WEATHERWATCH -DECEMBER 31, 2009

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSING AT 2:30PM TODAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009.

WEATHERWATCH -DECEMBER 31, 2009

STS WILL BEGIN TRANSPORTATION FROM THE POTTSVILLE TERMINAL BEGINNING AT 10AM.

Today's News-Friday, December 31, 2009

BOIL ADVISORIES

CUSTOMERS SERVED BY THE ORWIGSBURG WATER AUTHORITY ARE ON A BOIL ADVISORY UNTIL TUESDAY DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK NEAR BLUE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY EAST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. CREWS ALSO HAD TO REPAIR A MAIN BREAK OVERNIGHT TUESDAY NEAR 12TH AND NORWEGIAN STREETS, PROMPTING OFFICIALS FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO ISSUE A BOIL ADVISORY FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE WITHOUT WATER WHILE REPAIRS WERE MADE.

CITY MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A POTTSVILLE MAN ON VARIOUS CHARGES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT A SEARCH WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR SCHULER’S HOME IN CASS TOWNSHIP. A SEARCH FOUND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND WEAPONS AT THE HOME. THAT SEARCH WAS PROMPTED BY A REPORT FROM SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CHILDREN AND YOUTH ABOUT POSSIBLE CHILD ENDANGERMENT. SCHULER WAS JAILED AFTER HE WAS UNABLE TO POST BAIL FOLLOWING ARRAIGNMENT.

GIRARDVILLE WOMAN WILL GO TO COURT

A WOMAN FROM GIRARDVILLE, CHARGED WITH TAKING MONEY FROM AN ELDERLY WOMAN, WILL HAVE HER CASE GO TO COURT. MICHELLE CONNORS IS ACCUSED OF TAKING OVER $160-THOUSAND-DOLLARS FROM MARY O'CONNELL WHILE SHE HAD POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE WOMAN. CONNORS REPORTEDLY TOOK CASH AND BOUGHT ITEMS WITH THE MONEY OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

CASH TAKEN IN BUSINESS BREAK IN

A NORTH MANHEIM TOWSHIP BUSINESS WAS BURGLARIZED OVER THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE. SOMEONE BROKE INTO CARDINAL SYSTEMS INC., TOOK MONEY FROM VENDING MACHINES, DAMAGED EQUIPMENT AND STOLE SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FROM LOCKED OFFICES AT THE BUSINESS. THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING.

BAR BROKEN INTO

FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY AT A SHENANDOAH BAR. EARLY WEDNESDAY, THIEVES ENTERD THE M&T BAR ON SOUTH MAIN STREET. THE INSIDE OF THE BUSINESS WAS RANSACKED, AND A HOST OF DOLLAR BILLS THAT ADORNED THE WALLS OF THE BUSINESS WERE ALSO TAKEN. POLICE SAY THE BILLS WILL BE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE. CALL 874-5300 IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TWO MEN ARE IN CUSTODY WHO MAY BE CHARGED IN THE WOUNDING OF AN OFF-DUTY PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER AND SHOOTING DEATH OF ANOTHER MAN. THE TWO MEN WERE ARRESTED LATE YESTERDAY, HOURS AFTER THE ROBBERY ATTEMPT IN WHICH 23-YEAR-OLD OFFICER MARTIN CAMPBELL WAS WOUNDED. OFFICER CAMPBELL HAS BEEN LISTED IN STABLE CONDITION.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A LAWYER FOR FORMER PENNSYLVANIA STATE REP. MIKE VEON SAYS HE NEEDS PROOF THAT E-MAIL MESSAGES USED AS EVIDENCE BY PROSECUTORS HAVEN'T BEEN ALTERED. THE BEAVER COUNTY DEMOCRAT AND SEVERAL CO-DEFENDANTS ARE ACCUSED OF DIVERTING STATE WORKERS AND RESOURCES FOR CAMPAIGNS OR OTHER PURPOSES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FOUR WORKERS AT A PENNSYLVANIA STAFFING COMPANY ADMIT THEY SCAMMED THE VISA SYSTEM TO GET HUNDREDS OF SEASONAL WORKERS INTO THE U.S. PROSECUTORS SAY INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL RESOURCES APPLIED FOR TEMPORARY WORK VISAS UNDER PHONY NAMES CULLED. OFFICIALS SAY THEY USED THE DOCUMENTS TO PLACE WORKERS FROM MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA IN JOBS.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - AN OFF-DUTY PITTSBURGH FIREFIGHTER IS BEING CHARGED WITH STEALING A SECURITY TRUCK FROM THE RIVERS CASINO AND LEADING POLICE ON A SHORT CHASE WHILE DRIVING DRUNK. POLICE SAY WILLIAM WHITE JUMPED INTO THE TRUCK AFTER A SECURITY GUARD STOPPED WHEN HE SAW WHITE ARGUING WITH A WOMAN EARLY YESTERDAY. NOBODY WAS HURT IN THE CHASE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA MAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY IN JANUARY TO TWO COUNTS OF BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON. PROSECUTORS SAY WILLIE BROOKS LED NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE ON A HIGH-SPEED CHASE INTO TYLER STATE PARK IN 2007. POLICE FOUND A LOADED HANDGUN AND BURGLARY TOOLS IN HIS VAN.

KABUL (AP) - THE TALIBAN ARE CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORST LOSS OF LIFE FOR THE U.S. IN AFGHANISTAN SINCE OCTOBER. EIGHT AMERICAN CIVILIANS AND ONE AFGHAN WERE KILLED IN THE SUICIDE BOMBING AT A BASE IN THE EAST, YESTERDAY. ALSO YESTERDAY, FOUR CANADIAN SOLDIERS AND AN EMBEDDED JOURNALIST WERE KILLED BY A ROADSIDE BOMBING.

LAHORE, PAKISTAN (AP) - POLICE SAY THEY HAVE ARRESTED A SENIOR PAKISTANI TALIBAN COMMANDER WHO LED THE MILITANT GROUP'S NETWORK IN PUNJAB. OFFICIALS SAY THE COMMANDER WAS THE MASTERMIND BEHIND A MARKET BOMBING THAT KILLED 49 PEOPLE IN LAHORE EARLY THIS MONTH.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (AP) - AMERICANS IN INDONESIA'S BALI ARE BEING WARNED ABOUT A POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE. THE U.S. EMBASSY HAS SENT OUT E-MAILS CALLING ON PEOPLE TO BE ALERT, BUT DIDN'T GIVE DETAILS OF A SPECIFIC THREAT. THE WARNING COMES SIX MONTHS AFTER BOMBINGS AT LUXURY HOTELS IN JAKARTA LEFT SEVEN DEAD.

HONOLULU (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL RECEIVE A REPORT TODAY ON THE FAILED CHRISTMAS DAY TERROR ATTACK. THE REPORT IS JUST THE FIRST STEP IN WHAT IS AN OBAMA-LED EFFORT TO CHANGE THE NATION'S INTELLIGENCE PRACTICES AFTER THE ATTACK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW POLL SUGGESTS MANY AMERICANS ARE EXPECTING 2010 WILL BE BETTER TO THEM THAN 2009 EVER WAS. AN AP-GFK POLL SAYS 82 PERCENT ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT WHAT THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING FOR THEIR FAMILIES. THE POLL ALSO SAYS NEARLY THREE-FOURTHS OF AMERICANS THINK 2009 WAS A BAD YEAR FOR THE COUNTRY, WHICH WAS HAMPERED BY RECESSION.

BOIL ADVISORY

CUSTOMERS SERVED BY THE ORWIGSBURG WATER AUTHORITY ARE ON A BOIL ADVISORY UNTIL TUESDAY DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK NEAR BLUE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY EAST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. CREWS ALSO HAD TO REPAIR A MAIN BREAK OVERNIGHT TUESDAY NEAR 12TH AND NORWEGIAN STREETS, PROMPTING OFFICIALS FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO ISSUE A BOIL ADVISORY FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE WITHOUT WATER WHILE REPAIRS WERE MADE.

CITY MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES ‘

POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A POTTSVILLE MAN ON VARIOUS CHARGES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT A SEARCH WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR SCHULER’S HOME IN CASS TOWNSHIP. A SEARCH FOUND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND WEAPONS AT THE HOME. THAT SEARCH WAS PROMPTED BY A REPORT FROM SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CHILDREN AND YOUTH ABOUT POSSIBLE CHILD ENDANGERMENT. SCHULER WAS JAILED AFTER HE WAS UNABLE TO POST BAIL FOLLOWING ARRAIGNMENT.

GIRARDVILLE WOMAN WILL GO TO COURT

A WOMAN FROM GIRARDVILLE, CHARGED WITH TAKING MONEY FROM AN ELDERLY WOMAN, WILL HAVE HER CASE GO TO COURT. MICHELLE CONNORS IS ACCUSED OF TAKING OVER $160-THOUSAND-DOLLARS FROM MARY O’CONNELL WHILE SHE HAD POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE WOMAN. CONNORS REPORTEDLY TOOK CASH AND BOUGHT ITEMS WITH THE MONEY OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

CASH TAKEN IN BUSINESS BREAK IN

A NORTH MANHEIM TOWSHIP BUSINESS WAS BURGLARIZED OVER THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE. SOMEONE BROKE INTO CARDINAL SYSTEMS INC., TOOK MONEY FROM VENDING MACHINES, DAMAGED EQUIPMENT AND STOLE SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FROM LOCKED OFFICES AT THE BUSINESS. THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING.

BAR BROKEN INTO

FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY AT A SHENANDOAH BAR. EARLY WEDNESDAY, THIEVES ENTERD THE M&T BAR ON SOUTH MAIN STREET. THE INSIDE OF THE BUSINESS WAS RANSACKED, AND A HOST OF DOLLAR BILLS THAT ADORNED THE WALLS OF THE BUSINESS WERE ALSO TAKEN. POLICE SAY THE BILLS WILL BE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE. CALL 874-5300 IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION.

WATER BOIL ADVISORY

CUSTOMERS SERVED BY THE ORWIGSBURG WATER AUTHORITY ARE UNDER A BOIL ADVISORY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK.

WEDNESDAY 12.30.09

LOCAL

THERE HAS BEEN A WATERMAIN BREAK IN POTTSVILLE ON 12TH STREET BETWEEN W. MARKET AND MAHANTONGO. IT IS UNCERTAIN HOW MANY HOMES ARE EFFECTED OR WHEN THE UTILITY WILL BE BACK ONLINE. CREWS ARE WORKING ON THE SCENE NOW TO GET IT RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

A SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING AT 5AM AS IT LOST CONTROL ON STATE HIGHWAY 225. IT WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND WHEN IT TRAVELED UP AN EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED ONTO ITS SIDE. THE DRIVER HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE BY RELIANCE FIRE PERSONNEL AND SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS LIFTED BACK UPRIGHT AS WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE.


SHENANDOAH, PA. (AP) - FOUR NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLICE
OFFICERS WHO WERE ARRESTED DEC. 15 ON FEDERAL CHARGES HAVE RESIGNED
FROM THEIR JOBS.
THE SHENANDOAH BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS ONLY THREE OFFICERS AFTER THE RESIGNATIONS OF CHIEF MATTHEW NESTOR, CAPT. JAMIE GENNARINI, OFFICER JASON HAYES AND LT. WILLIAM MOYER WERE ACCEPTED TUESDAY NIGHT. STATE POLICE ARE HELPING PATROL THE TOWN.
NESTOR, MOYER AND HAYES ARE ACCUSED OF ORCHESTRATING A COVER-UP IN THE FATAL BEATING OF A MEXICAN IMMIGRANT BY ALTERING EVIDENCE OR
LYING TO THE FBI IN A CASE AGAINST TWO WHITE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS. NESTOR AND GENNARINI ARE CHARGED WITH EXTORTION AND CIVIL
RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN A SEPARATE CASE.
MESSAGES LEFT LATE TUESDAY SEEKING COMMENT FROM DEFENSE LAWYERS WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED.




UNEMPLOYMENT IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAS DROPPED IN NOVEMBER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS FROM 11 PERCENT TO 10.31 PERCENT. THE RATE HAS INCREASED EACH MONTH SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2007. CURRENTLY IT IS STILL HIGHER THAN MOST OF THE SURROUNDINGS COUNTIES , THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 8.5 PERCENT AND THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 10 PERCENT. JOB GROWTH IS LIKELY DUE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HIRING HOLIDAY HELP AND IT IS UNCERTAIN IF THE RATE WILL RAISE AGAIN AFTER THE NEW YEAR.


DECEMBER 31 MARKS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE STATE’S PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES PROPERTY TAX RELIEF OR RENT ASSISTANCE TO THOSE 65 AND OLDER, WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS’ 50 OR OLDER, AND THOSE 18 OR OLDER WHO ARE DISABLED. ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME MAY NOT EXCEED $35,000, AND ONLY HALF OF AND SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME AND RAILROAD RETIREMENT BENEFITS COUNT TOWARD THAT CALCULATION. INDIVIDUALS CAN STOP BY ANY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OFFICE TO COMPLETE THEIR APPLICATION, AND SHOULD BRING A COPY OF THEIR PAID MUNICIPAL, COUNTY AND SCHOOL TAXES AS WELL AS PROOF OF INCOME.


