Today's News-Friday, April 30, 2010

SIX IMPLICATED IN ARSON FIRES

SIX MEN, IMPLICATED IN A STRING OF ARSON FIRES IN OUR AREA, WILL HAVE THEIR CASES BOUND OVER FOR COURT. THAT FOLLOWS PRELIMINARY HEARINGS AT THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT JUDGE JAMES FERRIER OF ORWIGSBURG THURSDAY. SHAWN HOY AND JONATHAN EICHERT ARE ACCUSED OF THE MOST SERIOUS CHARGES OF ARSON AND RELATED COUNTS. THE OTHER FOUR, JUSTIN GEIGER, CHARLES FERGUSON, DEVON SMITH AND MATTHEW DIXON, HAVE VARIOUS CONSPIRACY RELATED CHARGES FOR THEIR ROLES IN THE FIRES THAT DID MORE THAN $2 MILLION DOLLARS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN SOUTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. FIVE OF THE SIX ARE FORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS. HOY AND EICHERT ARE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON, WHILE THE OTHER ACCUSED ARE FREE ON BOND. THE PROCEEDINGS TOOK MOST OF THE MORNING TO COMPLETE YESTERDAY.

FIRE DEEMED ACCIDENTAL

FIRE INVESTIGATORS IN POTTSVILLE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE CAUSE OF WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S SMOKY FIRE AT WEINER IRON AND METAL WAS ACCIDENTAL. CARDBOARD BUNDLES CAUGHT FIRE, AND THE FLAMES SPREAD TO AN ADJOINING BUILDING WHICH WAS DESTROYED. NO VALUE HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE DAMAGED PROPERTY AT THAT BUSINESS ALONG ROUTE 61 OUTSIDE OF POTTSVILLE CITY LIMITS.

COURTHOUSE KICKBACKS SCRANTON, PA.

(AP) - ONE OF TWO FORMER NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JUDGES FACING FEDERAL RACKETEERING CHARGES IN A "KIDS-FOR-CASH" KICKBACK SCHEME HAS AGREED TO PLEAD GUILTY. ACCORDING TO A PLEA AGREEMENT FILED YESTERDAY, FORMER LUZERNE COUNTY JUDGE MICHAEL CONAHAN WILL PLEAD GUILTY TO HIS ROLE IN A $2.8 MILLION SCHEME INVOLVING THE PLACEMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN FOR-PROFIT DETENTION FACILITIES. ANOTHER FORMER JUDGE, MARK CIAVARELLA IS ALSO CHARGED IN THE SCANDAL. PROSECUTORS SAY CONAHAN AND CIAVARELLA TOOK KICKBACKS FROM THE OWNER AND BUILDER OF TWO PRIVATE JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES. LAST YEAR, THE STATE'S HIGH COURT VACATED THE CONVICTIONS OF THOUSANDS OF JUVENILES WHO APPEARED BEFORE CIAVARELLA BETWEEN 2003 AND 2008.

SESTAK, SPECTER CONTINUE DUEL IN NEW TV ADS HARRISBURG, PA.

(AP) - NEW, DUELING TV ADS ARE ON THE AIR FROM PENNSYLVANIA'S TWO DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE BEFORE THEY MEET TO DEBATE SATURDAY. INCUMBENT ARLEN SPECTER CLAIMS U.S. REP. JOE SESTAK DOESN'T PAY SOME CAMPAIGN EMPLOYEES THE MINIMUM WAGE. THE AD FIRST AIRED WEDNESDAY. A SESTAK SPOKESMAN SAYS THE CAMPAIGN IS COMPLYING WITH THE LAW AND ACCUSED SPECTER OF TRYING TO DISTRACT DEMOCRATS FROM HIS 28-YEAR VOTING RECORD AS A REPUBLICAN. A SESTAK AD AIRING YESTERDAY RESPONDS TO AN EARLIER ATTACK BY SPECTER. IT FEATURES A VETERAN WHO ASKS SPECTER NOT TO LIE ABOUT SESTAK'S NAVY RECORD. THE FORMER NAVY VICE ADMIRAL SERVED 31 YEARS BEFORE JOINING CONGRESS IN 2007. SPECTER CONTENDS SESTAK WAS REASSIGNED IN 2005 FOR CREATING A POOR COMMAND CLIMATE. SESTAK DISPUTES THAT. THE PRIMARY IS MAY 18.

PA. MAN FOUND GUILTY OF BAITING BEAR WITH PASTRIES

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A MAN HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF USING PASTRIES TO ILLEGALLY BAIT THE LARGEST BEAR KILLED IN THE STATE DURING THE 2009 SEASON. THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION SAYS 39-YEAR-OLD CHARLES OLSEN JR. OF WILKES-BARRE WAS FOUND GUILTY YESTERDAY AND ORDERED TO PAY $6,800 IN FINES AND RESTITUTION, PLUS COURT COSTS. GAME COMMISSION OFFICIALS SAID OLSEN ADMITTED IN NOVEMBER TO USING BAIT TO KILL THE 707-POUND BEAR. OFFICIALS SAY HE FIRST RAISED SUSPICIONS WHEN HE WAS SPOTTED A WEEK BEFORE THE HUNTING SEASON DRIVING A TRUCK LOADED WITH PASTRIES THROUGH A HEAVILY HUNTED AREA. OLSEN ALSO FACES THE LOSS OF HUNTING PRIVILEGES FOR THREE YEARS.

CHARGES DROPPED FOR MOM OF BOY FOUND WITH DRUGS PITTSBURGH

(AP) - CHARGES HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN AGAINST A WOMAN WHOSE 8-YEAR-OLD SON BROUGHT HEROIN TO HIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH. TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHYNITA YOUNG HAD BEEN CHARGED APRIL 15 WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT AND CORRUPTION OF MINORS AFTER THE BOY WAS FOUND WITH 60 SINGLE-DOSE PACKETS OF HEROIN IN HIS POCKETS AT TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WILKINSBURG. ALLEGHENY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SPOKESMAN MIKE MANKO SAID THE THIRD-GRADER HAD BEEN LIVING IN THREE DIFFERENT HOUSES WITH FOUR DIFFERENT ADULTS. MANKO SAYS THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO PROVE WHERE THE BOY GOT THE DRUGS, SO CHARGES AGAINST HIS MOTHER WERE WITHDRAWN. MANKO SAYS THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

PHILADELPHIA WOMAN CHARGED IN FATAL HIT-AND-RUN NORRISTOWN, PA.

(AP) - A 19-YEAR-OLD PHILADELPHIA WOMAN IS FACING A FELONY CHARGE OF FLEEING THE SCENE OF A FATAL ACCIDENT. PROSECUTORS SAY STEPHANIE PHILLIPS IS CHARGED IN THE MARCH 28 CRASH THAT KILLED 17-YEAR-OLD DENISE COTTETA NEAR SUBURBAN PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH HIGH SCHOOL. MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RISA VETRI FERMAN SAID COTTETA FELL IN FRONT OF PHILLIPS' CAR. FERMAN SAID COTTETA HAD BEEN CELEBRATING THE SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY AND HAD BEEN DRINKING, BUT HER BLOOD-ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS WELL BELOW THE LEGAL LIMIT. AUTHORITIES SAID PHILLIPS WAS NOT IMPAIRED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, AND TOLD POLICE SHE PANICKED AFTER HITTING THE GIRL AND KEPT DRIVING. PA.

COUPLE HELD FOR TRIAL IN ADOPTED BOY'S DEATH YORK, PA.

(AP) - A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COUPLE CHARGED IN THE BEATING DEATH OF THE 7-YEAR-OLD SON THEY ADOPTED FROM RUSSIA WILL REMAIN BEHIND BARS UNTIL THEIR TRIAL. A DISTRICT JUSTICE YESTERDAY ORDERED MICHAEL AND NANETTE CRAVER TO REMAIN IN YORK COUNTY PRISON. THEY WILL NEXT APPEAR IN COURT IN JUNE. THEY ARE FACING CHARGES INCLUDING CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN THE BOY'S AUGUST 25 DEATH. THE COUPLE ADOPTED NATHANIEL AND HIS TWIN SISTER IN 2003 FROM AN ORPHANAGE IN RUSSIA. THE GIRL IS NOW IN FOSTER CARE. DEFENSE ATTORNEYS SAY THE PROSECUTION HAS NOT PROVEN THAT THE COUPLE INJURED NATHANIEL.

EX-NEWSWEEK TAPPED FOR PHILLY NEWSPAPERS CEO POST PHILADELPHIA

(AP) - THE NEW OWNERS OF PHILADELPHIA'S TWO MAJOR NEWSPAPERS HAVE SELECTED A FORMER NEWSWEEK EXECUTIVE AS THE PUBLISHER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PAPER'S PARENT COMPANY. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER POSTED ON ITS WEBSITE LATE THURSDAY THAT 52-YEAR-OLD GREGORY OSBERG HAS BEEN TAPPED FOR THE JOB. HE IS THE FORMER PRESIDENT AND WORLDWIDE PUBLISHER OF NEWSWEEK AND NEWSWEEK.COM. MOST RECENTLY HE WAS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BUZZWIRE, COMPANY THAT PROVIDES CONTENT AND VIDEO FOR MOBILE PHONES. OSBERG ALSO HAS LOCAL ROOTS. HE'S A NATIVE OF PAOLI. A GROUP OF CREDITORS BEAT A GROUP OF PHILADELPHIA-AREA PHILANTHROPISTS AND WON THE CLOSED-DOOR AUCTION WEDNESDAY FOR THE INQUIRER AND THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS.

PHILLY CASINO GROUP MAY FACE LICENSE REVOCATION HARRISBURG, PA.

(AP) - INVESTORS IN A STALLED WATERFRONT CASINO PROJECT IN PHILADELPHIA ARE ABSORBING MORE BAD NEWS. A STATE GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT LAWYER FILED A PETITION YESTERDAY TO REVOKE FOXWOODS PHILADELPHIA'S CASINO LICENSE AFTER REGULATORS DENIED ITS BID FOR MORE TIME TO SECURE FINANCIAL BACKERS. FOXWOODS' INVESTORS HAVE 30 DAYS TO RESPOND TO THE PETITION. THE PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD'S CHIEF ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, CYRUS PITRE, SAYS THE FOXWOODS GROUP COULD STOP THE REVOCATION PETITION BY SECURING FINANCING AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS THAT SATISFY THE BOARD. THE PROJECT HAS FACED FINANCIAL TROUBLES AND NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSITION SINCE WINNING ONE OF TWO STATE CASINO LICENSES SET ASIDE FOR PHILADELPHIA IN 2006. EARLIER THIS MONTH, INTERNATIONAL CASINO MOGUL STEVE WYNN WAS THE LATEST FINANCIAL BACKER TO PULL OUT OF FOXWOODS' PLANS. PA.

CASINO/RACE TRACK ORDERED TO CLEAN UP MANURE BENSALEM, PA.

(AP) - PENNSYLVANIA ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS ARE ORDERING THE OWNERS OF A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA CASINO AND HORSE-RACING TRACK TO STOP WASHING MANURE INTO STORM GRATES. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SAYS MORE THAN 1,200 HORSES ARE BEING KEPT ON PROPERTY WHERE MANURE-LADEN STORM WATER IS IMPACTING THE NESHAMINY CREEK WATERSHED. THE DEP SAYS THE OWNERS OF THE PARX CASINO AND PARX RACING FACILITIES IN BENSALEM, PA., ALSO MUST IMPLEMENT A WATER ONSERVATION PLAN, IMPROVE EFFORTS TO MANAGE WASTE WATER AND MAKE OTHER CHANGES. THE DEP SAYS A MARCH INSPECTION UNCOVERED NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS. PARK SPOKESWOMAN CARRIE NORK MINELLI SAYS THE COMPANY HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS AND HAD BEEN COMPLETELY UNAWARE THAT THEIR RESPONSE WAS DETERMINED UNACCEPTABLE.

HOSPITAL IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA TO LAY OFF 100 ABINGTON, PA.

(AP) - OFFICIALS AT A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL SAY 100 WORKERS ARE LOSING THEIR JOBS. ABINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WILL BE LAYING OFF FULL- AND PART-TIME WORKERS. HOSPITAL CEO LARRY MERLIS SAID THE LAYOFFS ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS HAS DECREASED. ADDITIONAL REDUCTIONS IN STAFF WILL COME THROUGH ATTRITION AND VACANT POSITIONS THAT WON'T BE FILLED. MERLIS SAID THE HOSPITAL IS EXPERIENCING GROWTH IN MANY OUTPATIENT AREAS, BUT INPATIENT VOLUME REMAINS ON THE DECLINE.

COMMERCIAL PILOT PLEADS TO FED DRUG TEST CHARGES PITTSBURGH

(AP) - A PILOT FOR A US AIRWAYS SUBSIDIARY HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN PITTSBURGH TO SELLING A POWDERED DRINK MIX TO HELP DRUG USERS PASS FEDERAL DRUG TESTS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS, PILOTS AND TRAIN ENGINEERS. STEPHEN SHARP, OF PORT ORANGE, FLA., WAS A PILOT FOR PSA AIRLINES WHEN HE ALSO RAN THE WEB SITE WWW.YOURINTHECLEAR.COM FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2008. PSA AIRLINES FLEW UNDER THE US AIRWAYS EXPRESS BANNER. SHARP PLEADED GUILTY YESTERDAY TO CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THAT'S BECAUSE HIS PRODUCT WAS DESIGNED TO DEFEAT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DRUG TESTS. HE'LL RETURN FOR SENTENCING SEPT. 3. SHARP'S CASE IS THE LATEST BROUGHT BY FEDERAL PROSECUTORS IN PITTSBURGH AGAINST PEOPLE WHO SOLD PRODUCTS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO DEFEAT FEDERAL DRUG TESTS.

MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

(AP) - LONG THIN LINES OF OIL ARE LAPPING AGAINST THE LOUISIANA SHORELINE AND REACHING INTO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA THIS MORNING. FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY THE LEAK FROM A BLOWN-OUT OFFSHORE OIL WELL IS "OF GRAVE CONCERN." MIGRATORY BIRDS AND THOSE THAT NEST ALONG THE GULF COAST ALONG WITH RIVER OTTERS, MINK AND OTHER WILDLIFE ARE ALL THREATENED, AS ARE FISHERIES.

WASHINGTON

(AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS HAD HIS FIRST KNOWN FORMAL INTERVIEW WITH A CANDIDATE FOR THE UPCOMING VACANCY ON THE SUPREME COURT. A SOURCE TELLS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THAT THE PRESIDENT MET THURSDAY IN THE OVAL OFFICE WITH FEDERAL APPEALS COURT JUDGE SIDNEY THOMAS OF MONTANA. THOMAS SERVES ON THE 9TH U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS. THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERING ABOUT 10 PEOPLE FOR THE SUPREME COURT.

LOS ANGELES

(AP) - A COMPANY CRITICIZED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WHEN IT PROPOSED 39 PERCENT HEALTH INSURANCE RATE HIKES FOR CALIFORNIANS HAS SCRAPPED THOSE PLANS SAYING THE DATA USED TO CALCULATE RATES WAS FLAWED. THE ACTION BY ANTHEM BLUE CROSS CAME A DAY AFTER THE PARENT COMPANY, WELLPOINT, INC. OF INDIANAPOLIS, ANNOUNCED ITS FIRST-QUARTER PROFIT SOARED BY 51 PERCENT.

BEIJING

(AP) - STATE MEDIA REPORT A FARMER HAS BURNED HIMSELF TO DEATH AFTER ATTACKING AND INJURING FIVE KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS IN EASTERN CHINA. IT'S THE LATEST IN A STRING OF HORRIFIC ASSAULTS ON CHILDREN AT CHINESE SCHOOLS. THE OFFICIAL XINHUA NEWS AGENCY REPORTS THE MAN USED A MOTORCYCLE TO BREAK DOWN A GATE OF THE SCHOOL. TEACHERS RESCUED TWO CHILDREN HELD BY THE MAN AS HE DOUSED HIMSELF WITH GASOLINE. HO CHI MINH CITY,

VIETNAM

(AP) - THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TURNED OUT IN HO CHI MINH CITY, FORMERLY SAIGON, TO MARK THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR. IT FEATURED A DRAMATIC RE-ENACTMENT OF THE DAY NORTH VIETNAMESE FORCES OUSTED THE U.S.-BACKED SOUTH VIETNAM GOVERNMENT. THE CITY TODAY IS A PLACE WHERE SIGNS OF THE EMERGING MARKET ECONOMY ARE EVERYWHERE AND COMMUNIST BANNERS NOW COMPETE WITH CORPORATE LOGOS.

