DISTRICT 11 BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

CLASS AAA-BOYS

POTTSVILLE 61
PANTHER VALLEY 49

JIM THORPE 55
BLUE MOUNTAIN 45

CLASS AA BOYS

SCHUYKILL HAVEN 35
PINE GROVE 48

CLASS A BOYS

WILLIAMS VALLEY 64
SALEM CHRISTIAN 35

MARIAN 36
MAH AREA 24

CLASS AAA GIRLS

BLUE MOUNTAIN 45
SOUTHERN LEHIGH 40

CLASS A GIRLS

MARIAN 37
MINERSVILLE 22

Today's News-Saturday, February 27, 2010

FIRE CLAIMS LIFE IN LAKE WYNONAH

FIRE DAMAGED A HOME IN LAKE WYNONAH LAST NIGHT AND ONE PERSON IS DEAD. FIRE CREWS FROM FRIEDENSBURG, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AND SUMMIT STATION WERE CALLED TO 511 COYOTE DRIVE AT THE DINNER HOUR. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS RADIO REPORTED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE GARAGE OF THE HOME, AND SPREAD TO THE HOUSE. THE CORONER AND FIRE MARSHAL WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS TO THE IDENTITY OF THE VICTIM IS EXPECTED LATER THIS MORNING.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME

SWEET TREATS THAT BENEFIT GIRL SCOUTS...ITS COOKIE TIME. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS THE STORY:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

CAR STRIKES TREE

A BERWICK MAN ESCAPED INJURY WHEN HIS CAR STRUCK A TREE ON ROUTE 895 YESTERDAY MORNING. 20 YEAR OLD MICHAEL CORBACIO LOST CONTROL ON THE SNOW COVERED ROADWAY IN WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP AND HIT THE GUIDERAIL, THEN TRAVELED FOR ABOUT 75 FEET BEFORE HITTING THE TREE. THE CRASH HAPPENED AFTER 11AM FRIDAY MORNING.

ASHLAND MAN PLEADS IN FEDERAL DRUG CASE

A MAN FROM ASHLAND HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT MICHAEL STOCKUNAS PLEADED GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, RUNNING AN ILLEGAL GAMBLING BUSINESS AND FILING A FALSE TAX RETURN. SENTENCE BY A FEDERAL JUDGE WILL TAKE PLACE LATER. STOCKUNAS'S SON MICKEY AND BROTHER SCOTT STOCKUNAS WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE DRUG RING AND PLEADED GUILTY PREVIOUSLY. THEY WERE INVOLVED IN SHIPPING METH TO THE STATE FOR RESALE.
　
UNION DALE, PA. (AP) - IT COULD BE ANOTHER DAY BEFORE 57 STUDENTS AT A PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL AND THEIR CHAPERONES CAN GET HOME AFTER GETTING STRANDED BY A STRONG WINTER STORM DURING A CLASS TRIP. THE STUDENTS FROM CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WERE STAYING IN A RED CROSS SHELTER IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA WHILE THEY WAIT FOR ONE OF THEIR VEHICLES TO BE REPAIRED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE WINTER STORM THAT HAD THE NORTHEAST ON EDGE FOR MORE THAN A DAY BEGAN TAPERING OFF IN SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE REGION AFTER LEAVING MORE THAN 1 MILLION HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITHOUT POWER FROM MAINE TO PENNSYLVANIA. CREWS HAVE REOPENED THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AFTER AS MANY AS 20 TRACTOR-TRAILERS WERE INVOLVED IN CRASHES THAT FORCED THE SHUTDOWN OF A 60-MILE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - MORE LEGAL FIREWORKS ACCOMPANIED THE END OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF TESTIMONY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S LEGISLATIVE CORRUPTION TRIAL. JUDGE RICHARD LEWIS CAUTIONED DEFENSE ATTORNEY DAN RAYNAK NOT TO "PUSH IT" AT THE END OF THE DAY AFTER RAYNAK COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROSECUTOR'S REACTION TO A WITNESS' TESTIMONY. THREE FORMER AIDES ARE ON TRIAL WITH FORMER REP. MIKE VEON.

MORGANTOWN, W.VA. (AP) - THE SIERRA CLUB AND THE WEST VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY ARE THREATENING TO SUE CONSOL ENERGY IF IT DOESN'T MEET FEDERAL WATER-QUALITY STANDARDS. THE CANONSBURG, PA.-BASED COAL COMPANY IS DEVELOPING PLANS TO BUILD MINE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN THE DUNKARD CREEK WATERSHED. THE CREEK RUNS ALONG THE PENNSYLVANIA-WEST VIRGINIA BORDER AND WAS THE SITE OF A MASSIVE FISH KILL LAST FALL.
　
SANTIAGO, CHILE (AP) - THE AFTERMATH OF A MASSIVE 8.8-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE CAPABLE OF TREMENDOUS DAMAGE IS GETTING WORSE IN CHILE,
WITH AT LEAST 16 DEAD AND THE TOLL EXPECTED TO RISE. THE QUAKE CENTERED IN CENTRAL CHILE SHOOK THE CAPITAL, SANTIAGO, FOR 90 SECONDS, COLLAPSING BUILDINGS AND CUTTING UTILITIES. PRESIDENT MICHELE BACHELET (BAH-CHEH-LET') DECLARED A "STATE OF CATASTROPHE" IN CENTRAL CHILE.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - UTILITY CREWS FACE AN UPHILL CLIMB IN THEIR EFFORTS TO RESTORE POWER TO MORE THAN A MILLION CUSTOMERS IN THE NORTHEAST AFTER A MAJOR WINTER STORM. DEEP SNOWDRIFTS, FALLEN TREES AND DOWNED POWER LINES ARE IN THE WAY. THE SLOW-MOVING STORM POUNDED THE REGION WITH HEAVY SNOW, RAIN AND HURRICANE-FORCE WINDS.

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) - THERE WON'T BE ANY SPECTACULAR STUNTS WITH TRAINER AS SEAWORLD IN FLORIDA GOES ON WITH THE SHOW TODAY. THE FIRST KILLER WHALE SHOW SINCE AN ORCA KILLED A TRAINER WILL HAPPEN WITH TRAINERS BANNED FROM ENTERING THE POOL. A VIDEO TRIBUTE IS PLANNED FOR DAWN BRANCHEAU (BRAN-CHOH'), THE VETERAN TRAINER WHO DIED.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SUPREME COURT AGAIN TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF GUN OWNERSHIP THIS WEEK, CONSIDERING WHETHER THE SECOND AMENDMENT APPLIES TO STATES AS WELL AS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. IT'S WIDELY ELIEVED THE JUSTICES WILL SAY IT DOES. THE CASE INVOLVES HANDGUN BANS IN CHICAGO AND ITS SUBURB OF OAK PARK, ILL. ORAL ARGUMENTS ARE SET FOR TUESDAY.

BEIJING (AP) - CHINA'S PREMIER DID A RARE THING TODAY, ANSWERING QUESTIONS IN AN ONLINE CHAT WITH CITIZENS WORRIED ABOUT CORRUPTION,
FOOD SAFETY AND OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS. HE SAYS 2010 WILL BE THE MOST COMPLICATED YEAR FOR THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY, AND HE PROMISES THE GOVERNMENT WILL FIGHT INFLATION AND SOARING PROPERTY PRICES.

Today's News-Friday, February 26, 2010-645AM

SNOW
SNOW IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE DAY TODAY, AND WITH WINDS GUSTING TO 40 MILES PER HOUR, ITS CREATING WHITEOUT CONDITIONS FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE. ROADS ARE SNOW COVERED WITH AN UNDERLAYMENT OF ICE, SO PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN TRAVELING. THE WINDS ARE CREATING PROBLEMS FOR PPL UTILITY CREWS, WITH NEARLY 300 CUSTOMERS IN SCHUYLKILL AND WEST PENN TOWNSHIPS. THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS STILL IN EFFECT UNTIL 5PM. CHECK OUR WEATHERWATCH SITE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR TAX-CUT APPLICATION

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION THIS YEAR HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH 5 DUE TO THE WINTER STORM. THE NORMAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 1. THE EXEMPTION IS USED TO PROVIDE A STATE FUNDED REDUCTION IN SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX BILLS ON PRIMARY HOMES.
PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ALREADY HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION DON'T NEED TO REAPPLY UNLESS THEY'VE CHANGED THEIR DEED OR ADDRESS. THOSE WHO ARE UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER THEIR HOME IS CURRENTLY APPROCED SHOULD CONTACT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ASSESSMENT OFFICE AT 570-628-1025. HOMEOWNERS CAN OBTAIN THE APPLICATION BY CALLING THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICTS BUSINESS OFFICE OR ONLINE AT PAHOUSE.COM/SEIP.

MEDICAL CENTER THEFT

POLICE RESPONDED TO A THEFT AT THE SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER YESTERDAY MORNING AROUND 3AM. JIMMY SCHWENK 26 OF PALO ALTO, WHO ATTEMPTED TO HIDE FROM THE POLICE IN THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR STEALING VARIOUS MEDICAL SUPPLIES WHILE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. WITH THE ASSITANCE OF MICHAOL LORAH 33 OF PINE GROVE, SCHWENK STUFFED THE SUPPLIES INTO HIS PANTS AND COAT POCKETS. THE SUPPLIES WERE RECOVERED BY HOSPITAL STAFF AND VARIOUS CHARGES WERE FILED AGAINST THE TWO MEN.

HAT AND COAT FOUND AT SCENE OF GUNSHOT VICTIM

A HAT AND COAT WERE FOUND NEAR THE BODY OF THE BARNESVILLE MAN THAT WAS FOUND IN HIS CAR WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD IN MAHANOY CITY ON TUESDAY. MARK KETUSKY, WHO WAS ON HIS WAY TO DO SOME GROCERY SHOPPING AND PICK UP A PIZZA MONDAY EVENING, WAS FOUND AT THE MAHANOY CITY LITTLE LEAGE FIELD PARKING LOT AT 1:30PM THE NEXT DAY. AN AUTOPSY WAS CONDUCTED, THO DUE TO UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE DEATH IS STILL BEING RULED AS "SUSPICIOUS" BY POLICE. AUTORITES HOPE SOMEONE WILL RECOGNISE THE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING AND CONTACT THEM. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CASE IS TO CONTACT THE STATE POLICE OF FRACKVILLE AT 874-5300, THOSE WISHING TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS CAN CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA CRIME STOPPERS AT 800-4PA-TIPS.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

AT THE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, THERE WAS A UNANIMOUS VOTE TO TRANSTER UP TO $2.5MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE COUNTY'S DEBT SERVICES FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PURPOSES OF PAYING MONTHLY BILLS. THE GENERAL FUND IS CURRENTLY UNDER $1MILLION DOLLARS AND THAT IS INSUFFICIENT TO PAY COUNTY COSTS IN THE MONTHS TO COME. UNDER CONSULTATION FROM STATE OFFICIALS AND A POTTSVILLE ATTORNEY, ERIC MIKA, COUNTY SOLICITOR, STATED THEY ONLY ACTED AFTER THESE EXTENSIVE LEGAL REPORTS WERE REVIEWED. COUNTY CONTROLLER MELINDA KANTNER IS QUESTIONING THE LEGALITY OF THE TRANSFER AND HAS FILED A RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAST WEEK SEEKING A COPY OF THE CONSULTATION REPORTS. SHE WAS DENIED THE REQUEST AS WAS THE LOCAL NEWS. THE TRANSER, THO IRREGULAR, ISN'T ILLEGAL AND WILL SAVE THE COUNTY $30-THOUSAND-DOLLARS IN INTEREST THAT IT WOULD NORMALLY PAY IF TAKING A NORMAL BANK LOAN. THE LOAN WILL BE REPAID BACK BY JUNE 30TH OF THIS YEAR WITH THE COUNTY'S REAL ESTATE TAX REVENUES.


HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - TRACTOR-TRAILERS, BOX TRUCKS AND ANY OTHER VEHICLES PULLING A TRAILER ARE BEING TOLD TO KEEP OFF THE ENTIRE NORTHEASTERN EXTENSION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS IMPOSED THE RESTRICTION STARTING AT 6 P.M. YESTERDAY BECAUSE THEY WERE EXPECTING ZERO-VISIBILITY CONDITIONS ALONG WITH HEAVY SNOWFALL AND HIGH WINDS.

JOHNSTOWN, PA. (AP) - FORMER DEMOCRATIC PENNSYLVANIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MARK SINGEL HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL SEAT LEFT VACANT BY JOHN MURTHA'S DEATH. SINGEL SAYS THE FIELD OF DEMOCRATS IS TOO LARGE. HIS WITHDRAWAL YESTERDAY FOLLOWS MURTHA'S WIDOW'S ENDORSEMENT OF THE LATE CONGRESSMAN'S LONGTIME AIDE MARK CRITZ.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VEON'S PRESS SECRETARY SAYS VEON TOLD HIM TO WORK ON POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS ON STATE TIME, THE LATEST LEGISLATIVE AIDE TO TESTIFY IN THE FOUR-WEEK-OLD PUBLIC CORRUPTION CASE. BOB CATON TESTIFIED YESTERDAY THAT THOSE DIRECTIONS WERE NORMALLY GIVEN TO HIM DIRECTLY INSIDE VEON'S OFFICES IN HARRISBURG.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A MAN ACCUSED OF MASTERMINDING A MORE THAN $1 MILLION INSURANCE FRAUD SCHEME IN PHILADELPHIA HAS PLEADED GUILTY. FORTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD WALLACE MORRIS IS BEING SENTENCED TODAY TO MULTIPLE COUNTS OF INSURANCE FRAUD, THEFT AND RELATED CHARGES. AUTHORITIES SAY THE FRAUD INVOLVED DOZENS OF STAGED ACCIDENTS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - WINDS IN PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST ARE NEAR 50 MPH IN THE MIDST OF A MAJOR WINTER STORM PLODDING UP THE ATLANTIC COAST. IT'S BRINGING WET SNOW AND HEAVY RAIN WITH FLOODING POTENTIAL. THIS STORM, WHICH COULD DROP A FOOT OR MORE OF SNOW, COMES ON THE HEELS OF 20 INCHES IN SOME AREAS A DAY EARLIER.
 
HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) - NEW HAMPSHIRE FIREFIGHTERS SAY AN ENTIRE BLOCK AROUND AN OCEANFRONT HOTEL IS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN HAMPTON.  FIRE CAPT. DAVID LANG SAYS THE FIRE ERUPTED AROUND MIDNIGHT IN THE UNOCCUPIED THREE-STORY SURF HOTEL, AN HOUR'S DRIVE NORTH OF BOSTON.  HAMPTON IS A POPULAR SUMMER DESTINATION. OFFICIALS SAY HIGH WIND FROM A NORTHEAST WINTER STORM ISN'T HELPING.

LEWES, DEL. (AP) - INVESTIGATORS WORKING TO IDENTIFY MORE THAN 100 CHILDREN ALLEGEDLY ABUSED BY A DELAWARE PEDIATRICIAN ARE FINDING SOME FAMILIES RELUCTANT TO HELP. SOME PARENTS HAVE DECIDED NOT TO PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR INVESTIGATORS TO COMPARE TO VIDEOS DR. EARL BRADLEY ALLEGEDLY MADE. THOSE PARENTS SAY THEIR CHILDREN SEEM FINE AND THERE'S NOTHING TO GAIN.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (AP) - HAITIAN OFFICIALS WANT PEOPLE MADE HOMELESS BY THE EARTHQUAKE TO RETURN TO THEIR DESTROYED NEIGHBORHOODS AHEAD OF THE RAINY SEASON COMING IN ABOUT A MONTH. OFFICIALS WILL NEED TO DEMOLISH HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF BUILDINGS AND REMOVE MOUNTAINS OF RUBBLE BEFORE PEOPLE CAN RETURN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS SET TO PROPOSE REGULATIONS AIMED AT PROTECTING WORKERS' RETIREMENT SAVINGS. AN ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL, WHO DOESN'T WANT TO BE IDENTIFIED BECAUSE THE PROPOSAL HAD NOT YET BEEN FORMALLY ANNOUNCED, SAYS THE SAFEGUARDS WOULD PROTECT WORKERS FROM CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH FINANCIAL ADVISERS WHO MANAGE THEIR 401(K)S AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN IS TO ANNOUNCE THE PROPOSAL TODAY.

Today's News-Thursday, February 25, 2010

WEATHER


MOTHER NATURE IS SET TO DUMP AS MUCH AS A FOOT OF SNOW ON THE REGION AS A NOR'EASTER RUMBLES UP THE EAST COAST. WET SNOW BEGAN FALLING EARLY THIS MORNING, AND WILL INTENSIFY THROUGH TODAY INTO FRIDAY. THE SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES, AND AS AARON TYBURSKI, METEROLOGIST AT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE SAYS, ANOTHER DIMENSION WILL CREATE PROBLEMS TOMORROW:


TYBURSKI


THE WEATHER WATCH COMPUTER IS FIRED UP THIS MORNING. CHECK OUT WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE UNDER "WEATHERWATCH".


KETUSKY DEATH UPDATE


WE NOW KNOW THE OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH OF A BARNESVILLE MAN FOUND IN MAHANOY CITY TUESDAY AFTERNOON. OFFICIALS SAY THAT 52 YEAR OLD MARK KETUSKY DIED OF A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD. BUT, THE MANNER IN WHICH HE DIED IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. POLICE CONTINUED TO COMB THE BOROUGH OF MAHANOY CITY WEDNESDAY TO TRY AND FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION IN THE CASE. KETUSKY WAS REPORTED MISSING MONDAY NIGHT FROM HIS HOME. HIS DEATH IS STILL BEING RULED AS SUSPICIOUS.


