Today's News-Friday, July 31, 1009

THOSE ARRESTED DURING SCHUYLKILL DRUG SWEEP-NORTH


SHENANDOAH:


BARB KOMOSINSKY
BRYAN CYR
NICK ANDERSON
STEPHEN GAUGHAN
ALEX FOGARTY
RANDY LAWSON
GINA LOMBARDO
JEFFREY VERNITSKY
ERIN TETER
KEVIN MCCABE
NICK MCCABE
BRIAN BRIKSZA
HAROLD CADDY



FRACKVILLE


DONALD ZARILLO
ALLEN ZIMMERMAN
MICHAEL JESSMAN


GILBERTON


CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS


DRUG SWEEP IN NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL

AGENTS FROM THE COUNTY DA’S DRUG TASK FORCE, SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND LOCAL POLICE SWEPT ACROSS NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THURSDAY MORNING SERVING ARREST WARRANTS ON STREET LEVEL DEALERS. STARTING AROUND 6AM AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE MORNING, 17 MEN AND WOMEN FROM FRACKVILLE, SHENANDOAH AND GILBERTON WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON VARIOUS DRUG RELATED WARRANTS, THREE OF THEM WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS. EIGHT OTHERS HAVE OUTSTANDING WARRANTS WAITING ON THEM. DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN STATED THE ARRESTS WERE THE RESULT OF SEVERAL INVESTIGATIONS BY THE DA’S DRUG TASK FORCE ALONG WITH OTHER LOCAL DEPARTMENTS. HE REMINDED COUNTY RESIDENTS TO CALL IN DRUG TIPS AT 800-414-1406.


SIMPLE ASSAULT IN POTTSVILLE

AN ARGUMENT BETWEEN A POTTSVILLE COUPLE TURNED INTO AN ALTERCATION LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. CITY POLICE SAY THEY WERE CALLED TO 724 MINE STREET FOR THE REPORT OF A FIGHT BETWEEN BROOKE AND THOMAS DINO. REPORTS INDICATE THAT BROOKE DINO TRIED TO GRAB HER CELL PHONE FROM HER HUSBAND AND SHE GRABBED HIS NECKLACE. THOMAS DINO REPORTEDLY STRUCK BROOKE IN THE FACE, CAUSING A BLOODY NOSE. HE WAS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND WAS RELEASED ON UNSECURED BAIL.

CONSTRUCTION WASTE LANDFILL APPLICATION DENIED

AN ONGOING BATTLE BETWEEN STATE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS AND BLYTHE TOWNSHIP HAS TAKEN ANOTHER TURN. PENNSYLVANIA D-E-P DENIED THE BRADS LANDFILL APPLICATION, STATING QUOTE “ THAT THE BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT TO THE PUBLIC DO NOT CLEARLY OUTWEIGH THE KNOWN AND POTENTIAL HARMS”. SOME OF THOSE POTENTIAL HARMS INCLUDED POTENTIAL COSTS AND LIABILITIES TO TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS. THE ORIGINAL BRADS LANDFILL APPLICATION WAS MADE IN 2004 FOR THE 252 ACRE SITE. THE DENIAL CAN BE APPEALED BY BLYTHE TOWNSHIP.

FAIR DRAWS BIG CROWD

CLEAR SKIES AND TOP NOTCH ENTERTAINMENT DREW GOOD CROWDS AGAIN THURSDAY TO THE 26TH ANNUAL SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR. DAIRY DAY, A MOST POPULAR DAY FOR KIDS WHO SHOW THEIR ANIMALS IN HOPES OF SELLING THEM AT A HIGH PRICE, WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY PITTSTON-AREA NATIVE SHAWN KLUSH, ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST POPULAR ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST WHO ROCKED THE VALLEY WITH TWO BIG SHOWS ON THE M&T BANK STAGE. FRIDAY IS COUNTRY DAY…WITH UP AND COMER ERIC CHURCH ON THE FAIR STAGE AT 9PM. THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR WRAPS UP ON SATURDAY WITH THE MUSIC OF THE ASSOCIATION.

A/G WARNS TO SHOP CAREFULLY

WE ARE ALL LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY. BUT BE CAREFUL ABOUT ITEMS AND SERVICES THAT ARE LABELED “ENERGY EFFICIENT”. PA ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM CORBETT:

CORBETT

CORBETT SAID THAT ALL HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF MANY ENERGY-SAVING PRODUCTS ARE COVERED BY PENNSYLVANIAS NEW HOME IMPROVEMENT CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT WHICH WENT INTO EFFECT EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR CONTRACTS OVER $500 DOLLARS. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT WWW-DOT-ATTORNEYGENERAL-DOT-GOV.

STATE BUDGET
PA. BUDGET TALKS GO PRIVATE AFTER 2 DAYS IN PUBLIC
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - AIDES TO GOV. ED RENDELL SAY HE PLANS TO MEET TODAY WITH TOP LEGISLATIVE LEADERS OVER PENNSYLVANIA'S MONTHLONG STATE BUDGET STALEMATE. THIS FOLLOWS THE UNUSUAL STEP OF AN ATTEMPT TO NEGOTIATE THE BUDGET IN PUBLIC. THE TALKS WERE MARKED BY TWO DAYS OF PARTISAN SPARRING. DEMOCRATS ON THE PANEL INSISTED ON REVIEWING THE IMPACT OF REPUBLICAN-PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS THAT WOULD AFFECT SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND HUMAN SERVICES ON WHICH THEIR CONSTITUENTS RELY. BUT REPUBLICANS SAID DEMOCRATS HADN'T SHOWED HOW THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE LEVEL OF SPENDING THEY WANT. THEY SAID DEMOCRATS WERE SIMPLY DRAGGING OUT THE PROCESS TO AVOID VOTING FOR A MASSIVE AND UNPOPULAR TAX INCREASE. EARLY NEXT WEEK, THE HOUSE IS EXPECTED TO CONSIDER LETTING RENDELL PAY EMPLOYEES AND GENERALLY KEEP GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND STATE PARKS OPEN WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE.


STATE BUDGET-PAYROLL TAX
PHILLY NONPROFIT TO REFUSE TO PAY PA. TAX
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA NONPROFIT GROUP THAT HAS LOST FUNDING DUE TO THE STATE BUDGET IMPASSE SAYS IT WON'T PAY STATE PAYROLL TAXES UNTIL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED. CALCUTTA HOUSE SAYS IT HAS TAKEN PRIDE IN PAYING BILLS ON TIME FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS AND IS TAKING THIS STEP AS "A DESPERATE MOVE" SO IT CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES. IT ALSO IS DELAYING PAYMENTS TO VENDORS. CALCUTTA HOUSE PROVIDES HOUSING, NURSING CARE AND OTHER SERVICES TO INDIGENT PEOPLE WITH HIV AND AIDS. IT NORMALLY GETS FUNDING FROM THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA BUT THE CITY ISN'T RELEASING FUNDS UNTIL THE STATE PASSES ITS BUDGET.


PHILADELPHIA BUDGET
PHILA. MAYOR WARNS OF MASSIVE CUTS WITHOUT PA. AID
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER IS WARNING RESIDENTS THAT NUMEROUS CITY SERVICES ARE IN DANGER WITHOUT THE STATE'S HELP. NUTTER SAID THURSDAY THAT HE WILL CUT HUNDREDS OF POLICE AND FIRE JOBS AND CLOSE DOWN CITY PARKS, LIBRARIES AND RECREATION CENTERS IF THE STATE LEGISLATURE DOESN'T ACT BY MID-AUGUST. TRASH COLLECTION ALSO WOULD BE CUT TO TWICE A MONTH. BILLS ALLOWING THE CITY TO RAISE ITS SALES TAX AND ALTER PENSION PAYMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO GET ACTION IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NEXT WEEK. A SPOKESWOMAN FOR HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS CHAIRMAN DWIGHT EVANS SAYS THE LEGISLATURE WILL NOT ALLOW PHILADELPHIA TO COLLAPSE. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DOMINIC PILEGGI TOLD NUTTER HE WOULD TRY TO SPEED THE BILLS, ALTHOUGH HE GUARANTEED NO PARTICULAR OUTCOME.


MOTHER KILLED
PA. UNDERTAKER CONVICTED OF WIFE'S MURDER
LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FUNERAL DIRECTOR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOR THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE. A LANCASTER COUNTY JURY CONVICTED 42-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ROSEBORO ON THURSDAY AFTER LESS THAN FIVE HOURS OF DELIBERATIONS. HE FACES A MANDATORY SENTENCE OF LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE. ROSEBORO SHOWED NO REACTION TO THE VERDICT. WHEN THE JUDGE ASKED HIM IF HE WANTED TO MAKE A STATEMENT, HE REPLIED, "NO." PROSECUTORS ACCUSED ROSEBORO OF BEATING, STRANGLING AND DROWNING 45-YEAR-OLD JAN ROSEBORO SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS MISTRESS WITHOUT A MESSY DIVORCE. THE DEFENSE ACKNOWLEDGED THE AFFAIR BUT MAINTAINED THAT THERE WAS NO DIRECT EVIDENCE THAT ROSEBORO KILLED HIS WIFE.


CORRUPTION PROBE
FORMER CONGRESSIONAL AIDE SENTENCED TO PROBATION
WASHINGTON (AP) - THE ONE-TIME TOP AIDE TO FORMER REP. CURT WELDON HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS PROBATION FOR NOT REPORTING TO THE HOUSE INCOME HIS WIFE MADE FOR DOING WORK FOR A NONPROFIT COMPANY TIED TO WELDON. THE SENTENCE FOR RUSSELL JAMES CASO JR., WHO WAS CHIEF OF STAFF FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA REPUBLICAN, INCLUDES 170 DAYS OF HOME DETENTION AND 100 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE. HE PLEADED GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT IN DECEMBER 2007 TO A CONSPIRACY CHARGE AND AGREED TO COOPERATE IN AN INVESTIGATION. WELDON SERVED TWO DECADES IN CONGRESS BEFORE LOSING HIS SEAT IN 2006. HE HASN'T BEEN CHARGED. IN APRIL, A LOBBYIST WAS ALSO SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS PROBATION FOR DESTROYING EVIDENCE ABOUT HER TIES TO WELDON.


SUBWAY ALTERCATION-DEATH
2ND PHILLY TEEN PLEADS IN SUBWAY ATTACK DEATH
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SECOND TEEN HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO MURDER IN A FATAL ATTACK ON A STARBUCKS MANAGER AT A PHILADELPHIA SUBWAY STATION. AUTHORITIES SAY THE MARCH 2008 ASSAULT ON SEAN CONROY WAS PROMPTED BY A DARE AND TRIGGERED A FATAL ASTHMA ATTACK. PROSECUTORS SAY 16-YEAR-OLD ARTHUR ALSTON PLEADED GUILTY AS AN ADULT THURSDAY TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER AND FACES A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 20 TO 40 YEARS. ALSTON ADMITS HE THREW THE FIRST PUNCH. HIS BAIL HAS BEEN REVOKED SINCE HIS ARREST FOR ALLEGEDLY PUNCHING SOMEONE AT AN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL IN APRIL. ONE OF FOUR OTHER TEENS CHARGED IN CONROY'S DEATH HAS ALSO PLEADED GUILTY TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER. THE 36-YEAR-OLD CONROY LIVED IN PHILADELPHIA. THE ATTACK OCCURRED IN THE AFTERNOON ON A CONCOURSE NEAR CITY HALL. PITTSBURGH G-20-SUMMIT


G-20 POLICE PLANNING A PUZZLE FOR PITTSBURGH CHIEF
PITTSBURGH (AP) - SECURITY PLANNING FOR THE GROUP OF 20 ECONOMIC SUMMIT IN PITTSBURGH IS A NUMBERS GAME DRIVEN BY QUESTIONS THAT CAN'T READILY BE ANSWERED. POLICE CHIEF NATE HARPER ESTIMATES SOME 4,000 OFFICERS WILL BE NEEDED, BUT THE CITY HAS FEWER THAN 900. THAT'S WHY HARPER HAS ASKED 100 U.S. POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR MANPOWER, THOUGH HE'S ALREADY DOUBLED THE SIZE OF HIS FORCE WITH COMMITMENTS FROM REGIONAL AGENCIES. STILL, PLANS TO CONTROL PROTESTS AND SAFEGUARD THE TWO-DAY SEPTEMBER EVENT REMAIN SECRETIVE AND IN FLUX. FOR EXAMPLE, HARPER SAYS HIS 4,000-OFFICER ESTIMATE DEPENDS ON A YET-TO-BE-DETERMINED SECURITY PERIMETER. AND HARPER STILL HAS TO FIGURE OUT WHERE TO HOUSE THE REINFORCEMENTS AND HOW TO PAY FOR THEM, THOUGH HE EXPECTS SOME FEDERAL AID.



ALLENTOWN BISHOP
NEW BISHOP INSTALLED IN ALLENTOWN, PA.
ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN HAS COMPLETED THE INSTALLATION OF ITS NEW BISHOP. HE IS 48-YEAR-OLD JOHN BARRES, WHO UNTIL RECENTLY WAS CHANCELLOR OF THE WILMINGTON, DEL., DIOCESE. HE HELD THAT POSITION SINCE 2000. BARRES WAS INSTALLED IN A THREE-HOUR MASS OF ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION HELD THURSDAY NIGHT. HE SUCCEEDS BISHOP EDWARD CULLEN, WHO HAS REACHED THE CATHOLIC CHURCH'S MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE OF 75.


HARLEY DAVIDSON PLANT
HARLEY EXPLAINS PROBLEMS AT YORK, PA., PLANT
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A SPOKESMAN FOR HARLEY DAVIDSON SAYS ITS MOTORCYLE ASSEMBLY COMPLEX IN SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAS TOO
MUCH CAPACITY. HARLEY SPOKESMAN BOB KLEIN SAYS THE MILWAUKEE-BASED COMPANY WILL BE STUDYING THE YORK PLANT'S LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS. HE SAYS THE COMPANY WANTS TO STAY IN YORK BUT MAY MOVE THE WORK ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES IF PROBLEMS THERE CAN'T BE WORKED OUT. KLEIN SAYS ONE OF THE YORK COMPLEX'S TWO MAIN ASSEMBLY PLANTS IS OF WORLD WAR II VINTAGE. KLEIN SAYS THE LARGE NUMBER OF JOB CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE UNION CONTRACT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SHIFT WORKERS INTO DIFFERENT DUTIES. ALSO, HE SAYS THERE ARE ISSUES WITH OVERTIME SCHEDULING AND ABSENTEEISM. PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS HE'S PREPARING A PACKAGE OF STATE AID DESIGNED TO KEEP THE PLANT IN YORK.


BRYN MAWR HIT-RUN
PHILLY-AREA HIT-RUN SUSPECT, 75, HAS FELONY CHARGE
ARDMORE, PA. (AP) - A 75-YEAR-OLD SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA WOMAN ACCUSED OF HITTING A TEENAGE BICYCLIST WITH HER CAR AND LEAVING THE SCENE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH A FELONY. SUZANNE LAMMERS WAS ARRAIGNED THURSDAY ON THE FELONY CHARGE OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY AND THE SUMMARY OFFENSE OF FAILURE TO STOP AND RENDER ASSISTANCE. THE VILLANOVA WOMAN IGNORED REPORTERS' QUESTIONS AS SHE ENTERED AND LEFT HER ARRAIGNMENT AT A POLICE STATION IN ARDMORE. LAMMERS TOLD POLICE THAT SHE THOUGHT SHE HIT A DEER IN THE JULY 15 ACCIDENT. THE BOY SHE HIT, 13-YEAR-OLD ANDREW MALLEE, WAS TAKEN TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA FOR HEAD INJURIES. LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP POLICE SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL MCGRATH SAYS HE'S EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY.


WASHINGTON (AP) - ON CAPITOL HILL, WORK WENT ON INTO THE NIGHT AGAIN ON A SWEEPING HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL. IN A SURPRISING REVERSAL, A KEY HOUSE PANEL PASSED AN ANTI-ABORTION AMENDMENT, THEN DEFEATED IT WHEN THE CHAIRMAN RAISED IT FOR A SECOND VOTE. THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO FINISH ITS WORK ON THE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL LATER TODAY.


WASHINGTON (AP) - TENS OF THOUSANDS OF UNSAFE OR DECAYING BRIDGES ARE STILL NOT GETTING REPAIRS, DESPITE PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S VOW TO REBUILD THOSE STRUCTURES UNDER THE $787 BILLION ECONOMIC STIMULUS. STATE OFFICIALS SAY THE MEASURE CALLS FOR RECOVERY MONEY TO BE SPENT QUICKLY -- BUT THEY SAY REPAIRS ON UNSAFE BRIDGES NEED YEARS OF PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION.


WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYS HE EXPECTS TODAY'S REPORT ON THE NATION'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT TO SHOW THE ECONOMY SHRANK DURING THE SECOND QUARTER. HE SAYS THAT SHOWS THE ECONOMY CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE. STILL, HE SAYS THE U.S. HAS "STEPPED AWAY FROM THE PRECIPICE."