Today's News-Thursday, April 29, 2010

FIRE DAMAGES BUILDING AT WEINER IRON AND METAL

A SMOKY FIRE, STOKED BY HEAVY WINDS, GAVE FIREFIGHTERS A TUSSLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT A POTTSVILLE BUSINESS. REPORTS OF A TRASH FIRE AT WEINER IRON AND METAL DREW POTTSVILLE CITY FIREFIGHTERS TO THE FACILITY ALONG ROUTE 61 JUST BEFORE 5PM. FIREFIGHTERS ON SCENE TOLD WPPA/T102 NEWS THAT FLAMES FROM THE CARDBOARD PILE THAT WAS BURNING SPREAD INTO A STORAGE BUILDING, CAUSING FOUL-SMELLING SMOKE TO MAKE VISIBILITY ON ROUTE 61 LIMITED. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDED BACKUP TO WORK THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED.

CRASH ON I-81

A CRASH ON INTERSTATE 81 WEDNESDAY MORNING SENT THREE SHENANDOAH RESIDENTS TO THE HOSPITAL. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE 4AM NEAR MILE MARKER 117 IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP. POLICE SAY THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND IT WENT INTO THE MEDIAN OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT STRUCK A TREE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. 20 YEAR OLD WARREN FREY AND 18 YEAR OLD ANITA GEORGE WERE FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. 19 YEAR OLD SAMANTHA PRICE WAS TAKEN TO ST CATHERINE'S MEDICAL CENTER. STATE POLICE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.

TWO TEENS ASSAULTED IN LYKENS

A WILLIAMSTOWN MAN IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED INDECENT ASSAULT AND RELATED COUNTS FOLLOWING INCIDENTS IN LYKENS. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME DATING BACK TO SEPTEMBER, 2009, 25 YEAR OLD KYLE YEAGLEY HAD INDECENT CONTACT WITH A 14 AND 15 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT. THE CHARGES WERE LODGED AGAINST YEAGLEY IN DISTRICT COURT.

FALSE ID, OUTSTANDING WARRANT NETS ARREST OF CAMP HILL MAN

POTTSVILLE POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A MAN FOLLOWING A HIT AND RUN IN THE CITY. TUESDAY NIGHT, 43 YEAR OLD STEVEN KREITZER OF CAMP HILL STRUCK A PARKED CAR AND FLED THE SCENE, BUT WAS SPOTTED A SHORT TIME LATER. KREITZER GAVE POLICE A FAKE NAME, AND HIS VEHICLE HAD AN ALTERED REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION STICKER, AND FOUND THAT HE WAS WANTED ON AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT FROM PERRY COUNTY. KREITZER WAS ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES OF PROVIDING A FAKE I.D. TO POLICE AND OTHER COUNTS, THEN TAKEN TO JAIL.

COMMISSIONERS 4.28.10

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET WEDNESDAY MORNING IN HEGINS. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE:

COMM 4.28.10

PSU RESEARCH CONFERENCE

THE ANNUAL PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL RESEARCH CONFERENCE WAS HELD WEDNESDAY. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM SCHUYLKILL HAVEN:

RESEARCH CONFERENCE

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - NURSES AND OTHER STAFFERS AT PHILADELPHIA'S TEMPLE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ARE HEADING BACK TO WORK AFTER RATIFYING A CONTRACT PROPOSAL THAT ENDS A MONTHLONG WALKOUT. THE UNION SAYS 97 PERCENT OF MEMBERS WHO VOTED APPROVED THE DEAL.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - STRIKING CAFETERIA WORKERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH HAVE GONE BACK TO WORK AFTER ALLEGHENY COUNTY EXECUTIVE DAN ONORATO URGED BOTH SIDES TO RETURN TO THE BARGAINING TABLE. THE 200 EMPLOYEES WALKED OFF THE JOB MONDAY. THE UNION WANTS HIGHER WAGES AND LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS FROM THE FOODSERVICE COMPANY THAT HAS THE UNIVERSITY'S CATERING CONTRACT.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE RENDELL ADMINISTRATION IS PUTTING MORE STAFF ON PHONE-ANSWERING DUTY TO HANDLE BIGGER CALL VOLUME FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A NEW STATE TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM. SOME PEOPLE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET THROUGH DURING THE PROGRAM'S FIRST FEW DAYS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - FLAGS WILL BE LOWERED TO HALF-STAFF TODAY IN HONOR OF THE LATE CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER DOROTHY HEIGHT. HEIGHT DIED LAST WEEK AT THE AGE OF 98. SHE BEGAN HER CAMPAIGN IN THE 1930S, MARCHED ALONGSIDE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND LED THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN FOR 40 YEARS.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - THE COAST GUARD SAYS OIL GIANT BP ISN'T GETTING THE JOB DONE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE TO STEP IN TO HELP. BP LEASES THE DRILLING RIG THAT EXPLODED, BURNED AND SANK INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO LAST WEEK. OIL HAS BEEN LEAKING FROM AT LEAST TWO SPOTS IN THE BLOWN-OUT WELL'S PIPES. FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ESTIMATE MORE THAN 200,000 GALLONS OF OIL A DAY IS ESCAPING.

WASHINGTON (AP) - FINAL DETAILS OF FINANCIAL OVERHAUL LEGISLATION WILL BE WORKED OUT ON THE SENATE FLOOR. REPUBLICANS HAVE GIVEN UP EFFORTS TO BLOCK DEBATE. SENATE OFFICIALS EXPECT TWO WEEKS OF VOTES ON AMENDMENTS. SEN. BOB CORKER SAYS IT COULD TURN INTO "A REAL DEBATE," THE TENNESSEE REPUBLICAN ADDS THAT WOULD "SHOCK AMERICA."

CHICAGO (AP) - FIRST QUARTER CORPORATE EARNINGS REPORTS ARE CONVINCING ANALYSTS THAT THE ECONOMY IS OUT OF CRISIS AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN. COMPANIES IN THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX HAVE REPORTED 76 PERCENT HIGHER OPERATING EARNINGS THAN A YEAR AGO AND ARE ON PACE FOR THE BIGGEST YEAR-OVER-YEAR INCREASE EVER. THE POSITIVE REPORTS HAVE COME ACROSS SECTORS AND INDICATE PEOPLE ARE SPENDING AGAIN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM HAS NAMED 12 COUNTRIES AS SERIOUS VIOLATORS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. THE LIST INCLUDES SAUDI ARABIA, IRAQ AND CHINA ALONG WITH IRAN, NORTH KOREA, SUDAN AND MYANMAR. THE PANEL ALSO CRITICIZES THE OBAMA AND BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS FOR DOING TOO LITTLE TO MAKE BASIC RELIGIOUS RIGHTS UNIVERSAL.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO (AP) - THE MEXICAN BORDER CITY OF CIUDAD JUAREZ IS RECOVERING FROM ANOTHER SPASM OF VIOLENCE, THAT SAW 16 PEOPLE SHOT DEAD IN AT LEAST FOUR SEPARATE INCIDENTS YESTERDAY. THE DEADLIEST HAPPENED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS WHEN EIGHT PEOPLE WERE DRAGGED OUT OF A BAR AND SHOT DEAD IN THE PARKING LOT.

Today's News-Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FIRE RULED ARSON

MONDAY'S FIRE IN MINERSVILLE THAT DAMAGED SEVERAL PROPERTIES AND LEFT 10 HOMELESS HAS BEEN RULED ARSON. INVESTIGATORS SAY THAT THE BLAZE, WHEICH STARTED ON THE PATIO OF 321 NORTH FRONT STREET, WAS DELIBERATELY SET. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT A NEIGHBOR, ED RAZCKA, SPOTTED THE FIRE FROM HIS PIEROGIE MAKING BUSINESS, AND ALERTED NEIGHBORS AROUND 4:30AM. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE MASSIVE FIRE THAT HEAVILY DAMAGED FIVE BUILDINGS ON SATURDAY MORNING ON SUNBURY IS STILL BEING INVESTIGATED.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SYMPOSIUM

MEMBERS OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY LEARNED MORE ABOUT THEIR TRADE TUESDAY AT A SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE.

LAW SYMPOSIUM

DON'T DRINK RAW MILK
　
THE RECENT SUSPENSION OF RAW MILK SALES AT TWO PENNSYLVANIA DAIRY FARMS UNDERSCORES CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF UNPASTEURIZED MILK. A SPECIALIST IN PENN STATE'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SAYS MANY CONSUMERS AREN'T AWARE OF THE RISK. GARY ABDULLAH HAS THE STORY.

RAW MILK

STS SHARED RIDE HOURS EXTENDED

PATRONS OF SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM'S SHARED RIDE VAN SERVICE CAN NOW RIDE LATER IN THE DAY, AS WELL AS ON SATURDAY. REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS CAN NOW RIDE WEEKDAYS FROM 7AM TILL 8PM, AND FROM 6:30AM TILL 2PM ON SATURDAY, ACCORDING TO MIKE MICKO, VICE PRESIDENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR STS. THE EXTENDED HOURS ARE AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, CRESSONA, MINERSVILLE, PALO ALTO, PORT CARBON, POTTSVILLE AND ST CLAIR. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SHARED RIDE PROGRAM, CALL STS AT 800-832-3322.

STATE PANEL TO HOLD HEARING ON SIZE OF LEGISLATURE

THE SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING IN BEAVER COUNTY THIS WEEK TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE. HANSON QUICKEL HAS MORE FROM THE STATE CAPITOL:

QUICKEL LEGISLATURE

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - REVLON CHAIRMAN RONALD PERELMAN AND HIS PHILANTHROPIST FATHER ARE PLEDGING UP TO $27 MILLION TOWARD A LOCAL
BID FOR THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AND DAILY NEWS AT A BANKRUPTCY AUCTION IN NEW YORK. THE AUCTION BEGAN LATE LAST NIGHT. THE TWO SIDES SPENT MOST OF THE DAY YESTERDAY HAGGLING OVER THE AUCTION RULES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE UNION REPRESENTING STRIKING NURSES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF AT PHILADELPHIA'S TEMPLE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SAYS THE TWO SIDES HAVE REACHED A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT. NURSES AND OTHER STAFF HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE SINCE MARCH 31ST.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR THE MURDER OF A TODDLER. JOSHUA TURNER WAS CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER LAST WEEK IN THE FALL 2008 DEATH OF 19-MONTH-OLD LEONARD MCINTIRE. THE JURY DECIDED AGAINST A POSSIBLE DEATH SENTENCE FOR TURNER.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A CONSERVATIVE GROUP IS INVITING PENNSYLVANIA'S GUBERNATORIAL AND SENATE CANDIDATES TO A LANCASTER COUNTY SHOOTING RANGE TO SHOOT UP A JUNK CAR REPRESENTING POLICY IDEAS SUCH AS "OBAMACARE." THE COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION HAS INVITED BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES TO THE EVENT, BUT ONLY THE FOUR REPUBLICANS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE DEMOCRATS HAVE SCHEDULED ANOTHER PROCEDURAL VOTE TODAY ON THE FINANCIAL OVERHAUL LEGISLATION WHICH HAS TWICE BEEN BLOCKED BY REPUBLICANS. THE GOP WANTS ITS IMPRINT ON THE BILL AND HAS USED THE BLOCKING TACTIC IN HOPES OF NEGOTIATING SOME CHANGES. DEMOCRATS THINK INCREMENTAL CHANGES ULTIMATELY WILL FORCE SEVERAL REPUBLICANS TO RELENT AND BACK THE LEGISLATION.

DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS TRYING TO LINK THE NEED TO RESTRAIN WALL STREET TO PREVENTING ANOTHER FINANCIAL MELTDOWN. HE'LL TRY TO MAKE THAT POINT IN ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI TODAY. OBAMA IS CRITICIZING REPUBLICANS FOR REFUSING TO ALLOW THE FINANCIAL OVERHAUL BILL TO BE DEBATED IN THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW REPORT SAYS SOUTH ASIA HAS PUSHED PAST THE MIDDLE EAST AS THE WORLD'S TOP TERROR REGION. STATISTICS COMPILED BY A U.S. INTELLIGENCE AGENCY SHOW AN INCREASE IN TERRORIST ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN TRIGGERED A SPIKE IN THE NUMBER OF CIVILIANS KILLED OR WOUNDED THERE LAST YEAR. THE REPORT SAYS THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS - MOST OF THEM MUSLIM - CONTINUE TO BE SLAUGHTERED BY EXTREMISTS.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - EXPERTS HAVE SO FAR BEEN UNABLE TO STEM THE FLOW OF OIL FROM AN OFFSHORE WELL DAMAGED WHEN THE RIG EXPLODED AND SANK SO THE COAST GUARD IS CONSIDERING FIGHTING OIL WITH FIRE. THE BURNING COULD START AS EARLY AS THIS AFTERNOON, BUT IT MAY NOT WORK. ED OVERTON, A PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AT LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAYS IT'S HARD TO DO IN OPEN OCEAN WITH WINDS AND CURRENTS AND THE TARRY CONSISTENCY OF THE OIL.

WASHINGTON (AP) - GAY RIGHTS OPPONENTS GO BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT TODAY ASKING THAT THE ANONYMITY OF PETITION SIGNERS FOR A REFERENDUM IN WASHINGTON STATE BE UPHELD. GAY RIGHTS SUPPORTERS SOUGHT ACCESS TO THE PETITIONS UNDER THE OPEN RECORDS LAW. THE REFERENDUM SOUGHT TO OVERTURN THE STATE'S DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP RIGHTS. THE CASE WEIGHS THE RIGHT TO POLITICAL SPEECH, UNFETTERED BY FEAR OF INTIMIDATION, AGAINST TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT.

Today's News-Tuesday, April 27, 2010-6:45am

FIRE IN MINERSVILLE

INVESTIGATORS WILL BE BACK ON SCENE TODAY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF A FIRE IN MINERSVILLE THAT HEAVILY DAMAGED SEVERAL HOMES. WE FIRST TOLD YOU ABOUT THE BLAZE AT 319 NORTH FRONT STREET YESTERDAY, WHICH SPREAD TO ADJOINING PROPERTIES AT 321 AND 323 FRONT STREET. TEN PEOPLE ARE REPORTED HOMELESS, BUT NO INJURIES REPORTED. A HOME AT 317 FRONT STREET WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THIS IS THE SECOND MAJOR FIRE IN MINERSVILLE BOROUGH IN FOUR DAYS, THE OTHER BURNING PROPERTIES ON SUNBURY STREET SATURDAY MORNING. THE CAUSE OF THAT BLAZE IS CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS.

OUT GO THE LIGHTS

MORE THAN 4-THOUSAND CUSTOMERS OF PPL UTILITIES, PLUS THE BOROUGH OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, WERE WITHOUT POWER MONDAY AFTERNOON DUE TO PROBLEMS IN THE ORWIGSBURG AREA. ABOUT 2 THOUSAND UTILITY USERS IN CRESSONA AND NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP WERE AFFECTED. IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, OFFICIALS SAID THE POWER TO THE ENTIRE BOROUGH WAS OUT FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR. JUICE WAS RESTORED BEFORE THREE P.M.

TWO CHARGED FOR THEFT FROM POTTSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY

A POTTSVILLE MAN AND WOMAN ARE CHARGED WITH THEFT AND RELATED COUNTS
FROM THE POTTSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY. POLICE SAY ALICE AND LEONARD ROBINSON LIVED ON RACE STREET, WITH FINANCIAL HELP FROM HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS THROUGH SUBSIDIZED RENTS. POLICE HAVE CHARGED THE ROBINSONS WITH THE THEFT CHARGES FOR DEFRAUDING H.U.D. BY MORE THAN $10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE ROBINSONS TURNED THEMSELVES INTO POLICE AFTER WARRANTS WERE ISSUED. THEY WERE RELEASED ON BAIL.

THEFT AT MALL STORE

STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED A THEFT AT A CRESSONA MALL BUSINESS. YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, A WHITE MAN AND WOMAN ENTERED SAM'S PLACE. THE MALE PAID THE CASHIER FOR AN ITEM, THEN TOOK 100 INSTANT LOTTERY TICKETS FROM THE COUNTER, TAKES HIS CHANGE AND THEY LEAVE THE MALL. THE MAN WAS WEARINGA GRAY SWEATSHIRT AND WHITE BASEBALL CAP, THE WOMAN WORE A BLACK HOODED SWEATSHIRT WITH THE WORDS "ZOO YOU" ON IT. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL STATE POLICE.