THE SIPHONING GAS THIEF


AS GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO DENT OUR WALLETS, WE HAVE REPORTED NUMEROUS WAYS THAT PEOPLE HAVE STOLEN GAS FROM DEALERS. THIS ONE IS RATHER NOVEL. STATE POLICE REPORT THAT 33 YEAR OLD JEREMIAH SHIVERS OF PRESCOTT, NEW MEXICO, PULLED INTO THE GASWAY STATION ON ROUTE 61 IN NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP AFTER MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY, PULLING A UTILITY TRAILER. SHIVERS HOOKED UP A HOSE TO THE UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE TANKS AND USED A TRANSFER PUMP TO STEAL GASOLINE AND PUT IT IN 55 GALLON DRUMS ON THE TRAILER. SHIVERS IS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY AND RELATED COUNTS AND WAS JAILED IN THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.


COUNTY BUYS D.J. OFFICE


SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IS LOOKING TO PURCHASE THE BUILDING THAT HOUSES ONE OF ITS DISTRICT COURT. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS THE STORY FROM THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE:


MARCHEFSKY COURT


INVESTIGATION NETS ARREST IN BURGLARY

A SECOND PERSON HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH A BURGLARY AT A MINI MARKET IN LYKENS. STATE POLICE THERE SAY THAT 19 YEAR OLD OLIVIA KLINGER OF TOWER CITY, WHO WAS EMPLOYED BY THE STORE, HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BURGLARY, THEFT AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF. KLINGER AIDED HER BOYFRIEND, CHESTER HUBLER THE THIRD OF LYKENS, IN THE DECEMBER BURGLARY THAT NETTED THEM CASH, AND CAUSED ABOUT $4-THOUSAND DOLLARS DAMAGE. HUBLER WAS ARRESTED EARLIER IN THE INVESTIGATION. KLINGER IS NOW HOUSED IN THE DAUPHIN COUNTY PRISON.


TALLMAN FARMS BURGLARIZED


A PORTER TOWNSHIP FARM HAS BEEN BURGLARIZED. SOMEONE ENTERED A BARN OWNED BY TALLMAN FARMS TUESDAY EVENING AND TOOK A WELDING MACHINE, THEN FLED THE SCENE. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CASE.


CHARTER SCHOOL PROPOSAL TURNED DOWN


THE POTTSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS TURNED DOWN A PROPOSAL TO START A CHARTER SCHOOL IN THE CITY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO REJECT THE APPLICATION FOR THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE. REVEREND STORM HUTCHINSON AND HIS WIFE NICOLLE APPLIED TO OPEN THE SCHOOL ON HOWARD AVENUE. THE BOARD CITED THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF COMMUNITY INTEREST IN THE SCHOOL, AND RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT CURRICULUM, BUDGET AND OTHER ISSUES. THE ACTION TOOK PLACE AT THE BOARD'S WORK SESSION LAST NIGHT.


PENN DOT GEARS UP


AS FAMILIES PREPARE FOR ANOTHER WINTER BLAST, PENN DOT IS GEARING UP AS WELL TO KEEP ROADS CLEARED. THE EASTERN HALF OF THE STATE IS EXPECTED TO SEE ABOUT A FOOT OF NEW SNOW TODAY INTO FRIDAY. PENN DOT SPOKESPERSON STEVE CHIZMAR SAID ITS ALL ABOUT BEING PREPARED:


CHIZMAR


MOTORISTS SHOULD USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING, AND CAN CHECK ON INTERSTATE ROAD CONDITIONS BY LOGGING ON TO 511-PA.COM.

VANDALISM IN CEMETERYPHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA EDUCATOR NAMED IN A WEBCAM SPYING LAWSUIT SAYS SHE DIDN'T MONITOR STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL-ISSUE LAPTOPS OR AUTHORIZE ANYONE ELSE TO.


THREE TEENAGED GIRLS AND A MAN FROM WILBURTON ARE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AT A CEMETERY IN CENTRALIA. THE GIRLS, AGED 17, 14 AND 13 AND DAVID PAVLOSKI THE SECOND TOPPLED TOMBSTONES IN THE ODD FELLOWS CEMETERY IN CENTRALIA THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. MORE THAN $5-THOUSAND-DOLLARS IN DAMAGE WAS DONE. PAVLOSKI ALSO FACES THREE CHARGES OF CORRUPTION OF MINORS. CHARGES AGAINST THE GIRLS WILL BE HANDLED IN THE JUVENILE SYSTEM.


HARRITON HIGH SCHOOL VICE PRINCIPAL LYNN MATSKO RESPONDED TO THE LAWSUIT WITH A WRITTEN STATEMENT YESTERDAY. THE SUIT CLAIMS THE SCHOOL VIOLATED A STUDENT'S PRIVACY BY SPYING ON HIM AT HOME.


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA JURY HAS DECIDED A MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING TWO FORMER PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS IN AN ARMORED CAR HOLDUP SHOULD BE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. PROSECUTORS HAD SOUGHT THE DEATH PENALTY FOR 39-YEAR-OLD MUSTAFA ALI, WHO WAS CONVICTED LAST WEEK.


COATESVILLE, PA. (AP) - A 24-YEAR-OLD SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN ACCUSED OF SETTING FIVE FIRES NEAR HIS HOME HAS PLEADED GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL. LEROY MCWILLIAMS OF COATESVILLE WAS SENTENCED WEDNESDAY TO 12 1/2 TO 25 YEARS OF CONFINEMENT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT A STATE MENTAL INSTITUTION AND COULD END IN A PRISON IF DOCTORS DETERMINE HE'S COMPLETED HIS TREATMENT.


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED AND CHARGED A 27-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH SETTING A FIRE THAT DAMAGED THE OFFICES OF A FAMED MUSIC COMPANY THAT PRODUCED DOZENS OF BEST-SELLING RECORDS IN THE 1960S AND 1970S. CHRISTOPHER CIMINI IS ACCUSED OF SETTING SUNDAY'S FIRE AT PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - LIVE FROM WASHINGTON, IT'S OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE SUMMIT. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS DEMOCRATIC ALLIES WILL TRY TO MAKE THEIR CASE FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM IN A SUMMIT WITH REPUBLICANS THIS MORNING, AND IT'LL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON DAYTIME TV. THE PUBLIC IS SPLIT OVER THE DEMOCRATS' PACKAGE AND ITS $1 TRILLION, 10-YEAR PRICE TAG.


ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - IF YOU'RE IN THE NORTHEAST, HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS. FORECASTERS SAY A WINTER STORM EXPECTED TODAY COULD PACK POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND COULD BE "SIGNIFICANT AND LONG-LASTING." ANOTHER STORM THIS WEEK ALREADY HAS DUMPED ABOUT A FOOT OF SNOW AND LEFT THOUSANDS WITHOUT POWER FROM PHILADELPHIA TO NEW ENGLAND.

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) - SEAWORLD IN FLORIDA HASN'T DECIDED WHAT TO DO ABOUT A WHALE THAT KILLED ONE OF ITS HANDLERS. VETERAN TRAINER DAWN BRANCHEAU WAS RUBBING THE 12,000-POUND KILLER WHALE FROM A POOLSIDE PLATFORM WEDNESDAY WHEN IT REACHED UP, GRABBED HER WITH ITS MOUTH AND DRAGGED HER UNDERWATER. IT'S THE THIRD TIME THE ANIMAL HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A HUMAN DEATH.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A STUDY SUGGESTS AN ONLINE PROGRAM SOME EMPLOYERS USE TO WEED OUT ILLEGAL WORKERS MISSES MORE THAN HALF THE PEOPLE IT'S SUPPOSED TO IDENTIFY. THE RESEARCH COMPANY THAT EVALUATED THE E-VERIFY SYSTEM FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT FOUND 54 PERCENT OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CHECKED THROUGH THE SYSTEM ARE CLEARED TO WORK BECAUSE THEY ARE USING STOLEN OR BORROWED IDENTITIES.


OMAHA, NEB. (AP) - SOME LAWMAKERS ARE PUSHING TO MAKE NEBRASKA THE FIRST STATE TO OUTLAW MOST ABORTIONS AFTER 20 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY. THEY ARGUE THAT THE FETUS MIGHT FEEL PAIN DURING THE PROCEDURE. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES THERE ARE SIX STATES THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE THAT A WOMAN BE TOLD AN ABORTION COULD CAUSE PAIN FOR THE FETUS.

Today's News-Wednesday, February 24, 2010-9:30AM

BODY FOUND IN MAHANOY CITY


THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF A BARNESVILLE MAN CONTINUES THIS MORNING. STATE AND LOCAL POLICE ALONG WITH THE COUNTY DA'S OFFICE ARE WORKING THE CASE WHERE 52 YEAR OLD MARK KETUSKY OF BARNESVILLE WAS FOUND DEAD IN A VEHICLE AT THE MAHANOY CITY LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD. LT THOMAS DANIELS OF THE STATE POLICE.

DANIELS

KETUSKY WAS REPORTED MISSING MONDAY NIGHT. HIS DEATH IS BEING RULED AS SUSPICIOUS. AN AUTOPSY ON KETUSKY WILL BE DONE TODAY BY DR. RICHARD BINDIE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE SHOULD CALL THE FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE BARRACKS AT 874-5300 OR PENNSYLVANIA CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-4PA-TIPS.

ANOTHER BURGLARY AT CITIZENS FIRE COMPANY

A PALO ALTO FIRE COMPANY HAS BEEN VICTIMIZED AGAIN, AS THE CITIZENS FIRE COMPANY WAS BROKEN INTO AGAIN LAST NIGHT.  WE REPORTED EARLIER TODAY ABOUT THE RASH OF INCIDENTS THERE, MOST RECENTLY OVER THE WEEKEND.  THIS TIME, SOMEONE FORCED THEIR WAY INTO THE BAR ROOM AND TOOK ROLLED COINS LAST EVENING BEFORE 11PM.  SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE ARE HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION
DONCHAK RELEASED

A SHENANDOAH MAN HAS BEEN GRANTED PAROLE FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON. 20 YEAR OLD DERRICK DONCHAK WAS GRANTED HIS RELEASE BY PRESIDENT JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN YESTERDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT DONCHAK HAD SERVED SOME OF HIS TIME IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT FOR INFRACTIONS OF PRISON RULES. HE WAS ORIGINALLY JAILED AFTER BEING FOUND GUILTY LAST SPRING FOR HIS ROLE IN THE BEATING DEATH OF LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH IN JULY, 2008. DONCHAK STILL FACES FEDERAL HATE CRIMES CHARGES IN THE CASE. BRANDON PIEKARSKY, WHO WAS ALSO FOUND GUILTY OF SIMPLE ASSAULT AND OTHER COUNTS, WAS RELEASED EARLIER.

FIRE IN UNION TOWNSHIP

A PROPERTY IN UNION TOWNSHIP WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE TUESDAY. THE BLAZE AT 102 LUMPY LANE BROKE OUT AROUND 2PM. THE PROPERTY IS OWNED BY ANDREW SOKI. THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THAT FIRE.

MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN AFTER WEEKEND CHASE

A PINE GROVE MAN INVOLVED IN A HIGH SPEED CHASE OVER THE WEEKEND HAS TURNED HIMSELF IN TO POLICE. REPORTS SAY 23 YEAR OLD DARRYL SHADLE JR. WAS APPROACHED BY POLICE EARLY SATURDAY ON OAK GROVE ROAD, AND LED OFFICERS ON A CHASE ON INTERSTATE 81 SOUTH. THE CHASE ENDED WITH SHADLE'S CAR GOING INTO A FIELD, AND HE FLED ON FOOT. SHADLE TURNED HIMSELF IN YESTERDAY, AND WAS ARRAIGNED AND JAILED.

OLIVER NORTH SPEAKS IN READING

THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA ARE CELEBRATING THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. RETIRED LT. COLONEL OLIVER NORTH, FOX NEWS HOST AND DECORATED MARINE VETERAN WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL LEADERSHIP DINNER IN READING LAST NIGHT. NORTH SAYS AMERICA'S NEXT GENERATION NEEDS LEADERS, AND THE BOY SCOUTS PROVIDES THAT FOUNDATION:

NORTH ON LEADERSHIP

OLLIE NORTH HAS BEEN EMBEDED WITH AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES. HE RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN NEXT WEEK FOR A MONTH LONG STAY WITH OUR TROOPS. HIS NEW BOOK "AMERICAN HEROES" SPOTLIGHTS SOLDIERS WHO HAVE PROUDLY SERVED IN HARM'S WAY.

NANTICOKE, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE HAVE REFILED CHARGES AGAINST A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JUDGE ACCUSED OF PUSHING AND CHOKING
HIS WIFE ON THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY. A MAGISTRATE HAD DISMISSED THE ASSAULT CHARGES AGAINST C. JOSEPH REHKAMP OF LUZERNE COUNTY YESTERDAY AFTER HIS WIFE DECLINED TO TESTIFY AT A PRELIMINARY HEARING. BUT THEY WERE REFILED YESTERDAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE SAY AN OFFICER SHOT A WOMAN WHO ATTACKED HIS PARTNER WITH A KNIFE. LIEUTENANT FRANK VANORE SAYS OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO A DOMESTIC DISPUTE AND WHEN THEY APPROACHED THE WOMAN AND SHE CAME AT THEM WITH A KNIFE. HE SAYS THEY TRIED TO SHOCK HER WITH A STUN GUN BUT COULDN'T, AND THE OFFICER SHOT HER AFTER SHE CUT HIS PARTNER.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A FIRE AT THE FAMED PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS BUILDING HAS BEEN RULED AN ARSON. AUTHORITIES SAY THE FIRE ON SUNDAY MELTED GOLD AND PLATINUM RECORDS ON THE WALLS AND DESTROYED ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF THE MEMORABILIA, BUT SPARED THE STUDIO, AND THE COMPANY'S 10,000 MASTER RECORDINGS ARE STORED AT AN UNDERGROUND VAULT.

PEQUEA, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A WOMAN HAS DIED IN A FIRE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. THE TWO-ALARM BLAZE AT THE 2 1/2-STORY FARMHOUSE IN MARTIC TOWNSHIP WAS REPORTED SHORTLY AFTER 2 P.M. MONDAY. STATE POLICE AND LANCASTER COUNTY CORONER STEVE DIAMANTONI SAY THE VICTIM DIED OF SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS. SHE HASN'T BEEN POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED.

TOKYO (AP) - TOYOTA FACES INCREASED PRESSURE TO WIN BACK CUSTOMER TRUST AS THE AUTOMAKER'S PRESIDENT APPEARS BEFORE CONGRESS TODAY. AKIO TOYODA WILL FACE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NUMEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN THE RECALL OF SOME $8.5 MILLION VEHICLES WORLDWIDE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - CONGRESS IS EXPECTED TO APPROVE A JOBS-PROMOTING BILL THAT WOULD GIVE TAX BREAKS TO EMPLOYERS WHO HIRED THE UNEMPLOYED. THOSE BUSINESSES WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM THE 6.2 PERCENT SOCIAL SECURITY PAYROLL TAX THROUGH DECEMBER AND WOULD GET AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 CREDIT FOR NEW WORKERS WHO STAY ON THE JOB FOR A FULL YEAR.

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - TALIBAN INSURGENTS ARE CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KILLING OF A PROVINCIAL OFFICIAL IN AFGHANISTAN. POLICE SAY THE OFFICIAL WAS GUNNED DOWN BY TWO MEN ON A MOTORBIKE TODAY AS HE WALKED TO WORK IN SOUTHERN KANDAHAR. THE ASSASSINATION COMES AS NATO AND AFGHAN FORCES MOVE INTO A 12TH DAY OF A MAJOR OFFENSIVE TO PUSH MILITANTS OUT OF THE TALIBAN STRONGHOLD OF NEARBY HELMAND PROVINCE.

SANTA ANA, CALIF. (AP) - A JURY IN SANTA ANA, CALIF. IS ABOUT TO BEGIN DELIBERATIONS IN THE TRIAL OF A MAN ACCESSED OF FIVE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SERIAL SLAYINGS IN THE LATE 1970S. RODNEY ALCALA, WHO'S ACTING AS HIS OWN ATTORNEY, COULD FACE THE DEATH PENALTY IF CONVICTED.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - CBS IS TEMPORARILY HALTING PRODUCTION OF TELEVISION'S TOP-RATED COMEDY, "TWO AND A HALF MEN," FOLLOWING NEWS THAT STAR CHARLIE SHEEN IS IN REHAB AND IS TAKING A BREAK FROM THE SHOW. ROUGHLY TWO MONTHS AGO SHEEN WAS ARRESTED AFTER A FIGHT WITH HIS WIFE AT THEIR COLORADO HOME. HE WAS CHARGED WITH FELONY MENACING AND MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES.

Breaking News-7:15pm

The body of a man from Barnesville was found at the Mahanoy City Little League field parking lot today. The identity of the victim has not yet been officially released by police yet, but Mahanoy City borough police are being assisted by investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police Forensics unit.  Reporter Sherry Marchefsky will have a full report on WPPA/T102 News tomorrow morning.

Today's News-Tuesday, February 23, 2010-7:25AM

WOLFGANG IS COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

A MOUNT CARMEL MAN, ACCUSED OF MURDERING HIS WIFE THREE YEARS AGO, IS COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL. THAT'S THE RULING FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY JUDGE ROBERT SACAVAGE YESTERDAY. WOLFGANG IS SCHEDULED TO STAND TRIAL IN THE DEATH OF SHERRY WOLFGANG. HER BODY WAS FOUND IN MAHANOY CREEK IN WESTERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. IF HE IS CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER, WOLFGANG COULD FACE THE DEATH PENALTY.

