL, INC. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FOR INSTALLATION OF DUCTLESS AIR CONDITION SYSTEMS IN THE OFFICES OF JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSEL AT A COST OF $63-HUNDRED-DOLLARS. PERMISSION WAS ALSO SOUGHT TO SEEK BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE WILLIAM PENN FIRE COMPANY TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REGULATIONS. BID OPENING IS SCHEDULED FOR JULY 23RD, WITH THE CONTRACT AWARDING DATE OF AUGUST 13TH.

FIRE HEAVILY DAMAGED A POTTSVILLE HOME LAST NIGHT. THE BLAZE, WHICH STARTED IN THE KITCHEN AT 623 WEST RACE STREET, GUTTED THE HOME OF CLARENCE VIDAL AFTER 8PM. A DOG PERISHED IN THE FIRE. OFFICIALS BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE WAS ACCIDENTAL. THE QUICK WORK OF FIREFIGHTERS PREVENTED THE SPREAD OF THE BLAZE TO ADJOINING ROW HOMES. THEY INCURRED SMOKE DAMAGE.

A PINE GROVE MAN DIED IN A CRASH EARLIER THIS WEEK IN LEBANON COUNTY. JONESTOWN STATE POLICE HAVE JUST RELEASED DETAILS OF THE TWO VEHICLE CRASH MONDAY, WHERE 55-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL LONGO AND 61-YEAR-OLD JOSEPH PAZSIK JR. OF LEBANON BOTH DIED FROM INJURIES. PAZSIK WAS DRIVING WEST ON ROUTE 22, AND WENT INTO THE PATH OF LONGO'S VAN AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN ONTO THE INTERSTATE 78 ON-RAMP. THE VEHICLES CRASHED HEAD ON. LONGO HAD TO BE EXTRICATED FROM HIS VAN. PAZSIK DIED AT THE SCENE. LONGO DIED FROM HIS INJURIES AT MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER. THE INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DOUBLE FATAL CRASH CONTINUES.

A FLORIDA MAN IS IN COUNTY PRISON ON DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES FOLLOWING A TRAFFIC STOP IN POTTSVILLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. POTTSVILLE CITY POLICE STOPPED A CAR DRIVEN BY 31-YEAR-OLD JOHANNA QUINONES, WHCIH WAS SPEEDING ON A CITY STREET. DURING THE SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE, OFFICERS FOUND A BAGGIE OF MARIJUANA INSIDE A CIGARETTE PACK. THE PASSENGER, 34-YEAR-OLD MILAGROS AHMAD OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA WAS ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION. FOLLOWING ARRAIGNMENT, HE WAS TAKEN TO COUNTY PRISON.

A HECKSHERVILLE WOMAN IS FACING STATE JAIL TIME FOR ARSON AND ASSUALT. 44-YEAR-OLD STEPHANIE MILLER PLEADED NO CONTEST TO THE CHARGES OF SETTING A FIRE AT A THOMASTON ROAD HOME, AND ASSAULTED TWO FIREFIGHTERS DURING THE JULY, 2007 INCIDENT. IN A SEPARATE CASE, MILLER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED A CASS-FOSTER TOWNSHIP POLICE OFFICER. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN AND HERALD, BY PLEADING NO CONTEST, MILLER DID NOT ADMIT TO THE CRIMES, NOR OFFERED A DEFENSE. SHE FACES AT LEAST 22 MONTHS IN STATE PRISON.

IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, A NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY JURY FOUND A FORMER POLICE OFFICER GUILTY OF MURDER. RICHARD CURRAN, FORMER POLICE CHIEF IN BERNVILLE, BERKS COUNTY, WAS CHARGED WITH KILLING HIS 31-YEAR-OLD WIFE, TINA IN AUGUST, 2005. THE COUPLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CUSTODY BATTLE OVER THEIR CHILDREN, AND RICHARD SHOT TINA 7 TIMES BEFORE TRYING TO FLEE TO CANADA, WHERE HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. THE PENALTY PHASE OF THE TRIAL BEGINS TODAY, TO DETERMINE IF CURRAN WILL BE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON OR BE GIVEN THE DEATH PENALTY.