MEXICO CITY (AP) - MEXICO'S TREASURY DEPARTMENT SAYS THE COUNTRY HAS LOST NEARLY 600,000 JOBS SINCE JUNE 2008. THAT'S A MORE THAN 4 PERCENT DROP AS OF JUNE OF THIS YEAR. THE REPORT BLAMES THE DECLINE ON AN "ADVERSE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT," AS WELL AS THE SWINE FLU OUTBREAK THAT LED TO WIDESPREAD COMMERCIAL SHUTDOWNS.


WASHINGTON (AP) - A POLL SUGGESTS THAT AMERICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO DISAPPROVE THAN APPROVE OF HOW PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS DEALT
WITH THE DISPUTE INVOLVING A BLACK HARVARD SCHOLAR AND A WHITE POLICE OFFICER. THE POLL BY THE NONPARTISAN PEW RESEARCH CENTER ALSO FINDS OBAMA'S OVERALL JOB APPROVAL IS DOWN TO 54 PERCENT, COMPARED WITH 61 PERCENT LAST MONTH.

Today's News-Thursday, July 30 2009

POWER KNOCKED OUT

ELECTRIC CREWS IN THE BOROUGH OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ARE ON O-T THIS MORNING AS THEY CONTINUE TO REPAIR DAMAGED LINES KNOCKED OUT BY AN ACCIDENT. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE TELL WPPA/T102 NEWS THAT AROUND 6PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT, TWO POLES WERE DESTROYED IN AN ACCIDENT AT THE CORNER OF WEST MAIN AND ST CHARLES STREETS. ONE POLE AND ITS EQUIPMENT WAS REPAIRED OVERNIGHT AND A SECOND IS BEING WORKED ON THIS MORNING. ELECTRICITY IS STILL OUT FOR SOME IN THE SOUTH WARD OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.

MONTCO MEN NABBED IN ATM THEFT

STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE HAVE APPREHENDED TWO MEN FOR STEALING AN ATM FROM A NEW RINGGOLD CONVENIENCE STORE EARLIER THIS MONTH. 26 YEAR OLD DALE SCHAEFFER AND 53 YEAR OLD DONALD MCNEELY OF NORRISTOWN HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND A HOST OF OTHER COUNTS FOR FORCIBLY REMOVING THE CASH MACHINE ON JULY 7TH. THE BANDITS WERE ABLE TO OPEN THE ATM AFTER TRANSPORTING IT TO LANSDALE. THAT’S WHERE THEY WERE ARRESTED.

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN INSTALLS NEW BISHOP

AN AFTERNOON MASS IN ALLENTOWN TODAY WILL INSTALL A NEW BISHOP. 48 YEAR OLD JOHN BARRES FROM THE DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON WILL BE ELEVATED AT ST CATHERINE OF SIENA TODAY. BARRES REPLACES THE NOW RETIRED BISHOP EDWARD CULLEN. BARRES IS THE FOURTH BISHOP OF ALLENTOWN.

SENIORS HIGHLIGHT COUNTY FAIR

DESPITE A MUGGY AND DAMP DAY, GOOD CROWDS CAME OUT TO SENIOR CITIZENS DAY AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR. SANDRA LONG AND MILTON STETTLER WERE CROWNED QUEEN AND KING OF THE FAIR PRIOR TO VISITORS SETTLING IN FOR A GREAT SHOW FEATURING BEATLE TRIBUTE BAND "THE RETURN" STRAIGHT FROM ATLANTA, GEORGIA. NEARLY EVERYONE MOUTHED THE WORDS OF THE EARLY BEATLE SOUNDS AS JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE AND RINGO CAME ALIVE ON STAGE. THE SECOND SHOW STARTED A HALF HOUR EARLY DUE TO THREATENING STORMS. TODAY IS DAIRY DAY AT THE FAIR, AND ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST, PITTSTON NATIVE SHAWN KLUSH WILL TAKE TO THE STAGE AT 7 AND 9PM. GATES OPEN AT 4PM TODAY.

PRESCRIPTION HELP TODAY

IF YOU ARE LIKE MANY SCHUYLKILL COUNTIANS, EACH MONTH YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BUY GROCERIES OR PAY FOR YOUR MEDICATION. TODAY, YOU MAY FIND JUST THE HELP YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN GETTING THOSE MUCH NEEDED MEDS. THE “HELP IS HERE” EXPRESS FROM THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE IS MAKING A STOP AT FAIRLANE VILLAGE FROM 2 TO 4PM. THE BUS TOUR IS PART OF A NATIONWIDE EFFORT SPONSORED BY AMERICA’S PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH COMPANIES. PEOPLE WHO ATTEND CAN FIND OUT ABOUT PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES FOR FREE OR NEARLY FREE AND CAN ALSO LEARN ABOUT NEW MEDICINES IN DEVELOPMENT TO FIGHT DISEASES. TODAYS PROGRAM IS BROUGHT TO THE AREA IN PART BY THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY.

TWO SUFFER MINOR INJURIES

TWO PEOPLE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES IN A CRASH IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON SWOPES VALLEY ROAD AROUND 4:30PM. JOHN CLARK OF PALMYRA FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A RIGHT HAND CURVE AND CRASHED HIS PICKUP INTO A TREE. CLARK AND A PASSENGER, KRISTIN BUDE OF HUMMELSTOWN WERE WERE REPORTED TO HAVE MINOR INJURIES.

STATE BUDGET
PA. GOV MOVES TO PAY WORKERS AS BUDGET TALKS STALL
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE LEADER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SENATE'S REPUBLICAN MAJORITY SAYS A PLAN BY GOV. ED RENDELL FOR A STOPGAP STATE BUDGET HAS ONE BIG FLAW: IT WILL REDUCE PRESSURE ON STATE LAWMAKERS TO STRIKE A DEAL. BUT SEN. DOMINIC PILEGGI SAYS THE BIG ADVANTAGE IS IT WOULD HELP STATE EMPLOYEES WHO AREN'T GETTING PAID. THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR SAYS IF IF THE IMPASSE CONTINUES THROUGH THE WEEKEND HE WANTS THE DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED HOUSE TO APPROVE AND SEND HIM A REPUBLICAN-PENNED BUDGET THAT HAS ALREADY PASSED THE SENATE. RENDELL WOULD THEN PARE THE BUDGET BILL DOWN BY USING HIS LINE-ITEM VETO. THAT MEANS SOME 80,000 STATE WORKERS WOULD FINALLY GET THEIR PAYCHECKS. THE EARLIEST THE MEASURE COULD REACH RENDELL'S DESK IS TUESDAY. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT FIVE MORE DAYS FOR THE STATE TREASURY TO PROCESS CHECKS, INCLUDING BACK PAY, FOR STATE EMPLOYEES. THAT ASSUMES THE HOUSE GOES ALONG WITH THE GOVERNOR.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
PA. SENATE VOTES TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A BILL TO ADD SEVEN MORE WEEKS OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN PENNSYLVANIA IS A STEP CLOSER TO FINAL APPROVAL. THE SENATE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY WEDNESDAY TO PASS THE BILL, BUT AN AMENDMENT IN THAT CHAMBER REQUIRES ONE MORE VOTE IN THE HOUSE BEFORE GOV. ED RENDELL CAN SIGN IT. THE EXTENSION WOULD ALLOW AS MANY AS 60,000 PEOPLE WHO EXHAUST THE 72 WEEKS OF JOBLESS CHECKS THIS YEAR TO GET THE ADDITIONAL SEVEN WEEKS. THE SENATE AMENDED THE BILL TO ENSURE THAT THOUSANDS WHO ALREADY EXHAUSTED THEIR BENEFITS QUALIFY. IT'S NOT CLEAR WHEN THE HOUSE WILL TAKE UP THE MEASURE. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD COVER THE EXTENSION FOR PEOPLE WHO LOST PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS. THE STATE, CITIES, COUNTIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO COVER THEIR EX-EMPLOYEES.

RIGHT TO KNOW-ADDRESSES
RELEASE OF PA. SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' ADDRESSES HALTED
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A STATE APPELLATE COURT JUDGE IS TEMPORARILY STOPPING THE RELEASE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES' HOME ADDRESSES UNDER PENNSYLVANIA'S NEW RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW. COMMONWEALTH COURT SENIOR JUDGE ROCHELLE FRIEDMAN ISSUED THE ORDER TUESDAY SAYING THE RELEASE OF THE INFORMATION SHOULD STOP UNTIL FURTHER DIRECTION FROM HER. THE JUDGE IS EXPECTED TO HOLD A HEARING ON THE REQUEST FOR A PERMANENT INJUNCTION THAT WAS BROUGHT LATE LAST WEEK BY THE STATE 'S LARGEST TEACHER'S UNION. FRIEDMAN ALSO DIRECTED THE STATE OFFICE OF OPEN RECORDS TO NOTIFY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ABOUT THE LITIGATION AND HER RULING. PENNSYLVANIA OPEN RECORDS CZAR TERRY MUTCHLER SAYS THE LAW ONLY STATES THAT PUBLIC RECORDS SHOULDN'T DISCLOSE THE HOME ADDRESSES OF JUDGES, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES AND MINORS.

POCONOS STORMS
PA. TORNADO CAUSES MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE
STROUDSBURG, PA. (AP) - A TORNADO HAS STRUCK NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA'S POCONO MOUNTAINS, CAUSING MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
WEDNESDAY'S STORMS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE IN TWO-MILE RADIUS BETWEEN CHERRY VALLEY AND GODFREY RIDGE IN STROUD AND HAMILTON TOWNSHIPS IN MONROE COUNTY. MORE THAN 10,000 UTILITY CUSTOMERS IN THE REGION LOST ELECTRIC POWER, BUT ALL BUT A FEW HUNDRED HAD POWER AGAIN LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUED A PRELIMINARY REPORT CLASSIFYING THE STORM AS AN EF2 TORNADO. THAT INDICATES WINDS OF 111 TO 135 MPH WITH DAMAGE INCLUDING BLOWN-OFF ROOFS AND SHIFTED FOUNDATIONS.

MOTHER KILLED
DA: 'MOUNTAIN OF EVIDENCE' AGAINST PA. UNDERTAKER
LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA PROSECUTOR SAYS HE HAS PRESENTED A "MOUNTAIN OF EVIDENCE" AGAINST A FUNERAL DIRECTOR ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS WIFE THAT PROVES HIS GUILT "WAY BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT." LANCASTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CRAIG STEADMAN TOLD JURORS WEDNESDAY THAT ONLY THEY HAVE THE POWER TO HOLD 42-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ROSEBORO ACCOUNTABLE. DEFENSE LAWYER ALLAN SODOMSKY SAID HIS CLIENT IS GUILTY OF ADULTERY AND TOLD LIES TO COVER UP AN AFFAIR BUT SAID THERE IS NO DIRECT EVIDENCE THAT ROSEBORO KILLED HIS WIFE. HE REPEATEDLY USED THE PHRASE "REASONABLE DOUBT" AS HE URGED THE JURY TO ACQUIT HIS CLIENT. PROSECUTORS ACCUSE ROSEBORO OF BEATING, STRANGLING AND DROWNING 45-YEAR-OLD JAN ROSEBORO SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS MISTRESS WITHOUT A MESSY DIVORCE. JURY DELIBERATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN THURSDAY.

EDITOR-SEX STING
PA. AG UPSET WITH EX-EDITOR'S PENALTY IN SEX STING
GREENSBURG, PA. (AP) - THE LAWYER A FOR FORMER SPORTS EDITOR IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA WHO GOT PROBATION FOR A SEX-STING CONVICTION SAYS PROSECUTORS ARE ENGAGING IN IMPROPER JUDGE-SHOPPING. ROBERT BRADY REPRESENTS THOMAS ROSE, WHO WAS CHARGED IN 2005 AFTER CHATTING ONLINE WITH A POLICE OFFICER POSING AS A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL. A HIGHER COURT ORDERED WESTMORELAND COUNTY JUDGE RICHARD MCCORMICK JR. TO REINSTATE THE FELONY CONVICTION OF USING COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT TO LURE A CHILD AND TO RE-SENTENCE ROSE. WITH NO EXPLANATION, HE SENTENCED ROSE ON TUESDAY TO PROBATION -- THE SAME SENTENCE HE'D GIVEN EARLIER. IN RESPONSE, PROSECUOTRS SAY THEY WILL TRY DRAWING STING SUSPECTS FROM WESTMORELAND COUNTY TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS FOR ARREST AND PROSECUTION. BRADY SAYS TO PROPER WAY TO HANDLE DISPUTES ABOUT WHETHER JUDGES HAVE FOLLOWED THE LAW IS TO GO TO APPEALS COURTS, NOT TO AVOID A JUDGE'S JURISDICTION.

NORTHERN LIBERTIES SHOOTING
PHILLY POLICE NAB ALLEGED GUNMAN IN APT. SLAYING
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A MAN ACCUSED OF BEING A GUNMAN IN A DOUBLE-HOMICIDE AT AN UPSCALE PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT COMPLEX IS IN CUSTODY. POLICE SAY 33-YEAR-OLD DONNELL MURCHISON WAS ARRESTED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. A DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL CHASING HIM ON FOOT WAS HIT BY A VAN AND WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WITH A HEAD INJURY BUT IS EXPECTED TO RECOVER. MURCHISON IS THE SIXTH PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH A DOUBLE HOMICIDE AT THE PIAZZA AT SCHMIDTS ON JUNE 27. FORTY-YEAR-OLD RIAN THAL AND 41-YEAR-OLD TIMOTHY GILMORE WERE THE VICTIMS OF THAT CRIME. POLICE FOUND FOUR KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE AND $100,000 IN THAL'S APARTMENT.

DETECTIVE'S FUNERAL
TROOPERS TAKE OVER PA. TOWN'S POLICING FOR FUNERAL
CARLISLE, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA STATE TROOPERS ARE TAKING OVER POLICING IN THE BOROUGH OF CARLISLE FOR FIVE HOURS FRIDAY TO ALLOW LOCAL POLICE TO ATTEND A COLLEAGUE'S FUNERAL. DETECTIVE RONALD EGOLF WAS STILL AN ACTIVE DETECTIVE WHEN HE DIED AT HOME MONDAY AT THE AGE OF 57. CARLISLE MAYOR KIRK WILSON SAYS STATE POLICE MADE THE OFFER SHORTLY AFTER EGOLF'S DEATH. THEY ARE TO HANDLE POLICE CALLS FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. RIDAY. EGOLF'S FUNERAL IS 11 A.M. FRIDAY AT BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH IN CARLISLE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WANT TO SHOW PROGRESS ON A PROPOSED HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL BEFORE LAWMAKERS LEAVE ON THEIR AUGUST BREAK. THEY'RE AIMING TO GET PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S TOP DOMESTIC PRIORITY THROUGH TWO KEY COMMITTEES IN THE COMING DAYS. A
VOTE BY THE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE COULD COME AS SOON AS
TODAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - EMERGENCY LEGISLATION IS MOVING THROUGH CONGRESS TO KEEP SOME VITAL FEDERAL PROGRAMS FROM GOING BROKE NEXT MONTH WHILE LAWMAKERS ARE ON VACATION. THE MEASURE INCLUDES A FUND TRANSFER TO KEEP UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FLOWING. THE HOUSE PASSED THE MEASURE YESTERDAY. NOW IT'S UP TO THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A FEDERAL JUDGE HEARS ARGUMENTS LATER TODAY ON
WHETHER A YOUNG GUANTANAMO BAY DETAINEE WILL GO HOME TO AFGHANISTAN -- OR TO THE UNITED STATES TO FACE PROSECUTION. THE PRISONER HAS BEEN HELD FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS FOR AN ALLEGED GRENADE ATTACK ON TWO U.S. SOLDIERS. IT'S UNCLEAR WHETHER HE WAS 17 AT THE TIME OF
HIS ARREST -- OR AS YOUNG AS 12.

SEATTLE (AP) - HEAT RECORDS ARE BEING BROKEN IN SEVERAL PARTS OF THE NORTHWEST. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE TEMPERATURE HIT 103 DEGREES IN SEATTLE YESTERDAY. RECORDS SHOW THAT'S THE HOTTEST DAY SINCE 1891. AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS IN EFFECT THROUGH TOMORROW IN MUCH OF WESTERN WASHINGTON STATE.

SYDNEY (AP) - MUFFY THE DOG HAS BEEN FOUND ALIVE AND WELL, NINE YEARS AFTER VANISHING FROM HER FAMILY'S HOME IN AUSTRALIA. AUTHORITIES FOUND HER IN ANOTHER BACKYARD ABOUT 1,200 MILES AWAY. SHE WAS IDENTIFIED BY A MICROCHIP IN HER NECK. NO ONE'S QUITE SURE WHAT THE DOG HAS BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME.