PA NEWS

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE CHAIRMAN OF PENNSYLVANIA'S HOUSE
GAMING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE DANTE SANTONI SAYS HE MIGHT HOLD A
HEARING ON WHETHER THE PENNSYLVANIA CASINO ASSOCIATION VIOLATED THE
STATE LOBBYING-DISCLOSURE LAW. THE ASSOCIATION SAYS IT DOESN'T HAVE
TO REGISTER AS A LOBBYING GROUP. SANTONI SAYS HE WANTS TO CONSULT
WITH LAWYERS ON THE MATTER.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT SAYS THE
NONPROFIT GROUP THAT ENFORCES PENNSYLVANIA'S ANIMAL CONTROL LAWS
DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR IMMUNITY FROM LAWSUITS BECAUSE OF THAT WORK.THE
COURT UPHELD A PHILADELPHIA JURY'S VERDICT THAT AWARDED A WOMAN
$155,000 FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA S.P.C.A. AFTER DOGS TAKEN FROM HER
HOME WERE EUTHANIZED.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - PENN STATE SAYS NEARLY 30,000
INDIVIDUALS MAY HAVE HAD THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS EXPOSED
BECAUSE OF A PRIVACY BREACH CAUSED BY INFECTED UNIVERSITY
COMPUTERS. A SCHOOL SPOKESWOMAN SAYS THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THE
INFORMATION HAS BEEN ACCESSED BY UNAUTHORIZED PARTIES, BUT THAT THE
UNIVERSITY IS NOTIFYING PEOPLE ABOUT THE BREACH.

SHENANDOAH, PA. (AP) - FOUR NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLICE
OFFICERS WHO WERE ARRESTED DEC. 15 ON FEDERAL CHARGES HAVE RESIGNED
FROM THEIR JOBS. THE SHENANDOAH BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS ONLY
THREE OFFICERS AFTER THE RESIGNATIONS LAST NIGHT. THE OFFICERS ARE
ACCUSED OF ORCHESTRATING A COVER-UP IN THE FATAL BEATING OF A
MEXICAN IMMIGRANT.

MILTON, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY A WOMAN
ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING HER OWN SONS FROM WASHINGTON STATE HAS BEEN
ARRESTED AFTER 11 YEARS AS A FUGITIVE. JILL DIANE HAUGEN WAS
ARRESTED YESTERDAY AT HER HOME IN MILTON, PA., WHERE SHE WAS GOING
BY THE NAME ANN THOMPSON. HER 15 AND 17-YEAR-OLD SONS ARE NOW IN
FOSTER CARE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE CHAIRMAN OF PENNSYLVANIA'S HOUSE
GAMING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SAYS HE MIGHT HOLD A HEARING ON WHETHER
THE PENNSYLVANIA CASINO ASSOCIATION VIOLATED THE STATE
LOBBYING-DISCLOSURE LAW.
THE ASSOCIATION SAYS IT DOESN'T HAVE TO REGISTER BECAUSE ITS
ACTIVITIES DON'T MEET THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF LOBBYING.
GAMING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN DANTE SANTONI SAYS HE WANTS
TO CONSULT WITH LAWYERS BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO HOLD HEARINGS ON
THE MATTER.
HOUSE AND SENATE NEGOTIATORS ARE STILL TRYING TO WORK OUT THE
REMAINING DIFFERENCES IN A BILL TO LEGALIZE TABLE GAMES SUCH AS
POKER AND BLACKJACK AT SLOT-MACHINE CASINOS.
PROPONENTS SAY EXPANDING GAMBLING IS A LESS PAINFUL ALTERNATIVE
TO RAISING TAXES TO SHORE UP THE STATE'S RECESSION-RAVAGED
TREASURY. OPPONENTS, HOWEVER, SAY THE MEASURE IS A FAVOR FOR THE
POWERFUL GAMBLING INDUSTRY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT SAYS THE
NONPROFIT GROUP THAT ENFORCES PENNSYLVANIA'S ANIMAL CONTROL LAWS
DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR IMMUNITY FROM LAWSUITS BECAUSE OF THAT WORK.
THE COURT UPHELD A PHILADELPHIA JURY'S VERDICT THAT AWARDED A
WOMAN $155,000 FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AFTER ABOUT A DOZEN DOGS TAKEN FROM HER HOME
WERE EUTHANIZED.
THE COURT RULED TUESDAY THAT THERE'S NO REASON TO THINK THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTENDED TO GRANT THE SPCA STATUS AS A
COMMONWEALTH AGENCY, SO IT'S NOT ENTITLED TO THE DEFENSE OF
SOVEREIGN OR GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY.
THE DOG OWNER, LAILA SNEAD OF READING, SAYS SHE'S PLEASED WITH
THE DECISION BUT THAT MONEY WON'T BRING HER DOGS BACK.
AN SPCA SPOKESWOMAN SAYS THE GROUP IS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE
RULING BECAUSE OF ITS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - PENN STATE SAYS NEARLY 30,000
INDIVIDUALS MAY HAVE HAD THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS EXPOSED
BECAUSE OF A PRIVACY BREACH CAUSED BY INFECTED UNIVERSITY
COMPUTERS.
A SCHOOL SPOKESWOMAN SAYS TUESDAY THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THE
INFORMATION HAS BEEN ACCESSED BY UNAUTHORIZED PARTIES, BUT THAT THE
UNIVERSITY IS BEING CAUTIOUS IN NOTIFYING PEOPLE THEIR INFORMATION
IS ON AN INFECTED COMPUTER.
THE SCHOOL ANNOUNCED DEC. 23 THAT THE COMPUTERS HAVE BEEN HIT BY
SO-CALLED "MALWARE," OR MALICIOUS SOFTWARE.
MORE THAN 14,000 OF THE RECORDS WERE AT THE MAIN UNIVERSITY PARK
CAMPUS. THE SCHOOL SAID TUESDAY THOSE INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN
CONTACTED.
ANOTHER 15,000 ARE AT A STILL-UNNAMED BRANCH CAMPUS, THOUGH THAT
INVESTIGATION IS NOT COMPLETE.

MILTON, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY A WOMAN
ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING HER OWN SONS FROM WASHINGTON STATE HAS BEEN
ARRESTED AFTER 11 YEARS AS A FUGITIVE.
AN ARREST WARRANT WAS ISSUED IN SPOKANE, WASH., IN 1998 FOR JILL
DIANE HAUGEN. THE 48-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY AT HER
HOME IN MILTON, PA., WHERE SHE WAS GOING BY THE NAME ANN THOMPSON.
MILTON POLICE OFFICER TODD ULRICH SAYS HE REACHED THE CHILDREN'S
FATHER ON THE PHONE TUESDAY. ULRICH SAYS WILLIAM CONNINGTON, OF
SPOKANE, WASH., WAS "ABSOLUTELY SURPRISED" AND HAD THOUGHT HE'D
NEVER SEE HIS SONS AGAIN. CONNINGTON'S 17-YEAR-OLD SON, ANTHONY,
AND 15-YEAR-OLD SON, JAMEY, ARE IN FOSTER CARE FOR NOW.
HAUGEN SAID TUESDAY THAT SHE IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AND HER SONS ARE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE. POLICE SAY THERE'S NO
MERIT TO HER CLAIMS.

CARLISLE, PA. (AP) - A COUNTY JUDGE IN SOUTH-CENTRAL
PENNSYLVANIA SAYS A CORONER DOESN'T HAVE TO RELEASE THE MEANS OF
DEATH OF A 21-YEAR-OLD MAN UNTIL THE END OF JANUARY.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY CORONER MICHAEL NORRIS REFUSED TO RELEASE THE
MEANS OF DEATH FOR SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL PLAYER THOMAS
RAINEY, A LANDISVILLE MAN WHO DIED IN AN ACCIDENT IN APRIL.
AUTHORITIES HAVE SAID THE DEATH WASN'T SUSPICIOUS.
WGAL-TV ASKED PRESIDENT JUDGE EDGAR BAYLEY TO ORDER THE CORONER
TO RELEASE THE INFORMATION. BAYLEY SAYS THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW THAT
TOOK EFFECT THIS YEAR DOESN'T SUPERSEDE THE STATE CORONER'S ACT.
THAT LAW REQUIRES THE AUTOPSY REPORT TO BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF
THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR IN WHICH THE DEATHS OCCURRED.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JUDGE ENSNARED
IN A FEDERAL PROBE HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO CORRUPTION CHARGES.
LUZERNE COUNTY JUDGE MICHAEL TOOLE PLEADED GUILTY TUESDAY IN
SCRANTON TO HONEST SERVICES FRAUD AND TAX EVASION.
PROSECUTORS SAY HE HID HIS FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A LAWYER
WHO APPEARED BEFORE HIM AND DIDN'T REPORT A $30,000 REFERRAL FEE
FROM ANOTHER ATTORNEY ON HIS TAXES.
TOOLE'S PLEA REQUIRES HIM TO RESIGN IN THE NEXT 10 DAYS. HE WILL
REMAIN FREE PENDING HIS MARCH 20 SENTENCING.
ABOUT TWO DOZEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN THE WIDE-RANGING
LUZERNE COUNTY INVESTIGATION.
TOOLE'S ATTORNEY SAYS HE MIGHT LATER PETITION TO HAVE THE HONEST
SERVICES FRAUD CHARGE DISMISSED, PENDING A RULING ON THE STATUTE'S
LEGALITY BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
SAID IT WILL LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINTS OF RACIAL
ATTACKS AT SOUTH PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL.
CHAIRMAN STEPHEN GLASSMAN SAID TUESDAY THAT THE STUDENTS' PLEAS
FOR HELP CONVINCED THE COMMISSION TO ACT.
SCHOOL OFFICIALS SAY 10 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED OVER THE
ATTACKS EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHEN ABOUT 30 ASIAN STUDENTS SAID THEY
WERE CHASED DOWN HALLWAYS AND BEATEN.
DOZENS OF ASIAN STUDENTS BOYCOTTED CLASSES FOR EIGHT DAYS,
ACCUSING SCHOOL OFFICIALS OF FAILING TO PREVENT THE VIOLENCE.
THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS ACT GIVES THE COMMISSION
AUTHORITY TO "INVESTIGATE ANY PROBLEM OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
WITH THE INTENT OF AVOIDING AND PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
RACIAL TENSION."


NATIONAL

HON0LULU (AP) - THE NEW YORK TIMES IS REPORTING THAT THE
GOVERNMENT HAD INTELLIGENCE FROM YEMEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS THAT
LEADERS OF A BRANCH OF AL-QAIDA THERE WERE TALKING ABOUT "A
NIGERIAN" BEING PREPARED FOR A TERRORIST ATTACK.
BUT THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS THE INFORMATION DID NOT INCLUDE THE
NAME OF THE NIGERIAN.
A NIGERIAN MAN, UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB (OO'-MAHR FAH-ROOK'
AHB-DOOL'-MOO-TAH'-LAHB), IS CHARGED WITH TRYING TO DESTROY AN
AIRLINER THAT WAS HEADED TO DETROIT FROM AMSTERDAM ON CHRISTMAS
DAY.
THE CIA SAYS IT LEARNED OF THE SUSPECT IN NOVEMBER, AND PASSED
ON THE INFORMATION TO THE NATIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER. THE CIA
SAYS IT FIRST HEARD OF HIM WHEN HIS FATHER TOLD THE U.S. EMBASSY IN
NIGERIA THAT HE FEARED HIS SON MIGHT HAVE BECOME RADICALIZED.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WANTS A PRELIMINARY REPORT BY THURSDAY ON
HOW ABDULMUTALLAB GOT ON THE JET WITH EXPLOSIVES. IN HIS SECOND
STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT IN TWO DAYS, OBAMA SAID THERE WAS "A MIX
OF HUMAN AND SYSTEMIC FAILURES" THAT WAS "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE."
BUT ONE U.S. INTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL SAYS THE FATHER'S STATEMENT
ALONE WOULD NOT HAVE, ON ITS OWN, STOPPED THE ATTACK. THE OFFICIAL
SAYS THE FATHER "DIDN'T SAY HIS SON WAS A TERRORIST, LET ALONE
PLANNING AN ATTACK."


KABUL (AP) - THE HEAD OF A PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATION INVESTIGATING
THE DEATHS OF 10 PEOPLE IN A VILLAGE IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN SAYS
THE TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS HAS CONCLUDED THAT CIVILIANS WERE KILLED
IN AN ATTACK BY FOREIGN TROOPS.
ASADULLAH WAFA SAID WEDNESDAY THAT AMONG THE VICTIMS DISCOVERED
IN A VILLAGE HOUSE IN THE NARANG DISTRICT OF KUNAR PROVINCE WERE
EIGHT SCHOOLCHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12 AND 14. WAFA IS A
SENIOR ADVISER TO PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI.
A NATO OFFICIAL SAID INITIAL REPORTS FROM TROOPS INVOLVED IN THE
FIGHTING ON SUNDAY INDICATED THAT THE VICTIMS WERE INSURGENTS - ALL
YOUNG MALES. WAFA SAYS THE VILLAGERS ARE DEMANDING THAT INFORMANTS "WHO GAVE
THE WRONG TARGET TO THE AMERICANS MUST BE FOUND AND PUNISHED BY A
COURT."
IRAN

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IRANIAN HARD-LINERS ARE PLANNING A SERIES OF
STATE-SPONSORED DEMONSTRATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON WEDNESDAY IN
SUPPORT OF SUPREME LEADER AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI IN WHAT THEY HOPE
WILL BE A SHOW OF STRENGTH AGAINST THE REFORMIST MOVEMENT.
AT LEAST EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE DIED DURING ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS
THIS WEEK AND TOP OPPOSITION FIGURES HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. IT'S THE
WORST UNREST SINCE THE AFTERMATH OF JUNE'S DISPUTED PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION.
THE GOVERNMENT SAYS THE PROTESTERS ARE A TINY MINORITY, AND IT
ACCUSES THE U.S. AND BRITAIN OF ORCHESTRATING THE DEMONSTRATIONS.
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED AT WEDNESDAY'S
DEMONSTRATIONS IN TEHRAN AND SEVERAL OTHER CITIES.