A TOWER CITY MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE THEFT OF A MOTORCYCLE IN LYKENS EARLIER THIS MONTH. 35-YEAR-OLD GERALD MILLER THE THIRD OF TOWER CITY IS ACCUSED OF TAKING A MOTORCYCLE FROM JUSTIN SHILEY'S HOME IN LYKENS JUNE 7TH. THE BIKE WAS LOCATED IN TREMONT. STATE POLICE AT LYKENS ARRESTED MILLER AND PLACED HIM IN DAUPHIN COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF $50-THOUSAND-DOLLARS BAIL.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State figures show Pennsylvania extended its hiring increase into a second month, but the unemployment rate continues to rise. It was 5.2 percent in May, up nearly an entire percentage point above the year-ago rate. Employers added 2,900
jobs in May.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Pittsburgh daycare center where police say a 7-year-old girl killed an infant has closed. The state Department of Public Welfare says Loretta Bray turned in her certificate of registration for Bray's Family Day Care. Authorities have ruled the death a homicide and the investigation continues.

WARMINSTER, Pa. (AP) - Teachers describe a surreal and terrifying atmosphere caused by a rash of bomb threats last fall at a Bucks County elementary school. Testimony resumes today in the trial of 46-year-old Susan Romanyszyn. She's accused of leaving threatening notes and a device that looked like a bomb at Longstreth Elementary School in Warminster.

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A Chester County school board has scrapped plans to build an elementary school alongside a hazardous waste site. The board voted 6-2 last night to abandon the two-year-old plan to build Kimberton Elementary School at the site, although they said tests showed the site was safe.

SOUDERTON, Pa. (AP) - A Montgomery County church has been heavily damaged by fire. Crews were called to the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Souderton just before midnight. Officials say they were able to prevent any major damage to the church sanctuary and plans are being made to hold services on Sunday.

FOLEY, Mo. (AP) - Some towns along the Mississippi River won'tget the record-level flood crests they expected today. Butforecasters are warning that major flooding is still coming, assurging waters move toward St. Louis.

CHENGDU, China (AP) - Parents of Chinese earthquake victims are still showing their anger. About 150 parents held a sit-in at a Chinese school today, demanding that government officials start explaining why it collapsed so easily during last month's earthquake. They eventually got bused to another town for a meeting.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Scientists think NASA's Phoenix Mars lander exposed bits of ice while recently digging in the soil of the Martian arctic. They point to the crumbs of bright material that were photographed in the trench, and that later vanished -- and they say frozen water must have vaporized after being exposed.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - Federal investigators are on the hunt for convicted executive Samuel Israel. They were skeptical right from the start about his disappearance -- apparently designed tolook like a suicide. Yesterday, his girlfriend admitted it was a hoax. Israel was supposed to do 20 years in prison for swindling hedge-fund investors out of hundreds of millions.

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are headed for a lower open today.Investors are watching oil prices rebound. And they're hearing morebad news about the financial services industry. Merrill Lynch reportedly has cut its earnings estimates for regional banks.

Today's News- Friday, June 19th

The Pottsville School Board has passed a budget for the coming school year. Allie Raring has the details:

POTTSVILLE BOARD (CLICK TO LISTEN)

The Intermodal Trade and Transit center project in Pottsville has been handed off from the county's purview to the city of Pottsville. Control of nearly $7-million-dollars in grant monies were transferred to Pottsville yesterday at the County Commissioners meeting. The $12 million dollar transportation and business center has been in the works for a number of years. City Administrator Tom Palamar is now charged with oversight of those monies. Officials cited that "too many hands" were slowing the progress of the project. In other business, the Schuylkill County Prison is on track to receive new kitchen equipment worth just over $112-Thousand Dollars. The funds to pay for the equipment came from DUI fines. County Adminstrator Darlene Dolzani was credited with discovering that nearly $200-thousand-dollars in fines were co-mingled in the general fund, when they should have been segregated for use with the prison and the county Drug and Alcohol program. A separate interest bearing account to hold monies from the Help America Vote Act is expected to be approved next week. Those monies are also required to be segregated, as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The Commissioners announced that next week’s board meeting will be held at Shenandoah Borough Hall at 15 West Washington Street at 10am in the meeting room.