SPCA BURGLARIZED

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A WEEKEND BURGLARY AT RUTH STEINERT SPCA IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP. SOMETIME SUNDAY, AN UNKNOWN PERSON ENTERED THE SHELTER ON WERTZ ROAD, TAKING BLOOD KITS FOR THE ANIMALS, AND CAUSED DAMAGE AS WELL. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SYMPOSIUM

POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT REPRESENTATIVES WILL DISCUSS IMMIGRATION, GANG VIOLENCE, FINANCIAL CRIMES AND DRUG INVESTIGATIONS DURING A TWO DAY SEMINAR HOSTED BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN TODAY AND TOMORROW AT THE POTTSVILLE CLUB. THE EVENT IS PAID FOR BY FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE DA'S OFFICE FROM THEIR DRUG FORFEITURE ACCOUNT.

RANDOM DRUG SWEEP AT POTTSVILLE HIGH

DRUG SNIFFING DOGS ROAMED THE HALLS OF POTTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MONDAY, WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF POT UNCOVERED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT THE DRUG SWEEP WAS PLANNED BY THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AFTER REPORTS OF DRUG ACTIVITY SURFACED. POTTSVILLE POLICE WILL CHARGE A MALE STUDENT FOR POSSESSING MARIJUANA.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNCIL

THE PROBLEMS OF TEEN DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IS ALL AROUND. ONE COMMUNITY IN OUR AREA IS WORKING HARD ON THE ISSUE, AS SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS:

SH DRUG AND ALCOHOL
　
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICIALS SAY A PENN FOOTBALL PLAYER HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD IN HIS OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE IN PHILADELPHIA. THE UNIVERSITY SAYS A CAUSE OF DEATH FOR JUNIOR OWEN THOMAS HASN'T BEEN DETERMINED, BUT FOUL PLAY ISN'T SUSPECTED.

READING, PA. (AP) - A BERKS COUNTY MAN HAS BEEN ORDERED TO SERVE 14 TO 35 YEARS IN PRISON IN A STABBING DEATH AT A PARTY IN MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP LAST SUMMER. THE READING EAGLE REPORTS ANDREW GEISINGER PLEADED GUILTY TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER AND RELATED COUNTS YESTERDAY. POLICE SAY HE STABBED KRISTOFFER SCHILDT TO DEATH WITH A STEAK KNIFE.

LANSDALE, PA. (AP) - IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL TODAY FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN ONE OF SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA'S LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS. A JUDGE HAS ORDERED STRIKING TEACHERS IN THE NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT BACK TO WORK SO STUDENTS CAN GET THEIR MANDATORY 180 DAYS OF CLASSES BY JUNE 30TH.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER HAS GOTTEN A PAIR OF HIGH-PROFILE ENDORSEMENTS IN HIS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FIGHT WITH CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AND THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE ARE BOTH BACKING THE 80-YEAR-OLD FIVE-TERM FORMER REPUBLICAN.

PARIS (AP) - AFTER YEARS IN PRISON IN THE UNITED STATES FOR DRUG
RACKETEERING, FORMER PANAMANIAN DICTATOR MANUEL NORIEGA HAS BEEN EXTRADITED TO FRANCE TO FACE MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES. THE FORMER STRONGMAN WAS OUSTED IN A U.S. INVASION OF PANAMA IN 1989. A JUDICIAL OFFICIAL IN FRANCE SAYS NORIEGA ARRIVED IN PARIS TUESDAY MORNING.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENATE PANEL IS PRIMED TO INTERROGATE THE CEO OF GOLDMAN SACHS IN THE WAKE OF THE CIVIL FRAUD CASE THE GOVERNMENT BROUGHT AGAINST THE WALL STREET POWERHOUSE. THE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS ALLEGES GOLDMAN HAD A STRATEGY THAT ALLOWED IT TO PROFIT FROM THE HOUSING MELTDOWN AND MAKE BILLIONS AT THE EXPENSE OF CLIENTS.

MEXICO CITY (AP) - MEXICO'S PRESIDENT FELIPE CALDERON IS PUSHING BACK AGAINST ARIZONA'S TOUGH NEW IMMIGRATION LAW, CALLING IT DISCRIMINATORY. THE MEASURE MAKES IT A CRIME UNDER STATE LAW TO BE AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, A SITUATION THAT CALDERON SAYS "OPENS THE DOOR" TO INTOLERANCE AND HATE.

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN (AP) - A LEADER OF OPPOSITION FORCES IN CONTROL OF KYRGYZSTAN (KEER'-GIH-STAN) SAYS THE OUSTED PRESIDENT HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ORGANIZING MASS KILLINGS IN THE DEADLY UPRISING THAT FORCED HIM FROM OFFICE. THE OFFICIAL SAYS KURMANBEK BAKIYEV, NOW LIVING IN EXILE IN
BELARUS, WILL HAVE HIS PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY STRIPPED TO FACE CHARGES THAT INCLUDE ABUSE OF POWER.

BEIJING (AP) - CHINA IS READY TO REQUIRE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNET COMPANIES TO REPORT ANY REVELATION OF STATE SECRETS, IN A
MOVE THAT COULD FORCE BUSINESSES TO HELP STIFLE POLITICAL DISSENT.
THE DECISION WAS REPORTED TUESDAY BY STATE MEDIA. IT COMES AMID CHINA'S EFFORTS TO CLAMP DOWN ON THE INTERNET AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

Today's News-Monday, April 26, 2010-8:45AM

FIRE REPORTED IN MINERSVILLE

FIRE CREWS ARE MOPPING UP AT 319 NORTH FRONT STREET, MINERSVILLE THIS MORNING. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS SAY THE CALL CAME IN AFTER 4AM REPORTING A HOME WAS BURNING. FRONT STREET IS CLOSED IN MINERSVILLE NOW. THIS IS THE SECOND FIRE IN THREE DAYS, THE OTHER DESTROYING FOUR BUILDINGS ON SUNBURY STREET ON SATURDAY MORNING.

SATURDAY FIRE CLAIMS LIFE

NUMIDIA-A FIRE IN NEIGHBORING COLUMBIA COUNTY SATURDAY CLAIMS A LIFE. RESCUERS WERE HOPING 61 YEAR OLD PATRICIA KASOW WOULDN'T BE INSIDE HER BURNING HOUSE AT 76 KENNEDY ROAD IN CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP, BUT FIREFIGHTERS FOUND KASOW'S BODY WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED SATURDAY MORNING. THE FIRE, REPORTED AROUND 4:30AM DESTROYED THE HOME, WITH ONLY THE BRICK CHIMNEY REMAINING. THE STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.

TWO CHARGED FOR THEFT FROM POTTSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY

A POTTSVILLE MAN AND WOMAN ARE CHARGED WITH THEFT AND RELATED COUNTS FROM THE POTTSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY. POLICE SAY ALICE AND LEONARD ROBINSON LIVED ON RACE STREET, WITH FINANCIAL HELP FROM HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS THROUGH SUBSIDIZED RENTS. POLICE HAVE CHARGED THE ROBINSONS WITH THE THEFT CHARGES FOR DEFRAUDING H.U.D. BY MORE THAN $10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE ROBINSONS TURNED THEMSELVES INTO POLICE AFTER WARRANTS WERE ISSUED. THEY WERE RELEASED ON BAIL.

TWO ARRESTED FOR DRUGS

TWO MEN HAVE BEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG RELATED COUNTS. MAHANOY CITY POLICE SAY 40 YEAR OLD MARK YACOVELLI WAS PICKED UP ON THREE COUNTS OF DELIVERING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND RELATED CHARGES. A TIP FROM AN INFORMANT LED TO HIS ARREST AT HIS PINE STREET HOME. POLICE ALSO CHARGED 21 YEAR OLD RYAN STEMKO OF HAZLETON, WHERE HE ATTEMPTED TO PURCHASE DRUGS AT YACOVELLI'S HOME. POLICE SAY THAT STEMKO HAD DRUGS AND CASH ON HIM WHEN SEARCHED. BOTH MEN WERE ARRAIGNED AND THEN TAKEN TO
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.

PITMAN MAN ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING WOMAN

A MAN FROM PITMAN IS JAILED FOR ASSAULT FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT EARLY SATURDAY. 46 YEAR OLD HARRY DUNLEAVY AND 54 YEAR OLD MELISSA SMITH LEFT A BAR AND BEGAN ARGUING WHILE DRIVING TO SMITH'S HOME. DUNLEAVY STRUCK SMITH IN THE FACE AND HEAD. ARREST WAS MADE LATER IN THE DAY SATURDAY, CHARGING DUNLEAVY WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. BEING UNABLE TO POST BAIL, HE WAS TAKEN TO COUNTY PRISON.

MAN HIT BY CAR

A PEDESTRIAN ESCAPED SERIOUS INJURY AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A CAR SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 17 YEAR OLD STEPHEN BOHR RAN FROM A HOUSE ON WEST GRAND AVENUE INTO TRAFFIC AND WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY DANIELLE WILLARD OF TOWER CITY. BOHR WAS AIR LIFTED TO HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER, TREATED AND RELEASED.

WOMAN EXPECTED TO BE CHARGED IN FATAL

A TREMONT WOMAN, INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR/MOTORCYCLE CRASH FRIDAY MAY FACE MORE SERIOUS CHARGES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT 70 YEAR OLD MARY AUNGST'S CAR CRASHED INTO A MOTORCYCLE OPERATED BY DARREN MARTIN OF BERNVILLE. HE DIED FROM HIS INJURIES, AND HIS WIFE REMAINS IN GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER. STATE POLICE HAVE ASKED DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN'S OFFICE TO LOOK INTO THE CASE TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF POSSIBLE CHARGES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE HOPES A TAX AMNESTY PLAN TO BE ANNOUNCED TODAY WILL PUMP MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE CASH-HUNGRY STATE TREASURY. THE AMNESTY WILL LAST 54-DAYS, DURING WHICH ALL PENALTIES AND HALF THE INTEREST WILL BE WAIVED FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS THAT PAY OFF LATE TAXES ACCRUED THROUGH JUNE OF LAST YEAR.

BLAIRSVILLE, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY TWO YOUNG SISTERS WHO WERE SLEEPING OVER AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE DIED IN AN EARLY-MORNING FIRE OVER THE WEEKEND IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE INDIANA COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE SAYS 7-YEAR-OLD KIRSTEN TOLLEY AND HER 6-YEAR-OLD SISTER, KATRINA, DIED FROM SMOKE INHALATION IN THE FIRE AT THE BLAIRSVILLE HOME YESTERDAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A MAN DIED AT A NORTH PHILADELPHIA TRAIN STATION WHEN HE FELL OR JUMPED FROM THE PLATFORM AND WAS HIT BY A TRAIN YESTERDAY. A SEPTA SPOKESWOMAN TELLS THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER INVESTIGATORS WILL BE REVIEWING FOOTAGE TO DETERMINE IF THE UNIDENTIFIED MAN SLIPPED OR JUMPED.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - HUNDREDS ARE EXPECTED TO GATHER IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CATHEDRAL TODAY TO WATCH A NATIVE SON ASSUME THE HIGHEST OFFICE OF THE SCRANTON ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE. MONSIGNOR JOSEPH BAMBERA WILL BE ORDAINED AND INSTALLED IN AN AFTEROON CEREMONY TO BE ATTENDED BY 23 CATHOLIC BISHOPS AS WELL AS THE VATICAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES.

SAN'A, YEMEN (AP) - BRITAIN'S AMBASSADOR TO YEMEN HAS SURVIVED WHAT'S BELIEVED TO BE A SUICIDE ATTACK. YEMENI OFFICIALS SAY THE AMBASSADOR'S ARMORED CAR WAS PASSING THROUGH A POOR NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN A YOUNG MAN APPARENTLY DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVES BELT. SO FAR, THERE'S NO CLAIM OF RESPONSIBILITY.

CHICAGO (AP) - TWO STATE LAWMAKERS IN ILLINOIS SAY THE VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO IS SO BAD THAT THEY'VE ASKED GOV. PAT QUINN TO CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD. CHICAGO'S POLICE SUPERINTENDENT SAYS HE DOUBTS THAT'S THE BEST ANSWER. ONE OF THE LAWMAKERS SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN 113 HOMICIDES IN THE CITY SO FAR THIS YEAR -- ALMOST ONE A DAY.

MIR ALI, PAKISTAN (AP) - U.S. MISSILES ARE SUSPECTED IN THE DEATHS OF AT LEAST FOUR TALIBAN INSURGENTS IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN, NEAR THE AFGHAN BORDER. PAKISTANI INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY THREE MISSILES HIT A HOUSE IN NORTH WAZIRISTAN. THE IDENTITIES OF THE VICTIMS ARE NOT KNOWN.

CAMBRIDGE, MINN. (AP) - A COLLISION NORTH OF MINNEAPOLIS EARLY SUNDAY BETWEEN A CAR AND AN SUV KILLED SIX PEOPLE -- THREE OF THEM TEENAGERS. THE MINNESOTA STATE PATROL SAYS THE CAR WAS DRIVEN BY A 16-YEAR-OLD WHO GOT HER LICENSE LESS THAN THREE WEEKS AGO. OFFICERS SAY THERE WAS THE SMELL OF ALCOHOL IN THE CAR.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "AVATAR" IS PROVING AS BIG A BLOCKBUSTER IN DVD SALES AS IT WAS AT THE BOX OFFICE. IN ITS FIRST FOUR DAYS ON THE MARKET, 6.7 MILLION COPES HAVE BEEN SOLD AT A COST OF $130 MILLION. TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX SAYS 2.7 MILLION OF THOSE WERE BLU-RAY DVDS, MAKING "AVATAR" THE FASTEST-SELLING BLU-RAY OF ALL TIME.

Today's News-Saturday, April 24, 2010

ONE DEAD IN CYCLE/CAR CRASH

A BERNVILLE MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A MOTORCYCLE/CAR CRASH FRIDAY NIGHT. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE SAY 70 YEAR OLD MARY AUNGST OF TREMONT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN ONTO ROUTE 209 SOUTH FROM ROUTE 901 WHEN SHE TURNED INTO THE PATH OF A MOTORCYCLE DRIVEN BY 47 YEAR OLD DARREN MARTIN OF BERNVILLE, WHO WAS EASTBOUND ON 901. MARTIN AND HIS WIFE CHERYL WERE THROWN FROM THE MOTORCYCLE, WITH DARREN SUFFERING FATAL INJURIES. CHERYL MARTIN HAD TO BE FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER. AUNGST HAD MINOR INJURIES. STATE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR EYEWITNESSES WHO MAY HAVE SEEN WHAT HAPPENED. CONTACT THEM AT 593-2000.

FIRE AT BIG DIAMOND

THE EXCITEMENT WASN'T JUST ON THE TRACK AT BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY LAST NIGHT AS A FUEL STORAGE SHED WENT UP IN FLAMES. FIRE INVESTIGATORS THINK STATIC ELECTRICITY IGNITED BARRELS OF FUEL AT THE TRACK NEAR FORESTVILLE AS RACING WAS TO GET UNDERWAY. THE BLAZE, DESCRIBED BY EYEWITNESSES AS A "FIREBALL" WAS EXTINGUISHED FAIRLY QUICKLY, AND RACING RESUMED. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED, AS SPECTATORS WERE QUICKLY EVACUATED.

MYSPACE CASE TO BE HEARD AGAIN

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE 3RD U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS WILL REHEAR TWO CASES IN WHICH SEPARATE PANELS OF THE COURT ISSUED CONFLICTING RULINGS IN FEBRUARY ABOUT WHETHER SCHOOLS CAN DISCIPLINE STUDENTS FOR INTERNET SPEECH POSTED OFFSITE. THE CASES WILL BE HEARD JUNE 3 IN PHILADELPHIA BY A 13-JUDGE PANEL. IN FEBRUARY, ONE PANEL OF THE COURT UPHELD THE SUSPENSION OF A BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT EIGHTH-GRADER WHO POSTED SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL ALONG WITH HER PRINCIPAL'S PHOTOGRAPH ON A FAKE MYSPACE PAGE. A DIFFERENT COURT PANEL RULED UPHELD A LOWER COURT RULING, HOWEVER, THAT SAID OFFICIALS FROM HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL IN MERCER COUNTY WERE WRONG TO SUSPEND A STUDENT WHO USED A HOME COMPUTER TO CREATE A MYSPACE PARODY OF HIS PRINCIPAL.

TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM STARTS MONDAY

DELIQUENT PA TAXPAYERS CAN MAKE AMENDS ON MONEY DUE TO THE STATE BEGINNING MONDAY. THE TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM WILL ALLOW PENNSYLVANIANS TO HAVE ALL PENALTIES AND HALF OF THE INTEREST DUE FROM APRIL 26TH THROUGH JUNE 18TH, AS THE COMMONWEALTH TRIES TO CLOSE A LARGE FUNDING DEFICIT. INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND OTHER TAXPAYING ENTITIES ARE ELIGIBLE, AND FILING CAN BE DONE ON LINE. THE STATE HOPES TO RECOUP $190 MILLION DOLLARS THROUGH THE AMNESTY PROGRAM.

YORK, PA. (AP) - HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAYS ITS PLANT IN YORK SHOULD BE BACK ON LINE MONDAY NOW THAT TESTS HAVE INDICATED A PAINT CHEMICAL POSES NO DANGER. THE COMPANY IDLED PLANTS IN YORK AND KANSAS CITY ON THURSDAY AFTER A SUPPLIER WARNED THAT ITS PAINT FOR COATING MOTORCYCLE PARTS COULD EXPOSE WORKERS TO BENZENE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A UNION REPRESENTING 1,500 STRIKING PHILADELPHIA NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WILL HEAD BACK TO THE BARGAINING TABLE WITH TEMPLE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OFFICIALS TODAY. THE STRIKE BEGAN MARCH 31ST AND INVOLVES A DISPUTE OVER WAGES, BENEFITS AND WORK RULES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - LAFAYETTE COLLEGE HAS AGREED TO PAY $1 MILLION TO SETTLE A FEDERAL SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT. THE U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION REPRESENTED FIVE FEMALE PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES WHO SAID A SUPERVISOR SUBJECTED THEM TO REPEATED HARASSMENT. EACH WOMAN WILL RECEIVE $200,000.

SOUTH FAYETTE, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY AN ALLEGHENY COUNTY MAN KILLED HIS WIFE AND SET THEIR HOUSE ON FIRE AFTER THE TWO ARGUED OVER HIM STAYING UP LATE TO WATCH A HOCKEY PLAYOFF GAME ON TV. POLICE SAY ROBERT ABRAMS LIKELY STARTED THE BLAZE TO HIDE THE KILLING EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

Today's News-Friday, April 23, 2010

BANK ROBBER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

POLICE HAVE APPREHENDED A MAN WANTED IN A MARYLAND BANK ROBBERY. MICHAEL CLARK IS A SUSPECT IN THE HOLDUP OF A BALTIMORE NATIONAL BANK BRANCH ON MARCH 27TH. A TIP FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MARYLAND LED TO THE ARREST OF CLARK AT HIS GIRLFRIENDS HOME IN POTTSVILLE YESTERDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT CLARK TOOK CASH FROM THE BANK, STATING THAT HE HAD A GUN IN HIS POSSESSION. POTTSVILLE POLICE FILED THE CHARGES IN THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT JUDGE JAMES REILEY, WHO ASSESSED $50 THOUSAND DOLLARS BAIL AND THEN ORDERED CLARK TO JAIL.

ECO FAIR

PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL HOSTED AN ECO-FAIR IN OBSERVANCE OF EARTH DAY THURSDAY. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS THIS "GREEN" STORY:

ECO FAIR

POTTSVILLE WOMAN HEADED TO PRISON FOR STEALING FROM BUSINESS

A FRACKVILLE BUSINESSMAN'S LIFE'S WORK IS IN RUINS FOLLOWING THEFT OF FUNDS FROM ONE OF HIS EMPLOYEES. 29 YEAR OLD PATRICIA LONG OF POTTSVILLE TOOK $87-THOUSAND-DOLLARS FROM MIKE HAWRANICK FUEL SERVICES WHILE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY AS A SECRETARY. NOW, SHE'S BEEN SENTENCED TO 1 1/2 TO 3 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR THE CRIMES SHE PLEADED GUILTY TO IN DECEMBER. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT LONG'S PUBLIC DEFENDER ASKED FOR HOUSE ARREST, CLAIMING THAT THE WOMAN IS ILL. RESTITUTION WAS ALSO PART OF THE SENTENCE HANDED DOWN BY PRESIDENT JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN.

BLOCK OF ART

POTTSVILLE WILL COME ALIVE WITH THE ARTS THIS WEEKEND. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS A PREVIEW OF THE "BLOCK OF ART":

BLOCK OF ART

PINE GROVE MAN CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT

A PINE GROVE MAN IS FACING CHARGES OF HARASSMENT AFTER HE THREATENED A TEENAGER. A FAMILY DISPUTE LED TO THE THREATS MADE AGAINST THE 14 YEAR OLD BOY BY 32 YEAR OLD JAMES SCHNECK. ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE, SCHNECK CHASED THE BOY AND THREATENED TO PUNCH HIM WEDNESDAY NIGHT. SCHNECK IS ALLEGED TO HAVE THREATENED TO KILL THE VICTIM AND THE VICTIM'S PARENTS AS WELL. CHARGES AGAINST SCHNECK WILL BE FILED IN DISTRICT COURT.

WAYNESBURG, PA. (AP) - ONE PERSON IS DEAD AND SEVERAL OTHERS ARE HURT FOLLOWING A FIRE AT AN APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED RESIDENTS IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE GREENE COUNTY CORONER SAYS 61-YEAR-OLD PATRICIA EDDY WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE COMPLEX RUN BY THE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY IN WAYNESBURG.

GILBERTSVILLE, PA. (AP) - THE MAN CHARGED IN A PAIR OF ROAD-RAGE SHOOTINGS IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AFTER FAILING TO SHOW UP FOR A HEARING. JOHN YANNARELL DIDN'T SHOW UP IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT YESTERDAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE APRIL 9TH SHOOTING OF A DRIVER ON ROUTE 422. INVESTIGATORS SAY HE SHOT AT ANOTHER DRIVER IN JANUARY.

YORK, PA. (AP) - HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAYS IT HAS IDLED MOTORCYCLE PLANTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AND KANSAS CITY DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS OVER A PAINT CHEMICAL. A HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPOKESMAN SAYS A SUPPLIER TOLD THE COMPANY THAT ITS PAINT FOR COATING MOTORCYCLE PARTS COULD EXPOSE WORKERS TO BENZENE, WHICH HAS BEEN LINKED TO CANCER.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - REBATES OF AS MUCH AS $500 ARE UP FOR GRABS FOR PENNSYLVANIANS WHO UPGRADE THEIR HOME HEATING SYSTEMS. THE STATE SAYS RESIDENTS SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO "RESERVE" THEIR SHARE OF THE $11 MILLION IN FEDERAL MONEY ALLOTTED FOR THE PROGRAM.

JERUSALEM (AP) - A WHITE HOUSE ENVOY IS IN THE MIDDLE EAST TRYING TO GET ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIANS BACK TO THE PEACE TABLE. GEORGE MITCHELL MEETS TODAY WITH BOTH ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN LEADERS. HE'LL PRESS ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ABOUT JEWISH SETTLEMENTS WHICH HAVE BECOME THE LATEST ROADBLOCK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SENATE'S MAJORITY LEADER IS SCHEDULING A KEY TEST VOTE MONDAY ON A FINANCIAL REFORM PACKAGE. IT COULD SHOW HOW UNIFIED REPUBLICANS ARE AGAINST THE BILL. THE SENATE'S REPUBLICAN LEADER IS CRITICIZING THE VOTE SINCE BIPARTISAN NEGOTIATIONS ARE STILL GOING ON.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION HAS TURNED DOWN FIVE AIRLINES WHICH ASKED FOR TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS TO THE NEW TARMAC RULE THAT TAKES EFFECT NEXT WEEK. THE RULE SAYS PASSENGERS CANNOT BE KEPT WAITING ON AIRPORT TARMACS LONGER THAN THREE HOURS. SECRETARY RAY LAHOOD CALLS IT "IMPORTANT CONSUMER PROTECTION."

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE FIRST FAMILY TAKES OFF TODAY FOR A LONG WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE, N.C. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WAS ATTRACTED TO THE AREA WHEN HE WAS THERE DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN PREPARING FOR ONE OF HIS DEBATES. HE WAS ALSO ATTRACTED TO THE GOLF COURSE, ALTHOUGH HE WAS UNABLE TO PLAY AT THE TIME.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - A GERMAN SHEPHERD THAT GOT HELP FOR HIS MASTER WILL BE GIVEN AN ENGRAVED SILVER-PLATED DOG BOWL TODAY IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. BUDDY FOUND A TROOPER AND LED HIM THROUGH WINDING BACK ROADS TO HIS OWNER'S WORKSHOP AFTER IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE OWNER SUFFERED ONLY MINOR BURNS.

COMMISSIONERS MEET

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HELD THEIR WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURTHOUSE:

COMMISSIONERS 4.21

DISTURBANCE LEADS TO ARREST

A PORT CARBON MAN LANDS IN JAIL FOLLOWING A DISTURBANCE IN THE BOROUGH LAST NIGHT. PORT CARBON POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE TOWNE CLOCK APARTMENTS, WHERE A FIGHT HAD TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN 25 YEAR OLD BRANDON HANLEY AND HIS WIFE, 30 YEAR OLD KATIE HANLEY. HANLEY HAD FLED THE SCENE PRIOR TO POLICE ARRIVING, BUT RETURNED LATER AND WAS ARRESTED ON A PAROLE VIOLATION. BRANDON HANLEY WAS TAKEN TO THE COUNTY PRISON, AND ALSO FACES A HARASSMENT CHARGE.

TWO VEHICLE CRASH

THREE PEOPLE WERE HURT IN A CRASH TUESDAY NIGHT IN MCKEANSBURG. POLICE SAY 37 YEAR OLD KEVIN RHODE OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TURNED INTO THE PATH OF A CAR DRIVEN BY 45 YEAR OLD KEITH MILLER OF NESQUEHONING WHILE DRIVING ON ROUTE 443. THE IMPACT LED THE VEHICLES INTO A PARKED CAR NEARBY. MILLER SUFFERED MODERATE INJURIES, AND HIS PASSENGER THERESA MILLER AND A 15 YEAR OLD GIRLS WERE TAKEN TO LEHIGH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER. THERESA MILLER IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION. RHODE WAS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE.

SCHOOL BOARD

THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD GATHERED FOR THEIR MONTHLY MEETING LAST NIGHT. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS:

SCHOOL BOARD 4.21

HIGH SPEED LEADS TO CRASH

AN ORWIGSBURG WOMAN WAS INJURED WHEN HER CAR CRASHED TUESDAY NIGHT. POLICE SAY 18 YEAR OLD LEIGH ANNE SCHEFFLER WAS EASTBOUND ON PHEASANT RUN ROAD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND LEFT THE ROADWAY, TRAVELING ON A GRASSY FIELD, STRIKING SEVERAL TREES AND ROLLING OVER. SHE SUFFERED MODERATE INJURY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. STATE POLICE WILL CITE SCHEFFLER FOR SEVERAL TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A PRELIMINARY HEARING IS UNDER WAY FOR FORMER STATE HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN PERZEL AND NINE CO-DEFENDANTS WITH TIES TO THE STATE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS. A JUDGE IS DECIDING WHETHER THERE'S ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SEND THE CORRUPTION CASE TO TRIAL.

LANSDALE, PA. (AP) - TALKS ARE SCHEDULED TO RESUME TONIGHT TO TRY TO END A STRIKE BY TEACHERS IN ONE OF PHILADELPHIA'S LARGEST SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS PLAN ANOTHER MEETING WITH UNION REPRESENTATIVES. MORE THAN 12,000 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN KEPT HOME FROM SCHOOL BY STRIKE SINCE MONDAY.

STROUDSBURG, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JUDGE HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT A GUILTY PLEA FROM A MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS GIRLFRIEND AND THEIR TODDLER SON. PROSECUTORS NOW PLAN TO TRY MICHAEL PARRISH IN THE CASE. PROSECUTORS OBJECTED AND THE JUDGE REJECTED THE GUILTY PLEA WHEN PARRISH SAID HE HAD SUSPECTED HIS GIRLFRIEND OF CHEATING ON HIM.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA TEEN AARON KELLY FOUND HIMSELF IN THE BOTTOM THREE DURING LAST NIGHT'S "AMERICAN IDOL" RESULTS SHOW. BUT THE SULLIVAN COUNTY RESIDENT WILL STAY ON THE SINGING COMPETITION FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER WEEK IN SPITE OF A LESS-THAN-INSPIRED RENDITION OF R. KELLY'S "I BELIEVE I CAN FLY" ON TUESDAY.

PORT FOURCHON, LA. (AP) - SOME 100 WORKERS WHO SURVIVED TUESDAY NIGHT'S EXPLOSION AND FIRE ABOARD AN OIL RIG ARE BACK ON LAND IN LOUISIANA. THEIR BOAT ARRIVED EARLY THIS MORNING. THE COAST GUARD CONTINUES SEARCHING FOR 11 PEOPLE STILL MISSING. SEVENTEEN OTHER WORKERS WERE INJURED AND FLOWN TO SHORE EARLIER.

PHOENIX (AP) - AN INDIAN TRIBE IN ARIZONA WHOSE BLOOD SAMPLES WERE USED FOR MORE THAN THE RESEARCH IT WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE HAS REACHED A $700,000 SETTLEMENT. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, WHICH WAS NAMED IN THE SUIT, HAS ALSO AGREED TO HELP GET A NEW HEALTH CLINIC AND HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE HAVASUPAI.

TALLINN, ESTONIA (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON IS IN ESTONIA FOR A TWO-DAY NATO MEETING. THE KEY TOPICS WILL BE AFGHANISTAN, NUCLEAR WEAPONS POLICY, AND MISSILE DEFENSE. CLINTON ARRIVED IN ESTONIA A BIT LATE BECAUSE OF THE VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD STILL CLOUDING SOME EUROPEAN AIRSPACE.

BERLIN (AP) - THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF AUGSBURG, GERMANY, SAYS ITS BISHOP HAS WRITTEN POPE BENEDICT OFFERING TO RESIGN BECAUSE OF ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE AND FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT. THE DIOCESE SAYS BISHOP WALTER MIXA HOPES THAT MIGHT OFFER A "NEW START." HE SAYS HE'LL COOPERATE FULLY WITH INVESTIGATORS.

PROVINCETOWN, MASS. (AP) - THE COAST GUARD SAYS TWO MEN IN A 12-FOOT CANOE OFF MASSACHUSETTS WERE CAPSIZED BY A WHALE THAT LEAPED ABOVE THE WATER. ONE OF THEM DROWN, THE OTHER WAS RESCUED. BIOLOGISTS CONSIDER WHAT THE WHALE DID TO BE A FORM OF COMMUNICATION OR PLAY.

Today's News-Wednesday, April 21, 2010-7:30AM

COMMISSIONERS' MEETING

VOTING WAS PRIME ON THE AGENDA AT THIS WEEK’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING. AN APPROVAL WAS GRANTED TO PURCHASE ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS THROUGH PREMIER ELECTION SOLUTIONS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $146, 931.31. AS WELL AS APPROVALS WERE SOUGHT TO HIRE 6 INDIVIDUALS FOR THE COMPUTING BOARD TO TALLY THE RETURNS OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION, THE APPOINTMENT OF 4 INDIVIDUALS FOR THE RESOLUTION BOARD, AND THE HIRING OF 11 DRIVERS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF THE VOTING MACHINES. A POLLING PLACE WAS CHANGED FROM WEST PENN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO THE WEST PENN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING ON 27 MUNICIPAL ROAD IN NEW RINGGOLD.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE HAD SOME PERSONEL CHANGES. THERE WAS AN ELIMINATION OF 2 PART TIME ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S AND A FULL TIME DUI COORDINATOR. IN ITS PLACE, A FULL TIME ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND A FULL TIME DEPUTY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY WERE APPOINTED, SAVING THE COUNTY $9,020. A VACANCY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROSECUTOR, WHICH IS FUNDED ENTIRELY THROUGH A GRANT, WAS FILLED AND 2 UNPAID INTERNS WERE ALSO HIRED.



