Today's News-Monday. October 21, 2008

Region mourns Rhoades

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That's Bob Ames, chairman of the Schuylkill County Republican Party, commenting on the passing of longtime Senator Jim Rhoades, who died Saturday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital from complications suffered in a three car crash Friday night in Monroe County. His wife, Mary Edith, was injured in the crash, and underwent knee surgery Sunday afternoon at Lehigh Valley. The 28 year legislator, a former teacher and administrator, was an advocate for improving education, and his impact was felt all across the Commonwealth:

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Rhoades' name is on the ballot for re-election, and Ames said that the campaign will continue. The investigation into the accident is being conducted by state police at Fern Ridge.

No matter where you traveled over the weekend, the topic of conversation was the tragic death of state Senator Jim Rhoades of Mahanoy City. The 7 term legislator and his wife were involved in a 3 car crash near Broadheadsville in Monroe County Friday night. Both were flown to Lehigh Valley Medical Center, but Rhoades died of complications before 10am Saturday. Mary Edith Rhoades remains hospitalized today. A colleague of the senator, Representative Dave ARgall of Lake Hauto comments that Rhoades cared for his constituents and worked hard for them, as evidenced by his longevity in Harrisburg:

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The Senator's re-election bid will go on according to campaign officials. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Game Commission releases report about mountain lion, considers it a hoax

Pennsylvania game commission officials have released their findings about an alleged mountain lion attack in Lancaster County. Officials say their investigation found no evidence that the attack occurred. 42-year-old Samuel Fisher of Sadsbury Township was said to have shot one large cat and then was attacked and injured by a second large cat. The investigation was conducted by state police and the game commission on evidence found at the scene. Fisher may be charged with making false statements. The game commission says that there is no evidence of wild, breeding populations of large cats in Pennsylvania.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Cindy McCain and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani are in Philadelphia for a morning rally at the National Constitution Center. The two will also attend an afternoon rally at Shady Brook Farms in Yardley, Bucks County. Republican presidential nominee John McCain will be in Pennsylvania on Tuesday for rallies in Bensalem, Harrisburg, and Moon Township.

WATER STREET, Pa. (AP) - State police and volunteer crews are searching for a 20-month old boy who wandered away from his foster parents' home and may be lost in wooded central Pennsylvania. State police say little Donavin Miller of the tiny town of Water Street in Huntingdon County was last seen outside his house about 5:30 p.m. Sunday by his foster mother.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Jury selection is to resume in Philadelphia in the federal corruption trial of state Sen. Vincent Fumo. The selection process was winding down in September when the
proceedings were delayed because the judge was ill. The case later was transferred to another judge and is scheduled to resume on Monday. Opening statements could get begin as early as Tuesday.

ELKTON, Md. (AP) - A Mount Laurel, N.J., man goes on trial Monday in Maryland in connection with a boating accident that killed a Philadelphia woman. Mark Rosati is charged with negligent homicide by vessel while under the influence. Prosecutors say Rosati was impaired by alcohol when his 42-foot boat crashed into a personal watercraft on the Elk River in July 2007, killing 21-year-old Kristy Szewczak.

UPPER ST. CLAIR, Pa. (AP) - A father tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that one of his 9-year-old twin sons accidentally shot the other in the head on Saturday. Police have said they won't
comment until later Monday on how Christian Lanese was killed in the family's Upper St. Clair home. But his father, Michael, tells the newspaper that he had hidden the rifle in a closet because he was planning to sell it.

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are higher in early trading, as global credit markets show signs of easing. Investors are hoping the improvement in the credit markets will mean stocks have reached a bottom. They're waiting to see what Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has to say today to a House panel about the financial system and the economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) - An AP-Yahoo News poll says the number of likely voters who think things in the U.S. are going in the right direction has plunged over the last month. Those same voters also express widespread concern about the value of their investments and an ability to afford unexpected medical expenses.

WASHINGTON (AP) - John McCain says he's not surprised his longtime friend Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama's run for presidency. McCain also points out he has the support of four other former Secretaries of State who served in Republican administrations.

DETROIT (AP) - General Motors could be close to acquiring Chrysler, with one source telling the AP officials hope to have it done by the end of the month. Talks are said to be at the point
where top executives from both companies have been reviewing the deal.