Today's News-Wednesday, June 30, 2010-UPDATED

BREAKING NEWS

Police are looking for a white male involved in an armed robbery at the Red and White Market on Route 61 in North Manheim Township early today. State police report that the man held up the store between 5:15 and 5:30am. The white male is described as being about 6 feet 2 inches tall, 20 to 30 years old, medium build, wearing a dark shirt, light pants and black ski mask. The suspect apparently left on foot after he demanded money from the store cash register. Schuylkill Haven state police are handling the investigation.

FRACKVILLE MAN CHARGED IN BURGLARY
A tip from an informant leads to the arrest of a Frackville man on burglary charges. Frackville police report that 30 year old Jason Hozella is alleged to have taken items from Kehler Computers between June 15th and Monday. The lead that broke the case came from an informant who told Schuylkill Haven police about the burglary. A search of Hozella's Lehigh Avenue home uncovered stolen computers and an ATV. Hozella is charged with burglary, theft by unlawful taking, possession of drug paraphernalia and corruption of minors. Police say that Hozella revealed two others who were involved in the burglaries. Hozella is jailed in the county prison.

AUBURN MAN INJURED IN CRASH
An Auburn man was injured in a motorcycle crash in Berks County last night. Hamburg state police say 27 year old Michael Kieffer was southbound on Route 61 in Perry Township around 6:30pm when he lost control negotiating a curve and ran into an embankment. Kieffer flew off the motorcycle. He was taken to Reading Hospital for treatment of his injuries. State police say Kieffer will be cited for driving without a cycle license and other motor vehicle violations.

STUFF THE BUS
An area charity is kicking off a month-long project to help kids in our area return to school well prepared. Bobby Bechtel has more.

STUFF THE BUS

BUDGET
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The final pieces of a Pennsylvania state budget deal appear to be in place. Governor Ed Rendell:

RENDELL BUDGET

He calls it a conservative and responsible budget that nevertheless is full of cuts to account for a huge recession-driven deficit and the rising cost of prisons, health care and pensions. Most details remained under wraps before rank-and-file lawmakers are briefed on it. The new fiscal year begins tomorrow. It would not require new or higher taxes, but relies on nearly $3 billion in expected federal budget aid. It also would boost spending on public school instruction by more than 4 percent. State agencies, such as agriculture, environmental protection, state parks and libraries are facing cuts in the tentative spending plan.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The hot weather in Philadelphia this month is being cited as a factor in four deaths in the city. City health officials tell The Philadelphia Inquirer that two victims were
discovered on Sunday and two others were found earlier in the month.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A US Airways pilot has surrendered to police on charges he took inappropriate cell phone photos of a teenager at Philadelphia International Airport. The airline has suspended Joseph Pereira. A district spokeswoman says Pereira has also resigned as a girls softball coach at North Allegheny High School, near Pittsburgh.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Philadelphia 76ers star Manute Bol was remembered at a funeral service yesterday in the nation's capital. The 7-foot-7 Bol was brought to Washington National Cathedral in a specially built 8-foot casket. Bol died earlier this month from a painful skin condition and severe kidney problems. He will be buried in his native Sudan near his grandfather's grave.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) - Hurricane Alex's wind is blowing at 80 mph on a collision course with Mexico and the southern Texas coastline. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm is expected to deal only a glancing blow to Texas and make landfall this evening south of Matamoros, Mexico.

MEXICO CITY (AP) - There's no word yet about the extent of injuries or damage after a strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. It was felt at least as far away as Mexico City. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake was centered in a sparsely populated, mountainous area near the southern Pacific coast.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The details are being worked out, but the State Department says 12 countries and international organizations will offer the U.S. assistance with the Gulf oil spill. Japan is providing skimmers. Canada is providing containment boom. In the Gulf, skimming efforts have been halted because of high waves kicked by Hurricane Alex.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - It's up to an immigration judge to decide whether the 32-year-old son of one of the founders of the militant group Hamas is a terrorist or a hero. The Department of Homeland of Security ruled more than a year ago that Mosab Hassan Yousef should be denied asylum as a security risk. His supporters say the former Israeli spy is a hero and will be killed if he's deported. The hearing is today in San Diego.

NEW YORK (AP) - Canada Geese still have unlimited takeoff privileges near John F. Kennedy International Airport a year and a half after they forced an airliner to splash down in the Hudson
River. A National Park Service official says for now, his agency won't touch the hundreds of birds living in a refuge near the runways. Officials of other federal and local agencies want the goose population limited.

Today's News-Tuesday, June 29, 2010

BOIL ADVISORY
Some customers of the Shenandoah Municipal Authority are under a water boil advisory until further notice. Due to a water leak, people who live in the 500 block of Centre Street, and on South Catherine Street, from Centre to Oak Street, should boil their water until further notice. If you have questions please call the authority at 462-1904.