A Schuylkill County Prison correction officer was promoted to Lieutenant during Wednesday's Prison board meeting. Michael Buchanan of Auburn will replace Lamar Gehres who submitted his retirement request last month. Gehres had been a Corrections Officer for 10-years, and retired June 10th. Buchanan has been a Corrections Officer at prison for six years. In other business, Board Chairman President Judge William Baldwin said the board is still exploring ways to cut down on overtime at the prison.

Residents in the Owl Creek neighborhood have voiced concerns over a stray bullet that hit a home, coming from a nearby shooting range. The Carbon-Schuylkill Fraternal Order of Police Lodge has a 44 acre training ground in the neighborhood, and a ricocheted bullet broke a window several weeks ago. Homeowners, including Tamaqua Council member Cathy Miorelli brought the issue to light recently, according to the Republican and Herald. She called for a temporary shutdown of the range. Tamaqua council decided to meet with lodge officials to discuss safety concerns. Police investigated the incident, and determined that the shot hit a rock at the shooting range's backstop, and went through the window at Raymond Patrick's home. No one was injured. The FOP paid for the damages, and officials say that the accident was a fluke.

Doctors, nurses, medical students and patients are rallying in five Pennsylvania towns today-encouraging people to just say "no" to the current health insurance system. Deborah Smith has details:

SMITH (CLICK TO LISTEN)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - There's a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting death of an aspiring teacher in Philadelphia. Detectives haven't been able to identify the
gunman who shot 23-year-old Beau Zabel early Sunday. Zabel was scheduled to start work in Philadelphia public schools July 1.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has created a new trust fund he hopes will help make Pittsburgh more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The mayor gave the Green Initiative Trust Fund $100,000 - about half of what the city has saved by combining its energy purchases with Allegheny County.

YORK, Pa. (AP) - Harley Davidson says it is laying off an unspecified number of employees in York County next week. The motorcycle maker says the temporary layoff is in addition to a
shutdown for annual line changes to switch to manufacturing motorcycles for the next model year.

HANOVER, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say nearly seven hours of searching has failed to find a 15-year-old girl feared drowned at Codorus State Park in York County. Officials say divers plan to
resume searching today in Lake Marburg. The girl was with teenagers in a pontoon boat.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State lawmakers held up voting on a resolution recognizing a Muslim group's convention after a legislator protested that "Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God." The U.S. chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds its 60th annual convention in Harrisburg this weekend.

FOLEY, Mo. (AP) - It's the second time Keith Aubuchon has been flooded out of his house and this time he says he may stay out. He's among thousands who've been displaced by Midwest floods. So many levees have broken upstream, that the crest on the Mississippi may not be as high as feared as it flows past St. Louis today.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Former Bush administration insider Scott McClellan is to testify today to a House panel probing the leak of a CIA agent's name. A tell-all book by the ex-press secretary says he was encouraged to lie.

CHENGDU, China (AP) - An Associated Press reporter covering a parents protest today in China is among at least two foreign correspondents detained by police. The parents say the government promised to tell them whether shoddy construction caused schools to collapse in last month's deadly earthquake.

UNDATED (AP) - The presidential candidates concentrate on the economy today. Republican John McCain addresses the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa. Democrat Barack Obama hears the economic concerns of Democratic governors at a meeting in Chicago.

QUINTON, Va. (AP) - Chris Coleson swears by his fast-food diet. The Virginia man says he's lost nearly 80 pounds in the past six months, not on the Subway diet but at McDonald's. But he steers clear of the Big Macs and fries, munching instead on salads, wraps and apple dippers. Hold the sauce.

Today's News- Wednesday, June 18th

Schuylkill Products Incorporated is advising motorists of delays today due to oversized loads. Starting at 7 o'clock, two loads will be leaving and traveling south Route 61 to I-78 West to I-81 north, finally delivering to I-80 East in Blakeslee. Local delays will occur at the intersections of Route 901 and Route 183 and also at Route 183 and Route 61.