MAN DIES IN CRASH

A MAN FROM GIRARDVILLE DIED TUESDAY MORNING AFTER HE WAS THROWN FROM HIS VEHICLE IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP. POLICE SAY THAT GARY ROMANOT WAS APPARENTLY TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON ROUTE 54, STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND WAS EJECTED. HIS BODY WAS FOUND IN THE MAHANOY CREEK
AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

TRUCK WILL ROLLS OF PLASTIC CATCHES FIRE

FIRE CREWS HAD A DIFFICULT TIME CONTAINING A FIRE IN A TRACTOR TRAILER ALONG ROUTE 81 EARLY TUESDAY. THE TRUCK WAS FOUND TO BE ENVELOPED IN FLAMES NEAR MILE MARKER 131 IN MAHANOY TOWNSHIP. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE RIG WAS CARRYING ROLLS OF PLASTIC, AND APPARENTLY, THE BRAKES OF THE TRACTOR TRAILER OVERHEATED. IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS FOR THE FIRE TO BE EXTINGUISHED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.

THEFT REPORTED AT CREDIT UNION

A PORT CARBON WOMAN IS FACING THEFT CHARGES, ACCUSED OF STEALING MONEY FROM HER EMPLOYER. POTTSVILLE POLICE SAY 30 YEAR OLD JENNIFER LEE DOYLE WORKED IN THE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT AT HIDDEN RIVER CREDIT UNION. SHE IS ALLEGED TO HAVE DEPOSITED INVESTMENT INTEREST CHECKS PAYABLE TO CREDIT UNION ACCOUNTS INTO HER OWN PERSONAL ACCOUNT, THEN DOCTORED THE RECORDS TO HIDE THE CRIME. AN AUDIT INDICATES THE LOSS TO THE CREDIT UNION AT JUST OVER $58-THOUSAND-DOLLARS. ARRAIGNMENT FOR DOYLE ON THEFT, MISAPPLICATION OF ENTRUSTED PROPERTY AND OTHER COUNTS WILL BE HELD LATER.

MOTION TO DISMISS

LAWYERS FOR TWO SHENANDOAH MEN, FACING FEDERAL HATE CRIMES CHARGES, HAVE ASKED A FEDERAL JUDGE TO DISMISS THE CHARGES AGAINST THEIR CLIENTS. DERRICK DONCHAK AND BRANDON PIEKARSKY, WHO ALREADY SERVED JAIL TIME ON STATE CHARGES OF ASSAULT IN THE BEATING DEATH OF MEXICAN ILLEGAL LUIS RAMIREZ, ARE SLATED TO GO ON TRIAL IN OCTOBER ON THE FEDERAL COUNTS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT THEIR LAWYERS ARE ASKING THE COURT TO DROP THE CHARGES, CITING DOUBLE JEOPARDY. THE LAWYERS WOULD REQUEST, IF THEIR MOTIONS ARE NOT GRANTED, THAT PROSECUTORS NOT BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE EVIDENCE OF PIEKARSKY AND DONCHAK'S ALLEGED RACISM INTO THE CASE. DONCHAK AND PIEKARSKY'S TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN OCTOBER 4TH IN WILKES BARRE.

ASSAULT IN CUMBOLA

A CUMBOLA WOMAN IS LOCKED UP IN THE COUNTY PRISON FOLLOWING AN ASSAULT EARLIER THIS WEEK. STATE POLICE SAY KEITH BUTCAVAGE AND SUSAN RUSSELL GOT INTO AN ARGUMENT AT 282 WOOD STREET, WHICH BECAME PHYSICAL. RUSSELL ATTACKED BUTCAVAGE WITH A KITCHEN KNIFE. BUTCAVAGE WAS TREATED FOR CUTS AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER. RUSSELL IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED AND SIMPLE ASSAULT AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT.

DRUG/BURGLARY RING

INVESTIGATORS FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON TUESDAY SAID THEY TOOK DOWN A $1.2 MILLION DOLLAR HEROIN AND COCAINE TRAFFICKING RING FINANCED BY BURGLARIES OPERATING IN SCHUYLKILL, CARBON, LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTION COUNTIES. THE 12 ARRESTS INCLUDE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN COMMITTING THE BURGLARIES, SOME IN PURCHASING AND PAWNING THE STOLEN GOODS, AND SOME IN BUYING THE DRUGS WITH THE PROCEEDS. THE SIX MONTH INVESTIGATION, BILLED AS OPERATION GOLDEN DOPE, BEGAN IN OCTOBER, WHEN INFORMATION ABOUT HEROIN AND COCAINE TRAFFICKING N A FOUR-COUNTY AREA SURFACED. THE THIEVES WOULD STEAL ITEMS FROM RESIDENTS AND TAKE THEM TO PAWN SHOPS TO GET MONEY TO PURCHASE DRUGS. 21 YEAR OLD AMANDA ROGERS OF COALDALE WAS CHARGED ALONG WITH THE OTHERS FOR HER PART IN THE DRUG RING.

BIRDSBORO, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY SIX PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO HOSPITALS AND 125 WERE EVACUATED FROM A POULTRY PLANT DUE TO AN AMMONIA LEAK. NO LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM THE LEAK AT THE MEHADRIN KOSHER POULTRY PLANT IN EXETER TOWNSHIP.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE TELEVISION CAMPAIGN HAS BEGUN IN PENNSYLVANIA'S DEMOCRATIC SENATE PRIMARY RACE. CONGRESSMAN JOE
SESTAK HAS AIRED HIS FIRST AD. IT TAKES AN INDIRECT SHOT AT INCUMBENT ARLEN SPECTER BY EMPHASIZING THAT SESTAK'S NOT A "CAREER POLITICIAN." SPECTER'S LATEST AD ATTACKS SESTAK FOR MISSING MORE VOTES THAN ANY OTHER PENNSYLVANIA CONGRESSMAN LAST YEAR.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SWIM CLUB THAT FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY IN THE WAKE OF ACCUSATIONS OF RACIAL BIAS MAY SOON HAVE A NEW OWNER. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS THE ARTISANS ORDER OF MUTUAL PROTECTION HAS OFFERED $1 MILLION FOR THE VALLEY CLUB'S PROPERTY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S GAME COMMISSION HAS SET THE DATES OF THE 2010 DEER SEASON. HUNTING WILL BE PERMITTED IN MOST AREAS FROM NOVEMBER 29TH THROUGH DECEMBER 11TH. IN SOME AREAS IN THE STATE'S MIDDLE AND NORTHEAST THERE WILL BE A FIVE DAY BUCKS-ONLY SEASON FROM NOVEMBER 29TH THOUGH DECEMBER 3RD.

BERLIN (AP) - THE MASSIVE AIR TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS IN EUROPE AFTER A VOLCANO IN ICELAND SPEWED ASH INTO THE AIR COST AIRLINES DEARLY. THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION SAYS A WEEK OF DISRUPTIONS COULD HAVE COST THE INDUSTRY AT LEAST $1.7 BILLION. IATA SAYS AIRLINES LOST REVENUES OF $400 MILLION EACH DAY DURING THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF GROUNDING.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL SAYS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE TALKING AGAIN ABOUT A WALL STREET
REFORM PACKAGE. MCCONNELL SAYS THE GOP'S ABILITY TO FILIBUSTER THE
DEMOCRATIC BILL HAS RESULTED IN RENEWED DISCUSSIONS. HE SAYS A $50
BILLION FUND TO HELP DISSOLVE BANKS THAT FAIL IS A CONCERN. SENATE
MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAYS HE EXPECTS TO BRING THE PACKAGE TO
THE SENATE FLOOR SOON.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S UPCOMING SUPREME COURT NOMINEE IS THE SUBJECT OF WHITE HOUSE MEETINGS TODAY. OBAMA WILL MEET WITH SENATE LEADERS AND TOP MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO TALK ABOUT THE CONFIRMATION PROCESS AND LISTEN TO ANY SUGGESTIONS THEY MAY HAVE. OBAMA HAS BEGUN MEETING PROSPECTIVE NOMINEES.

NEW YORK (AP) - A THREATENED STRIKE BY NEW YORK CITY DOORMEN HAS BEEN AVERTED. A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH BUILDING OWNERS AND UNION SPOKESMAN KWAME PATTERSON SAYS THE DEAL INCLUDES A NEARLY 10 PERCENT WAGE INCREASE OVER FOUR YEARS AND NO CUTS IN BENEFITS FOR WORKERS. IT STILL HAS TO BE RATIFIED.

DETROIT (AP) - GENERAL MOTORS SAYS IT'S REPAID MORE THAN $8 BILLION IN LOANS IT GOT FROM THE U.S. AND CANADIAN GOVERNMENTS. AND CEO ED WHITACRE SAYS THEY DID IT FIVE YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. HE SAYS THAT'S A SIGN THAT GM IS RECOVERING. WHITACRE ALSO ANNOUNCED INVESTMENTS IN TWO CAR PLANTS. GM STILL OWES TAXPAYERS $45 BILLION.

Today's News-Tuesday, April 20, 2010-10am

A MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A CRASH THIS MORNING IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP. WHILE FIRM DETAILS ARE NOT YET KNOWN, THE CRASH HAPPENED ON ROUTE 54 NEAR ASHLAND, AND ONE PERSON IS DEAD. WE'LL HAVE MORE DETAILS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

FIREFIGHTERS ARE ON THE SCENE OF A TRACTOR TRAILER FIRE ON I-81 IN MAHANOY TOWNSHIP. THE BLAZE WAS FIRST REPORTED EARLY TODAY NEAR MILE MARKER 131 AND GAVE FIRE CREWS A TUSSLE.

THEFT REPORTED AT CREDIT UNION

A PORT CARBON WOMAN IS FACING THEFT CHARGES, ACCUSED OF STEALING FROM HER EMPLOYER. POTTSVILLE POLICE SAY 30 YEAR OLD JENNIFER LEE DOYLE WORKED IN THE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT AT HIDDEN RIVER CREDIT UNION. SHE IS ALLEGED TO HAVE DEPOSITED INVESTMENT INTEREST CHECKS PAYABLE TO CREDIT UNION ACCOUNTS INTO HER OWN PERSONAL ACCOUNT, THEN DOCTORED THE RECORDS TO HIDE THE CRIME. AN AUDIT INDICATES THE LOSS TO THE CREDIT UNION AT JUST OVER $58-THOUSAND-DOLLARS. ARRAIGNMENT FOR DOYLE ON THEFT, MISAPPLICATION OF ENTRUSTED PROPERTY AND OTHER COUNTS WILL BE HELD LATER.

RENDELL TWO

PENNSYLVANIA'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE PROVIDED 7TH GRADERS AT DHH LENGEL MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH A CIVICS LESSON AND TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FUNDING YESTERDAY MORNING. AROUND 200 STUDENTS WELCOMED GOVERNOR ED RENDELL, WHO SAYS THAT IN SPITE OF BICKERING BETWEEN PARTIES, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING LEADERS IN HARRISBURG CAN DO IS PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR OUR SCHOOLS. HE ALSO SAID THAT BEING ACTIVE AT THE BALLOT BOX IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AS THEY TURN 18:

RENDELL VOTING

THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED THE BUDGET PROCESS TO STUDENTS, AND TOOK QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR TO WRAP UP THE EVENT. THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT WAS A LONG TIME IN COMING, AS CIVICS TEACHER JIM TOOMEY WROTE SEVERAL LETTERS OVER A TWO YEAR PERIOD TO RENDELL BEFORE HIS VISIT BECAME A REALITY.

CIVICS WITH RENDELL

GOVERNOR ED RENDELL CAME TO POTTSVILLE MONDAY TO OFFER A CIVICS LESSON TO 7TH GRADE STUDENTS AT THE D.H.H. LENGEL MIDDLE SCHOOL. THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE REVOLVED AROUND EDUCATION FUNDING. RENDELL STATED THAT THE STATE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE STUDENTS PROPER FUNDING TO MAKE THE WORKFORCE READY POST-GRADUATION. DURING THE 45 MINUTE ADDRESS, THE GOVERNOR ALSO TALKED ABOUT POSSIBLE FUNDING SOURCES HE HAS PROPOSED FOR THE COMING BUDGET BATTLE... INCREASED TAXES. RENDELL PROPOSES TAXING NATURAL GAS BEING TAKEN FROM THE MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING PROGRAM, TAXES ON CIGARS AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO AND OTHER BUSINESS TYPE TAXES TO CLOSE A WIDENING BUDGET GAP. A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THE GOVERNOR FOLLOWED. SARAH WILLIAMS SAID SHE ENJOYED HEARING GOV. RENDELL SPEAK:

SARAH WILLIAMS

SHEA GOLDEN FELT RENDELL'S MESSAGE WAS POSITIVE:

SHEA GOLDEN

THE ASSEMBLY WAS ORGANIZED BY TEACHER JIM TOOMEY, WHO HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THE GOVERNOR TO COME TO THE DISTRICT FOR TWO YEARS. THE GOVERNOR'S FULL ADDRESS WILL BE POSTED ONLINE LATER TODAY.

MAN WITH GUN

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS JAILED AFTER HOLDING THREE PEOPLE AT BAY WITH A GUN. EARLY SUNDAY, CITY POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 500 BLOCK OF NORTH CENTRE STREET, WHERE 33 YEAR OLD SCOTT MCCROBIE WAS POINTING A GUN AT THREE PEOPLE. POLICE ARRESTED MCCROBIE AND CHARGED HIM WITH AGGRAVATED AND SIMPLE ASSAULT AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT. HE WAS JAILED FOLLOWING ARRAIGNMENT. THE GUN WAS IN MCCROBIE'S POSSESSION WHEN ARRESTED.

SCHUYLKILL ALLIANCE FINANCIAL ISSUES

A COUNTY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT HELPS PEOPLE GET ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE IS FACING A SERIOUS FINANCIAL SITUATION. SCHUYLKILL ALLIANCE FOR HEALTHCARE, WHICH HELPS UNINSURED COUNTY RESIDENTS, IS FACING ITS WORST BUDGET SHORTFALL DUE TO CUTS IN GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND THE TIMING OF RECEIPT OF OTHER FUNDING. THE ALLIANCE NOTES THAT IT HAS CUT ITS BUDGET AS FAR AS IT CAN, AND HAS A WAITING LIST OF PEOPLE WHO NEED SERVICES. THEY ARE ASKING FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS TO PARTNER WITH THEM TO CONTINUE SERVING THE PUBLIC BY MAKING TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE "SAVE THE ALLIANCE" CAMPAIGN. THE MONIES RAISED WILL HELP PROVIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE UNINSURED WORKING POOR IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A DONATION, CALL THE SCHUYLKILL ALLIANCE AT 628-5515.

HEALTHY MOVIE SNACKS

WHEN YOU HEAD TO THE MOVIES, YOU IMMEDIATELY THINK OF POPCORN AND A COLD DRINK. AS SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS, THERE MAY BE MORE HEALTHY OPTIONS:

MOVIE SNACKS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS IT SECRETLY CAPTURED SOME 56,000 WEBCAM PHOTOGRAPHS AND SCREEN SHOTS FROM LAPTOPS ISSUED TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. A STUDENT IS SUING THE DISTRICT OVER ALLEGED WIRETAP AND PRIVACY VIOLATIONS. A DISTRICT LAWYER SAYS THE PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY A TRACKING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO FIND MISSING COMPUTERS.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HAS BEEN ARRESTED IN THE SLASHING OF TWO OTHER STUDENTS. THE INCIDENT PROMPTED A LOCKDOWN OF ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL IN ALLENTOWN. THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL REPORTS NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED. POLICE SAYS THEY WANT TO TALK WITH LEHIGH COUNTY PROSECUTORS ABOUT THE CASE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A LAWYER REPRESENTING TWO INDICTED STATE LAWMAKERS IS CHALLENGING THE STATE LAW UNDER WHICH HIS CLIENTS ARE
CHARGED. ATTORNEY BILL COSTOPOULOS WANTS PUBLIC-CORRUPTION CHARGES
AGAINST REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR JANE ORIE AND DEMOCRATIC STATE REPRESENTATIVE BILL DEWEESE DISMISSED.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER SAYS THE ISSUE OF WARRANTLESS WIRETAPPING BY GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATORS MAY PLAY A ROLE
IN HIS VOTE ON A SUPREME COURT NOMINEE. SPECTER SAYS HE'S CONSIDERING WHETHER TO JUDGE HIS SUPPORT FOR A NOMINEE ON WHETHER THEY AGREE TO CONSIDER SUCH CASES.