Photos Courtesy of TamaquaArea.com


MAN INJURED IN TRENCH COLLAPSE
A Tamaqua man escaped serious injury after a trench cave-in Monday morning. Daniel Riegel, owner of Riegel Plumbing and Heating, was installing a pipe in a trench at 512 Lombard Street when it caved in, burying the man up to his chest. Quick work by men in the vicinity got Riegel out, and he was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem for treatment of his injuries. Riegel was released from the hosptial last night.

FORMER BAND DIRECTOR SENTENCED
A Tower City man has been sentenced on sexual abuse charges. Forty-four year old Leroy Johns Jr., the former band director and music teacher at Williams Valley High School was sentenced Monday by President Judge William Baldwin on 10 counts of possessing child pornography. Johns was found to have kiddie porn on a home computer last summer, and pleaded guilty to those charges in February, according to the Republican Herald. Johns will have to serve 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison, submit a DNA sample and pay court costs, plus have Megan's Law sanctions on him for a period of 10 years.

ASHLAND MAN WAS DUI WHEN MOTORCYCLE WRECKED
Police have determined that an Ashland man, who died in a motorcycle crash June 1st, was driving under the influence. Officers were in pursuit of 46 year old Bernard Kawa, beginning in Ashland as he was observed speeding on Route 901, but then backed off. Kawa crashed his motorcycle near the Strong Connector, skidding a long distance on the roadway then struck the back of a Jeep. Kawa's blood alcohol level was .228, according to Mt Carmel Township police.

THREE HAVE MINOR INJURIES
Three people suffered minor injuries in a two vehicle crash on Route 61 Monday afternoon. State police say 37 year old Matthew Allison of Pottsville was stopped for a red light in the jughandle at Route 61 and Cory Kleckner of Hazleton was southbound on Route 61. Kleckner's vehicle hit Allison's car in the intersection. Kleckner, Allison and a passenger in Kleckner's car, Heather Singer, were all treated for minor injuries. The crash happened around 3:30pm.

COST STUDY COMMISSION ISSUES FINAL REPORT
The Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission has presented its final report to Senate leaders. Hanson Quickel has more from Harrisburg with Commission Chairman, Senator David Argall of Schuylkill County:

ARGALL COST STUDY FINAL

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State lawmakers and Governor Ed Rendell are pushing to finish up a budget deal before the end of the state's fiscal year this week. A major point of the talks is the potential loss of $850 million in federal stimulus aid for Pennsylvania that has stalled in Congress.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter says he's confident his city's existing series of gun-control laws aimed at attempting to curb the city's persistent gun violence problem are constitutional. The comments came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Constitution restrains government's ability to significantly limit "the right to keep and bear arms."

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A convicted murderer charged in the weekend stabbing deaths of four people was released from a state prison in April despite having failed to complete anger management therapy. Michael Ballard is charged with four counts of homicide in Saturday's rampage in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Northampton.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A former trucker who's already serving at least 75 years in prison for knife attacks on women in New Jersey and Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to similar charges in Pennsylvania. Adam Lane has admitted to charges stemming from the July 2007 murder of a Pennsylvania woman and an attack on another. The plea deal allows him to escape the death penalty.

MIAMI (AP) - Forecasters say Tropical Storm Alex will likely reach hurricane strength Tuesday. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the coasts of south Texas and northeastern Mexico. The storm's eye is moving away from the oil spill area off the Louisiana coast. It appears to be heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Experts say there could be a silver lining to the storm clouds from Alex. Outer winds from the tropical storm could send oil skimmers back to port and make containment booms useless, even from far away. But waves churned up by Tropical Storm
Alex could help break up the patches of oil, and the higher-than-normal winds could help the crude evaporate faster.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The gloves may come off Tuesday at the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Republicans said in opening statements that Kagan is an activist with limited experience. Democrats point to her work before the Supreme Court as solicitor general. Kagan was also dean at Harvard law school.

WASHINGTON (AP) - An independent report concludes that the U.S. has overestimated the ability of Afghan military and police units to fight on their own. The review is the first objective look at the rating system the military has used for the past five years to judge the effectiveness of Afghan troops.

PARACHINAR, Pakistan (AP) - Intelligence officials say at least six suspected militants, including a possible al-Qaida operative are dead in a suspected U.S. missiles strike. Officials say two missiles hit a house today in a Pakistani tribal region along the Afghan border where the army has been battling the Taliban. The house was known to be frequented by militants.

Today's News-Monday, June 28, 2010

MAN IN SERIOUS CONDITION AFTER CRASH
Frackville state police report that two men were hurt in a crash in Union Township Friday, one having to be flown from the scene of the crash. Forty four year old Raymond Witcoski of Shenandoah, and his passenger, 50 year old Walter Kuczynski, of Gilberton, were driving north on Zion Grove Road when the vehicle left the road and struck a utility pole. Kucynski, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. He was flown from the scene to Geisinger Medical Center, where he remains in serious condition this morning. Witcoski was taken to St. Catherine's Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

BURGLARY IN WEST BRUNSWICK
ORWIGSBURG - State Police are investigating a burglary in Schuylkill County that netted thieves a large cache of guns. The break-in happened sometime Friday between three and 6:15 p.m. at the home of Charles and Darlene Stein on Chestnut Road in West Brunswick Township. Police say the bandits forced open a door to the home and removed a floor-model safe containing several rifles, old coins and personal papers. The thieves also took several pieces of jewelry and cans of coins from the home. The suspects are thought to be driving a light blue Chevy or GMC van.

