Today's News-Tuesday, June 10th

Its only the start of summer, and gas prices have many re-thinking how they live. Reporter Kerry Dowd listens to what some have to say:

DOWD (click to listen)

The case of a Gilberton man, being charged for the death of another man following an argument, continues in county court. 41-year-old Vincent Bloss is charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault and other offenses in the death of Frank Jackowiak in March, 2007. Bloss reportedly came to his wife Patricia's aid after she argued with Jackowiak over a Little League baseball issue. The argument turned physical, and Jackowiak died from his injuries a week later. In yesterday's testimony, Bloss denied that he was responsible for Jackowiak's death. The trial continues today.

A Pottsville man was arrested by city police yesterday for forgery, fraud and related counts relating to an investment scheme. Pottsville city detectives began investigating 37-year-old Thomas Wiley, who was entrusted with money for investment purposes. Two individuals met with city police, after becoming suspicious about Wiley's activities. Wiley issued a check to one of them for just over $17-thousand dollars, which turned out to be counterfeit. Wiley, who is currently on probation for bad check charges from Berks County court, was arraigned on charges. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 1st. The investigation into additional fraud dates back to early 2007. Police believe that Wiley may have netted several hundred thousand dollars from the scheme. Anyone who may have given money to Wiley for investment purposes should call Detective Glenn Dove of the Pottsville Police Department at 622-1234.

Parents of students at the Ringtown Elementary School will have their day in court next week. The North Schuylkill School District moved to close the school last month, and move the students to the new elementary school in Fountain Springs. Now, parents have asked to have the closure blocked. The lawsuit states that the district violated the state school code by not properly advertising the meeting where the vote was taken to close the building. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin will preside over the hearing on June 19th.

The investigation into the MedEvac helicopter crash in Pottsville is continuing. Residents hope that it never comes back to their neighborhood. At last night's city council meeting, neighbors who live near the helipad at Mazzucca Enterprises voice their concerns about the crash, and city officials assured them that they will review the matter to make sure that all citizens are safe. The Republican and Herald reports that Pottsville will conduct a threat assessment of the facility, in addition to the federal investigation. The helicopter was taking off Friday night, May 30th, and crashed into the parking lot at United Metal. Several members of the crew had to be hospitalized from the accident. Flights from the helipad have been suspended indefinitely.

A St. Clair man is charged with theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property following an incident Sunday night in Minersville. Borough police report that 27-year-old Christopher Achenbach was seen going through vehicles in the 300 block of Pine Street in Minersville before midnight. Two witnesses saw Achenbach inside of a neighbor's truck, and called police. Achenbach was apprehended and charged through district court.

State police are investigating a theft at the Blythe Township water treatment plant. Over the weekend, someone removed a grate from outside the plant on Silver Creek Road. The steel grate measures 32 by 52 inches. In other Blythe Township water business, a water boil advisory is in effect for Cumbola, New Philadelphia and Silver Creek through Wednesday.

Record heat has taken hold of our area! Reporter Kerry Dowd hit the hot pavements of Pottsville, talking to those brave enough to leave their air conditioning.

DOWD (click to listen)

UNDATED (AP) - It'll be another scorcher today along the Eastern Seaboard, as temperatures from the Southeast to New England will approach triple digits for the fourth day in a row. Cooler weather is expected by tomorrow. The Midwest is still plagued by flooding.

CHICAGO (AP) - McDonald's, Wal-Mart and other U.S. chains have halted sales of some raw tomatoes after a salmonella food poisoning outbreak hit several states. Since mid-April, 145 people have been infected with the same type of salmonella.

UNDATED (AP) - Philadelphia regional rail officials say commuters are parking their cars and boarding trains as gas prices climb. But the Port Authority of Allegheny County is still losing riders on its buses and light-rail trains despite rising gasoline prices.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Presbyterian minister from Pittsburgh still faces two charges that she conducted a prohibited gay wedding ceremony. But the Rev. Janet Edwards will not face charges for performing the ceremony improperly when her church trial resumes in October.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A woman says a bishop accused of concealing sexual abuse of her when she was 14 walked in twice while she was being abused and did nothing to stop it. The testimony came Monday as the church trial opened for Bishop Charles Bennison Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.

CHICAGO (AP) - A 67-year-old cancer patient in Texas is thought to be the first death associated with a salmonella outbreak linked to three types of raw tomatoes. The man's death is officially attributed to cancer, but the Houston health department tells the Houston Chronicle salmonella played a role.

UNDATED (AP) - Oil has been selling at just over $134 a barrel in Singapore. Traders say prices could still climb higher. On Capitol Hill, the Senate today will take up the idea of a windfall profits tax on large American oil companies. Republicans vow to oppose it.

UNDATED (AP) - Residents along a section of Indiana's White River are bracing for rushing waters that could reach 16 feet above flood stage. But while a heat wave continues to roast much of the East Coast again, five to 10 inches of snow is expected in Washington's Cascade Mountains.

CHENGDU, China (AP) - Water containing debris and even dead bodies is pouring down a manmade spillway from a brimming lake formed by China's massive earthquake. It's flooding towns already damaged by the quake. An expert remains fearful that the lake's unstable mud and rock dam could give way.

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) - President Bush has an ambitious number of topics he wants to touch on during his summit with European Union leaders today. Iran's nuclear future and global warming are at the top of the list.