The Shamokin man who died in a mining accident Monday resulted from the roof collapsed. That's the preliminary finding from state and federal mine inspectors, who were at the Harmony Mine in Mount Carmel Township yesterday to determine what happened, as 45-year-old Robert Carey died.
Rescue workers from the mine retrieved Carey after he was pinned down by debris. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley ruled his death accidental. The mine, owned by UAE Coal Corporation, has been in operation since 1990. Mine inspectors say that they company has a good compliance record. The investigation continues, and the mine is expected to remain closed for at least another week.

With the high price of gas on everyone's minds, the Schuylkill Transportation System is offering an alternative tomorrow....Dump the Pump. The county transportation system is participating with the American Public Transportation Association for the third annual Dump the Pump day, to boost ridership, save gasoline and reduce greenhouse gases. STS Vice President for Public Transportation Mike Micko tells us more:

MICKO

Riders on the system Thursday can get an all day bus pass on the STS fixed routes for just a dollar! Studies say that households with two workers, and one car, that use public transportation save $62-hundred dollars every year, compared to households without access to public transportation. Dump the Pump Thursday...save some money and help the environment. For more information, call STS toll free at 1-800-832-3322.

The North Schuylkill school board has responded to a suit seeking an injunction against the closure of the Ringtown Elementary school. With the hearing scheduled in Schuylkill County Court tomorrow, district officials have formally responded to the action by a group of concerned parents who don't want their children moved to the new elementary building at Fountain Springs. According to the Republican and Herald, the district says that a motion they passed on May 8th to transfer the students from the Ringtown school did not mean that the building would be closed, and that the injunction sought by parents is "premature". The district went on to say that they are looking at other alternatives for voluntary and involuntary transfer of students, some 140 in all, from one building to another. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 10th. In 2004, the district passed a resolution indicating that they would maintain the Ringtown building, no matter what new facilities would be constructed for students in kindergarten through 6th grade. That resolution was rescinded in May. The state school code indicates that 90 days must elapse before any changes are made, after the July meeting. State school officials indicate that a waiver could be sought to shorten that time period.

Residents of Schuylkill County are being urged to give the gift of life by donating blood. Currently the supply of blood is critically low for negative R-H types-such as O-negative. All current and new donors must be at least 16-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. To schedule an appointment today, contact the Northeastern Pennsylvania region of the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia School Reform Commission is about to vote on the fate of 38 private managers of city public schools. Some 18,000 city children attend the 38 schools run by outside managers. A recommendation was made last week to take away some schools from the outside groups.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh will recognize long-term commitments of unmarried partners, allowing both gay and straight couples to share employee benefits. The bill passed Tuesday in a
7-1 vote. Residents who are not too closely related to be considered married are eligible to show evidence of their relationship.

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Seton Hill University will soon be home to a new medical school. University President Dr. Joanne Boyle announced Tuesday that the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will invest $4 million to open a branch of its school at Seton Hill. The new program will open in the fall of 2009.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A citizens' group has decided not to file an appeal to continue its yearslong battle to stop the Barnes Foundation's Impressionist art collection from leaving Montgomery
County for downtown Philadelphia. Attorneys say the case was effectively over when Montgomery County dropped its appeal.

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) - Former President Jimmy Carter took his wife, Rosalynn, out to a ballgame in Altoona. The former first couple caught the Double-A Altoona Curve's 4-3 win Tuesday night over
Reading at Blair County Ballpark, watching from a skybox. His presence wasn't announced to the 5,500 fans there.

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - President Bush wants Congress to lift the ban on offshore oil and gas drilling that's been in place since 1981. Bush says the drilling could eventually yield 18 billion barrels of oil. He says with gasoline prices over $4 a gallon, American families want help from Washington.

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks have started the day headed downward, while oil prices again head up. Light, sweet crude rose 38 cents in premarket trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It's above $134 a barrel.

GULFPORT, Ill. (AP) - Flooding is moving downstream along the Mississippi after two more levees were breached in western Illinois this morning. Residents of the small town of Meyer have been
evacuated. Officials are monitoring levees in other Mississippi River towns in Illinois and Missouri.

WASHINGTON (AP) - NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert is being remembered at a private funeral this morning. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are among those at the service. The "Meet the Press" host died of a heart attack last week. Russert was 58.