WEATHER

DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE WILL DETERMINE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE OUTSIDE THIS MORNING. SNOW SHOWERS, FREEZING RAIN AND JUST PLAIN RAIN AWAIT YOU TODAY. NORTH OF INTERSTATE 81, AN INCH OR TWO OF SNOW AND RAIN IS MAKING THINGS SLOPPY FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE, WITH JUST PLAIN RAIN IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY. TEMPERATURES ARE HOVERING AT OR JUST ABOVE FREEZING, SO WATCH FOR ANY ICY PATCHES. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR SCHUYLKILL COUNTY UNTIL 9AM TODAY.


DRUG BUST IN MINERSVILLE

AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION BY AGENTS FROM THE COUNTY DA'S DRUG TASK FORCE AND MINERSVILLE POLICE HAS NETTED THE ARREST OF TWO BERKS COUNTY MEN FOR TRYING TO SELL COCAINE. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED SUNDAY AT A CONVENIENCE STORE ALONG ROUTE 901, AS 58 YEAR OLD LARRY BATTLE OF READING, AND 52 YEAR OLD RONALD PASKINGS OF MOHNTON WERE CAUGHT WITH THE DRUGS. BOTH WERE ARRAIGNED AND TAKEN TO THE COUNTY PRISON. DRUG RELATED ARRESTS WERE MADE LAST WEEK AT THE SAME SPOT.

FOLLOW UP TO DUI RELATED CRASH

IN A FOLLOWUP TO A STORY WE REPORTED YESTERDAY, A PINE GROVE MAN WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST HIM. 23 YEAR OLD JESSE RHEN WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION ON SWEET ARROW LAKE ROAD. IN ADDITION TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE SAY THAT RHEN ALSO HAD MATERIALS IN HIS CAR THAT WOULD BE USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE. THE CRASH RHEN WAS INVOLVED IN HAPPENED SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

NORTHUMBERLAND DRUG BUST

TWO SHENANDOAH MEN WERE AMONG FOUR ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING ECSTACY IN NEIGHBORING NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. THE NEWS ITEM REPORTS THAT 23 YEAR OLD JONATHAN CEREZO AND 21 YEAR OLD RAFAEL MATEO OF SHENANDOAH WERE INVOLVED WITH MEN FROM LEBANON AND WEST READING WHO WERE NABBED IN DOWNTOWN SHAMOKIN LAST FRIDAY. REPORTS SAY THAT POLICE USED AN UNDERCOVER INFORMANT TO BUY THE DRUGS FROM ONE OF THE MEN. ALL WERE ARRAIGNED IN SHAMOKIN, WITH MATEO RELEASED ON BAIL. CEREZO AND 20 YEAR OLD LUIS BUTLER OF LEBANON WERE JAILED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY PRISON.

PFA VIOLATION IN POTTSVILLE

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS LOCKED UP IN THE COUNTY PRISON FOR VIOLATING A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A WEST MARKET STREET HOME, WHERE 23 YEAR OLD DARLENE SERAFIN TOLD POLICE THAT HER EX-BOYFRIEND, 21 YEAR OLD WALTER PARFAITE, APPROACHED HER AT THE DOLLAR GENERAL PARKING LOT ON EAST ARCH STREET, BEGAN TO CHASE HER AND YELLED AT HER, PLUS HARASSED HER BY MAKING NUMEROUS CALLS TO HER CELL PHONE. POLICE SAY PARFAITE IS ALSO FATHER OF SERAFIN'S CHILDREN. CHARGES WERE BROUGHT AGAINST PARFAITE AT DISTRICT JUDGE CHARLES MORAN'S OFFICE.

WEEKEND BURGLARY AT GARAGE

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE BURGLAR WHO BROKE INTO A PALO ALTO GARAGE OVER THE WEEKEND. HRENYO'S GARAGE WAS BROKEN INTO, AND $375 DOLLARS CASH TAKEN. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.


WASHINGTON, PA. (AP) - A 30-YEAR-OLD WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN CONVICTED OF BEATING TWO PEOPLE TO DEATH IN 2007 HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. EUGENE NAGY, OF DONORA, WAS CONVICTED THIS MONTH OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATHS OF 47-YEAR-OLD VINCE TROTTA AND 40-YEAR-OLD YVONNE HELTON.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE ATTORNEY FOR A BLACK PITTSBURGH TEENAGER WHO CLAIMS WHITE POLICE OFFICERS BEAT HIM DURING HIS ARREST LAST MONTH SAYS HE PASSED AN FBI LIE DETECTOR TEST YESTERDAY. THE FBI IS INVESTIGATING 18-YEAR-OLD JORDAN MILES' CLAIM THAT THE ARREST WAS A RACIST ATTACK. THE OFFICERS, WHO ARE SUSPENDED, SAY HE WAS ACTING SUSPICIOUSLY AND THEY THOUGHT HE HAD A WEAPON.

JOHNSTOWN, PA. (AP) - CONGRESSMAN JOHN MURTHA'S WIDOW WILL NOT RUN TO FINISH HER LATE HUSBAND'S TERM. THE MURTHA FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE SAID IN AN E-MAIL YESTERDAY THAT JOYCE MURTHA FEELS IT'S "TOO SOON AFTER HIS DEATH TO BE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL." MURTHA DIED ON FEBRUARY 18TH. A SPECIAL ELECTION TO REPLACE HIM WILL BE HELD ON MAY 18TH.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS SAYS HE'S RAISED NEARLY $2 MILLION IN CASH AND FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS AND WILL SEEK THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR.  WILLIAMS, WHO'S FROM PHILADELPHIA, ENTERS THE FRAY THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE MAY 18TH PRIMARY WITH A FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - THE CAPTURE OF THE FOURTH TOP AFGHAN TALIBAN LEADER IN RECENT WEEKS IN PAKISTAN IS BEING REPORTED IN U.S. MEDIA.  THE NEW YORK TIMES AND WASHINGTON POST REPORT THE LATEST CAPTURE IS MULLAH ABDUL KABIR, A MEMBER OF THE MILITIA'S RULING COUNCIL, WHO WAS PICKED UP SEVERAL DAYS AGO IN PAKISTAN'S NORTHWEST.

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO IS PLEDGING MORE HELP TO TRAIN AN EVER-EXPANDING AFGHAN ARMY. NATO SAYS MILITARY OFFICIALS FROM ITS 28 MEMBER STATES AND OTHER ALLIES ARE MEETING TO PLEDGE AT LEAST 2,000 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS. MEANWHILE, AN EXPLOSION THIS MORNING IN THE CAPITAL OF HELMAND PROVINCE LEFT EIGHT PEOPLE DEAD AND AT LEAST 16 OTHERS WOUNDED. POLICE SAY THE EXPLOSIVES WERE IN A PARKED MOTORBIKE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A BIPARTISAN JOBS BILL IS EXPECTED TO PASS THE SENATE TOMORROW AFTER FIVE REPUBLICANS BROKE RANKS TO JOIN DEMOCRATS IN SHUTTING DOWN A FILIBUSTER. THE FIVE INCLUDED THE SENATE'S NEWEST REPUBLICAN, SCOTT BROWN OF MASSACHUSETTS. AMONG PROVISIONS ENJOYING BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IS ONE EXEMPTING BUSINESSES HIRING THE UNEMPLOYED FROM SOCIAL SECURITY PAYROLL TAXES THROUGH DECEMBER .

WASHINGTON (AP) - FORMER VICE PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY IS SAID TO BE RESTING COMFORTABLY AFTER HE WAS HOSPITALIZED IN WASHINGTON WITH CHEST PAINS. CHENEY HAS A HISTORY OF HEART PROBLEMS, INCLUDING FOUR HEART ATTACKS STARTING AT AGE 37. CHENEY HAD BYPASS SURGERY IN 1988, AS WELL AS TWO LATER ANGIOPLASTIES TO CLEAR NARROWED CORONARY ARTERIES.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (AP) - CANADA HAS DEFAULTED ON ITS PLANS TO OWN THE PODIUM AT THE VANCOUVER OLYMPICS. AMERICA IS TROUNCING ITS NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH, WITH 25 MEDALS SO FAR, COMPARED TO CANADA'S 10. THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE SAYS CANADIANS WOULD BE "LIVING IN A FOOL'S PARADISE" TO BELIEVE THEY COULD BEAT THE U.S. NOW.

Today's News-Monday, February 22, 2010

FATAL CRASH IN COLUMBIA COUNTY

TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD FOLLOWING A HEAD ON COLLISION IN NEIGHBORING COLUMBIA COUNTY YESTERDAY. BLOOMSBURG STATE POLICE REPORT THAT 43 YEAR OLD BRYAN FOLEY OF RINGTOWN WAS NORTHBOUND ON ROUTE 42 NEAR ARISTES WHEN HIS VEHCILE CROSSED INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANE, CRASHING HEAD ON INTO THE VEHICLE OPERATED BY 56 YEAR OLD GERTRUDE TROUP OF HEGINS. BOTH DRIVERS WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY THE COLUMBIA COUNTY DEPUTY CORONER. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

POTTSVILLE TEEN INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH

A POTTSVILLE TEENAGER REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING A CRASH ON TUMBLING RUN ROAD LATE SATURDAY NIGHT. FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE SAY 18 YEAR OLD KEVIN STOCK WAS EASTBOUND AROUND 10:45PM WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE HE WAS DRIVING AND SMASHED INTO A TREE, THEN SPUN AROUND. STOCK WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL.

HIT AND RUN IN GIRARDVILLE

STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE DRIVER OF AN SUV INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN CRASH IN GIRARDVILLE LAST NIGHT. THE VEHICLE, A DARK COLORED CHEVY BLAZER OR JEEP CHEROKEE CLIPPED A PARKED CAR ON WEST MAIN STREET, DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR. TROOPERS REPORT THAT THE MIRROR ON THE FIRST VEHICLE WILL BE MISSING GLASS FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION SHOULD CALL THE FRACKVILLE BARRACKS AT 874-5300.

TWO VEHICLE CRASH IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP

A PINE GROVE MAN IS FACING A HOST OF CHARGES FOLLOWING A CRASH IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP SUNDAY AFTERNOON. 23 YEAR OLD JESSE RHEN WAS DRIVING EAST ON SWEET ARROW LAKE ROAD. HIS VEHICLE TRAVELED INTO THE PATH OF 23 YEAR OLD ANYA ZELINSKY'S CAR, STRIKING IT HEAD ON. STATE POLICE SAY THAT RHEN WAS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND WILL BE CHARGED IN THE INCIDENT. RHEN HAD MINOR INJURIES, ZELINSKY SUFFERED MORE SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE CRASH.

SEIP MAKES IT OFFICIAL

125TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TIM SEIP IS RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM IN HARRISBURG. REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM PINE GROVE:

SEIP ANNOUNCEMENT

ROAD WORK

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF VARIOUS ROAD WORK BEING DONE BY PENN DOT CREWS ACROSS THE REGION THIS WEEK. CRACK SEALING, BRUSH CUTTING AND BRIDGE REPAIRS WILL GET UNDERWAY THIS MORNING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: NEW CASTLE, DELANO, RUSH, FOSTER, HEGINS, WEST PENN, UNION, NORTH MANHEIM AND CASS TOWNSHIPS. TRAFFIC DELAYS AND DETOURS MAY RESULT, SO ALLOW A BIT OF EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL IN THOSE WORK AREAS.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THREE YOUNG PITTSBURGH-AREA RESIDENTS ARE DEAD AFTER THE CAR THEY WERE IN WENT OFF I-376, PLUNGED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO SOME TREES. THE VICTIMS OF THE ACCIDENT EARLY SUNDAY WERE IDENTIFIED AS DEREK PHILLIPS AND DAVID RIZZO -BOTH 20 - AND 18-YEAR-OLD TARA SCHULZ. THE 18-YEAR-OLD DRIVER ANDANOTHER PASSENGER SURVIVED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER WHO STRUCK AND KILLED A 30-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN THE CITY'S HOMEWOOD SECTION. TWO OTHER WOMEN WERE LEFT INJURED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING BY WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A DARK-COLORED SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A FATAL PIT BULL ATTACK. BARBARA ERB TOLD THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER THAT SHE WAS ARGUING WITH HER 38-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, CHRISTINE STAAB, WHEN STAAB FELL AND THE DOG LEAPED ON HER. ERB SAID SHE COULD NOT GET THE ANIMAL TO RELAX ITS GRIP ON HER DAUGHTER. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED THEY SHOT AND KILLED THE DOG.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - LAWYERS FOR A TEEN ACCUSED OF FATALLY SHOOTING HIS 80-YEAR-OLD GREAT-GRANDFATHER ARE SEEKING TO HAVE POLICE INTERVIEWS WITH THE BOY EXCLUDED FROM HIS TRIAL IN LUZERNE COUNTY. CODY LEE CLAIMS HE'D BEEN WANDERING IN THE WOODS FOR HOURS AND WAS TOO COLD TO THINK CLEARLY WHEN STATE POLICE INTERROGATED HIM IN DECEMBER.

KABUL (AP) - THE AFGHAN CABINET PUTS THE DEATH TOLL FROM A NATO AIRSTRIKE AT 33 CIVILIANS, INCLUDING FOUR WOMEN AND ONE CHILD. THE AFGHANISTAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IS CONDEMNING THE ATTACK AND CALLING IT "UNJUSTIFIABLE." NATO HAS CONFIRMED ITS PLANES FIRED ON WHAT IT BELIEVED WAS A GROUP OF INSURGENTS, BUT THE MILITARY ALLIANCE LATER DISCOVERED THAT WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE HURT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - DAYS BEFORE A BIPARTISAN HEALTH CARE SUMMIT, THE WHITE HOUSE WILL REVEAL PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S NEWEST PROPOSAL TO REWORK THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. OBAMA WILL SUGGEST GIVING FEDERAL AUTHORITIES THE POWER TO LIMIT RATE HIKES BY HEALTH INSURERS. RECENT PREMIUM HIKES OF AS MUCH AS 39 PERCENT SOUGHT BY ANTHEM BLUE CROSS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE GIVEN OBAMA A NEW ARGUMENT FOR HIS SWEEPING HEALTH CARE REMAKE.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - ENDEAVOUR HAS A FEW DINGS ON IT, BUT IS NO WORSE FOR WEAR AFTER ITS TWO-WEEK, 5.7 MILLION-MILE JOURNEY.  THE SHUTTLE AND ITS SIX ASTRONAUTS LANDED SAFELY YESTERDAY, IN A RARE NIGHTTIME TOUCHDOWN. THE CREW INSTALLED THE LAST MAJOR PIECE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, A ROOM NAMED TRANQUILITY, WHICH CAME WITH A DOMED OBSERVATION WINDOW.

BERLIN (AP) - PEOPLE BOOKED FOR LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS ON LUFTHANSA MAY WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK THEIR FLIGHTS. THE GERMAN AIRLINE HAS CANCELED ABOUT 800 FLIGHTS, MANY OF THEM TO THE U.S., AFTER MORE THAN 4,000 PILOTS BEGAN A FOUR-DAY WALKOUT. SO FAR, ABOUT 10,000 PASSENGERS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE CANCELLATIONS. LUFTHANSA EXPECTS THE STRIKE COULD COST SOME $34 MILLION A DAY.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (AP) - ROGER FEDERER REPORTEDLY BELIEVES THE WORST IS OVER FOR HIS "GOOD FRIEND" TIGER WOODS. FEDERER, WHO WAS IN THE UAE TO PLAY THE DUBAI CHAMPIONSHIPS, TOLD THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY THE GULF NEWS, "WHAT'S HAPPENED TO HIM HAS BEEN HARD TO WATCH OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS." WOODS ON FRIDAY ADMITTED CHEATING ON HIS WIFE AND SAID HE WAS "DEEPLY SORRY."

Today's News-Saturday, February 20, 2010

TWO CHARGED IN DRUG BUST


TWO WOMEN WERE PICKED UP ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES THURSDAY NIGHT IN MINERSVILLE. BOROUGH POLICE SAY 29-YEAR-OLD RINA SEMENTILLI AND JENNIFER HUMMEL WERE ARRESTED FOR DELIVERING COCAINE AND HEROIN AT A PARKING LOT AROUND 11:30PM. THEIR APPREHENSION IS TIED TO AN INVESTIGATION INTO DRUG TRAFFICKING BY THE DA'S DRUG TASK FORCE. SEMENTILLI AND HUMMEL WERE ARRAIGNED AND TAKEN TO THE COUNTY JAIL.

HEGINS WOMAN CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT

STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN RESPONDED TO A DISPUTE AT A HOME IN REILLY TOWNSHIP THURSDAY AFTERNOON. REPORTS SAY 33 YEAR OLD TAWNYA BOWMAN, HEGINS, WENT TO BRANDY CLAY'S HOME ON TREMONT STREET AND BEGAN PUNCHING CLAY. BOWMAN ALSO REPORTEDLY ASSAULTED CONNIE WALTERS, WHO CAME TO CLAY'S AID. BOWMAN THEN FLED THE SCENE. THE HEGINS WOMAN IS FACING CHARGES OF HARASSMENT.