Today's News-Wednesday July 29 2009

STANDOFF ENDS PEACEFULLY

POLICE FROM NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY RESOLVED A STANDOFF AT A MAHANOY CITY MAN’S HOME LAST NIGHT. POLICE FROM MAHANOY CITY WERE CALLED TO THE HOME OF 45 YEAR OLD VINCENT CROSBY ON WEST MAHANOY AVENUE, WHERE IT WAS REPORTED BY A NEIGHBOR HE HE WAS LOADING A WEAPON INSIDE. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT OFFICERS WERE NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE SITUATION AND CORDONED OFF THE AREA SURROUNDING THE HOUSE, AND WITHIN ABOUT 90 MINUTES, CROSBY WAS TAKEN AWAY TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER FOR A MEDICAL EVALUATION. MAHANOY CITY PD WAS ASSISTED BY LOCAL AND STATE POLICE IN RESOLVING THE SITUATION QUICKLY.

STINE TO LEAVE 4 SEATS VACANT FOR NOW

A COUNTY JUDGE SAYS HE WON'T APPOINT ANY MORE MEMBERS TO THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD FOR THE TIME BEING WHILE BOARD MEMBERS HE REMOVED APPEAL THEIR OUSTER. JUDGE D. MICHAEL STINE REMOVED EIGHT OF THE NINE MEMBERS OF THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL BOARD IN A JUNE 23 ORDER. HE SAID THEY BROKE THE LAW BY FAILING TO APPOINT A NEW SUPERIENTENDENT FOR TWO YEARS AFTER THE OLD ONE LEFT. TWO DAYS LATER, STINE APPOINTED FOUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD, ALLOWING IT ENOUGH MEMBERS TO HAVE A QUORUM TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. THE OUSTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ARE APPEALING TO COMMONWEALTH COURT. ON TUESDAY, THE JUDGE SAID HE WOULD LEAVE THE REMAINING FOUR SEATS VACANT WHILE ACTION IS PENDING IN THE HIGHER COURT.

GOODMAN, SEIP URGE STOPGAP PAY MEASURE

A COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH BREAKING THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE BUDGET STALEMATE IS TO MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME WEDNESDAY. BUT THE JOINT HOUSE-SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE HOLDS LITTLE PROMISE OF CLOSING THE YAWNING DIVIDE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC GOV. ED RENDELL AND REPUBLICANS WHO CONTROL THE STATE SENATE. THIS COMES AFTER HUNDREDS OF STATE EMPLOYEES FACING DISAPPEARING PAYCHECKS RANG COWBELLS, WAVED SIGNS AND SHOUTED SLOGANS IN A RAUCOUS DISPLAY OF ANGER. ONE MAN CARRIED A SIGN THAT READ, "WILL WORK FOR PAYCHECK." FRIDAY IS SUPPOSED TO BE PAYDAY. BUT 33,000 EMPLOYEES WHO RECEIVED A PARTIAL PAYCHECK ON JULY 17 WILL RECEIVE NOTHING, UNLESS RENDELL MAKES GOOD ON A PLEDGE TO FIND A WAY TO SPEED MONEY TO MAKE PAYROLL. A BILL IN THE STATE HOUSE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED, AND CO SPONSORED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LEGISLATORS NEAL GOODMAN AND TIM SEIP URGES THE POWERS THAT BE TO PUT A STOPGAP MEASURE IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE THAT STATE WORKERS GET PAID ON TIME.

DAIRY FARMERS TRY TO HANG ON FOR HIGHER MILK PRICES

WHILE THE GOVERNORS BID FOR DEBT RELIEF FOR PENNSYLVANIA DAIRY FARMERS COULD HELP THEM RIDE OUT THE CURRENT MILK PRICE DOWNTURN, AN ECONOMIST IN PENN STATES COLLEGE OF AG SCIENCES SAYS BETTER PRICES COULD BE IN SIGHT. RENDELL JOINED SEVEN OTHER NORTHEASTERN GOVERNORS TO SEEK DEBT RELIEF FROM THE U-S-D-A IN RESPONSE TO HIGH PRODUCTION COSTS AND LOW MILK PRICES. PENN STATE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST JIM DUNN SAYS, WHILE THE RELIEF WOULD BE SHORT-TERM, IT COULD HELP KEEP STRUGGLING DAIRY PRODUCERS IN BUSINESS UNTIL PRICES REBOUND:

DUNN

THE WEAK PRICES ARE A RESULT OF AMERICAN OVERPRODUCTION, AS THE NATION'S DAIRY PRODUCERS EXPANDED TO FILL INTERNATIONAL DEMAND.

UNDERAGE DRINKING FIGHT GETS SHOT IN ARM

A COUNTY AGENCY HAS RECEIVED MONIES FROM THE PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES TO PREVENT UNDERAGE AND DANGEROUS DRINKING. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY’S COMMUNITIES MOBILIZING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TUESDAY. TAMMY SPEVAK, CMCA PROGRAM COORDINATOR SAYS THE MONEY WILL BE USED TO OFFER THE PLCB LICENSEE BEVERAGE SERVER TRAINING PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND TO MARKET A PROGRAM TO PARENTS ABOUT THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND LEGAL RISKS ABOUT SERVING ALCOHOL TO TEENS. SCHUYLKILL CMCA IS ONE OF 73 GROUPS RECEIVING FUNDS FROM THE LCB.

DRUG PUSHER SENTENCED

A BUCKS COUNTY MAN INVOLVED IN A SCHUYLKILL-COLUMBIA COUNTY DRUG RING HAS BEEN SENTENCED IN FEDERAL COURT. US ATTORNEY FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PA MARTIN CARLSON SAID 25 YEAR OLD KEVIN CLIVER OF PERKASIE WAS SENTENCED TO 40 MONTHS IN PRISON AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE MORE THAN 500 GRAMS OF COKE, METH AND MARIJUANA. CLIVER WAS ONE OF THREE PEOPLE INDICTED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY AS THE RESULT OF A D.E.A INVESTIGATION.

BURGLARIES IN AREA

STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING TWO SEPARATE BURGLARIES IN OUR AREA. THE FIRST ONE OCCURRED OVER A ONE MONTH PERIOD AT A LONG RUN ROAD HOME. SOMEONE TOOK MONEY FROM A SAFE OWNED BY BRANDI DALTON. A SUMMER VALLEY ROAD HOME WAS BURGLARIZED DURING THE DAY TUESDAY, GAINING ENTRANCE THROUGH A WINDOW AT THE REAR OF THE HOUSE. AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF PROPERTY WAS TAKEN DURING THE BREAK IN. CONTACT STATE POLICE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THESE BURGLARIES.

TAMAQUA MAN INJURED

A TAMAQUA MAN WAS SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE HE WAS RIDING WAS STRUCK BY A TRUCK. ACCORDING TO RUSH TOWNSHIP POLICE, 61 YEAR OLD GARY WETTERAU WAS RIDING HIS CYCLE ON ROUTE 309 WHEN A TRUCK DRIVEN BY JOHN COOL OF HOMETOWN PULLED OUT FROM HOLLAND STREET AND HIT WETTERAU. WETTERAU WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF FACIAL INJURIES. HE REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION.

FAIR DRAWS GOOD CROWD DURING KIDS DAY

THE KIDS TOOK OVER THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TUESDAY ON ONE OF THE WARMEST DAYS OF THE SUMMER SO FAR. GAMES AND OTHER FUN GAVE KIDS A FULL DAYS ENTERTAINMENT, WITH MUSIC FROM AREA FAVORITE THE FABULOUS GREASEBAND ON THE M&T BANK STAGE. TODAY…THE FAIR IS TURNED OVER TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND MUSIC FROM BEATLE TRIBUTE BAND “THE RETURN” AT 7 & 9 PM.



SUV SLAYING
PA. MAN CHARGED IN SLAYING IN FRONT OF CHILDREN
CAMP HILL, PA. (AP) - A SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA MAN SHOT DEAD IN FRONT OF HIS GIRLFRIEND AND HER CHILDREN FILED A POLICE REPORT DYS EARLIER ACCUSING HIS GIRLFRIEND'S ESTRANGED HUSBAND OF STALKING HIM. KENNETH GEIGER III FILED A POLICE REPORT JULY 22 SAYING 3-YEAR-OLD RICKY MILLER JR. OF GAP, LANCASTER COUNTY, HAD FOLLOWED HIM FROM HIS HOME IN HAMDEN TOWNSHIP TO HIS JOB IN CAMP HILL. POLICE CONSIDERED CHARGING MILLER WITH HARASSMENT BUT HAD NOT DONE SO WHEN GEIGER WAS SHOT AND KILLED SUNDAY NIGHT. MILLER WAS CAPTURED MONDAY NIGHT AFTER A DAYLONG HUNT AFTER HE APPARENTLY FELL 15 FEET FROM AN OIL STORAGE TANK IN HAMPDEN
TOWNSHIP DURING HEAVY RAIN. MILLER IS CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT OF CRIMINAL HOMICIDE AND FOUR COUNTS OF RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON.

MOTHER KILLED
DEFENSE RESTS IN PA. UNDERTAKER'S MURDER TRIAL
LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - THE DEFENSE HAS RESTED ITS CASE IN THE TRIAL OF A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FUNERAL DIRECTOR ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS WIFE. DEFENSE ATTORNEY ALLAN SODOMSKY RESTED HIS CASE TUESDAY AFTERNOON AFTER CALLING EIGHT WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENSE OF 42-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ROSEBORO. LANCASTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CRAIG STEADMAN MAINTAINS THAT ROSEBORO KILLED 45-YEAR-OLD JAN ROSEBORO A YEAR AGO SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS MISTRESS WITHOUT A MESSY DIVORCE. THE DEFENSE ACKNOWLEDGES THE AFFAIR BUT SUGGESTS THAT AN INTRUDER MAY HAVE KILLED JAN ROSEBORO. SODOMSKY MAINTAINS THAT HIS CLIENT FOUND HIS WIFE'S BODY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL AT THEIR HOME IN REINHOLDS ON JULY 22. HE SAYS
HE TRIED TO REVIVE HER AND SOUGHT HELP.

BRYN MAWR HIT-RUN CHARGES EXPECTED IN PHILLY-AREA HIT-RUN BRYN MAWR, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SAY A WOMAN SUSPECTED OF STRIKING A 13-YEAR-OLD BICYCLIST WITH A CAR AND LEAVING THE SCENE WITHOUT STOPPING IS COOPERATING WITH THE INVESTIGATION. LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP POLICE SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL MCGRATH SAYS WHEN THE 75-YEAR-OLD VILLANOVA WOMAN WAS CONFRONTED BY INVESTIGATORS TUESDAY, SHE ADMITTED HER ROLE IN THE JULY 15 ACCIDENT AND SAID SHE THOUGHT SHE'D STRUCK A DEER. MCGRATH SAYS CHARGES WON'T BE FILED UNTIL INVESTIGATORS FINISH PROCESSING THE IMPOUNDED CAR, LIKELY THURSDAY. THE BOY WAS AIRLIFTED TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA WITH A HEAD INJURY AND WAS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT FIRST, BUT IS NOW RECOVERING AT HOME.

CARPET BODY
MEDICAL EXAMINER IDS PITTSBURGH-AREA PARK CORPSE
WILKINSBURG, PA. (AP) - THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER HAS IDENTIFIED THE DECOMPOSING BODY OF A WOMAN FOUND WRAPPED IN A CARPET IN A PARK JUST EAST OF PITTSBURGH LAST WEEK. DR. KARL WILLIAMS SAYS THE DEAD WOMAN IS 36-YEAR-OLD AMY LYNN KUCSMAS OF MOUNT OLIVER, A TINY PITTSBURGH SUBURB AND HAS RULED HER DEATH A HOMICIDE, EVEN THOUGH MORE TESTS ARE NEEDED TO DETERMINE HOW SHE WAS KILLED. MAINTENANCE WORKERS FOUND HER BODY FRIDAY IN HARDING PARK IN WILKINSBURG. THE WORKERS UNWRAPPED THE CARPET BELIEVING IT CONTAINED A DEAD ANIMAL. WILLIAMS USED A FINGERPRINT, A DISTINCTIVE TATTOO AND DENTAL RECORDS TO CONFIRM THE IDENTITY. NOBODY HAS BEEN CHARGED IN THE KILLING.

JUDICIAL CENTER-OPENING
PA.'S NEW $117 MILLION JUSTICE HQ OPENS ITS DOORS
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE BRAND-NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS ALREADY WELCOMING IN THE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO WILL BE WORKING THERE. PUBLIC ACCESS IS CURRENTLY RESTRICTED FOR SECURITY REASONS, BUT OFFICIALS SHOWED OFF THE HARRISBURG BUILDING FOR REPORTERS THIS WEEK, PROUDLY POINTING OUT THE PROJECT WAS COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE AND ABOUT $350,000 UNDER BUDGET. THE $117 MILLION STRUCTURE LOOKS A LOT LIKE THE OTHER GRAY BUILDINGS THAT SURROUND IT IN THE CAPITOL COMPLEX. COMMONWEALTH COURT IS EXPECTED TO HOLD ITS SEPTEMBER SESSIONS THERE. THE STATE SUPREME AND SUPERIOR COURTS WILL CONTINUE TO PRESIDE IN THE ORNATE COURTROOMS IN PHILADELPHIA, PITTSBURGH AND INSIDE THE MAIN CAPITOL BUILDING. BUT MOST OTHER STATE COURT SYSTEM FUNCTIONS ARE BEING CONSOLIDATED FROM AMONG EIGHT DIFFERENT ZIP CODES INTO THE NEW STRUCTURE.

OBIT-JOHNSON
LONGTIME EAGLES ASSISTANT JIM JOHNSON DEAD AT 68
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - JIM JOHNSON, WHOSE ATTACKING DEFENSES HELPED THE EAGLES TO ONE SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE AND FIVE NFC TITLE GAMES, HAS DIED. HE WAS 68. JOHNSON HAD TAKEN A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE TEAM IN MAY AS HE CONTINUED TO BATTLE A CANCEROUS TUMOR ON HIS SPINE. THE EAGLES ANNOUNCED HIS DEATH ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. A VETERAN OF 22 YEARS AS AN NFL ASSISTANT, JOHNSON IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE TOP DEFENSIVE MINDS IN THE LEAGUE, KNOWN FOR BUILDING UNITS ABLE TO PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK FROM EVERY ANGLE. HIS DEFENSES CONSISTENTLY RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE, INCLUDING LAST SEASON, WHEN THE EAGLES FINISHED THIRD IN TOTAL DEFENSE AND FELL ONE VICTORY SHORT OF THE SUPER BOWL. JOHNSON IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, VICKY, TWO CHILDREN AND FOUR GRANDCHILDREN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TAKES HIS APPEAL FOR A HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL BACK ON THE ROAD TODAY. THE PRESIDENT IS TRAVELING TO TWO POLITICALLY IMPORTANT STATES THAT HE WON LAST FALL AFTER DECADES OF REPUBLICAN DOMINANCE: NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE'S WORD A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS HAS AGREED TENTATIVELY ON A PLAN TO SQUEEZE AN ADDITIONAL $35 BILLION OUT OF MEDICARE OVER THE NEXT DECADE. MEANWHILE, A COMPANION HEALTH CARE BILL REMAINS STALLED IN THE HOUSE.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (AP) - CALIFORNIA GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER HAS SIGNED A REVISED $85 BILLION STATE BUDGET THAT HE DESCRIBES AS CONTAINING "THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY." BUT DEMOCRATS ARE
DENOUNCING ADDITIONAL CUTS MADE BY SCHWARZENEGGER IN WELFARE
PROGRAMS.

LONDON (AP) - A NEW STUDY SAYS PREGNANT WOMEN WHO GET SWINE FLU ARE AT LEAST FOUR TIMES AS LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED AS OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE VIRUS. CDC RESEARCHERS SAY PREGNANT WOMEN SUSPECTED OF HAVING SWINE FLU SHOULD BE GIVEN TAMIFLU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - MICHAEL JACKSON'S PERSONAL CHEF SAYS ON THE DAY THE POP STAR DIED, THE FIRST HINT SHE HAD THAT SOMETHING WAS AMISS WAS WHEN HIS DOCTOR DIDN'T COME DOWNSTAIRS TO GET JACKSON'S BREAKFAST FOR HIM. KAI CHASE SAYS IT WAS JUST AFTER NOON THAT DR. CONRAD MURRAY CAME RUNNING DOWNSTAIRS, SHOUTING. BEFORE THAT, SHE SAYS SHE SAW NO SIGN THAT JACKSON WAS IN FAILING HEALTH OR ON DRUGS.

Today's News-Tuesday, July 28, 2009

FIRE HEAVILY DAMAGES THREE HOMES IN POTTSVILLE

THREE POTTSVILLE CITY HOMES WERE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY A SUNDAY NIGHT FIRE. CITY FIRE OFFICIALS INDICATE THAT THE BLAZE STARTED BY AN UNATTENDED PAN COOKING ON THE STOVE AT 810 NORTH THIRD STREET. FLAMES THEN SPREAD TO ADJOINING ROW HOMES AT 808 AND 812 NORTH THIRD. ALL TOLD, EIGHT PEOPLE WERE LEFT HOMELESS. THE CALL CAME IN AROUND 9PM SUNDAY NIGHT.