KLEHA REAPPOINTED
Schuylkill County Democrats have reappointed Edward Kleha as chairman of the party. The Executive Committee of the Democratic Party met yesterday in Pottsville. This is the fourth term for the Shenandoah man, who works for State Representative Neal Goodman. On the Republican side, Joe Sterns defeated Robert Ames for the head of the county party several weeks ago.

STATE BUDGET
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania state budget negotiators say they've continued to work over the weekend on getting an agreement on a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Thursday. Work on Sunday included a conference call among legislative leaders, staff-level number crunching and a night meeting with administrative staff. But so far there's no agreement. A Senate Republican spokesman says it's unlikely a deal will be made by the deadline, and Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's office says a Monday end to the bargaining talks is possible but not certain. It's likely that top House and Senate members will meet again on Monday, but no word yet about where or when that might take place.

MOTORCYCLES CRASH
5 die as 3 motorcycles hit van in Lancaster Co.
LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Police say five people were killed and two were injured in a crash in Lancaster County involving three motorcycles and a van. Penn Township police say the crash occurred around 5 p.m. on Route 72 between Auction Road and Graystone Road. Police Cpl. Rodney King tells the Intelligencer Journal-Lancaster New Era that the motorcycles, each carrying a driver and a passenger, crashed into the van. Police are still trying to figure out exactly how it happened. King says three men and two women on the motorcycles died. He says a third woman on a motorcycle is hospitalized in critical condition, while the driver of the van is hospitalized in fair condition. The names of the victims haven't been released. Police are still investigating.

TRIATHLETE MISSING
Body of triathlete recovered from Philly river
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Police say they have recovered the body of a man who disappeared while taking part in the swimming portion of a triathlon in a Philadelphia river. Philadelphia police Lt. Joseph Walsh says the department's marine unit found the 40-year-old man from Prospect Park in Delaware County in the Schuylkill River on Sunday. Police say the man was taking part in a sprint triathlon. They say he entered the river shortly before 8:30 a.m. Saturday and never came out of the water. Lifeguards in kayaks said they had not seen anyone in any apparent trouble in the water. About 1,500 people were taking part in the event, which consisted of a .9K swim, 24K bicycle race and 5K run.

STABBING DEATHS
Confidantes: Victim in Pa. stabbings dated suspect
NORTHAMPTON, Pa. (AP) - Confidantes of a woman found stabbed to death along with three other people in her house in eastern Pennsylvania say the victim dated the man suspected in the rampage. Nicole Young identified her close friend, Denise Merhi, as one of the victims of Saturday's deadly attack in Northampton borough. Young and Merhi's cousin, Desiray Dolly, told The Associated Press on Sunday that Merhi dated the suspect briefly about two years ago. Authorities have not released the suspect's name but planned a news conference later Sunday. Another victim has been identified as 53-year-old Steven Zernhelt, Merhi's next-door neighbor. David Zernhelt says his brother rushed over to help when he heard screaming from Zerhi's house and was stabbed to death as he got through the front door.

COATESVILLE TEEN SHOT
Teen dies in suburban Philadelphia shooting
COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a suburban Philadelphia teenager has been shot and killed. Police say the 16-year-old was shot late Saturday on a sidewalk in front of a row of businesses and homes. They say he was later pronounced dead at Brandywine Hospital. Assistant District Attorney Patrick Carmody said it did not appear to have been a drive-by shooting.

POCONOS WATER PARKS
5 indoor water parks may someday call Poconos home
STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Poconos, which in days gone by billed itself as "Honeymoon Capital of the World," may be able to rebrand itself as the leading East Coast site for indoor water parks if several proposed projects come to fruition. Under the proposals, five water parks would call the region home, four of them in Tannersville alone, making up 13 acres of indoor water park space and a total of 2,500 hotel rooms between planned and existing resorts. Two of the three prospective groups have already submitted plans to Pocono Township proposing an indoor water park and hotel, and another has informed the township of its intention to build one. They would join Great Wolf Lodge, which opened in Tannersville in 2005 with a water park, and Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, which built an indoor water park in 2008. The $140 million project at Camelback Mountain Resort is awaiting final permitting and would include a hotel and a 100,000-square-foot indoor water park. The Outback Lodge and Waterpark at the old Summit Resort is still seeking permits and more financing. The Spa Castle Pocono at the old Birchwood Resort has yet to submit formal plans.