ACCUSED SHEN POLICE GIVEN MORE TIME FOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ATTORNEYS FOR THREE FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS ASKED A FEDERAL JUDGE FOR MORE TIME TO PREPARE PRE TRIAL DOCUMENTS IN THEIR CASE. THAT REQUEST HAS BEEN GRANTED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT MATTHEW NESTOR, WILLIAM MOYER AND JASON HAYES, WHO ARE ACCUSED OF OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE BEATING DEATH OF A MEXICAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IN 2008, HAVE BEEN GRANTED AN EXTENSION TILL MARCH 24TH TO FILE REQUIRED MOTIONS. FEDERAL JUDGE RICHARD CAPUTO NOTED IN THE FILING THAT HE WOULD SET A TRIAL DATE AFTER THOSE DOCUMENTS WERE FILED.

STORM HELP


GOVERNOR ED RENDELL HAS AUTHORIZED EARLY RELEASE OF LIQUID FUELS MONIES TO HELP COMMUNITIES COVER THE COSTS OF CLEANING UP FROM THE SEASON'S SNOW STORMS. THE MONIES, TOTALING OVER $308 MILLION DOLLARS, WILL BE ISSUED MARCH FIRST TO OVER 25-HUNDRED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACROSS THE STATES. FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR TRANSPORTATION-RELATED EXPENSES, INCLUDING SNOW REMOVAL AND RELATED MATERIALS COSTS. THE LAST TIME ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF LIQUID FUELS WAS MADE IN 2003, AND COMES FROM A PORTION OF THE STATE GASOLINE TAX.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL, SPEAKING ON THE CONDITION OF ANONYMITY, SAYS THE FBI INVESTIGATING WHETHER LOWER MERION SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS BROKE ANY WIRETAP OR COMPUTER-INTRUSION LAWS. THAT FOLLOWS AN ALLEGATION THAT THE DISTRICT REMOTELY ACTIVATED A WEBCAM ON A COMPUTER TO SEE INSIDE A STUDENT'S HOME.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE SAY A UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA GRADUATE STUDENT WAS RANDOMLY STABBED BY AN UNKNOWN MAN. THE UNIVERSITY SAYS THE STABBING WAS "UNPROVOKED" AND HAPPENED AS THE 41-YEAR-OLD DENTAL STUDENT WAS WALKING ON CAMPUS. THE STUDENT WAS TREATED FOR A SUPERFICIAL WOUND TO THE TORSO.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PROSECUTORS IN PHILADELPHIA HAVE MADE THEIR CASE FOR A DEATH SENTENCE FOR A MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE SHOOTING DEATHS OF TWO ARMORED CAR GUARDS. A JURY THIS WEEK CONVICTED MUSTAFA ALI OF MURDERING ARMORED CAR GUARDS WILLIAM WIDMAIER AND JOSEPH ALULLO DURING A ROBBERY IN OCTOBER 2007.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - GOVERNOR ED RENDELL SAYS THE STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL RELEASE FUEL PAYMENTS TO LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES A MONTH EARLY TO HELP WITH THE COSTS OF CLEANING UP AFTER THIS MONTH'S WINTER STORMS. PENNDOT WILL RELEASE $308 MILLION IN LIQUID FUEL PAYMENTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS STARTING MARCH 1.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. (AP) - THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS PREPARING TO RELEASE A 5-YEAR BLUEPRINT FOR FIGHTING INVASIVE SPECIES AND OTHERWISE IMPROVING THE GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENT. THE HEAD OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, LISA JACKSON, HAS SCHEDULED A NEWS CONFERENCE FOR SUNDAY IN WASHINGTON TO ANNOUNCE THE PLAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS WRAPPED UP ITS INTERNAL REVIEW OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION LAWYERS WHO AUTHORIZED ATERBOARDING AND OTHER HARSH INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES, DECIDING THE ATTORNEYS DIDN'T COMMIT PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT. BUT SOME DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS AREN'T READY TO LET IT GO. SEN. PATRICK LEAHY SAYS HE PLANS TO HOLD A HEARING ON THE ISSUE NEXT WEEK.
 
WASHINGTON (AP) - NEW JERSEY SEN. FRANK LAUTENBERG IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY FROM HIS STOMACH LYMPHOMA. THE DEMOCRAT IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK IN BETWEEN HIS SIX TO EIGHT CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS FOR THE AILMENT. HIS SPOKESMAN SAYS HE'LL MISS A VOTE MONDAY ON A JOBS BILL.

KABUL (AP) - NATO REPORTS ITS TROOPS HAVE KILLED ANOTHER CIVILIAN IN ITS EFFORT TO WREST THE AFGHAN TOWN OF MARJAH FROM MILITANTS. THAT BRINGS THE CIVILIAN DEATH TOLL TO 16 IN THE WEEKLONG OFFENSIVE. THE REPORT COMES AS AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI SAID THE ALLIANCE ISN'T DOING ENOUGH TO PREVENT CIVILIAN CASUALTIES.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. (AP) - TIGER WOODS SAYS HE PLANS TO RETURN TO GOLF AGAIN, HE JUST DOESN'T KNOW WHEN. A SOMBER WOODS APOLOGIZED FOR HIS INFIDELITIES YESTERDAY IN FLORIDA, HIS FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE THE SEX SCANDAL BROKE. THE GOLFER SAYS HE PLANS TO RETURN TO THERAPY TODAY.

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CALIF. (AP) - THE HILLSIDES ARE HOLDING UP AS RAIN POUNDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES PRONE TO MUDSLIDES EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR NEARLY 200 HOMES, BUT ABOUT HALF OF THE RESIDENTS HAVE REFUSED TO LEAVE. FORECASTERS EXPECT THE PACIFIC STORM COULD LEAVE BEHIND UP TO AN INCH OF RAIN.

Today's News-Friday, February 19, 2010-updated 7am

BAND DIRECTOR PLEADS GUILTY

THE FORMER BAND DIRECTOR AT WILLIAMS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PLEADED GUILTY TO POSSESSING CHILD PORN. 44 YEAR OLD LEROY JOHNS JR. WAS ACCUSED OF HAVING THE IMAGES ON HIS COMPUTER. A PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATION WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BEFORE SENTENCE IS HANDED DOWN. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT JOHNS COULD FACE A MAXIMUM PRISON SENTENCE OF SEVEN YEARS ON EACH COUNTS, PLUS MEGAN'S LAW SANCTIONS. JOHNS WAS ARRESTED ON THE CRIMES LAST YEAR.

ELECTRICAL FIRE AT OMNOVA

FIREFIGHTERS MADE QUICK WORK OF AN APPARENT ELECTRICAL FIRE AT AN AUBURN MANUFACTURER LAST NIGHT. CREWS FROM AUBURN, DEER LAKE, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AND OTHER COMMUNITIES RESPONDED TO OMNOVA SOLUTIONS AROUND 6:30PM. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE CEILING ACCORDING TO EYEWITNESSES AT THE SCENE. CLEANUP WAS COMPLETED WITHIN ABOUT 90 MINUTES.

BAR BRAWL

A SHENANDOAH WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND OTHER COUNTS AFTER A FIGHT AT A BOROUGH ESTABLISHMENT. REPORTS SAY THAT 36 YEAR OLD MIRIAM MALAVE, AND THREE OTHER MEN WERE INVOLVED AT THE M&T BAR ON SOUTH MAIN STREET LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. AN UN NAMED HISPANIC MALE REPORTEDLY PUNCHED A MAN IN THE FACE, AND OTHERS, INCLUDING MALAVE, JOINED IN THE FIGHT. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD ALSO REPORTS THAT MALAVE STRUCK THE BARTENDER IN THE ARM WITH A BASEBALL BAT. MALAVE WAS JAILED AFTER ARRAIGNMENT. THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MELEE CONTINUES.

CAT WOMAN WILL SEE JAIL TIME

A PINE GROVE AREA WOMAN WILL SERVE TIME IN JAIL FOR MISTREATING ANIMALS. LAST YEAR, VIRGINIA JUSTINIANO AND ANDY OXENRIDER WERE ACCUSED OF MISTREATING ANIMALS AT A CAT SANCTUARY IN PINE GROVE. SHE WAS SENTENCED TO ADDITIONAL TIME IN JAIL, WITH CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED AND PROBATION AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO THE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES. OXENRIDER PLEADED GUILTY IN THE CASE EARLIER THIS WEEK.

WIND FARM MONIES

FEDERAL STIMULUS MONIES ARE HEADED TO OUR AREA TO PUT UP A WIND FARM NEAR FRACKVILLE. GOVERNOR ED RENDELL ANNOUNCE $22.8 MILLION DOLLARS IN AMERICAN RECOVERY ACT FUNDS WILL HELP GREEN ENERGY WORKS FOR THREE WIND ENERGY PROGRAMS IN THE COMMONWEATLH. THE BROAD MOUNTAIN WIND ENERGY CENTER WILL USE THE MONEY TO INSTALL EIGHT TURBINES. THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO CREATE 43 JOBS.

ST CLAIR BOROUGH OFFICE CLOSED

RESIDENTS OF THE BOROUGH OF ST CLAIR TAKE NOTE, THE BOROUGH HALL WILL BE CLOSED TODAY WHILE ELECTRICAL SERVICE TRANSITION TAKES PLACE. THAT INFORMATION COMES FROM BOROUGH OFFICIALS. SERVICES SHOULD RE OPEN MONDAY.

MAHANOY CITY

DUE TO LAST WEEK'S SNOW EMERGENCY, RESIDENTS OF MAHANOY CITY WILL HAVE UNTIL NEXT MONDAY TO PAY THEIR ANNUAL TRASH PAYMENTS. THAT INFORMATION COMES FROM THE BOROUGH HALL, WHO SAYS THAT THE DISCOUNT PERIOD FOR GARBAGE PAYMENTS WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY.

FRACKVILLE MAN USED CAR WITHOUT PERMISSION, DRIVES DRUNK

A FRACKVILLE MAN IS CHARGED WITH DRIVING A CAR WITHOUT PERMISSION, ALONG WITH HIT AND RUN AND POSSIBLE DUI. STATE POLICE SAW 47 YEAR OLD SYDNEY POPE WAS SEEN DRIVING IN AN ERRATIC MANNER ON STATE ROUTE 924, AND WAS QUICKLY APPREHENDED AFTER TRYING TO FLEE POLICE. POPE REPORTEDLY WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN NEAR THE GILBERTON EXIT. TROOPERS SAY THEY BELIEVE THE DRIVER WAS INTOXICATED. THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, MEDA MARSHALL, SAID THAT POPE WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO DRIVE THE CAR. FOLLOWING ARRAIGNMENT, POPE WAS TAKEN TO THE COUNTY PRISON.

BE WARY OF YOUR TAX PREPARER

ITS INCOME TAX SEASON AND, FOR SOME PEOPLE, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ROUNDING UP ALL THEIR RECEIPTS AND DOCUMENTATION IS FINDING OUT TOO LATE THAT THEY HIRED SOMEONE TO DO THEIR TAXES WHO WASN'T REALLY QUALIFIED. IN PENNSYLVANIA, TAX PREPARERS DON'T NEED A LICENSE. TAXPAYERS ARE HANDING OVER THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY AND BANK ACCOUNT NUMBERS, INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND MORE TO SOMEONE THEY MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW WELL. SO, RICHARD PANICK WITH THE IRS SAYS FILLING OUT THE FORM SHOULD BE A PARTNERSHIP, BASED ON TRUST.

PANICK

PANICK SAYS BOGUS TAX PREPARERS CAN BE IDENTITY THIEVES OR WILL MAKE EXPENSIVE MISTAKES TO TRY AND INCREASE A PERSON'S REFUND. HE ALSO SAYS EMAIL MESSAGES CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE IRS ARE DEFINITELY SCAMS. THE AGENCY NEVER INITIATES CONTACT WITH A TAXPAYER BY EMAIL.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - RECORDS SHOW THE MAN WHO AUTHORITIES SAY FLEW HIS SMALL PLANE INTO A TEXAS BUILDING CONTAINING IRS OFFICES ATTENDED CLASSES AT HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THE 1970S, BUT DID NOT GRADUATE. AN ANTI-GOVERNMENT MESSAGE ON A WEB SITE LINKED TO ANDREW J. STACK III DESCRIBES HIS LIFE AS A CASH-STRAPPED COLLEGE STUDENT LIVING IN HARRISBURG.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS BEEN ACCUSED IN A FEDERAL LAWSUIT OF SPYING ON STUDENTS AT HOME THROUGH SCHOOL-ISSUED LAPTOP WEBCAMS. LOWER MERION SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS SAY THE LAPTOPS HAD A SECURITY FEATURE INTENDED TO TRACK LOST OR STOLEN COMPUTERS, BUT THAT FEATURE HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE NAVY HAS LAUNCHED A REVIEW OF THE MEDICAL TREATMENT RECEIVED BY REP. JOHN MURTHA AT THE NATIONAL NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER IN BETHESDA, MD. THE 77-YEAR-OLD MURTHA UNDERWENT GALLBLADDER SURGERY AT THE HOSPITAL AND LATER DIED AFTER DEVELOPING COMPLICATIONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A CONVICTED DRUG KINGPIN FACING FEDERAL RACKETEERING CHARGES WILL GET A NEW COURT-APPOINTED LAWYER, BUT KABONI SAVAGE HAS DROPPED A BID TO ACT AS HIS OWN LAWYER. SAVAGE IS ACCUSED OF FIREBOMBING THE HOME OF A DRUG TRAFFICKER-TURNED-INFORMANT IN 2004. SIX PEOPLE WERE KILLED, INCLUDING FOUR CHILDREN.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) - A TEXAS LAWMAKER SAYS CONGRESS WILL TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF PROTECTING BUILDINGS FROM PLANE ATTACKS AFTER A SOFTWARE ENGINEER CRASHED HIS SINGLE-ENGINE PIPER INTO AN AUSTIN OFFICE BUILDING. EMERGENCY CREWS RECOVERED TWO BODIES FROM THE WRECKAGE, ONE APPARENTLY THAT OF THE PILOT. BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING WITH IRS WORKERS, JOSEPH STACK POSTED A LONG ANTI-GOVERNMENT RANT ON THE WEB.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - PAKISTANI INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY THE BROTHER OF A SENIOR AFGHAN TALIBAN COMMANDER IS AMONG THE FOUR PEOPLE KILLED IN A U.S. MISSILE STRIKE IN NORTHWESTERN PAKISTAN.  THE DEATH IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF SETBACKS FOR MILITANTS OPERATING IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN.

BOISE, IDAHO (AP) - NEARLY 200 PEOPLE HOLDING BALLOONS AND SIGNS IN BOISE, IDAHO, HAVE WELCOMED HOME THREE OF THE EIGHT AMERICANS RELEASED FROM HAITIAN JAIL. TWO MISSIONARIES REMAIN DETAINED IN HAITI ON THE CHILD KIDNAPPING ACCUSATIONS AND ARE DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT TODAY.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. (AP) - TIGER WOODS APPARENTLY WON'T BE STICKING AROUND FOR LONG AFTER HIS PUBLIC APPEARANCE SCHEDULED FOR THIS MORNING. THE PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER SAYS HE WILL RETURN TO THERAPY AFTER HE SPEAKS ABOUT HIS INFIDELITY AND HIS FUTURE. IT'S THE FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE FOR THE GOLFER SINCE THE SEX SCANDAL BROKE.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (AP) - THE U.S. IS ON ITS WAY TO FINISHING ON TOP OF THE MEDAL TABLE AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY 80 YEARS. AFTER JUST OVER A THIRD OF VANCOUVER'S 90 MEDAL EVENTS, THE U.S. LEADS WITH 18 MEDALS, INCLUDING SIX GOLDS. GERMANY IS NEXT UP WITH 11 TOTAL MEDALS.

Today's News-Thursday, February 18, 2010

MORE ON TRAFFIC FATAL

POLICE ARE STILL WORKING TO PIECE TOGETHER WHAT HAPPENED TUESDAY NIGHT WHEN A ST CLAIR MAN WAS STRUCK AND KILLED WHILE CROSSING ROUTE 61. WE FIRST TOLD YOU ABOUT THE ACCIDENT YESTERDAY, WHERE 26 YEAR OLD CHARLES LEVAN WAS STRUCK BY A CAR DRIVEN BY NICHOLAS BRUCE OF DRUMS. NO ONE IN BRUCE'S CAR WAS HURT. LEVAN WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

COMMISSIONERS CATCH UP

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAD TO PLAY CATCH UP WEDNESDAY FROM LAST WEEK'S SNOWSTORM, WITH BACK TO BACK WORK SESSION AND REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS, SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM THE COURTHOUSE:

COMMISSIONERS 2/18

WOMAN ACCUSED OF MAKING PHONE THREATS

AN ORWIGSBURG WOMAN IS ACCUSED OF MAKING THREATENING PHONE CALLS. BOROUGH POLICE SAY THAT 35 YEAR OLD AIMEE SCHAEFFER, 803 VILLAGE ROAD, IS REPORTED TO HAVE MADE THREE DOZEN CALLS, SOME THREATENING, TO A PERSON WHO LIVES ON NORTH WARREN STREET. AFTER TRACING THE CALLS, POLICE CONFRONTED SCHAFFER WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING THEM. SHE FACES CHARGES OF HARASSMENT BY COMMUNICATION AND MAKING TERRORISTIC THREATS. THE INCIDENTS HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEKEND.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

A POTTSVILLE BUSINESSMAN SPENT PART OF WEDNESDAY MORNING PUSHING SHOPPING CARTLOADS FULL OF GROCERIES TO HELP A LOCAL SOUP KITCHEN. REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE.