PARIS (AP) - THE DRIFTING VOLCANIC ASH FROM AN ICELAND ERUPTION HAS EASED ENOUGH TO ALLOW A TRICKLE OF FLIGHTS TO RESUME IN A FEW PARTS OF EUROPE. ONLY LIMITED FLIGHTS ARE BEING ALLOWED TO RESUME TODAY AND MOST OF BRITISH AIRSPACE REMAINED SHUT DOWN. AN INTERNATIONAL PILOTS GROUP WARNS THAT ASH REMAINS A DANGER AND THE VOLCANO IS STILL ERUPTING AND SPEWING MORE OF IT.

JIEGU, CHINA (AP) - FORECASTERS SAY THERE COULD BE SNOW AND SLEET IN THE HIGH-ALTITUDE REGION WHERE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS ARE UNDER WAY IN WESTERN CHINA. THE DEATH TOLL HAS PASSED 2,000 AND ABOUT 200 PEOPLE ARE STILL MISSING. TOMORROW IS AN OFFICIAL DAY OF MOURNING IN CHINA.

KNOXVILLE, TENN. (AP) - POLICE ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE A MOTIVE FOR A SHOOTING OUTSIDE A TENNESSEE HOSPITAL THAT LEFT A WOMAN AND THE GUNMAN DEAD AND TWO OTHER WOMEN INJURED. POLICE SAY IT DOESN'T APPEAR THERE WAS ANY CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WOMEN AND THE GUNMAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - TOYOTA HAS AGREED TO PAY A $16.4 MILLION FINE FOR BEING SLOW ABOUT ITS OVER RECALL EFFORT. MEANWHILE, IT'S RECALLED NEARLY 10,000 LEXUS SUV'S IN NORTH AMERICA TO UPDATE A STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. IT'S ALSO OFFERING THE SAME FIX OVERSEAS.

DETROIT (AP) - MOURNERS HAVE BEEN PAYING THEIR RESPECTS TO LONGTIME NAACP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BENJAMIN L. HOOKS. HE LIES IN REPOSE AT THE GREATER NEW MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH IN DETROIT WHERE HE WAS PASTOR FROM 1964 TO 1994. THE 85-YEAR-OLD DIED LAST WEEK AND HIS FUNERAL IS SCHEDULED TODAY.

Today's News-Monday, April 19, 2010

RENDELL TO VISIT POTTSVILLE

GOVERNOR ED RENDELL WILL VISIT POTTSVILLE TODAY TO DISCUSS EDUCATION FUNDING AND THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA'S FINANCES. A NEWS CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED AT DHH LENGEL MIDDLE SCHOOL THIS MORNING AT 9:30AM TO DISCUSS HIS PROPOSED EDUCATION BUDGET AND EXPLAIN HIS PLAN FOR THE COMMONWEALTH'S FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY.

THEFT

A MAN AND WOMAN FROM POTTSVILLE ARE ACCUSED OF THEFT. FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE SAY THAT DENI SADUSKY LOST HER BANK CARD AT THE ATM AT FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. THE CARD WAS FOUND BY 25 YEAR OLD BOBBI PETROZINO. ALLEN JOHNS USED THE CARD TO MAKE TWO PURCHASES AT WALMART AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO USE IT AT KMART AT SCHUYKILL MALL. JOHNS WAS APPREHENDED AT ARRAIGNED ON FORGERY, IDENTITY THEFT AND RELATED COUNTS AND TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON. PETROZINO IS CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY, THEFT OF PROPERTY AND OTHER COUNTS.

CRASH IN WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP

SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN A CRASH IN WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP SATURDAY NIGHT. STATE POLICE REPORT THAT JOHN SIZELOVE OF BRICK, NEW JERSEY FAILED TO STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF PINE CREEK AND REDDALE ROADS, STRIKING A CAR DRIVEN BY 20 YEAR OLD LAUREN JONES OF POTTSVILLE. SIZELOVE AND TWO PASSENGERS HAD MINOR INJURIES. SHELBY SNYDER OF WICONISCO, A PASSENGER IN JONES' JEEP WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE FLOWN FROM THE SCENE FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. THE CRASH HAPPENED SATURDAY NIGHT.

PFA VIOLATION

A LUZERNE COUNTY MAN IS JAILED FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT IN EAST UNION TOWNSHIP. 47 YEAR OLD ALAN PALUMBO HAD A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER IN EFFECT AGAINST HIM, BUT APPEARED AT THE VICTIM'S HOME ON PHINEYVILLE ROAD. A STATE POLICE TROOPER APPREHENDED PALUMBO IN SHENANDOAH ON SATURDAY ON AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT.

THREE INJURED IN CRASH

THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN A HIGH SPEED CRASH IN PORTER TOWNSHIP SATURDAY NIGHT. DAVID WILLISON OF DAUPHIN LOST CONTROL OF HIS PICKUP TRUCK ON GREENWOOD ROAD, AND SHEARED OFF A UTILITY POLE THEN ROLLED OVER. WILLISON WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES, AND IS SUSPECTED OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. BOBBY SNYDER, A PASSENGER, WAS TAKEN TO HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT OF HIS INJURIES. A SECOND OCCUPANT, DOMINICK SULLENS, REFUSED TREATMENT AT THE SCENE. THE CRASH HAPPENED BEFORE 11PM SATURDAY.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON HAS FIRED A SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT WHO'S BEING INVESTIGATED IN CONNECTION WITH A SEX
ABUSE ALLEGATION. THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE REPORTS JOSEPH CASCIANO WAS LET GO EARLIER THIS MONTH AND NOTIFIED OF HIS FIRING IN A LETTER FROM CARDINAL JUSTIN RIGALI.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN HARRISBURG SAY A MAN SHOT AND KILLED HIS EX-WIFE AND HER BROTHER AND THEN TURNED THE GUN ON HIMSELF. HARRISBURG PATRIOT NEWS REPORTS POLICE SAY SUPREME ABDUL SHABAZZ SHOT SANDRA STEWART AND CHARLES STEWART IN A MIDTOWN HOME SATURDAY BEFORE KILLING HIMSELF.

LANSDALE, PA. (AP) - IT'S A DAY OFF FOR STUDENTS IN THE NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA. THE DISTRICT HAS CANCELED CLASSES AFTER THE TEACHERS UNION ANNOUNCED A STRIKE. THE TWO SIDES COULDN'T COME UP WITH A CONTACT IN MORE THAN SEVEN HOURS OF TALKS SUNDAY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - BEN ROETHLISBERGER WILL BE BACK ON THE PRACTICE FIELD WITH HIS PITTSBURGH TEAMMATES TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE PROSECUTORS DECIDED NOT TO CHARGE HIM IN CONNECTION WITH A SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION. THE STEELERS QUARTERBACK COULD BE SUSPENDED OVER THE INCIDENT SOMETIME NEXT WEEK.

VIENNA (AP) - AUSTRIA'S AIRSPACE IS OPEN TO TRAFFIC AGAIN, AT LEAST FOR NOW, AFTER VOLCANIC ASH FROM AN ICELAND ERUPTION FORCED ITS CLOSURE. THE AUSTRIA PRESS AGENCY REPORTS PERMISSION TO RESUME TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS IS IN PLACE, BUT SAYS IT'S UNCLEAR IF THE AIRSPACE WILL REMAIN OPEN ALL DAY. THE EUROPEAN UNION SAYS IF WEATHER FORECASTS CONFIRM CLEARING SKIES, AIR TRAFFIC COULD RETURN TO ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF NORMAL.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AN OFFICIAL SAYS FAILURE TO NOTIFY THE GOVERNMENT OF GAS PEDAL PROBLEMS IS ABOUT TO COST TOYOTA A FINE OF MORE THAN $16 MILLION. IT'S THE LARGEST GOVERNMENT PENALTY LEVIED AGAINST AN AUTOMAKER. TODAY'S THE DEADLINE FOR TOYOTA TO CHALLENGE THE FINE, AND A TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SAYS TOYOTA WILL PAY UP.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE NATION'S ANTI-GOVERNMENT MOOD APPEARS TO BE THE WORST IN A HALF-A-CENTURY. A POLL FROM THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER SAYS NEARLY 8 IN 10 AMERICANS SAY THEY DON'T TRUST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND HAVE LITTLE FAITH IT CAN SOLVE THE NATION'S ILLS. NEARLY HALF SAY THE GOVERNMENT NEGATIVELY AFFECTS THEIR DAILY LIVES.

BANGKOK (AP) - TENSION IN THAILAND IS HIGH AGAIN AS TROOPS WITH ASSAULT RIFLES ENTERED BANGKOK'S BUSINESS DISTRICT TO DETER A PROTEST MARCH AND PROTECT A KEY BANK WITH RAZOR WIRE BARRICADES. THE "RED SHIRT" PROTESTERS, THOUSANDS OF MOSTLY RURAL DEMONSTRATORS, ARE DEMANDING THE DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT AND ACCUSE THE TROOPS OF PREPARING THE AREA TO BE "A KILLING FIELD."

LAS VEGAS (AP) - CARRIE UNDERWOOD HAS BECOME THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD FOR ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR TWICE. UNDERWOOD ALSO WON THE SHOW'S TOP HONOR LAST YEAR. TOP-SELLING TRIO LADY ANTEBELLUM WAS THE DOMINANT WINNER THOUGH, GRABBING FIVE TROPHIES.

Today's News-Saturday, April 17, 2010

LOCAL AIRMAN RETURNS FROM AFGANISTAN


A FRACKVILLE MAN RETURNED HOME AND WAS LAUDED BY BOROUGH OFFICIALS AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SHERRY MARCHESKY HAS THE STORY.


BILL SHANER


MAN HOLDS UP GROCERY STORE WITH RIFLE


MINERSVILLE POLICE ARE ON THE HUNT FOR THE MAN HELD UP RODNICK'S DISCOUNT GROCERIES IN THE BOROUGH LAST NIGHT AROUND 6:30. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, VAN VESAY USED A HUNTING RIFLE IN THE HEIST THAT NETTED APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. HE LATER THREW THE GUN BEHIND THE STORE DURING HIS GET AWAY. THE HOLD UP FOLLOWED A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL IN WHICH POLICE RESPONDED TO AT VESAY'S RESIDENCE. IT WAS BELIEVED THAT VESAY WAS HEADED TO THE TREMONT AREA. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROBBERY OR THE WHEREABOUTS OF VESAY IS ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT MINERSVILLE POLICE AT 544-6212 OR THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER BY DIALING 911.


PREVENT DISEASED TOMATO PLANTS


LAST YEAR, A TOMATO DISEASE EPIDEMIC FORCED MANY HOME GARDENERS TO THROW OUT THEIR PLANTS, AND THREATENED THE CROPS OF THOUSANDS OF PROFESSIONAL GROWERS. A RESEARCHER IN PENN STATE'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SAYS THIS YEAR, GARDENERS CAN MINIMIZE DISEASE RISK. MORE FROM GARY ABDULLAH.


ABDULLAH TOMATOES


PINE GROVE MAN BUSTED FOR DEALING DRUGS IN MINERSVILLE


DONALD FELTY OF PINE GROVE IN KEEPING RESIDENCE IN THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON THESE DAYS AFTER BEING ARRESTED IN MINERSVILLE ON THURSDAY. IN A CONTINUING EFFORT TO FIGHT THE WAR ON DRUGS IN MINERSVILLE, THE BOROUGH POLICE STAGED SURVIELLANCE IN THE 100 BLOCK OF WESTWOOD STREET. THURSDAY EVENING FELTY CAME TO DELIVER AND AFTER MAKING AN ILLEGAL TURN WAS STOPPED BY OFFICERS. DURING A SEARCH OF THE CAR FELTY WAS TRAVELING IN OFFICERS FOUND A KNIFE AND A CLUB, A TIN CONTAINING HEROIN WRAPPERS, MARIJUANA, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, AND A STOLEN VEHICLE TITLE BELONGING TO A DECEASED PERSON ADDING MORE CHARGES TO CRIME. FELTY IS BEING HELD ON $15,000 BAIL. MINERSVILLE BOROUGH RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING ILLEGAL DRUG DEALS IN THE COMMUNITY AND CAN CONTACT BOROUGH POLICE AT 544-6212, ALL INFORMATION WILL BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL.


JOBLESS BENEFITS CAN BE RESTORED


THOUSANDS OF PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS WHO STARTED LOSING THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHEN THE FEDERAL DEADLINE EXPIRED A FEW WEEKS AGO, CAN NOW GET THEIR BENEFITS RESTORED. ROSEANN CADAU HAS THE STORY FROM HARRISBURG.


CADAU


BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED


THE NORTHEASTERN BLOOD SERVICES REGION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS EXPERIENCING A DECLINE IN BLOOD COLLECTIONS THIS SPRING. OFFICIALS SAY THAT COLLECTIONS ARE CURRENTLY AT 85 PERCENT OF WAS WAS ANTICIPATED. CEO TONY FERLENDA SAYS THE DECLINE IS UNUSUAL, AND MAY BE BECAUSE OF THE NICE WEATHER WE HAVE BEEN HAVING. IN ORDER THAT SUPPLIES CAN BE REPLENISHED, ELIGIBLE DONORS ARE ASKED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY AT 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, OR VISIT ONLINE AT REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG.


FOSTER CARE TRANSITION MONIES AVAILABLE


A STATE SENATE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED A BILL THAT’S AIMED AT PROVIDING FINANCIAL AID TO OLDER FOSTER CARE CHILDREN WHO ARE TRANSITIONING INTO INDEPENDENCE. HOWARD ONDICK HAS THIS REPORT.


ONDICK

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A SEVERE STORM SYSTEM IS BEING BLAMED FOR POWER OUTAGES ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA. MORE THAN 90,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA LOST POWER AFTER THE SYSTEM MOVED THROUGH. ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE SAY A WOMAN SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES WHEN A TREE FELL ON HER CAR AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD.


PITTSBURGH (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE ARE EXAMINING THE CONDUCT OF TROOPER ED JOYNER, WHO WAS WITH BEN ROETHLISBERGER THE NIGHT HE WAS ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A WOMAN IN A GEORGIA NIGHTCLUB. STATE POLICE SAY JOYNER IS SUBJECT TO THE DEPARTMENT'S CODE OF CONDUCT WHETHER HE WAS WORKING FOR ROETHLISBERGER OR THERE AS A FRIEND.


READING, PA. (AP) - AN BERKS COUNTY POULTRY PLANT HAS BEEN FORCED TO SHUT DOWN AND 185 EMPLOYEES ARE OUT OF WORK AMID A DISPUTE OVER THE PLANT'S WASTE DISCHARGE. EXETER TOWNSHIP SAYS THE MEHADRIN KOSHER POULTRY PLANT HAS BEEN DISCHARGING MORE THAN FOUR TIMES THE WASTE ALLOWED INTO THE TOWNSHIP'S SEWER PLANT.



MIDDLETOWN, PA. (AP) - THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION HAS IDENTIFIED MINOR SAFETY ISSUES AT THREE MILE ISLAND FOLLOWING A NOVEMBER INCIDENT IN WHICH WORKERS WERE EXPOSED TO RADIOACTIVE DUST. A REPORT SAYS POWER COMPANY EXELON COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE EXPOSURE IF A VACUUM SYSTEM WAS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIALIZED FILTER.


LONDON (AP) - A GEOLOGIST IN ICELAND SAYS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION THERE HAS INCREASED, RAISING THE PROSPECT OF STILL MORE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS IN EUROPE. AN ASH PLUME HAS RISEN MORE THAN FIVE MILES. SCIENTISTS HOPE TO GET A GOOD LOOK AT THE VOLCANO TODAY. MEANWHILE, THOUSANDS OF TRAVELERS REMAIN STRANDED.


BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN (AP) - AN ABOUT-FACE BY THE INTERIM GOVERNMENT IN KYRGYZSTAN (KEER'-GIH-STAN). A TOP OFFICIAL SAYS THE U.S. AIR BASE THERE IS "NOT JUSTIFIED." JUST DAYS AGO, THE GOVERNMENT'S LEADER SAID THE BASE'S LEASE WOULD BE EXTENDED ANOTHER YEAR. THE BASE IS USED TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN.