LOVE TRIANGLE SLAYING
Love triangle alleged in death of suburban Philly man found
buried; wife in custody
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in suburban Philadelphia say a woman has been arrested and another man is being sought in the apparent bludgeoning death of her husband, who was reported missing on Father's Day. Police say the body of 33-year-old Kevin Mengel Jr. was found Saturday in woods behind Marple Newtown High School in Delaware County. His wife, 34-year-old Morgan Mengel, was arraigned on homicide and other charges. An arrest warrant has been issued for 21-year-old Stephen Shappell of Broomall, an employee of the
victim's Chester County landscaping business. West Goshen Police Chief Michael Carroll says Kevin Mengel was killed at his business June 17. His mother reported him missing after receiving suspicious text messages purported to be from him. Hours after Morgan Mengel's arrest, police unearthed his body with the aid of cadaver dogs.

CRUSHED BY TRUCK
Ohio man crushed inspecting pickup after vehicle fire on I-79 in
western Pa.
WHITELY, Pa. (AP) - State police in western Pennsylvania say an Ohio man was killed while inspecting his pickup truck which had broken down on an interstate. State police say 69-year-old Floyd Strader of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was heading north on I-79 at about 7 p.m. Saturday when his truck began to smoke in Whitely, Greene County. He pulled over and the vehicle caught fire, and Strader put it out. Police said he then crawled under the 1990 Fort F-150 to inspect the damage and the vehicle started drifting backward, pinning him under the left front tire. Police say he was taken to Southwest Regional Medical Center in Waynesburg, where he was pronounced dead.

PHILADELPHIA FIRE
Philly fire crews fight 4-alarm blaze in warehouse
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia firefighters are trying to put out a four-alarm blaze in an unoccupied warehouse, but no injuries have been reported. Fire officials say the blaze was first reported at about 2 p.m. at the intersection of 34 Street and Clearfield Avenue and rose to a fourth alarm 40 minutes later. Peco was asked to shut off power to the area while firefighters fought the blaze. The flames were declared under control shortly before 4 p.m.

DANCING LIBRARIANS
Librarians show off their moves at competition
WASHINGTON (AP) - Who says librarians are boring? The sixth annual Library Book Cart Drill Team Championship was held Sunday afternoon in Washington. It's one of the less serious events at the American Library Association's annual conference, which began Thursday and runs until Tuesday at the Washington Convention Center. Drill teams made up of library workers performed themed dance routines with costumes and decorated book carts. The team from the University of Pittsburgh was judged the winner and took home the trophy, a "golden book cart." Other competitors were from Delaware; Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania; Midlothian, Texas; and Roselle, N.J. The library association says the drill teams are a great way to show communities that libraries are fun. The teams can be found at parades and festivals and travel to schools to promote literacy.

BELIZE CITY (AP) - Tropical Storm Alex could be a hurricane by tomorrow as it gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm appears headed to Mexico's northeastern coast, well clear of the Gulf oil spill. Midweek could see heavy rains lashing the Mexican coast.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen is expected to brief the media today about the latest in the effort to quell the Gulf oil spill. He's due in New Orleans today amid some criticism from local officials who feel he might not be the right man to head the team. He hasn't responded yet.

CHICAGO (AP) - Rod Blagojevich's defense team gets a crack today at the ousted governor's one-time chief of staff John Harris. Harris testified for four days last week as prosecutors tried to show jurors Blagojevich sought favors in return for his decisions as governor.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats have more than enough votes to confirm President Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, whose confirmation hearing begins today. Elena Kagan, is preparing to make the argument of her professional life when she faces the Senate Judiciary Committee. Republicans are set to grill Kagan on hot-button issues from guns to abortion.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is getting set to try to make wireless broadband even broader. The White House says President Barack Obama will sign a presidential memorandum today to nearly double the available amount of wireless communications spectrum over the next decade. The government will auction 500 megahertz of federal and commercial spectrum.

ASSAULT CHARGES RELEASED

Frackville state police have released details of an assault that took place in New Philadelphia on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday night, May 29th, a 17 year old man began knocking on doors on Valley Street, looking for his friend's home which he was unsure of. After knocking at the same address twice, an argument ensued between the teen and 38 year old Kyle Bartashus. The teen, fearing for his and two female companions safety, showed a pocketknife. Bartashus then struck the boy in the face and mouth. Bartashus is charged with simple assault and harrassment, while Corey Cromyak, Edward Braukus and Cherie Breisch, of New Philadelphia, are charged with harassment.

THEFT OF EQUIPMENT

An investigation continues in the case of theft of equipment belonging to a Kempton man. Over the past two weeks, someone removed two front end skid loader attachments, a loader bucket and a post hole digger from a property on McKeans Ridge Road, belonging to Charles Warren of Kempton. State police at Frackville are handling the investigation.

MONIES DOLED OUT

An area charitable foundation presented checks this week to several non profit organizations. First Federal Charitable Trust made the presentations Thursday totaling more than $25 thousand dollars. Organizations benefitted include healthcare and emergency medical professionals, Schuylkill County Council of the Arts, Avenues of Pennsylvania, the Railway Restoration Project and the Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library. Foundation Executive Director Megan Kennedy talks about their mission:

KENNEDY ON FOUNDATION

For more information about the First Federal Charitable Foundation, check out their website 1stfederalcharitable.com.