MURPHY SOUPER BOWL

ZION GROVE MAN JAILED FOR VIOLATING PFA

STATE POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A MAN FROM ZION GROVE FOR VIOLATING A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER. TUESDAY NIGHT, MARK SCHLAUCH WAS NABBED DURING A TRAFFIC STOP. HIS FEMALE PASSENGER HAD FILED THE P.F.A. LAST FALL AGAINST SCHLAUCH, MEANING HE COULDN'T HAVE CONTACT WITH THE WOMAN. SCHLAUCH WAS LOCKED UP IN THE COUNTY PRISON.

MASSER AWARDED GRANT FOR SOLAR ENERGY

AN AREA POTATO PROCESSOR HAS BEEN AWARDED A $1 MILLION DOLLAR STATE GRANT TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. STATE REPRESENTATIVE TIM SEIP ANNOUNCED THE FUNDING WEDNESDAY FOR STERMAN MASSER INCORPORATED, FRAILEY TOWNSHIP. MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE $5 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT WILL GENERATE MORE THAN ELEVEN HUNDRED MEGAWATTS OF ELECTRICITY EACH YEAR. SEIP SAYS THAT MASSER IS A LEADER IN HARNESSING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, ALREADY USING LANDFILL GAS FROM THE CES LANDFILL TO GENERATE POWER FOR ITS PLANT.

POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHT POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD BUSINESS LAST NIGHT. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS THE DETAILS:

POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

PRISON BOARD

THE LONG PLANNED COUNTY PRISON PRE-RELEASE CENTER CONTINUES TO DOMINATE DISCUSSION AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON BOARD. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM THE COUNTY PRISON.

PRISON BOARD 2/17

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - JURORS WILL HEAR ARGUMENTS TOMORROW ON WHETHER TO SENTENCE A MAN TO DEATH FOR KILLING TWO ARMORED CAR GUARDS DURING A ROBBERY OUTSIDE A PHILADELPHIA BANK. MUSTAFA ALI WAS CONVICTED YESTERDAY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE 2004 SHOOTING DEATHS OF THE GUARDS, BOTH RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A 26-YEAR-OLD PITTSBURGH MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE PRISON TERMS FOR THE 2004 MURDERS OF A MAN AND A WOMAN. JAURVON HOPKINS WAS CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING 26-YEAR-OLD JAMES JONES AND 17-YEAR-OLD SHAWNTE BETTS OFF A CITY STREET AND LATER KILLING THEM. A SECOND DEFENDANT IS ALREADY SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS THE SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE TERM OF THE LATE U.S. REP. JOHN MURTHA WILL BE HELD ON MAY 18, THE SAME DAY AS THE STATE'S PRIMARY ELECTION. VOTERS IN THE 12TH DISTRICT WILL CHOOSE BETWEEN A DEMOCRAT AND A REPUBLICAN SELECTED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTIES TO SERVE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. A SEPARATE VOTE WILL NOMINATE THE CANDIDATES WHO WILL RUN IN THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - ALLENTOWN COULD BE THE NEXT PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY TO CRACK DOWN ON CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING. THE ALLENTOWN COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING A MEASURE THAT WOULD FINE MOTORISTS UP TO $300 FOR TALKING OR TEXTING ON A HAND-HELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING. IT'S MODELED AFTER A RECENTLY-ENACTED PHILADELPHIA LAW.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - HUNDREDS OF PENNSYLVANIA HOMEOWNERS WILL GET A FORECLOSURE RELIEF CHECK AS PART OF A SETTLEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE AND COUNTRYWIDE FINANCIAL CORP. THE SETTLEMENT WITH COUNTRYWIDE MADE AVAILABLE AS MUCH AS $155 MILLION TO HELP KEEP THOUSANDS OF STATE RESIDENTS IN THEIR HOMES.

BAGHDAD (AP) - AN IRAQI HOSPITAL OFFICIAL SAYS AT LEAST NINE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED AND ANOTHER 15 WOUNDED IN AN EXPLOSION OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN ANBAR PROVINCE. A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL BLAMES THE ATTACK ON A SUICIDE BOMBER.

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (AP) - A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL IN PAKISTAN SAYS A BOMB BLAST HAS KILLED AT LEAST 11 AND WOUNDED ANOTHER 50 PEOPLE IN A NORTHWEST TRIBAL REGION BELIEVED TO BE A GATHERING PLACE FOR MANY AL-QAIDA AND TALIBAN FIGHTERS. AN OFFICIAL SAYS WEDNESDAY'S BLAST HAPPENED AT A CATTLE MARKET IN THE ORAKZAI REGION.

MIAMI (AP) - A HAITIAN JUDGE SAYS HE PLANS TO QUESTION LATER TODAY THE TWO AMERICAN MISSIONARIES WHO WERE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF TRYING TO TAKE 33 CHILDREN OUT OF THE COUNTRY.  MEANWHILE, THE MISSIONARIES' EIGHT COLLEAGUES ARRIVED IN MIAMI EARLY TODAY AFTER BEING ALLOWED TO LEAVE HAITI.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (AP) - HAITIANS LEFT HOMELESS BY THE EARTHQUAKE AREN'T WAITING FOR HELP TO COME TO THEM. ROWS OF MAKESHIFT TENTS HAVE SPROUTED IN OPEN FIELDS AROUND PORT-AU-PRINCE. THE CAMPS HAVE GROWN INTO SHANTY TOWNS WITH BAKERIES AND LOTTERY STANDS. MEANWHILE, OFFICIALS ARE STILL DEBATING WHAT TO DO WITH THE 1.2 MILLION LEFT HOMELESS.

PORTLAND, ORE. - PORTLAND POLICE ARE COMING UNDER FIRE AFTER AN
OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED A DISTRAUGHT BLACK MAN WHO WAS TRYING TO SURRENDER. ON WEDNESDAY BLACK LEADERS ORGANIZED A MARCH TO CITY HALL TO DEMAND POLICE REFORM. ON JAN. 29, AARON CAMPBELL WAS SHOT DEAD AFTER COMING OUT OF HIS HOME WITH HIS HANDS ON THE BACK OF HIS HEAD. THE OFFICER SAYS HE THOUGHT CAMPBELL HAD A GUN.

Today's News-Wednesday, February 17, 2010

MAN KILLED WALKING ALONG ROUTE 61

A MAN IS DEAD AFTER BEING STRUCK AND KILLED BY A CAR AS HE WALKED ALONG ROUTE 61 LAST NIGHT. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED NEAR ST CLAIR AFTER 11PM. REPORTS SAY 26 YEAR OLD CHARLES LEVAN WAS WALKING HOME FROM WORK WHEN HE WAS STRUCK AND KILLED NEAR ANN STREET. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

HIGH SPEED CRASH ON INTERSTATE 81

A GORDON MAN CRASHED HIS VEHICLE ON INTERSTATE 81 TUESDAY AFTERNOON. 25 YEAR OLD JONATHAN MENNE WAS SOUTHBOUND AT AN APPARENT HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP WHEN HE LOST CONTROL TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. MENNE'S CAR SLID SIDEWAYS ACROSS THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TRAFFIC SIGN AND A SNOW BANK, THEN ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES MORE THAN 200 FEET, LANDING RIGHT SIDE UP. STATE POLICE SAY THAT MENNE WAS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, AND WAS ARRESTED. HE WAS NOT INJURED.

NORTHUMBERLAND MAN GIVEN PROBATION FOR ARMED ROBBERY

A RIVERSIDE, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY MAN WILL SERVE 10 YEARS PROBATION FOR A 2008 ROBBERY AT A CONVENIENCE STORE. 24 YEAR OLD JOHN MACULLOCH WAS SENTENCED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO ROBBERY AND RELATED COUNTS FOR THE ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT FEGLEY'S MINI MARKET, SOUTH TAMAQUA. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT MACULLOCH RECEIVED PROBATION DUE TO ISSUES ABOUT HIS MENTAL STATE. THE SENTENCE PROVIDES FOR HOUSE ARREST AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING AS PART OF HIS SENTENCE. THE INITIAL INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN SEPTEMBER, 2008.

PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON ROUTE 61

REPORTS ARE SKETCHY THIS MORNING ABOUT A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK AND KILLED ON ROUTE 61 IN ST CLAIR. POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE NEAR ANN STREET AFTER 11PM. STATE POLICE AND ST CLAIR OFFICERS HAD TO SHUT A PART OF THE HIGHWAY DOWN FOR THE INVESTIGATION. WE EXPECT MORE INFORMATION THIS MORNING.

HISTORY ALIVE

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IS RICH IN HISTORY AND TRADITION. AS SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS, THERE IS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE:

MARCHEFSKY HISTORY

2009 GOOD YEAR FOR HIGHWAY FATALITIES

PENN DOT HAS REPORTED THE LOWEST NUMBER OF HIGHWAY FATALITIES ON RECORD IN 2009. AGENCY SECRETARY ALLEN BIEHLER ANNOUNCED THAT 12-HUNDRED-56 PEOPLE DIED ON PENNSYLVANIA ROADWAYS LAST YEAR, THE LOWEST SINCE 1944. BIEHLER SAYS THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN UNRESTRAINED, ALCOHOL-RELATED AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING FATALITIES. RECORD KEEPING OF SUCH STATISTICS BEGAN IN 1928.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A JUDGE HAS DISMISSED DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND
OTHER CHARGES AGAINST 13 PEOPLE WHO WERE ARRESTED DURING A EPTEMBER PROTEST AT THE SITE OF A PROPOSED CASINO IN PHILADELPHIA. AUTHORITIES SAID THE PROTESTERS WERE BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE TO THE SITE AND IGNORED POLICE WARNINGS TO MOVE.

PALMYRA, PA. (AP) - THE WEEKEND DEATHS OF TWO PEOPLE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAVE BEEN RULED MURDER-SUICIDE. AUTHORITIES IN LEBANON
COUNTY SAY 35-YEAR-OLD BONNIE FURBUSH SHOT HER BOYFRIEND, 39-YEAR-OLD BRIAN BELAIR, THEN TURNED THE GUN ON HERSELF.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE CHANGING HOW EMERGENCY CALLS ARE HANDLED AFTER A MAN DIED WAITING FOR AN
AMBULANCE AT HIS HOME DURING A RECENT SNOWSTORM. THE CITY'S PUBLIC
SAFETY DIRECTOR HAS APOLOGIZED TO THE FAMILY OF 50-YEAR-OLD CURTIS
MITCHELL, WHO DIED WHEN AN AMBULANCE COULDN'T REACH HIS HOME BECAUSE OF HEAVY SNOW.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE DIRECTOR OF THE PHILADELPHIA VETERANS
ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER PLANS TO RETIRE ON MAY 1. RICHARD
CITRON POINTED TO IMPROVEMENTS DURING HIS TENURE, BUT ALSO
ACKNOWLEDGED CHALLENGES SUCH AS A PROSTATE CANCER PROGRAM IN WHICH DOZENS OF VETERANS GOT INCORRECT RADIATION DOSES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A STATE LAWMAKER SAYS HE WILL ONCE AGAIN
FILE LEGISLATION TO LOOSEN PENNSYLVANIA'S RESTRICTIVE BEER-SALES LAW. SURROUNDED BY SUPPORTERS HOLDING "FREE MY BEER" SIGNS, SEN.
JOHN RAFFERTY SAID HIS BILL WOULD ALLOW SALES OF SIX-PACKS AND 12-PACKS AT BEER DISTRIBUTORSHIPS, GROCERIES AND CONVENIENCE STORES.

TOKYO (AP) - MORE POSSIBLE PROBLEMS FOR THE WORLD'S NO. 1 AUTOMAKER. TOYOTA'S QUALITY CONTROL EXECUTIVE SAYS THE AUTOMAKER IS LOOKING INTO POSSIBLE POWER-STEERING PROBLEMS WITH THE COROLLA SUBCOMPACT, THE WORLD'S BEST-SELLING CAR. AND TOYOTA IS CONSIDERING A RECALL. THE TOYOTA EXEC SAYS IT'S STILL UNCLEAR WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CARS. HE SAYS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COROLLA ARE IN THE U.S., AND ARE FEWER THAN 100.

TOKYO (AP) - TOYOTA'S PRESIDENT SAYS HE WILL NOT BE MAKING A TRIP TO THE U.S. TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS ABOUT THE AUTOMAKER'S SAFETY LAPSES. AKIO TOYODA SAYS THE COMPANY'S U.S. EXECUTIVES WILL ANSWER LAWMAKERS' QUESTIONS ON THE MASSIVE RECALL OF FAULTY GAS PEDALS.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE ASTRONAUTS HAVE A WINDOW ON THE WORLD. AFTER CARRYING OUT THEIR THIRD AND FINAL SPACEWALK, THEY
OPENED THE SHUTTERS ON THE SPACE STATION'S NEW OBSERVATION DECK.  THE NEW ROOM, ADDED ON TO THE SPACE STATION DURING THIS MISSION, HAS A HUGE ROUND CENTRAL WINDOW, WHICH SPACE STATION COMMANDER
JEFFREY WILLIAMS SAYS "WILL GIVE US A VIEW OF THE ENTIRE GLOBE."

DATELINE (AP) - THIS CONTEST DIDN'T SEEM TOO RUFF FOR SADIE THE SCOTTIE. SHE WAS EXPECTED TO EARN BEST IN SHOW AT THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW -- AND THAT'S WHAT SHE DID. SADIE DID HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER TO GET HER RIBBON. RIGHT BEFORE THE JUDGE PICKED THE 4-YEAR-OLD, TWO PROTESTERS FROM PETA INTERRUPTED THE SHOW. SECURITY GUARDS SHOWED THEM THE DOOR.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (AP) - WEST HOLLYWOOD OFFICIALS SAY THEY
WANT TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST PUPPY MILLS AND KITTEN FACTORIES. ON
TUESDAY, THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO BAN THE SALE OF DOGS AND CATS. CURRENTLY, NO PET STORES IN THE CITY SELL ANIMALS.

Today's News-Tuesday, February 16, 2010

TAMAQUA MAN DIES FROM CRASH
A NEW RINGGOLD MAN SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES IN A WEEKEND CRASH ON ROUTE 309. TAMAQUA POLICE REPORT THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING INTO THE CRASH WHERE 46 YEAR OLD EDWARD STOOT'S CAR LEFT THE ROADWAY AND HIT A SHED. CREWS HAD TO DIG STOOT OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS TAKEN TO ST LUKE MINERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHERE HE LATER DIED.

SHENANDOAH MAN BITTEN BY DOG

A MAN FROM SHENANDOAH WAS BITTEN BY A DOG SATURDAY NIGHT DURING A DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE. A FIGHT WAS IN PROGRESS BETWEEN TWO MEN AT A MOUNT VERNON STREET HOME, AND NEIGHBOR MICHAEL KILKENNY CAME TO THE HOME, WHEN RYAN ARROYO PUNCHED KILKENNY IN THE FACE AND THE TWO BEGAN TO FIGHT. A PIT BULL RAN IN AND BIT KILKENNY SEVERAL TIMES. KILKENNY WAS TREATED FOR THE BITES AT ST CATHERINE'S MEDICAL CENTER.

HEAD ON CRASH IN UNION TOWNSHIP

A RINGTOWN MAN WAS INJURED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN UNION TOWNSHIP MONDAY AFTERNOON. FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE SAY A TEENAGED BOY FROM RINGTOWN WAS DRIVING EAST ON BREISCH ROAD WHEN HIS CAR WENT INTO THE WESTBOUND LANE , STRIKING 45 YEAR OLD MICHAEL SLOTCAVAGE'S VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE RINGTOWN MAN SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. THE TEEN AND HIS PASSENGER WEREN'T HURT, BUT THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE. NO WORD ON SLOTCAVAGE'S CONDITION THIS MORNING.

SHROVE TUESDAY

ITS NO HOLES BARRED FOR REVELERS AND THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH AS WE MARK SHROVE, OR FAT TUESDAY, THE DAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, THE BEGINNING OF LENT. THOSE OF US WHO ARE GIVING UP SWEETS FOR LENT WILL DIVE INTO FASCHNACHTS, OR POTATO DONUTS, AND ENJOY FOOD AND DRINK BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. THE 40 DAY SEASON OF LENT CULMINATES WITH EASTER IN EARLY APRIL.

ARGALL NAMED TO COST STUDY COMMISSION


LEADERS IN THE PENNSYLVANIA SENATE HAVE NAMED MEMBERS TO THE NEWLY FORMED COST STUDY COMMISSION. A BILL INTRODUCED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY STATE SENATOR DAVE ARGALL TO LOOK AT WAYS FOR THE STATE TO REDUCE EXPENSES PROMPTED THE FORMATION OF THE COMMITTEE, MADE UP OF LEGISLATORS AND SEVEN PEOPLE FROM THE BUSINESS AND EDUCATION FIELDS. ARGALL IS ONE OF THE APPOINTEES, WHO WILL MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS FRIDAY IN HARRISBURG.

