Today's News-Monday, November 30, 2009

THE ANNUAL FALL RITE OF HUNTING, RIFLE DEER SEASON, GETS UNDERWAY IN THE COMMONWEALTH TODAY. ACCORDING TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION, ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION HUNTERS WILL DON THE FLOURESCENT ORANGE AND HIT THE WOODS IN SEARCH OF PENNSYLVANIA WHITETAIL. THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THANKSGIVING HAS BECOME A HOLIDAY IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR DEER HUNTERS, AND THIS MORNING WAS NO EXCEPTION. DINERS WERE BUSY WITH VEHICLES BEFORE 4AM AS MEN AND WOMEN FUELED UP BEFORE HEADING OUT TO THE WOODS. THE TWO WEEK SEASON EXPECTS TO HARVEST SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND DEER. THE WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO TURN RAINY AS THE DAY WEARS ON, WHICH COULD KEEP THE WHITETAIL HIDDEN UNDER COVER.

TWO INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY CRASH IN EAST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP

TWO PEOPLE WERE HURT IN A CRASH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING NEAR MCKEANSBURG. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE SAY SCOTT REED OF ORWIGSBURG WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 895 AND LOST CONTROL OF HIS SUV ON A LEFT CURVE. THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT, THEN ROLLED OVER. HIS PASSENGER, HOLLY MOTLEY OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. STATE POLICE SAY REED WAS INTOXICATED AND ARE AWAITING RESULTS OF BLOOD TESTS BEFORE CHARGING HIM. HE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER EAST FOR TREATMENT. A NEW RINGGOLD MAN WAS HURT WHILE TRYING TO ASSIST FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT. MARK BRENSINGER WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE OPERATED BY JONATHAN FAUST OF ANDREAS. BRENSINGER WAS TREATED AND RELEASED AT LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL.

DUI CHECKPOINTS BUSY

SEVEN POLICE DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING STATE TROOPERS, WERE VERY BUSY DURING A DUI CHECKPOINT OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. ACCORDING TO THE NORTH CENTRAL HIGHWAY SAFETY NETWORK, 77 VEHICLES WERE DETAINED NEAR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN OF THE NEARLY 13 HUNDRED TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE CHECKPOINT. SIX ADULT DUI ARRESTS WERE MADE, 1 UNDERAGE DRINKING ARREST AND A VARIETY OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUED. TWENTY TWO OFFICERS PARTICIPATED IN THE CHECKPOINT.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY IS MOURNING THE DEATH OF A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS KILLED IN AN AMBUSH AT A COFFEE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON STATE. MATT RENNINGER, A BROTHER OF SGT. MARK RENNINGER. THEIR FAMILY GREW UP IN BETHLEHEM. HE SAYS IN A STATEMENT THAT HIS BROTHER WAS "A PROFESSIONAL, DEDICATED POLICE OFFICER WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE."

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH POLICE SAY A GAS STATION MANAGER WAS STRUCK BY THE SUSPECT'S GETAWAY CAR. NIGHT MANAGER WALTER WETZEL CHASED THE SUSPECT TO HIS CAR AND WAS STRUCK AS HE YELLED FOR THE MAN TO STOP. WETZEL WAS HOSPITALIZED IN CRITICAL CONDITION. A MAN FROM ALIQUIPPA HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ROBBERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT.

CHICAGO (AP) - A MASS WILL BE HELD IN CHICAGO TOMORROW FOR A BOXER WHO DIED AFTER A FIGHT IN PHILADELPHIA. 25-YEAR-OLD FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ DIED LAST WEEK AFTER LOSING A USBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT AGAINST TEON KENNEDY. OFFICIALS SAY HE BEGAN TO LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER THE FIGHT WAS STOPPED IN THE 10TH ROUND. HE LATER UNDERWENT EMERGENCY BRAIN SURGERY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S BIGGEST DRAW FOR HUNTERS IS SET TO BEGIN WITH THE START OF THE 12-DAY FIREARMS DEER SEASON. ABOUT 750,000 HUNTERS STATEWIDE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE TO THE FIELD TODAY. HOWEVER, RAIN IS FORECAST IN SOME AREAS. HUNTERS ARE EXPECTED TO KILL BETWEEN 80,000 AND 90,000 DEER ON OPENING DAY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - POLICE IN SUBURBAN PITTSBURGH ARE INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF A WOMAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND NEAR RAILROAD TRACKS. THE BODY OF ANTOINETTE GIULIANI WAS SPOTTED BY TRAIN CREW MEMBERS, BUT POLICE SAY SHE WAS NOT STRUCK BY THE TRAIN. THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH HAVE NOT BEEN DETERMINED. AUTHORITIES ARE AWAITING THE RESULTS OF AN AUTOPSY.

SEATTLE (AP) - A HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR IS USING A BULLHORN AND POLICE SHONE SPOTLIGHTS ON A SEATTLE HOUSE THIS MORNING IN HOPES OF COAXING A MAN SOUGHT IN THE TACOMA COFFEE-SHOP KILLINGS OF FOUR POLICE OFFICERS TO SURRENDER. MAURICE CLEMMONS IS DESCRIBED AS A PERSON OF INTEREST. THERE'S BEEN NO RESPONSE FROM THE HOME.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THIS IS A BUSY AND VERY IMPORTANT WEEK FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, WHO ANNOUNCES HIS REVISED AFGHANISTAN POLICY AT A WEST POINT SPEECH TOMORROW. THE WEEK ALSO INCLUDES A WHITE HOUSE JOBS SUMMIT AND THE OPENING OF SENATE DEBATE ON OBAMA'S SWEEPING HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE 60 VOTES DEMOCRATS MUSTERED TO MOVE THE BILL FORWARD AREN'T THERE AS SENATE DEBATE BEGINS TODAY ON THE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL. THAT CREATES A DELICATE SITUATION FOR MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID, WHO MUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT THOSE 60 VOTES TOGETHER AGAIN TO PASS THE BILL.

NEW YORK (AP) - ONLINE RETAILERS ARE LOOKING TO CYBER MONDAY WITH A BIG WEEKEND SALES BOOST ALREADY UNDER THEIR BELTS. THAT'S THANKS TO EARLY PROMOTIONS. BRICK AND MORTAR RETAILERS GOT MILD ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE FIRST BIG HOLIDAY SHOPPING WEEKEND. THE KEY WILL BE TO KEEP PEOPLE SHOPPING.

NAIROBI, KENYA (AP) - THE EUROPEAN UNION'S ANTI-PIRACY FORCE SAYS A SUPER TANKER CARRYING CRUDE OIL FROM SAUDI ARABIA TO THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN HIJACKED. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EU NAVAL FORCE, SAYS THE GREEK-OWNED MARAN CENTAURUS WITH 28 CREW WAS HIJACKED BY PIRATES SUNDAY ABOUT 800 MILES OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA.

High School Football

The two Schuylkill County high school football teams in action on Saturday night continue on in the playoffs. North Schuylkill came back from a 26-14 3rd quarter deficit to beat Northern Lehigh, 33-26. Ed Pavalko scored the first three NS TD's, and Kody Flail scored twice in the 4th quarter. Steve Enis and Zack Hogan each had interceptions in the last 3:00 of the game. The Spartans will face West Catholic next weekend.

The Tri-Valley Bulldogs raced to a three-score lead, and held on to win, 28-14, over Saint Pius X of Pottstown. The Dawgs face Southern Columbia next weekend.

Listen to WPPA & T-102 for game times and dates.

Today's News-Saturday, November 28, 2009

CAR CRASHES INTO DAYCARE

A GILBERTON WOMAN WAS INJURED FRIDAY AFTERNOON WHEN A CAR CRASHED INTO A PORT CARBON BUSINESS. PORT CARBON POLICE SAY 37 YEAR OLD JENNIFER MOCK OF POTTSVILLE WAS FOLLOWING A JEEP DRIVEN BY A 17 YEAR OLD FROM PORT CARBON ON ROUTE 209 . THE JEEP MADE A TURN ONTO WOOD STREET, BUT MOCK WAS DISTRACTED BY A PUPPY IN THE FRONT SEAT AND HER CAR ENDED UP INSIDE LITTLE SUNSHINES DAYCARE ON WASHINGTON STREET. ASHLEY MERCHLINSKY OF GILBERTON SUFFERED A LEG INJURY INSIDE THE BUILDING, BUT NONE OF THE OTHER CHILDREN OR WORKERS, SOME 40 IN ALL, WERE HURT. MOCK SHOWED SIGNS OF BEING INTOXICATED, FAILED A FIELD SOBRIETY TEST AND WAS ARRESTED. THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND 2PM YESTERDAY.

WOMAN WALKING ON HIGHWAY

A PINE GROVE WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH PUBLIC INTOXICATION FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT EARLY THIS MORNING IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP. STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SAY MICHELLE SCHNECK WAS SEEN WALKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EASTBOUND LANE OF OAK GROVE ROAD, AND WAS FOUND TO BE DRUNK. SHE FACES CHARGES.

THANKSGIVING FIRE FOUND TO BE ACCIDENTAL

A FIRE THAT DESTROYED A HOME ON THANKSGIVING HAS BEEN RULED ACCIDENTAL. THATS ACCORDING TO A STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL. THE HOME AT 106 WOODLAND DRIVE, OWNED BY THE JAMES AND LISA BEIGLER FAMILY, WERE NOT HOME AT THE TIME FIRE BROKE OUT. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE BLAZE STARTED NEAR A CLOTHING DRYER IN THE HOME. CREWS FROM LANDINGVILLE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES BATTLED THE BLAZE FOR SEVERAL HOURS. TOTAL LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT NEARLY $200 THOUSAND DOLLARS.

GETTYSBURG, PA. (AP) - BUSINESSMAN DAVE LEVAN IS TRYING AGAIN TO GET A SLOTS LICENSE FOR THE GETTYSBURG AREA. HE AND A GROUP OF UNIDENTIFIED INVESTORS ARE SEEKING A LICENSE THAT WOULD ALLOW NO MORE THAN 500 MACHINES AT A HOTEL -- POSSIBLY THE EISENHOWER INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER IN CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A MURDER SUSPECT WHO ESCAPED FROM JAIL IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA. OFFICIALS SAY 27-YEAR-OLD OSCAR ALVARADO GOT AWAY FROM THE CURRAN FROMHOLD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AROUND 6 P.M. THURSDAY. HE WAS BEING HELD ON MURDER CHARGES.

AMBRIDGE, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN THE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY OF AMBRIDGE SAY A MAN USED AN 18-INCH SWORD TO STAB HIS DRUNK NEIGHBOR AFTER HE YELLED RACIAL SLURS. VERNON BRIDGES ALLEGEDLY STABBED RONALD BOOK ON THURSDAY. THE SWORD ENTERED BOOK'S ABDOMEN AND CAME OUT HIS BACK. POLICE SAY BRIDGES IS CLAIMING SELF-DEFENSE.

GUYS MILLS, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR THIEVES WHO TARGETED A HUNTING PRESERVE THAT CATERS TO DISABLED VETERANS IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. POLICE SAY SOMEONE STOLE SMALL HEATERS FROM HUNTING BLINDS AT THE PRESERVE NEAR MEADVILLE. PENNSYLVANIA'S RIFLE SEASON FOR DEER OPENS ON MONDAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA SINGER WHO FOR THREE DECADES HOSTED A TV SHOW SPOTLIGHTING THE SINGING AND DANCING TALENTS OF LOCAL CHILDREN HAS PASSED AWAY AT AGE 87. AL ALBERTS WAS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE SINGING GROUP THE FOUR ACES, AND HOSTED "AL ALBERTS SHOWCASE" ON WPVI-TV.

UNDATED (AP) - THERE ARE PLENTY OF DETAILS ABOUT THE CAR CRASH THAT SENT TIGER WOODS TO THE HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES EARLY YESTERDAY BUT THERE ARE ALSO PLENTY OF QUESTIONS. POLICE HOPE TO GET ANSWERS TODAY. FLORIDA STATE TROOPERS TRIED TO TALK TO THE GOLFER LAST EVENING, BUT HIS WIFE SAID HE WAS SLEEPING AND THEY AGREED TO COME BACK TODAY.

BEIJING (AP) - AN AMERICAN WANTED IN THE U.S. ON ECOTERRORISM CHARGES HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON IN CHINA ON CHARGES OF MANUFACTURING DRUGS. IT'S NOT CLEAR WHETHER JUSTIN FRANCHI SOLONDZ WILL BE DEPORTED. THE FBI OFFICE IN SEATTLE LISTS SOLONDZ AMONG ITS "MOST WANTED" FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM CHARGES INCLUDING ARSON OF A GOVERNMENT BUILDING.

KABUL (AP) - A DOZEN PRISONERS HAVE ESCAPED THROUGH A TUNNEL THEY DUG FROM THEIR JAIL CELL TO THE OUTSIDE IN WESTERN AFGHANISTAN. POLICE SAY THE ESCAPEES INCLUDED LOW-LEVEL TALIBAN MILITANTS, DRUG-DEALERS AND OTHER MINOR CRIMINALS. A 13TH PRISONER WAS ARRESTED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ESCAPE.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (AP) - A FERRY PACKED WITH PEOPLE GOING HOME FOR AN ISLAMIC FESTIVAL CAPSIZED AS THEY DISEMBARKED AT A TERMINAL IN SOUTHERN BANGLADESH. AUTHORITIES SAY AT LEAST 30 PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND SCORES MISSING. MANY OF THE DEAD ARE SAID TO BE WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

JUPITER, FLA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN FLORIDA CONTINUE THE SEARCH FOR A MAN POLICE SAY OPENED FIRE ON HIS FAMILY AFTER THANKSGIVING DINNER, KILLING FOUR PEOPLE. PAUL MERHIGE OF MIAMI IS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVING A ROYAL BLUE 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A REAR SPOILER AND FLORIDA LICENSE PLATE.

Today's News-Wednesday, November 25, 2009

TWO CAR CRASH ON ROUTE 61

TWO CARS WERE LEFT STRANDED AFTER A CRASH AT A FAMILIAR SPOT ALONG ROUTE 61 MONDAY AFTERNOON. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT THE INTERSECTION TO THE CRESSONA MALL, WHERE 68 YEAR OLD ANN WHITEASH OF MINERSVILLE WAS NORTHBOUND, AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO THE MALL PARKING LOT. HER CAR STRUCK A SOUTHBOUND VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 55 YEAR OLD MICHAEL DETURCK OF READING. POLICE SAY THAT WHITEASH, DETURCK AND A PASSENGER WERE ALL BELTED IN AND ESCAPED INJURY. THAT CRASH HAPPENED AFTER 4PM.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN ESCAPES INJURY

A COAL TOWNSHIP MAN WAS FORTUNATE, ESCAPING INJURY WHEN HIS VEHICLE CRASH ON INTERSTATE 81. ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE FROM FRACKVILLE, MARCUS BLISS WAS NORTHBOUND ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HIS REAR TIRE WENT FLAT AND HE LOST CONTROL. THE SUV WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPING OVER BEFORE COMING TO REST. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED HEAVY DAMAGE. THAT CRASH HAPPENED AT 6AM TUESDAY.

FRACKVILLE MAN HEADED TO PRISON

A FRACKVILLE MAN IS BOUND FOR PRISON FOR BURGLARY AND OTHER COUNTS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT 25 YEAR OLD HARRY BANEY THE THIRD WILL SPEND 15 TO 30 MONTHS IN STATE PRISON, PLUS TIME ON PROBATION, FOR PLEADING GUILTY TO CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, CRIMINAL TRESPASS, BURGLARY AND OTHER COUNTS. BANEY BROKE INTO MOTOR SPORTS AND MORE IN JULY, AND DID SOME DAMAGE. BANEY ALSO FACED CHARGES IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS EARLIER THIS YEAR.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS

PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVATION WORKS GRANT MONIES WILL HELP SAVE ENERGY AND KEEP THE MOTORING PUBLIC SAFE AS NEW TRAFFIC SIGNALS WILL BE INSTALLED ACROSS THE REGION. THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ALLIANCE SECURED THE GRANT MONEY FOR NEW L-E-D BULBS IN TRAFFIC SIGNALS, WHICH USE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS ENERGY THAN TRADITIONAL BULBS. BIDDING FOR THE PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY IN JANUARY.

TO STUFF OR NOT TO STUFF, THAT IS THE QUESTION....

WHAT WOULD A THANKSGIVING TURKEY BE WITHOUT STUFFING, AND WHAT BETTER PLACE FOR THAT STUFFING THAN INSIDE THE BIRD? BUT A FOOD-SAFETY SPECIALIST IN PENN STATE'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SAYS SOME CUSTOMS ARE WORTH RETHINKING. GARY ABDULLAH REPORTS:

ABDULLAH STUFF THE BIRD

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA JURY DELIBERATED FOR TWO HOURS YESTERDAY BEFORE CONDEMNING 23-YEAR-OLD JOHN LEWIS TO DEATH IN THE SLAYING OF OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY DURING A ROBBERY TWO YEARS AGO. LEWIS ENTERED A SURPRISE GUILTY PLEA TO A GENERAL MURDER CHARGE AFTER JURY SELECTION EARLIER THIS MONTH. THE JURY CONVICTED HIM OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER LAST WEEK.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA-AREA FUND MANAGER IS GOING TO PRISON FOR 15 YEARS FOR RUNNING A PONZI SCHEME THAT COST INVESTORS $35 MILLION. FEDERAL PROSECUTORS SAY JOSEPH FORTE OF BROOMALL SOUGHT STATUS BY ACCUMULATING WEALTH AND PLEDGING LARGE CHARITABLE GIFTS. HE ALSO USED THE INVESTMENTS ON A BEACH HOUSE AND TO RAISE HIS FAMILY.

UPPER DARBY, PA. (AP) - THREE MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS ARE INJURED AFTER BEING HIT BY A CAR NEAR PHILADELPHIA AND POLICE SAY THE DRIVER KEPT GOING FOR ANOTHER BLOCK. UPPER DARBY POLICE SAY THE MOST SERIOUSLY INJURED IS A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY LISTED IN CRITICAL BUT STABLE CONDITION HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. AUTHORITIES SAY THEY EXPECT TO CHARGE THE FEMALE DRIVER.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - AN 86-YEAR-OLD NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOS WITH A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY IS TO SPEND THREE MONTHS IN JAIL FOLLOWED BY HOUSE ARREST. JOSEPH GYURISKA WAS SENTENCED YESTERDAY IN LACKAWANNA COUNTY TO A TOTAL OF SIX TO 23 MONTHS OF CONFINEMENT FOR HIS AUGUST GUILTY PLEA TO CORRUPTION OF MINORS.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - FEDERAL PROSECUTORS IN PITTSBURGH SAY THEY'VE ARRESTED EIGHT PEOPLE IN A LARGE ONLINE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY RING THAT
REQUIRED POTENTIAL MEMBERS TO SHARE IMAGES TO SHOW THEY WEREN'T IN
LAW ENFORCEMENT. RECORDS INDICATE MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE MAY BE INVOLVED. THE INVESTIGATION STEMS FROM THE 2008 ARREST OF A WESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA MAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS CAPPED AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH INDIA WITH A LAVISH STATE DINNER HONORING INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH ON THE WHITE HOUSE SOUTH LAWN. IT WAS THE MUST-HAVE TICKET IN WASHINGTON AND PART OF AN EFFORT TO GET ON FIRMER FOOTING WITH INDIA. NEW DELHI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ATTENTION BEING PAID TO ASIAN RIVAL CHINA AND ITS NEIGHBOR, PAKISTAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE COUNTRY WILL KNOW THIS TIME NEXT WEEK ABOUT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S PLANS FOR AFGHANISTAN. OBAMA SAYS HE INTENDS TO "FINISH THE JOB" OF ROOTING OUT TERRORISTS. SOURCES SAY HE'LL SHARE HIS GOALS IN A TUESDAY NIGHT ADDRESS TO THE NATION.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (AP) - FIREFIGHTERS SAY A WIND-DRIVEN WILDFIRE BURNING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS BEING KEPT AT BAY SO FAR. ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY SPOKESWOMAN LYNNETTE ROUND SAYS FIREFIGHTERS ARE BEGINNING TO GET A LINE AROUND THE BLAZE, IN THEIR EFFORT TO KEEP IT AWAY FROM HOMES ACROSS A ROAD THAT'S ACTING AS A FIREBREAK.

CHICAGO (AP) - MANY AMERICANS WHO GOT OUT OF THE HOLIDAY TRAVEL HABIT DURING THE DIRE ECONOMY LAST YEAR ARE DOING IT AGAIN THIS THANKSGIVING. ACCORDING TO AN AAA SURVEY, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELING IS LIKELY TO STAY ABOUT THE SAME OR INCH UP SLIGHTLY. AND PEOPLE WHO AREN'T JUST STAYING HOME HAVE SOUGHT CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES TO AIRLINERS.

IRMO, S.C. (AP) - A FIRE MARSHAL IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS REMINDING PEOPLE TO BE CAREFUL THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, EVEN IN THE KITCHEN. IRMO FIRE MARSHAL JEFF ALLEN SAYS THANKSGIVING IS THE BIGGEST DAY OF THE YEAR FOR KITCHEN FIRES. HE SAYS FIREFIGHTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY RESPOND TO THREE TIMES AS MANY COOKING FIRES ON THANKSGIVING THAN ON AN AVERAGE DAY.

Today's News-Tuesday, November 24, 2009

POTTSVILLE MAN ADMITS POSSESSING CHILD PORN

A POTTSVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. MICHAEL MAROUKIS, 55, ADMITTED TO HAVING THE IMAGES ON HIS PERSONAL COMPUTER EARLIER THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD. REPORTS SAY MAROUKIS CAN REMAIN FREE UNTIL HE'S SENTENCED, BUT CANNOT HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 OR BEING IN PLACES WHERE CHILDREN GATHER, OR USE A COMPUTER WITH ONLINE ACCESS. MAROUKIS FACES A LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCE AND FINES, ACCORDING TO FEDERAL COURT RECORDS.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF BRINGING DRUGS INTO COURT

A PITTSBURGH WOMAN VISITING AN INMATE AT SCI-MAHANOY IS IN HOT WATER AFTER SHE ALLEGEDLY BROUGHT DRUGS TO THE PRISON. 28 YEAR OLD JULIA KEEN OF PITTSBURGH CAME TO THE FACILITY SUNDAY, AND A TIP INDICATED SHE WOULD BE BRINGING DRUGS THERE. A SEARCH FOUND 40 BALLOONS CONTAINING MARIJUANA ON HER. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE HAVE CHARGED KEEN WITH FELONY POSSESSION TO DELIVER POT AND HAVING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. KEEN WAS TAKEN TO COUNTY JAIL, UNABLE TO POST BAIL.

TEENS FACE DISORDERLY CONDUCT CHARGES

STATE POLICE HAVE CHARGED TWO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED MONDAY MORNING IN THE HALLWAY AT MINERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE 14 AND 15 YEAR OLD GIRLS ALLEGEDLY BEGAN FIGHTING. TROOPERS FROM THE FRACKVILLE BARRACKS ARE HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION.

DONATIONS DOWN

THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE HAS PUT A DENT IN ALL OF OUR WALLETS, WHICH LEAVES EVEN LESS TO HELP OTHERS. ONE AGENCY FEELING THE PINCH THIS YEAR IS THE POTTSVILLE SALVATION ARMY. CAPTAIN ADAM HENCH TELLS WPPA/T102 NEWS THAT AS THEY PREPARE TO GIVE OUT FOOD BOXES TO THOSE IN NEED FOR THANKSGIVING, FOOD CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DOWN ABOUT 35 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR AND MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS DOWN ABOUT 25 PERCENT. AND, WITH MORE PEOPLE OUT OF WORK, FIRST TIME REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE ARE UP. CAPTAIN HENCH SAYS THAT THE SALVATION ARMY IS STILL READY TO HELP AS MANY AS THEY CAN THIS YEAR. THE RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN WILL GETTING UNDERWAY SOON, SO PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE ABLE.

E IS FOR ECOLOGY

BABY BOOMERS, GENERATION X AND NOW GENERATION E, WHERE THE "E" TIES INTO ECOLOGY, CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL EQUITY. ITS THE TERM USED IN A NEW REPORT TO DESCRIBE THE LEADERS OF THE SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES, INCLUDING SEVEN SCHOOLS IN PENNSYLVANIA. TOM JOSEPH REPORTS:

JOSEPH ECOLOGY

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN EXPECTS THERE WILL BE A NET CREATION OF JOBS IN THE U.S. BY THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR. BIDEN SPOKE YESTERDAY IN PHILADELPHIA TO THE COMMITTEE OF SEVENTY, A GOVERNMENT WATCHDOG GROUP. HE SAYS THE ECONOMY HAS SHOWN MANY SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT, BUT THAT THE COUNTRY STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE MANAGER OF PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM CORBETT'S CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR SAYS SUPPORT FOR CORBETT IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY COMES FROM BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE PARTY. CAMPAIGN MANAGER BRIAN NUTT SPOKE IN RESPONSE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM GERLACH, WHO SAYS SOME PARTY LEADERS WANT TO "ANOINT" CORBETT WITHOUT ALLOWING COMPETITION.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH MAYOR LUKE RAVENSTAHL SAYS HE IS SEPARATING FROM HIS WIFE OF FIVE YEARS. RAVENSTAHL TELLS PITTSBURGH
TELEVISION STATION KDKA ABOUT THE DECISION TO SEPARATE FROM ERIN
RAVENSTAHL, WHOM HE MARRIED IN 2004. THEY LIVED IN PITTSBURGH'S SUMMER HILL SECTION WITH A SON, COOPER. THE MAYOR SAYS HE HAS MOVED OUT OF THAT HOUSE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A THREE MILE ISLAND OFFICIAL SAYS TEAMS ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE WHY AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN AIR FLOW STIRRED UP RADIOACTIVE DUST DURING WORK AT THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT. A SPOKESMAN SAYS THAT PUBLIC SAFETY WAS NEVER ENDANGERED BY SATURDAY'S INCIDENT IN WHICH A DOZEN WORKERS AT THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FACILITY WERE EXPOSED TO RADIATION.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS HELD A "RIGOROUS FINAL MEETING" WITH HIS AFGHANISTAN WAR COUNCIL AND IS SAID TO BE DAYS AWAY FROM ANNOUNCING HOW HE PLANS TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CONFLICT. MILITARY OFFICIALS AND OTHERS EXPECT OBAMA TO SETTLE ON A MIDDLE-GROUND OPTION THAT WOULD DEPLOY UP TO 35,000 MORE U.S. FORCES.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (AP) - OFFICIALS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE RAISING THE DEATH TOLL IN AN ELECTION MASSACRE TO 35 AND SAY MORE BODIES COULD BE RECOVERED. A POLICE OFFICIAL SAYS 11 BODIES HAVE BEEN RECOVERED FROM A MASS GRAVE. AUTHORITIES YESTERDAY FOUND 24 BODIES AFTER SUPPORTERS OF A LOCAL POLITICIAN AND JOURNALISTS TRAVELING IN A CONVOY WERE KIDNAPPED.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE MAN IN CHARGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S SECURITY FOR THE UPCOMING TRIAL OF THE SEPT. 11 TERROR ATTACK SUSPECTS IS BEING PROMOTED TO DEPUTY CHIEF. IN PREPARED REMARKS, POLICE COMMISSIONER RAY KELLY SAYS MICHAEL BLAKE HAS ALREADY CONDUCTED A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF LOCATIONS THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE TRIAL OF KHALID SHEIKH MOHAMMED AND FOUR OTHER SUSPECTS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION IS URGING PARENTS TO STOP USING SOME STORK CRAFT MANUFACTURING DROP-SIDE CRIBS AFTER RECALLING MORE THAN 2.1 MILLION OF THE PRODUCTS. THE COMMISSION SAYS IT HAS REPORTS OF FOUR INFANTS WHO SUFFOCATED IN THE CRIBS. PARENTS CAN REQUEST A FREE REPAIR KIT TO FIX THE DEFECT.

GENEVA (AP) - THE WORLD'S LARGEST ATOM SMASHER IS A STEP CLOSER TO UNLOCKING SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE. A SPOKESMAN SAYS THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER HAS USED ITS ACCELERATOR FOR THE FIRST TIME TO INCREASE THE ENERGY OF ITS PROTON BEAM TO 540 BILLION ELECTRON VOLTS. IT'S A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT STILL A LONG WAY FROM THE 1.2 TRILLION DESIRED.

Today's News-Monday, November 23, 2009

SUSPECTED DRUNK DRIVER

A PORT CARBON WOMAN WAS ARRESTED EARLY SUNDAY IN EAST NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE SAY A JEEP WAS DISABLED ALONG MILL CREEK AVENUE AROUND 1:45AM. THE DRIVER, DENISE HUBLER, HAD REPORTEDLY WALKED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND WENT LOOKING FOR HELP. TROOPERS SAY SHE APPEARED TO BE INTOXICATED AND FAILED A FIELD SOBRIETY TEST. CHARGES OF SUSPICION OF DUI WILL BE FILED IN DISTRICT COURT.

PROWLER PROBED

A PINE GROVE AREA WOMAN WAS INTERRUPTED FROM SLEEP SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER A PROWLER ENTERED LINDAY PHILLIPY'S HOME ON SUEDBERG ROAD AND BANGED ON A BEDROOM DOOR. THE SUSPECT THEN FLED. STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR LEADS AS TO WHO ENTERED THE HOME.

ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO CURB UNSAFE DRIVING

MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS ARE TAKING TO THE HIGHWAYS FOR THANKSGIVING. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AND HUNDREDS OF MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE WORKING WITH PENNDOT TO INCREASE TRAFFIC SAFETY ENFORCEMENT FROM NOW UNTIL THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY WEEKEND. PENN DOT SECRETARY ALLEN BIEHLER:

BIEHLER

AS PART OF OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY, POLICE WILL USE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS, ROVING PATROLS AND REGULAR TRAFFIC SAFETY PATROLS TO FOCUS ON IMPAIRED, AGGRESSIVE AND UNBUCKLED MOTORISTS. LAST THANKSGIVING, THERE WERE MORE CRASHES THAN ANY HOLIDAY IN 2008. 53 PEOPLE DIED ON STATE ROADWAYS DURING THE PERIOD. INFORMATION ON TRAVEL DELAYS, ROAD CONDITIONS AND WEATHER FORECASTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE BY CALLING 5-1-1 OR LOG ON TO 5-1-1PA-DOT-COM.

STIMULUS MONIES TO BE USED FOR ROAD WORK

TWO MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AS PART OF THE FEDERAL STIMULUS PROGRAM. THAT'S ACCORDING TO GOVERNOR ED RENDELL. INTERSTATE 81 WILL BE MILLED AND PATCHED FROM THE LUZERNE COUNTY LINE TO ROUTE 54. INTERCHANGE RAMPS WILL ALSO BE REPAIRED, AND ROUTE 309 RAMPS WILL BE RECONSTRUCTION. TOTAL COST, $18.5 MILLION DOLLARS. ROUTE 54 WILL BE RESURFACED FROM THE READING AND BLUE MOUNTAIN RAILROAD BRIDGE THROUGH MAHANOY TOWNSHIP TO THE RYAN TOWNSHIP LINE, COSTING $3.9 MILLION.

MIDDLETOWN, PA. (AP) - THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SENT INVESTIGATORS TO THE THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AFTER A SMALL AMOUNT OF RADIATION WAS DETECTED THERE. ABOUT 150 EMPLOYEES WERE SENT HOME SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFTER THE RADIATION WAS DETECTED AT THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA PLANT. OFFICIALS SAY THERE IS NO PUBLIC HEALTH RISK.

NEW YORK (AP) - A SWARTHMORE COLLEGE GRADUATE FROM SUBURBAN NEW YORK WHO HELPED FIGHT MALARIA IN UGANDA HAS BEEN NAMED A RHODES SCHOLAR. MARK DLUGASH IS ONE OF 32 WINNERS ANNOUNCED SUNDAY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS THAT PROVIDE ALL EXPENSES FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS OF STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD IN ENGLAND. THE 23-YEAR-OLD DLUGASH GRADUATED FROM SWARTHMORE IN 2008.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - LEGENDARY JAZZ DRUMMER BILLY JAMES HAS DIED IN PHILADELPHIA AT THE AGE OF 73. JAMES DIED FRIDAY NIGHT AT MERCY HOSPITAL AFTER STRUGGLING WITH COMPLICATIONS FROM ASTHMA. THAT'S ACCORDING TO HIS LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND, DANITA LYBURN. HE WAS A LONGTIME MAINSTAY AT PHILADELPHIA JAZZ CLUBS FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN SET.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE ARE HURT AND MANY MORE ARE HOMELESS AFTER A BLAZE AT A NORTHEASTERN PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE FIRE STARTED AROUND 4:30 A.M. SUNDAY AT THE AUSTIN MANOR APARTMENTS. THERE IS NO WORD ON THE EXTENT OF THE INJURIES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - DEMOCRATIC SEN. ARLEN SPECTER OF PENNSYLVANIA SAYS THE HEALTH CARE MEASURE GOING TO THE SENATE FLOOR FOR DEBATE WOULD SAVE THE COUNTRY $800 BILLION OVER THE COMING 20 YEARS. BUT REPUBLICAN SENATORS, SEPECTER'S FORMER GOP COLLEAGUES, AREN'T BUYING THOSE ARGUMENTS. SEN. KIT BOND OF MISSOURI CALLS THE DEMOCRATIC-SPONSORED MEASURE A "SCAM."

KABUL (AP) - THE MILITARY SAYS FOUR U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE PAST 24 HOURS IN AFGHANISTAN. NATO SAYS THREE WERE KILLED IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN, TWO IN A BOMB ATTACK AND THE THIRD IN A SEPARATE FIREFIGHT. THE FOURTH DIED IN A BOMBING IN THE EAST. MEANWHILE, AFGHAN OFFICIALS SAID THREE AFGHAN ARMY SOLDIERS WERE KILLED BY A ROADSIDE BOMB IN SOUTHERN HELMAND PROVINCE.

MIDDLETOWN, PA. (AP) - THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION HAS SENT INVESTIGATORS TO THE THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN PENNSYLVANIA AFTER A SMALL AMOUNT OF RADIATION WAS DETECTED. SPECIALIST JOHN WHITE SAYS THERE'S NO INDICATION THE RADIATION EXCEEDED OR EVEN APPROACHED REGULATORY LIMITS.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - ATLANTIS' CREW IS GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER SPACEWALK OUTSIDE THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. AMONG THE ASTRONAUTS SUITING UP IS RANDOLPH BRESNIK - THE FATHER OF A NEW BABY GIRL. THE MISSION IS TO HOOK UP A FRESH OXYGEN TANK AND SOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS.

HOUSTON (AP) - MICHAEL JACKSON'S DOCTOR IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK AT HIS HOUSTON MEDICAL CLINIC FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BEFORE THE POP STAR'S DEATH. DR. CONRAD MURRAY HAS BEEN THE FOCUS OF A HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN LOS ANGELES SINCE TELLING POLICE HE GAVE JACKSON A POWERFUL OPERATING ROOM ANESTHETIC TO HELP HIM SLEEP. HE HASN'T BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE MAN ACCUSED OF SECRETLY MAKING NUDE VIDEOS OF ESPN REPORTER ERIN ANDREWS IS SCHEDULED TO BE ARRAIGNED TODAY IN A LOS ANGELES FEDERAL COURT. PROSECUTORS SAY MICHAEL BARRETT FOUND HOTELS WHERE ANDREWS WAS STAYING, RENTED AN ADJACENT ROOM, ALTERED THE PEEPHOLE AND SHOT VIDEOS OF ANDREWS.

Today's News - Saturday, November 21, 2009

LOCAL NEWS

UNITED WAY MAKES ITS GOAL

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING. AND BOY DID THEY EVER, AS THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY EXCEEDED THEIR MILLION DOLLAR TARGET FOR THE 2010 CAMPAIGN, GIVING HOPE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. THE TWO MONTH CAMPAIGN USED THAT HOPE, AND THE GENEROSITY OF THOUSANDS TO BRING THE 1 MILLION, 30 THOUSAND DOLLAR TALLY TO FRUITION, OR 103 PERCENT OF TARGET. FIFTEEN AGENCIES BENEFIT FROM THE PUBLIC'S GENEROSITY, AND ALL MONIES COLLECTED HERE STAY RIGHT HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL INVOLVED IN THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.

KANE STEEL TO CLOSE

AN AREA BUSINESS CLOSED ITS DOORS YESTERDAY AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF OPERATION. REPORTS SAY KANE STEEL ON ROUTE 901 BETWEEN POTTSVILLE AND MINERSVILLE CEASED OPERATIONS FRIDAY. THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ARE TO BLAME FOR THE CLOSING, LEAVING FOUR PEOPLE WITHOUT JOBS. AT ONE POINT, THREE DOZEN PEOPLE WORKED AT THE BUSINESS.

SURVIVORS VIGIL TONIGHT IN POTTSVILLE

HOPE AFTER A LOVED ONE'S SUICIDE, OR HALOS, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'S SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP IS SPONSORING A CANDELLIGHT VIGIL TONIGHT AT 6 P.M. IN YUENGLING BICENTENNIAL PARK IN THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE. THE SERVICE IS BEING HELD IN CONJUCTION WITH NATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE DAY AND THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND.

STATE NEWS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A labor agreement for Philadelphia transit workers has been ratified overwhelmingly by union members. Transport Workers Union Local 234 spokesman Bob Wolper said Friday night that 2,806 members voted to ratify the pact. Another 242 voted against it. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, subways and trolleys began running again Nov. 9 when a tentative agreement was reached, ending a strike that took up much of the previous week. The ratification ends the possibility of another strike.

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - Two former Pennsylvania judges accused of taking millions of dollars in kickbacks to send juveniles to private detention facilities have been granted partial immunity from civil liability. In an opinion issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Richard Caputo says former Luzerne County Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella are entitled to partial immunity from civil lawsuits filed by former juvenile defendants. Saying he realizes his decision will be unpopular, Caputo says the doctrine of judicial immunity requires him to shield the judges from civil liability for any actions they took from the bench. However, Caputo says the judges can still be sued for their actions off the bench. Conahan and Ciavarella have both pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering charges.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Harley-Davidson has already laid off more than 600 workers this year at its plant in south-central Pennsylvania, now employing fewer than 2,000 people. The company says it's looking to cut even more -- down to about 1,000 hourly union workers. But a tentative labor agreement makes it less likely the plant will close entirely and take the work out of state. Union negotiator Tom Santone told The York Dispatch that he believes the contract contains enough cost savings to compel the company to keep the plant in York. The York plant consists of two motorcycle factories that assemble its Touring and Softail motorcycles.

NEW YORK (AP) - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is making good on his World Series bet with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Nutter joined Bloomberg Friday for some community service in the Bronx, but he had to wear a Yankees jersey while doing it. Bloomberg and Nutter made a wager that said the loser had to come to the winner's city to do a community service project, while wearing the jersey of the winning team. So they helped paint walls in a hallway at a junior high school in the Bronx. Nutter wore no. 55 - honoring World Series Most Valuable Player Hideki Matsui. Bloomberg wore No. 27, which marks the Yankees' 27th World Series win. Nutter said he will still help to paint a mural with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

DIMOCK, Pa. (AP) - More than a dozen families have filed suit against one of the nation's largest natural gas drillers after the company polluted their water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania. State environmental regulators fined Houston-based Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. for allowing gas to escape into groundwater supplies in rural Susquehanna County near the New York border. The Department of Environmental Protection says 13 wells were polluted. Cabot agreed earlier this month to take steps to prevent a recurrence. The company also promised to restore or replace the affected water supplies. The problem was discovered Jan. 1 when a well exploded at a home near Cabot's operations.
Cabot is among a slew of exploration companies that are drilling in the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation.

NATIONAL NEWS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is praising a Senate bill up for a test vote tonight. The Obama administration says the measure "provides the necessary health reforms that the administration seeks." Democrats are optimistic the legislation will make it past its first crucial test.

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - Authorities have removed dozens of protesters from a University of California, Berkeley building. The demonstrators had barricaded themselves in the building to protest fee hikes and budget cuts.

FAIRFIELD, Ala. (AP) - Alabama police say one woman was killed and at least six children taken to the hospital after a woman plowed into a group standing outside a middle school. Police say they believe the woman hit the gas when she meant to hit the brake.

BEIJING (AP) - Power, ventilation and communication links are reportedly severed to 66 people trapped after a gas explosion in a Chinese coal mine. Forty-two people died in the blast at the state-run mine.

ROME (AP) - Italian police say they've arrested two Pakistani men accused of providing logistical support for last year's terror attacks in Mumbai, India. Police say the suspects managed a money transfer agency and helped fund the November 2008 attacks.

Today's News-Friday, November 20, 2009

FORMER SCHUYLKILL PRODUCTS EXECS INDICTED

FORMER EXECUTIVES OF A CONCRETE BEAM MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH FRAUD. REPORTS INDICATE THAT JOSEPH NAGLE, DEERFIELD BEACH, FLORIDA AND ERNEST FINK JR OF ORWIGSBURG ARE FACING 32 COUNTS AFTER SCHUYLKILL PRODUCTS INC. GOT OVER 300 CONTRACTS OVER A 15 YEAR PERIOD USING A CONNECTICUT BASED COMPANY TO GET THE WORK. THOSE CONTRACTS WERE VALUED AT OVER 136 MILLION DOLLARS. BOTH ARE CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD, UNLAWFUL MONETARY TRANSACTIONS, MAIL FRAUD AND CONSPIRACY. NAGLE AND FINK AND OTHER OFFICIALS OF SCHUYLKILL PRODUCTS USED MARIKINA CONSTRUCTION TO GET THE CONTRACTS, WHILE THE CRESSONA-BASED COMPANY DID THE WORK. DENNIS CAMPBEL AND TIMOTHY HUBLER, AND THE OWNER OF MARIKINA, HAVE ALREADY PLEADED GUILTY TO THEIR ROLE IN THE SCAM. NAGLE WAS THE COMPANY CEO, FINK WAS ITS COO. SCHUYLKILL PRODUCTS IS NOW OPERATING AS NORTHEAST PRESTRESSED PRODUCTS.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE IN POTTSVILLE

A MOUTH BATTLE BETWEEN TWO POTTSVILLE RESIDENTS TURNED PHYSICAL EARLY YESTERDAY, LANDING THEM BOTH IN JAIL. POTTSVILLE POLICE WERE CALLED TO 319 WEST MARKET STREET, WHERE 30 YEAR OLD ANDRE SOTO AND 29 YEAR OLD SHANNON NEWELL WERE FIGHTING. BOTH HAD MINOR INJURIES. THEY WERE BOTH CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS, AND WERE JAILED IN THE COUNTY PRISON.

UNITED WAY WRAPS TODAY

THE MESSAGE OF H.O.P.E. HAS BEEN SPREAD ACROSS SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS, AS THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN WORKED TO RAISE MONEY TO BENEFIT THEIR 15 MEMBER AGENCIES. TODAY, THEY WILL CELEBRATE THE CULMINATION OF THEIR EFFORTS WITH AN APPRECIATION BREAKFAST AT 8AM AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL. THE ORGANIZATION SET A MILLION DOLLAR TARGET, AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE HAD TO WORK ESPECIALLY HARD TO GARNER PLEDGES IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE.

AMELIA BEDELIA AUTHOR IN RESIDENCE AT BLUE MOUNTAIN

ONE OF THE JOYS OF BEING A PARENT IS READING TO YOUR CHILDREN. ONE SERIES OF BOOKS BELOVED BY MANY IS A SERIES OF STORIES ABOUT A HOUSEKEEPER WHO TAKES THINGS LITERALLY. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AMELIA BEDELIA. AUTHOR HERMAN PARISH IS SPENDING A FEW DAYS IN OUR AREA, ENTERTAINING STUDENTS IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES AT BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT AS PART OF THE EDUCATORS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM. WPPA/T102 NEWS SAT DOWN WITH PARISH YESTERDAY AT CRESSONA ELEMENTARY. I ASKED HIM HOW HE COMES UP WITH STORY IDEAS:

PARISH

PARISH'S VISIT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GRANT FROM THE BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE FOUNDATION. THE CHARACTER WAS CREATED BY PARISH'S AUNT PEGGY, WHO PASSED AWAY IN 1988. HERMAN PARISH HAS CARRIED THE SERIES ON SINCE THEN.

MCHAPPY DAY

ITS FRIDAY! MAKE A MCHAPPY DAY AND HELP OTHERS. THE OWNER OPERATORS OF THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA MCDONALDS ARE WRAPPING UP THEIR ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EFFORT TO HELP LOCAL NON-PROFIT PROGRAMS TO HELP THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, PLUS FUNDING FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES. ROLAND KISSINGER, WHO OWNS A NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS IN THE REGION, INCLUDING FRACKVILLE, SAYS ITS ALL ABOUT GIVING BACK:

KISSINGER

2009 RECIPIENTS INCLUDED THE SCHUYLKILL YMCA. CUSTOMERS TO MCDONALDS MCHAPPY DAY TODAY CAN DONATE THROUGH SEVERAL WAYS AS THEY STOP TO ENJOY A MEAL.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA JURY HAS CONVICTED A CONFESSED COP KILLER OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOR FATALLY SHOOTING A POLICE OFFICER ON HALLOWEEN 2007. JOHN LEWIS WAS FOUND GUILTY YESTERDAY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY. NOW THE JURY WILL DETERMINE WHETHER LEWIS DESERVES LIFE IN PRISON OR THE DEATH PENALTY.

WEST CHESTER, PA. (AP) - A FORMER ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF ACCUSED OF SETTING TWO SMALL FIRES IN AN ARSON-PLAGUED STEEL TOWN NEAR PHILADELPHIA HAS WORKED OUT A PLEA BARGAIN FREEING HIM FROM JAIL. CHESTER COUNTY JUDGE ANTHONY SARCIONE SAYS THE PLEA DEAL FOR ROBERT TRACEY JR. IS A SURPRISE. THE COATESVILLE MAN GOT A SENTENCE OF THE 242 DAYS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S LATEST JOBLESS RATE REMAINS AT 8.8 PERCENT, EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS A MONTH EARLIER. THE STATE ADDED NEARLY 11,000 NONFARM JOBS, ACCORDING TO OCTOBER FIGURES RELEASED YESTERDAY. GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS THE NUMBERS ARE AN ECONOMIC BRIGHT SPOT AND EVIDENCE THAT THE STATE MAY BE POISED FOR RECOVERY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A FORMER PITTSBURGH NEWS ANCHOR HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA FOR FAILING TO SERVE DRUNKEN DRIVING SENTENCES IN TWO WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CASES. DON CANNON, WHOSE REAL NAME IS DONALD CLARK, WAS ARRESTED ON AN ALLEGHENY COUNTY BENCH WARRANT IN CARLSBAD, CALIF., WHERE HE MOVED AFTER PLEADING GUILTY IN 2008. HE'S IN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY JAIL.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - MEDIA MOGUL JOHN MALONE SAYS COMCAST'S PLAN TO BUY A CONTROLLING STAKE IN NBC UNIVERSAL WOULD GIVE IT TOO MUCH MARKET POWER AND FORCE COMPETITORS TO CONSIDER MERGERS OR ACQUISITIONS AS WELL. COMCAST CORP. - THE NATION'S LARGEST CABLE TV PROVIDER - IS IN TALKS TO BUY A CONTROLLING STAKE IN NBC UNIVERSAL FROM GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.

WASHINGTON (AP) - UNCERTAINTY REMAINS AS SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID TRIES TO ROUND UP SUPPORT FOR A KEY PROCEDURAL VOTE ON HEALTH CARE TOMORROW THAT LOOKS TO BLOCK REPUBLICAN FILIBUSTER EFFORTS. HE NEEDS ALL 60 DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS VOTES AND THERE ARE SOME HOLDOUTS.

MIR ALI, PAKISTAN (AP) - AT LEAST FIVE PAKISTANI SOLDIERS AND EIGHT MILITANTS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS IN PAKISTAN. A SUSPECTED U.S. MISSILE STRIKE KILLED THE MILITANTS IN NORTHWESTERN PAKISTAN, NEAR THE AFGHAN BORDER. THE SOLDIERS WERE REPORTED KILLED IN CLASHES IN AN AREA PREVIOUSLY CLEARED BY THE ARMY.

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIF. (AP) - THE MILITARY IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TELL WHICH TROOPS ARE MOST AT RISK FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. DOCTORS SAY THE EXPERIMENT IS AIMED AT UNDERSTANDING UNDERLYING TRIGGERS AND WHY SOME RETURNING COMBAT TROOPS SUFFER DEBILITATING STRESS SYMPTOMS WHILE OTHERS SHAKE IT OFF. THERE ARE CURRENTLY CLUES, BUT NO RELIABLE PREDICTORS.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE ASTRONAUTS ABOARD THE SPACE SHUTTLE-STATION COMPLEX WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE MORE SUPPLIES INTO THE COMPLEX TODAY SINCE THE SHUTTLE WON'T HAVE TO BE INSPECTED. SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS HAS BEEN DECLARED FREE OF ANY WORRISOME LAUNCH DAMAGE AND WON'T GET ANOTHER LOOK-SEE UNTIL AFTER IT LEAVES THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

LONDON (AP) - AROUND 200 PEOPLE IN NORTHERN ENGLAND HAVE BEEN RESCUED FROM RISING FLOODWATERS CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINFALL. BRITAIN'S AIR FORCE AIDED IN THE RESCUE IN THE PICTURESQUE LAKE DISTRICT TOURIST REGION. SEVERE FLOOD WARNINGS ARE STILL IN PLACE.

Today's News-Thursday, November 26, 2009

COUNTY CONSIDERS WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO BALANCE THE 2010 BUDGET. UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN ASKED TO CONSIDER MAKING CHANGES TO THEIR WORK SCHEDULE. UNION BUSINESS AGENT GUY WEIDERHOLD:

WEIDERHOLD-ON THE TABLE

AFTER VOTES WERE TOTALED LAST NIGHT, RANK AND FILE MEMBERS DECIDED THEY'D RATHER TAKE LAYOFFS THAN A REDUCTION IN SALARY. DURING YESTERDAY'S WORK SESSION, THE SALARY BOARD PRESENTED CONSOLIDATION OF POSITIONS IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMMISSIONERS OFFICE, GIVING ADDITIONAL DUTIES TO PAUL STRAKA, MARTINA CHWASTIAK AND HEATHER GARRITY, WITH SALARY ADJUSTMENTS PROPOSED. THOSE INCREASES RAISED THE IRE OF THE UNION WORKERS, ACCORDING TO WEIDERHOLD. THE VOTE ON THOSE POSITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MARK SCARBINSKY SAID THAT THE SHORTER WORK WEEK WOULD HAVE SAVED MONEY:

SCARBINSKY JOBS

IN OTHER BUSINESS, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'S CHIEF ASSESSOR VIRGINIA MURRAY PRESENTED THE CERTIFIED VALUATION OF PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY, WHICH TAXES ARE BASED ON. THE 2010 ASSESSED VALUE IS $2.459 BILLION DOLLARS, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT $19 MILLION DOLLARS, OR 8 TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT. MURRAY SAID THAT THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MINIMAL INCREASE. THE COUNTY FACES A $3.5 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET SHORTFALL FOR THE 2010 SPENDING PLAN.

DRUG BUST IN POTTSVILLE

A NEW JERSEY WOMAN AND A NEW YORK MAN ARE JAILED FOLLOWING A DRUG BUST IN POTTSVILLE. OFFICERS WERE INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT AT THE POTTSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY SITE ON NORTH SECOND STREET TUESDAY AND CHARGED 35 YEAR OLD HEATHER MILLER FROM PHILLIPSBURG, NEW JERSEY WAS FOUND TO HAVE A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN HER POSSESSION, AND TAKEN TO THE COUNTY PRISON. 35 YEAR OLD JERAL JONES, THE BRONX, NEW YORK, WAS ALSO TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON AN OUTSTANDING DRUG WARRANT FROM EASTON, AND JAILED IN THE COUNTY PRISON.

CRASH INJURES ONE ON ROUTE 61

A POTTSVILLE MAN WAS INJURED IN A TWO VEHICLE CRASH ON ROUTE 61 YESTERDAY MORNING. ALLEN WOOD'S VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION WITH TUNNEL ROAD WHEN HIS CAR WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY RUSSELL CHUB OF MT CARMEL. WOOD'S SUBARU SPUN AROUND AND HIT A CURB, EJECTING HIM FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS TAKEN TO LEHIGH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. THE CRASH HAPPENED JUST BEFORE NOON WEDNESDAY.

OTHER COMMISH NEWS

THE PRISON PRE-RELEASE CENTER CONTINUES TO MAKE NEWS HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THIS TIME, REPRESENTATIVES FROM A PITTSBURGH COMPANY MADE THEIR PITCH TO OFFICIALS TO OPERATE SUCH A FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN POTTSVILLE. STEPHEN DEVLIN OF RENEWAL INCORPORATED OPERATES A 600 BED FACILITY IN PITTSBURGH, AND SAID THEY COULD DO THE SAME HERE. HOWEVER, COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY THAT THEY COULDN'T AFFORD TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL MILLION DOLLARS OR MORE TO DO IT. THE IDEA OF CONSTRUCTING A PRISON PRE-RELEASE CENTER IN RYAN TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR SEVERAL YEARS, TO HOUSE LESS VIOLENT CRIMINALS WHO ARE ON WORK-RELEASE TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING AT THE COUNTY PRISON. JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN SAID ITS JUST A MATTER OF DOLLARS AND CENTS, AND IT WOULD BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE TO BUILD THEIR OWN CENTER, RATHER THAN CONTRACT THOSE SERVICES OUT. THE PRISON BOARD CHAIR DID ACKNOWLEDGE THAT RENEWAL, INC. HAS DONE A GOOD JOB IN THEIR PROGRAM IN THE STEEL CITY, FROM EVERYTHING HE HAS HEARD.

SHIREY'S NEW TRIAL DENIED

A WOMAN WHOSE SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE FOR HAVING HER HUSBAND KILLED IN 1992 WILL NOT GET A NEW TRIAL. THAT'S THE RULING FROM A STATE SUPERIOR COURT PANEL, WHO SAID BETH SHIREY FAILED TO PROVIDE ANY REASON TO GRANT A NEW TRIAL. SHIREY HIRED RONALD CHAMPNEY TO KILL HER HUSBAND ROY BENSINGER IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HIS HOME ON JUNE 4, 1992. CHAMPNEY, WHO WAS CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER, IS SLATED TO GET A NEW TRIAL AFTER IT WAS DETERMINED HIS COUNSEL PROVIDED INEFFECTIVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. THIS WAS THE FOURTH TIME SHIREY TRIED TO GET HER CASE REOPENED. SHE IS SERVING A LIFE PRISON TERM AT THE STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AT MUNCY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS SPECIAL INTERESTS EXERT TOO MUCH CONTROL OVER STATE GOVERNMENT. RENDELL RENEWED HIS PITCH YESTERDAY FOR OVERHAULING THE STATE'S CAMPAIGN-FINANCE LAWS, THE SELECTION OF APPELLATE JUDGES AND THE PROCESS BY WHICH STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS ARE REDRAWN EVERY 10 YEARS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE CONFESSED KILLER OF A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER SHOUTED A TEARFUL APOLOGY TO THE SLAIN MAN'S WIDOW AS SHE TESTIFIED DURING HIS TRIAL. JOHN LEWIS SHOUTED, "I'M SORRY, MRS. CASSIDY" AFTER THE WIDOW OF OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY RECOUNTED THEIR FINAL CONVERSATION DURING TESTIMONY YESTERDAY. CLOSING ARGUMENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - FORMER PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE STEPHEN ZAPPALA SAYS HE'S "VERY COMFORTABLE" THAT THE CASINO GROUP HE NOW LEADS DIDN'T BREAK ANY LAWS. A STATE LAWMAKER IS QUESTIONING WHY THE PENNSYLVANIA CASINO ASSOCIATION ISN'T REGISTERED AS A LOBBYING GROUP, DESPITE ITS APPARENT ATTEMPTS TO INFLUENCE DEBATE ON GAMBLING.

UPPER DARBY, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA POLICE CHIEF SAYS TWO TEENAGE BOYS MADE VIDEO RECORDINGS OF THEMSELVES BURGLARIZING HOMES. UPPER DARBY POLICE SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL CHITWOOD TOLD REPORTERS YESTERDAY THAT THE 15- AND 16-YEAR-OLD BOYS "TERRORIZED THE NEIGHBORHOOD" WITH THEIR BURGLARIES AND ADDED A BIZARRE TWIST WITH THE VIDEO RECORDINGS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATORS, JUDGES AND TOP STATE OFFICIALS WON'T BE GETTING THE AUTOMATIC COST-OF-LIVING SALARY INCREASES THIS YEAR THAT THEY USUALLY ENJOY. THOSE INCREASES ARE TIED TO THE U.S. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE PHILADELPHIA METROPOLITAN REGION WHICH USUALLY RISES, BUT IT FELL THIS YEAR.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS ON HIS WAY BACK TO WASHINGTON AFTER AN ASIAN TOUR THAT INCLUDED EFFORTS TO PROD CHINA ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND NORTH KOREA TO RETURN TO NUCLEAR TALKS. OBAMA TODAY SAID THE UNITED STATES HAS BEGUN TALKING WITH ALLIES ABOUT FRESH PUNISHMENT AGAINST IRAN FOR DEFYING EFFORTS TO HALT ITS NUCLEAR WEAPONS PURSUITS.

KABUL (AP) - AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI IS PROMISING TO GO AFTER CORRUPT OFFICIALS AND END A CULTURE OF IMPUNITY. HE SPOKE TODAY AFTER AN INAUGURATION CLOSELY WATCHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOR SIGNS THAT HIS ADMINISTRATION IS MOVING BEYOND THE CRONYISM AND GRAFT OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

DEARBORN, MICH. (AP) - THE CIA'S LATEST RECRUITING EFFORT IS LOOKING TO INTEREST ARAB-AMERICANS IN CAREERS WITH THE AGENCY. THE AD AND ANOTHER 30-SECOND SPOT AIMED AT IRANIAN-AMERICANS ARE PART OF AN AMBITIOUS OUTREACH EFFORT TO COMMUNITIES THE AGENCY DEEMS CRITICAL TO REDUCING THE THREAT OF TERRORISM IN THE U.S.

WASHINGTON (AP) - CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS CHARGE MONEY FROM A $4 BILLION GOVERNMENT PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP DISABLED MILITARY VETERANS WHO RUN SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE GOING TO THE WRONG PEOPLE.
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE SAYS AT LEAST $100 MILLION
WENT FRAUDULENTLY TO COMPANIES THAT AREN'T SMALL BUSINESSES, OR
EVEN RUN BY VETERANS.

LONDON (AP) - HEALTH EXPERTS SAY SWINE FLU HAS DEFIED EVEN EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES TO CONTAIN ITS SPREAD. EVEN CHINA, WHICH
INITIALLY CLAIMED SUCCESS WITH STRICT QUARANTINES WHERE ENTIRE
PLANELOADS OF PASSENGERS WERE ISOLATED, NOW ACKNOWLEDGES ITS SWINE
FLU OUTBREAK IS MUCH LARGER THAN OFFICIAL NUMBERS SHOW.

BREAKING NEWS-UNIONS VOTE ON SHORTENING WORKWEEK

COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION
BY SHERRY MARCHEFSKY

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO SAVE MONEY. THE BOARD DISCUSSED THE ELIMINATION OF THREE COUNTY POSITIONS AND THE CREATING OF THREE "MERGED" POSITIONS. THOSE POSITIONS ELIMINATED WERE THAT OF BUDGET/PURCHASING MANAGER, RISK MANAGER AND PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR. THE POSITIONS ARE PROPOSED TO BE MERGED WITH OTHER JOBS WITHIN THE COUNTY AND CREATED AN ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINSTRATOR IN CHARGE OF FISCAL OPERATIONS, HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR/RISK MANAGER AND PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR/ASSISTANT RISK MANAGER. THE MERGER OF THESE JOB TITLES, IF APPROVED, THE MERGER OF THESE JOB TITLES WILL SAVE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY AS THEY TRY TO FILL A $3.5 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET GAP.

GUY WEIDERHOLD, UNION AGENT FOR THOSE COVERED UNDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, TOOK ISSUE WITH THESE MERGED POSITIONS, AS HIS UNION MEMBERS ARE VOTING ON WHETHER TO CONCEDE TO A 30 HOUR WORK WEEK FROM 35 HOURS. THIS WOULD CUT AVERAGE PAY FOR UNIONIZED WORKERS WOULD AMOUNT TO 14 PERCENT. WEIDERHOLD SAID THAT RAISING SALARIES IN THE NEWLY CREATED POSITIONS WOULD BE A SLAP IN THE FACE TO HIS WORKERS. IF THE UNIONS DON'T ACCEPT THE REDUCED WORKWEEK, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF 30 TO 50 STAFF JOBS BEING CUT.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE ASSESSED VALUATION ON WHICH PROPERTY TAX REVENUE IS BASED IN THE COUNTY WAS UP BY ABOUT $19.9 MILLION DOLLARS, TO $2.46 BILLION DOLLARS. THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE BASED ON. THE INCREASED COMPARED TO 2009 IS ABOUT 8 TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT. THOSE FACTS WERE PROVIDED BY GINNY MURRAY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CHIEF ASSESSOR. THE PROJECTED HOMESTEAD MEAN VALUE IS $25,935.

Today's News-November 18, 2009

CRASH INJURES ONE IN BRANCH TOWNSHIP

A BRANCHDALE MAN WAS FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER WITH INJURIES SUFFERED IN A ONE VEHICLE CRASH IN BRANCH TOWNSHIP LAST NIGHT. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE REPORT THAT 51 YEAR OLD MONTGOMERY MASER WAS WESTBOUND ON ROUTE 209. HIS VEHICLE WENT OFF THE RIGHT SHOULDER, HIT THE GUIDERAIL AND SPUN ACROSS THE HIGHWAY, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE ON THE LAWN AT 1370 BUNTING STREET. MASER IS IN FAIR CONDITION THIS MORNING. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE 6:30PM.

BARN FIRE RULED ARSON

STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL JOHN BURNS HAS RULED THAT A BARN FIRE IN NEW RINGGOLD WAS DELIBERATELY SET. THE BUILDING, OWNED BY JAMES BIRDSALL, WAS DESTROYED EARLY MONDAY MORNING. SOME FARM EQUIPMENT WAS DESTROYED IN THE BLAZE. LOSS WAS PEGGED AT ABOUT $15-THOUSAND DOLLARS. INVESTIGATION INTO WHO SET THE FIRE IS CONTINUING.

DEP GRANTS FOR TAMAQUA AND ORWIGSBURG

TWO COMMUNITIES ARE BENEFITTING FROM STATE ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS. SENATOR DAVE ARGALL AND REPRESENTATIVE JERRY KNOWLES ANNOUNCES THE CONSERVATION WORKS! GRANTS THIS WEEK. THE BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA WILL RECEIVE A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS TO INSTALL A GEOTHERMAL HVAC SYSTEM FOR THE BOROUGH'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY. IN ORWIGSBURG, $250 THOUSAND DOLLAR UPGRADES ARE SCHEDULED AT THE MEMORIAL BUILDING AND INSTALLATION OF A GEOTHERMAL HVAC SYSTEM. BOTH PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO SAVE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ELECTRICITY.

PIT BULL ATTACKS TEEN

A MAHANOY CITY BOY SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS ARM AFTER A FAMILY PET ATTACKED HIM MONDAY. POLICE WERE CALLED TO A HOME ON EAST MARKET STREET WHERE THE PIT BULL HAD ATTACKED 17 YEAR OLD ZACHARY MEROOK WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO TAKE HIM OUTSIDE. A STATE DOG WARDEN PUT THE ANIMAL DOWN, ACCORDING TO REPORTS. MEROOK WAS TAKEN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.

WEST LAWN, PA. (AP) - WITH A MESSAGE OF LOW TAXES AND RESISTING WHAT HE CALLS AN OVERBEARING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PENNSYLVANIA STATE REP. SAM ROHRER HAS DECLARED HIS CANDIDACY FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR. THE NINTH-TERM LAWMAKER'S CAMPAIGN BEGAN HIS CAMPAIGN AT AN EVENT LAST NIGHT AT A FIREHOUSE IN BERKS COUNTY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - HOUSE MINORITY LEADER SAM SMITH SAYS IF PROSECUTORS' ALLEGATIONS ARE TRUE, THEN HE WAS MISLED ABOUT THE USE
OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO BOOST REPUBLICAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS. SMITH
SAYS HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY ALLEGED PLOT TO USE TAXPAYER-PAID EMPLOYEES OR STATE FUNDS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES UNTIL AFTER AN
INVESTIGATION BEGAN.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A LONGTIME SECRETARY TO FORMER PENNSYLVANIA
STATE SEN. VINCENT FUMO HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS OF PROBATION FOR DEFRAUDING THE STATE. SUSAN SKOTNICKI, WAS ALSO FINED $1,000 AND ORDERED TO PAY A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF $100 AT YESTERDAY'S SENTENCING. SHE PLEADED GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING THE STATE BY WRITING CHECKS TO HERSELF.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE WIDOW OF A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER IS EXPECTED TO TESTIFY TODAY AT THE TRIAL OF THE MAN WHO ADMITTED TO KILLING HER HUSBAND. THE DEFENDANT, JOHN LEWIS, PLEADED GUILTY TO MURDER LAST WEEK FOR SHOOTING OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY IN THE HEAD IN 2007. NOW A JURY MUST DECIDE WHETHER HE COMMITTED FIRST- OR SECOND-DEGREE MURDER.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE STATE AGENCY WHICH OVERSEES PITTSBURGH'S FINANCES HAS REJECTED THE MAYOR'S $453.8 MILLION BUDGET, WHICH WOULD HAVE TAXED COLLEGE TUITION. THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AUTHORITY SAYS THAT THE TAX DIDN'T COMPLY WITH STATE LAW. LUKE RAVENSTAHL WANTED TO TAX TUITION AT 1 PERCENT TO RAISE SOME $16 MILLION.

BEIJING (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS VISITED THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AS HIS VISIT TO THE COUNTRY NEARS ITS END. EARLIER, THE PRESIDENT HELD TALKS WITH THE CHINESE PREMIER, WHO SAID OBAMA'S VISIT IS SETTING THE U.S-CHINA RELATIONSHIP ON A BETTER PATH.

STOCKHOLM (AP) - LEADERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND RUSSIA ARE HOLDING A SUMMIT ON ENERGY SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. BOTH SIDES ARE EXPRESSING HOPE THE TALKS IN STOCKHOLM WILL HELP PATCH UP BATTERED RELATIONS.

KABUL (AP) - SECURITY FORCES HAVE INCREASED PATROLS AND HELICOPTER FLYOVERS IN THE AFGHAN CAPITAL. THEY'RE BRACING FOR POSSIBLE MILITANT ATTACKS DURING TOMORROW'S INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI, WHO WILL BE SWORN IN FOR HIS SECOND FIVE-YEAR TERM.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS IS CLOSING IN ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. ATLANTIS WILL DO A PIROUETTE FOR THE STATION CAMERAS LATE THIS MORNING, FOR A FINAL CHECK TO MAKE SURE THERE'S NO DAMAGE TO THE THERMAL TILES ON ITS BELLY. THEN THE SHUTTLE WILL DOCK AT THE ORBITING OUTPOST.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SENATE IS MARKING A MILESTONE TODAY. WEST VIRGINIA SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD WILL BECOME THE LONGEST-SERVING LAWMAKER IN CONGRESSIONAL HISTORY: 56 YEARS AND 320 DAYS. IT'S NOT CLEAR WHETHER BYRD, WHO TURNS 92 ON FRIDAY, WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND TODAY'S SESSION.

Today's News-Tuesday, November 17, 2009

WRITE INS COUNTED

ITS BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE THE GENERAL ELECTION, AND STAFF AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ELECTION BUREAU HAS BEEN WORKING TO COUNT A LARGE NUMBER OF WRITE INS. IN THE RACE FOR NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD, MORE THAN 51-HUNDRED WRITE INS WERE MADE FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING A SEAT ON THAT BODY. HOWEVER, NONE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR ATTEMPT. IN DATA PROVIDED BY THE ELECTION BUREAU, SUZANNE O'NEILL, ROBIN HETHERINGTON, DEBORAH HAMPTON, DANIEL HOLDERMAN AND KELLY MORAN WERE ELECTED TO THE BOARD. THREE WRITE IN CANDIDATES, JASON GREEN, WILLIAM HALKO AND CHARLES HEPLER GARNERED MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND VOTES, BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO DEFEAT THE ON-BALLOT CANDIDATES. JUDGE D MICHAEL STINE HAS YET TO APPOINT FOUR MORE CANDIDATES TO FILL THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD'S COMPLEMENT AFTER 8 OF THE 9 DIRECTORS WERE REMOVED THIS SUMMER. IN OTHER ELECTION NEWS, WEDNESDAY IS THE DAY THAT HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TO RECOUNT THE VOTES FOR JUDGE OF THE STATE SUPERIOR COURT, AS DIRECTED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA SECRETARY OF STATE, PEDRO CORTES. ONCE THAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE PROCESS OF CERTIFYING THE NOVEMBER ELECTION VOTE COUNT CAN BEGIN, ACCORDING TO ELECTION BUREAU DIRECTOR, FRANNIE BRENNAN.

BECAUSE WE CARE

THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE IS PUTTING A STRAIN ON ALL OF US. WITH THE HOLIDAYS FAST APPROACHING, MANY COUNTY FAMILIES ARE STRUGGLING TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. WPPA IS JOINING WITH THE POTTSVILLE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND ITS PARTNERS TO GATHER FOOD AND MONETARY DONATIONS IN THE "BECAUSE WE CARE...FOOD TO SHARE" PROGRAM THROUGH CHRISTMAS. EVERYTHING THAT YOU GIVE TO THE PROGRAM WILL STAY HERE, ACCORDING TO JASON SHALLEY OF SCHUYLKILL COMMUNITY ACTION.

SHALLEY

GIVE GENEROUSLY TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, BECAUSE WE CARE...FOOD TO SHARE. A COMPLETE LIST OF DROP OFF LOCATIONS IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AT WPPARADIO.COM.

BARN DESTROYED BY FIRE

A BARN IN NEW RINGGOLD WENT UP IN FLAMES MONDAY MORNING. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT AROUND 2:30AM. AUTHORITIES SAY THAT THE BARN WAS EMPTY AND NO UTILITIES CONNECTED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AS TO WHAT CAUSED IT.

ONE INJURED IN CRASH IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP

A POTTSVILLE WOMAN SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH ON ROUTE 61 MONDAY EVENING. BILLIE BUBECK MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO 61 TO HEAD SOUTHBOUND. CARS DRIVEN BY LINDA BUCHANAN AND ROBERT MCGOVERN OF AUBURN WERE SLOWED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN BUBECK REAR ENDED BUCHANAN'S CAR, WHICH RAN INTO MCGOVERN'S VEHICLE. BUBECK WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH FOR TREAMTENT. THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND 5:30PM.

HOME DECORATING CONTEST

AS WE INCH CLOSER TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, PEOPLE ARE DIGGING IN ATTICS AND CLOSETS TO BRING OUT THE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. POTTSVILLE RECREATION COMMISSION IS LOOKING FOR THE BEST IN CHRISTMAS DECORATING AND ARE HOSTING A CONTEST, WITH A $100 DOLLAR PRIZE ON THE LINE. THREE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES ARE AT STAKE....PAST, WITH CLASSIC STYLE DECORATIONS, PRESENT, WITH LOTS OF LIGHTS AND COLOR AND FUTURE, WITH ANIMATED AND/OR INFLATABLE DECORATIONS. ENTRIES ARE DUE TO POTTSVILLE CITY HALL OR VIA EMAIL TO RECREATION AT POTTSVILLE.PA.US BY DECEMBER 7TH. YOU MUST LIVE IN THE POTTSVILLE CITY LIMITS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST.

NEW FLORENCE, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A CROSS BURNING IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, NEAR PITTSBURGH OUTSIDE A HOME OF A WHITE FAMILY WHO TOOK IN A BLACK CHILD WHO PLAYS FOR THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. POLICE SAY THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHO BURNED THE WOODEN CROSS JOE AND MARY WALBECK FOUND IN THEIR YARD IN WEST WHEATFIELD TOWNSHIP.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL TRAVEL TO PENNSYLVANIA AND OTHER STATES NEXT MONTH AFTER HOSTING A WHITE HOUSE FORUM ON CREATING JOBS. THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS THAT THE DEC. 3 FORUM WILL INCLUDE ECONOMISTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES. OBAMA ANNOUNCED THE FORUM EARLIER THIS MONTH AS THE NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE SURPASSED 10 PERCENT.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA CORRECTIONS SECRETARY JEFFREY BEARD SAYS SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE TO SLOW THE GROWTH OF THE PRISON POPULATION. BEARD TELLS MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THAT EFFORTS TO DIVERT NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS INTO NON-PRISON SETTINGS SHOULD BE STEPPED UP. OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO ELIMINATE PRISON OVERCROWDING.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A FORMER SPEAKER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SAYS HE HASN'T DECIDED WHETHER TO SERVE OUT THE YEAR REMAINING IN HIS CURRENT TERM OR SEEK RE-ELECTION WHILE HE FIGHTS CORRUPTION CHARGES FILED AGAINST HIM LAST WEEK. REPUBLICAN REP. JOHN PERZEL OF PHILADELPHIA SAYS HE'S KEEPING HIS OPTIONS OPEN.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A JURY ON MONDAY WATCHED SIX SECONDS OF VIDEO FROM A NORTH PHILADELPHIA DOUGHNUT SHOP THAT SHOWS JOHN LEWIS SHOOTING OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY IN THE HEAD ON OCT. 21, 2007. LEWIS PLEADED GUILTY LAST WEEK. NOW JURORS MUST DECIDE WHETHER HE COMMITTED FIRST- OR SECOND-DEGREE MURDER.

BEIJING (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO HAVE CONCLUDED SEVERAL HOURS OF MEETINGS SOUNDING A COOPERATIVE THEME. WHILE DIFFERENCES REMAIN ON SUCH THINGS AS ECONOMIC POLICY, SECURITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS, BOTH SPOKE IN BOLD TERMS OF THE GROWING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE MONEY'S FLOWING FROM BUSINESS AND OTHER GROUPS TRYING TO EXERT THEIR INFLUENCE AS A HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL BILL INCHES THROUGH CONGRESS. BUSINESS OPPONENTS OF HEALTH CARE REFORM, LED BY THE GIANT U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SPENT $24 MILLION ON TV COMMERCIALS OVER THE PAST MONTH, OUTPACING HEALTH CARE SUPPORTERS 2-1.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A LOOPHOLE IS ALLOWING TOBACCO COMPANIES TO DUCK HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR IN INCREASED TAXES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID ON ROLL-YOUR-OWN CIGARETTE TOBACCO. SIMPLY REPACKAGING IT AS PIPE TOBACCO PUTS THE PRODUCT IN A MUCH CHEAPER TAX CLASSIFICATION. THE TAXES GO TO HELP PAY FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S CHILD HEALTH LAW.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION IS ADAPTING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED FOR MONITORING PRISONERS TO ALLOW CAREGIVERS TO TRACK ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS AS THE DISEASE WORSENS. EACH FAMILY CAN SET A SORT OF VIRTUAL FENCE, AND BE ALERTED IF THEIR LOVED ONE STRAYS TOO FAR.

NEW YORK (AP) - A PANEL OF GOVERNMENT EXPERTS IS GOING AGAINST DECADES OF ADVICE ON MAMMOGRAMS FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. THE DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS SAY MOST WOMEN SHOULD START GETTING MAMMOGRAMS AT AGE 50, NOT 40. THE TASK FORCE ALSO SAYS BREAST SELF-EXAMS DO NO GOOD AND WOMEN SHOULDN'T BE TAUGHT TO DO THEM. THE
ACS ISN'T PLEASED AND IS STICKING TO ITS GUNS.

Today's News-Monday, November 16, 2009

ST CLAIR MAN DIES IN ATV ACCIDENT
A ST CLAIR MAN DIED WHEN AN ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE HE WAS RIDING IN CRASHED INTO A TREE IN SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP EARLY SATURDAY. TROOPERS FROM THE FRACKVILLE BARRACKS SAY THAT JASON LIDDICK WAS DRIVING THE ATV ON MOSS GLEN ROAD, NEAR ROUTE 209, EARLY SATURDAY WHEN HE MISSED A RIGHT HAND TURN, LEFT THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE TREE. LIDDICK WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

TWO HOSPITALIZED AFTER TREMONT CRASH

TWO WOMEN WERE INJURED IN A ONE-CAR CRASH THAT OCCURRED EARLY SUNDAY IN TREMONT TOWNSHIP. ASHLEY KOPERNA, AGE 18, OF TOWER CITY WAS WESTBOUND ON MOLLEYSTOWN ROAD WHEN HER CAR LEFT THE ROADWAY. IN TRYING TO CORRECT, HER CAR SPUN AND THE VEHICLE HIT A UTILITY POLE, SHEARING IT IN HALF. KOPERNA AND A PASSENGER, KELLY MCKLEEN OF TAMAQUA, HAD TO BE RESCUED FROM THE FORD FOCUS AND WERE FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL WHERE THEY REMAIN TODAY.

NOVEL MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

A POTTSVILLE MAN ENLISTED THE HELP OF THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AIRPORT MANAGER TO MAKE A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL. THE SECRET EVENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, WHERE BRIAN RATHOSKY PLANNED TO TAKE HIS GIRLFRIEND PAIGE ROGERS TO THE SKIES TO PROPOSE. BUT INCLEMENT WEATHER PUT THE FLIGHT OFF UNTIL SUNDAY. AIRPORT MANAGER BILL WILLARD HELPED TO WRITE THE PROPOSAL ALONG THE RUNWAY SO THAT ROGERS COULD SEE IT FROM THE AIR. THE SURPRISE WORKED. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LUCKY COUPLE.

TAX PROTEST DRAWS HUNDREDS TO HARRISBURG

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - LEADERS OF A PROTEST THAT BROUGHT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TO HARRISBURG OVER THE WEEKEND SAY THEY HOPE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO STATE LAWMAKERS ABOUT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND TAXES. PARTICIPANTS IN THE EVENT HOSTED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA TEA PARTY PATRIOTS MARCHED THROUGH THE CITY TO THE STATE CAPITOL STEPS SATURDAY CHANTING "CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?" THEY CARRIED SIGNS PROTESTING EVERYTHING FROM ABORTION TO GUN CONTROL AND WAVED U.S. FLAGS AS TWISTED SISTER'S "WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT" BLARED FROM A LOUDSPEAKER. CAPITOL POLICE ESTIMATED THE CROWD AT 1,500 TO 2,000 PEOPLE. ORGANIZERS SAY THEY PLAN TO PRESENT A PETITION TO GOV. ED RENDELL AND INSTRUCT MEMBERS ON HOW TO LOBBY OFFICIALS.

DEATH PENALTY SOUGHT IN FATAL BEATING OF PA. GIRL

YORK, PA. (AP) - PROSECUTORS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA WILL PRESENT EVIDENCE MONDAY THAT A MAN SHOULD BE EXECUTED FOR THE BEATING DEATH OF HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND'S 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. JURORS LAST WEEK DELIBERATED FOR LESS THAN TWO HOURS BEFORE CONVICTING 28-YEAR-OLD HARVE LAMAR JOHNSON OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE APRIL 2008 DEATH OF DARISABEL BAEZ, WHO PROSECUTORS SAID WAS BEATEN WITH A VIDEO GAME CORD AND HER OWN HIKING BOOT. THE GIRL'S MOTHER, NEIDA BAEZ, PLEADED GUILTY LAST MONTH TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER. PROSECUTORS WILL ARGUE THAT JOHNSON DESERVES EXECUTION DUE TO THE GIRL'S AGE AND THE EXTENT OF HER INJURIES. DEFENSE ATTORNEY RICK ROBINSON ARGUED UNSUCCESSFULLY THAT JOHNSON LACKED THE "SPECIFIC INTENT TO KILL" REQUIRED FOR A FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CONVICTION. HE DECLINED COMMENT AFTER THE VERDICT.

MAN SERVING LIFE TERM IN PA. STUDENT'S MURDER DIES

PITTSBURGH (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CORONER SAYS MORE TESTS WILL BE NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHAT KILLED A MAN SERVING A LIFE PRISON TERM IN THE SLAYING OF A PITTSBURGH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT 4 1/2 YEARS AGO. LUZERNE COUNTY CORONER JOHN CORCORAN SAYS 25-YEAR-OLD HOWARD KELLEY WAS HOSPITALIZED AFTER FALLING ILL FRIDAY AT THE STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION-DALLAS. CORCORAN SAYS KELLEY DIED AT 3:05 A.M. SATURDAY, AND AN AUTOPSY DID NOT IMMEDIATELY REVEAL THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH. HE SAYS THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF FOUL PLAY. KELLEY WAS ONE OF THREE MEN CONVICTED IN THE MARCH 2005 SLAYING OF 16-YEAR-OLD CARRICK HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE KEITH WATTS. HE WAS ALSO CONVICTED OF AN AUGUST 2007 ASSAULT ON AN INMATE AT ALLEGHENY COUNTY JAIL.

JURY MULLS DEGREE OF GUILT IN PA. OFFICER'S MURDER

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TESTIMONY RESUMES MONDAY BEFORE A PHILADELPHIA JURY THAT MUST DECIDE WHETHER A 21-YEAR-OLD MAN ACTED IN PANIC OR PREMEDITATION WHEN HE SHOT AND KILLED A POLICE OFFICER DURING A DOUGHNUT SHOP ROBBERY TWO YEARS AGO. DEFENDANT JOHN LEWIS ENTERED A SURPRISE GUILTY PLEA THURSDAY TO A GENERAL MURDER COUNT IN THE HALLOWEEN 2007 SHOOTING DEATH OF 54-YEAR-OLD OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY. JURORS WHO HAD BEEN PICKED FOR HIS TRIAL MUST NOW DECIDE WHETHER HE COMMITTED FIRST- OR SECOND-DEGREE MURDER. IF CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, LEWIS WOULD FACE EITHER LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE OR THE DEATH PENALTY. PROSECUTORS ON FRIDAY CALLED VICTIMS OF OTHER ROBBERIES IN AN EFFORT TO PORTRAY LEWIS AS A VIOLENT ROBBER WHO BECAME A MURDERER AND DESERVES TO BE EXECUTED. THE DEFENSE HAS ASSERTED THAT LEWIS PANICKED AND FIRED WHEN HE SAW THE OFFICER.

PHILLY FOLDER MAKER MAKES BIG BET ON SOLAR

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA COMPANY THAT CALLS ITSELF "PROUD TO BE OLD-FASHIONED" ON ITS WEB SITE IS TRYING TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE BY DOING SOMETHING THAT IS ANYTHING BUT - INSTALLING ONE OF THE REGION'S LARGEST SOLAR SYSTEMS. ALVAH BUSHNELL, A MANUFACTURER OF ACCORDION FOLDERS, WAS FOUNDED IN 1876. IT PLANS TO PUT AN 80-KILOWATT SOLAR SYSTEM ON THE FLAT ROOF OF THE FACTORY IN THE GERMANTOWN SECTION OF THE CITY WITH THE HELP OF FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS AND REBATES. THE FIRM THINKS CUTTING OPERATING COSTS IS A WAY TO STAY COMPETITIVE. THAT'S ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE PROSPECT OF ELECTRICITY RATES INCREASING BY DOUBLE DIGITS WHEN STATE-IMPOSED RATE CAPS EXPIRE AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR. SOLAR FIRM EOS ENERGY SOLUTIONS SAYS IT EXPECTS TO HAVE THE SYSTEM INSTALLED BY MID-JANUARY AND ESTIMATES THAT IT WILL SAVE THE FIRM ABOUT $34,000 A YEAR.

CEREMONY HELD FOR WHITE BUFFALO AT PA. RESORT HOME

FARMINGTON, PA. (AP) - NATIVE AMERICAN SONGS AND DANCES WELCOMED A SACRED WHITE BUFFALO TO HIS NEW HOME AT A SANCTUARY ESTABLISHED AT A SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA RESORT FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE ZOO WHERE HE WAS BORN. ABOUT 200 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN SATURDAY'S CEREMONY TO THANK OWNERS OF NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT IN FARMINGTON FOR BUYING THE WHITE BUFFALO AND ANOTHER BLACK BUFFALO BORN AT THE NEARBY WOODLAND ZOO IN FARMINGTON, WHICH CLOSED LAST MONTH. THE ANIMALS ARE NOW ON A 50-ACRE PARCEL ON THE WOODED GROUNDS OF THE RESORT NEAR PITTSBURGH. JOE HARDY, FOUNDER OF BOTH THE RESORT AND 84 LUMBER, WAS PRESENTED WITH A FEATHER FROM A BALD EAGLE AS WELL AS INDIAN BLANKETS. THE RESORT ALSO PLANS TO ESTABLISH AN AMERICAN INDIAN INTERPRETIVE CENTER.

SHANGHAI (AP) - JUST AHEAD OF TALKS WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS NUDGED BEIJING TO STOP CENSORING INTERNET ACCESS. DURING A TOWN HALL-STYLE MEETING IN SHANGHAI, OBAMA SAID "THE MORE FREELY INFORMATION FLOWS, THE STRONGER THE SOCIETY BECOMES." CHINA HAS MORE THAN 250 MILLION INTERNET USERS AND EMPLOYS SOME OF THE WORLD'S TIGHTEST CONTROLS OVER WHAT THEY SEE.

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IN A STATEMENT POSTED ON HIS WEB SITE, IRAN'S PRESIDENT IS WARNING THE WEST THAT PRESSURES ON TEHRAN WILL ONLY MAKE THE NATION "MORE POWERFUL AND ADVANCED." MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD'S COMMENTS DIDN'T ELABORATE ON HOW WESTERN PRESSURE WOULD EMBOLDEN IRAN, BUT IT'S LIKELY A REFERENCE TO ENRICHING URANIUM AT A HIGHER LEVEL IF NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS FALL THROUGH.

CHICAGO (AP) - FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT AN ILLINOIS PRISON MONDAY THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE USED TO HOUSE GUANTANAMO BAY DETAINEES. GOV. PAT QUINN AND SEN. DICK DURBIN TRIED TO BUILD SUPPORT FOR THE SALE, CALLING IT A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE JOBS. REPUBLICANS SAY BRINGING SUSPECTED TERRORISTS TO ILLINOIS POSES A THREAT TO SAFETY.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - EXCELLENT WEATHER IS FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON'S LAUNCH WINDOW FOR SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS. NASA IS ROCKETING ATLANTIS OFF TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION LOADED
WITH SPARE PARTS. WATCHING CLOSELY FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER WILL
BE 100 TWITTERERS, WHO WERE INVITED BY THE SPACE AGENCY TO DOCUMENT
THE LIFT OFF ONLINE.

NEW YORK (AP) - CAPT. CHESLEY SULLENBERGER IS LABELING A NEW BOOK ON HIS MIRACULOUS LANDING ON THE HUDSON RIVER INACCURATE. THE NEW YORK TIMES REPORTS THE PILOT SAYS "FLY BY WIRE" GREATLY OVERSTATES HOW MUCH THE JET'S AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY MATTERED IN THE LANDING AFTER GEESE STRIKES KILLED THE ENGINES. THE AUTHOR SAYS HE DOESN'T THINK THE TECHNOLOGY'S ROLE WAS CRITICAL, BUT THAT IT'S "PART OF THE STORY."

SPORTS SATURDAY UPDATE

DISTRICT 11 AAA PLAYOFFS

WILSON 44
POTTSVILLE 19

A

PIUS X 20
SCH HAVEN 7

EASTERN CONFERENCE A

SHENANDOAH VALLEY 42
CANTON 21

NATIVITY GREEN WAVE VOLLEYBALL LOST IN THE CLASS A SEMI FINALS TO NORTHERN CAMBRIA 3-0

SPORTS SATURDAY UPDATE

Today's News-Saturday November 14, 2009

IDENTITY KNOWN IN SHENANDOAH FIRE

WE NOW KNOW THE IDENTITY OF A MAN FOUND DEAD INSIDE A DOUBLE BLOCK HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE IN SHENANDOAH THURSDAY NIGHT. FIRE CREWS WERE CALLED TO 419 WEST NEW YORK STREET BEFORE 8PM WITH HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE HOME. FLAMES QUICKLY SPREAD TO 421 WEST NEW YORK STREET, WHERE 53 YEAR OLD ROBERT SPECHT WAS FOUND DEAD. NO OTHER INJURIES WERE REPORTED. 415-417 WEST NEW YORK STREET WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THERE WAS ABOUT $75 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGES.

ATTORNEY BEING INVESTIGATED

THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE IS NOW INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A POTTSVILLE ATTORNEY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT POTTSVILLE POLICE HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE BILLING RECORDS OF ATTORNEY LYNNE BRESSI, FORMER SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CUSTODY CONCILIATION OFFICER. QUESTIONS HAVE ARISEN ABOUT POSSIBLE BILLING BY BRESSI FOR WORK
THAT WAS NEVER PERFORMED. POLICE SAY THAT THEY CONFIRMED THAT. BRESSI WORKED IN THAT CAPACITY FOR ABOUT 19 YEARS UNTIL SEPTEMBER. CONCILIATION OFFICERS DEAL WITH CHILD CUSTODY CASES.

DRUG BUST IN MAHANOY CITY

TWO HOMES WERE RAIDED FOR DRUGS IN MAHANOY CITY LAST NIGHT. POLICE TOOK SEVERAL PEOPLE INTO CUSTODY AT 117 AND 119 EAST PINE STREET, BUT THEIR IDENTITIES HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED YET. DRUG DOGS WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S TOP ELECTION OFFICIAL SAYS A SUPERIOR COURT CANDIDATE IN A CLOSE RACE WON'T GIVE UP HIS RIGHT TO A RECOUNT THAT'S EXPECTED TO COST TAXPAYERS AS MUCH AS $1.3 MILLION. WITHOUT THE RECOUNT, PHILADELPHIA JUDGE ANNE LAZARUS WOULD BE ELECTED TO THE SUPERIOR COURT. SHE SAYS SHE'S CONFIDENT HER LEAD WILL HOLD UP.

WASHINGTON (AP) - JON GOSSELIN HAS FILED A COUNTER LAWSUIT AGAINST THE TLC NETWORK, CLAIMING TELEVISION PRODUCERS VIOLATED PENNSYLVANIA'S CHILD LABOR LAWS IN FILMING THE HIT REALITY SHOW "JON & KATE PLUS 8" AND ARE PREVENTING HIM FROM WORKING. THE SUIT FILED THURSDAY IN A MARYLAND COURT SEEKS MORE THAN $5 MILLION IN DAMAGES.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - PENN STATE MAILED OUT SECOND-SEMESTER TUITION BILLS ON FRIDAY WITH RATES UNCHANGED FROM THE FALL EVEN AS STATE FUNDING REMAINS IN LEGISLATIVE LIMBO. SPOKESWOMAN LISA POWERS
SAYS THE SCHOOL MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER SPRING TUITION RATES IF IT
GETS ANYTHING LESS THAN THE $334 MILLION APPROVED BY THE STATE
SENATE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - CLINICS AROUND THE STATE WILL OFFER SWINE FLU VACCINE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE IN AN AT-RISK GROUP. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID FRIDAY THAT IT WILL HOLD THE CLINICS AROUND THE STATE FROM NOV. 20 THROUGH NOV. 22. PEOPLE CAN GET MORE INFORMATION BY LOGGING ONTO WWW.H1N1INPA.COM OR BY CALLING 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

TOKYO (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS DECLARING A NEW AGE OF ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA, LABELING THE U.S. A "NATION OF THE PACIFIC" AND SAYING THE CONTINENT AND AMERICA ARE "BOUND" BY THE OCEAN. OBAMA SAYS HE'S DETERMINED TO ENGAGE ASIANS AS EQUAL PARTNERS IN THE ECONOMY, DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY. HE'S TRAVELING TO SINGAPORE AFTER A STAY IN JAPAN.

KIEL, WIS. (AP) - FUNERALS ARE PLANNED FOR A HANDFUL OF THE VICTIMS IN THE FORT HOOD SHOOTINGS TODAY. AMONG THEM IS STAFF SGT. AMY KRUEGER, WHO WAS SET TO DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN. SHE WAS REMEMBERED YESTERDAY DURING A VISITATION IN WISCONSIN AS A DETERMINED WOMAN WHO SIGNED UP AFTER THE 2001 TERROR ATTACKS TO HUNT DOWN OSAMA BIN LADEN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER EXPECTS TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY WHEN THE SELF-PROCLAIMED 9/11 MASTERMIND AND FOUR ALLEGED ACCOMPLICES ARE TRIED IN FEDERAL COURT IN NEW YORK, NEAR
THE SITE OF THE TWIN TOWERS. THE FIVE SUSPECTS CURRENTLY HELD AT GUANTANAMO ARE LIKELY TO FACE THOUSANDS OF COUNTS OF MURDER AND
CONSPIRACY.

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (AP) - FORMER LOUISIANA LAWMAKER WILLIAM JEFFERSON HAS BEEN HANDED THE LONGEST TERM EVER IMPOSED ON A CONGRESSMAN FOR BRIBERY -- 13 YEARS IN PRISON. JEFFERSON, WHO FAMOUSLY HID $90,000 IN HIS FREEZER, WAS CONVICTED IN AUGUST OF TAKING BRIBES AND SEEKING MILLIONS MORE IN EXCHANGE FOR USING HIS INFLUENCE TO BROKER BUSINESS DEALS IN AFRICA. HE'S BEEN ALLOWED TO REMAIN FREE UNTIL A HEARING NEXT WEEK.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE DISCOVERY OF WATER ON THE MOON IS MAKING THE PROSPECT OF LUNAR EXPLORATION EXCITING AGAIN, BUT IT'S NOT MAKING IT ANY CHEAPER. MEMBERS OF A BLUE-RIBBON PANEL REVIEWING NASA'S FUTURE PLANS SAY THE PROGRAMS STILL NEEDS MORE MONEY TO GET BEYOND NEAR-EARTH ORBIT. THE PANEL WANTS NASA TO LOOK AT OTHER DESTINATIONS SUCH AS ASTEROIDS AND MARS.

SPORTS UPDATE

NATIVITY GREEN WAVE VOLLEYBALL TEAM HAS ADVANCED THROUGH TWO ROUNDS OF POOL PLAY IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT AT CENTRAL YORK HIGH SCHOOL.

IN THE FIRST ROUND, THEY SWEPT CHRISTOPHER DOCK 25-15, 25-11, 25-21.

IN THE SECOND ROUND, THEY DEFEATED WEST SHAMOKIN 25-22, 25-18. THEY LOST THE SECOND GAME 26-24.

THEY PLAY THEIR THIRD MATCH AT 3:20 THIS AFTERNOON.

Today's News-Friday, November 13, 2009

FIRE DESTROYS TWO HOMES, CLAIMS LIFE IN SHENANDOAH

FIRE DESTROYED TWO HOMES IN SHENANDOAH AND TOOK THE LIFE OF A MAN LAST NIGHT. REPORTS SAY THAT THE HOME AT 419 WEST NEW YORK STREET WAS BURNING IN A SHROUD OF HEAVY SMOKE WHEN CREWS ARRIVED BEFORE 8PM, AND THE BLAZE SPREAD TO 421 WEST NEW YORK STREET. FIREFIGHTERS FOUND THE MAN'S BODY IN THE SECOND HOME. IT TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR FOR CREWS TO GET THE BLAZE UNDER CONTROL. THE STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL IS INVESTIGATING HOW IT STARTED.

SHENANDOAH WOMAN KILLED IN CRASH

A SHENANDOAH WOMAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A CRASH NEAR THE SCHUYLKILL/COLUMBIA COUNTY LINE. STATE POLICE SAY 27 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS OF GILBERTON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ROUTE 42 NEAR ARISTES WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED. HIS PASSENGER, 43 YEAR OLD DONNAMARIE CURRELL WAS THROWN FROM THE CAR AND DIED FROM HER INJURIES. PHILLIPS WAS FLOWN TO GEISINGER, DANVILLE, WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

COUNTY SPENDING PLAN INTRODUCED

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GOVERNMENT FORMALLY INTRODUCED THEIR 2010 SPENDING PLAN YESTERDAY, TOTALING $48.6 MILLION DOLLARS, WITH A PROPOSED SHORTFALL OF $3.5 MILLION DOLLARS. RIGHT NOW, OFFICIALS ARE LOOKING AT FILLING THE GAP WITH SURPLUS FUNDS. FOR THE NEXT THIRTY DAYS, EVERY OPTION TO CUT SPENDING IS ON THE TABLE, WITH SOME ALREADY PUT IN PLACE. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MARK SCARBINSKY:

SCARBINSKY 01

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WOULD ONLY RAISE TAXES AS A LAST RESORT:

SCARBINSKY 02

THE FINAL AMOUNT NEEDED TO BALANCE THE BUDGET WON'T BE KNOWN UNTIL THE BOOKS ARE CLOSED AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THE COUNTY SURPLUS RIGHT NOW STANDS AT ABOUT $7.8 MILLION DOLLARS.

ALVERNIA GRAND OPENING

HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE TO GROW WITH THE GRAND OPENING OF ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY'S SCHUYLKILL CENTER AT CRESSONA MALL. STEADY CROWDS CAME TO TOUR THE 10-THOUSAND-SQUARE FOOT SITE, COMPLETE WITH EIGHT CLASSROOMS AND ROOM FOR MORE. DR. MARY SACAVAGE, ALVERNIA SCHUYLKILL CENTER DIRECTOR, EXPLAINS WHAT PROMPTED THE MOVE TO THE NEW LOCATION:

SACAVAGE

ALVERNIA'S SCHUYLKILL CENTER CATERS TO NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS, BOTH IN UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS, WITH APPROXIMATELY 250 STUDENTS ENROLLED.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM CORBETT SAYS FORMER STATE HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN PERZEL IS EXPECTED TO TURN HIMSELF TODAY TO FACE CHARGES.PERZEL AND NINE OTHERS CONNECTED TO THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ARE CHARGED IN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MISUSE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES AND EMPLOYEES FOR CAMPAIGN PURPOSES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE PEDRO CORTES IS GIVING A CANDIDATE IN A TIGHT RACE FOR SUPERIOR COURT MORE TIME TO DECIDE
WHETHER TO INSIST ON A STATEWIDE RECOUNT. PITTSBURGH LAWYER TEMP
SMITH WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE UP HIS MIND BY YESTERDAY, BUT INSTEAD HE
ASKED FOR AN EXTENSION. CORTES GAVE HIM UNTIL THIS AFTERNOON TO MAKE UP HIS MIND.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL HAS WITHDRAWN A PLAN TO TURN THE WILLOW GROVE MILITARY BASE INTO A STATE-OWNED INSTALLATION. RENDELL SAYS THE AIR FORCE'S DECISION NOT TO PROVIDE THE PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD'S FIGHTER WING WITH A FLYING MISSION AND THE STATE'S FINANCES MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE STATE TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE BASE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A YOUNG DEFENDANT SURPRISED A PACKED COURTROOM BY PLEADING GUILTY TO THE HALLOWEEN 2007 MURDER OF A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER DURING A DOUGHNUT STORE ROBBERY. NOW THE JURY MUST DECIDE IF THE SLAYING WAS PREMEDITATED OR A PANICKED REACTION. OFFICER CHUCK CASSIDY IS REMEMBERED AS A WARM, DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVANT.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A PENNSYLVANIA CITY THAT AGREED TO A $5 MILLION SETTLEMENT OF A LAWSUIT OVER THE FATAL SHOOTING OF A POLICE OFFICER INSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS IS WORKING OUT HOW TO PAY THE MONEY. EASTON MAYOR SAL PANTO JR SAYS THE CITY WILL SELL SOME CITY PROPERTY TO PAY PART OF THE SETTLEMENT WITH THE WIDOW OF OFFICER JESSE SOLLMAN.

TOKYO (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS BEGUN HIS FIRST PRESIDENTIAL TRIP TO THE FAR EAST. HE'S IN TOKYO TO MEET WITH THE NEW JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, WHO HAS VOWED TO END JAPAN'S REFUELING MISSION THAT SUPPORTS U.S.-LED FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN. OBAMA'S VISIT AIMS TO SHORE UP RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS.

LONDON (AP) - BRITAIN'S PRIME MINISTER SAYS NATO COUNTRIES MAY SEND 5,000 MORE TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN. THE MOVE WOULD OFFER KEY SUPPORT AS THE U.S. PONDERS WHETHER TO INCREASE AMERICAN TROOP LEVELS THERE.

KABUL (AP) - A SUICIDE BOMBER HAS TARGETED A U.S. SUPPORT BASE IN AFGHANISTAN. AUTHORITIES SAY SIX PEOPLE ARE WOUNDED, INCLUDING AFGHAN CIVILIANS, NATO SERVICE MEMBERS AND CONTRACTORS. THE TALIBAN IS CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK.

NORFOLK, VA. (AP) - THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM IDA HAVE BEEN SLAMMING THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD WITH DRIVING RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS.
THE STORM IS BLAMED FOR AT LEAST FIVE DEATHS FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO
NEW YORK. ABOUT 160,000 PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY.

BALTIMORE (AP) - BALTIMORE POLICE SAY A CONVICTED MURDERER RECENTLY RELEASED FROM PRISON IS A SUSPECT IN THE RAPE AND KILLING OF A 15-YEAR-OLD BOY. THEY SAY THE 35-YEAR-OLD IS IN CUSTODY. HE WAS CONVICTED IN A 1999 SLAYING, BUT WAS FREED IN JANUARY AFTER WINNING A NEW TRIAL.

Today's News-Thursday, November 12, 2009

MINERSVILLE STORE HIT TWICE IN SEVERAL DAYS

A MINERSVILLE BUSINESS WAS BURGLARIZED TWICE IN SEVERAL DAYS. BOROUGH POLICE SAY THAT EARLY MONDAY SOMEONE BROKE INTO MINERSVILLE GENERAL STORE AT 119 NORTH SECOND STREET BY PRYING OPEN THE FRONT DOOR. THE BUSINESS WAS REPORTEDLY RANSACKED, AND SEVERAL DOZEN CARTONS OF CIGARETTES, CASH AND OTHER ITEMS TAKEN. OVERNIGHT TUESDAY, THE BUSINESS WAS BURGLARIZED AGAIN WITH ITEMS TAKEN. MINERSVILLE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR LEADS IN THE CASE, AND WELCOME ANY INFORMATION. CALL THEM AT 544-2333.

ONE INJURED IN CRASH NEAR MARLIN

A MINERSVILLE MOTORCYCLIST WAS INJURED IN A CRASH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON NEAR MARLIN. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY JAMES LIVINGSTON OF CAMP HILL WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT AT TREDEGAR FILMS, WAITING TO TURN ONTO MAPLE AVENUE AND WENT INTO THE PATH OF A MOTORCYCLE OPERATED BY JOHN NUSH JR. THE CYCLE WENT ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE OF LIVINGSTON'S CAR. NUSH HAD MODERATE INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER EAST FOR TREATMENT. THE CRASH HAPPENED AFTER 4PM.

VETERANS DAY

GUY WEIDERHOLD 1

THAT'S GUY WEIDERHOLD OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS POST 29, WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LAST NIGHT. ABOUT 40 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE BRIEF OUTDOOR CEREMONY, SALUTING VETERANS OF ALL WARS. WEIDERHOLD SAID THAT TODAY'S SOLDIERS SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ NEED OUR HELP:

GUY WEIDERHOLD 2

HE CITED THE FINANCIAL CUTBACKS AFFECTING VETERANS, AND IN PARTICULAR, THE CLOSING OF THE VETERANS OUTREACH CENTERS IN PENNSYLVANIA, SCHEDULED TO TAKE EFFECT AT THE END OF THE YEAR. VETERANS OF WORLD WAR TWO, KOREA, VIETNAM, THE PERSIAN GULF WAR AND THE CURRENT CONFLICTS WERE ALL REPRESENTED AT THE CEREMONY, CULMINATING A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE ALL ACROSS THE COUNTY.

STUDY FINDS KIDS WITHOUT INSURANCE MORE LIKELY TO DIE

A NEW STUDY OF MEDICAL RECORDS FOUND THAT CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE WERE MUCH MORE LIKELY TO DIE THAN CHILDREN WHO HAD COVERAGE. TOM JOSEPH REPORTS:

JOSEPH KIDS HEALTH

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PITTSBURGH LAWYER WHO IS TO DECIDE WHETHER THERE WILL BE A MILLION-DOLLAR ELECTION RECOUNT IN PENNSYLVANIA'S SUPERIOR COURT ELECTION SAYS HE PLANS TO ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION TODAY. AT ISSUE IS THE LAST OF FOUR OPEN SEATS ON THE COURT. TWO OF THE THREE CANDIDATES HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED LETTERS WAIVING A RECOUNT IF THE OTHERS WILL TOO.

DOYLESTOWN, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA MAN ADMITS KILLING A POLICE OFFICER IN A VEHICLE CRASH, BUT AWAITS A JUDGE'S DECISION ON WHETHER HE WAS IMPAIRED BY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MARIJUANA. FRANK BUDKA, OF MIDDLETOWN, PLEADED GUILTY TO A DOZEN CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JAN. 29 CRASH IN BUCKS COUNTY, INCLUDING HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - CREDITORS TRYING TO TAKE OVER PHILADELPHIA'S TWO MAJOR NEWSPAPERS HOPE TO DELAY NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULED BANKRUPTCY AUCTION WHILE THEY CHALLENGE THE BID RULES. THE CREDITORS WANT TO
USE $300 MILLION OWED THEM TO BID ON THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AND
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. AS IT STANDS NOW, THE CREDITORS WOULD HAVE
TO BID IN CASH.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BARBER WAS TAKING A LITTLE OFF THE TOP AT THE COUNTY'S EXPENSE. ROBERT M. LICATA IS CHARGED WITH STEALING ALMOST $6,000 FROM THE LUZERNE COUNTY CORRECTION FACILITY BY CLAIMING HE GAVE AN INFLATED NUMBER OF HAIRCUTS. THE BARBER IS CHARGED WITH THEFT BY DECEPTION AND TAMPERING WITH RECORDS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A TEMPLE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR WHOSE RESEARCH FIGURED IN A LANDMARK CASE OUTLAWING THE JUVENILE DEATH PENALTY,
HAS RECEIVED AN AWARD TO CONTINUE HIS WORK. PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR
LAURENCE STEINBERG HAS WON THE INAUGURAL KLAUS J. JACOBS RESEARCH
PRIZE. HE IS TO RECEIVE THE PRIZE OF $1 MILLION.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA EMBARKS TODAY ON A WEEKLONG VISIT TO THE FAR EAST, HIS FIRST AS PRESIDENT. AFTER A BRIEF STATEMENT ON THE ECONOMY, THE PRESIDENT WILL TRAVEL TO ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE TO BEGIN THE FIRST LEG OF HIS EIGHT-DAY TRIP. HIS FIRST STOP IS ALASKA, THEN IT'S ON TO JAPAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL SAYS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WON'T ACCEPT ANY OF THE AFGHANISTAN WAR OPTIONS PUT BEFORE HIM WITHOUT CHANGES. THE PRESIDENT'S POSITION COMES AMID CONCERNS OVER THE ABILITY OF AFGHAN OFFICIALS TO SECURE THEIR OWN COUNTRY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE'S WORD THE FORT HOOD SHOOTING SUSPECT WAS A CAUSE OF CONCERN TO THE DOCTORS OVERSEEING HIS MEDICAL TRAINING BECAUSE OF HIS ZEALOUS RELIGIOUS VIEWS AND STRANGE BEHAVIOR. BUT AN OFFICIAL SAYS THE STAFF MEMBERS SAW NO EVIDENCE ARMY MAJ. NIDAL HASAN WAS A THREAT. HE'S ACCUSED IN A SHOOTING RAMPAGE A WEEK AGO THAT LEFT 13 DEAD.

RICHMOND, VA. (AP) - VIRGINIA IS UNDER A STATE OF EMERGENCY AS UNRELENTING RAIN FROM THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM IDA SOAK THE
STATE. OFFICIALS IN NORTH CAROLINA ARE BRACING FOR ANOTHER DAY OF
HEAVY RAIN.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - POLICE IN LOS ANGELES ARE INVESTIGATING CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS OF AN AIRPORT SCUFFLE BETWEEN FORMER BOXING CHAMPION MIKE TYSON AND A PHOTOGRAPHER. BOTH MEN ENDED UP BEING BOOKED AND RELEASED ON SUSPICION OF MISDEMEANOR BATTERY FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT AT LAX.

Today's News-Wednesday, November 11, 2009-VETERAN'S DAY

VETERANS DAY

WE PAUSE ON THIS MID NOVEMBER DAY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO ALL VETERANS. VETERANS DAY WAS CREATED TO MARK THE END OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, ON THE 11TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, AT THE 11TH HOUR AND THE 11TH MINUTE WHEN THE ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED. TODAY, ITS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD WHO CARRIED THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES INTO BATTLE AND FOR SERVICE IN PEACETIME. OBSERVANCES ARE BEING HELD ACROSS THE REGION TO MARK THE DAY. MANY FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICES ARE CLOSED, AS WELL AS SOME BANKING INSTITUTIONS. WHEN YOU SEE A VETERAN TODAY, SAY THANK YOU!

ANOTHER HOME BURGLARY

STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR CLUES ABOUT A BURGLARY AT AN EAST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP HOME YESTERDAY. SOMETIME DURING THE DAY, WILLIAM DITZLER'S HOME ON CHESTNUT STREET, NEW RINGGOLD WAS ENTERED BY BREAKING A BACK DOOR WINDOW. SEVERAL FIREARMS AND A JEWELRY BOX WERE REMOVED. THE BURGLAR ALSO ATTEMPTED TO BREAK INTO A SHED AT THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY, THEN FLED. FRACKVILLE STATE TROOPERS ARE HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION.

ST CLAIR WOMAN HURT IN CRASH

A ST CLAIR WOMAN WAS CRITICALLY INJURED IN A CRASH MONDAY AFTERNOON IN BERKS COUNTY. MELISSA DONLEN WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON ROUTE 183 IN BETHEL TOWNSHIP, NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH ROUTE 419 AND LOST CONTROL OF HER SUV, FLIPPING ON TO ITS ROOF. SHE WAS TAKEN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE ROADWAY WAS CLOSED FOR A TIME FOR CLEANUP.

ROUTE 61 CRASH

TWO PEOPLE ESCAPED INJURY IN A CRASH ON BUSY ROUTE 61 TUESDAY AFTERNOON. BEFORE 5PM, SYDELL WILLIAMS OF AUBURN WAS HEADED SOUTH NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO ALDI FOOD STORE WHEN SHE REAR ENDED AN SUV OPERATED BY PETER PRITISKUTCH OF SCHUYLKILL. TRAFFIC HAD TO BE RE-ROUTED DURING RUSH HOUR WHILE THE SCENE WAS CLEARED.

COMPULSORY UNIONISM DEBATED

AN EFFORT FOR PENNSYLVANIA TO END COMPULSORY UNIONISM IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN THE STATE HOUSE. CHUCK NICHOLS HAS THE STORY FROM HARRISBURG:

NICHOLS END UNION
:53

CAR IN MINE PIT

FROM ARISTES, POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE THAT WENT OFF A ROAD AND SLIPPED INTO AN ABANDONED MINING PIT FILLED WITH WATER IN COLUMBIA COUNTY. IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT ALONG LILY ROAD NEAR ARISTES. DIVE TEAMS WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE VEHICLE, BUT NO ONE WAS INSIDE. CREWS HOPE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PIT SOMETIME TODAY.
(WGRC)

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A RECOUNT OF A TIGHT PENNSYLVANIA SUPERIOR COURT RACE COULD COST TAXPAYERS AS MUCH AS $1.3 MILLION. THREE CANDIDATES CLOSELY TRAIL THE FOURTH-PLACE CANDIDATE IN AN ELECTION TO PICK 4 SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES. SINCE THE 3 TRAILING CANDIDATES ARE WITHIN HALF OF 1 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL VOTES CAST, STATE LAW CALLS FOR AN AUTOMATIC RECOUNT.

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - AN AUTOPSY IS PLANNED TODAY ON A BODY FOUND ALONG A ROAD IN A REMOTE, WOODED AREA IN SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. THE LANCASTER COUNTY CORONER, WOULD NOT SPECULATE ON THE CAUSE OF DEATH FOR THE MAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND YESTERDAY. THE BODY WAS FOUND ALONG CREEK ROAD IN SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. AUTHORITIES ARE WITHHOLDING THE MAN'S NAME.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A LEGAL ADVOCACY GROUP THAT SOUNDED THE ALARM ABOUT UNCONSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES IN A PENNSYLVANIA JUVENILE COURT WANTS TO KNOW IF SIMILAR RIGHTS VIOLATIONS ARE TAKING PLACE ELSEWHERE IN THE STATE.THE JUVENILE LAW CENTER IS PROMOTING AN ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CHILDREN OR THEIR PARENTS TO TELL THEIR STORIES ANONYMOUSLY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A JUDGE SAYS CREDITORS TRYING TO TAKE OVER PHILADELPHIA'S TWO MAJOR NEWSPAPERS IN A BANKRUPTCY AUCTION MUST
BID IN CASH, NOT WITH THE $300 MILLION OWED THEM. THE DECISION YESTERDAY OVERTURNS A BANKRUPTCY COURT RULING THAT SEEMED LIKELY TO GIVE THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AND PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS TO CREDITORS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THOUSANDS OF PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFIT MAY BE ABLE
TO GET 20 MORE WEEKS OF CHECKS. WITH THE EXTENSION APPROVED BY CONGRESS, PENNSYLVANIA NOW OFFERS UP TO 99 WEEKS OF JOBLESS BENEFITS. THE STATE'S MAXIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PAYOUT IS $583 PER WEEK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE'S FINGER-POINTING IN WASHINGTON ABOUT WHETHER INVESTIGATORS MISSED CLUES THAT COULD HAVE HEADED OFF LAST WEEK'S DEADLY RAMPAGE AT FORT HOOD, TEXAS. ONE QUESTION IS WHETHER PENTAGON OFFICIALS LEARNED ABOUT CONTACTS MADE BETWEEN ACCUSED SHOOTER MAJ. NIDAL HASAN AND A RADICAL ISLAMIC CLERIC. THE SENATE IS ALSO LAUNCHING AN INQUIRY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS SALUTING THE TROOPS ON VETERANS DAY BY HOSTING A SPECIAL BREAKFAST AT THE WHITE HOUSE. HE'LL ALSO ATTEND A WREATH-LAYING AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. AT A MEMORIAL FOR THE 13 SHOOTING VICTIMS AT FORT HOOD YESTERDAY, HE SAID AMERICAN VETERANS WELL KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD "SACRIFICE."

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA MEETS WITH HIS NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM TODAY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR U.S. STRATEGY IN AFGHANISTAN. MILITARY OFFICIALS SAY OBAMA IS CONSIDERING ADDING TENS OF THOUSANDS MORE TROOPS.

SINGAPORE (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS THE U.S. WON'T IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON MYANMAR TO FORCE DEMOCRATIC CHANGES THERE. BUT SHE SAYS CURRENT SANCTIONS WILL REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL THE JUNTA MAKES "MEANINGFUL PROGRESS" TOWARD DEMOCRACY IN KEY AREAS.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - THE LIGHTS ARE BACK ON IN BRAZIL'S TWO LARGEST CITIES. PARTS OF RIO DE JANEIRO, SAO PAULO AND ELSEWHERE WERE BLACKED OUT FOR HOURS AFTER A HYDROELECTRIC DAM WENT OFFLINE. AN OFFICIAL SAYS STRONG STORMS UPROOTED TREES NEAR THE DAM AND COULD BE TO BLAME.

Today's News-Tuesday, November 10, 2009

PORT CARBON WOMAN SENTENCED

44 YEAR OLD ELIZABETH DELEON PLEADED GUILTY TO TAKING ABOUT $200 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AN ELDERLY PORT CARBON WOMAN SHE BEFRIENDED. NOW, SHE FACES TIME IN PRISON. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT JUDGE CYRUS PALMER DOLBIN SENTENCED DELEON FOR TAKING THE MONEY FROM THE LATE MARGARET PALKO, WHOM SHE SERVED AS POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR. DELEON WILL HAVE TO MAKE RESITITUION FOR THE MONEY SHE TOOK FROM PALKO'S BANK ACCOUNTS, AND SPEND 10 TO 21 MONTHS IN PRISON PLUS TIME ON PROBATION. THE SENTENCE WON'T BEGIN UNTIL LATER THIS MONTH SO DELEON CAN ARRANGE FOR WORK RELEASE. THE CRIMES TOOK PLACE OVER SEVERAL YEARS.

ONE INJURED IN FOUR CAR CHAIN REACTION CRASH

FOUR CARS WERE INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON ROUTE 61 LAST EVENING. 19 YEAR OLD DEVON EVANOUSKY OF RINGTOWN WAS NORTHBOUND NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH THE FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL, AND WHILE DISTRACTED BY TUNING HIS RADIO, FAILED TO SEE JOSEPH BANE JR.'S VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, AND REAR ENDED HIS VAN. THE FORCE OF IMPACT STRUCK 44 YEAR OLD TRACY GRABISH'S VEHICLE THAT WAS IN THE RIGHT HAND TRAVEL LANE. GRABISH'S CAR THEN STRUCK MARY KOCH'S VEHICLE WHICH HAD BEEN STOPPED AT THE LIGHT. GRABISH WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT OF NECK AND BACK PAIN. THE CRASH HAPPENED BEFORE 6PM MONDAY.

HUNTING EQUIPMENT TAKEN

A PINE GROVE MAN'S TREE STANDS WERE TAKEN FROM THEIR SPOT ON STATE GAME LANDS IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP. SOMETIME OVER THE LAST WEEK THE THEFT TOOK PLACE OF ITEMS BELONGING TO GARRY GROSS OF PINE GROVE. THE TREE STANDS WERE SET UP ON THE SWATARA STATE GAME LANDS OFF OF SWOPES VALLEY ROAD.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN TOWER CITY

AN 18 YEAR OLD TOWER CITY BOY WAS ASSAULTED IN A FIGHT LAST NIGHT IN THAT WESTERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BOROUGH, AND STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE GANG OF THREE OR FOUR BOYS. AROUND FIVE O'CLOCK, THE GANG BEAT UP WILLIAM ROMBERGER AT THE INTERSECTION OF EAST GRAND AVENUE AND NORTH SECOND STREET, LEAVING HIM UNCONSCIOUS ON THE STREET. ROMBERGER HAD TO BE FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. THE GANG IS STILL AT LARGE.

KLINGER PROBATION REVOKED FOR DUI CHARGE

A TREMONT MAN WHO SET OFF A FATAL MINE EXPLOSION THAT KILLED A DONALDSON MAN IN OCTOBER , 2006, HAD HIS PROBATION REVOKED YESTERDAY BY THE COUNTY COURT FOR A DUI CHARGE. 43 YEAR OLD JEFFREY KLINGER PLEADED GUILTY THIS FALL TO TWO VIOLATIONS OF THE STATE ANTHRACITE COAL MINE ACT. JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL DIDN'T ESTABLISH ANOTHER NEW SENTENCE FOR KLINGER. HE WAS ONE OF THREE MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OCTOBER 2006 EXPLOSION AT THE R&D COAL COMPANY IN TREMONT TOWNSHIP THAT KILLED DALE REIGHTLER. THE OTHER TWO, DAVID AND STEVEN ZIMMERMAN WERE SENTENCED ON NOVEMBER 4TH.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A PANEL INVESTIGATING THE "KIDS-FOR-CASH" SCANDAL IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY IS TO HEAR FROM THE CURRENT LUZERNE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND HER PREDECESSOR TODAY. THE JOB OF THE INTERBRANCH COMMISSION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE IS TO INVESTIGATE THE SCANDAL AND RECOMMEND MEASURES TO PREVENT SIMILAR SITUATIONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - MASS TRANSIT RIDERS IN PHILADELPHIA SAY THEY'RE GLAD THAT BUSES, SUBWAYS AND TROLLEYS ARE RUNNING AGAIN FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW, BUT MANY REMAIN ANGRY AFTER THE STRIKE. THE TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION AGREED TO A 5-YEAR PACT AFTER GOV. ED RENDELL THREATENED TO WITHDRAW $7 MILLION IN STATE FUNDS TO PAY FOR BONUSES OF $1,250 PER WORKER.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - THE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HALL OF FAME MUSEUM COULD OPEN IN PENNSYLVANIA BY THE SUMMER OF 2011. THE MUSEUM IN EASTON PLANS TO PROMOTE ITSELF HEAVILY AS A FIELD TRIP DESTINATION FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AROUND THE NORTHEAST. NEARBY IS THE CRAYOLA FACTORY, WHICH DRAWS 300,000 VISITORS A YEAR.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A $5 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH THE WIDOW OF A POLICE OFFICER SHOT DEAD INSIDE THE EASTON POLICE HEADQUARTERS. OFFICER JESSE SOLLMAN WAS ACCIDENTALLY SHOT BY ANOTHER OFFICER IN THE POLICE STATION AFTER A TRAINING EXERCISE. HIS WIDOW, ALLEGED A LACK OF SAFETY PROCEDURES AND DISCIPLINE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A FORMER PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER WILL SPEND 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR USING HIS GUN AND BADGE TO ROB A DRUG KINGPIN OF $40,000 AND TAKING PART IN A HOME-INVASION ROBBERY. A FEDERAL JUDGE CALLED MALIK SNELL'S CRIMES "INCOMPREHENSIBLE" GIVEN HIS SERVICE IN THE MARINES AND POLICE DEPARTMENT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO MAKE THE TREK UP CAPITOL HILL TODAY AS THE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL MEETS RESISTANCE IN THE SENATE. OFFICIALS SAY CLINTON WILL SPEAK TO SENATE DEMOCRATS ABOUT HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION DURING THEIR WEEKLY CAUCUS. HIS VISIT COMES AFTER THE HOUSE PASSED ITS VERSION OF THE OVERHAUL LAST WEEKEND.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PREPARES TO HEAD TO TEXAS FOR A FORT HOOD MEMORIAL, THE FBI IS QUESTIONING HOW IT HANDLED AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SUSPECTED GUNMAN. INVESTIGATORS ULTIMATELY DECIDED MAJ. NIDAL MALIK HASAN DIDN'T POSE A THREAT NEARLY A YEAR BEFORE THE RAMPAGE THAT LEFT 13 DEAD.

RICHMOND, VA. (AP) - THE SO-CALLED D.C. SNIPER IS SCHEDULED TO BE EXECUTED TODAY, BARRING ACTION FROM VIRGINIA GOV. TIM KAINE. ATTORNEYS FOR JOHN MUHAMMAD, THE MASTERMIND OF THE ATTACKS THAT LEFT 10 DEAD ACROSS THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA, ARE ASKING KAINE TO COMMUTE HIS SENTENCE BECAUSE THEY SAY MUHAMMAD'S MENTALLY ILL.

GULF SHORES, ALA. (AP) - FEW HAVE EVACUATED AHEAD OF A WEAKENING TROPICAL STORM IDA. THE STORM'S WINDS HAVE DISSIPATED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. RAIN AND SOME FLOODING SEEM TO BE THE BIGGEST THREATS. UP TO 8 INCHES COULD FALL IN SOME AREAS, WITH MOST OF THE COAST GETTING BETWEEN 3 AND 6 INCHES.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE TV NEWS PRODUCER ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO BLACKMAIL DAVID LETTERMAN IS DUE IN COURT TODAY. A LAWYER FOR "JOE" HALDERMAN PLANS TO ASK THE NEW YORK JUDGE TO DISMISS THE EXTORTION CASE THAT LED LETTERMAN TO ACKNOWLEDGE AFFAIRS WITH STAFFERS. IT'S HALDERMAN'S FIRST COURT APPEARANCE SINCE HE WAS RELEASED ON BAIL LAST MONTH.

Today's News-Monday, November 9, 2009

MISSING WOMAN IDENTIFIED

A MISSING CRESSONA WOMAN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE BODY FOUND OFF THE BURMA ROAD SATURDAY MORNING. WE REPORTED TO YOU ON SATURDAY THAT 50 YEAR OLD TERESA CHUPAK HAD BEEN MISSING FOR ABOUT A WEEK. AN AUTOPSY WAS COMPLETED SUNDAY, AND A POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION MADE. STATE POLICE SAY THERE WAS NO FOUL PLAY INVOLVED IN HER DEATH.

ATV CRASH INJURES WOMAN

A MINERSVILLE WOMAN WAS HURT IN AN ATV CRASH IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP LAST NIGHT. REPORTS INDICATE THAT 25 YEAR OLD KRISTIN DANIELS WAS RIDING THE ATV NEAR I-81 MILE MARKER 119 WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. SHE REPORTEDLY SUFFERED A LACERATION ON HER FACE AND WAS TREATED AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AROUND 5:45PM.

WOMAN STABS MAN WITH KEYS

A RYAN TOWNSHIP WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER AN INCIDENT SATURDAY. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE INDICATE THAT ANALEE GALVIN STABBED A MAN IN THE ARM WITH A SET OF KEYS, CAUSING MINOR INJURY. GALVIN WAS ARRAIGNED ON THE CHARGES AND WAS RELEASED ON BAIL.

SENIOR IDOL CHAMP CROWNED

A SELTZER MAN'S LOVE OF SINGING KARAOKE HAS EARNED HIM THE TITLE OF 2009 SCHUYLKILL SENIOR IDOL. 58 YEAR OLD ERROL STROUSE USED TWO ROCK AND ROLL STANDARDS, ELVIS' "CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE" AND FATS DOMINO'S "BLUEBERRY HILL" TO BEAT OUT 6 OTHER CONTESTANTS IN THE THIRD ANNUAL COMPETITION SPONSORED BY DIAKON LIVING AND LEARNING AFTER 50. STROUSE FREQUENTED THE LAZY DOG COFFEEHOUSE OVER THE PAST YEAR, POLISHING HIS CRAFT, AND WAS HAPPY AND RELIEVED AFTER WINNING:

STROUSE IDOL

2009 JUNIOR IDOL JULI SCHULTZ AND LAST YEAR'S SENIOR IDOL WINNER RICK LORADY ALSO PERFORMED, ALONG WITH THE SOUTHERN STAR DANCERS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS A TRANSIT STRIKE THAT SHUT DOWN PHILADELPHIA'S BUSES, SUBWAYS AND TROLLEYS FOR NEARLY A WEEK IS OVER. RENDELL SAYS THE SYSTEM WILL BE BACK UP AND RUNNING IN TIME FOR THIS MORNING'S COMMUTE. THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THAT THE SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY HAD REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH ITS LARGEST LABOR UNION ON NEW CONTRACT PROVISIONS TO END THE STRIKE.

YORK, PA. (AP) - OPENING STATEMENTS ARE SCHEDULED TODAY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA IN THE CAPITAL MURDER TRIAL OF A MAN ACCUSED OF BEATING THE 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH WITH A VIDEO GAME CONTROLLER LAST YEAR. HARVE JOHNSON, OF YORK, IS CHARGED WITH FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AND OTHER COUNTS IN THE APRIL 2008 DEATH OF DARISABEL BAEZ.

JIM THORPE, PA. (AP) - RELATIVES OF FAMED AMERICAN INDIAN ATHLETE JIM THORPE PLAN TO GO TO COURT TO WIN THE RETURN OF HIS BODY FROM A PENNSYLVANIA TOWN THAT CHANGED ITS NAME TO PROVIDE HIM A FINAL RESTING PLACE - EVEN THOUGH HE NEVER SET FOOT THERE. HIS WIDOW BURIED HIM IN THE EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BOROUGH, BUT FAMILY MEMBERS WANT THORPE REBURIED IN OKLAHOMA.

WASHINGTON (AP) - TODAY, THE SUPREME COURT EXPLORES WHAT TYPES OF INVENTIONS SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PATENT IN A PIVOTAL CASE THAT COULD UNDERMINE SUCH LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR SOFTWARE. A RULING THAT SIDES WITH THE PATENT OFFICE COULD BAR PATENTS ON PROCESSES AND METHODS OF DOING BUSINESS, SUCH AS MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND ONLINE SHOPPING TECHNIQUES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - VOTING ON ELECTION DAY LAST TUESDAY, MARKED THE MIDPOINT IN PENNSYLVANIA'S TWO-YEAR LEGISLATIVE CYCLE. FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, SOME OBSERVERS NOTE THAT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN IN HARRISBURG WITHOUT INCUMBENT LAWMAKERS FIRST THINKING HARD ABOUT THEIR OWN LOOMING RE-ELECTION RACES AND THE CONTEST TO REPLACE GOV. ED RENDELL.

MIAMI (AP) - IDA HAS WEAKENED TO A CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE, BUT WARNINGS REMAIN ALONG 200 MILES OF THE GULF COAST FROM MISSISSIPPI TO FLORIDA. THE U.S. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER REPORTS THAT THE HURRICANE WEAKENED FROM A CATEGORY 2 STORM EARLY TODAY AND NOW HAS 90 MPH WINDS. IT COULD MAKE LANDFALL AS EARLY AS TOMORROW MORNING.

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (AP) - A SUICIDE BOMBER IN A RICKSHAW HAS KILLED AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE AFTER DETONATING HIS EXPLOSIVES NEAR A GROUP OF POLICEMEN IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN. FIVE OTHER PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED IN THE BLAST IN PESHAWAR.

KABUL (AP) - ABOUT 350 TALIBAN PRISONERS ARE ON A HUNGER STRIKE AT AN AFGHAN PRISON. A DELEGATION FROM THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IS GOING TO THE LOCKUP TO INVESTIGATE THEIR COMPLAINTS ABOUT POOR FOOD, WATER AND HEALTH CARE.

SEATTLE (AP) - SEATTLE PROSECUTORS PLAN TO DISCUSS FORMAL CHARGES THIS MORNING AGAINST A MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING A POLICE OFFICER HALLOWEEN NIGHT. AUTHORITIES HAVE DESCRIBED THE MAN AS A DOMESTIC TERRORIST WHO HAS A GRUDGE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT. HE REMAINS HOSPITALIZED AFTER BEING SHOT BY DETECTIVES IN HIS APARTMENT'S PARKING LOT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA'S COMMUTER NIGHTMARE IS OVER. THE CITY'S TRANSIT SYSTEM AND ITS LARGEST UNION SIGNED A CONTRACT EARLY TODAY, ENDING THE STRIKE THAT HALTED SUBWAYS, BUSES AND TROLLEYS FOR SIX DAYS.