EVENTS HELD FOR ANCZARSKI FAMILY

Folks are continuing to come together throughout Schuylkill County in honor of the Ringtown cyclist who died after being struck by a car on a cross country trek to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. This Monday you can participate in "Golfing in John's Memory" at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. All donations will go directly to the family of the late John Anczarski and will be matched by Mountain Valley. You can play a round or just go out to meet the North Schuylkill golf team. For questions, please call Derrick Reese at 570-640-1772. There will also be a softball tournament held July 10th and 11th at the Ringtown Softball Complex, entrance is $15 per player, for more information you can contact Rich Schlauch at 570-889-3752 or 570-590-2567. Today a 5K race will be held in Ringtown, pink bows will be for sale at Boyer's Food Markets in Ashland, Frackville, and Shenandoah. The Tri Valley Relay for Life will have a presentation tonight and donation cans have been placed in various businesses in Shenandoah and the Schuylkill Mall.

MOUNT CARBON MAYOR WOULD LIKE POTTSVILLE TO BUY FOREST ROAD

Mount Carbon Mayor Jeff Dunkle would like to see the City of Pottsville buy Forest Road from Forest Hills Incorporated and Ridge Terrace Incorporated for one dollar and maintain it. The road is privately owned and locals have raised ire over the maintenance of the road which needs to be paved. According to the Republican and Herald, City Administrator Tom Palamar is cited as stating the City has nothing to do with the Forest Road issue. Dunkle said that with the road being privately owned, the borough of Mount Carbon and the City of Pottsville have not received any funding to maintain the road. On May 10th City Council agreed to maintain the road if it is deeded to Mount Carbon, however Mount Carbon officials have not voted to accept the deed due to trepidations about liabilities
　
SHORTAGE OF FED MONIES PUSHES STATE TO FIND NEW REVENUE

The Democratic Vice-Chairman of the Appropriations Committee says in light of the fact that funding problems in Washington could leave an 800 million dollar hole in the state budget, the state cannot afford to overlook ways to generate new revenue. Don Rooney has more.

ROONEY

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania regulators are allowing a company that had a blowout at one of its natural gas wells to resume work after a review found no violations. Houston-based EOG Resources has been given permission to resume fracturing the rock to free the gas but is not yet allowed to do the finishing work that allows the gas to be extracted.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A founding faculty member of the School of International Affairs at Penn State University with extensive experience in Chinese business practices is joining the University of Oregon as a vice provost. Denis Fred Simon will join Oregon in September.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says he's "had it with the media," and partisanship in Harrisburg and media treatment are making him eager to wrap up his second term in office. Rendell told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg yesterday that he's "ready to get out" and is looking forward to relinquishing the governorship in January.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A spinach recall prompted by tests in North Carolina has expanded to additional states, including Pennsylvania. Lancaster Foods says the recall affects bagged spinach sold under the names Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant and America's Choice. Listeria monocytogenes was found in some samples this month.

MIAMI (AP) - Forecasters say Tropical Storm Alex is not headed for the Gulf oil spill. The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season formed in the Western Caribbean today. Hurricane center forecaster Jack Bevins says prediction models no longer have it going across the oil spill. But Bevins noted that storm tracks can change so it's not a sure thing.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says the compromise financial overhaul bill will be a boon to consumers and will help deflect the next global financial crisis. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says anti-overhaul forces "fought tooth and nail to preserve the status quo." He also pressed legislators to send him a tax on big banks supporters say would recoup some of the billions taxpayers spent to bail them out.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans say President Barack Obama needs to focus on "creating more jobs, not more debt." In the weekly GOP radio and Internet address, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis, says Republicans have already identified $1.3 trillion in specific spending cuts that could be implemented right now. He also criticizes the compromise financial overhaul bill, saying it ignores Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two mortgage giants that received huge federal bailouts.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Fire officials say they're halfway home containing a 15,000-acre wildfire near Flagstaff, Ariz. Officials say the blaze that threatened homes in Flagstaff has been declared 50 percent contained. U.S. Forest Service officials say full containment of the so-called Schultz fire isn't expected until at least July 2.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A coalition statement says a senior Taliban commander disguised as a woman has been killed by Afghan and international forces. The statement says the man opened fire with a pistol south of the capital Kabul. He was shot and dropped a grenade he was holding, which went off, injuring a woman and a child. NATO is a U.S. military member died today in a roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan.

Today's News-Friday, June 25, 2010

METH LAB SUSPECTS HEADED TO COUNTY COURT
Individuals accused of operating a meth lab in Tremont are headed to county court. Thirty-two year old Jason Frew and 34 year old Tanya Koch of Tremont and 35 year old Charles Kille of Lebanon appeared before District Judge Carol Pankake Thursday, charged with criminal attempt to manufacture a controlled substance and related counts for running a methamphetmine operation in Tremont. It all started with a traffic stop last month that led to a search of Frew's home and subsequent arrests. Following testimony, Judge Pankake ruled that there was sufficient evidence to have the case moved to Schuylkill County Court. Kille and Koch are free on bail, while Frew's bail was revoked and was remanded to county prison.