POT PLANTS FOUND IN BURNED OUT HOME


POLICE HAVE SEIZED 47 MARIJUANA PLANTS FROM A HOME IN THE 400 BLOCK OF SOUTH HARRISON STREET THAT WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE LATE FRIDAY NIGHT. ALTHOUGH NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED YET RELATING TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE PLANTS, WHICH WERE GROWING IN TWO BEDROOMS ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE HOME, POLICE SAY THEY BELONG TO 37-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER ELLIOT OF 449 SOUTH HARRISON STREET. ELLIOTT AND HIS SON RESIDED AT THE HOUSE, BUT WERE NOT HOME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND HAVE NOT BEEN LOCATED SINCE. THE FIRE HAS BEEN RULED ACCIDENTAL AND BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRES. NO DAMAGE ESTIMATES ARE AVAILABLE.
PALMYRA, PA. (AP) - POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE DEATHS OF TWO PEOPLE IN A HOME IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. AUTHORITIES IN LEBANON COUNTY BELIEVE THE 40-YEAR-OLD MAN AND 35-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WERE SHOT.  THE BODIES WERE FOUND YESTERDAY. NO NAMES HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND AUTOPSIES ARE PLANNED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - FORMER PENNSYLVANIA TREASURER AND AUDITOR GENERAL BARBARA HAFER, A DEMOCRAT, SAYS SHE'LL RUN FOR THE SEAT OF THE U.S. LATE REP. JOHN MURTHA. SEVERAL OTHER DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS ARE CONSIDERING ENTERING THE RACE. MURTHA DIED LAST WEEK AT THE AGE OF 77. HIS FUNERAL WILL BE HELD TODAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - MORE SNOW IS ON THE WAY FOR WINTER-WEARY PENNSYLVANIANS. FORECASTERS EXPECT MUCH OF THE STATE TO GET 2 TO 7 INCHES OF SNOW BEFORE THE STORM MOVES OFF LATER IN THE DAY. BUT UP TO A FOOT COULD FALL ON SOME COUNTIES. MOST OF PENNSYLVANIA IS UNDER A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 1 P.M.

ROSTRAVER, PA. (AP) - THE OWNER OF A SUBURBAN PITTSBURGH ICE SKATING RINK SAYS HE BELIEVES EXCESSIVE SNOW OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS CAUSED A PORTION OF THE FACILITY'S ROOF TO COLLAPSE. THE COLLAPSE OCCURRED SUNDAY WHILE A YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT WAS BEING HELD, BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE RINK IS UNLIKELY TO REOPEN ANYTIME SOON.

SCHWENKSVILLE, PA. (AP) - INVESTIGATORS SAY A DEADLY WEEKEND CAR CRASH IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA HAPPENED WHEN A 17-YEAR-OLD BOY LOST CONTROL OF HIS CAR. THE VEHICLE DRIVEN BY MATTHEW WESOLOWSKI COLLIDED SUNDAY WITH A CAR DRIVEN BY 32-YEAR-OLD JODIE SOUDERTON IN LOWER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP. BOTH DRIVERS DIED AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE HURT.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - THERE IS SPECULATION THAT THE ARREST OF THE TALIBAN'S TOP MILITARY COMMANDER IN PAKISTAN IS RELATED TO A NATO DRIVE INTO AN INSURGENT STRONGHOLD IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN. MULLAH ABDUL GHANI BARADAR IS THE MOST SENIOR AFGHAN TALIBAN LEADER ARRESTED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE AFGHAN WAR IN 2001. ONE AFGHAN OFFICIAL SAYS PAKISTANI OFFICIALS COULD HAVE ARRESTED HIM WHENEVER THEY WANTED AND ASKED, "WHY DID THEY ARREST HIM NOW?"

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - AN AFGHAN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP SAYS IT COUNTS 19 CIVILIANS KILLED SO FAR IN A NATO-AFGHAN OFFENSIVE INTO A TALIBAN STRONGHOLD, FOUR MORE THAN THE MILITARY'S COUNT. THE AFGHANISTAN RIGHTS MONITOR SAYS FOUR PEOPLE WERE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE WHEN THEY HAD TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES. THE GROUP SAYS IT'S NOT CLEAR IF NATO FORCES OR INSURGENTS WERE TO BLAME FOR THE DEATHS.

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. (AP) - THE HUSBAND OF AN ALABAMA PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GUNNING DOWN HER COLLEAGUES SAYS SHE WASN'T ACTING STRANGELY IN THE DAYS BEFORE THE RAMPAGE. AMY BISHOP'S HUSBAND TELLS THE AP "SHE WAS JUST A NORMAL PROFESSOR." THREE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND THREE OTHERS WOUNDED IN FRIDAY'S SHOOTING.

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AP) - THE FORMER LEGAL ADVISER OF AMERICAN MISSIONARIES JAILED IN HAITI IS NOW THE FOCUS OF A MANHUNT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. JORGE PUELLO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE IS WANTED IN EL SALVADOR FOR ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN A HUMAN SMUGGLING RING. CALLING FROM AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, PUELLO TOLD THE AP HE'S INNOCENT.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - THE FAMED MINISKIRT THAT LED TO ONE BRAZILIAN WOMAN'S EXPULSION FROM COLLEGE HAS BEEN "CARNIVALIZED." TWENTY-YEAR-OLD GEISY ARRUDA DONNED A RED-SEQUINED GARMENT DURING HER STINT AS CARNIVAL QUEEN IN ONE OF RIO'S PREMIER SAMBA PARADES. THE HEAT OVERWHELMED HER AND BY THE END OF THE 80-MINUTE PARADE SHE FELL ILL. SHE RECOVERED AFTER SOME MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Today's News-Monday, February 15, 2010-8:30am

DRUG BUST NETS FOUR IN MINERSVILLE

A FRIDAY NIGHT SWEEP IN MINERSVILLE NETS THE ARREST OF THREE ADULTS AND A JUVENILE. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT BOROUGH POLICE AND DETECTIVES FROM THE DA'S DRUG TASK FORCE SWEPT THROUGH A HOME ON PINE HILL STREET, CHARGING 28 YEAR OLD SUNDEENA CURTIER, 24 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER HUTH AND LAROME HUTH, AGE 23, WITH POSSESSION AND DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, CONSPIRACY AND OTHER COUNTS. THEY WERE ALL ARRAIGNED AND COMMITTED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON. A 16 YEAR OLD BOY WAS ALSO APPREHENDED WHEN LEAVING THE HOME AFTER MAKING A DRUG BUY. HE WILL BE CHARGED BY JUVENILE AUTHORITIES. AN INVESTIGATION BY POLICE LED TO THE ARRESTS. POT, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND CASH WERE FOUND IN THAT PINE STREET HOME.

DUI IN A SNOW BANK

A ZIONS GROVE MAN IS FACING DUI CHARGES FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT IN EAST UNION TOWNSHIP EARLY TODAY. STATE POLICE FOUND A CAR DRIVEN BY 34 YEAR OLD JAMES DOYLE IN A SNOW BANK ON COVE MOUNTAIN ROAD. DOYLE WAS TRYING TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE SNOW, AND COPS SMELLED ALCOHOL ON HIS BREATH. A BLOOD ALCOHOL TEST WAS ADMINISTERED AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH. CHARGES ARE PENDING THE RESULT OF THOSE TESTS.


ELECTRONICS STOLEN FROM TUSCARORA HOME

A TUSCARORA WOMAN'S HOME WAS VICTIMIZED BY BURGLARY OVER THE WEEKEND. STATE POLICE SAY THAT SOMEONE ENTERED BONITA TOLENTINO'S HOME AT 303 MULBERRY STREET BY FORCING OPEN A REAR DOOR. A FLAT SCREEN TV AND A DIGITAL CAMERA WERE TAKEN FROM THE HOME. THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING.

PLOW HITS PARKED CAR

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR A PICKUP TRUCK WITH A PLOW ATTACHED THAT STRUCK A PARKED CAR IN EAST NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP SATURDAY AFTERNOON. THE TRUCK'S PLOW BLADE PUNCTURED THE TIRE OF A PARKED PICKUP TRUCK AT CAROLINE AVENUE AND MCCORD AVENUE. THE TAN PICKUP TRUCK THEN BACKED UP AND FLED THE SCENE. TROOPERS ARE STILL LOOKING FOR THE VEHICLE.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE IN ORWIGSBURG

AN ORWIGSBURG MAN IS JAILED, CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN THE BOROUGH. RICHARD AUMILLER, AGE 28, IS ALLEGED TO HAVE SLAMMED A DOOR ON THE ANKLE OF 32 YEAR OLD BOBBI JO WEAVER IN AN APARTMENT ON WASHINGTON STREET. AUMILLER WAS ARRAIGNED AND TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF $10-THOUSAND-DOLLARS PERCENTAGE BAIL.

JOHNSTOWN, PA. (AP) - A CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LED BY HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI WILL BE ARRIVING IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA TO ATTEND TOMORROW'S FUNERAL FOR JOHN MURTHA. MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE WAITED OUTSIDE A FUNERAL HOME IN WESTMONT YESTERDAY TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO THE LONG-TIME CONGRESSMAN, WHO DIED LAST WEEK AT THE AGE OF 77.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - CLOSING ARGUMENTS ARE PLANNED FOR TOMORROW
IN THE TRIAL OF A MAN ACCUSED OF GUNNING DOWN TWO ARMORED CAR GUARDS OUTSIDE A PHILADELPHIA BANK IN 2007. THE VICTIMS WERE BOTH RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS. IF CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, MUSTAFA ALI COULD GET THE DEATH PENALTY.

ROSTRAVER, PA. (AP) - NO INJURIES ARE REPORTED AFTER PART OF THE ROOF OF A SUBURBAN PITTSBURGH ICE RINK COLLAPSED WHILE A YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT WAS BEING HELD. THE COLLAPSE HAPPENED YESTERDAY WHILE A WORKER AT THE ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN WAS RESURFACING THE ICE. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT ISN'T KNOWN.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - TWO SEPARATE SHOOTING DEATHS IN PITTSBURGH ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. POLICE FOUND 31-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM FORD DEAD OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOT WOUNDS IN THE HOMEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD LATE SATURDAY NIGHT. ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER, 21-YEAR-OLD DEVIN GASTION WAS GUNNED DOWN AS HE AND HIS BROTHER WALKED TO THEIR CAR IN THE NORTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD.

SCHWENKSVILLE, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING A DEADLY CAR CRASH IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA. IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY ON GAME FARM ROAD IN LOWER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP. TWO PEOPLE WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND TWO OTHERS WERE HOSPITALIZED WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

ATLANTA (AP) - PARTS OF THE SOUTH ARE GETTING YET ANOTHER BLAST OF WINTER WEATHER. SNOW IS FALLING IN PARTS OF ALABAMA EARLY TODAY AND COULD CRAWL INTO ATLANTA JUST BEFORE DAWN. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS NORTHERN ALABAMA COULD SEE UP TO 3 INCHES, WHILE NORTHWEST GEORGIA COULD GET 2 TO 4 INCHES. A SIMILAR STORM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY CANCELED THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS AND WAS BLAMED FOR HUNDREDS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

TOKYO (AP) - TOYOTA IS PROMISING TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT POSSIBLE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS WITH ITS VEHICLES. TOYOTA'S PRESIDENT IS PREPARING TO COME TO THE U.S. TO TALK TO AMERICAN WORKERS AND  DEALERS IN THE FACE OF MILLIONS OF RECALLS. THE CARMAKER SAYS IT STILL HASN'T DECIDED WHETHER AKIO TOYODA WILL APPEAR BEFORE CONGRESS, DESPITE GROWING CALLS FOR HIM TO DO SO.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW SHOULD BE ABLE TO START LOOKING OUT THE WINDOWS ABOUT MIDWEEK. ASTRONAUTS SUCCESSFULLY MOVED THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION'S FANCY NEW OBSERVATION DECK TO ITS FINAL RESTING PLACE MONDAY DESPITE STUCK BOLTS AND WAYWARD WIRING.  THEY'LL UNLOCK THE WINDOWS DURING A SPACEWALK TOMORROW.

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - MARINE SNIPERS AND INFANTRYMEN ARE PROTECTING CONVOYS, MINEROLLERS AND ARMORED TRUCKS FROM INSURGENT FIRE AS THEY ROLL THROUGH THE UNPAVED ALLEYS OF MARJAH. U.S. AND AFGHAN UNITS ARE FACING SPORADIC ROCKET AND MORTAR FIRE AS THE BATTLE TO RETAKE THE TALIBAN STRONGHOLD IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN IS IN ITS THIRD DAY.

GENEVA (AP) - THE U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IS TAKING ITS FIRST LOOK AT IRAN, WHOSE SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS ARE LINING UP TO MAKE THEIR STATEMENTS. WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE CRITICAL OF ABUSES IN IRAN WHILE THE COUNTRY'S ALLIES, INCLUDING CUBA, VENEZUELA AND NICARAGUA, DEFEND TEHRAN. THE HEAD OF IRAN'S DELEGATION INSISTS HIS COUNTRY "HAS TAKEN A GENUINE AND LONG-TERM APPROACH TO SAFEGUARDING HUMAN RIGHTS."

Today's News-Saturday, February 13, 2010

WATER BOIL ADVISORY


A WATER BOIL ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE PINE GROVE WATER AUTHORITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE CHLORINATION SYSTEM. AGAIN, THIS AFFECTS ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE PINE GROVE WATER AUTHORITY.

POTTSVILLE IMPROVEMENTS

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AIDS COMMUNITIES EVERYWHERE. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS A LOOK AT THE BREAKDOWN FOR THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE:

CDBG BREAKDOWN

HAVEN WOMAN BEHIND BARS FOR DEALING METH

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN WAS SENTENCED TO NINE TO 23 MONTHS IN THE COUNTY PRISON FOR PUSHING METHAMPHETAMINE IN DECEMBER 2007. KIMBERLY AREGOOD WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY COSTS OF $826 DOLLARS TO DIFFERENT ENTITIES BY PRESIDENT JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN. AREGOOD WAS ARRESTED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DETECTIVES ON DECEMBER 6TH AND AGAIN ON THE 14TH IN 2007 FOR SELLING METHAMPHETAMINE.

FRACKVILLE BOROUGH HAS A 2010 BUDGET

FRACKVILLE BOROUGH LEADERS MET YESTERDAY AT 1 P.M. AND ADOPTED A BUDGET. THE PLAN ADDS A 1 MILL TAX INCREASE AND THE INCREASE HOPES TO LEAVE 2010 WITH A SURPLUS OF A LITTLE MORE THAN 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS. COUNCIL WILL MEET AT 6 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 24TH TO SET THE NEW MILLAGE RATE. ALSO ON FRIDAY THE BOROUGH APPROVED TWO ORDINANCES: ONE WILL ALLOW THE BOROUGH TO HOLD PART OF INSURANCE PROCEEDS ON PROPERTIES DAMAGED BY FIRE UNTIL THE STRUCTURES ARE MADE SAFE AND CLEANED UP AND ANOTHER TO RAISE THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT FOR CANDIDATES WISHING TO BECOME THE CHIEF OF POLICE. THE PREVIOUS ORDINANCE BASED THE POSITION BEING GRANTED FOR ANYONE 45 YEARS OLD AND UNDER, THE NEW STATUATE REQUIRES THE APPLICANT TO BE NOT OLDER THAN 55 YEARS OLD.

TREES EVERYWHERE

AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ENVIRONMENT IS TREES. REPORTER SHERRY MARCHEFSKY TALKS ABOUT A PARTNERSHIP TO SELL TREE SEEDLINGS:

SEEDLING SALE


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The theft and conflict of interest trial of former state Representative Mike Veon and three aides has finished a second week, with only the second prosecution witness still on the stand. Defense attorneys spent Friday cross-examining Jeff Foreman, who was Veon's chief of staff.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Leaders of both parties in the state Senate say a commission that will look for ways the state can save money is ready to meet. They say the Government Management and Cost
Study Commission will hold its first meeting February 19th. 

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A Penn State student is being treated for what the school calls a probable case of bacterial meningitis.  The school says student lives in a campus residence hall and is being treated at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Friends and close contacts of the student have been offered medication.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton is facing drug possession charges after police say he was caught buying cocaine in Philadelphia. Police say James Shimsky was
arrested last month. The diocese says Shimsky has been on a leave of absence since his arrest.

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - Federal marshals have captured a man wanted on more than 75 counts stemming from the alleged sexual assaults of a Monroe County teen. Authorities say 39-year-old Eric Martinborough Jr. was apprehended in Scranton on Thursday after being on the run since May.

KABUL (AP) - NATO says three U.S. service members have been killed in southern Afghanistan, but the deaths are unrelated to a major offensive that's begun in the region. NATO said the Americans died following a bombing, but it provided no other details. An Afghan military official says the troops were killed when a suicide bomber targeted a joint foot patrol.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - The Olympic opening ceremony, normally the most exuberant spectacle in sports, took a moment for somber remembrance after a Georgian athlete was killed on a
practice luge run. The seven remaining members of the Georgian team were greeted by polite applause as they marched into the stadium and flags flew at half staff.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - A student says the biology professor accused of gunning down colleagues at a staff meeting at the University of Alabama's Huntsville campus was "understanding, and was concerned about students." Biology professor Amy Bishop is charged with one count of capital murder, which means she could face the death penalty if convicted.

ATLANTA (AP) - A snowstorm in the Deep South caused canceled flights, closed schools and shuttered businesses early. And that was before the first flakes fell. As much as 7 inches of snow fell in central South Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas. The storm knocked out power to thousands and caused hundreds of accidents.  Two deaths have been reported.

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) - The Sea Shepherd anti-whaling group says their video shows Japanese whalers who complained of injuries from rancid butter actually got hit in the face by their own pepper
spray attack. The Japanese said yesterday three crew members had eye and face injuries from butyric acid, produced from bottles of stinking rancid butter that the activists sometimes aim at the ships.