SAN DIEGO (AP) - THERE WILL BE NO TRIAL FOR THE MAN SUSPECTED OF KILLING TWO TEENAGE GIRLS IN THE SAN DIEGO AREA. JOHN ALBERT GARDNER III HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO BOTH MURDERS TO AVOID A POSSIBLE DEATH SENTENCE IF CONVICTED. PROSECUTORS SAY THEY HAD EVIDENCE AGAINST HIM FOR ONLY ONE OF THE KILLINGS.


PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (AP) - SUICIDE BOMBERS HAVE REPORTEDLY TAKEN ANOTHER 20 LIVES IN PAKISTAN. POLICE SAY IT HAPPENED IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY, AT A CAMP FOR PEOPLE FLEEING MILITARY OFFENSIVES. THE BOMBERS STRUCK AS REFUGEES WERE LINED UP FOR FOOD.


CHICAGO (AP) - THE CELL PHONES AND SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS THAT HAVE MADE POLICE WORK EASIER HAVE ALSO PUT OFFICERS UNDER GREATER SCRUTINY. CHICAGO'S POLICE SUPERINTENDENT SAYS HE TELLS HIS OFFICERS THAT THEY MUST ASSUME THEY'RE BEING RECORDED AT ALL TIMES.

Today's News-Friday, April 16, 2010

FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN WEST MAHANOY

A VACANT LOST CREEK HOME IS DAMAGED BY FIRE. CREWS WERE SUMMONED TO THE HOME AT 58 NEW ROAD LATE AFTERNOON. THE FIRE APPARENTLY DID MOST OF ITS DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY. SOME HEAT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO AN ADJOINING HOME AS WELL. NO WORD AS TO WHAT THE CAUSE OF THAT WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP IS.

BURGLAR RECEIVES AT HOME SENTENCE

A POTTSVILLE MAN, CONVICTED OF BURGLARY AND OTHER CHARGES, WILL SPEND HIS SENTENCE UNDER HOUSE ARREST. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, 32 YEAR OLD DANIEL WHITESELL BURGLARIZED A HOME IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP IN OCTOBER 2008, HAVING BEEN SPOTTED BY THE PROPERTY OWNER WHILE HE WAS REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE HOME. WHEN CONFRONTED, WHITESELL TOLD THE HOMEOWNER HE WAS A POLICE OFFICER AND POINTED A FAKE GUN AT HER. PRESIDENT JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN SENTENCED WHITESELL TO 11 TO 23 MONTHS HOME CONFINEMENT, THEN PROBATION. WHITESELL HAD PLEADED GUILTY, BUT MENTALLY ILL TO ALL THE CHARGES IN DECEMBER.

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD CELEBRATES LEARNING FOR THE VERY YOUNG. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY TAKES A LOOK:

YOUNG CHILD

ARRESTS MADE FROM MARCH BURGLARY

GOOD POLICE WORK HAS NETTED THE ARREST OF TWO PEOPLE IN POTTSVILLE. CITY POLICE REPORT THAT ON MARCH 11TH, PHYLLIS KOZMORCK'S MARKET STREET HOME WAS BURGLARIZED, WITH MORE THAN $7-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH, JEWELRY AND COLLECTIBLES TAKEN. 19 YEAR OLD TIMOTHY STRAUSSER WAS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY AND THEFT BY DECEPTION IN THE CASE. HIS COOPERATION HAS LED TO THE ARREST OF 18 YEAR OLD ALISSA SADUSKY, WHO IS NOW FACING CHARGES OF BURGLARY AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY, AND 20 YEAR OLD ERIC BRIDY FACING CHARGES OF RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY.

PA ALLERGY HOT SPOT

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING WITH A RUNNY NOSE AND WATERY EYES, YOU KNOW ITS SPRING. A NEW REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION FINDS THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIES AND RELATED ASTHMA THAN 20 YEARS AGO, AND PENNSYLVANIA IS CONSIDERED A HOT SPOT. THE STUDY SAYS ALLERGENIC TREE POLLEN IN PENNSYLVANIA IS AS BAD, IF NOT WORSE, THAN IN ANY OTHER STATE. RESEARCHERS PAUL EPSTEIN AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY SAYS SETTING ASIDE THE DEBATE ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING, ITS A FACT THAT CARBON DIXOIDE LEVELS IN THE ATMOSPHERE HAVE RISEN. SCIENTISTS KNOW THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON PLANTS, BUT EPSTEIN SAYS THERE ARE SOME NEW THINGS THEY'RE LEARNING.

EPSTEIN

TREE POLLEN IS THE ALLERGY CULPRIT IN THE SPRING AND RAGWEED IS THE PROBLEM IN THE FALL. THE REPORT SHOWS THAT SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA AFFECT 50 MILLION PEOPLE NATIONWIDE, AND COST NEARLY 27 BILLION DOLLARS IN MEDICAL COSTS, WITH THOSE NUMBERS PREDICTED TO RISE AS TROUBLE PLANTS CONTINUE TO EXPAND THEIR RANGES AND FLOWERING SEASONS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A PENNSYLVANIA COURT IS ORDERING THE STATE TO TRANSFER MORE THAN $800 MILLION FROM ITS GENERAL FUND INTO AN ACCOUNT THAT HELPS PHYSICIANS PAY THEIR MALPRACTICE PREMIUMS. THE RULING COMES DOWN IN FAVOR OF HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS WHO HAD ARGUED THE STATE SHOULDN'T HAVE DIVERTED SURPLUS MONEY FROM A PROGRAM KNOWN AS MCARE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - SLOT-MACHINE GAMBLERS HAVE GENERATED NEARLY $773 MILLION IN PROPERTY-TAX CUTS FOR PENNSYLVANIA HOMEOWNERS THIS YEAR. THE AVERAGE REDUCTION COMES OUT TO ABOUT $200 PER HOUSEHOLD.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S SENATE RACE IS DRAWING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DONATIONS. CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS SHOW INCUMBENT DEMOCRATIC SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER RAISED NEARLY $1.2 MILLION DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR AND HAD MORE THAN $9 MILLION ON HAND TO BEGIN APRIL. THE GOP'S PAT TOOMEY COLLECTED MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION OVER THE SAME TIME PERIOD AND HAS $4 MILLION ON HAND.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA CAN NOW GET SEX CHANGE TREATMENTS PAID FOR UNDER THE
SCHOOL'S NEW STUDENT HEALTH PLAN. PENN PRESIDENT AMY GUTMANN APPROVED THE CHANGES LAST WEEK.

LONDON (AP) - ANOTHER FRUSTRATING DAY FOR AIR TRAVEL IN EUROPE THANKS TO ASH FROM AN ICELAND VOLCANO. BRITAIN IS ALLOWING NO FLIGHTS OVER ENGLAND UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING, AND GERMANY HAS SHUT DOWN 11 OF ITS 16 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS. THE ASH IS EXPECTED TO THREATEN AIR TRAVEL OVER EUROPE THROUGH SUNDAY AT THE LEAST.

WASHINGTON (AP) - WHAT MAY BE ANOTHER MUNITIONS DISPOSAL AREA DATING BACK TO WORLD WAR I HAS BEEN FOUND IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WORKERS DIGGING IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR AMERICAN UNIVERSITY UNEARTHED SMOKING GLASSWARE CONTAMINATED WITH ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE. OFFICIALS ARE ASSESSING WHAT TO DO.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS THANKING CONGRESS FOR PASSING A TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF LONG-TERM JOBLESS BENEFITS. HE CALLS IT CRITICAL FOR SOME STRUGGLING FAMILIES. THE EXTENSION IS GOOD UNTIL JUNE 2, AND IS RETROACTIVE. OBAMA SIGNED IT JUST HOURS AFTER IT CLEARED CONGRESS LAST NIGHT.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION HAVE PUT A GIANT CONTAINER HOLDING TWO TONS OF TRASH INTO DISCOVERY'S PAYLOAD BAY. LATER, THEY'LL USE A 100-FOOT BOOM TO INSPECT THE SHUTTLE'S HEAT SHIELD. DISCOVERY UNDOCKS TOMORROW FOR ITS RETURN TO EARTH.

HAVANA (AP) - A LEADING EXPERT ON CUBA SAYS THE COUNTRY'S BIGGEST THREAT IS NOT DISSIDENTS, BUT CORRUPTION. ESTEBAN MORALES SAYS THE CORRUPTION IS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, WITH SOME TOP CUBAN OFFICIALS PREPARING TO DIVIDE THE SPOILS IF THE COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT COLLAPSES.

Today's News-Thursday, April 15, 2010-updated 7:40am

MALAVE FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAS TACKED ON ADDITIONAL CHARGES AGAINST A SHENANDOAH WOMAN WHO WAS INVOLVED IN AN ALTERCATION AT A BOROUGH BAR. MIRIAM MALAVE HAD HER PRELIMINARY HEARING WEDNESDAY ON EXISTING CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND OTHER COUNTS. SHE NOW WILL FACE AN ETHNIC INTIMIDATION CHARGE IN ADDITION, AND AGGRAVATED AND SIMPLE ASSAULT. MALAVE, HER TWO SONS AND STEPSON WERE AT THE M&T BAR IN MID FEBRUARY, AND MALAVE ALLEGEDLY YELLED "ALL THE WHITES ARE GOING TO DIE TONIGHT" WHILE A FIGHT ENSUED AND SHE THREATENED THE BARTENDER WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THE CASE AGAINST MALAVE WILL GO ON TO COUNTY COURT, AND SHE REMAINS IN PRISON. HER STEPSON, MICHAEL BERDECIA HAD SEVERAL OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM DROPPED, BUT HE ALSO REMAINS IN PRISON. MALAVE'S TWO SONS REMAIN AT LARGE AND ARE BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE.

COUNTY LOOKS TO CHANGE STS ADMINISTRATION

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO LOOK AT WAYS TO SAVE MONEY. YESTERDAY, THEY PROPOSED TO PUT ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN THE HANDS OF A PUBLIC AUTHORITY. SINCE 1981, STS HAS OPERATED UNDER A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH REDCO, AT AN ANNUAL COST OF JUST OVER $338 THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY. THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY WOULD OVERSEE ALL FACETS OF OPERATION OF STS, ELIMINATING THE MIDDLEMAN. ASSISTANT COUNTY SOLICITOR ED BRENNAN TALKS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE CHANGE:

BRENNAN

STS EMPLOYS ABOUT 60 PEOPLE, 45 FULL TIMERS. THE DRIVERS AND MECHANICS
ARE UNIONIZED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK UNDER THAT AGREEMENT UNTIL 2012. COMMISSIONER CHAIRWOMAN MANTURA GALLAGHER SAID THAT THE AUTHORITY, POSSIBLY MADE UP OF NINE APPOINTED PEOPLE, MIGHT HIRE A FEW EMPLOYEES TO HANDLE SOME OF THE BACK OFFICE ADMINISTRATION THAT REDCO CURRENTLY DOES. A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER WOULD BE HELD WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO, FOLLOWED BY THE CREATION OF THE AUTHORITY, PERHAPS BY MID SUMMER. REDCO AND THE COUNTY HAVE BEEN OPERATING UNDER A YEAR TO YEAR AGREEMENT.

CENSUS INFO

LESS THAN A WEEK REMAINS UNTIL 2010 CENSUS FORMS ARE DUE ON APRIL 21ST. CHARLIE ROSS OF THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING OFFICE REPORTED YESTERDAY THAT ALL FORMS TO KNOWN HOUSEHOLDS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAVE BEEN MAILED. BUT SEVERAL RESIDENTS IN THE COUNTY REPORT THEY HAVEN'T RECEIVED THEIR QUESTIONAIRES YET. ROSS EXPLAINS WHAT TO DO IF THAT APPLIES TO YOU:

ROSS

http://www.schuylkillcounts.com/

FIRE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

STATE POLICE AND LOCAL FIRE INVESTIGATORS CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR CLUES AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE THAT DESTROYED A RAG STORAGE WAREHOUSE EARLY WEDNESDAY. THE CRESSONA TEXTILE WASTE FACILITY ON MENGLE STREET GAVE FIREFIGHTERS A CHALLENGE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT. FIRE OFFICIALS TELL WPPA/T102 NEWS THAT TROOPER MICHAEL YEITY IS LEADING THE INVESTIGATION INTO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, CRESSONA TEXTILE'S MAIN PLANT ON FRONT STREET IN CRESSONA BURNED TO THE GROUND. THAT ARSON CASE REMAINS UNSOLVED.

FIGHT IN GIRARDVILLE

STATE POLICE HAVE MADE AN ARREST FOLLOWING A FIGHT IN GIRARDVILLE. 31 YEAR OLD ERIC BLESEDELL IS ALLEGED TO HAVE HIT MICHAEL DOLAN IN THE HEAD WITH A BOARD DURING THE MELEE ON WEST MAHANOY AVENUE. BLESEDELL WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. HE COULDN'T POST BAIL AFTER ARRAIGNMENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE COUNTY PRISON. DOLAN WAS TREATED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOLLOWING THE FIGHT YESTERDAY.

FATHERING INITIATIVE

BEING A DAD IS THE HARDEST JOB. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY HAS MORE FROM PENN STATE ABOUT A NEW INITIATIVE GRANT COMING TO THE COUNTY:

FATHERING

TWO MONTH OLD DEATH INVESTIGATION

STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF A TWO MONTH OLD BABY IN NEIGHBORING BERKS COUNTY. THE BOY WAS FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN HIS HOME ON VIRGINVILLE ROAD IN PERRY TOWNSHIP YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. AN AUTOPSY ON THE BABY IS BEING PERFORMED THIS AFTERNOON AT READING HOSPITAL.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY A SECURITY GUARD WAS ABLE TO DISARM A GUNMAN WHO WALKED INTO A PITTSBURGH SCHOOL YESTERDAY. POLICE SAY THE 23-YEAR-OLD MAN SNEAKED THE WEAPON INTO THE CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL YESTERDAY. NO SHOTS WERE FIRED AND NO STUDENTS WERE HURT.

WILKINSBURG, PA. (AP) - A THIRD-GRADER AT A SCHOOL NEAR PITTSBURGH HAS BEEN CAUGHT HANDING OUT HEROIN TO CLASSMATES. THE 8-YEAR-OLD BOY BROUGHT THE HEROIN IN MORE THAN 60 SMALL BAGS TO TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TUESDAY BEFORE A TEACHER DISCOVERED THEM. POLICE ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE THE BOY GOT THE DRUGS.

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - SOME BUS RIDERS ARE HURT AFTER A FOUR-STORY BUILDING PARTIALLY COLLAPSED DURING RUSH HOUR IN LANCASTER YESTERDAY MORNING. OFFICIALS TELL THE INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL THAT THE FRONT QUARTER OF THE BUILDING CAME DOWN AS A BUS WAS PASSING BY. FOUR PEOPLE WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL WILL KEEP THE DAD VAIL REGATTA IN PHILADELPHIA FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. ABERDEEN ASSETS MANAGEMENT IS THE REGATTA'S NEW TITLE SPONSER. THE EVENT FEATURES MORE THAN 3,000 ROWERS FROM 120 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

LONDON (AP) - AN ERUPTING VOLCANO IN ICELAND IS AFFECTING EUROPEAN AIR TRAVEL TODAY. BRITISH OFFICIALS SAY DRIFTING ASH CLOUDS REPRESENT "A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY THREAT TO AIRCRAFT." FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED AT MANCHESTER AND BIRMINGHAM, AS WELL AS IN BELFAST IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE SCOTTISH AIRPORTS AT ABERDEEN, GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH. THE ASH HAS ALSO DISRUPTED OPERATIONS AT LONDON HEATHROW, EUROPE'S BUSIEST AIRPORT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE RECORD NUMBER OF HOME FORECLOSURES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR IS SEEN AS A SIGN BANKS ARE GETTING A HANDLE ON A BACKLOG OF TROUBLED HOME LOANS. REALTYTRAC INC. SAYS THE NUMBER OF HOMES TAKEN OVER BY BANKS JUMPED 35 PERCENT FROM THE FIRST QUARTER A YEAR AGO. HOUSEHOLDS FACING FORECLOSURE GREW 16 PERCENT IN THE SAME PERIOD.

WASHINGTON (AP) - TOYOTA SAYS ENGINEERS ARE WORKING TO CORRECT A STABILITY PROBLEM ON THE 2010 LEXUS GX 460, WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN A "DON'T BUY" RATING BY CONSUMER REPORTS DUE TO ROLLOVER DANGER. TOYOTA HAS SUSPENDED SALES OF THE SUV AND MEDIA REPORTS IN JAPAN SAY A RECALL IS BEING CONSIDERED. ONCE THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, TOYOTA HOPES CONSUMER REPORTS WILL RETEST THE VEHICLE.

MUSKOGEE, OKLA. (AP) - A TEENAGER IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND ON A FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN AN OKLAHOMA SHOPPING MALL SHOOTING THAT LEFT A 17-YEAR-OLD DEAD AND FIVE OTHERS WOUNDED. SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL MAYBERRY ALSO WAS CHARGED WITH FIVE COUNTS OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON IN THE SHOOTING WHICH OFFICIALS SAY MAY BE GANG-RELATED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A LAWYER WHO HAS SEASON TICKETS FOR THE NEW YORK JETS HAS ARGUED IN A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT FOR A REVIVAL OF HIS LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. CARL MAYER IS SUING OVER THE PATRIOTS' SECRET VIDEOTAPING OF SIGNALS FROM NEW YORK JETS' COACHES. HE ARGUES THAT FANS SPENT VAST SUMS OF MONEY TO SEE GAMES THAT WERE ESSENTIALLY RIGGED. A LOWER COURT DISMISSED THE SUIT.

Today's News-Wednesday, April 14, 2010-updated 6:45am

FIRE HEAVILY DAMAGES STORAGE BUILDING

A STORAGE BUILDING OWNED BY CRESSONA TEXTILE WASTE WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED IN AN OVERNIGHT FIRE. CRESSONA FIRE CHIEF JIM KRAMMES JR. TELLS WPPA/T102 NEWS WHAT THEY FOUND ON ARRIVAL:

KRAMMES 1.

FIRE CREWS CONTINUE TO DOUSE THE BUILDING AND CONTENTS, A WAREHOUSE FILLED WITH RAGS ON MENGEL STREET. KRAMMES SAID THEY NEEDED TO BRING IN HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE THE RAGS INSIDE:

KRAMMES 2

KRAMMES SAYS THEY EXPECT TO KEEP THE GORDON NAGLE TRAIL IN BOTH DIRECTIONS CLOSED UNTIL 9 OR 10AM THIS MORNING. A CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WILL INVESTIGATE. THE BUILDING IS A FORMER FEED MILL.

HAVEN MAN KILLED IN CRASH

AN 81 YEAR OLD SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN WAS KILLED IN A CRASH ON ROUTE 61 LAST NIGHT. STATE POLICE SAY JAMES HOCHGERTEL WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT ONTO MANHEIM ROAD WHEN HIS PICKUP TRUCK TRAVELLED DIRECTLY INTO THE PATH OF A NORTHBOUND TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVEN BY JAMES KENYON OF WOODSTOCK, CONNECTICUT. THE IMPACT FORCED HOCHGERTEL'S TRUCK TO SPIN THEN STRUCK A LIGHT POLE. HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY DEPUTY CORONER JOSEPH POTHERING. A HAZMAT CREW WAS CALLED IN TO CLEAN UP A DIESEL FUEL LEAK IN A GRASSY AREA NEAR THE SCENE. THAT SECTION OF ROUTE 61 WAS CLOSED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS FOR CLEANUP AND INVESTIGATION.

HEARINGS POSTPONED IN ARSON CASES

THE PRELIMINARY HEARINGS FOR SIX MEN ACCUSED IN A STRING OF ARSONS ACROSS THE COUNTY HAS BEEN DELAYED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT DISTRICT JUDGE JAMES FERRIER WAS TO HEAR THE CASES OF SHAWN HOY, JONATHAN EICHERT, MATTHEW DIXON, JUSTIN GEIGER, CHARLES FERGUSON AND DEVON SMITH THIS FRIDAY, BUT HAVE NOW BUMPED THE DATE BACK TO THURSDAY, APRIL 29TH. THE SIX, FIVE OF THEM VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, FACE VARIOUS ARSON RELATED COUNTS FOR SETTING FIRES, MAINLY IN BARNS, ACROSS THE REGION OVER A FOUR MONTH PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER, 2009 THROUGH JANUARY OF THIS YEAR.

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION

A SHENANDOAH BUSINESS IS ACCUSED OF SERVING ALCOHOL TO MINORS. THAT'S ACCORDING TO LIQUOR CONTROL ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, WHO SAY LA CASITA DE FAMILIA ON EAST CENTRE STREET ALLEGEDLY SERVED ALCOHOL TO TWO MALES, MINORS. THE INCIDENT REPORTEDLY OCCURED ON FEBRUARY 27TH. THE CHARGES WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE. THE BUSINESS COULD FACE FINES AND OTHER PENALTIES.

GILBERTSVILLE, PA. (AP) - THE SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING A WOMAN DURING AN APPARENT ROAD RAGE INCIDENT SAYS HE'S
NOT A BAD PERSON AND DOESN'T BELONG IN JAIL. POLICE SAY JOHN YANNARALL SHOT A WOMAN IN THE ARM AND LEG ON ROUTE 422 EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. HE TELLS WPVI-TV THAT JAIL HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JURY HAS ISSUED A MURDER CONVICTION IN A DRUG-RELATED SHOOTING IN ALLENTOWN. MIGUEL RUIZ WILL BE SENTENCED ON THE THIRD DEGREE MURDER VERDICT NEXT MONTH. THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL REPORTS PROSECUTORS CLAIMED RUIZ AND AN UNKNOWN ACCOMPLICE CONSPIRED TO ROB ERNESTO JAQUEZ AND ENDED UP KILLING HIM.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - IT'S NOW A TWO-WAY RACE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE BID. A COMMONWEALTH COURT RULING STRUCK 225 SIGNATURES FROM THE PETITION OF POLITICAL NEWCOMER JOE VODVARKA. THAT LEAVES HIM 101 SIGNATURES SHY OF THE 2,000 HE NEEDED TO GET ON THE MAY 18TH PRIMARY BALLOT. CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK AND INCUMBENT SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER ARE NOW THE ONLY DEMOCRATS LEFT IN THE RACE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - STEEL REMAINS OF THE FALLEN WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO COATESVILLE, WHERE THEY WERE MADE MORE THAN FOUR DECADES AGO. THE 10 STEEL SUPPORTS ARE BEING WELCOMED BY CIVIC LEADERS WHO ARE PROPOSING A NEW NATIONAL IRON AND STEEL HERITAGE MUSEUM.

BEIJING (AP) - THE NUMBER OF DEAD AND INJURED FROM A STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN WESTERN CHINA IS CLIMBING. CHINESE STATE TELEVISION SAYS AT LEAST 400 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED AND MORE THAN 10,000 INJURED. RESCUE WORKERS ARE TRYING TO DIG TRAPPED PEOPLE OUT OF THE RUBBLE OF COLLAPSED MUD AND WOOD HOUSES WHILE SCORES OF PEOPLE GATHER IN THE OPEN, SEARCHING FOR RELATIVES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN BEN BERNANKE IS LIKELY TO CARRY A WARNING TO CAPITOL HILL TODAY FOR AN APPEARANCE BEFORE THE JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE. HE'LL TELL LAWMAKERS THE PACE OF THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY WILL BE SLUGGISH DUE TO FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES LIKE HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, STAGNANT WAGES, WEAK HOME VALUES, RISING FORECLOSURES AND HARD-TO-GET CREDIT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE DEMOCRATS SAY THEY'RE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT RESTORING JOBLESS BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING TO FIND WORK, AND EXTENDING THEM THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY. REPUBLICANS WANT TO FORCE CONGRESS TO PAY FOR THE MEASURE WITHOUT ADDING TO THE DEFICIT. AN EXTENSION THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY WOULD BUY TIME FOR NEGOTIATORS TO
WORK OUT A MORE COMPLICATED BILL THAT WOULD STRETCH BENEFITS THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.

BOSTON (AP) - THE TEA PARTY MOVEMENT IS HAVING A HOMECOMING OF SORTS TODAY. SARAH PALIN IS SCHEDULED TO HEADLINE A RALLY IN BOSTON, THE CITY FROM WHICH TEA PARTY SUPPORTERS' REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT WAS BORN. FROM THERE, ACTIVISTS HEAD OUT ON A CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR WHICH CULMINATES IN WASHINGTON ON TAX DAY. THEIR TARGET IS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND THE RECENT FEDERAL HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL.

COLUMBUS, OHIO (AP) - AMTRAK IS LOOKING TO IMPROVE LONG-DISTANCE
ROUTES, MANY OF WHICH NOW HAVE PASSENGERS BOARDING IN THE MIDDLE OF
THE NIGHT AND RETURNING HOME AT TIMES THAT ARE JUST AS INCONVENIENT. UNDER FEDERAL LAW, ALL OF AMTRAK'S 15 NATIONAL ROUTES ARE SCHEDULED FOR REVIEWS THROUGH 2012. AMTRAK SAYS FOCUS GROUPS AND CUSTOMER FEEDBACK WILL BE KEY. AMTRAK RIDERSHIP IS UP 4.3 PERCENT AND IS ON PACE FOR A RECORD YEAR.

Today's News-Tuesday, April 13, 2010-745AM

WOMAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE/TRUCK CRASH

A COALDALE WOMAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A COLLISION IN RYAN TOWNSHIP YESTERDAY. POLICE REPORT THAT 41 YEAR OLD PATRICIA VIDZICKI WAS DRIVING EAST ON ROUTE 54 WHEN A PICKUP OPERATED BY 77 YEAR OLD ALBERTA DAVIS, LOST CREEK, PULLED INTO HER PATH OF TRAVEL. VIDZICKI WAS TAKEN TO ST LUKE'S MINERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD. A PORTION OF ROUTE 54 WAS SHUT DOWN INTO THE EARLY EVENING WHILE POLICE CONTINUED THEIR INVESTIGATION.

BALLOT CHALLENGED DEFEATED

INCUMBENT CONGRESSMAN TIM HOLDEN'S PRIMARY BALLOT OPPONENT'S NAME WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT MAY 18TH AFTER A CHALLENGE FAILED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT THE CHALLENGE LODGED BY YESENIA ROSADO CLAIMED THAT NEARLY 700 SIGNATURES ON DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER SHEILA DOW-FORD'S PETITION WERE FROM PEOPLE WHO LIVED OUTSIDE OF THE 17TH DISTRICT. ELECTION LAWS STATE THAT THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 1-THOUSAND VALID PARTY MEMBERS ON THE NOMINATING PETITION TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. A LENGTHY HEARING ON THE MATTER WAS HELD LAST WEEK BEFORE COMMONWEALTH COURT SENIOR JUDGE JAMES KELLEY, WHO RULED ON THE MATTER YESTERDAY. FOUR REPUBLICANS ARE ON THE BALLOT IN THE MAY PRIMARY, WITH HOLDEN, AND NOW FORD, APPEARING ON THE DEMOCRATIC BALLOT.

COST CUTTING COMMITTEE

A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE LOOKING INTO STATE SPENDING MET AGAIN IN HARRISBURG MONDAY, THIS TIME TAKING A LOOK AT THE COSTS OF OPERATING STATE-OWNED VEHICLES AND EDUCATION EXPENSES. CHAIRED BY SENATOR DAVE ARGALL, THE COMMISSION IS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO REDUCE STATE EXPENSES. DETAILS ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE STATE'S 16-THOUSAND PLUS VEHICLES WAS DISCUSSED, ALONG WITH HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAM SPENDING AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE COST OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN PENNSYLVANIA.

CITY COUNCIL

POTTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MET FOR THEIR REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING LAST NIGHT. SHERRY MARCHEFSKY REPORTS FROM CITY HALL:

MARCHEFSKY COUNCIL 04.12

HAVEN MAN BOUND FOR COURT

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN, ACCUSED OF ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTING ANOTHER AT A BLOCK SHOOT WAIVED HIS RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING. DAVID SCHAEFFER IS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT FROM THE NOVEMBER 2009 INCIDENT AT SECOND MOUNTAIN GUN CLUB. SCHAEFFER WAS SHOOTING AT A TARGET, BUT FAILED TO MAKE SURE JARROD PENSYL WAS CLEAR OF THE AREA. SEVERAL PELLETS FROM THE SHOTGUN BLAST HIT PENSYL. THE VICTIM WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL TO SURGICALLY REMOVE THE PELLETS. THE CASE IS HEADED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A HUMAN SKULL FOUND IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOREST HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THAT OF A TEEN WHO HAS
BEEN MISSING SINCE JUNE 2001. STATE POLICE SAY 18-YEAR-OLD JENNIFER
BARZILOSKI OF LAKE TOWNSHIP WAS LAST SEEN OUTSIDE A BAR IN EDWARDSVILLE. THE SKULL WAS FOUND JUST WEST OF WILKES-BARRE EARLIER THIS MONTH.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE SAY A BODY THAT WAS FOUND LAST WEEK IN THE DELAWARE RIVER IS THAT OF A TEEN WHO VANISHED ON CHRISTMAS EVE. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS JOHN VU LEFT HIS SOUTH PHILADELPHIA HOME WITHOUT HIS CELL PHONE OR WALLET. RELATIVES TOLD INVESTIGATORS THAT A NOTE ON HIS COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE 14-YEAR-OLD WAS IN EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.

ALBURTIS, PA. (AP) - TWO PEOPLE ARE HURT, ONE SERIOUSLY AFTER A FIRE AT A PIPE MANUFACTURING PLANT OUTSIDE ALLENTOWN. THE EXPRESS-TIMES REPORTS A FIRE ERUPTED AFTER A FURNACE BURST YESTERDAY AT VICTAULIC COMPANY. FEDERAL REGULATORS ARE INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - JON AND KATE ARE SET TO BE REUNITED IN COURT. THE DIVORCED FORMER STARS OF THE HIT REALITY SHOW "JON & KATE PLUS 8" ARE DUE IN A PENNSYLVANIA COURT NEXT MONTH FOR A HEARING ON JON GOSSELIN'S MOTION FOR FULL CUSTODY OF THE COUPLE'S EIGHT CHILDREN. KATE GOSSELIN'S LAWYER SAYS THE REQUEST IS RIDDLED WITH ERRORS AND SHOULD BE DISMISSED.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE ARE EARLY DIVIDENDS AHEAD OF FORMAL MEETINGS TODAY AT A NUCLEAR SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON. CHINA HAS AGREED TO WORK WITH THE U.S. ON POSSIBLE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN AND UKRAINE HAS DECIDED TO RID ITSELF OF NUCLEAR BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS. THE SUMMIT ENDS TODAY WITH A JOINT DECLARATION TO GUIDE FUTURE WORK TOWARD LOCKING AWAY AND CLEANSING THE GLOBE OF MATERIALS STILL TOO EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO TERRORISTS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENIOR UNION OFFICIAL HAS TOLD EMPLOYEES IN AN E-MAIL THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE 2.2 MILLION-MEMBER SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION PLANS TO RESIGN. ANDY STERN IS ONE OF NATION'S MOST POLITICALLY POWERFUL - AND POLARIZING - UNION LEADERS. THE E-MAIL WAS OBTAINED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.

MORGANTON, GA. (AP) - NAVY INVESTIGATORS ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN NORTH GEORGIA TODAY TO INVESTIGATE THE CRASH OF A NAVY PLANE IN DENSE WOODS, THAT KILLED AT LEAST THREE CREW MEMBERS. OFFICIALS SAY THE FLORIDA-BASED PLANE JUST MISSED A HOUSE WHEN IT CRASHED YESTERDAY AND AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR A FOURTH PERSON BELIEVED TO BE ABOARD.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - A TANK FULL OF AMMONIA FOR COOLING THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION IS NOW INSTALLED AND ACTIVATED. A PAIR OF SPACEWALKING SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS FINISHED THAT JOB AND MOVED ON TO PUTTING THE OLD TANK INTO THE SHUTTLE CARGO BAY. IT'S THE THIRD AND FINAL SPACEWALK OF THE MISSION.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THERE'S BEEN A GUILTY PLEA FROM A CALIFORNIA MAN WHO POSED AS A MILITARY OFFICER AND SOUGHT DONATIONS THAT HE CLAIMED WOULD HELP WOUNDED VETERANS. SIXTY-YEAR-OLD JAMES BARBEE ADMITTED TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES AND MISDEMEANOR WEARING A MILITARY UNIFORM UNLAWFULLY. CALIFORNIA PROSECUTORS SAY BARBEE SPENT THE MONEY ON HIMSELF.