ATM THEFT
Pottsville police are looking for suspects who may have taken money from a woman's bank account through an ATM. Details of the May 21st incident have just been released. A woman used her ATM card at the Susquehanna Bank branch on South Centre Street in Pottsville, but left her card behind. Reports say that after the woman left, an as yet unidentified man used the card to withdraw $300 from the woman's account, left the card in the machine and fled. Pottsville police are looking for leads in the case. If you have any information, please call them at 622-1234.

POST OFFICE BREAK IN
U.S. Postal Inspectors and police are investigating a reported break in at a post office in the Mahanoy Plane section of Gilberton. Details of the crime are limited at this point, but its believed that entry was gained over the past weekend. The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Postal Service.

WALK, WINE AND WANDER
Early afternoon rain Thursday could have put a damper on outdoor activities, but the sun came out, drawing big crowds to downtown Schuylkill Haven for the second annual Walk, Wine and Wander. Hundreds of people sampled locally produced wines, viewed various works of art by more than two dozen artisans and enjoyed a wide variety of music and food up and down Main Street. The Greater Schuylkill Haven Business Association organized the event, in conjunction with the weekly farmers market.

HOLDEN NAMED TO HALL OF FAME
U.S. Congressman Tim Holden was inducted into the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame yesterday at Indiantown Gap. Holden, of St. Clair, was honored for his contributions to the Department and the Pennsylvania National Guard. Election to the Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the Department. Holden said it was an honor and a privilege to be inducted, and that to be recognized for supporting the men and women of our Armed Forces is truly humbling.

JIM THORPE

A son of late sports legend Jim Thorpe wants his father's body returned home. CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitney has the story.

WHITNEY JIM THORPE REMAINS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Nearly 200,000 customers have been left without power and one regional rail line is shut down after a thunderstorm socked the Philadelphia region. A PECO spokeswoman says it could take two to three days for crews to restore power to customers in Philadelphia, Chester and Delaware counties.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former Homeland Security Secretary and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge says he's dumbfounded by the ouster of General Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Ridge tells The Patriot-News of Harrisburg that he's "astounded" that President Barack Obama decided to dismiss McChrystal over controversial remarks in a Rolling Stone interview.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Negotiations between Governor Ed Rendell and Senate Republican leaders on a new budget appear to be at a standstill with the new fiscal year a week away. Rendell says his proposed $28.2 billion budget brings spending about as low as he believes is manageable. Republicans want Rendell to strip another $400 million from the package.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - A woman accused of assaulting MTV star Bam Margera outside his suburban Philadelphia nightclub has been held for trial. Elizabeth Ray lives near The Note, a club the Margera owns in West Chester. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Margera says he got into a verbal altercation with Ray and was later hit on the head. Ray says she's innocent.

TORONTO (AP) - President Barack Obama joins a host of world leaders today at the economic summit in Toronto. He has been warning that nations should be slow to cut back their stimulus
efforts - but that view hasn't been getting much support among nations whose economies have been struggling, as the U.S. economy has been.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Congressional Democrats are trying to find ways to save their jobs program - this after the Senate failed to pass an extension of jobless payments. Even though Senate Democrats cut billions from the program in an effort to sway enough Republicans to sign no, the measure fell three votes shy of the 60 needed to end a GOP filibuster.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's governor has declared a state of emergency after fierce winds ripped through the state's largest city, Bridgeport, yesterday. Winds reaching 78 mph toppled trees and destroyed buildings. No one has been reported seriously injured.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A recent surge of young children dying in hot automobiles is prompting the government and safety groups to warn parents to never leave their children alone in a vehicle. One researcher says 18 children have died from overheating since the beginning of this year, eight of them reported since June 13.

CHICAGO (AP) - A federal jury resumes deliberations today in the trial of a former Chicago police officer accused of lying about the torture of suspects. Ex-police Lt. Jon Burge is accused by five felons of taking part in beatings, suffocations and games of Russian roulette against those arrested.

Today's News-Thursday, June 24, 2010-9AM

WOMAN DIES IN CRASH
A Pine Grove woman is dead following a crash in Lebanon County Tuesday afternoon. State police at Jonestown reports that 42 year old Kelly Ebling was driving north on Route 443 in Union Township when her vehicle collided with a southbound pickup driven by 39 year old Daryl Bare of Myerstown. Apparently, Bare crossed the center line. Ebling was pronounced dead at the scene by Lebanon County Deputy Coroner Doug Leiby. The crash happened around 3:30pm near Twin Grove Park. The investigation continues.

TEEN ESCAPES INJURY
An Orwigsburg teen escaped injury following a crash in Berks County yesterday morning. Eighteen year old Clint Rarick apparently fell asleep at the wheel of his pickup truck on Route 737 in Greenwich Township and lost control, shearing off a utility pole, causing downed power lines on the roadway. State police say Rarick wasn't wearing his seatbelt. Met-Ed electric crews had to be called in to repair the downed lines. That accident happened around 10:30 Wednesday morning.