Today's News-Friday, February 12, 2010-UPDATED 9AM

FOUR INJURED IN TREVORTON CRASH


FOUR INJURED IN TREVORTON CRASH


FOUR PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO AREA HOSPITALS FOLLOWING A CRASH IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.  THAT HAPPENED AROUND EIGHT THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF TENTH AND WEST SHAMOKIN STREET IN TREVORTON.  POLICE SAY 40 YEAR OLD LAURIE BUSS OF TREVORTON PULLED INTO THE PATH OF A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 31 YEAR OLD HEATHER LOCKNER OF SHAMOKIN.  LOCKNER'S VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED OVER, HITTING TWO PARKED VEHICLES.  POLICE SAY BUSS, LOCKNER'S TWO PASSENGERS, 22 YEAR OLD JESSICE THEURER AND 23 YEAR OLD ALEX KOSINSKI WERE TAKEN TO EITHER SHAMOKIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OR GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.

STORM CLEANUP

ROAD CREWS CONTINUED THROUGH THE NIGHT REMOVING PILES OF SNOW FROM STREETS ACROSS THE REGION DURING THE BIG STORM DIG OUT. MAIN ROADS ARE CLEAR FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE, BUT SECONDARY AND TERTIARY ROADWAYS ARE STILL PARTIALLY SNOW COVERED. MANY COMMUNITIES REMAIN UNDER SNOW EMERGENCY, AND A NUMBER OF THE COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT DAY. THE GOOD NEWS, THE SUN WILL SHINE TODAY HELPING TO MELT SOME OF THE SNOW PACK, AND NO MAJOR SNOW EVENTS ARE PREDICTED. HOWEVER, WE MAY SEE SOME OF THE WHITE STUFF ON MONDAY, PRESIDENTS DAY. THE WEATHERWATCH COMPUTER IS UP AND RUNNING, WITH ANNOUNCEMENTS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.

STATE OF THE CITY

POTTSVILLE MAYOR JOHN D.W. REILEY MADE HIS ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS LAST NIGHT. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE:

STATE OF THE CITY

ROMA BURGLARIZED

CITY POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY AT A WEST MARKET STREET RESTAURANT. SOMETIME LATE MONDAY OR EARLY TUESDAY, SOMEONE BROKE INTO ROMA PIZZA, TAKING $200 DOLLARS IN CASH FROM A REGISTER, AND OTHER MONIES FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE BUILDING. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROMA BURGLARY SHOULD CALL POTTSVILLE CITY POLICE AT 622-1234. 

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED FOR A THIRD DAY AS THE CLEANUP FROM THIS WEEK'S MASSIVE BLIZZARD CONTINUES. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGIONAL OFFICES WILL BE OPEN. PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN PITTSBURGH WILL ALSO REMAIN CLOSED TODAY BUT ARE SCHEDULED TO REOPEN ON MONDAY, TWO HOURS LATER THAN USUAL.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS REMAIN WITHOUT POWER IN THE BLIZZARD'S AFTERMATH AND SOME MAY NOT GET IT BACK UNTIL SUNDAY. GOV. ED RENDELL CALLED UP 400 MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD TO PATROL COUNTIES IN SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HARDEST HIT BY THE STORM.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THIS WEEK'S MASSIVE SNOWSTORM HAS CLAIMED AT LEAST FOUR LIVES IN PENNSYLVANIA. SIXTY-YEAR-OLD GARY FUNK AND 47-YEAR-OLD DONNA ABER-URAN WERE KILLED WHEN THE SNOWMOBILE THEY WERE RIDING STRUCK A CAR IN LANCASTER. ANOTHER DEATH OCCURRED IN A MASSIVE PILE-UP ON INTERSTATE 81 DURING THE STORM.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - TESTIMONY HAS RESUMED IN THE CORRUPTION TRIAL OF FORMER HOUSE DEMOCRATIC WHIP MIKE VEON AND THREE OF HIS AIDES. VEON'S ONE-TIME CHIEF OF STAFF TESTIFIED YESTERDAY THAT STATE EMPLOYEES LOOKED FOR MINOR LEGISLATIVE DUTIES BACK IN THE HOME DISTRICT SO THEY COULD GET REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES WHILE CAMPAIGNING.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE NATION'S SECOND DOUBLE HAND TRANSPLANT HAS
BEEN PERFORMED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER. HOSPITAL OFFICIALS DURING A 12-HOUR OPERATION ALSO REPLACED THE RIGHT FOREARM OF CHRIS POLLOCK, A 41-YEAR-OLD HARRISBURG MAN WHO LOST BOTH HANDS AND THE FOREARM IN A FARMING ACCIDENT.
POWER OUT YESTERDAY IN ORWIGSBURG

EVEN THOUGH WE HAD TWO FEET OF SNOW AND WINDY CONDITIONS OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, POWER OUTAGES WERE KEPT TO A MINIMUM. THAT WAS UNTIL A LINE CAME DOWN IN THE ORWIGSBURG AREA THURSDAY AFTERNOON. PPL ELECTRIC CREWS HAD TO TACKLE A DOWNED LINE WHICH CAUSED NEARLY 2-THOUSAND CUSTOMERS TO BE WITHOUT POWER. PPL OFFICIALS SAID MOST OF THE AFFECTED CUSTOMERS HAD SERVICE RESTORED WITHIN AN HOUR, AND THE REMAINDER SHORTLY THEREAFTER. NO POWER OUTAGES WERE REPORTED BY PPL THIS MORNING.

KABUL (AP) - AFGHAN OFFICIALS SAY THEY'RE INVESTIGATING THE DEATHS OF FIVE PEOPLE WHOSE BODIES WERE FOUND FOLLOWING A RAID BY NATO FORCES IN GARDEZ THURSDAY NIGHT. FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE DEAD SAY AMERICAN FORCES KILLED INNOCENT CIVILANS. NATO FORCES SAY AFTER A RAID ON INSURGENTS, THEY FOUND THE BODIES OF TWO MEN AND TWO BOUND AND GAGGED WOMEN.

NEW YORK (AP) - FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON COULD BE RELEASED FROM A NEW YORK HOSPITAL TODAY, FOLLOWING A PROCEDURE YESTERDAY TO UNCLOG A HEART ARTERY. DOCTORS AT NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL PLACED TWO STENTS INSIDE THE ARTERY IN A ONE-HOUR PROCEDURE. CLINTON HAD QUADRUPLE BYPASS AT THE SAME HOSPITAL MORE THAN FIVE YEARS AGO.

CONGRESSMAN PATRICK KENNEDY SAYS ALTHOUGH HE WON'T BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION HE'LL STILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE. THE RHODE ISLAND DEMOCRAT HAS DECIDED NOT TO SEEK A NINTH TERM, SAYING HIS LIFE IS "TAKING A NEW DIRECTION."  KENNEDY'S FATHER, SEN. TED KENNEDY, DIED JUST MONTHS AGO.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (AP) - THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE SAYS IT'S DRUG TESTING SOME 2,000 ATHLETES AS THE VANCOUVER OLYMPICS BEGINS. THE HEAD OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY SAYS MORE THAN 30 ATHLETES HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM COMING TO VANCOUVER FOR BREAKING DOPING RULES IN RECENT MONTHS.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - TWO ASTRONAUTS HAVE WRAPPED UP AN OVERNIGHT SPACEWALK TO PUT AN ADDITION ONTO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. THE ASTRONAUTS USED A GIANT ROBOT ARM TO ATTACH THE NEW ROOM THAT HAS AN ENORMOUS BAY WINDOW. THEY'LL HAVE TO TACKLE THE PLUMBING ON SATURDAY.

TODAY'S NEWS - THURSDAY 2.11.10-7:30AM

ARGENTINIAN TRIAL REQUEST OVERTURNED

A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS DENIED A NEW TRIAL OR AN ACQUITTAL TO AN ARGENTINA NATIVE CONVICTED OF PARTICIPATING IN A DRUG RING IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AND ELSEWHERE.  U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE SYLVIA RAMBO RULED CARLOS CEGLEDI PROVIDED NO REASON TO OVERTURN OR SET ASIDE HIS CONVICTION. SHE ORDERED PREPARATION OF A PRESENTENCE REPORT BUT DID NOT IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULE CEGLEDI'S SENTENCING.  THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, ON DECEMBER 11TH, THE JURY FOUND CEGLEDI GUILTY OF DRUG TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE IN BERKS, CUMBERLAND, DAUPHIN, FRANKLIN, LEHIGH AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES AND THE STATE OF GEORGIA IN APRIL AND MAY 2008.

SNOW

WEATHER IN A WORD: WOW! THE AREA IS DIGGING OUT THIS MORNING FROM TWO FEET OF SNOW THAT DUMPED ON THE REGION. MAIN HIGHWAYS ARE BASICALLY CLEAR, BUT SECONDARY ROADS ARE SNOW COVERED. THE COUNTY IS UNDER A DISASTER EMERGENCY, BANNING NON ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TODAY. PENN DOT AND MUNICIPAL SNOW REMOVAL CREWS ARE ON ROUND THE CLOCK DUTY TO CLEAR THE ROADS, BUT IT MAY TAKE THE BETTER PART OF TODAY AND TOMORROW TO CLEAR OUT. INTERSTATE 81, 78 AND 80 WHICH WERE CLOSED YESTERDAY BY GOVERNOR ED RENDELL HAS REOPENED.

CAR THEFT IN HAMBURG

SOMEONE STOLE A DISABLED VEHICLE IN HAMBURG ON ROUTE 61.  THE INCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LINE AT LOWLAND ROAD IN BERKS COUNTY TOWNSHIP. THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR, OWNED BY THOMAS C SZELIGA 30 OF POTTSVILLE, WAS STOLEN BETWEEN JAN 31 AND FEB 7. THE VEHICLE BEARS A PA LICENSE PLATE OF GYM7646. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS THEFT PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE AT 610-562-9001.

PILLS STOLEN FROM TRUCK

OXYCONTIN AND PERCOCET PILLS WERE TAKEN FROM FROM A TRUCK IN SHENANDOAH ON MONDAY. THE 2006 CHEVROLET TRUCK, OWNED BY GARY TROY 32 OR SHENANDOAH, WAS PARKED NEAR HIS HOME AT THE TIME OF THE THEFT. $100 WAS ALSO TAKEN BEFORE THE PERPETRATOR FLED UNDETECTED. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS INCIDENT, CONTACT WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP POLICE CONFIDENTIALLY AT 462-1991.

3 INJURIES IN CRASH

A TWO VEHICLE CRASH HAPPENED ON SELTZER ROAD IN NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT HOLLY‘S FOOD STORE. KELLY DRAGINIS, 26 OF CUMBOLA, TOOK A SEIZURE WHILE DRIVING HER 1993 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA CAUSING HER TO HIT THE GAS, CROSS OVER THE ROAD AND HIT A SNOW BANK BEFORE LANDING IN HOLLY'S PARKING LOT. DRAGINIS’S CAR CRASHED INTO JEFFERY COLEMAN , 47 OF READING, WHO WAS DRIVING A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND PARKED AT THE FOOD STORE. BOTH DRIVERS AND COLMAN’S PASSENGER, CRYSTAL C LYNN 31 OF POTTSVILLE, WERE TREATED ON THE SCENE BY POTTSVILLE-SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AREA EMS FOR MINOR INJURIES AND THEN TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

THEFT AT CABELA'S

STANLEY J DUBERNAS, 61 OF OLD FORGE, WAS ARRESTED FOR THEFT AT CABELA'S IN HAMBURG ON SUNDAY. STORE SECURITY DETAINED HIM FOR LEAVING WITHOUT PAYING FOR $36 WORTH OF MERCHANDISE. DEBERNAS WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR RETAIL THEFT AND WILL HAVE TO ANSWER TO THE CHARGE IN BERKS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.

PA NEWS

MORE THAN 200 VEHICLES STRANDED ALONG PA. ROAD

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - EMERGENCY CREWS HAVE CLEARED A BACKLOG OF ABOUT 200 TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES STUCK ON INTERSTATE 78 IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BECAUSE OF THE BLIZZARD.  A CRASH AND SNOW FALLING AT ABOUT 2 INCHES AN HOUR HAD LEFT THE VEHICLES STRANDED BEGINNING ABOUT NOON WEDNESDAY.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPOKESMAN SEAN BROWN SAYS EMERGENCY
VEHICLES WERE ABLE TO CLEAR SOME PATHWAYS AND PULL OUT ENOUGH VEHICLES TO GET THE TRAFFIC MOVING AGAIN BY MIDNIGHT.  BERKS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR THEODORE COLE SAYS GASOLINE, FOOD AND WATER WERE DELIVERED TO THE DRIVERS WHILE THEY WERE STRANDED.  PENNSYLVANIA SHUT DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAYS INCLUDING I-78 AFTER THEY WERE RENDERED NEARLY IMPASSABLE BY THE STORM.  ENOUGH SNOW FELL TO ASSURE PHILADELPHIA OF ITS SNOWIEST WINTER ON RECORD.

MORE THAN 138K CUSTOMERS WITHOUT POWER ACROSS PA.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE MASSIVE STORM THAT HAS SET A NEW SNOWFALL RECORD IN PHILADELPHIA HAS CUT POWER TO ABOUT 110,000 ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS IN AND AROUND THE CITY. PECO SPOKESMAN FRED MAHER SAYS RISING WINDS HAVE BEEN TOPPLING SNOW-COVERED TREES INTO POWER LINES, LEAVING 110,000 WITHOUT POWER AS OF 9 P.M. WEDNESDAY IN PHILADELPHIA AND THE FOUR SUBURBAN COUNTIES. ABOUT 49,000 ARE IN BUCKS COUNTY.  OFFICIALS SAY THERE ARE MORE THAN 138,000 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT POWER ACROSS THE STATE. WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANIES SAY 26,500 CUSTOMERS HAVE NO ELECTRICITY, AND SOME HAVE HAD NONE SINCE THE LAST STORM BEGAN FRIDAY. ALLENTOWN-BASED PPL CORP. SAYS IT HAS ABOUT 2,100 CUSTOMERS WITHOUT SERVICE.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS 14 INCHES OF SNOW HAS FALLEN
IN PHILADELPHIA SO FAR, SETTING A NEW RECORD OF 70.3 INCHES FOR THE
SEASON SO FAR.

PA. MAN JUST OUT OF JAIL ACCUSED OF KILLING WOMAN

DUNBAR, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY A MAN WHO HAD JUST BEEN RELEASED FROM JAIL HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH BEATING AND STABBING HIS LIVE-IN GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH. POLICE SAY 29-YEAR-OLD HENRY EARLEY OF BITNER IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP WAS ARRESTED WALKING INTO TRAFFIC ON ROUTE 51 SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT TUESDAY. AT THE HOUSE HE SHARED WITH 30-YEAR-OLD REBECCA DIMATTEO, THEY FOUND HER BODY LYING ON THE FLOOR.  EARLEY WAS ARRAIGNED ON A CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGE AND TAKEN TO FAYETTE COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND. ACCORDING TO COURT RECORDS, HE HAD BEEN RELEASED FROM THE JAIL ON BOND SUNDAY, A DAY AFTER HE WAS TAKEN THERE ON UNRELATED CHARGES OF SIMPLE ASSAULT, HARASSMENT, RETAIL THEFT AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT.

MICH. AG SAYS NO DEAL WITH FEDS ON ASIAN CARP

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. (AP) - MICHIGAN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFERED TO SETTLE A LEGAL DISPUTE OVER HOW TO KEEP ASIAN CARP OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES, BUT NO DEAL WAS REACHED.  MIKE COX SAID HE AND ATTORNEYS GENERAL FROM FIVE OTHER STATES HAD A CONFERENCE CALL WEDNESDAY WITH A U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LAWYER.  COX TOLD REPORTERS HE COULDN'T PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE TALKS BECAUSE THEY WERE CONFIDENTIAL NEGOTIATIONS TOWARD A POSSIBLE SETTLEMENT. BUT HE SAID THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFERED NO CHANGES IN ITS $78.5 MILLION STRATEGY RELEASED MONDAY.  THAT PLAN REJECTS MICHIGAN'S DEMAND TO CLOSE TWO SHIPPING LOCKS IN CHICAGO WATERWAYS THAT COULD PROVIDE AN OPENING TO LAKE MICHIGAN FOR THE INVASIVE CARP.  COX SAID HIS STATE'S SUPREME COURT LAWSUIT ON THE MATTER WILL CONTINUE.

FUNERAL PLANS FINALIZED IN PA. FOR MURTHA

JOHNSTOWN, PA. (AP) - FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE LATE REP. JOHN MURTHA HAVE NOW BEEN FINALIZED FOR NEXT WEEK IN THE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT HE REPRESENTED FOR 3 1/2 DECADES. MURTHA'S FAMILY SAYS A PRIVATE VIEWING WILL BE HELD FROM 3 P.M. TO 7 P.M. ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY AT DUCA'S FUNERAL HOME IN JOHNSTOWN.  A PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICE BEGINS AT 11 A.M. TUESDAY AT THE WESTMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AND A PRIVATE BURIAL SERVICE WILL FOLLOW AT GRANDVIEW CEMETERY.  FAMILY MEMBERS SAY A PUBLIC MEMORIAL IS PLANNED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL IN THE COMING WEEKS. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THEY SUGGEST
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UPMC JOHN P. MURTHA CANCER PAVILION IN JOHNSTOWN OR THE JOYCE MURTHA BREAST CARE CENTER IN WINDBER, PA. MURTHA, D-PA., DIED MONDAY AT A HOSPITAL AT AGE 77 AFTER COMPLICATIONS FROM GALLBLADDER SURGERY.