SAO PAULO (AP) - THE LEGAL BATTLE OVER A 9-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WAS
TAKEN TO BRAZIL BY HIS MOTHER IN 2004 APPARENTLY ISN'T OVER.
THE BRAZILIAN FAMILY OF SEAN GOLDMAN SAYS THE BOY'S RECENT
RETURN TO THE U.S., "DOES NOT END THE LEGAL PROCESS." THE BOY'S
GRANDMOTHER WANTS HIM TO MAKE HIS OWN WISHES KNOWN IN COURT.
LAWYERS FOR SEAN'S FATHER, DAVID GOLDMAN, SAY THEY'LL WAIT TO
SEE IF THE BOY'S GRANDPARENTS ARE "GOING TO EXERCISE GOOD
JUDGMENT."
SEAN HAD LIVED IN BRAZIL FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, AFTER HIS
MOTHER BROUGHT HIM THERE FOR WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A TWO-WEEK
VACATION. SHE DIED LAST YEAR AND HER BRAZILIAN HUSBAND WON
TEMPORARY CUSTODY.
A JUDGE ORDERED SEAN RETURNED TO HIS FATHER LAST WEEK. ON MONDAY
HE ARRIVED IN NEW JERSEY.
DAVID GOLDMAN SAYS HIS SON IS HAPPY, AND "HE JUST WANTS TO HAVE
FUN AND NOT HAVE ALL THIS PRESSURE ON HIS SHOULDERS."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA (AP) - HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
HAVE FLED AHEAD OF A WILDFIRE THAT HAS DESTROYED NEARLY 40 HOMES.
AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED AS TWO MAJOR BLAZES BURNED
OUT OF CONTROL AFTER BREAKING OUT TUESDAY IN A WHEAT AND SHEEP
FARMING DISTRICT NORTH OF THE COASTAL CITY OF PERTH. THE TWO FIRES
SCORCHED A COMBINED TOTAL OF MORE THAN 33,000 ACRES OF FOREST AND
FARMLAND BEFORE COOLER CONDITIONS ON WEDNESDAY HELPED HUNDREDS OF
FIREFIGHTERS CONTAIN THEM.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA STATE PREMIER COLIN BARNETT DECLARED A NATURAL
DISASTER - FREEING UP EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR SURVIVORS - AND PRAISED
AUTHORITIES WHO BATTLED THE BLAZES.
WILDFIRES ARE COMMON ACROSS AUSTRALIAN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS,
BUT THEY RARELY CLAIM SO MANY HOMES.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A STATE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISER IN NEW
HAMPSHIRE SAYS A WOMAN DIAGNOSED WITH ANTHRAX MAY HAVE INHALED OR
INGESTED A WILD TYPE THAT'S FAIRLY COMMON IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
OFFICIALS HAVEN'T CONFIRMED HOW THE WOMAN CONTRACTED THE RARE,
GASTROINTESTINAL FORM OF ANTHRAX. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON A DRUM
CIRCLE GATHERING SHE ATTENDED DEC. 4 SHORTLY BEFORE BECOMING ILL.
THE ADVISER, DR. ELIZABETH TALBOT, SAYS ONE THEORY IS THAT THE
WOMAN INGESTED AIRBORNE SPORES FROM A DRUM'S ANIMAL-HIDE COVERING.
OFFICIALS SAY VACCINES ARE BEING OFFERED TO ABOUT 80 PEOPLE.
THEY INCLUDE ABOUT 60 WHO ATTENDED THE DRUM CIRCLE.
SAMPLES HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE CDC FOR ANALYSIS.

CHICAGO (AP) - TWO NEW STUDIES FIND SHORTFALLS IN THE FOOD AND
DRUG ADMINISTRATION'S APPROVAL PROCESS FOR HEART DEVICES SUCH AS
PACEMAKERS AND STENTS.
RESEARCHERS FROM THE FDA AND BOSTON'S BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS
MEDICAL CENTER SAID STUDIES SUBMITTED BY DEVICE MAKERS DIDN'T
CLEARLY SPELL OUT SAFETY TARGETS. THEY ADD THAT SUBMISSIONS WERE
MISSING IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON PATIENTS, SUCH AS HOW MANY HAD
HEART DISEASE OR DIABETES.
THE STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF THERAPEUTICS
LOOKED AT RESEARCH BEHIND 88 HEART AND BLOOD VESSEL DEVICES.
SEPARATELY, A REPORT THAT APPEARS IN THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOUND MANY DEVICES WERE APPROVED BASED ON SMALL
STUDIES - 300 PATIENTS ON AVERAGE. OF THE 78 HEART AND BLOOD VESSEL
DEVICES RESEARCHERS REVIEWED, THE REPORT SAYS TWO-THIRDS WERE
APPROVED WITH THE RESULTS OF JUST ONE STUDY.
THE FDA SAYS IT'S TAKING A CLOSE LOOK AT ITS DEVICE PROGRAM AND
MAKING CHANGES.


GRAND CANYON, ARIZ. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A VAN SLID OVER THE
EDGE OF AN EMBANKMENT IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, BUT THE
VEHICLE'S SIX PASSENGERS WERE ABLE TO GET OUT BEFORE EMERGENCY
CREWS ARRIVED AND NO LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, EMERGENCY CREWS
RESPONDING TO ACCIDENT REPORTS TUESDAY FOUND THE VAN ABOUT 25 FEET
BELOW THE RIM AT THE PARK'S NAVAJO POINT. AUTHORITIES SAY AN
INITIAL INVESTIGATION SHOWS IT ROLLED DOWN THE EMBANKMENT.
THE PARK SERVICE SAYS TWO OF THE VAN'S PASSENGERS WERE TAKEN TO
FLAGSTAFF MEDICAL CENTER WITH NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES, AND
THE FOUR OTHERS WILL STAY THE NIGHT IN TUSAYAN, A COMMUNITY IN THE
PARK.
THE PARK SERVICE SAYS THE ROLLOVER AND NUMEROUS OTHER ACCIDENTS,
INVOLVING SOME 40 VEHICLES, WERE REPORTED AT ABOUT 5 P.M. TUESDAY
AFTER LIGHT SNOW FELL ON WET ROAD AND EVENING TEMPERATURES DROPPED
BELOW FREEZING. NO SERIOUS INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
AUSTRALIA-WORLD'S BEST JOB
JELLYFISH BITE MARS "DREAM JOB"

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - WHAT'S BEEN CALLED THE "BEST JOB IN
THE WORLD" HAS PROVED TO HAVE AN UNEXPECTED STING FOR THE BRITISH
MAN WHO HOLDS IT.
BEN SOUTHALL WAS BITTEN BY A POTENTIALLY LETHAL JELLYFISH THIS
WEEK OFF THE TROPICAL AUSTRALIAN ISLAND WHERE HE'S BEEN LIVING THE
PAST SIX MONTHS, WRITING A BLOG AIMED AT INCREASING TOURISM TO THE
GREAT BARRIER REEF.
SOUTHALL SAYS IT WAS JUST A "SMALL BEE-LIKE STING" ON HIS ARM,
BUT LED TO FEVER, HEADACHE, LOWER BACK PAIN, CHEST TIGHTNESS AND
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. A DOCTOR TREATED HIM WITH ANTIBIOTICS, AND HE
SLEPT OFF THE EFFECTS OF THE VENOM OVERNIGHT.
SOUTHALL SAYS HE'S NOW FEELING WELL, AND ENJOYING HIS LAST WEEK
ON THE JOB. HE BEAT OUT ALMOST 35,000 APPLICANTS FOR THE ADVENTURE,
WHICH INCLUDES A $120,000 SALARY.


LONDON (AP) - AN ESCAPED BRITISH PRISONER IS TAUNTING POLICE
OVER THE INTERNET, USING HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.
CONVICTED BURGLAR CRAIG LYNCH HAS BEEN UPDATING HIS PROFILE
REGULARLY SINCE HE ESCAPED FROM PRISON THREE MONTHS AGO.
HE'S BEEN MOCKING AUTHORITIES FOR FAILING TO FIND HIM AND OPENLY
MUSING ABOUT MOVING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. THE 28-YEAR-OLD HAS ALSO
BEEN POSTING PICTURES SHOWING HIM HOLDING A "WANTED" SIGN OR
MAKING OBSCENE GESTURES AT THE CAMERA.
POLICE SAY LYNCH WAS SERVING A SEVEN-YEAR SENTENCE FOR
COMMITTING A BURGLARY WITH A WEAPON. THEY'RE APPEALING TO LYNCH'S
NEARLY 4,000 FACEBOOK FRIENDS TO HELP TRACK HIM DOWN.


BAGHDAD (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY EXPLOSIONS IN CENTRAL IRAQ HAVE
KILLED 18 PEOPLE AND WOUNDED THE GOVERNOR OF ANBAR PROVINCE. POLICE
SAY TWO BOMBS EXPLODED IN RAMADI (RAH-MAH'-DEE) AND THAT THE
GOVERNOR WAS INSPECTING DAMAGE FROM THE FIRST BOMB WHEN HE WAS
CAUGHT IN THE SECOND EXPLOSION.

KABUL (AP) - NATO SAYS THE ALLIANCE IS INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS
THAT CIVILIANS WERE KILLED IN A WEEKEND ATTACK. AN AFGHAN
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER SAYS EIGHT SCHOOLCHILDREN ARE AMONG THE 10
PEOPLE KILLED IN FIGHTING SUNDAY INVOLVING INTERNATIONAL TROOPS.
NATO INITIALLY REPORTED INSURGENTS WERE THE VICTIMS.

HONOLULU (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS DEMANDING A REPORT ON
WHY RED FLAGS WEREN'T RAISED ABOUT THE MAN SUSPECTED OF A BOTCHED
CHRISTMAS DAY ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP A DETROIT-BOUND AIRLINER. OBAMA'S
CALL FOR ANSWERS COMES AS SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS SAY INTELLIGENCE
AUTHORITIES ARE NOW LOOKING AT CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE SUSPECT
AND AT LEAST ONE AL-QAIDA MEMBER.

NORTHAMPTON, MASS. (AP) - HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS IN NORTHAMPTON,
MASS., HAVE DISCUSSED PLANS TO SET UP A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
AFTER A STRING OF SUSPICIOUS WEEKEND FIRES. AT LEAST NINE FIRES
HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN HOMES AND CARS WITHIN A HALF-MILE RADIUS IN
THE COLLEGE TOWN, INCLUDING ONE IN WHICH TWO PEOPLE DIED.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZ. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY SIX
PEOPLE ARE SAFE AFTER THEIR VAN SLID OVER THE EDGE OF A GRAND
CANYON NATIONAL PARK EMBANKMENT. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SAYS
EMERGENCY CREWS FOUND THE VAN ABOUT 25 FEET BELOW THE RIM OF THE
CANYON.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA (AP) - COOLER CONDITIONS TODAY HAVE HELPED
CREWS CONTAIN A PAIR OF RAGING WILDFIRES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA THAT
BURNED MORE THAN 33,000 ACRES AND DESTROYED NEARLY 40 HOMES.
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE FLED EARLIER AS THE FIRES BURNED OUT OF CONTROL.
AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED.

NEW YORK (AP) - A LAWYER FOR THE TV PRODUCER ACCUSED OF SHAKING
DOWN DAVID LETTERMAN OVER HIS AFFAIRS SAYS HIS CLIENT SHOULDN'T BE
CHARGED SINCE TIGER WOODS' ALLEGED MISTRESS WASN'T WHEN THE GOLFER
REPORTEDLY PAID HER OFF. IN COURT PAPERS FILED YESTERDAY, ROBERT
"JOE" HALDERMAN'S LAWYER CITED PUBLISHED REPORTS, SAYING
"EVIDENCE OF SUCH MISDEEDS IS ROUTINELY SUPPRESSED" THROUGH
PRIVATE BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS.

Today's News-Tuesday, December 29, 2009

THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL SET UP 20 QUESTIONAIRE ASSISTANCE CENTERS ACROSS SCHUYLKILL COUNTY NEXT YEAR. APPROVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS LAST WEEK, THE FIRST CENTER WILL BE SET UP IN THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE NEXT MARCH AND WILL BE OPEN THREE HOURS EACH DAY. THE BUREAU IS STILL SEEKING OTHER LOCATIONS FOR THE REMAINING 19 CENTERS IN PLACES SUCH AS LIBRARIES AND MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS ACROSS THE COUNTY. THE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE RESIDENTS FILL OUT THEIR CENSUS FORMS CORRECTLY. CENSUS FORMS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED AT THESE CENTERS.

THE SCHUYLKILL MALL WILL BE HOLDING H1N1 FLU VACCINES ON JANUARY 8TH AND 9TH. THE CLINIC WILL BE HELD FROM 8 TO 4 EACH DAY IN THE SCHUYLKILL MALL COMMUNITY ROOM. APPOINTMENTS ARE URGED AND CAN BE MADE AT WWW.H1N1INPA.COM UNDER WHAT'S HOT OR BY CALLING 877-PA HEALTH, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 7AM TILL 7PM, AND WEEKENDS FROM 9AM TILL 5PM. THE VACCINATION IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS IT. ITS FREE.

THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST IN MAHANOY CITY HAS BEEN CITED FOR SEVERAL LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS. THE CHARGES INCLUDE SELLING OR GIVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A VISIBLY INTOXICATED MALE AND POSSESSING OR OPERATING GAMBLING DEVICES OR PARAPHERNALIA WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE PENALTIES.

CALIFORNIA, PA. (AP) - A PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR WHO HEADS THE FACULTY UNION AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SAYS THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENT DENIED HER PROMOTION BECAUSE OF HER GENDER. THE UNIVERSITY ISSUED A STATEMENT MONDAY ON BEHALF OF PRESIDENT ANGELO ARMENTI JR., DENYING ANY WRONGDOING AND CALLING PROFESSOR LINDA
TOTH'S FEDERAL LAWSUIT AND "UNFOUNDED ATTACK."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CHANGING THE WAY OFFICERS HANDLE DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES. THERE HAS BEEN AN UNEXPECTED SURGE IN DOMESTIC HOMICIDES, EVEN AS THE CITY'S OVERALL HOMICIDE RATE HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY. AN UPDATED POLICE DIRECTIVE WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL AFTER THE NEW YEAR, BUT THE FOCUS
WILL BE ON BETTER COLLECTION AND USE OF INFORMATION.

READING, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS HAVE VOTED TO APPROVE TAKING OUT A $3.25 MILLION LOAN AS PART OF A $10 MILLION MAKEOVER OF FIRSTENERGY STADIUM, HOME OF THE READING PHILLIES. THE WORK WILL GET UNDER WAY IN THE FALL. THE MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM WILL REPAY THE $3.25 MILLION LOAN, UNDER THE AGREEMENT APPROVED MONDAY BY CITY COUNCIL.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - OFFICIALS AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART IN PITTSBURGH WANT TO DISPLAY A BALLET CURTAIN DESIGNED BY SALVADOR DALI THAT HAS BEEN IN STORAGE SINCE IT WAS DONATED TO THE MUSEUM 33 YEARS AGO. THE CURTAIN IS MORE THAN 26 FEET HIGH AND MORE THAN 49 FEET WIDE. IT DEPICTS A STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS THE MINOTAUR AND THESEUS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REVIEWS THE NATION'S SECURITIES POLICIES, THE TOP REPUBLICAN ON THE HOUSE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE SAYS THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF TELLING AMERICANS ABOUT THE THREAT FROM TERRORISM. ON CBS' "THE EARLY SHOW," MICHIGAN CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA ALSO SAYS THE U.S. NEEDS TO EMPLOY THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO DEAL WITH THE THREAT.

SAN'A, YEMEN (AP) - YEMEN SAYS IT HAD NO INFORMATION FROM U.S. AUTHORITIES THAT WOULD HAVE WARRANTED PUTTING UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB ON A WATCH LIST. HE'S THE NIGERIAN MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO ATTACK A U.S. AIRLINER ON CHRISTMAS DAY. YEMEN'S INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS THE COUNTRY WILL TIGHTEN CONTROLS ON STUDENT VISAS. ABDULMUTALLAB HAD BEEN IN YEMEN ON SUCH A VISA EARLIER THIS MONTH.

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IRANIAN SECURITY FORCES ARE ARRESTING MORE OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS TODAY. THE LATEST ROUNDUP INCLUDES THE SISTER OF NOBEL PEACE LAUREATE SHIRIN EBADI AND A RELATIVE OF OPPOSITION LEADER MIR HOSSEIN MOUSAVI. MEANWHILE, TEHRAN IS ACCUSING THE U.S., BRITAIN AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES OF FOMENTING VIOLENCE.

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AP) - PAKISTANI AUTHORITIES ARE TRYING TO CALM SECTARIAN TENSIONS IN THE COUNTRY'S LARGEST CITY. THOUSANDS ARE GATHERING IN KARACHI TODAY FOR THE FUNERALS OF SOME OF THE 43 PEOPLE KILLED WHEN A SUICIDE BOMBER ATTACKED A SHIITE MUSLIM PROCESSION YESTERDAY. THAT SET OFF RIOTING THAT LEFT MARKETS AND STORES ABLAZE. OFFICIALS ARE BLAMING "MISCREANTS" FOR THE VIOLENCE, NOT THE SHIITES.

NEW YORK (AP) - JOHNSON & JOHNSON IS EXPANDING A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF TYLENOL ARTHRITIS CAPLETS. THE COMPANY SAYS IT'S RECEIVED REPORTS OF A MOLDY SMELL THAT CAN CAUSE NAUSEA AND STOMACH PAIN. THE RECALL INVOLVES ALL LOTS OF THE ARTHRITIS PAIN CAPLET 100-COUNT BOTTLES WITH THE RED EZ-OPEN CAP. JOHNSON & JOHNSON SAYS IT WILL
MOVE PRODUCTION TO A NEW FACILITY AND REINTRODUCE THE MEDICINE BY JANUARY.

NEWS 12.28.09
LOCAL

UNIDENTIFIED SUSPECTS BROKE INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER AT WHITE OWL MANOR OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. APPROXIMATELY 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH BELONGS TO JOHN LATSHAW JR OF MAHANOY CITY. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE OF FRACKVILLE WITH ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS THEFT.

THREE HISPANIC MALES FORCED THERE WAY INTO A HOME IN GIRARDVILLE WITH A KNIFE AROUND 10 OCLOCK LAST NIGHT. TERRY BOEHM OF 213 B STREET HAD PROPERTY STOLEN. THE SUSPECTS LEFT ON FOOT HEADING WEST ON B STREET. THE MALES WERE IN THEIR LATE 30’S AND WEARING DARK CLOTHING.

CONGRESSMAN TIM HOLDEN WILL HOLD 2 PRESS CONFERENCES TODAY ANNOUNCING FEDERAL FUNDING. SCHUYLKILL HEALTH SYSTEMS ON SOUTH JACKSON STREET IN POTTSVILLE WILL HOST THE FIRST AT 1:30PM. THE CONGRESSMAN WILL ANNOUNCE SECURED $500,000 FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THAT WILL BE USED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENTS. HE WILL ALSO BE SPEAKING AT THE TAMAQUA COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON E. BROAD STREET IN TAMAQUA ANNOUNCING $200,000 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE THAT WILL USED FOR DOWNTOWN AND SCHOOL AREA CAMERAS AND LICENSE PLATE SCANNER.

UNKNOWN PERSONS BROKE INTO AN UNOCCUPIED TRAILER OFF CHAPEL DRIVE IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP OVER THE WEEKEND. THE TRAILER WAS BEING RENOVATED AT FIDLER COURT TRAILER PARK. SUSPECTS BROKE IN THROUGH THE DOOR AND MADE OFF WITH SEVERAL POWER TOOLS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THIS BURGLARY IS TO CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.

PA NEWS

MEDIA, PA. (AP) - EMERGENCY WORKERS IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA PULLED TWO PEOPLE OUT OF A RAIN-SWOLLEN CREEK AFTER THEIR CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD ON SATURDAY. MIDDLETOWN FIRE CHIEF RIC TULL SAYS A 14-YEAR-OLD ESCAPED THE VEHICLE BY CLIMBING OUT A WINDOW AND CLUNG TO A LOG UNTIL RESCUERS REACHED HER. THE GIRLS MOTHER WAS EXTRICATED FROM THE CAR AND PULLED TO SAFETY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - ED RENDELL IS A SMALLER MAN THAN HE USED TO BE - 56 POUNDS SMALLER, TO BE EXACT. BUT HE VOWS TO REMAIN A WEIGHTY POLITICAL FORCE IN HIS FINAL YEAR AS GOVERNOR. RENDELL SAYS HE WILL PRESS FOR A TAX ON NATURAL-GAS DRILLING AND ANOTHER BOOST
IN EDUCATION SPENDING NEXT YEAR - EVEN AS MAJOR NEW FINANCIAL PRESSURES ARE EXPECTED TO MOUNT.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - POLICE IN PITTSBURGH ARE USING A SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETER IN THEIR INVESTIGATION OF AN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AND SHOOTING OF TWO DEAF MEN. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE VICTIMS TOLD THEM THE SUSPECT FORCED THEM INTO AN ALLEY EARLY SUNDAY, THEN SHOT ONE MAN IN THE LEG AND THE OTHER IN THE BUTTOCKS AND BACK OF THE HEAD.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - SOUTH AFRICAN POET AND FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER DENNIS BRUTUS HAS DIED. HE WAS 85. BRUTUS' PUBLISHER SAYS HE DIED IN HIS SLEEP AT HIS HOME IN CAPE TOWN ON SATURDAY. EXILED FROM SOUTH AFRICA IN 1966, BRUTUS LATER MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES AND TAUGHT LITERATURE AND AFRICAN STUDIES AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH.

NEW YORK (AP) - JON GOSSELIN'S LAWYER SAYS THE REALITY TV START'S NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT WAS RANSACKED WHILE HE SPENT CHRISTMAS WITH HIS CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA. ATTORNEY MARK JAY HELLER SAYS GOSSELIN CAME HOME TO FIND SLASHED FURNITURE AND
CLOTHING AS WELL AS A SMASHED FAMILY-HEIRLOOM VASE. HE SAYS THE CULPRIT ALSO LEFT A NOT BUT WOULDN'T DISCLOSE WHAT IT SAID.

NATIONAL

LONDON (AP) - BRITAIN SAYS THE MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO BOMB A U.S. AIRLINER ON CHRISTMAS DAY WAS PLACED ON A U.K. WATCH LIST AFTER HE WAS REFUSED A STUDENT VISA. HOME SECRETARY ALAN JOHNSON ADDS THAT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO WHETHER UMAR FAROUK
ABDULMUTALLAB (OO'-MAHR FAH-ROOK' AHB-DOOL'-MOO-TAH'-LAHB) WAS RADICALIZED IN BRITAIN. ABDULMUTALLAB RECEIVED A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS FINANCE FROM UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
LAST YEAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AS AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE THE NIGERIAN MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO BLOW UP A NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM AMSTERDAM TO DETROIT ON CHRISTMAS DAY, ANOTHER COUNTRY IS ENTERING THE PICTURE. NIGERIAN AVIATION AUTHORITIES SAY THE TICKET UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB USED CAME FROM A KLM OFFICE IN GHANA. HIS FAMILY SAYS THE MAN CUT COMMUNICATIONS WITH THEM WHEN HE LEFT NIGERIA TO STUDY ABROAD.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - AFTER A PAIR OF FALSE ALARMS ON FLIGHTS INTO DETROIT AND PHOENIX SUNDAY, OFFICIALS ARE REPORTING ANOTHER INCIDENT ON A FLIGHT INTO SALT LAKE CITY. THEY SAY AN INTOXICATED PASSENGER CAUSED A DISTURBANCE ABOARD THE DELTA FLIGHT FROM SEATTLE, AT ONE POINT KNOCKING ON THE PILOTS' CABIN DOOR. THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE MAN IS BEING HELD FOR QUESTIONING.

JERUSALEM (AP) - A U.S. OFFICIAL IS CALLING IT ANOTHER BLOW TO MIDDLE EAST PEACE EFFORTS. ISRAEL'S HOUSING MINISTRY SAYS IT PLANS TO BUILD NEARLY 700 NEW APARTMENTS IN EAST JERUSALEM. PALESTINIANS CLAIM EAST JERUSALEM AS THE CAPITAL OF A FUTURE STATE, WHILE THE JEWISH STATE CLAIMS THE ENTIRE CITY AS ITS ETERNAL CAPITAL.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - AGRICULTURE HELP LINES AND FARMER SUPPORT GROUPS SAY THEY'RE FIELDING A LOT MORE CALLS FOR HELP THIS YEAR. ONE NEW YORK GROUP SAYS ITS REQUESTS ARE UP BY 50 PERCENT. MANY OF THE CALLS ARE COMING FROM DAIRY FARMERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE SELL THEIR MILK FOR WHAT IT COSTS TO PRODUCE

BREAKING NEWS

***WATER BOIL ADVISORY***

The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority has issued a water boil advisory. Due to a water main break in the Race Street Section of Pottsville, customers are encouraged to boil their water until December 30th. The areas effected are in the City of Pottsville along Laurel Boulevard and West Market Street from Third Street to 12th Street and all points in between.

Today's News-Saturday, December 26, 2009

MAR LIN MAN FOUND WITH CHILD PORN

A 41-year-old Mar Lin man surrendered Thursday to face charges of having child pornography on his computer. According to the Republican and Herald, William E. Hunter Jr. was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Charles V. Moran, Pottsville, on 20 counts of sexual abuse of children-possession of child pornography, all felony offenses. Hunter was arrested by state police Cpl. Paul Smith stationed at Troop L headquarters in Reading and charged in connection with incidents that began on Nov. 30, 2008, when a person on the Internet was using a screen name of "bhunter_005" to trade images of child pornography. A check with the Internet service provider and the Internet IP address in use showed Hunter to be the person online, Smith said. The investigation continued and resulted in a search warrant being served at Hunter's home on Oct. 30 to retrieve the man's computer system. Smith said a computer was retrieved from a family room of the home and during the execution of the warrant, Hunter agreed to answer any relevant questions. After being read his Miranda warnings and signing a waiver, Smith said, the man admitted having naked pictures of children on his computer. Hunter also admitted that the day prior, Oct. 29, was the last time he was on the Internet viewing pictures of naked children, Smith said. The trooper said he analyzed Hunter's computer and found 154 image files of children under 18 and three movie files containing images of naked children under 18. Hunter was released after posting $5,000 set by Moran, who said a preliminary hearing on the charges will be scheduled in the near future. A date originally selected for the hearing had to be changed because it conflicts with the schedule of Hunter's attorney.

DUI PATROLS TO BE CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted today and Sunday along routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 1002, 309, 443, 895, 125,25, 924, 54 and other roads in Schuylkill County. Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.

WAL MART SECURITY NETS THREE ARRESTS

A 19-year-old Mahanoy City man was arrested by Saint Clair police and charged with retail theft stemming from an incident at Wal-Mart on Tuesday and Wednesday. Police said Jacob Potter was arraigned and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $5,000 bail. Police said that Potter tried to steal an XBox video game around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday but dropped the item and fled in a vehicle north on Route 61 after being followed by store security. Then, around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday police said Potter again went to the store and this time left with a Sony Playstation 3 valued at $349. Police tracked down the owner of the vehicle and eventually went to Potter's home where they saw a Nintendo Wii game console on top of a television set. During an interview police said Potter admitted stealing the Playstation 3 but said he did not know what happened to it, police said, adding that the man also admitted stealing the Wii that was on top of the television set on Tuesday, also from Wal-Mart. The total value of both items is $580.88, police said. Two Shenandoah women were charged in connection with an incident at Wal-Mart about 1 p.m. Wednesday. Police said they charged Michelle M. Miller and Ashley L. Miller with one count each of retail theft and receiving stolen property. Michelle Miller was detained and placed in Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, on a detainer for violating her probation while Ashley Miller was released and will receive citations in the mail. Police said store security stopped the women after observing them place items inside their purses and also into an empty box that they re-taped. The value of the items inside the purses totaled $42.50 while the items inside the box were valued at $247.94, police said. Both women will have to appear before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

THREE INJURED IN TWO CHRASHES ON ROUTE 61 CURVE THURSDAY MORNING

Two seperate incidents injured three on Route 61 near "Dead Man's Curve" on Thursday. Authorities said Tara Martinez, 30, was headed south on Route 61 at 6:50 a.m. in a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo when she lost control around a right turn and hit a guiderail, police said. Her vehicle was towed from the scene and the severity of her injury was not known, police said. Later that morning, Police said Kimberly A. Link was headed south on Route 61 in a 2007 Pontiac G8 at 9:44 a.m. when she lost control around a right curve and her vehicle struck a guiderail. Link and a 14-year-old female passenger were injured and taken to a local hospital, police said.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State health officials are planning swine flu vaccination clinics at 33 locations across Pennsylvania for anyone who wants to receive it. The state Department of Health said the clinics are Jan. 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. People who want to attend must make an appointment. Vaccinations are free and voluntary. To make an appointment, go to www.h1n1inpa.com or call 877-724-3258. Health Secretary Everette James says flu activity is declining in the state, but cautions there is the potential for another wave. Doses of the vaccine are still available through some schools, doctors and other private providers.
　
SUNBURY, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania judge is suing over a decision to cut about $600,000 from his budget. Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage is suing the county. He says the budget cut will force him to cut at least six jobs and will prevent him from running the courts properly, endangering public safety. Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Kurt Masser say they're prepared to defend their position in court. Chairman Frank Sawicki says he wants to reach a settlement. Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts spokesman Art Heinz says the development isn't surprising considering the current economic situation.

WASHINGTON CROSSING, N.J. (AP) - After months of financial uncertainty, a Pennsylvania company has donated $400,000 to ensure that George Washington continues crossing the Delaware River each Christmas. Thousands turn out every year to watch the annual re-enactment of Washington's 1776 crossing of the Delaware River in a surprise attack on British forces. But the re-enactment was imperiled by government budget cuts that have closed a visitor center on the Pennsylvania side. Besides the money, Lockheed Martin also pledged a five-year commitment of volunteer support from 13,000 employees for park maintenance and operations. Other fundraising campaigns included an auction to win a seat in the lead boat for the re-enactment.
　
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's highest court is upholding a decision to throw out a state rule that required coal-fired power plants to cut mercury emissions beyond federal standards. The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini was correct when he called the rule unlawful, invalid and unenforceable. The 2007 rule was challenged by Allentown-based PPL Corp., which owns two coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania. The administration of Gov. Ed Rendell fought industry resistance for approval of the rule, which made Pennsylvania the first major coal-mining state to attack mercury. However, a federal judge last year required mercury to be restored to a list of hazardous pollutants that Pennsylvania state law prohibits it from regulating.

WALLINGFORD, Pa. (AP) - A suburban Philadelphia teenager has been suspended for wearing a Santa Claus suit to school. Michael Hance says he told his principal that he planned to wear the suit to Strath Haven High School and hand out candy canes. The 18-year-old senior says the principal told him that wasn't a good idea because it would be a distraction. But he wore the suit anyway, with regular clothes underneath in case he was asked to take it off. He got nabbed a few minutes after he walked into his first class on Tuesday. The district says in a statement Hance was suspended for the day for "defiance of authority." Hance says the school could have just given him a detention.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's rodent-infested Capitol cafeteria was not inspected for four years, despite a law requiring annual checks for health and sanitation. Auditor General Jack Wagner said Thursday that he received assurances in 2005 that the Agriculture Department would inspect it. He says his auditors later received false assurances that the department was inspecting it regularly. Agriculture Department press secretary Justin Fleming says the agency is looking into whether it gave false assurances or not. An inspection last week found evidence of a severe rodent infestation, which is considered an imminent health risk. The ground-floor cafeteria is now closed and is not expected to reopen until January. It is a popular coffee and lunch spot for statehouse visitors and employees.

ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) - Passengers headed to the U.S. are being frisked before being allowed to board flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol (SHIP'-hohl) airport. The procedure was put in place after a Nigerian passenger allegedly attempted to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight as it approached Detroit yesterday. Fellow passengers subdued the man.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is calling yesterday's failed attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight and act of terrorism. It's put in place stricter security measures on airline travel. Meanwhile counterterrorism officials are trying to assess the threat from the explosive mixture the suspect managed to get past security and tried to detonate.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - A reformist Web site in Iran says opposition supporters have been clashing with security forces in central Tehran. The site says forces including the Revolutionary Guard and a paramilitary group confronted demonstrators today, breaking the windows of cars that were honking horns in protest.

LEGAZPI, Philippines (AP) - Scientists say magma continues to build up in the Philippines' lava-spilling Mayon volcano and that a hazardous eruption remains possible. There's been a decline in earthquake activity but volcanologists are warning evacuated residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The field of possible AFC playoff teams has narrowed by one. The Tennessee Titans' hopes evaporated when they lost to San Diego last night in Nashville, 42-17. The Chargers are the AFC West champs and clinched a first-round bye with the win.

Today's News-Christmas Day 2009

Pa. high court backs ruling on mercury pollution

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's highest court is upholding a decision to throw out a state rule that required coal-fired power plants to cut mercury emissions beyond federal standards. The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini was correct when he called the rule unlawful, invalid and unenforceable. The 2007 rule was challenged by Allentown-based PPL Corp., which owns two coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania. The administration of Gov. Ed Rendell fought industry resistance for approval of the rule, which made Pennsylvania the first major coal-mining state to attack mercury.
However, a federal judge last year required mercury to be restored to a list of hazardous pollutants that Pennsylvania state law prohibits it from regulating.

HEALTH CARE-CORBETT

Top Pa. prosecutor probes federal health care deal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett is looking into the constitutionality of a provision in a federal health care reform bill that lightens Nebraska's funding burden. Spokesman Kevin Harley said Thursday that Corbett and seven other Republican state attorneys general are discussing the matter. The provision in question would require the federal government to pick up Nebraska's full tab for an expansion of Medicaid, a health care program for the poor and disabled. Corbett says all other states, including Pennsylvania, are required to pay those expenses, and it would be unfair for them to foot the cost of Nebraska's Medicaid recipients. The bill passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday morning.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson secured the special provision. He voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

CAPITOL CAFETERIA-RODENTS

Auditor: Pa. Capitol eatery uninspected since 2005

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's rodent-infested Capitol cafeteria was not inspected for four years, despite a law requiring annual checks for health and sanitation. Auditor General Jack Wagner said Thursday that he received assurances in 2005 that the Agriculture Department would inspect it. He says his auditors later received false assurances that the department was inspecting it regularly. Agriculture Department press secretary Justin Fleming says the agency is looking into whether it gave false assurances or not. An inspection last week found evidence of a severe rodent infestation, which is considered an imminent health risk.
The ground-floor cafeteria is now closed and is not expected to reopen until January. It is a popular coffee and lunch spot for statehouse visitors and employees.

YMCA-CARBON MONOXIDE

CO poisoning reported at YMCA in northeastern Pa.

CARBONDALE, Pa. (AP) — Nine people at a northeastern Pennsylvania YMCA have been taken to hospitals with possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency workers responded to the YMCA in Carbondale around 10 a.m. Thursday after people there started reporting feeling nauseous and lightheaded. Lackawanna County's emergency management director, Robert Flanagan, says nine people were then taken to area hospitals. Their conditions have not been released, but Flanagan says the injuries are not believed to be serious. He says the fire department, the gas company and contractors are trying to determine the source of the fumes.
Carbondale is about 115 miles north of Philadelphia.

CHRISTMAS EVE THEFT

Woman takes purse with $5,000 from Pa. Wal-Mart

DICKSON CITY, Pa. (AP) — Police in northeastern Pennsylvania say a woman walked off with a purse that contained about $5,000 in cash on Christmas Eve. Police released an image from surveillance video Thursday in hopes of identifying the woman who took the purse from a bench inside a Wal-Mart store in Dickson City. In addition to cash, police say the purse contained various credit cards, passports and birth certificates. Dickson City is just outside Scranton, a little more than 100 miles north-northwest of Philadelphia.

CHRISTMAS CASH

Police: Pa. bar robber desperate for Xmas cash

MIDLAND, Pa. (AP) — Police say a man desperate for cash to buy his children Christmas gifts has been jailed on charges of robbing a western Pennsylvania tavern. Online court records don't list an attorney for 37-year-old Darryl Foster, of Midland, who remained in the Beaver County Jail Thursday. Midland police say Foster wore a mask, a hooded sweat shirt and gloves when he grabbed money from a register and demanded a bag of money from a safe at the Riviera Lounge about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday. Police found Foster by following footprints in the snow. Police say the suspect told them he was "going crazy, and had no money for his children for Christmas because he could not find a job." Foster allegedly stole $985, at least some of which police recovered.

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

Feds say W.Pa. father of twin victim is fugitive

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal marshals say a suburban Pittsburgh man has fled to Vietnam to avoid trial on charges that his 9-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his twin brother.
Authorities have charged 67-year-old Michael Lanese, of Upper St. Clair, with flight to avoid prosecution. Investigators say Lanese flew to Vietnam in September and plans to marry there to avoid prosecution in Allegheny County. Lanese didn't show up for his Oct. 13 trial on involuntary manslaughter and other charges for allegedly not securing his weapons. One of the boys fatally shot the other at home on Oct. 18, 2008 while Lanese was reading a book. The United States doesn't have an extradition treaty with Vietnam, but Lanese could be extradited if he's found in a country that does have a treaty.

MISSING WOMAN FOUND

Dismissal upheld of long-missing Pa. woman's suit

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a western Pennsylvania woman who ran away as a teenager and lived with a school security guard for a decade. In a ruling Wednesday, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's ruling that the statute of limitations for Tanya Kach to sue expired two years after she turned 18 in 1999. Kach was 14 when she ran away to live with Thomas Hose, then 37, in McKeesport. Kach resurfaced in 2006 and says he kept her against her will. Hose is serving five to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault and other charges. In April, Kach reached a confidential settlement with Hose's former security company.

OFFICER SHOT DEAD-FUND

Police set up memorial fund for slain Pa. officer

PENN HILLS, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Pittsburgh police department has set up a Fallen Heroes Fund to raise money for a monument and financial aid for some local high school graduates.
Thirty-two-year-old Penn Hills officer Michael Crawshaw was shot and killed responding to reports of an armed robbery and murder at a home Dec. 6. Thirty-two-year-old Ronald Robinson, of Pittsburgh, has been ordered to stand trial on charges he killed the officer and a man at the home. Donations will be used to build a monument to Crawshaw. But his family also wants to fund financial aid for Penn Hills High School graduates who plan to major in psychology or social work in college. Crawshaw had a degree in social work and a minor in psychology.

ODD-SANTA SUIT SUSPENSION

Pa. student suspended for wearing Santa suit

WALLINGFORD, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia teenager has been suspended for wearing a Santa Claus suit to school. Michael Hance says he told his principal that he planned to wear the suit to Strath Haven High School and hand out candy canes. The 18-year-old senior says the principal told him that wasn't a good idea because it would be a distraction. But he wore the suit anyway, with regular clothes underneath in case he was asked to take it off. He got nabbed a few minutes after he walked into his first class on Tuesday. The district says in a statement Hance was suspended for the day for "defiance of authority." Hance says the school could have just given him a detention.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican says it will review its security procedures. This, after a woman who'd been involved in a 2008 security breach jumped a barrier in St. Peter's Basilica during Christmas Eve Mass last night and knocked down the pope. He wasn't hurt, and continued with the Mass.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Hours after he was knocked down at the start of Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict has delivered his traditional Christmas Day blessing. He looked tired and unsteady, but otherwise fine. The Vatican says the pope's busy Christmas schedule remains unchanged.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Forecasters are warning of blizzard conditions into this evening in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Highways in the East are expected to be covered with ice. And the South is supposed to see some gusty thunderstorms.

KABUL (AP) — A NATO spokesman calls it a "horrible act" that "exploits" a young American soldier. The Taliban have released a video showing the only known U.S. serviceman in captivity in Afghanistan -- Bowe Bergdahl of Idaho. In the video, he denounces the U.S. conduct of the war there and U.S. relations with Muslims. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban more than five months ago.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. (AP) — More details are emerging about the man accused of holding three people hostage for eight hours in a Virginia post office this week. The St. Petersburg Times says Warren Taylor was released in 1998 from a Florida prison after serving four years for shooting his ex-wife. He was also convicted of lewd and lasciviious behavior with a child.

Today's News-Christmas Eve 2009

Key dispute over Pa. casino bill said to be solved

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top Pennsylvania legislators apparently have resolved a key disagreement holding up casino gambling expansion. Two people briefed on a telephone conversation Wednesday among legislative leaders say the group agreed on a provision that would allow new applicants for Pennsylvania's last remaining resort casino license. The agreement also would possibly create another license in 2017. The legislation would also legalize table games at slot-machine casinos in an effort to raise revenue for the cash-strapped state.
Otherwise, Gov. Ed Rendell is warning that he will lay off state employees beginning Jan. 11.
The bill still must pass the Legislature. But House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Dante Santoni says the deal is designed to get the bill passed before layoffs happen.

SENATOR INVESTIGATED

Lawyer: Grand jury investigating Pa. senator

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania state senator has hired a high-profile criminal defense lawyer who says detectives have searched her office and seized computers. Defense lawyer Jerry McDevitt told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday night that Allegheny County detectives searched Sen. Jane Clare Orie's office Friday as part of a grand jury investigation. McDevitt says detectives with a warrant seized computers assigned to office staff, several laptops and the office computer server. He says Orie's own computer was left behind. McDevitt says the investigation apparently began a day before the November election. He says an intern at the Republican senator's district office complained to the district attorney's office that political calls were being made there on behalf of state Supreme Court nominee Joan Orie Melvin, the senator's sister. Orie Melvin was elected to the state's highest court.

RENDELL-STATE BUDGET

Rendell to pursue shale tax, school funding hike

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell will press for another increase in public school funding and a tax on natural gas production when he presents his last state budget in February.
But the Democrat wouldn't say Wednesday whether he will use his final year in office to try to head off a fiscal "tsunami" that he warns is headed toward Pennsylvania after his term ends.
After he leaves office, he estimates the state will need to close a revenue gap of $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion, or more than 15 percent of this year's approved budget. That's to replace the temporary federal stimulus dollars distributed to help states through the recession and to meet an anticipated increase in public employee pension obligations.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER-BRIBE

Pa. judges pick new county commissioner

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — Judges in a northeastern Pennsylvania county have chosen a successor to a county commissioner who resigned last week and agreed to plead guilty to accepting a bribe. Luzerne County judges decided Wednesday to name Thomas Cooney as the successor to Greg Skrepenak. Cooney, of Jenkins Township, got four votes. Three other hopefuls got one vote each. Sixty-eight people applied to serve out his term and the judges narrowed the list down to 14 finalists earlier Wednesday. Judges interviewed those finalists, then deliberated in private before voting. His lawyer has said Skrepenak accepts responsibility for his actions but declined further comment.

JUDGE SUES COUNTY

Pa. judge sues county over budget cuts

SUNBURY, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge is suing over a decision to cut about $600,000 from his budget. Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage is suing the county. He says the budget cut will force him to cut at least six jobs and will prevent him from running the courts properly, endangering public safety. Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Kurt Masser say they're prepared to defend their position in court. Chairman Frank Sawicki says he wants to reach a settlement. Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts spokesman Art Heinz says the development isn't surprising considering the current economic situation.

HISTORIC INN FIRE

NE Pa. apartment building near historic inn burns

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (AP) — An apartment building next to a historic northeastern Pennsylvania inn caught fire, but residents were able to get out safely. Fire officials in Bloomsburg told the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg that the building caught fire just before 8 p.m. Wednesday night. Fire officials told the newspaper people inside were able to get out on their own, but a cat was rescued by a firefighter. Fire Chief Hugh Gross said he was not immediately available to give more information when reached by The Associated Press. Initial reports said the building that caught fire was the Irondale Inn, a historic bed and breakfast that bills itself as having served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. But the fire was actually at an apartment building next to the inn.

EVANGELICAL-DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Mass. court affirms conviction of evangelical

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts court has upheld the disorderly conduct conviction of a Philadelphia-based evangelist who refused to obey repeated police orders to stop using a megaphone during Salem's large annual Halloween celebration. Repent America director Michael Marcavage had appealed an order to pay a $200 fine and $50 to the Victim-Witness Fund in connection with the 2007 incident. He claimed that police ordered him to stop using the megaphone because of the content of his speech, not any public safety concerns. The 30-year-old Marcavage argued that his state and federal constitutional protections were violated.
But the Supreme Judicial Court disagreed, ruling on Wednesday that Marcavage failed to prove that the actions of police were connected with the content of his speech.

TRIPLETS HURT

1 charge dropped in Pa. dead-toddler case

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped an aggravated assault charge against a Pittsburgh man accused of injuring his girlfriend's 2-year-old triplets, one of whom died.
Allegheny County district attorney's office spokesman Mike Manko says 20-year-old Anthony George is still charged with endangering the welfare of a child. But the aggravated assault charge was dropped Wednesday for lack of evidence. George was baby-sitting his girlfriend's triplets at their home Nov. 29 when they suffered the injuries. George told police that the girls were injured in a "domino effect" when all three toddlers fell down the stairs. Doctors say Kaiyah Beck, who died at a hospital, suffered a head injury that isn't consistent with a fall down the stairs.

CAPITOL CAFETERIA-RODENTS

Pa. shuts 2nd Capitol complex eatery, 5 snack bars

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania officials are temporarily closing a second cafeteria and five snack bars in the state government complex in Harrisburg in a precautionary move prompted by the discovery of rodent droppings in the Capitol's main cafeteria. Department of General Services spokesman Ed Myslewicz said Wednesday the cafeteria in the Keystone office building next to the Capitol and snack bars operated by the Bureau of Blind and Visual Services in five other buildings will remain closed until at least Jan. 5. Myslewicz says the additional closures were not prompted by the discovery of any problems like the excessive rodent droppings found scattered throughout the Capitol cafeteria's equipment and cabinets. Philadelphia-based Aramark Corp. runs the Capitol cafeteria and is working with state workers to clean it up.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As expected, the Senate has passed President Barack Obama's landmark health care overhaul by a vote of 60-39. The bill extends medical insurance to 30 million Americans. It requires nearly everyone to buy insurance and prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — It's a stormy day in the nation's midsection. The worst of the storm is heading northeast across the region, bringing heavy snow, sleet and rain to a large swath of the Plains and the Midwest. A foot or two of snow is possible in some areas by Christmas Day.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are pointing to a modestly higher opening today. New reports on unemployment and durable goods orders are expected to show the economy is continuing its recovery. Overseas markets also are higher. The U.S. market will close early for the Christmas holiday.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. (AP) — Residents of the small Virginia town of Wytheville will try to get back in the holiday spirit after a hostage standoff gripped the town all day yesterday. A disabled man held three people inside the post office for more than eight hours. He surrendered to police after freeing the hostages unharmed.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A 9-year-old boy is back with his natural father today. Sean Goldman was brought into the U.S. consulate in Rio de Janeiro today by several of his Brazilian relatives after Brazil's chief justice upheld a lower court's ruling that ordered Sean returned to his father, David Goldman of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The decision ended a five-year custody battle.

Today's News-Wednesday, December 23, 2009-UPDATED 7AM

DONCHAK AND PIEKARSKY PLEAD NOT GUILTY

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS DENIED BAIL FOR TWO SHENANDOAH TEENS CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK PLEADED NOT GUILTY TUESDAY IN FEDERAL COURT IN WILKES-BARRE. THEY WERE ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ. JUDGE MALCHY MANNION HAS DENIED THEM BAIL AND SAID THEY ARE DANGERS TO THE COMMUNITY. A JURY PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED THE TEENS OF THE MOST SERIOUS STATE CHARGES, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS GROUPS. GOV. ED RENDELL ASKED THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES. THREE POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

HAVEN WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM A POTTSVILLE WOMAN WHOM SHE SERVED AS A HEALTH AID. POTTSVILLE POLICE SAY THAT A COUNSELOR FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ATTENDANT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM REPORTED THAT 65 YEAR OLD LOUISE FERRARO HAD CHARGES MADE FROM HER CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT. SIX PURCHASES WERE ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN MADE BY 46 YEAR OLD KATHY STUMP, WHO WAS A HOME HEALTH AIDE FOR FERRARO. APPARENTLY, THE CREDIT CARD WAS TAKEN FROM FERRARO, AND USED FOR 6 TRANSACTIONS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT STUMP ALSO ALTERED A CHECK PAYABLE TO HER. STUMP WAS ARRAIGNED ON THEFT, RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY, FORGERY AND OTHER COUNTS, AND RELEASED ON $20 THOUSAND DOLLARS UNSECURED BAIL.

REDUCE THE SIZE OF STATE GOVERNMENT

A PUBLIC HEARING MAY BE SCHEDULED TO TALK ABOUT REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE. SENATE BILL 1160, SPONSORED BY SENATOR DAVE ARGALL, WOULD ELIMINATE 50 HOUSE AND 5 SENATE SEATS. WHILE THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY REPUBLICAN ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE, TAKING A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO GRADUALLY REDUCE THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT MIGHT BRING MORE SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE:

ARGALL DOWNSIZE

ARGALL SAID THAT ITS NOT RIGHT TO ASK OTHER PARTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO CUT, WHEN THE LEGISLATURE ISN'T MAKING AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THEIR COSTS AS WELL. THE MEASURE HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR ITS REVIEW.

STANDOFF IN TAMAQUA

HOURS OF NEGOTIATION BETWEEN A TAMAQUA MAN AND POLICE YESTERDAY ENDED WITHOUT INCIDENT. AN APPARENT DOMESTIC DISPUTE ON PINE STREET WAS REPORTED AROUND 10:15AM, AND THE UNIDENTIFIED MAN HELD A KNIFE TO HIS OWN THROAT, WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED WITH POLICE. REPORTS SAY THAT AREA SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS WERE LOCKED DOWN DURING THE THREE HOUR STANDOFF. LOCAL AND STATE POLICE WERE ABLE TO BRING THE INCIDENT TO CONCLUSION, AND THE MAN TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION.

WBRE TO OPERATE BUREAU IN SOUTHERN LUZERNE COUNTY

A WILKES BARRE TV STATION HAS OPENED A NEWS AND SALES BUREAU IN HAZLETON. WBRE-TV'S BUREAU IS LOCATED AT THE WYLN BUILDING ON EAST 10TH STREET, AND WILL SERVE LUZERNE, CARBON, SCHUYLKILL AND COLUMBIA COUNTIES, AND WILL ENHANCE THE NEWS COVERAGE IN THOSE AREAS, ACCORDING TO STATION OFFICIALS.

ST GEORGE'S STEEPLE REMOVED

A MARKED CHANGE IN THE LANDSCAPE OF SHENANDOAH TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AS THE STEEPLE AT ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH CAME DOWN. THE HISTORIC CHURCH IS BEING DEMOLISHED, CITED AS A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD BY THE DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN. THE CHURCH, CLOSED IN 2006 AS PART OF CATHOLIC CHURCH CONSOLIDATIONS, HAS BEEN AT THE CENTER OF A COURT BATTLE BY PARISHONERS TO SAVE THE EDIFICE, THE OLDEST LITHUANIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AMERICA.

ARGUMENT IN EAST NORWEGIAN

STATE POLICE ARE CHARGING TWO PEOPLE WITH SUMMARY VIOLATIONS AFTER AN INCIDENT EARLY THIS MORNING. TROOPERS REPORT THAT A WOMAN WAS REPORTEDLY ROAMING AROUND NUDE IN THE PARKING LOT AT PINE VIEW ACRES, AND THEN APPEARED AT A NEIGHBOR'S RESIDENCE ASKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY. MARGARET HOSSLER WAS REPORTED TO BE DRUNK, AND HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ARGUMENT WITH HER BOYFRIEND, WILLARD HOOVEN. HOSSLER APPARENTLY BECAME BELLIGERENT WHILE POLICE WERE THERE, AND REFUSED TO COOPERATE. HOSSLER IS CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT AND PUBLIC DRUNKENESS AND HOOVEN CHARGED WITH HARRASSMENT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED BEFORE MIDNIGHT.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GRAND JURY WITNESSES SAY PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER TODD EACHUS (EE'-CHUS) DIRECTED CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES BY LEGISLATIVE EMPLOYEES AND RAISED CAMPAIGN FUNDS FROM INSIDE THE STATE CAPITOL. TRANSCRIPTS OBTAINED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ALLEGE CONDUCT SIMILAR TO THAT FOR WHICH 25 OTHERS HAVE BEEN CHARGED CRIMINALLY IN A STATE PROBE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS HE NO LONGER IS CONFIDENT THAT LEGISLATORS WILL FINISH A CASINO-EXPANSION BILL THAT CAN DELIVER MORE REVENUE TO THE CASH-STRAPPED STATE. HE REPEATED HIS WARNING THAT HE WILL HAVE TO CUT SPENDING AGAIN IF HE DOESN'T GET A BILL BY JAN. 8.RENDELL SAYS THAT WILL MEAN LAYING OFF AT LEAST 1,000 STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH PENNSYLVANIA'S NEW RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW IN ITS FIRST YEAR SAY THEY'D LIKE TO SEE SOME CHANGES. ISSUES THAT HAVE ARISEN INCLUDE THE HIGH COST OF VERY LARGE REQUESTS AND WHETHER TO HANDLE RECORDS DIFFERENTLY IF THEY'RE GOING TO BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - ON CHRISTMAS DAY, HOME BUILDER THOMAS FISCHER WILL BE GIVEN PERIOD GARB AND TAKE A SEAT IN THE LEAD BOAT FOR THE ANNUAL RE-ENACTMENT OF WASHINGTON'S 1776 CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER. FISCHER, OF NEWTOWN, SAYS HE IS THRILLED TO HELP RECREATE THE EVENT THAT TURNED THE TIDE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL HAS ONE MORE 60-VOTE HURDLE TO OVERCOME TODAY IN THE SENATE. SENATORS WILL LIKELY APPROVE LIMITING DEBATE ON THE FULL BILL SETTING THE STAGE FOR A FINAL VOTE ON THE SENATE BILL TOMORROW. THE FINAL VOTE WOULD ONLY REQUIRE A SIMPLE MAJORITY.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (AP) - AN AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM MIAMI OVERSHOT A RUNWAY IN JAMAICA WITH THE NOSE OF THE PLANE ENDING UP
JUST 10 FEET FROM THE SEA. AUTHORITIES SAY 44 PEOPLE WERE HOSPITALIZED INCLUDING FOUR IN SERIOUS CONDITION. THE PLANE CARRIED MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE.