BOSTON (AP) - Boston has another champion this morning, but street clelebrations ended up with some fans behind bars. The Celtics won their 17th NBA title with a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last night. Outside Boston's Banknorth Garden afterward, police says things got rowdy and they arrested 30 people.

Today's News- Tuesday, June 17th

A Shamokin man is dead following a mine accident in Mount Carmel Township yesterday. The accident happened at Harmony Mine, located between Centralia and Mount Carmel around 10am. WNEP TV reports that 45 year old Robert Carey was covered by a rock fall from the roof of the mine. Other miners were able to get the victim to the surface of the mine, and he was transported from the scene via helicopter, but died from his injuries. Federal and state mine inspectors are investigating the incident, the second at that mine since opening in 1990. The mine is operated by UAE Coal Corporation Associates.

Residents concerned about the closing of the Ringtown Elementary School will have the opportunity to have their case heard next month. At Monday night's North Schuylkill board meeting, July 10th has been set for a hearing about permanently closing the elementary building. School directors initially made the announcement May 8th. Concerned parents petitioned Schuylkill County Court to stop the closure within the past few weeks. Their hearing is scheduled for 2pm Thursday at the Courthouse. According to the Republican and Herald, the state school code dictates that North Schuylkill School District cannot permanently close the building for 90 days after the hearing. That would take the matter into the next school year. Some 140 students will be transported to the elementary school in Fountain Springs if the closure is finalized.

A Schuylkill Haven man, serving time in state prison for molesting a boy, is asking for a new trial. 47-year-old David Kalbach Sr. was convicted of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and related charges after he sexually assaulted a boy in 1999 and 2000. Kalbach said that his public defender, Christopher Hobbs, did not adequately represent him during his trial before President Judge William Baldwin. Kalbach was sentenced to serve 69 to 138 months in state prison for his conviction in 2006. He is serving his sentence at the state prison at Camp Hill.

A two thousand dollar reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and discovery of a stolen antique car in Schuylkill County. The car was taken sometime between six p.m. June eighth and one-thirty June 15th from 39-year-old David Walter of Schuylkill Haven. The 1932 Ford Convertible roadster was towed from the rear of Walter's property out onto Route 443. The Roadster is painted black with red trim and red wheels with white wall tires and a red grill insert, with a New York registration plate. The vehicle is valued at $25-thousand dollars. Anyone with information on the theft of the vehicle is asked to call state police.

A Port Carbon man faces charges of driving under the influence following a crash in the borough early Monday morning. 54-year-old Andrew Colna was driving north on Coal Street in Port Carbon when his vehicle hit an unoccupied parked car. While investigating the accident, state police suspected that Colna was driving under the influence of alcohol, and was placed under arrest. He was taken to Pottsville Hospital for blood alcohol testing. Colna was released to a family member. Final charges will be filed with District Court, pending the result of toxicology tests.

A Fredericksburg woman avoided injury in a Pine Grove crash Monday evening. 72 year old Esther Athey was driving south on Route 125 and lost control on the wet roadway. Her car spun out and hit a utility pole. Athey was wearing her seatbelt, but her car had to be towed from the scene. The crash happened around 7pm last night.

Two vehicles were involved in a crash on a wet roadway last night near Cressona. Gregory Hubler and Edward Bartashus of Schuylkill Haven were both driving south on Route 183 before 7pm. Bartashus was stopped for traffic, and Hubler was unable to stop in time, and rear ended Bartashus's car. He suffered minor injuries. Hubler will be cited for driving too fast for conditions.

You may want to allow for extra travel time this morning. PennDOT will be repaving the north and southbound lanes of Interstate 81 between Exit 119-HighRidge Park Road, and Exit 131 at Mahanoy City. Single lane conditions will be in place during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, until November until the project is completed.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - An Allegheny County jury has convicted a man of raping several women in Pittsburgh's East End communities. The jury on Monday found 51-year-old Keith Wood guilty of four of the five rapes with which he was charged.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Two men have been sentenced to probation for conspiring to run and illegal gambling ring and launder money around Washington County. Federal prosecutors say 38-year-old August Passieu III of McDonald and 67-year-old Robert Arrigo of Bethel Park were among a group involved in sports and numbers betting and an illegal ticket drawing game.