RENDELL NOMINATES 2 TO LUZERNE CO. BENCH

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL HAS NOMINATED TWO ATTORNEYS TO SPOTS ON THE BENCH IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY WHERE THREE FORMER JUDGES HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION.  RENDELL SPOKESMAN GARY TUMA CONFIRMED ON TUESDAY THE NOMINATIONS OF 63-YEAR-OLD JOSEPH VAN JURA AND 67-YEAR-OLD LEWIS WETZEL FOR THE LUZERNE COUNTY BENCH.
VAN JURA, A DEMOCRAT, IS THE NOMINEE TO REPLACE JUDGE MICHAEL TOOLE, WHO RESIGNED LAST MONTH AND PLEADED GUILTY TO HONEST SERVICES FRAUD AND TAX EVASION. WETZEL, A REPUBLICAN, IS THE NOMINEE TO REPLACE JUDGE PETER PAUL OLSZEWSKI JR., WHO LOST A RETENTION VOTE.  BOTH MEN MUST WIN APPROVAL FROM THE STATE SENATE.  TWO OTHER FORMER JUDGES AWAIT TRIAL ON RACKETEERING CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY TAKING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN KICKBACKS TO SEND JUVENILES TO PRIVATE DETENTION FACILITIES.

TRAVELER HELD WITH ARABIC FLASH CARDS SUES POLICE

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A COLLEGE STUDENT HANDCUFFED AT PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND QUESTIONED ABOUT HIS ARABIC LANGUAGE
FLASH CARDS IS SUING SEVERAL FBI AGENTS, POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHERS.
TWENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD NICK GEORGE OF SUBURBAN WYNCOTE SAYS HE WAS
HELD FOR ABOUT FOUR HOURS AND MISSED HIS AUGUST FLIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA. HE SAYS IT'S EVEN MORE ALARMING THAT HIS
CHECKED LUGGAGE MADE IT ONBOARD.
GEORGE IS A SENIOR PHYSICS MAJOR AT POMONA COLLEGE. HE STUDIES
ARABIC AND HAS TRAVELED TO THE MIDEAST AND NORTH AFRICA. HE SAYS HE
WAS DETAINED EVEN AFTER IT WAS CLEAR HE POSED NO SAFETY THREAT.
THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FILED THE FEDERAL LAWSUIT
WEDNESDAY.  DEFENDANTS INCLUDE THREE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS.

PROSECUTOR: 1982 CLEVELAND SLAYING AND RAPE SOLVED

CLEVELAND (AP) - AN OHIO PROSECUTOR SAYS DNA EVIDENCE HAS HELPED SOLVE THE JUNE 1982 SHOOTING DEATH OF ONE WOMAN AND THE RAPE OF ANOTHER VICTIM WHO WAS SHOT AND LEFT FOR DEAD BUT SURVIVED.  CUYAHOGA COUNTY PROSECUTOR BILL MASON SAYS 56-YEAR-OLD RICHARD WILSON FACES A POSSIBLE DEATH SENTENCE IF CONVICTED OF CHARGES FILED WEDNESDAY INCLUDING AGGRAVATED MURDER,  ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED MURDER, RAPE, KIDNAPPING AND ROBBERY.  THE TWO WOMEN WERE ABDUCTED FROM DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND AND FORCED TO DRIVE TO A SECLUDED AREA. FORTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD MARY ANN FINEGAN WAS FATALLY SHOT AND A 38-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WAS RAPED, SHOT TWICE AND LEFT FOR DEAD. SHE WAS FOUND ALIVE 15 HOURS LATER.  WILSON IS IN PRISON IN LABELLE, PA., SOUTH OF PITTSBURGH ON A ROBBERY CONVICTION OUT OF ERIE, PA.

BATS GIVEN ANTI-FUNGAL TREATMENTS FOR WHITE-NOSE

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - RESEARCHERS TRYING TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF A SCOURGE THAT HAS KILLED MORE THAN A MILLION BATS ARE TESTING ANTI-FUNGAL SOLUTIONS IN A HARD-HIT HIBERNATION CAVE.  NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION RESEARCHERS HOPE THAT TOPICAL ANTI-FUNGAL AGENTS APPLIED TO ABOUT 250 BATS IN AN OLD IRON MINE ON THE EDGE OF THE ADIRONDACKS WILL COMBAT WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME. THE SYNDROME IS NAMED FOR THE SUGARY LOOKING SMUDGES OF FUNGUS ON THE NOSES AND WINGS OF HIBERNATING BATS.
STATE WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST AL HICKS SAID TUESDAY THAT RESEARCHERS WILL REVISIT THE MINE AT THE END OF WINTER TO SEE IF THE ANTI-FUNGAL COMPOUNDS - SIMILAR TO THOSE USED TO TREAT ATHLETE'S FOOT - HELP THE BATS SURVIVE.
WHITE-NOSE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN NINE STATES SINCE IT WAS FIRST NOTICED IN UPSTATE NEW YORK IN 2006.

COMPANIES CONTINUE TO CUT OR DELAY IPOS

NEW YORK (AP) - THREE COMPANIES PARED DOWN THEIR IPOS, AND ANOTHER DELAYED ITS DEAL WEDNESDAY, AS A BUMPY STOCK MARKET AND ECONOMIC WORRIES CONTINUE TO MAKE RAISING MONEY THROUGH INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS DIFFICULT.  SAN FRANCISCO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST TERRENO REALTY WENT PUBLIC WEDNESDAY AFTER RAISING $175 MILLION - HALF OF WHAT IT HAD
ORIGINALLY HOPED. ITS STOCK TUMBLED 6.8 PERCENT, TO CLOSE AT $18.65.  ANOTHER REIT, PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, BEGAN TRADING AFTER CUTTING ITS IPO SIZE. THE JOHNS CREEK, GA. COMPANY'S STOCK ROSE 7.6 PERCENT, TO CLOSE AT $15.60. MEANWHILE, GRAHAM PACKAGING CO., A SUPPLIER OF CONTAINERS, CUT
ITS IPO IN HALF. THE YORK, PA., COMPANY, WHICH IS MAJORITY-OWNED BY PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM BLACKSTONE GROUP, HOPES TO RAISE $175 MILLION. 

SNOW BREAKS MID-ATLANTIC RECORDS

WASHINGTON (AP) - TWIN BLIZZARDS THAT EVEN FORCED PLOWS TO STOP WORK HAVE SET WINTER SNOWFALL RECORDS IN PHILADELPHIA, BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON.  THE LATEST STORM LEFT THE MOST POPULOUS STRETCH OF THE EAST
COAST UNDER NEARLY A FOOT OF SNOW TODAY, DEMORALIZING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE STILL TRYING TO DIG OUT FROM A WEEKEND STORM.  FORECASTERS ARE EYEING A THIRD STORM THAT COULD BE BREWING FOR NEXT WEEK.  PENNSYLVANIA'S GOVERNOR SHUT DOWN SOME INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AND
WARNED THAT PEOPLE WHO DROVE WERE RISKING THEIR LIVES. TWO PILEUPS INVOLVING 25 VEHICLES ON INTERSTATE 80 ARE BLAMED FOR ONE DEATH AND LOTS OF INJURIES.  HEAVY SNOW HAS ALSO FALLEN IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY. AIRLINES CANCELED THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS, AND NEW YORK CITY'S 1.1 MILLION
SCHOOLCHILDREN ENJOYED ONLY THEIR THIRD SNOW DAY IN SIX YEARS. THE
WASHINGTON AREA'S TWO AIRPORTS HAD NO FLIGHTS COMING OR GOING.
THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA HAVE BEEN NEARLY VACANT.
WASHINGTON D.C'S REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS HAS ASKED FOR FEDERAL
FUNDING TO HELP PAY FOR DIGGING OUT.

DC DELEGATE TO REQUEST FEDERAL FUNDS TO CLEAR SNOW

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA'S REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS IS ASKING PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO DECLARE A FEDERAL EMERGENCY TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO HELP THE NATION'S CAPITAL RECOVER FROM RECORD SNOWFALL.  D.C. DELEGATE ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON SAID WEDNESDAY THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION IS JUSTIFIED AFTER THREE DAYS OF FEDERAL AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS IN THE WASHINGTON AREA BEING SHUT DOWN. SHE SAYS IF THE PRESIDENT DOESN'T DECLARE AN EMERGENCY, SHE WILL SEEK ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM CONGRESS TO HELP THE CITY AND THE CASH-STRAPPED METRO TRANSIT SYSTEM PAY FOR BLIZZARD RECOVERY.   NORTON, WHO DOES NOT VOTE IN CONGRESS, SAYS THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE A STATE GOVERNMENT'S FINANCIAL RESERVES TO FALL BACK ON IN AN EMERGENCY. SHE SAYS METRO IS IN THE SAME SITUATION.

HAITI SAYS 170,000 BODIES BURIED; NO EXPLANATION

TITANYEN, HAITI (AP) - HAITI'S GOVERNMENT SAYS IT BURIED 170,000 BODIES IN MASS GRAVES IN THE MONTH SINCE THE JAN. 12 EARTHQUAKE. THE COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY SAYS A STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT RENE PREVAL THAT 270,000 BODIES WERE BURIED CONTAINED A TYPO, AND THAT THE REAL COUNT IS 170,000.   IT REMAINS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO BELIEVE 230,000 PEOPLE DIED IN THE QUAKE - THE NUMBER IT RELEASED ON TUESDAY. PREVAL'S STATEMENT WEDNESDAY SAID 170,000 BODIES WERE HASTILY BURIED, BUT DID NOT CLAIM THAT TO BE THE OVERALL DEATH TOLL.

LAWYER: NO RULING ISSUED ON JAILED MISSIONARIES

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (AP) - A LAWYER REPRESENTING ONE OF THE 10 U.S. MISSIONARIES JAILED IN HAITI FOR TRYING TO TAKE A BUSLOAD OF CHILDREN OUT OF THE COUNTRY SAYS THE JUDGE HAS NOT YET ISSUED A DECISION ON WHETHER THEY SHOULD GO TO TRIAL.  ATTORNEY GARY LASSADE TELLS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HE EXPECTS JUDGE BERNARD SAINT-VIL TO ISSUE HIS RECOMMENDATION TO THE PROSECUTOR THURSDAY.  THE PROSECUTOR HAS THE RIGHT TO APPEAL IF THE JUDGE RECOMMENDS THAT CHARGES BE DROPPED, BUT THE JUDGE HAS THE FINAL SAY.  THE AMERICANS, MOST FROM AN IDAHO BAPTIST GROUP, WERE CHARGED
LAST WEEK WITH CHILD KIDNAPPING AND CRIMINAL ASSOCIATION. THEY WERE
ARRESTED JAN. 29 TRYING TO TAKE 33 CHILDREN ACROSS THE BORDER TO AN
ORPHANAGE THEY WERE ESTABLISHING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

COMMISSION TO REPORT ON HONDURAN COUP IN 4 MONTHS

TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS (AP) - FORMER GUATEMALAN VICE PRESIDENT EDUARDO STEIN SAYS A TRUTH COMMISSION BEING FORMED IN HONDURAS TO INVESTIGATE THE EVENTS THAT LED TO THE OUSTER OF PRESIDENT MANUEL ZELAYA WILL PRESENT ITS FINDINGS IN JUNE. STEIN IS TO BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PANEL. HE SAID WEDNESDAY IT WILL BE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL INCLUDE TWO HONDURANS AND THREE MORE FOREIGNERS.  HONDURAS' ARMY FLEW ZELAYA OUT OF THE COUNTRY LAST JUNE AFTER HE PUSHED AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR A REFERENDUM ON CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION EVEN THOUGH HONDURAS' SUPREME COURT RULED THE VOTE ILLEGAL.   THE COUP WAS WIDELY CONDEMNED BY OTHER NATIONS. THE UNITED STATES HAS PUSHED FOR THE CREATION OF A TRUTH COMMISSION TO SORT OUT RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE COUP.

2 LATEST EAST TEXAS CHURCH FIRES DEEMED ARSON

DALLAS (AP) - INVESTIGATORS HAVE DETERMINED THAT TWO RURAL CHURCH FIRES ON THE SAME NIGHT THIS WEEK IN EAST TEXAS WERE THE ACTS OF AN ARSONIST.
THE U.S. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES ANNOUNCED ITS FINDINGS WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON THE FIRES THAT DAMAGED DOVER BAPTIST CHURCH AND CLEAR SPRING MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.  BOTH CHURCHES ARE WITHIN THREE MILES OF EACH OTHER OUTSIDE TYLER.  THE TWO FIRES OCCURRED MONDAY NIGHT WITHIN AN HOUR OF EACH OTHER.  ATF DALLAS SPOKESMAN THOMAS CROWLEY SAYS THOSE INCIDENTS BRING TO NINE THE NUMBER OF DELIBERATELY SET CHURCH FIRES IN THE AREA SINCE JAN. 1.  NO INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED, BUT AGENTS SUSPECT A SERIAL ARSONIST OR GROUP OF ARSONISTS IN THE FIRES. TYLER IS ABOUT 90 MILES EAST OF DALLAS.

TEACHER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING 2 PRINCIPALS AT SCHOOL

KNOXVILLE, TENN. (AP) - A FORMER BOSS OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING AND WOUNDING THE PRINCIPAL AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT HIS SCHOOL SAYS THE SUSPECT ONCE THREATENED HIM.  THE SHOOTINGS TODAY HAPPENED ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER THE CHILDREN AT THE KNOXVILLE, TENN. SCHOOL WERE DISMISSED BECAUSE OF SNOW. POLICE CHARGED MARK STEPHEN FOSTER WITH TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AFTER THE SHOOTING AT INSKIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.  THE SCHOOL WEB SITE IDENTIFIES FOSTER AS A FOURTH-GRADE TEACHER.  UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER OFFICIALS SAID PRINCIPAL ELISA LUNA IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AMY BRACE IS IN STABLE CONDITION WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.  POLICE HAVEN'T RELEASED A MOTIVE FOR THE SHOOTING. OFFICIALS SAY THE SCHOOL DIDN'T INTEND TO REHIRE FOSTER NEXT 2300

JURY SELECTION OPENS IN IOWA COACH SLAYING TRIAL

SHELL ROCK, IOWA (AP) - A JUDGE HAS PICKED 36 POTENTIAL JURORS IN THE FIRST-DEGREE MURDER TRIAL OF THE MAN ACCUSED OF GUNNING DOWN AN IOWA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH LAST SUMMER.  THE JUDGE BEGAN THE PROCESS WEDNESDAY, SEEKING TO CHOOSE 12 JURORS AND FOUR ALTERNATES WHO WILL HEAR THE CASE AGAINST 24-YEAR-OLD MARK BECKER. BECKER IS CHARGED WITH KILLING APLINGTON-PARKERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL COACH ED THOMAS LAST JUNE.
BECKER'S ATTORNEY WILL USE A DEFENSE OF INSANITY OR DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY.  THE SMALLER POOL OF POTENTIAL JURORS WAS CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM 220 PEOPLE INITIALLY TOLD TO APPEAR. THE JUDGE ALSO EXCUSED MORE THAN THREE DOZEN PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T SERVE. THOMAS WAS THE NFL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR IN 2005. FOUR OF HIS PLAYERS ARE NOW IN THE NFL. 

EX-MINNEAPOLIS COP FACES MORE ROBBERY CHARGES

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A FORMER POLICE OFFICER AND DECORATED MARINE ALREADY INDICTED IN THE ARMED ROBBERY OF A SUBURBAN MINNEAPOLIS BANK HAS BEEN CHARGED IN FIVE NEW ARMED ROBBERIES AND TWO ATTEMPTED ROBBERIES.  THE COMPLAINT WEDNESDAY SAYS 28-YEAR-OLD TIMOTHY EDWARD CARSON ADMITS TO THE SEVEN NEW CRIMES.  HENNEPIN COUNTY PROSECUTORS HAVE ALREADY CHARGED CARSON IN FIVE ARMED ROBBERIES, AND LAST WEEK A FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTED HIM ON ONE COUNT OF ARMED BANK ROBBERY AND ONE FIREARMS COUNT IN THE JAN. 6 ROBBERY OF A WELLS FARGO BANK IN APPLE VALLEY.  ON THE FEDERAL CHARGES ALONE HE FACES A MANDATORY MINIMUM OF SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON ON THE FIREARMS CHARGE AND A MAXIMUM 25 YEARS ON THE BANK ROBBERY CHARGE. 

3 SEATTLE BUS TUNNEL GUARDS WATCH BRUTAL BEATING

SEATTLE (AP) - A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO WAS BADLY BEATEN IN A SEATTLE BUS TUNNEL AS THREE UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS LOOKED ON TOLD INVESTIGATORS THAT SHE THOUGHT THE MEN WOULD PROTECT HER.  THE STATEMENTS WERE REVEALED IN COURT PAPERS FILED WEDNESDAY AGAINST THE TEEN GIRL WHO ATTACKED HER AND THREE YOUNG MEN ACCUSED OF STEALING HER PURSE, PHONE AND IPOD. THE FOUR WERE ALL CHARGED WITH ROBBERY.  THE GIRL TOLD A DETECTIVE THAT THE GROUP FOLLOWED HER FROM A NEARBY DEPARTMENT STORE INTO THE BUS TUNNEL, AND SHE STOOD NEXT TO THE THREE GUARDS THINKING THEY'D PROTECT HER.  THE GUARDS DIDN'T INTERVENE, THOUGH, BECAUSE THEY HAVE STANDING ORDERS TO "OBSERVE AND REPORT," BUT NOT TO TRY TO STOP FIGHTS OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. THAT PROTOCOL IS NOW UNDER REVIEW AFTER THE
GUARDS' RESPONSE WAS CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO.