Today's News-Saturday, March 6, 2010

ALLEGED GUN TOTING MAN DENIED BAIL

Troy Langtry of Cass Township remains behind bars after a bail reduction hearing before Judge John Domalakes in Schuylkill County Court. It is alleged that Langtry waived a gun at several people and led police on a chase into a stripping pit on Janualry 26th. Domalakes feels that Langtry is a danger to the community and a flight risk. Langtry's attorney attempted to have the accused's bail lowered to a percentage of the $10,000 he is currently held on. Domalakes also stated that should Langtry meet the full cash amount he must reside at his Jonestown address, find a job in 30 days, he may not consume alcohol or drugs and stay away from the alleged victims in the case.

SCHUYLKILL SECOND MICROPOLITAN AREA IN COUNTRY
　
A national magazine dealing in corporate real estate strategy feels that Schuylkill County is one of the top desirable areas to build a business. Site Selection published their top micropolitan areas for 2009 in their March issue. A micropolitan area is designated for regions with a population of 10,000 to a little under 50,000. The region of the County that was recognized by the magazine is listed as Pottsville, this would encompass all of the economic development in and around the entire county. Schuylkill County tied with Wooster, Ohio with the two just behind Mooresville, North Carolina.

NEW LAW BEING INTRODUCE TO PROTECT KIDS

A State Senator has reintroduced legislation that would protect children from abuse by teachers or other school employees. Don Rooney has the details.

ROONEY

SHENANDOAH MAN CHARGED IN THEFT AT LOWE'S

Dennis Cooney of Shenandoah will face retail theft charges for taking a DeWalt nail gun from Lowe's around 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Store security saw Cooney leave the store with tool, which is valued at $190 dollars, without purchasing it. He will have to explain himself before Magisterial District Judge, David Plachko in Port Carbon.

PORT CARBON MAN HEADED TO PRISON
　
Rodolfo Valdez of Port Carbon is going to state prison after being convicted Friday in Schuylkill County Court of selling heroin twice, and possessing heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia when he was arrested. Jurors deliberated for a little over four hours after hearing the case before Judge D. Michael Stine who scheduled sentencing for May 24th. Valdez will stay in prison unless he raises more than $50,000 for his bail. The District Attorney's office plans to make a case for a five to ten year stint in a state correctional faciltiy for Valdez.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - Authorities in Georgia say Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being investigated in an allegation of sexual assault. Police say the incident occurred early Friday in a nightclub in Milledgeville, about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta. The player owns a home nearby.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A jury has awarded $6.5 million in damages to the one-time operator of an industrial textile plant that accused four state environmental protection officials of improper conduct. Jurors concluded that the officials didn't believe their conduct was proper when they denied permits for the Bethlehem plant.

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - A company that makes drive shafts and drive-shaft components is consolidating production at a plant in Nebraska and shutting down production in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Neapco (nee-AP'-koh) Components says about 70 to 90 Pottstown workers will lose their jobs.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Police in Allentown say they seized 25,000 bags of heroin during raids at three homes, breaking up what they say is a large regional drug ring. Nine people were arrested, and most face charges of drug possession and possession with intent to deliver.

HOLLISTER, Calif. (AP) - People who live in the California community near the home of Pentagon shooter John Bedell knew little about him because of his withdrawn behavior. He's described as a brilliant and seemingly gentle computer whiz, though family and friends now paint a portrait of a troubled man who sank deep into mental illness and anti-government rants. He was shot and killed after opening fire on police.

BOSTON (AP) - The effort to detect hidden explosives and other weapons at U.S. airports is taking another step forward. The Transportation Security Administration has announced nine more airports that will receive body-scanning technology. The threat was highlighted by a failed Christmas Day bombing.

BAGHDAD (AP) - Two Iranians are among three people killed in Iraq today when a car bomb exploded near a bus for pilgrims in the Shiite holy city of Najaf. Blasts in other Iraqi cities have killed dozens this week, underscoring warnings that insurgents would attempt to disrupt tomorrow's national elections with violence.

KABUL (AP) - NATO and Afghan forces may have the upper hand in the southern Afghan city of Marjah but the Red Cross warns of increasing casualties from hidden danger as residents who fled the city return. The agency says the Taliban have left behind buried explosives, and the improvised mines make it dangerous for residents and medical staff trying to move around the town.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (AP) - Police in California plan to search a drained pond today in a park north of San Diego. They're trying to find a girl who vanished about a year ago in the same region where 17-year-old Chelsea King disappeared last week. A registered sex offender is charged in the King case.