DENVER (AP) - PARTS OF COLORADO AND SOUTHERN UTAH COULD BE UNDER MORE THAN A FOOT OF NEW SNOW TODAY AS A FAST MOVING STORM THREATENS TO DISRUPT HOLIDAY TRAVEL. CHRISTMAS DAY COULD SEE THE STORM IN THE PLAINS STATES AND BLIZZARD WARNINGS ARE LIKELY ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN KANSAS.

GENEVA (AP) - NEGOTIATIONS WITH RUSSIA ON A NEW ARMS TREATY WILL EXTEND INTO NEXT YEAR. THE UNITED STATES HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WILL BE UNABLE TO CLINCH A DEAL THIS YEAR ON A SUCCESSOR TO THEIR EXPIRED NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL AGREEMENT. A STATEMENT SAYS THE TWO SIDES HOPE TO "FINALIZE" THE NEW TREATY NEXT MONTH.

FORT COLLINS, COLO. (AP) - THE PARENTS WHO PULLED OFF THE BALLOON BOY HOAX IN HOPES OF LANDING A REALITY TV SHOW FIND OUT TODAY IF THEY'LL GET ANY JAIL TIME AT THEIR SENTENCING. RICHARD AND MAYUMI HEENE ALSO FACE THE PROSPECT OF PAYING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN RESTITUTION. AN INVESTIGATOR WANTS TO FORBID THE COUPLE FROM PROFITING FROM THE ACT.

BREAKING NEWS

PA. TEENS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO HATE CRIME CHARGE

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE SAYS A PENNSYLVANIA TEEN CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IS A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY. JUDGE MALACHY MANNION DENIED BAIL FOR 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK
DONCHAK, CITING THREE DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS HE HAS INCURRED WHILE BEHIND BARS. DONCHAK AND 18-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY BOTH PLEADED NOT GUILTY AT AN ARRAIGNMENT TUESDAY IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED THE TEENS OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS
GROUPS. THE DECISION PROMPTED PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL TO ASK
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE
TEENS.

PA. TEENS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO HATE CRIME CHARGE

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - TWO EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TEENAGERS HAVE PLEADED NOT GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF
AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK WERE ARRAIGNED TUESDAY IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED PIEKARSKY AND DONCHAK OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS GROUPS. THE DECISION PROMPTED PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL TO ASK THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE TEENS. THREE SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED SEPARATELY LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

Today's News-Tuesday, December 22, 2009-UPDATED 6:45AM

PIEKARSKY, DONCHAK TO BE ARRAIGNED TODAY

POTTSVILLE, PA. (AP) - TWO SHENANDOAH TEENAGERS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT TUESDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BEING CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK WILL BE ARRAIGNED IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED PIEKARSKY AND DONCHAK OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, BUT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES PURSUED THE SERIOUS CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE TEENS. THREE SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED SEPARATELY LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

ROBBERY, ASSAULT SUSPECT IDENTIFIED

STATE POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED A POTTSVILLE MAN WHO ASSAULTED A DRUMS MAN LAST WEEK AT A MINERVILLE DRUG STORE. WE TOLD YOU FRIDAY THAT THE MAN, NOW IDENTIFIED AS 21 YEAR OLD JAMES MARCONIS JR., ENTERED RITE AID DRUG STORE AT KINGS VILLAGE, HUFFED FROM TWO CANS OF COMUPTER AEROSOL AND ASSAULTED WILLIAM DEVERS, WHO TRIED TO STOP MARCONIS. TROOPERS RELEASED MARCONIS' IDENTITY YESTERDAY.

POTTSVILLE MAN FACING CHARGES IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS LOCKED UP IN THE COUNTY PRISON AFTER HE REPORTEDLY ASSAULTED HIS GIRLFRIEND OVER THE WEEKEND. POTTSVILLE POLICE REPORT THAT 54 YEAR OLD RALPH CASTELLANO AND HIS 39 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND, MARNEY SLATER, WERE INVOLVED IN AN ARGUMENT AT THEIR NORTH CENTRE STREET HOME. CASTELLANO ALLEGEDLY CHOKED SLATER, AND IS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT.

HOMETOWN WALMART THIEVES SOUGHT

TWO LUZERNE COUNTY MEN ARE BEING SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH A HEIST AT THE HOMETOWN WALMART OVER THE WEEKEND. THE TWO MEN, 21 YEAR OLD SHANE PACEWICZ AND 34 YEAR OLD ROBERT CROMER, OF PLAINS, WERE IDENTIFIED BY SECURITY VIDEO. RUSH TOWNSHIP POLICE REPORT THAT THE MEN ENTERED THE STORE, TOOK LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND NINENTDO DSI'S FROM THE STORE, PUT THEM INTO A BOX WITH A TOY AND PAID THAT PRICE, PLUS ALSO PURCHASED A DVD. WARRANTS ARE OUT FOR CROMER AND PACEWICZ FOR THE THEFTS.

FEDERAL MONIES FOR DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS

PENNSYLVANIA'S U.S. SENATORS HAVE ANNOUNCED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SEVERAL DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST PA, INCLUDING SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THE MONIES HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED IN THE DEFENSE BILL PASSED BY CONGRESS. HART METALS IN TAMAQUA WILL GET $1.6 MILLION DOLLARS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A SMALL ATOMIZER TO PRODUCE ALLOY POWDERS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT MILITARY COMPONENTS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA SAYS 96 PERCENT OF CITY STREETS HAVE SNOW CLEARED WELL ENOUGH TO DRIVE ON. THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA SAY PUBLIC AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WILL OPEN AS SCHEDULED TODAY AFTER A DAY OFF DUE TO THE SNOW.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - JUDGES IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY HAVE GOTTEN 68 APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM OF A COUNTY COMMISSIONER WHO RESIGNED. GREG SKREPENAK, WHO RESIGNED YESTERDAY AS A LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, HAS AGREED TO PLEAD GUILTY TO ACCEPTING A BRIBE.

HAGERSTOWN, MD. (AP) - ALLEGHENY ENERGY INC. OF GREENSBURG, PA. AND AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO., OF COLUMBUS, OHIO ARE PLANNERS OF A MULTISTATE, HIGH-VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE CALLED PATH. THEY ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT THEY HAVE REFILED THEIR STALLED APPLICATION IN MARYLAND AND ASKED TO WITHDRAW THEIR APPLICATION IN VIRGINIA.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IS PLANNING TO SEND 2,000 INMATES TO FACILITIES IN OTHER STATES TO LESSEN CROWDED CONDITIONS IN STATE PRISONS. A PRISON SYSTEM SPOKESWOMAN SAYS THAT WITHIN TWO MONTHS THE INMATES WILL BE SHIPPED TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN MICHIGAN AND VIRGINIA.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A CONTROVERSY HAS BEEN RESOLVED IN WILKES-BARRE, PA. OVER THE DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY SYMBOLS IN A PUBLIC SPACE. LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REMOVED THE CRECHE AND MENORAH FROM THE COURTHOUSE LAWN LAST WEEK AFTER RECEIVING AN OBJECTION FROM THE ACLU AND AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.

EATONVILLE, WASH. (AP) - A PAIR OF SHERIFF'S OFFICERS ARE IN HOSPITAL AFTER ANOTHER SHOOTING IN THE TACOMA, WASH., AREA. ONE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AND THE OTHER SERIOUS. THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER IS DEAD. AUTHORITIES SAY THE OFFICERS WERE RESPONDING TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL, WHEN ONE OF TWO BROTHERS FIGHTING IN THE HOUSE OPENED FIRE ON THEM.

WASHINGTON (AP) - ONE TEST VOTE DOWN, TWO TEST VOTES TO GO BEFORE THE SENATE DECIDES ON PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL. THE SECOND TEST VOTE COMES THIS MORNING, WITH 58 DEMOCRATS AND TWO INDEPENDENTS EXPECTING TO PROVIDE THE 60 VOTES NEEDED TO ADVANCE THE BILL. A FINAL VOTE IS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A POLL SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE'S OPINIONS AND FEARS ABOUT HEALTH CARE HAVEN'T CHANGED MUCH THIS PAST YEAR. A SURVEY BY THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION FINDS THAT A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE BELIEVE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL IS IMPORTANT FOR RECHARGING THE ECONOMY. ONE IN FOUR SURVEYED SAY THEY FEAR THEY MIGHT LOSE THEIR HEALTH COVERAGE IN THE NEXT YEAR.

KABUL (AP) - AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI SAYS HE HAS ASKED THE INTERIOR MINISTRY TO INVESTIGATE THE KILLING OF ONE OF HIS RELATIVES. THE 18-YEAR-OLD WAS SHOT TO DEATH IN OCTOBER. THE NEW YORK TIMES THIS WEEK QUOTED RELATIVES AS SAYING THE KILLING WAS VENGEANCE FOR A SO-CALLED HONOR KILLING ALLEGEDLY COMMITTED BY TEEN'S FATHER THREE DECADES AGO.

STERLING, ILL. (AP) - THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING IS SET FOR TODAY ON PLANS TO TRANSFER ALLEGED TERRORISTS FROM GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA, TO ILLINOIS. ABOUT 50 PEOPLE ARE SCHEDULED TO TESTIFY BEFORE A STATE PANEL IN THE SMALL COMMUNITY OF STERLING IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE STATE. SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS BOTH PLAN RALLIES.

Today's News-Monday, December 21, 2009

TWO REMAIN HOSPITALIZED AFTER FIRE

FIVE PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS AND TWO REMAIN HOSPITALIZED AFTER A FIRE DESTROYED HOMES IN MAHANOY CITY SATURDAY. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT SATURDAY MORNING AT THE EAST PINE STREET HOMES OF THE YERGER AND MCKERNS FAMILY. FIVE YEAR OLD JASON SIVAK JR. REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL. KATHLEEN MCKERNS IS IN STABLE CONDITION AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER, AND 9 YEAR OLD PAGE SIVAK HAS BEEN RELEASED. FIRE INVESTIGATORS SAY THE BLAZE STARTED IN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT 616 EAST PINE AND SPREAD TO THE SECOND FLOOR.

CARS WRECK ON SNOWY ROADS

SATURDAY'S SNOWFALL CAUSED TRICKY TRAVEL AND RESULTED IN TWO ACCIDENTS ON AREA ROADWAYS. THE FIRST, JUST BEFORE NOON, HAPPENED ON ROUTE 209 IN BLYTHE TOWNSHIP, WHERE JOYCE CARD AND HER PASSENGER SHAWN MURPHY, WERE TRAVELING WEST. CARD LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE IN THE ROAD AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL SOUTH FOR EVALUATION. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, BRIAN BENDER OF SHENANDOAH LOST CONTROL ON A LEFT CURVE IN THE ROADWAY AND WENT INTO AN EMBANKMENT, COMING TO REST ON ITS ROOF. BENDER WAS NOT HURT IN THE CRASH.

TWO SUFFER MINOR INJURIES IN CRASH

TWO PEOPLE ESCAPED SERIOUS INJURY WHEN THEIR SUV CRASHED ON A ROAD IN NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP EARLY SUNDAY. 27 YEAR OLD KOREN FREY AND HER PASSENGER, JANET PUTALAVAGE, WERE DRIVING ON TOWNSHIP ROAD 628 NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH MOUNT LAFFEE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD AND STRUCK A METAL POLE. EACH SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, BUT REFUSED TREATMENT. THE CRASH HAPPENED AFTER MIDNIGHT SUNDAY.

HOLIDAY BLUES

THE HOLIDAY SEASON ENTERS THE FINAL STRETCH THIS WEEK...AND WHILE IT CAN BE A JOYFUL TIME SPENT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, FOR SOME, ITS NOT NECESSARILY-IN THE WORDS OF ONE CHRISTMAS SONG-"THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR." ALEXANDRA BARBEHENN IS A THERAPIST AND MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS. SHE SAYS PRESSURES RUN HIGH DURING THE HOLIDAYS, FOR MANY REASONS.

BARBEHENN

BARBEHENN SAYS THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP COPING WITH LINGERING DEPRESSION OR ANIEXTY, DURING THIS SEASON OR THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, SHE SUGGESTS FINDING A LICENSED THERAPIST OR SOCIAL WORKER, OR VISITING A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, WHICH ARE LOCATED NEAR YOU.

WATER BOIL ADVISORY

A WATER MAIN BREAK SUNDAY HAS PROMPTED OFFICIALS AT THE TAMAQUA AREA WATER AUTHORITY. THE BOIL ADVISORY IS ONLY FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE DUTCH HILL SECTION OF TAMAQUA. BEFORE USING, LET YOUR WATER COME TO A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL TAMAQUA BOROUGH HALL AT 668-3444.

ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE

ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED CHRISTMAS STORIES CAME TO THE STAGE AT THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATRE LAST NIGHT, STAGED AS A RADIO PLAY. FRANK CAPRA'S MOVIE "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" WAS ADAPTED FOR THEATRE BY THE LIFT YOUR SPIRITS PERFORMING ARTS GROUP. DURING THE NEARLY TWO HOUR PERFORMANCE, OVER 125 GUESTS WERE TAKEN BACK TO A 1940 RADIO STUDIO, AND PARTICIPATED AS A LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE. JIM STEPANCHICK, A VETERAN PERFORMER WITH LIFT YOUR SPIRITS SAID IT WAS A CHALLENGE:

STEPANCHICK

THE PERFORMANCE OF "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" WILL BE REBROADCAST ON WPPA AND WPPARADIO-DOT-COM CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING AND CHRISTMAS DAY AT 12 NOON.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE STORM WHICH HIT THE EAST COAST OVER THE WEEKEND, PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND OTHER VENUES CHANGED PASSENGERS SCHEDULES AFTER MANY FLIGHTS WERE CANCELED. ABOUT 1,200 FLIGHTS WERE CANCELED IN NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY TRAVELERS ARE MOVING AGAIN TODAY AS THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTIONS AND DECISIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC OFFICIALS HAS BEEN PRIED LOOSE IN THE YEAR SINCE A BROAD EXPANSION OF THE STATE'S RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW TOOK EFFECT. REQUESTS FOR RECORDS HAVE SURGED SINCE THE LAW TOOK EFFECT IN JANUARY.

YORK, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA ARE INVESTIGATING TWO SHOOTING DEATHS AS A DOUBLE MURDER.YORK POLICE SAY OFFICERS FOUND IDDER SALAZAR DEAD AT A CITY HOME OVER THE WEEKEND. JAHIEDA MINIER WAS ALSO PRONOUNCED DEAD. A DETECTIVE SAYS A MURDER-SUICIDE HAS BEEN RULED OUT AND OFFICERS ARE SEEKING SUSPECTS IN THE TWO HOMICIDES.

AUGUSTA, MAINE (AP) - A STATE LEGISLATOR IN MAINE WANTS TO MAKE THE STATE THE FIRST TO REQUIRE CELL PHONES TO CARRY WARNINGS THAT THEY CAN CAUSE BRAIN CANCER. DEMOCRATIC REP. ANDREA BOLAND OF SANFORD SAYS THERE ARE VERY SUBSTANTIAL AND NUMEROUS STUDIES THAT POINT TO THE RISK. BUT THE F.C.C. CONTENDS ALL CELL PHONES SOLD IN THE U.S. ARE SAFE TO USE.

DETROIT (AP) - MICHIGAN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL PLANS TO FILE A LAWSUIT TO PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES INCLUDING THE PART BORDERING ERIE, PA. FROM THE THREAT POSED BY THE INVASIVE ASIAN CARP FISH. SCIENTISTS SAY IF THE CARP REACH THE GREAT LAKES, THEY COULD CONSUME PLANKTON, INTERRUPT THE FOOD CHAIN AND DEVASTATE THE $7 BILLION FISHERY.

TOKYO (AP) - IRAN'S NUCLEAR NEGOTIATOR IS CALLING FOR A WORLDWIDE BAN ON ATOMIC WEAPONS. ON A VISIT TO JAPAN, SAEED JALILI ALSO ARGUED THAT ALL COUNTRIES HAVE A RIGHT TO DEVELOP NUCLEAR ENERGY. HE INSISTED THAT IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM IS FOR CIVILIAN PURPOSES. THE U.S. AND OTHER NATIONS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT TEHRAN IS TRYING TO PRODUCE NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

JERUSALEM (AP) - ISRAEL'S ARMY RADIO SAYS THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS TOP LIEUTENANTS ARE MEETING TO DECIDE WHETHER TO APPROVE A PRISONER EXCHANGE WITH HAMAS MILITANTS. ISRAEL WOULD HAND OVER 1,000 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS FOR AN ISRAELI SOLDIER HELD CAPTIVE IN THE GAZA STRIP. SGT. GILAD SCHALIT WAS ABDUCTED BY HAMAS-AFFILIATED MILITANTS MORE THAN THREE YEARS AGO.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SENATE APPEARS ON TRACK TO PASS ITS HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL BEFORE CHRISTMAS. THE BILL PASSED A KEY TEST VOTE LAST NIGHT BY THE 60-40 MARGIN NEEDED TO OVERCOME A THREATENED REPUBLICAN FILIBUSTER.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE MORNING COMMUTE COULD BE TRICKY FOR ANYONE TRYING TO MAKE IT TO WORK IN THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC TODAY. FOR MANY THOUGH, IT'S A DAY OFF. SCHOOLS IN PHILADELPHIA HAVE CANCELED CLASSES FOR 195,000 STUDENTS AS THE CITY TRIES TO CLEAR ROADS AND SIDEWALKS. IT'S THE SAME FOR MANY OTHER SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION.

TULSA, OKLA. (AP) - A PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE IS PLANNED FOR EVANGELIST ORAL ROBERTS TODAY. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY HE FOUNDED NEARLY HALF A CENTURY AGO. THE PRESIDENT OF ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY SAYS ROBERTS' "MISSION AND VISION" WILL CONTINUE TO GUIDE THE SCHOOL.

WEATHERWATCH #2 - SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2009

WEATHERWATCH

THE BOROUGH OF ASHLAND HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE EFFECTIVE SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 20, 2009 FROM 2 AM TO 6 AM.
PARKING WILL BE PROHIBITED ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS:

HOFFMAN BLVD. FROM BROCK ST. TO CENTER ST.
CENTER ST. FROM FRONT ST. TO 23RD ST.

RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO MOVE THEIR VEHICLES FROM THESE LOCATIONS. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT MOVED FROM THE ABOVE LOCATIONS WILL BE FINED $50 AND TOWED AWAY AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE.


POTTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS B-BALL GAME VS. GOV. MIFFLIN CANCELLED TODAY

WYOMISSING AT SCH HAVEN BOYS BASKETBALL-PPD TILL JAN 2ND

NOTRE DAME CLUB OF SCH COUNTY HOLIDAY B-BALL TOURNEY @ MARIAN HIGH SCOOL CANCELLED FOR TODAY AND SUNDAY

FATHER WALTER CIZECK HOLIDAY TOURNEY AT CARDINAL BRENNAN CANCELLED TODAY RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY

TAMAQUA AT TRI VALLEY GIRLS BASKETBALL-PPD TILL JAN 5- 6PM

CRESTWOOD VS SHENANDOAH VALLEY GIRLS BASKETBALL-PPD
__________________________________________________________________


SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GARY MCCREADY CONCERT SCHEDULED FOR THIS EVENING-PPD


St.PAUL CHURCH, SOMERHILL, SATURDAY NIGHT MASS- CANCELLED

WEATHERWATCH #1-SATURDAY DECEMBER 19, 2009

THE BOROUGH OF ASHLAND HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE EFFECTIVE SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 20, 2009 FROM 2 AM TO 6 AM.

PARKING WILL BE PROHIBITED ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS:

HOFFMAN BLVD. FROM BROCK ST. TO CENTER ST.
CENTER ST. FROM FRONT ST. TO 23RD ST.

RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO MOVE THEIR VEHICLES FROM THESE LOCATIONS. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT MOVED FROM THE ABOVE LOCATIONS WILL BE FINED $50 AND TOWED AWAY AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE.

____________________________________________________________________
ST. CLAIR BIDDY BASKETBALL, CANCELLED SATURDAY

POTTSVILLE BOY B-BALL LEAGUE INCLUDING INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE CANCELLED TODAY

POTTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS B-BALL GAME VS. GOV. MIFFLIN CANCELLED TODAY

NOTRE DAME CLUB OF SCH COUNTY HOLIDAY B-BALL TOURNEY @ MARIAN HIGH SCOOL CANCELLED FOR TODAY AND SUNDAY

Today's News-Saturday, December 19, 2009

LIQUOR VIOLATIONS

TWO LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ARE BEING CITED BY THE PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD FOR VARIOUS VIOLATIONS. THE ALLENTOWN DISTRICT OFFICE REPORTS RAINBOW HOSE COMPANY, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SOLD ALCOHOL TO NON-MEMBERS IN MAY AND JUNE OF THIS YEAR. LA CASITA DE FAMILIA IN SHENANDOAH WAS CITED FOR NOISE, PUBLIC SMOKING AND SALES ISSUES FROM MAY THROUGH OCTOBER. AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WILL RULE ON WHAT PENALTIES THE LICENSEES WILL FACE.

County EMA Has A Temporary Director

As of today, Schuylkill County is without an Emergency Management Agency coordinator, but officials said Friday county residents have nothing to fear. According to the Republican and Herald, Art Kaplan, who headed the agency for 23 years, officially stepped down Friday. He temporarily turned over the reins to John Blickley, EMA operations and training officer. Kaplan is stepping down to start his own private emergency and homeland security consulting company. As for a permanent replacement, Scarbinsky said county officials are considering more job consolidations. It is unclear how such a process would work, but officials have raised the possibility of a public safety director, overseeing both EMA and the county communications center.

WIND FARM

GREEN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES ARE THE FUTURE OF PROVIDING POWER TO OUR COUNTRY. ONE WELL KNOWN COMPANY IS PROPOSING TO BUILD A WIND ENERGY FARM IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. WPPA NEWS REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY ATTENDED AN OPEN HOUSE ABOUT IT THIS WEEK:

WIND FARM

St. Clair woman detained due to Paperwork Error
　
A Saint Clair woman was mistakenly arrested Tuesday after "paperwork errors" showed an active bench warrant. As reported in the Republican and Herald, Minersville police showed up at Caruso's house early Tuesday afternoon and arrested her, but later learned the warrant should have been cleared from the record. Caruso used to live in Minersville, and was residing there when the warrant was issued in 2007 for DUI and other offenses. She was sentenced to a year of house arrest in January, she said Friday. She will also serve four years on probation, but is scheduled to be off house arrest next month. She said she has committed no crimes since her 2007 arrest. Deputy Clerk of Courts Paul Steffanic confirmed Friday that Caruso's warrant was still listed as active. About 3 p.m., he said he removed the warrant from the active list, but said it should have been done after Caruso appeared in court and was sentenced in January. After being arrested Tuesday, Caruso was taken to Magisterial District Judge Charles V. Moran's office in Pottsville. Steffanic said district judges use a separate bench warrant computer system than the one used in county court and by the clerk of courts office. Police have access to both systems. When police arrived at Caruso's home Tuesday, she said she insisted the issue had been taken care of. Daniels said he called Moran's office to double-check the warrant's status. He said police were told the warrant was still active and Caruso should be brought in. After they arrived, however, police and court officials learned the warrant should have been deleted from the system.

CURB REBUILDS

MORE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS MONIES COMING TO THE COUNTY TO FIX ROADS. WPPA NEWS REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE:

CURB REBUILDS

570 TO GO?

WITH THE CONTINUED EXPLOSION OF CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES EATING UP PHONE NUMBERS, THE STATE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION HAS SCHEDULED HEARINGS ON THE ISSUE. WPPA NEWS REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE:

570 TO GO

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A Penn State trustees committee has approved the school's next appropriation request from the Legislature. Tuition increases would be limited to between 3 and 5 percent next year if the full request is granted.

INDIANA, Pa. (AP) - More than 80 percent of the faculty at the state-owned Indiana University of Pennsylvania have voted that they have "no confidence" in president Tony Atwater. Faculty critics say the school has spent too much on renovations and capital improvements during the rough economy.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A federal judge is refusing to dismiss a lawsuit by Donald Trump's casino company over its failed bid for a casino license in Philadelphia three years ago. Both the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the owners of SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia had sought dismissal of the case.

DUBOIS, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say two people were killed and six were injured in a fire in a DuBois apartment building. Firefighters rescued six people, including two infants. The names
of the victims weren't released. There's no word on the cause of the fire.

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) - A man who was retried in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the 2007 fatal stabbing of a New Hope, Pennsylvania man was found guilty Friday for the second time, but on lesser charges. Jahlil Ward was convicted of second-degree murder for the killing of 21-year-old James Cockayne outside a bar in St. John.

COPENHAGEN (AP) - After an all-night session, the U.N. climate conference has agreed to recognize a political accord brokered by President Barack Obama with China and other emerging powers. A small group of nations had blocked the Copenhagen Accord, saying it
lacks specific targets for reducing carbon emissions. But experts say the formal recognition will allow it to become operational in practice.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is scheduled to convene in a little more than an hour. They'll be taking up a $626 billion defense spending bill that, itself, enjoys wide support. However,
Republicans object to a number of add-ons, including several short-term extensions of programs that had been set to expire.

KABUL (AP) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has presented a list of nominees for his new Cabinet. Some members of parliament are reacting with dismay. One says he's afraid some of the nominees may be "puppets" of warlords. But, the United Nations mission in the country calls the list "encouraging."

WASHINGTON (AP) - There's a lot of snow in the forecast for the East. Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are in the path of a major storm that could bring up to 20 inches of snow to the region. The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings from the Carolinas to Rhode Island.

LONDON (AP) - Train service through the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France has been suspended after more than 2,000 passengers were stranded for hours in it. Eurostar officials say four trains broke down because of the temperature difference between the cold air outside the tunnel and the warm air inside.