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. (AP) - Robert Morris University's trustees have approved the first phase of a 20-year master plan of improvements to the 230-acre campus in Moon Township. The initial, three-year plan is under way and will cost about $23 million. The capital plan includes a new 12,000-square-foot building for laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices and a simulation center for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Allegheny County has a 10 percent tax on alcoholic drinks sold at bars and restaurants to fund mass transit. Now a group has formed to fight the tax. The group plans to begin
collecting signatures Tuesday to put the issue to a referendum in November.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Authorities say a Pittsburgh toddler is dead after being found unresponsive at his home with a plastic bag over his head. The Allegheny County medical examiner says the 3-year-old boy was pronounced dead Monday evening at Allegheny General Hospital.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - President Bush will take a trip to the Midwest Thursday to personally tour flood damage. Bush will get an update briefing on the situation today.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - NOAA's experts say even a strong Category 2 hurricane could cause the levee system in New Orleans to once again fail. NOAA says that almost three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still among the nation's most vulnerable areas.

GUANGZHOU, China (AP) - Soldiers are shoring up levees with sandbags in southern China as forecasters warn that more heavy rain could trigger flooding. Over two million acres of farmland have been damaged or destroyed.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - High-level talks between the U.S. and China begin today at the U.S. Naval Academy. Energy is expected to be a key topic in Annapolis, Maryland. The two nations are the world's largest importers of oil.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Energy Department says the U.S. government isn't doing enough to buy nuclear material on the black market. About 19 of the 1,300 nuclear smuggling incidents over the last 15 years have involved the transfer of weapons grade material.

Today's News-Monday, June 16th

An Orwigsburg man was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon. State police at Schuylkill Haven report that 23-year-old Shane Matthews was traveling north on State Route 2003 in West Brunswick Township when he lost control on a left curve. Troopers believe he was traveling too fast for conditions. His motorcycle overturned, and he slid about 30 feet, coming to rest on the side of the road. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash happened after 1pm Saturday.

Two Williamstown men have been charged following an incident earlier this month in northern Dauphin County. Lykens state police have just released information about the case. 41 year old William Houtz Jr. was riding his ATV on a public road, and a 17 year old male was operating an SUV. The teen ran Houtz off the road, and Houtz chased after him. The two confronted each other a short time later and Houtz grabbed the teen, threatening him. Houtz is charged with harrassment, driving under DUI suspension and operating an ATV on a public road. The teenager was charged with reckless driving and related counts. Charges against the two were filed in district court.

Two adults were arrested for driving under the influence during DUI patrols over the weekend. A total of 91 vehicles were stopped during the sweep Friday and Saturday nights on area roadways. 40 other traffic arrests resulted. 8 police departments participated. The checkpoints will continue this week on major county highways, as part of the North Central Highway Safety Network Regional Sobriety Checkpoint program.

A small fire in Minersville damaged a Sunbury Street property last night. Authorities report that a mattress was burning at 468 Sunbury around 8:30pm. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, containing damage to one room.

It was a busy day at the Schuylkill County Airport Saturday. The Experimental Aircraft Association of Fredericksburg and the Black Diamond chapter of the Civil Air Patrol, based in Hegins, held a fly-in and training event. More than 150 people were in attendance, to fly their aircraft, and to train young men and women about aviation. CAP Commander Todd Daubenspeck gives us a bit of history about the Civil Air Patrol:

DAUBENSPECK (click to listen)

In Pennsylvania, more than 26-hundred people participate in the Civil Air Patrol. In spite of the low cloud cover and haze, planes continued to fly and a sky diver jumped from local resident Harry Zerbey's vintage Navy plane from 8-thousand feet. The Black Diamond chapter is looking to bolster its ranks for kids from ages 12 to 21:

DAUBENSPECK (click to listen)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Mount Airy Casino Resort open for business after a 14 1/2-hour shutdown due to a power failure stemming from the weekend storm. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says there was a power failure at about 6 p.m. Saturday due to a severe thunderstorm in the Poconos.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of a Pittsburgh accused of raping five women in 2000 and 2001. Fifty-one-year-old Keith Wood is accused of attacking women in the city's East End neighborhoods and suburbs.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A detention hearing resumes Monday for a Clarion County man accused of illegally selling an AK-47 assault rifle in February to an undercover agent in Ohio. The hearing for 64-year-old Morgan Jones began Thursday. FBI officials say he is a captain in a militia group.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police are looking for the person who killed a young man who moved to Philadelphia with plans to teach high school math this fall. Twenty-three-year-old Beau Zabel was shot in the neck at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday near his home as he was walking home from work at a Starbucks.

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a 4-year-old girl apparently drowned at a water park in Lancaster. East Lampeter Township police say medical units were dispatched to Caribbean Indoor Water Park shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The name of the victim was withheld pending notification of family members.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - As of tonight, there will be two states where same-sex couples can legally get married. California joins Massachusetts in issuing marriage licenses. San Francisco's mayor will preside over one of the first gay weddings: two women who fell in love more than a-half century ago.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - They're tallying flood damage in Iowa City, Iowa. Record-high river levels should start subsiding there today. But communities downstream are bracing for the onslaught. The Midwest flooding has prompted Amtrak to curtail service out of Chicago.

LONDON (AP) - President Bush heads home today from his farewell European trip, wrapping it up with a visit to a school in Northern Ireland. At a news conference in London, the president said he thinks the U.S. can help calm what he termed a "testy situation" over Afghanistan's threat to go after militants in Pakistan.

SUPREME COURT (AP) - More rulings are expected today from the U.S. Supreme Court. Decisions in 17 major cases are still pending as the court nears adjournment at the end of the month. One case deals with gun ownership. Another could determine whether states can execute child rapists.

NEW YORK (AP) - Think maybe you're in the wrong line of work? An Associated Press analysis finds that no matter how sluggish the economy may be, the biggest bosses are doing OK. The median pay package for CEO's of companies on the Standard and Poor's 550 index is 8.4 million dollars. Topping the list, the boss at Merrill Lynch. He pulled down 83 million last year.

Today's News-Saturday, June 14th

A preliminary report has been issued about the MedEvac helicopter crash in Pottsville. Information from the National Transportation Safety Board late Friday, indicated that the chopper took off from the helipad at Mazzuca Enterprises, rose a little over 70 feet from the pad, and stopped as the pilot moved the helicopter forward. The helicopter went right, then landed on the ground on its left side. No apparent mechanical problems were found in the preliminary study. A final report is expected to be released in several months. MedEvac flights from the Mazzuca helipad have been grounded indefinitely.

After a nearly week long suspension, Tamaqua's police chief has been reinstated. The Republican and Herald indicates that Tamaqua borough council overturned Mayor Christian Morrison's suspension of Chief Dave Mattson at a special meeting yesterday. Issues regarding the scheduling of police officers led to the suspension. Chief Mattson reportedly relinquished the scheduling to Mayor Morrison several months ago. Disagreements ensued, and when Mattson developed a schedule different from the Mayor's, he was suspended. Morrison also called for termination of Mattson. The vote to reinstate the chief was 5 to 2.

Three people escaped injury in a two vehicle crash in East Brunswick Township yesterday afternoon. 18-year-old Brittany Cummings of New Ringgold was attempting to cross Route 443 and failed to see Harry Grym's car approaching the intersection and the vehicle's collided. Cummings' vehicle had to be towed from the scene. Grym's truck had minor front end damage. The crash happened around 1:30 Friday afternoon.

The Pennsylvania Senate is poised to vote on legislation that would block State Board of Education imposed high school exit exams. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator James Rhoades:

QUICKEL (click to listen)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell has signed a statewide smoking ban into law, giving ashtrays the boot from break rooms and restaurants in 90 days. Under the new law, most private businesses and public spaces must be smokefree. Rendell advocated such a ban as a way to cut health care costs.

Rendell says that it was a long time coming:

RENDELL (click to listen)

Pennsylvania is now the 33rd state with some sort of statewide smoking ban. The ban covers restaurants, office buildings, theaters, arenas and more. Exemptions will allow smoking to continue in bars and taverns that have limited food service, casinos, private clubs, nursing homes, tobacco-related businesses and volunteer ambulance, fire and rescue squads.

WPPA News correspondent Allie Raring shares her recollections of the 10th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, and her love of the river:

RARING (click to listen)