WINE, WALK AND WANDER
Take a stroll through downtown Schuylkill Haven today with the second annual Walk, Wine and Wander. More than two dozen artists from Schuylkill and Berks counties will have displays, wine sampling from several Schuylkill County wineries will be offered, along with food and entertainment from 5 till 8pm. In addition, the weekly farmers market will be opened for business. Vicky Norris, an event organizer, talks about last year's success that they hope to build upon for this year's Walk, Wine and Wander:

NORRIS

The Greater Schuylkill Haven Business Association is sponsoring the event.

HERE'S WHATS COOKING
Calling all cooks! Do you have a favorite family recipe? Now is your chance to share it for the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Cookbook being compiled. Why a cookbook? Lori Kane, project co-chair, explains:

KANE COOKBOOK

Whatever your favorite recipe, get them in now. The deadline for submissions is July 31st. The books are expected to be available in September, for just $10. All proceeds from "A Taste of Schuylkill" will be used to fund the various events planned for 2011, Schuylkill County's Bicentennial. Recipe form submissions and other information is available at co.schuylkill.pa.us, under Bicentennial Events.

MINERSVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD MOLESTATION
A Minersville man has been arrested for molesting a young girl. Minersville officers took 38-year old Robert Dunkel Jr. into custody for indecent assault and related counts. The alleged crimes took place, beginning in 2005 when the girl was 10 years old and went on for 5 years. Dunkel reportedly touched the girl inappropriately on numerous occasions during that time at his home in Minersville. Following arraignment on the charges, Dunkel was taken to the county prison, unable to post bail.

ANCZARSKI REMEMBERED

RINGTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Schuylkill County is mourning the death of a 19-year-old bicyclist who was struck by a car in New Mexico while riding across the country to raise breast cancer awareness. Officials say John Anczarski, of Ringtown, died Tuesday of injuries suffered a day earlier in New Laguna, N.M. Anczarski and three friends were riding from Pennsylvania to California as part of a fundraising project they dubbed "The Pink Pedal." Anczarski's fellow riders say he was struck by a sport utility vehicle. Police say the investigation into the crash has been turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. No charges have been filed.

PITTSBURGH (AP) Thunderstorms over western Pennsylvania have left thousands of electric customers without power. Duquesne Light said about 10,000 customers were without power last night. Allegheny Power's website listed more than 13,000 Pennsylvania customers without electricity as of 8 p.m. last night, many of them in Westmoreland County.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) A jury says the city of Philadelphia cannot evict a local Boy Scouts chapter from a city-owned building for refusing to admit gays. The city insisted that nonprofits given free use of Fairmount Park property must abide by city anti-discrimination laws. The chapter's lawyer Jason Gosselin says he hopes the two sides will now work out their differences in negotiations.

YORK, Pa. (AP) About 200 union production workers at Harley-Davidson plant in central Pennsylvania will be losing their jobs in the latest round of layoffs. A spokesman tells The York Dispatch that workers at the Springettsbury Township plant have been notified that this week will be their last.

PITTSBURGH (AP) Two Pennsylvania men who died trying to save a 5-year-old girl and her mother who fell through ice into a pond, are among 23 people being honored with Carnegie medals for heroism. Willard Van Fleet, of Factoryville, and his stepfather, Mark Keene, of Dalton, died in February of 2009 in Lackawanna County. The little girl and her mother survived.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghan officials are expressing relief at the choice of Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the top U.S. and NATO commander. Afghan authorities note Petraeus helped create the current strategy to fight the counterinsurgency in Afghanistan.

DENVER (AP) The man who went on a personal quest to track down and kill Osama bin Laden says for now, he just wants to "get some rest." Gary Faulkner spoke briefly after returning to Denver. He also says he plans to return to resume his hunt in Pakistan, saying "You'll find out at the end of August."

SARGODHA, Pakistan (AP) Police have stepped up security around a Pakistani court ahead of today's expected verdict in the trial of five Americans accused of plotting terrorist attacks. The five young Muslims from the Washington D.C. area were arrested in Pakistan in December. Prosecutors say they expect a guilty verdict, but the men's lawyers insist they are innocent.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) BP says the system it's been using to siphon off oil from the massive Gulf spill is running again - but it will take time for it to get back up to speed. The cap had to be removed and repositioned after a deep-sea robot bumped into it.

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) No more teachers, no more books. No more libraries? As schools continue to deal with tight budgets, administrators around the nation have started to view school libraries as a luxury that can be cut, rather than something essential to learning. One in 10 districts surveyed say they have cut library staff for the school year that just ended.