LAST DEALER GOES TO JAIL

THE LAST FIGURE IN A DRUG DEALING OPERATION IS HEADED TO STATE PRISON. KENNETH PETUSKY, WHO WAS FOUND GUILTY IN JUNE OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN, COCAINE AND MARIJUANA, WILL SPEND 8 TO 16 YEARS IN JAIL. THE MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE OF 5 TO 10 YEARS FOR HAVING A GUN ALONG WITH THE DRUG SENTENCES WAS HANDED DOWN BY PRESIDENT JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN. PETUSKY JOINS LUIS CALCANO AND XAVIER PAGAN IN JAIL FTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE CASE.

HAVEN PD GETS GRANT

LOCAL POLICE HAVE RECEIVED A FINANCIAL BOOST FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO COMBAT UNDERAGE DRINKING. STATE REPRESENTATIVE TIM SEIP PRESENTED A CHECK TO SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE FOR MORE THAN $10-THOUSAND-DOLLARS MONDAY. BOROUGH POLICE WILL WORK WITH PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL POLICE TO BEEF UP ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, FOCUSING ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PENN STATE STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS IN THE BOROUGH. THE GRANT IS PROVIDED BY THE STATE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD’S BUREAU OF ALCOHOL EDUCATION.

FAIR COURT CROWNED

A MINERSVILLE TEEN HAS BEEN NAMED QUEEN OF THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR. 18 YEAR OLD MEGAN HOFFMAN EARNED THE CROWN MONDAY NIGHT. RHONDA CARL, A 9TH GRADE STUDENT FROM TRI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL WAS NAMED THE 2009 PRINCESS AND THE 2009 LITTLE MISS IS 7 YEAR OLD ANGELIQUE ANTONINI FROM SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. TODAY IS KIDS DAY AT THE 26TH ANNUAL SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR.

IDOL WINNER NAMED

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IDOL NUMBER 7 WAS NAMED YESTERDAY AT THE SCHUYLKILL MALL. 17 YEAR OLD ZACHARY SCHEIB OF HEGINS BEAT OUT TOM FRANKO OF POTTSVILLE AND JESSICA MOSER OF PORT CARBON. SCHEIB WON A $1-THOUSAND DOLLAR SCHUYLKILL MALL SHOPPING SPREE AND OTHER PRIZES. HE'LL ALSO PERFORM ON THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIR STAGE SATURDAY NIGHT.

STATE BUDGET
RENDELL CONSIDERING A STOPGAP BUDGET FOR PA.
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL IS CONSIDERING WAYS TO PAY FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS SO THAT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES DON'T MISS MORE PAYDAYS DURING THE ONGOING BUDGET IMPASSE. RENDELL SAID MONDAY THAT HE IS EXPLORING OPTIONS AND WANTS THE MONEY APPROVED BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS WEEK. PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGET IMPASSE IS APPROACHING ITS FIFTH WEEK. THE STATE'S BEEN STRIPPED OF ITS POWER TO PAY BILLS AND MEET ITS PAYROLL. NEARLY 80,000 STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE RECEIVED PARTIAL PAYDAYS BECAUSE THE STATE CAN'T PAY THEM FOR DAYS WORKED AFTER JUNE 30. SOME 33,000 FACE A PAYLESS PAYDAY ON FRIDAY. DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS ARE QUARRELING OVER THE SIZE OF THE STATE BUDGET, WITH FUNDAMENTAL DISAGREEMENTS OVER WHETHER TAXES SHOULD BE RAISED TO SUPPORT STATE PROGRAMS.

BALLPARK BEATING
POLICE: 2 CHARGED IN FATAL BEATING NEAR BALLPARK
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE HAVE CHARGED TWO MEN WITH MURDER AND HAVE A THIRD SUSPECT IN CUSTODY IN THE BEATING DEATH OF A MAN OUTSIDE THE PHILLIES' BALLPARK FOLLOWING A GAME. PHILADELPHIA POLICE HAVE CHARGED 35-YEAR-OLD CHARLES BOWERS AND 45-YEAR-OLD JIM GROVE WITH MURDER FOR ALLEGEDLY BEATING AND KICKING 22-YEAR-OLD DAVID SALE TO DEATH OUTSIDE CITIZENS BANK PARK ON SATURDAY. 28-YEAR-OLD FRANCIS KIRCHNER DECLINED TO COMMENT TO REPORTERS AS HE TURNED HIMSELF IN AROUND 6 P.M. YESTERDAY. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE FIGHT BEGAN WITH A CONFRONTATION BETWEEN TWO GROUPS INSIDE THE MCFADDEN'S PUB ATTACHED TO THE BALLPARK SPILLED OUTSIDE. BOTH GROUPS WERE KICKED OUT OF THE BAR. BUT THE FIGHT RESUMED OUTSIDE WHERE POLICE SAY SALE, OF NEARBY LANSDALE, WAS BEATEN AND KICKED REPEATEDLY IN THE HEAD. ONLINE COURT RECORDS SHOWED NO LAWYER FOR BOWERS. GROVE WAS REPRESENTED BY A PUBLIC DEFENDER; A MESSAGE LEFT WITH THE OFFICE WAS NOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED.

COURTHOUSE KICKBACKS
US JUDGE ASKED TO SAVE EVIDENCE IN PA. SCANDAL
SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS BEEN ASKED TO PRESERVE RECORDS OF A PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIAL SCANDAL THAT THE STATE SUPREME COURT HAS SAID SHOULD BE DESTROYED. THE HIGH COURT'S PLAN TO DELETE THOUSANDS OF JUVENILE COURT RECORDS WILL PREVENT JUVENILES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FROM PURSUING FEDERAL CLAIMS AGAINST A CORRUPT JUDGE AND KEEP THE PUBLIC IN THE DARK ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE JUDGE'S MISCONDUCT. THAT'S ACCORDING TO ATTORNEYS FOR VICTIMS OF THE CORRUPTION SCANDAL IN LUZERNE COUNTY. THEY ASKED A FEDERAL JUDGE MONDAY TO ORDER THE PRESERVATION OF MORE THAN 6,000 RECORDS AS EVIDENCE IN THEIR LAWSUIT AGAINST FORMER JUDGE MARK CIAVARELLA
AND OTHERS IN LUZERNE COUNTY. CIAVARELLA WAS CHARGED THIS YEAR WITH TAKING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO PUT JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN PRIVATELY OWNED DETENTION CENTERS. HE HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO FRAUD.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
PA. SENATE NEARS VOTE TO EXTEND JOBLESS BENEFITS
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A BILL EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN PENNSYLVANIA BY SEVEN WEEKS IS NEARING A STATE SENATE VOTE AFTER
DEMOCRATS ACCUSED REPUBLICANS OF BOTTLING UP THE MEASURE. THE SENATE LABOR AND INDUSTRY VOTED UNANIMOUSLY MONDAY TO PASS THE BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE. HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE AMENDED THE BILL SO THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY EXHAUSTED THEIR 72 WEEKS OF BENEFITS EARLIER THIS MONTH WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ADDITIONAL SEVEN WEEKS. A FULL SENATE VOTE IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY, ALTHOUGH THE SENATE'S AMENDMENT MEANS ANOTHER HOUSE VOTE IS NECESSARY BEFORE GOV. ED RENDELL CAN SIGN IT. THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL JULY 7. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD COVER THE EXTENSION FOR PEOPLE WHO LOST JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO COVER THE EXTENSION FOR THEIR EX-EMPLOYEES.

AIRPORT INVESTIGATION
FEDS PROBE PA. AIRPORT CONTSTRUCTION
SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A COUNTY COMMISSIONER IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAYS FEDERAL AGENTS HAVE ASKED FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE BUILDING OF A NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL. LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE WASHO SAID MONDAY THAT THE
COUNTY IS COOPERATING WITH THE INVESTIGATION AT WILKES- BARRE/SCRANTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. HE WOULDN'T SAY WHICH
FEDERAL AGENCY IS INVESTIGATING. THE AIRPORT IS OPERATED JOINTLY BY LACKAWANNA AND LUZERNE COUNTIES.

2000 STRANGULATION
PA. MAN CHARGED IN 2000 STRANGULATION DEATH
BETHELEHEM, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN PENNSYLVANIA'S LEHIGH VALLEY SAY A MAN HAS CONFESSED TO STRANGLING A MAN IN 2000. POLICE CHARGED 62-YEAR-OLD GREGORY GRANT WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE MONDAY FOR THE JUNE 9, 2000, KILLING OF 42-YEAR-OLD RUDOLPH CZOPOTH IN HIS APARTMENT IN BETHLEHEM. HE IS TO BE ARRAIGNED TUESDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY GRANT ACKNOWLEDGED ALL ALONG THAT HE'D BEEN IN CZOPOTH'S APARTMENT THE NIGHT HE WAS KILLED BUT DENIED KILLING HIM UNTIL RECENTLY. COURT RECORDS SHOW GRANT REGULARLY SUPPLIED CZOPOTH WITH THE DRUG PERCOCET. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY PATRICIA MULQUEEN SAYS IT'S TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER HER OFFICE WILL SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY AGAINST GRANT. IT WAS UNCLEAR MONDAY NIGHT WHETHER GRANT HAD A LAWYER.

NO RECOVERY COPS
4 BIG CITIES NO COPS AID
WASHINGTON (AP) - FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY A $1 BILLION ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROGRAM TO HELP CITIES AVOID LAYING OFF POLICE OFFICERS HAS DECIDED NOT TO GIVE MONEY TO FOUR MAJOR U.S. CITIES, NEW YORK, SEATTLE, HOUSTON AND PITTSBURGH. THE OFFICIALS TELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THE FOUR CITIES WERE
AMONG SOME 7,000 STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES THAT WILL NOT GET AID UNDER THE SO-CALLED COPS PROGRAM IN THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL PASSED EARLIER THIS YEAR. MORE THAN 1,000 AGENCIES WILL RECEIVE AID. THE OFFICIALS SPOKE MONDAY ON CONDITION OF ANONYMITY BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS PUBLICLY. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER ARE TO APPEAR IN PHILADELPHIA ON TUESDAY TO ANNOUNCE WHO GETS WHAT. AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT-DEATH

UPGRADED CHARGES IN DEATH OF EX-'IDOL' CONTESTANT
TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) - A TOMS RIVER MAN FACES AGGRAVATED MANSLAUGHTER AND DRUNKEN DRIVING CHARGES AFTER A WEEKEND ACCIDENT AT THE JERSEY SHORE THAT KILLED A FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT WHOSE ANGRY REJECTION RANT BECAME AN INTERNET SENSATION. OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR MARLENE FORD ANNOUNCED THE UPGRADED CHARGES MONDAY SHORTLY AFTER 23-YEAR-OLD DANIEL BARK HAD AN INITIAL COURT HEARING ON CHARGES OF RECKLESS DRIVING AND LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT. ALEXIS COHEN WAS KILLED WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK BY A MOTOR VEHICLE EARLY SATURDAY IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS. THE 24-YEAR-OLD ALLENTOWN, PA., RESIDENT PERFORMED DURING "AMERICAN IDOL'S" SEVENTH SEASON. BARK WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY. DEFENSE ATTORNEY DAVID GLASSMAN SAID BARK AND HIS FAMILY ARE DISTRAUGHT OVER COHEN'S DEATH.

MISSING WOMAN
PA. WOMAN MISSING SINCE 2002 MAY BE DECLARED DEAD
ERIE, PA. (AP) - THE MOTHER OF A NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN WHO HASN'T BEEN SEEN SINCE 2002 IS ASKING A JUDGE TO DECLARE HER LEGALLY DEAD.
SABRINA KAHLER, OF ERIE, WAS 20 WHEN SHE DISAPPEARED. SHE WAS LAST SEEN WITH AN ACQUAINTANCE WHO'S IN PRISON IN AN UNRELATED CASE AND HASN'T COOPERATED WITH INVESTIGATORS. HER MOTHER, SUSAN BURG, HAS ASKED A JUDGE TO DECLARE KAHLER LEGALLY DEAD. A JUDGE IS TO HEAR THE CASE SEPT. 15.

UPSKIRT VIDEOS
PA. TEEN CHARGED WITH FILMING UP SKIRTS AT SCHOOL
EMMAUS, PA. (AP) - A NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA TEEN IS CHARGED WITH FILMING UP THE SKIRTS OF FEMALE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AND POSTING THE IMAGES ONLINE. THE 15-YEAR-OLD EMMAUS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IS CHARGED WITH INVASION OF PRIVACY AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT, BOTH MISDEMEANORS. CITY POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED 19 VICTIMS SO FAR, ALL STUDENTS OR TEACHERS AT THE SCHOOL. AUTHORITIES SAY THE UPPER MILFORD TOWNSHIP BOY USED A CELL PHONE TO TAKE VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS POSTED TO SEVERAL WEB SITES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS CONTINUING HIS PUSH FOR A HEALTH-CARE OVERHAUL. HE'LL BE TAKING PART TODAY IN A TOWN-HALL MEETING ON HEALTH-CARE, SPONSORED BY THE AARP. MEANWHILE, A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS IS CLOSING IN ON A HEALTH CARE COMPROMISE THAT OMITS KEY DEMOCRATIC PRIORITIES AND TRIES TO HOLD DOWN COSTS.

TALIL, IRAQ (AP) - DEFENSE SECRETARY ROBERT GATES HAS ARRIVED IN IRAQ ON A VISIT TO SEE THE FUTURE OF THE U.S. MILITARY MISSION THERE. HIS FIRST STOP IS A SOUTHERN IRAQ COMMAND POST, WHERE U.S. TROOPS ARE SERVING MAINLY AS ADVISERS TO IRAQI FORCES.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THERE'S WORD THAT AUTHORITIES BELIEVE MICHAEL JACKSON'S PERSONAL DOCTOR GAVE HIM THE INTRAVENEOUS DRUG THAT KILLED HIM. AN OFFICIAL TELLS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THAT DR. CONRAD MURRAY GAVE THE POP STAR THE POWERFUL ANESTHETIC PROPOFOL AT JACKSON'S HOME SOMETIME AFTER MIDNIGHT THE DAY JACKSON DIED. THE DRUG CAN DEPRESS BREATHING AND LOWER HEART RATES, AND IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE GIVEN IN MEDICAL SETTINGS.

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS (AP) - OFFICIALS NOW SAY AT LEAST 113 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN RESCUED AFTER A BOAT CARRYING HAITIAN MIGRANTS SANK OFF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. AS MANY AS 85 PEOPLE ARE STILL MISSING. A SURVIVOR SAYS THE VESSEL WAS CARRYING UP TO 200 HAITIANS. AIRCRAFT ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN IN THE SEARCH AT FIRST LIGHT THIS MORNING.

ATLANTA (AP) - ATLANTA MAY SOON BECOME THE FIRST MAJOR U.S. CITY TO ELIMINATE ALL OF ITS LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS. CITIES FROM BOSTON TO LOS ANGELES ARE TRYING TO DO THE SAME THING: RAZING MAJOR PROJECTS AND REPLACING THEM WITH A MIX OF HIGHER-RENT AND SUBSIDIZED HOMES AND APARTMENTS. BUT THERE'S CONCERN THAT NOT ENOUGH SUBSIDIZED HOMES REMAIN, AND THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES ARE BEING DUMPED ON THE STREETS.

Today's News - Monday July 27, 2009

The 26th annual Schuylkill County Fair began yesterday to a brisk start all though mother nature wasn't exactly cooperative. The official first-day attendance was 1,746, compared to about 1,900 in 2008. The event will be filled with rides, animals, rows of food stands, live entertainment, small games of chance and a challenging mechanical bull through Aug. 1. Also last evening the second annual church choir contest was held, judged by members of the Schuylkill County Choral Society. Four area church choirs also performed on stage during the opening ceremonies: Holy Cross Guitar Choir, New Philadelphia; First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven; Christ/Zion Charge, New Ringgold, and Covenant United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven. This year's winner, the eight-member Holy Cross Guitar Choir, performed "Peace on Earth" and "You Are Holy" and took home a certificate and a blue ribbon, Evanchalk said. The Queen/Princess Contest will be held on the M&T Stage at 4 p.m. today. There are 25 girls competing for fair royalty titles: Four Queen candidates, nine Princess candidates and 12 candidates for Little Miss, said Kate E. Kline, Valley View, the 2005 fair queen who is now adviser for the fair royalty. Today is Family Day at the fair. The gates open to the public at 4 p.m.

A 21-year-old Mahanoy City man was electrocuted early Sunday morning while trespassing on PPL property in Mahanoy Township, state police at Frackville said. According to the Republican and Herald, Jason Oshman was treated at the scene along Tower Road near the Village of Park Place and then taken by Mahanoy City EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. A spokesperson at Lehigh Valley said that Oshman was treated and the admitted Sunday afternoon in critical condition. Due to weather conditions, medical helicopters were unable to fly. Mahanoy City EMS took Oshman to Pottsville where they picked up the Pottsville-based MedEvac helicopter flight crew who accompanied the patient to the Lehigh Valley trauma center. Troopers said the incident happened around 2:40 a.m. when Oshman and some friends were trespassing on land owned by the power company. Oshman climbed one of the massive utility poles and was electrocuted by a 66,000-volt power line causing him to fall about 70-feet to the ground below, troopers said. Troopers said their investigation into the incident is continuing and charges may be pending.

Three families are temporarily homeless following a kitchen fire yesterday in the City of Pottsville. Homes at 812 and 810 North Third Street were damaged by flames while the home at 808 North Third Street sustained some damage to it's roof but mostly smoke and water damage. City fire crews were summoned to the scene around five after nine last evening and continued to work throughout the night. The fire was deemed under control within an hour. Crews will investigate the cause of the fire today.

With the annual Great Pottsville Car Cruise less than two weeks away, city police are reminding both participants and spectators that breaking the law will not be tolerated. As reported by the Republican and Herald, police will have extra officers on duty the day of the cruise, both on patrol in uniform and in plain clothes mingling with the crowd. Police will be keeping an eye out for violations of the open container law that prohibits alcohol in public. Tickets will also be issued for any cruise participant acting up by doing things like spinning the tires on their vehicles or any other unsafe maneuvers. The cruise, sponsored by Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., Schuylkill Haven, is in its 16th year and will feature five days of activities that begin Aug. 5 and end with the cruise on Aug. 9. Judging will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the cruise set to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. After the cruise, live music and a car show will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Martz Hall in Pottsville.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown will hold two days of services this week to ordain and install its fourth bishop, Monsignor John O. Barres. While the public can attend a celebration of Solemn Vespers at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Siena, 18th and Turner streets, Allentown, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, tickets for the Mass of Ordination and Installation at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the cathedral are no longer available. About 650 tickets were given out by the diocese, many to priests, deacons and friends of the bishop-elect. At 2 p.m., a procession of diocesan deacons, priests and bishops will lead the bishop-elect to the altar. The Mass, which starts at 2:30 p.m., is expected to be a 2 1/2 to 3-hour service, Kerr said.

The North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program has released the following Information from a Sobriety Checkpoint held on 24 July 2009 in Schuylkill Haven . A total of 1339 vehicles were contacted. With 41 vehicles detained and 6 operators tested for DUI. There were 4 adult DUI arrests. There were 15 traffic arrests, 6 criminal arrests, and 27 warnings issued. A total of six Police Departments and 10 Officers participated. This checkpoint is part of the North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police say charges are imminent against at least two people in the beating death of a man during a melee outside the Philadelphia Phillies' ballpark. Police say a group from a bachelor party got into a fight with other patrons at McFadden's pub in the Citizens Bank Park complex. A 22-year-old Lansdale man died in the fight.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell's office has been flooded with phone calls, e-mails and personal visits to a far greater degree this year in response to talk of cuts in the state's approximately $28 billion budget. Officials say it will mean layoffs and belt-tightening at everything from veterans' homes to public television stations.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia fire officials say cooking sparked a weekend fire in a northeastern Philadelphia row house that killed a woman and a boy. It also injured five others. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says Debbie Hatchett and seven-year-old Quamier Hatchett were trapped on the second floor and died despite efforts by firefighters to reach them.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia economic development officials hope to foster an "energy campus" at the city's old Navy yard. They envision a place allowing businesses, academics and military engineers to pool their efforts to come up with commercial ventures
such as alternative energy sources or smart-grid technology.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Mine operator Foundation Coal Holdings is due to report its second-quarter financial results. Monday's announcement will come a week before shareholders of Linthicum Heights, Md.-based Foundation are scheduled to vote on a $1.4 billion takeover offer by rival Alpha Natural Resources.

WASHINGTON (AP) - When it comes to passing President Barack Obama's health overhaul plan, Democrats acknowledge they can't do it without the help of Republicans. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad tells ABC's "This Week" there aren't enough votes for Democrats to go it alone.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Two days of high-level talks between the United States and China open today in Washington with opening remarks by President Barack Obama. Both sides are emphasizing the importance of the meetings, which will tackle such issues as trade,
deficits and foreign policy.

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities are looking for answers, a day after a wrong-way crash on a stretch of highway in Westchester County, N.Y. left eight people dead. Police want to know why a woman driving a minivan got onto the Taconic State Parkway heading in the wrong direction. The woman and four children in the minivan died along with three men in an SUV.

KABUL (AP) - An Afghan official says the government and a Taliban commander who controls a small part of northwestern Afghanistan have agreed to a cease-fire. A spokesman in President Hamid Karzai's office says the agreement will allow a road construction project to move forward and for presidential candidates to open offices in the region ahead of next month's election.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - A Virginia man convicted of joining al-Qaida and plotting to assassinate President George W. Bush is to face resentencing today in a Virginia courtroom. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali (AHK'-med OH'-mar ah-BOO' ah-LEE') was convicted in

Today's News - Saturday July 25, 2009

Christmas in July Dance and Raffle will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Elk's Lodge in Frackville. Tickets WILL BE available at the door. The raffle includes over 50 great prizes. Tickets will cost $15 and includes the raffle, free t-shirt, live entertainment by Karp-Palina-Swartz and Friends Plus special appearance by Tomosius K. with local hometown artists. BBQ and variety of finger foods- All drinks (alcohol/non-alcohol) not included in admission/raffle price - Cash bar at the Elk's. You do not have to be present to win the raffle but come out and dance, eat and drink for a great evening. Sponsored by the Frackville Recreation Board and Yuengling Brewery. ONLY 200 TICKETS BEING SOLD! GET All money raised will go to support the Frackville Christmas parade and annual holiday events. Doors open at 7pm. Event is from 8-12am.

The first phase of a roadway improvement project to install and upgrade storm water systems and handicap ramps in St. Clair is under way and set to wrap up in mid-September. As reported in the Republican and Herald, Barletta Materials & Construction Inc., Hazleton, is the contractor for the project, which includes about 35 inlets for storm sewer overflow, sewer pipes and about 68 handicap ramps. The first phase of the work is primarily in the east side of town. No dates are set for the second phase, which is still being drafted by the borough's engineers, but it won't be until at least next spring or summer when weather permits more outdoor work. According to officials, the handicap ramps are being constructed to meet PennDOT requirements for improvements at the sites of street maintenance. Another borough program, the conversion of the electrical light system, is also in its second phase, and the work will lead to some electrical power interruptions between about 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday.

A federal agency is encouraging people living in Schuylkill, Carbon and Luzerne counties to have a sample of their blood tested to determine whether they have been exposed to whatever is causing an unusually high incidence of a rare blood disorder. According to the Republican and Herald, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry confirmed in August 2008 that a statistically significant number of people living around the area of Ben Titus Road in Rush Township between Hazleton and Tamaqua have been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, or PV, a disorder that causes bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. Because the same study identified two smaller, but still statistically significant, clusters of the disorder - one south of Frackville and one near Jim Thorpe - anyone living within the "greater hot zone area" is urged to participate in the blood sample testing. The hot zones are general areas radiating 10 to 20 miles or more from the center of the confirmed cluster areas. The test will screen for a genetic marker called JAK2, which researchers have identified as a possible indicator of PV. Hundreds have already registered to have their blood tested. The ATSDR has established blood testing centers at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, St. Jerome Church, Tamaqua, and Hazleton General Hospital. Blood samples will be collected Aug. 3 through 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again Aug. 10 through 13. Evening appointments are also available. Although scientists generally believe the incubation period for PV and other cancers is 10 to 20 years, prompting the ATSDR to urge people age 40 and older to undergo the blood test, everyone in the hot zones is urged to get the test regardless of age.

The partnership that wants to build a cargo airport asked Schuylkill County Court on Friday to force the county Zoning Hearing Board to consider its application for a special exception for the facility. As reported by the Republican and Herald, in a two-page petition, Gladstone Partners LP, Pittsburgh, alleged county Zoning Officer Carole A. Cooney-Syzdek exceeded her authority when she refused to process the application it filed on June 9. It asked the court to require the board to consider the application as having been filed on that date. That was two days before East Union Township, where part of the airport will be located, adopted its own zoning ordinance, and Cooney-Syzdek ruled the "pending ordinance doctrine" required her to refuse the application. East Union officials oppose the airport, which would be built west of Interstate 81 in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. In March 2008, the supervisors adopted an ordinance banning aircraft from flying into and out of the township. Cooney-Syzdek's decision was improper, according to Gladstone. Gladstone alleged it received a letter on July 2 from the county saying it was returning both of its applications, one for a zoning permit and the other for a hearing, along with the appropriate fees.

STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A 28-year-old northeastern Pennsylvania man convicted of kidnapping a 14-year-old Pennsylvania girl and raping her in a motel last year has been sentenced to 47 to 94 years in prison. Derek Bengtsson was sentenced Friday by a Monroe County judge. At his trial in May, the East Stroudsburg man testified that the girl went with him willingly and the sex was consensual, but a jury convicted him after an hour and a half of deliberations. Police say the girl escaped when Bengtsson fell asleep. He fired shots when police arrived, starting a a 90-minute standoff with police.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Pennsylvania has 218 men and five women on death row - the fourth-largest death row population in the United States. But it's been 10 years since anyone was actually executed. Pennsylvania brought back the death penalty in 1978, but only three inmates have been put to death since then. All had dropped their appeals. The most recent was Gary Heidnik, who got a lethal injection in 1999 for imprisoning, torturing and murdering two women in the basement of his Philadelphia home. Since Heidnik's death, Pennsylvania has come close to executions a few times. In 2000, Daniel Saranchak was to be executed for the 1993 shooting deaths of his grandmother and uncle, but a federal judge ordered a new trial, citing an ineffective lawyer. And George Banks was to be put to death in 2004 for the 1982 massacre of 13 people, but a state judge said he was too mentally ill.

READING, Pa. (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union is asking the state Supreme Court to release 18 central Pennsylvania inmates sentenced to jail without attorneys present in court. ACLU of Pennsylvania attorney Mary Catherine Roper filed the petition Thursday. She says the 18 didn't have attorneys when sentenced to Berks County Prison for failure to pay child support. The ACLU learned of the cases when contacted by 45-year-old Cesar Cepeda Jr., sentenced by Judge Timothy Rowley in July 2008 to 15 months in jail. The ACLU says President Judge Jeffrey Schmehl has said all 18 inmates will get new hearings with attorneys present, but he has refused to release them in the meantime.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A fluorescent feathered friend has flown the coop in Philadelphia.
Officials at the Philadelphia Zoo say a tropical bird went missing Thursday during the Festival of Flight bird show. Zoo spokesman Bill Larson says the zoo is very worried about the juvenile sun conure (CON'-yer). Larson says the birds are trained to fly from one perch to another for the show but can get distracted or frightened and lose their way. The AWOL avian is mostly yellow with a green tail. Anyone who catches a glimpse of the bird is asked to alert the zoo.

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Slinky fans take note: the central Pennsylvania estate of the late matriarch of the toy empire is up for auction Saturday, including some unusual versions of that "fun and wonderful toy." Betty James died in November at age 90. She co-founded James Industries Inc., in 1945 with her husband, who invented the springy Slinky. James took over in 1960 after her husband left the family for a religious cult. Several years later, James moved the company from the Philadelphia area to her hometown of Hollidaysburg. An ad by the auctioneers at Roan Inc., bills James as "The Slinky-Toy Lady." Among the Slinkys listed for auction are an original neon Slinky Jr.; a set of "Goofy Droopy Eyes" slinky glasses; and a "Slinky Three Little Pigs" pull toy.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The New York Times says if certain members of the Bush administration had gotten their way, troops would have been sent into Lackawanna, N.Y., in 2002 to arrest a group of terror suspects. The paper says President George W. Bush ultimately rejected the idea, which had been embraced by Vice President Dick Cheney.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (AP) - Federal investigators are combing hospitals along the U.S.-Mexico border for at least two suspects who may have been injured in gunfire that killed a Border Patrol agent in Southern California. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times says police in Tecate, Mexico, report arresting an injured man found walking near the crime scene with a Border Patrol-issued weapon.

OCOTAL, Nicaragua (AP) - The ousted president of Honduras returned to his country for less than 30 minutes. Manuel Zelaya stepped over the border from Nicaragua and called on fellow Hondurans to resist the government that overthrew him. Then he retreated back to Nicaraguan territory.

BEIJING (AP) - A human rights monitor says some 30,000 Chinese steelworkers clashed with police in a protest over plans to merge their mill with another company. According to the report, several hundred people were injured in Friday's clash, and the other company's general manager was beaten to death by workers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The so-called Octomom's 14 children are going to become reality TV stars. Nadya Suleman has signed agreements for each of her kids to earn $250 a day. Collectively, they would earn about $250,000 over three years.

Today's News-Friday, July 24, 2009

TOOLS STOLEN FROM WORK SITE

THIEVES ARE BEING SOUGHT BY STATE POLICE AFTER THEY BURGLARIZED A NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP CONTRACTOR. SOMETIME BETWEEN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, THE BANDITS PRIED OPEN A DOOR TO KOLBE CONTRACTING’S GARAGE ON GREENVIEW ROAD AND TOOK SEVERAL SAWS AND OTHER TOOLS VALUED AT $35-HUNDRED DOLLARS. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE TROOPERS ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR HELP IN NABBING THE THIEVES.

CAREER CRIMINAL GOES TO PRISON

AN ASHLAND MANS STAY IN PRISON HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOLLOWING SENTENCING IN THE COUNTY COURT. 47 YEAR OLD ROBERT LINKCHORST WILL HAVE 4 TO 8 YEARS TACKED ON TO HIS ALREADY LONG SENTENCE FOR A STRING OF BURGLARIES AND OTHER CRIMES. LINKCHORST TRIED TO BREAK OUT OF THE COUNTY PRISON LAST YEAR. REPORTS INDICATE HE WAS ALREADY JAILED FOR A STRING OF BURGLARIES AND OTHER CRIMES. AUTHORITIES DEEMED LINKCHORST "A CAREER CRIMINAL."

THEY SAID THEY SAID

A COLLAPSED WALL ALONG A RAIL SIDING IN MOUNT CARBON REMAINS IN DISREPAIR. NOW POTTSVILLE CITY HAS GIVEN THE READING, BLUE MOUNTAIN AND NORTHERN A DEADLINE TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO FIX IT. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD INDICATES THAT CITY OFFICIALS HAVE TOLD THE RAILROAD THEY HAVE TWO WEEKS TO FIGURE A WAY TO FIX THE CRUMBLED WALL THAT’S DROPPED THE RAILING DOWN, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. READING-BLUE MOUNTAIN OFFICIALS SAY THEY THINK THE GREATER POTTSVILLE SEWER AUTHORITY IS TO BLAME FOR WHAT THEY TERM “POOR WORKMANSHIP”. CITY AUTHORITIES SAY THEY MAY CITE THE RAILROAD IF THEY DON’T COME UP WITH A PLAN SOON.

NEW PHONE EXCHANGES MAY COME TO OUR AREA

CELL PHONES AND OTHER WIRELESS DEVICES ARE A GREAT CONVENIENCE, BUT THE PHONE NUMBERS ASSIGNED TO THEM DEPLETE THE SUPPLY. THAT’S PROMPTING THE PA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO SPLITTING 570 AND 814 AREA CODES AND CREATING NEW ONES. USING SEVERAL GEOGRAPHICAL OPTIONS, THE 570 AREA CODE WHICH COVERS 21 COUNTIES INCLUDING SCHUYLKILL COULD BE SPLIT IN TWO, PART STAYING WITH 570 AND PART WITH A NEW THREE DIGIT NUMBER. ANOTHER OPTION WOULD BE TO ADD A NEW AREA CODE TO CUSTOMERS WHO ADD ON TO THE SYSTEM. IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO WHEN THE 570 AREA CODE WAS ADDED.

DOWNTOWN HAVEN COMES ALIVE

CLOUDY SKIES AND HUMID TEMPERATURES DIDN’T STOP HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TO WALK THE STREETS OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TO SIP SOME WINE , ENJOY SOME ART AND SHOP IN THE BOROUGHS FIRST WALK, WINE AND WANDER. BUSINESS ASSOCIATION VICE PRESIDENT JERRY BOWMAN EXPLAINED WHERE THE IDEA CAME FROM:

BOWMAN

THREE AREA WINERIES OFFERED SAMPLES ALONG WITH A UNIQUE SCAVENGER HUNT WITH SOME GREAT PRIZES. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN OFFICIALS ARE WORKING TO DEVELOP THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

STATE BUDGET
PA. GOV: WE WON'T MERELY SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE ON BUDGET
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS PENNSYLVANIA'S BUDGET IMPASSE WON'T BE SOLVED BY SIMPLY SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPENDING PLANS PASSED BY THE STATE SENATE AND THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. RENDELL CHUCKLED WHEN A REPORTER NOTED THAT THE MIDPOINT BETWEEN THE TWO BUDGETS IS ABOUT $28 BILLION AND ASKED WHY NEGOTIATORS DON'T SET THAT AMOUNT AS THEIR TARGET. HE SAYS THE FOUR LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES DIFFER ON MANY DETAILS AND SAYS MUCH HORSE-TRADING LIES AHEAD. LAST WEEK, THE DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED HOUSE PASSED A $29.1 BILLION SPENDING PLAN THAT WOULD REQUIRE TAX INCREASES. ON MONDAY, THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED SENATE APPROVED A $27.1 BILLION PROPOSAL THAT WOULD CUT PROGRAMS AND TAP RESERVE FUNDS, BUT NOT INCREASE TAXES. TALKS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND AT THE VERY LEAST.

MOTHER KILLED
DEFENSE TO BEGIN IN PA. UNDERTAKER'S MURDER TRIAL
LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - THE DEFENSE IS TO BEGIN PRESENTING ITS CASE FRIDAY IN THE MURDER TRIAL OF A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FUNERAL DIRECTOR. BOTH SIDES AGREE THAT 42-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ROSEBORO WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR. LANCASTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CRAIG STEADMAN MAINTAINS THAT ROSEBORO KILLED 45-YEAR-OLD JAN ROSEBORO A YEAR AGO SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS MISTRESS WITHOUT A MESSY DIVORCE. DEFENSE ATTORNEY ALLAN SODOMSKY MAINTAINS THAT HIS CLIENT FOUND HIS WIFE'S BODY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL AT THEIR HOME IN REINHOLDS ON JULY 22. HE SAYS HE TRIED TO REVIVE HER AND SOUGHT HELP. ON THURSDAY, THE PROSECUTION PRESENTED EVIDENCE THAT THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AT THE HOME WAS TOO COMPLEX FOR A STRANGER TO HAVE TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS.

VICTIM'S GUNFIRE
DA: PA. CRIME VICTIM SHOULDN'T HAVE FIRED GUN
NORRISTOWN, PA. (AP) - A PROSECUTOR IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SAYS A BICYLIST ATTACKED BY TWO TEENAGERS OVERREACTED WHEN HE FIRED A GUN AT THEM. MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RISA VETRI FERMAN SAYS JOSEPH JAMES DEPAUL JR. WAS CARRYING THE GUN LAWFULLY. BUT SHE SAID THURSDAY THAT THE 27-YEAR-OLD NORRISTOWN MAN SHOULDN'T HAVE FIRED IT AT THE JUVENILES WHO KNOCKED HIM OFF HIS BICYCLE WEDNESDAY EVENING. NEITHER TEEN WAS HIT BY THE GUNFIRE. DEPAUL HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL ATTEMPT AT MURDER AND OTHER OFFENSES. IT WAS UNCLEAR THURSDAY NIGHT IF HE HAD A LAWYER.

PHILLY POLICE LAWSUIT
PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER FACES THREATS
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THREATS DIRECTED AT THE PRESIDENT OF A GROUP OF BLACK PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS. GUARDIAN CIVIC LEAGUE PRESIDENT ROCHELLE BILAL BECAME THE TARGET OF THREATS AFTER HER ORGANIZATION FILED A LAWSUIT OVER AN INTERNET DISCUSSION FORUM. THE LEAGUE MAINTAINS IN ITS LAWSUIT FILED LAST WEEK THAT HUNDREDS OF RACIST MESSAGES WERE POSTED ON DOMELIGHTS.COM AND THAT THE WEB SITE CREATED A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR BLACK OFFICERS. ON THURSDAY NIGHT, THE SITE HAD A NOTICE SAYING ALL ITS SERVICES WERE SUSPENDED. BILAL HAS BEEN ASSIGNED OFFICERS TO GUARD HER WHILE THE INVESTIGATION IS CONDUCTED. LT. FRANK VENORE, A POLICE SPOKESMAN, SAID THURSDAY THAT POLICE NEED TO "DETERMINE IF THE THREAT REQUIRES ANY FURTHER POLICE ACTION."

SUBWAY MOLESTER
UPDATE: POLICE SEEK PHILADELPHIA SUBWAY MOLESTER
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE SAY A MAN THREATENED A WOMAN WITH A KNIFE ON AN ELEVATED TRAIN IN PHILADELPHIA AND MOLESTED HER SEXUALLY UNTIL THE TRAIN GOT TO A DOWNTOWN SUBWAY STATION. THE ATTACK LATE THURSDAY MORNING CONTINUED FROM THE FRANKFORD TRANSPORTATION CENTER TO THE STATION AT EIGHTH AND MARKET STREETS DOWNTOWN, ABOUT A 20-MINUTE RIDE. THE MAN RAN OFF IN DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA. THE VICTIM WAS A 22-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO WAS RIDING THE TRAIN WITH HER INFANT CHILD. SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN RICHARD MALONEY SAYS THE TRANSIT AGENCY PLANS TO INSTALL CAMERAS ON TRAIN CARS ON THE MARKET-FRANKFORD LINE, WHERE THE ATTACK HAPPENED, BUT HASN'T DONE SO YET. CAMERAS IN BROAD STREET LINE CARS HAVE HELPED RECORD CRIME, INCLUDING A DERANGED MAN'S ATTACK WITH A HAMMER IN SEPTEMBER.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE SCANDAL
PA. WOMAN TO FIGHT EXCHANGE STUDENT CHARGES
CARBONDALE, PA. (AP) - THE WOMAN ACCUSED OF PLACING FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN FILTHY HOMES IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HAS TURNED HERSELF IN. EDNA BURGETTE'S LAWYER, CHRIS OSBORNE, SAYS HIS CLIENT INTENDS TO FIGHT THE CHARGES. HE SAYS THE 69-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IS A LIFELONG SCRANTON RESIDENT WHO'S BEEN A PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY FOR MANY YEARS. BURGETTE WAS FIRED BY THE SAN FRANCISCO-BASED ASPECT FOUNDATION, WHICH HAD PAID HER TO PLACE EXCHANGE STUDENTS. SHE WAS CHARGED WEDNESDAY WITH FIVE FELONY COUNTS RELATED TO THE PLACEMENT OF TEENAGERS AND TURNED HERSELF IN THURSDAY. SHE WAS ARRAIGNED IN CARBONDALE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND RELEASED ON $25,000 UNSECURED BAIL.

TEEN CAMPER KILLED
TEEN CAMPER KILLED WHEN TREE LIMB LANDS ON TENT
MORGANTOWN, W.VA. (AP) - A 14-YEAR-OLD PENNSYLVANIA GIRL IS DEAD AFTER A TREE LIMB CRASHED ONTO HER TENT AT A CAMP IN WEST VIRGINIA. THE MONONGALIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIED THE GIRL THURSDAY AS LEAH BLUM OF MOUNT LEBANON, PA. THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER PITTSBURGH OWNS THE EMMA KAUFMANN CAMP NEAR MORGANTOWN. SPOKESWOMAN CATHY SAMUELS SAYS NO ONE ELSE WAS HURT WHEN THE LIMB FELL WEDNESDAY NIGHT. GRIEF COUNSELORS WERE AT THE CAMP THURSDAY AND WILL WORK WITH THE CHILDREN AS LONG AS THEY'RE NEEDED, BUT SAMUELS SAYS NO CHILDREN ARE PLANNING TO LEAVE. THE CAMP STRESSES JEWISH VALUES FOR KIDS 7 TO 16 YEARS OLD, AND OFFERS SESSIONS FROM ONE TO EIGHT WEEKS LONG. CAMPERS COME MAINLY FROM PENNSYLVANIA, OHIO, VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, WASHINGTON, D.C., FLORIDA AND NEVADA.

NORTHWEST TEACHERS
PA. SCHOOL BOARD REJECTS UNION CONTRACT
SHICKSHINNY, PA. (AP) - THE LONGEST-RUNNING PUBLIC SCHOOL LABOR DISPUTE IN PENNSYLVANIA IS CONTINUING BECAUSE A SCHOOL BOARD HAS REJECTED A TENTATIVE CONTRACT WITH THE TEACHERS' UNION. TEACHERS IN THE NORTHWEST AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT IN LUZERNE COUNTY HAVE BEEN WORKING WITHOUT A CONTRACT SINCE 2005. THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED JUNE 30 DURING COURT-ORDERED NEGOTIATING SESSIONS AND WAS RATIFIED BY THE NORTHWEST AREA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ON JULY 8. THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED 7-1 TO REJECT IT WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WITH SOME BOARD MEMBERS SAYING THE DISTRICT COULDN'T AFFORD IT. THE PACT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED RETROACTIVE PAY INCREASES WHILE REQUIRING EMPLOYEES TO PAY A PORTION OF HEALTH CARE PREMIUM COSTS.

ABDUCTION HOAX
PA. WOMAN CHARGED IN ABDUCTION HOAX FACES DIVORCE
DOYLESTOWN, PA. (AP) - THE HUSBAND OF THE SUBURBAN PHILADEPHIA WOMAN WHO'S ACCUSED OF FAKING HER OWN ABDUCTION IN MAY HAS FILED FOR DIVORCE. LARRY SWEETEN FILED COURT PAPERS LATE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CALLING HIS MARRIAGE TO 38-YEAR-OLD BONNIE SWEETEN "IRRETRIEVABLY BROKEN" AND SEEKING CUSTODY OF THEIR 11-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER. BONNIE SWEETEN IS AWAITING TRIAL ON CHARGES RELATED TO THE MAY 26 ABDUCTION HOAX. POLICE SAY SHE CALLED 911 AND CLAIMED SHE HAD BEEN REAR-ENDED BY A CADILLAC AND THE TWO BLACK MEN INSIDE FORCED HER AND HER 9-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER FROM HER FIRST MARRIAGE INTO THE CAR'S TRUNK. POLICE SAY SHE USED A FORMER CO-WORKER'S DRIVER'S LICENSE AS IDENTIFICATION TO BUY A PLANE TICKET AND CHECK INTO A HOTEL AT WALT DISNEY WORLD. HER LAWYER HAS SAID SWEETEN DIDN'T COMMIT A CRIME.

SOLAR TRASH COMPACTORS
PHILLY ROLLS OUT SOLAR-POWERED TRASH COMPACTORS
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA HAS REPLACED 700 DOWNTOWN TRASH BINS WITH 500 HIGH-TECH TRASH COMPACTORS, WHICH USE SOLAR ENERGY TO CONDENSE TRASH - CUTTING DOWN COLLECTION TRIPS BY 75 PERCENT. THE CITY ESTIMATES IT WILL SAVE $875,000 A YEAR WITH THE COMPACTORS, BOUGHT WITH STATE GRANT MONEY. CITIES FROM VIENNA TO BOSTON TO VANCOUVER HAVE TRIED THE DEVICES IN SMALLER NUMBERS, BUT PHILADELPHIA PUT THEM ALONG FOUR COLLECTION ROUTES IN ITS HEAVILY TRAVELED DOWNTOWN AREA. STREETS COMMISSIONER CARMINA TOLSON SAID THE COMPACTORS USUALLY NEED TO BE EMPTIED FIVE TIMES A WEEK - AS OPPOSED TO 19 TIMES FOR A REGULAR CAN. THE CHANGE FREES UP 25 STREETS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES, WHO ARE NOW FILLING VACANCIES ON TRUCKS THAT COLLECT HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING. THE COMPACTORS COST MORE THAN $3,000 APIECE. THE CITY BOUGHT THEM WITH STATE GRANT MONEY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WON'T BE GETTING A HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL BILL FROM CONGRESS BEFORE ITS AUGUST RECESS, BUT HE'S STILL PUSHING FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION. OBAMA MEETS TODAY WITH SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID AS WELL AS SENATE FINANCE CHAIRMAN MAX BAUCUS, WHO IS LEADING AN EFFORT TO PRODUCE A BIPARTISAN BILL.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (AP) - CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS ARE VOTING ON A SERIES OF BILLS DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE A PROJECTED $26 BILLION DEFICIT. IF PASSED BY BOTH HOUSES OF THE LEGISLATURE AND SIGNED BY GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, THE PACKAGE WOULD CLOSE THE BUDGET SHORTFALL THROUGH JUNE 2010.

SMITHSBURG, MD. (AP) - AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING THE CRASH OF A COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER IN WESTERN MARYLAND THAT CLAIMED THE LIVES OF ALL FOUR PEOPLE ON BOARD. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. THE COPTER CRASHED ONTO AN INTERSTATE, BUT NO VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY WERE HIT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE DOCTOR WHO TRIED TO REVIVE A DYING MICHAEL JACKSON HAS BEEN NAMED THE TARGET OF A MANSLAUGHTER PROBE INTO THE SINGER'S DEATH. DR. CONRAD MURRAY WAS HIRED AS JACKSON'S PERSONAL PHYSICIAN JUST WEEKS BEFORE THE POP STAR DIED.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - SOUTH KOREAN ACTIVISTS SAY A CHRISTIAN WOMAN WAS PUBLICLY EXECUTED BY NORTH KOREA LAST MONTH FOR DISTRIBUTING THE BIBLE. THE WOMAN, SAY THE ACTIVISTS, WAS ALSO ACCUSED OF SPYING FOR SOUTH KOREA AND THE UNITED STATES.

Today's News-Thursday, July 23, 2009

FOUR TO BE SEATED AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL TABLE

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE D MICHAEL STINE ACKNOWLEDGED IT’S AN UNUSUAL POSITION TO BE IN, FIRST DECIDING TO REMOVE 8 DIRECTORS FROM THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD LAST MONTH. WEDNESDAY, HE HEARD FROM INTERESTED RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO FILL THE FOUR REMAINING SPOTS. THE 17 CANDIDATES CAME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, EXPLAINING HOW THEY WANTED TO DO WHATS BEST FOR THE STUDENTS EDUCATION AND FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. CAROLYN TENAGLIA, WHOSE TWO SONS HAVE ALREADY GRADUATED FROM THE DISTRICT, EXPLAINS WHY SHE WANTS TO RUN:

TENAGLIA

JUDGE STINE NOW HAS TO CONSIDER WHICH CANDIDATES ARE BEST TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERMS OF THE DIRECTORS IN THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Go Joe 12 at Bubeck Park

Joe Snedeker and Don Jacobs on the Lawn at St Johns UCC

GO JOE 12

IN A SCENE REMINISCENT OF A ROCK CONCERT, A HUGE THRONG OF FANS OF WNEP’S JOE SNEDEKER PACKED BUBECK PARK IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AS HIS GO JOE 12 CARAVAN ROLLED INTO THE BOROUGH WEDNESDAY. THE QUIRKY WEATHERMAN IS MAKING HIS ANNUAL FUNDRAISING TREK ACROSS NORTHEASTERN AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FOR ST JOSEPH’S CENTER IN SCRANTON, AND THE DONATIONS ROLLED IN DURING JOE’S VISIT, WHICH THRILLED HIM:

SNEDEKER

ONE ENTERPRISING YOUNG MAN, JOHN RAKOWSKY, AND HIS FAMILY RAN A LEMONADE STAND ON DOCK STREET TO RAISE MONEY FOR GO JOE, ABOUT $800 DOLLARS ALL TOLD. HE APPLAUDS SNEDEKER’S EFFORTS TO HELP OTHERS LIKE A FAMILY FRIEND IN MARYLAND WHO HAS CEREBRAL PALSY.

RAKOWSKY

JOE SNEDEKER RODE ABOUT 100 MILES WEDNESDAY.

DRUG POSSESSION AFTER TRAFFIC STOP

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN IS CHARGED WITH DRUG RELATED OFFENSES FOLLOWING A TRAFFIC STOP EARLIER THIS WEEK IN ST CLAIR. 29 YEAR OLD RYAN WINKLER WAS STOPPED ON ROUTE 61 AND ANN STREET, AND STATE TROOPERS OBSERVED MARIJUANA INSIDE HIS CAR. CRIMINAL CHARGES WERE FILED IN DISTRICT COURT. BUT WINKLER’S PROBLEMS DIDN’T END THERE. HE WENT TO THE STATE POLICE BARRACKS AT FRACKVILLE TO REMOVE SOMETHING FROM HIS CAR. IN ADDITION TO THE DRUG COUNTS, WINKLER ALSO FACES CHARGES OF TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE. HE’S LODGED IN THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A GRAND JURY REPORT SAYS A SCRANTON WOMAN PLACED A 15-YEAR-OLD NIGERIAN EXCHANGE STUDENT IN A HOME WHERE SHE GOT SO LITTLE TO EAT THAT SHE PASSED OUT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THAT'S JUST ONE OF THE STORIES TOLD ABOUT EDNA BURGETTE. SHE FACES 5 FELONY COUNTS RELATED TO THE PLACEMENT OF TEENAGERS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT HAS RULED THAT COURT RECORDS OF JUVENILES WHO ARE SUING A CORRUPT JUDGE, MUST BE PRESERVED. THE COURT HAD PREVIOUSLY SAID THE RECORDS SHOULD BE DESTROYED, PROMPTING COMPLAINTS. ATTORNEYS FOR THE JUVENILES SAID LOSS OF THE RECORDS COULD IMPERIL THE YOUTHS' ABILITY TO RECOVER DAMAGES FROM THE JUDGE AND OTHERS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS ALTHOUGH IT'S PAINFUL FOR STATE WORKERS TO LOSE OUT ON THEIR PAY TEMPORARILY, IT'S BETTER THAN LOSING THEIR JOBS. THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR SAYS IF THE BUDGET PLAN FAVORED BY SENATE REPUBLICANS HAD PASSED, ABOUT 2,000 TO 2,500 STATE EMPLOYEES WOULD BE PERMANENTLY LAID OFF.

MORRISVILLE, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY A FIRE AT A MOTEL MIGHT HAVE BEEN STARTED TO DESTROY EVIDENCE FROM A SEXUAL ASSAULT. A WOMAN TOLD COPS THAT A MAN SHE MET DROVE HER TO A MOTEL IN MORRISVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA. SHE SAYS THE MAN FORCED HER INTO A ROOM AT GUNPOINT AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER. POLICE BELIEVE THE MAN STARTED A FIRETO COVER UP THE CRIME.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PARENTS OF A TODDLER WHO DIED FROM BEING LEFT IN A HOT VAN OUTSIDE A PHILADELPHIA-AREA DAY CARE FACILITY, ARE SUING THE CENTER AND ITS OWNERS. THE PARENTS OF 2-YEAR-OLD DANIEL SLUTSKY ARE SUING FAIRY TALES DAYCARE CENTER IN PENNDEL. THEIR LAWYER SAYS THE SUIT IS TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM AND PREVENT SIMILAR DEATHS IN THE FUTURE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS TAKING THE CASE FOR HIS HEALTH CARE AGENDA TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, WHOSE QUALMS ABOUT HIS PROPOSAL SEEM TO BE GROWING. THE PRESIDENT SPOKE DIRECTLY TO AMERICANS ABOUT HEALTH CARE DURING HIS NEWS CONFERENCE LAST NIGHT, AND WILL DO SO AGAIN AT SCHEDULED EVENTS TODAY IN CLEVELAND.

PHUKET, THAILAND (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS "THERE IS NO PLACE TO GO FOR NORTH KOREA." CLINTON WAS RESPONDING TO THE NORTH'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT WILL NOT RE-ENTER SIX-PARTY TALKS TO END ITS NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM. THE VERBAL SPARRING OCCURRED AT A MAJOR ASIAN SECURITY CONFERENCE IN THAILAND.

NEW YORK (AP) - NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT OFFICIALS SAY THERE WAS NEVER AN IMMINENT THREAT TO THE SUBWAYS FROM AN ALLEGED AL-QAIDA INFORMER. AN OFFICIAL SAYS THE INFORMATION THAT PROMPTED A SECURITY ALERT LAST YEAR CAME FROM AN AMERICAN ACCUSED OF GIVING AL-QAIDA INFORMATION ON THE NEW YORK TRANSIT SYSTEM.

HAILEY, IDAHO (AP) - MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED A VIGIL FOR AN IDAHO SOLDIER WHO WAS CAPTURED IN AFGHANISTAN BY THE TALIBAN. THE HOURLONG EVENT WAS HELD IN PFC. BOWE BERGDAHL'S HOMETOWN OF HAILEY. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS SAID THE MILITARY IS DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO RESCUE BERGDAHL.

STUART, FLA. (AP) - A FLORIDA JURY TODAY COULD GET THE CASE INVOLVING A HOSPITAL THAT SECRETLY SENT A BRAIN-DAMAGED PATIENT BACK TO GUATEMALA SIX YEARS AGO. THE MAN'S GUARDIAN IS SUING THE HOSPITAL FOR ESSENTIALLY DEPORTING HIS COUSIN, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHOSE HEALTH CARE COST THE HOSPITAL MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS.

BREAKING NEWS

HEARING HELD ON NORTH SCHUYLKILL

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE D MICHAEL STINE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO QUESTION NEARLY A DOZEN AND A HALF OF THE 26 INTERESTED PERSONS WHO WANT TO SERVE ON THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD. A COMMON THEME AMONG THE HOMEMAKERS, PROFESSIONALS, AND CONCERNED CITIZENS WAS THE PRIDE THAT THEY HAVE IN THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICT, ITS STUDENTS AND FACULTY. EACH CANDIDATE WAS CALLED TO THE STAND UNDER OATH INDIVIDUALLY ABOUT THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE. NINE CANDIDATES DID NOT APPEAR FOR THE HEARING. THE JUDGE IS EXPECTED TO RULE ON THE FOUR CANDIDATES SHORTLY.

Today's News-Wednesday, July 22, 2009

FORMER BOARD MEMBERS FILE APPEAL

THE EIGHT FORMER MEMBERS OF THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD HAVE FILED COURT PAPERS TO APPEAL THEIR DISMISSAL. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT A HARRISBURG ATTORNEY IS REPRESENTING THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WERE REMOVED BY JUDGE D MICHAEL STINE IN JUNE FOR REPORTEDLY NOT DOING THEIR JOB ACCORDING TO SCHOOL CODE. FOUR DIRECTORS WERE ALREADY APPOINTED BY JUDGE STINE, AND THE REMAINING FOUR ARE TO BE NAMED TODAY AT A HEARING AT THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, FILLING THE UNEXPIRED TERMS OF THE OTHERS. MORE THAN TWO DOZEN PEOPLE HAVE SENT LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS.

ORWIGSBURG HOME BURGLARIZED

ORWIGSBURG POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE BURGLARS WHO WALKED AWAY WITH A HAUL OF ITEMS FROM A HOME ON NORTH WARREN STREET. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED EARLIER THIS MONTH BUT DETAILS ARE JUST COMING TO LIGHT. SOMEONE ENTERED THE PROPERTY AND TOOK CASH AND ITEMS WORTH ABOUT $7-THOUSAND-DOLLARS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL POLICE AT 628-3792.

WARMER AND WETTER

A PENN STATE STUDY OF CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTS A WARMER, WETTER PENNSYLVANIA, WITH A LONGER GROWING SEASON AND LESS SNOW BY THE MIDDLE OF THE CENTURY. BUT WHETHER THAT WILL BE GOOD OR BAD FOR THE STATE'S AGRICULTURE ISN'T CLEAR. GARY ABDULLAH HAS THE STORY:

ABDULLAH WEATHER

GO JOE

A WELL KNOWN TV WEATHERMAN IS MAKING HIS ANNUAL RIDE FOR CHARITY ACROSS NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. HE MAKES A STOP IN OUR AREA THIS AFTERNOON. WNEP’S JOE SNEDEKER WILL TREK THROUGH SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, STOPPING AT BUBECK PARK IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS PART OF GO JOE 12. WINDOWS IN THE TOWN’S BUSINESS DISTRICT ARE PAINTED WITH GREETINGS FOR THE BELOVED WEATHERMAN. A FESTIVAL TO WELCOME HIM WILL FEATURE MUSIC, FOOD AND MORE. SNEDEKER WILL STAY OVERNIGHT IN HAVEN, AND WILL DELIVER THE WEATHER TOMORROW MORNING ON THE LAWN OF ST JOHN’S UCC AT DOCK AND MAIN. SNEDEKER HAS RAISED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR ST JOSEPH’S CENTER IN NORTHEAST PA. T102 WILL BE LIVE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TODAY BEGINNING AT 4PM.

STATE BUDGET
PA. BUDGET FIGHT SEEMS HEADED TO LEADER-RUN TALKS
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A VOTE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MOVES THE THREE-WEEK-OLD BUDGET STALEMATE CLOSER TO BEING HANDLED BY A COMMITTEE OF LEGISLATIVE LEADERS. THE HOUSE VOTED 150-49 TO REJECT A REPUBLICAN-PENNED STATE BUDGET THAT PASSED THE SENATE LATE MONDAY. THE BILL WAS SENT BACK TO THE SENATE. ALL SIDES PREDICT A SIX-MEMBER, BIPARTISAN CONFERENCE COMMITTEE OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE APPOINTED TO ATTEMPT TO FIND COMMON GROUND. THE NEXT FORMAL STEP IN THE PROCESS WILL OCCUR MONDAY, WHEN THE SENATE IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PROCEDURAL VOTE THAT WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. BUT LEADERS OF BOTH PARTIES SAID THEY EXPECT NEGOTIATIONS TO CONTINUE IN THE MEANTIME.

RIDLEY SHOOTING
PA. MAN CONFESSES TO CHILD DEATHS BEFORE HIS OWN
MEDIA, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA PROSECUTOR SAYS A MAN WHO SHOT HIS GIRLFRIEND AND WAS LATER GUNNED DOWN BY POLICE CALLED FRIENDS SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH AND MADE A STARTLING CONFESSION. DELAWARE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIKE GREEN SAID TUESDAY THAT 28-YEAR-OLD AARON MICHAEL OF CHESTER TOLD FRIENDS HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF TWO OF HIS SONS. THE DEATHS OF 4-MONTH-OLD ALIJAH TOWNES IN 20007 AND 4-YEAR-OLD LAMAR PATRICK IN 2005 HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED BY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER AS "UNDETERMINED." AUTHORITIES SAY MICHAEL SHOT HIS GIRLFRIEND, 23-YEAR-OLD ANDREA ARRINGTON, ON MONDAY NIGHT AT HER HOME IN RIDLEY TOWNSHIP. SHE DIED AT A HOSPITAL TUESDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY MICHAEL FLED TO CHESTER, WHERE HE POINTED A GUN AT POLICE AROUND MIDNIGHT. POLICE SHOT HIM AND HE DIED AT A HOSPITAL.

SUSPECT SLAIN
PHILLY POLICE KILL MAN WHO GRABBED OFFICER'S GUN
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A MAN IS DEAD AFTER PHILADELPHIA POLICE SAY HE GRABBED AN OFFICER'S GUN AND FIRED ONE SHOT, BUT DIDN'T HIT ANYBODY.
POLICE WERE CALLED TO A SCENE IN PHILADEPHIA'S OLNEY NEIGHBORHOOD TUESDAY NIGHT FOR A REPORT OF A MAN EXPOSING HIMSELF. POLICE SAY THE MAN STRUGGLED WITH POLICE AND GRABBD AN OFFICERS GUN AND FIRED A SHOT. THE CLIP FELL OUT OF THE GUN AND THE MAN POINTED THE GUN ONE OF THE OFFICERS. THE OFFICER'S PARTNER THEN SHOT THE MAN IN THE CHEST. HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE TWO OFFICERS WERE TAKEN TO ALBERT EINSTEIN MEDICAL CENTER FOR MINOR INJURIES.

KILLER'S CONFESSION
PA. MAN CONFESSES TO CHILD DEATHS BEFORE HIS OWN
MEDIA, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA PROSECUTOR SAYS A MAN WHO SHOT HIS GIRLFRIEND AND WAS LATER GUNNED DOWN BY POLICE CALLED FRIENDS SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH AND MADE A STARTLING CONFESSION. DELAWARE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIKE GREEN SAID TUESDAY THAT 28-YEAR-OLD AARON MICHAEL OF CHESTER TOLD FRIENDS HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF TWO OF HIS SONS. THE DEATHS OF 4-MONTH-OLD ALIJAH TOWNES IN 20007 AND 4-YEAR-OLD LAMAR PATRICK IN 2005 HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED BY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER AS "UNDETERMINED." AUTHORITIES SAY MICHAEL SHOT HIS GIRLFRIEND, 23-YEAR-OLD ANDREA ARRINGTON, ON MONDAY NIGHT. SHE DIED AT A HOSPITAL TUESDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY MICHAEL FLED TO CHESTER, WHERE HE POINTED A GUN AT POLICE AROUND MIDNIGHT. POLICE SHOT HIM AND HE DIED AT A HOSPITAL.

COLTS-HARRISON-SHOOTING
HARRISON'S ACCUSER SHOT AGAIN IN PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA MAN WHO SAYS HE WAS SHOT BY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RECEIVER MARVIN HARRISON LAST YEAR HAS REPORTEDLY BEEN SHOT AGAIN. PHILADELPHIA TELEVISION STATION WTXF AND THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS REPORT THAT 33-YEAR-OLD DWIGHT DIXON WAS MULTIPLE TIMES TUESDAY. THE SHIFT DIRECTOR AT HAHNEMANN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SAID DIXON WAS IN CRITICAL CONDITION LATE TUESDAY. WHEN ONTACTED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LATE TUESDAY, POLICE SAID DETECTIVES WERE STILL AT THE SCENE OF THE SHOOTING AND NO INFORMATION WAS
AVAILABLE. DIXON WAS CONVICTED OF A MISDEMEANOR IN JANUARY FOR LYING TO POLICE ABOUT THE EARLIER SHOOTING, WHICH HAPPENED APRIL 28, 2008. DIXON'S LAWYERS SAID HE INITIALLY LIED TO POLICE BECAUSE HE FEARED HARRISON.

EX-OFFICIAL-STABBED
MAN WANTED IN PITTSBURGH STABBING ARRESTED IN NYC
PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH POLICE SAY ONE OF TWO MEN WHO ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED, ROBBED AND STABBED THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE CITY'S HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN NEW YORK CITY. HE IS 32-YEAR-OLD MATTHEW FRAZIER, WHO WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY AFTERNOON BY AMTRAK POLICE AT PENN STATION FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT. AMTRAK POLICE LEARNED THAT FRAZIER WAS WANTED FOR SATURDAY'S ATTACK ON STANLEY LOWE. POLICE SAY TWO MEN BURST INTO LOWE'S HOME ON SATURDAY, DROVE HIM TO AN AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE AND FORCED HIM TO WITHDRAW MONEY. POLICE SAY THEY MEN CHASED AND STABBED LOWE WHEN HE TRIED TO RUN AWAY.

CARLISLE TIRE & WHEEL
PA. FACTORY WITH 340 JOBS MOVING TO TENN.
CARLISLE, PA. (AP) - A FACTORY IN SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA THAT EMPLOYS ABOUT 340 PEOPLE IS CLOSING AND MOVING PRODUCTION TO TENNESSEE. CLOSING THE CARLISLE TIRE & WHEEL FACTORY IN CARLISLE IS
EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF 2010. PRODUCTION IS MOVING TO
JACKSON, TENN., ABOUT 75 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF MEMPHIS. GREATER CARLISLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT MICHELLE HORNICK CROWLEY SAYS THE COMPANY'S DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN CARLISLE IS TO REMAIN OPEN.

FATAL SCRANTON FIRE
SCRANTON, PA., FIRE KILLS 9-YEAR-OLD BOY
SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A 9-YEAR-OLD NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BOY IS DEAD FROM A FIRE IN HIS HOME AND HIS 10-YEAR-OLD BROTHER IS BADLY INJURED. THE FIRE THAT KILLED TAEVON MILES AND INJURED MICHAEL MILES BROKE OUT BEFORE DAWN TUESDAY AT THEIR HOME IN SCRANTON AND WAS RULED TO BE ARSON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. SCRANTON PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR RAY HAYES DECLINED TO SAY WHETHER POLICE HAVE A SUSPECT.

CHARTER SCHOOL PROBE
2ND EX-COP ADMITS DEFRAUDING PHILLY CHARTER SCHOOL
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - ANOTHER FORMER PHILADELPHIA DETECTIVE HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN A SCHEME TO DEFRAUD A CHARTER SCHOOL OF MORE THAN $400,000. RETIRED DETECTIVE ROSEMARY DILACQUA ADMITS SHE TOOK $34,000 FROM TWO SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND THEN GRANTED THEM RAISES AND LUCRATIVE CONTRACTS. DEFENSE LAWYER MARK GOTTLIEB SAYS THE CONTEXT OF HER ACTIONS WILL BECOME CLEAR AT HER OCT. 23 SENTENCING. CO-DEFENDANT KEVIN O'SHEA, ANOTHER FORMER DETECTIVE, ADMITS HE TOOK KICKBACKS, HOME REPAIRS AND OTHER IMPROPER PAYMENTS AS THE SCHOOL'S $200,000-A-YEAR CHIEF EXECUTIVE. BRIEN GARDINER, FOUNDER OF THE PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL, KILLED HIMSELF DURING THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATION. DILACQUA, THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENT FROM 2002 TO 2008, FACES UP TO 20 YEARS FOR MAIL FRAUD.

PHUKET, THAILAND (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS THE U.S. HAS A PLAN TO PREVENT A NUCLEAR IRAN FROM DOMINATING THE MIDDLE EAST. SHE SAYS THE U.S. CAN STRENGTHEN ITS DEFENSE UMBRELLA WITH ITS ALLIES IN THE REGION. SHE SAYS THEN TEHRAN WON'T BE ABLE TO "INTIMIDATE AND DOMINATE" AS THEY "APPARENTLY BELIEVE THEY CAN."

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER HAS REPORTEDLY ORDERED
HARDLINE PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD TO DISMISS THE VICE PRESIDENT HE CHOSE LAST WEEK. THE ORDER IS A HUMILIATING SETBACK FOR AHMADINEJAD, WHO HAS STRONGLY DEFENDED THE DECISION TO APPOINT HIS SON'S FATHER-IN-LAW TO THE POST.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS EXPECTED TO FOCUS ON HEALTH CARE AGAIN TODAY DURING A PRIME-TIME NEWS CONFERENCE. BUT OBSERVERS SAY IT'S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE HE MAY HAVE TO SETTLE FOR LESS THAN FULL PASSAGE OF THE BILL BY AUGUST. SOME DEMOCRATS IN BOTH CHAMBERS ARE VOICING DOUBTS ABOUT MOVING SUCH COMPLEX AND COSTLY LEGISLATION TOO QUICKLY.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - A SWINE FLU VACCINE IS BEING TESTED ON HUNDREDS OF ADULTS IN AUSTRALIA. IT'S THE FIRST HUMAN TESTING WITH THE AIM OF CONTROLLING THE VIRUS THAT HAS SO FAR KILLED MORE THAN 700 WORLDWIDE.

WILLIS, TEXAS (AP) - INVESTIGATORS SAY A TEXAS MAN APPARENTLY SHOT AND CRITICALLY INJURED HIS WIFE BECAUSE HE THOUGHT SHE WAS AN INTRUDER. AUTHORITIES SAY HE FIRED SEVERAL TIMES AT THE WOMAN, WHO HAD GOTTEN UP TO USE THE BATHROOM EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. THE MAN WAS NOT ARRESTED, BUT THE CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

Today's News-Tuesday July 21 2009

PINE GROVE WOMANS CAR HEAVILY DAMAGED

A PINE GROVE WOMANS CAR WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED DURING AN INCIDENT MONDAY MORNING. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE SAY 21 YEAR OLD AMY JO BRIXIUS WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON ROUTE 645 WHEN THE SUSPENSION ON HER CAR BROKE CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT. BRIXIUS WAS NOT HURT

DRUNK DRIVER IN GIRARDVILLE

AN ASHLAND MAN IS SUSPECTED OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND CRASHING HIS CAR IN GIRARDVILLE MONDAY AFTERNOON. 37 YEAR OLD GERALD BARRYS VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE ON EAST MAHANOY AVENUE. BARRY LEFT THE SCENE AND WAS TAKEN BY ANOTHER MOTORIST TO ST CATHERINES HOSPITAL IN ASHLAND FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR FACIAL INJURIES. DURING THE INVESTIGATION STATE POLICE FOUND THAT BARRY WAS INTOXICATED. HE WILL BE CHARGED AFTER BLOOD TEST RESULTS ARE RECEIVED.

CAR STOLEN FROM HOME

STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE CULPRIT WHO STOLE A CAR MONDAY. DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS SOMEONE ENTERED THE GARAGE OF LOUIS DEANGELES, CHUCKWAGON DRIVE IN AUBURN. AN ORANGE PONTIAC GT WAS TAKEN FROM THE VICTIMS GARAGE. THE CAR BEARS PA REGISTRATION GVV-6337. IF YOU SPOT THIS VEHICLE CALL SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE AT 593-2000.

LANCASTER MAN ESCAPES SERIOUS INJURY

A MOTORCYCLE STUNT SUNDAY AFTERNOON RESULTED IN MINOR INJURY FOR A LANCASTER MAN. 42 YEAR OLD ELVIS BIGIO WAS TRAVELING ON ROUTE 125 AND WHILE SHIFTING TRIED TO DO A WHEELIE ON THE CYCLE AND HE LOST CONTROL. BIGIO WAS THROWN FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AND LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 125. HE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH FOR TREATMENT.

NO SOFTENING STANCES AS PA. SENATE ANSWERS HOUSE

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S THREE-WEEK-OLD BUDGET STALEMATE SHOWS NO SIGN OF EASING. THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED SENATE PASSED A SPENDING PLAN MONDAY NIGHT THAT WOULD RAISE NO TAXES AND PLUGS BUDGET HOLES WITH MONIES FROM THE STATE’S RAINY DAY FUND, FEDERAL STIMULUS APPROPRIATION, AND THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT FUND. DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR MIKE O’PAKE OF BERKS COUNTY SAYS THE PLAN IS NOT GOING TO FIX FUTURE SHORTFALLS:

O’PAKE

SENATOR DAVE ARGALL SAID DURING DEBATE THAT THE END RESULT IS SIMPLE, NO NEW TAXES:

ARGALL

THE BILL RETURNS TO THE HOUSE WHERE ITS CERTAIN TO BE REJECTED BY THE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY. LIKE DEMOCRATIC GOV. ED RENDELL, HOUSE DEMOCRATS HAVE SOUGHT TAX INCREASES.

SENATOR INVESTIGATION-TRIAL
PA. POWERBROKER'S CO-DEFENDANT FACES SENTENCING
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FEDERAL PROSECUTORS ARE SEEKING A SENTENCE OF 70 TO 81 MONTHS FOR A WOMAN WHO WAS CONVICTED OF 45 COUNTS RELATED TO HER WORK FOR A POWERBROKER IN THE PENNSYLVANIA SENATE. RUTH ARNAO FACES SENTENCING TUESDAY. HER FRIENDS SAY THE 52-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IS GUILTY MOSTLY OF BLIND LOYALTY TO HER LONGTIME BOSS, FORMER STATE SEN. VINCENT FUMO. ALTHOUGH PROSECUTORS ARE SEEKING 70 TO 81 MONTHS, THEY DON'T EXPECT TO GET THAT MUCH. THEY EXPECT SHE'LL BE SENTENCED TO 30 TO 55 MONTHS. ANOTHER JUDGE GAVE A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN WHO DESTROYED EVIDENCE FOR FUMO 30 MONTHS. THE SAME JUDGE WHO'S SENTENCING ARNAO GAVE FUMO 55 MONTHS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HIS LONGTIME PUBLIC SERVICE. PROSECUTORS ARE TRYING TO APPEAL THAT SENTENCE, SAYING IT'S TOO LENIENT.

CHARTER SCHOOL PROBE
ANOTHER GUILTY PLEA EXPECTED IN PHILLY CHARTER SCHOOL PROBE PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE FORMER BOARD PRESIDENT OF A PHILADELPHIA CHARTER SCHOOL WHO'S ACCUSED OF TAKING KICKBACKS IS SCHEDULED TO PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT, A DAY AFTER A CO-DEFENDANT ALSO PLEADED GUILTY. SHE IS 51-YEAR-OLD ROSEMARY DILACQUA, WHO RAN THE BOARD OF THE PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL. UNTIL RECENTLY, SHE WAS A PHILADELPHIA POLICE DETECTIVE. DILACQUA IS EXPECTED TO PLEAD GUILTY TUESDAY. PROSECUTORS SAY SHE SECRETLY TOOK $34,000 FROM TWO MEN WHOM SHE AWARDED RAISES AND LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CONTRACTS. ONE OF THOSE MEN IS 50-YEAR-OLD KEVIN O'SHEA, WHO PLEADED GUILTY MONDAY. HE ADMITTED TO BILKING THE SCHOOL OUT OF BETWEEN $400,000 AND $1 MILLION. THE OTHER MAN IS BRIEN GARDINER, ANOTHER SCHOOL OFFICIAL WHO KILLED HIMSELF DURING THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATION.

SWIM CLUB-MINORITIES
ACTOR PAYS FOR PHILLY KIDS' TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TYLER PERRY IS PAYING FOR 65 CHILDREN FROM A PHILADELPHIA DAY CAMP TO GO TO WALT DISNEY WORLD AFTER READING
ABOUT ALLEGATIONS THAT A SUBURBAN SWIM CLUB HAD SHUNNED THEM BECAUSE OF RACISM. THE BLACK AND HISPANIC CHILDREN WHO ATTEND THE DAY CAMP RUN BY CREATIVE STEPS INC. CHEERED MONDAY WHEN THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE ACTOR'S GIFT. CREATIVE STEPS DIRECTOR ALETHEA WRIGHT SAYS SHE'S THRILLED TO GET THE GENEROUS OFFER, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE PERRY "COMES FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS" LIKE THE CHILDREN IN HER CAMP. THE VALLEY CLUB IN HUNTINGDON VALLEY HAS MAINTAINED THAT REFUNDING THE CAMP'S SWIMMING FEE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE BUT RATHER WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, IN PART BECAUSE MANY CHILDREN COULDN'T SWIM. PERRY IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS SIGNATURE CHARACTER MADEA, A BIG-HEARTED BUT FOUL-TEMPERED GRANDMOTHER.

MEDICAL DEVICES-FRAUD
2 PA. EXECS PLEAD OVER BONE-CEMENT TRIALS
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TWO PHARMACEUTICAL EXECUTIVES IN PENNSYLVANIA HAVE PLEADED GUILTY TO MISDEMEANORS OVER THEIR ROLES IN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CALLS ILLEGAL CLINICAL TRIALS. A JULY INDICTMENT CHARGES WEST CHESTER-BASED NORIAN CORP. WITH ILLEGALLY TESTING BONE CEMENT ON ABOUT 200 SPINE-SURGERY PATIENTS, THREE OF WHOM DIED IN SURGERY. EXECUTIVES MICHAEL HUGGINS OF WEST CHESTER AND JOHN WALSH OF COATESVILLE PLEADED GUILTY MONDAY TO ONE COUNT OF SHIPPING MISBRANDED VERSIONS OF NORIAN XR. THEY FACE UP TO A YEAR IN PRISON AT THEIR OCT. 22 SENTENCING. HUGGINS' LAWYERS SAY HE ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY BUT DID NOT KNOWINGLY DO ANYTHING WRONG. WALSH'S LAWYER DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RETURN MESSAGES. NORIAN IS A SUBSIDIARY OF SYNTHES, WITH GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS IN SWITZERLAND.

PRISON PORNOGRAPHY
PA. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS STATE PRISONS' PORN BAN
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT IS LETTING THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM CONTINUE TO BAN PORNOGRAPHY INSIDE ITS INSTITUTIONS. THE COURT ON MONDAY VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO THROW OUT A CHALLENGE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS' POLICY BY CONVICTED RAPIST SHANNON BRITTAIN. THE PRISON SYSTEM SAYS PROHIBITING PORNOGRAPHY HELPS TREAT AND REHABILITATE INMATES AND HELPS KEEP THE PRISONS FROM BECOMING A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WORK THERE. CORRECTIONS OFFICIALS SAY THEIR RATES OF ASSAULT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HAVE FALLEN SINCE THE BAN WAS IMPOSED. THE COURT SAYS BRITTAIN DIDN'T REFUTE THE DEPARTMENT'S ARGUMENTS IN ANY MEANINGFUL WAY. BUT IT SAYS IT'S POSSIBLE THAT SOME OTHER INMATE MIGHT BE ABLE TO SHOW THE BAN ISN'T A VALID APPROACH.

TEENAGER-HIT-RUN
PA. MAN GETS 2-5 YEARS IN TEEN HIT-AND-RUN DEATH
MEDIA, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO TWO TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING AN HONOR STUDENT IN A HIT-AND-RUN CRASH LAST SUMMER. TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD LEMUEL PAYNE OF UPPER DARBY COULD HAVE GOTTEN UP TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON. HE WAS SENTENCED MONDAY IN DELAWARE COUNTY COURT. LAST MONTH HE PLEADED GUILTY TO LEAVING THE SCENE OF THE CRASH THAT KILLED 16-YEAR-OLD FAITH SINCLAIR IN AUGUST 2008 IN SHARON HILL, ABOUT 5 MILES OUTSIDE OF PHILADELPHIA. AUTHORITIES SAY PAYNE STRUCK THE RIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL HONOR STUDENT AS SHE CROSSED A BUSY STREET ON HER WAY TO A SLEEPOVER.

SEVERE STORMS
FEMA REJECTS DISASTER AID FOR WESTERN PA. STORMS
PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SAYS JUNE 17 STORM DAMAGE IN TWO PITTSBURGH-AREA COUNTIES ISN'T BAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT FEDERAL DISASTER AID. ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY THEY'LL MEET WITH PENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY OFFICIALS ON TUESDAY TO MAP OUT A PLAN TO APPEAL MONDAY'S RULING BY FEMA. FEMA OFFICIALS TOURED SEVERAL COMMUNITIES IN ALLEGHENY AND WESTMORELAND COUNTIES TO ASSESS FLOOD AND WIND DAMAGE, BUT DETERMINED IT DIDN'T QUALIFY AS A FEDERALLY FUNDED DISASTER. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WERE LEFT WITHOUT POWER AND MANY ROADS AND BASEMENTS FLOODED WHEN THE STORMS PRODUCED MORE THAN FOUR INCHES OF RAIN. IN SOME AREAS, THE RAINFALL WAS THE HEAVIEST RECORDED SINCE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IVAN CAUSED SEVERE FLOODING IN SEPTEMBER 2004.

ISRAEL-US-FUGITIVE DEPORTED
PA. FUGITIVE IN PRISON AFTER 20 MONTHS IN ISRAEL
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A PENNSYLVANIA MAN WANTED FOR QUESTIONING ABOUT AN ARSON FIRE THAT DAMAGED A JUDGE'S CAR IS IN A COUNTY PRISON AFTER SPENDING 20 MONTHS AS A FUGITIVE IN ISRAEL. MICKY MAYON OF STEELTON WAS APPREHENDED IN A TEL AVIV LAST WEEK BY ISRAELI OFFICIALS WHO PLANNED TO DEPORT HIM. STEELTON POLICE PATROLMAN TROY ELHAJJ SAYS MAYON WAS ARRAIGNED MONDAY AND SENT TO DAUPHIN COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF $2 MILLION BAIL. STEELTON POLICE WANT TO QUESTION MAYON ABOUT THE JUNE 2007 TORCHING OF A CAR AT THE HOME OF A HARRISBURG JUDGE WHO ORDERED HIM TO STAND TRIAL ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM A DISTURBANCE TWO MONTHS EARLIER. MAYON, WHOSE CASE WAS FEATURED ON THE "AMERICA'S MOST WANTED" TV SERIES, ALLEGEDLY FLED TO ISRAEL IN NOVEMBER 2007.

YOUTH PASTOR-SEX ASSAULT
FORMER PA. YOUTH PASTOR SENTENCED FOR SEX ASSAULT
WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A FORMER YOUTH PASTOR WILL SPEND EIGHT TO 16 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR FONDLING THREE TEEN GIRLS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD BRIAN NEISWENDER WAS SENTENCED MONDAY ON THREE COUNTS OF CORRUPTION OF MINORS AND TWO COUNTS OF INDECENT ASSAULT. IN JUNE THE LAKEWOOD, FLA. RESIDENT PLEADED NO CONTEST TO CHARGES HE MOLESTED THE GIRLS WHILE WORKING AT CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH IN KINGSTON. AUTHORITIES SAY NEISWENDER BEGAN TOUCHING THE GIRLS IN 2003 WHILE PLAYING HIDE-AND-SEEK AND GIVING ONE-ON-ONE MUSIC LESSONS. HE WAS ARRESTED LAST YEAR AFTER THE GIRLS WENT TO POLICE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN BEN BERNANKE IS SET TO GIVE CONGRESSIONAL LAWMAKERS AN UPDATE ON THE ECONOMY TODAY. HE'S EXPECTED TO FACE SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT TAXPAYER-FUNDED BAILOUTS OF FINANCIAL COMPANIES. HOUSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS MAY ALSO ASK ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S SLOW-MOVING EFFORTS TO CURB HOME FORECLOSURES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS SUMMONING KEY HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY, AS STEPS UP HIS PUSH FOR HIS HEALTH OVERHAUL PLAN. HE'LL MEET WITH MEMBERS OF A HOUSE COMMITTEE THAT HAS BEEN BOGGED DOWN DUE TO OPPOSITION BY FISCAL CONSERVATIVES OVER THE BILL'S COST.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE DIVIDED OVER WHETHER TO CONFIRM SUPREME COURT NOMINEE SONIA SOTOMAYOR. BUT THEY'RE APPARENTLY NOT PLANNING A DRAWN-OUT FLOOR DEBATE OVER THE NOMINATION. MEANWHILE, SOTOMAYOR HAS SOLID SUPPORT FROM MAJORITY
SENATE DEMOCRATS AS WELL AS AT LEAST THREE REPUBLICANS.

NEW YORK (AP) - A FEDERAL SAFETY AGENCY REPORTEDLY HELD BACK HUNDREDS OF PAGES OF RESEARCH AND WARNINGS ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF DRIVERS USING CELL PHONES. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE NEW YORK TIMES SAYS THE FINDINGS SHOWED THAT DRIVER DISTRACTION CONTRIBUTES TO ABOUT 25 PERCENT OF ALL POLICE-REPORTED TRAFFIC CRASHES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SENATE IS SET TO VOTE ON WHETHER SPENDING $1.75 BILLION ON SEVEN F-22 JETS MAKES GOOD ECONOMIC SENSE. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS THREATENED TO VETO THE MEASURE IF THE F-22 MONEY REMAINS IN THE DEFENSE BILL. IT WOULD BE THE FIRST VETO OF HIS PRESIDENCY.