Today's News-Wednesday, June 23, 2010-6:30 update

RINGTOWN MAN DIES FROM INJURIES
A cyclist from Ringtown, on a cross country trek to raise money for breast cancer, has died from injuries suffered when he was hit by a car Monday in New Mexico. 19 year old John Anczarski was pronounced dead Tuesday afternoon at the University of New Mexico hospital, according to the Republican Herald. Reports say that Anczarski was hit by a motorist in Laguna, New Mexico around 1pm Monday. Anczarski and three Ashland men began their trek across the country May 23rd as part of the Pink Pedal, raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

BURGLARY
Two teens are suspected in a burglary at a Tower City home. State police say between Monday and Tuesday, the home of 85 year old Howard Heberling, East Grand Avenue, was broken into by prying a side door. Once inside, cash and containers of coins were taken, totaling about $29-hundred dollars. The suspects, a 13 and a 16 year old, then fled the scene. No charges have been filed, and police are continuing their investigation into the burglary.

BURGLARY IN WAYNE TOWNSHIP
State police are looking for leads into a burglary at a Wayne Township home on Monday. Police say the home of Thomas Scanlan, 461 Blue Mountain Road, was entered through a basement window. An LCD TV and about $12-hundred dollars in cash was taken. Troopers are looking for any leads in this Wayne Township burglary.

QUICK DIP
A Tamaqua man is facing trespassing charges following an incident in Ryan Township Tuesday night. Police say 22 year old Zachary Wentz entered the property of Stephen Dudash, 1029 Barnesville Drive, and jumped into his swimming pool. Wentz fled the scene when spotted by Dudash. Criminal trespass charges will be filed against Wentz in District Court, according to state police.

KNOWLES COMMENTS ON BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS
One week remains until the end of Pennsylvania's fiscal year. Republican lawmakers are voicing some strong opinions about what direction the state budget plan needs for the coming year. Mike Davies reports:

KNOWLES BUDGET

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A fast-moving storm has left widespread damage in parts of central Pennsylvania but there were no reports of injuries. The National Weather Service in State College says a funnel cloud was reported near Annville yesterday afternoon. Investigators will visit the area today to determine whether it was a tornado or straight-line winds.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A suburban Pittsburgh has been sentenced to life in prison in the death of his 2-year-old daughter. Authorities say William Page left Nyia Page out in the snow in a playground near their home in Braddockin 2007 because he was angry that she kept removing her diaper. He was convicted in March but jurors were split on whether he deserved the death penalty.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) - A Williamsport sewer authority will make $10 million worth of improvements to resolve problems with overflow into the Susquehanna River. Two federal agencies say the Williamsport Sanitary Authority has agreed to make the improvements
under a settlement agreement filed in federal court.

WARREN, Pa. (AP) - Thousands are expected to flock to Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania next month for the annual gathering of Rainbow Family. It's an informal group of self-styled hippies and peace activists that meets each year on public lands. State police say they expect between 10,000 and 12,000 people at the festivities July 1st through the 7th.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama today will hear his top war commander explain the critical, published comments made about the president and his aides. Going into the meeting, Gen. Stanley McChrystal has suggested it would be hard for him to save his job.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is to appear before a Senate panel today. This, a day after a federal judge struck down the Obama administration's moratorium on deepwater drilling. The judge ruled Salazar's rationale for halting drilling doesn't take into account the safety records of companies seeking oil in the Gulf of Mexico.

LONDON (AP) - Another study on the safety of mobile phones. British researchers say there's no significant increase in cancer risk for children whose mothers lived near mobile phone towers
while pregnant. Last month, another major study all but ruled out a link between cell phones and cancers.

NEW YORK (AP) - Lawyers for thousands of Sept. 11 responders are back in a New York City court trying to end a seven-year legal fight over the toxic fallout caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein earlier this month gave his preliminary approval to a deal in lawsuits filed by nearly 10,000 police officers, firefighters and construction workers. More testimony is scheduled today.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates at record lows as it ends a two-day meeting today. The Fed is also likely to repeat a pledge to keep interest rates
low for a while to sustain the fragile economic rebound.

Today's News-Tuesday, June 22, 2010-6am

WATER BOIL STILL IN EFFECT
A water boil advisory is still in effect for much of Lost Creek according to the Shenandoah Municipal Authority. A weekend main break has been repaired, but officials want to make sure water is safe before consumption. Areas affected include High Road, New Road, Store Patch, Small Road, Rappahannock Road, Duck Street, Connerton, Power Mill Road and Wildcat. The water boil advisory remains in effect through Thursday.

BICYCLIST INJURED IN CHARITY RIDE
A Ringtown man, riding with a group of friends to raise money for breast cancer, is in a New Mexico hospital today after he was struck by a car. The Republican Herald reports that 19 year old John Anczarski was struck by a car in Laguna, New Mexico Monday afternoon. Anczarski had to be flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Reports say the unidentified driver apparently wasn't paying attention to the cyclists when the accident happened. Anczarski, 19 year old Ty Bereskie, Nicholas Gober and Travis Brown have been biking across the country since May 23rd as part of the Pink Pedal team to raise funds for breast cancer.

PPL CONTRACT AGREEMENT REACHED 　
ALLENTOWN - PPL Corporation has reached agreement with Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union on a new four-year labor contract. The agreement has been ratified by the union, which represents about 3,300 company employees at PPL locations in Pennsylvania. It runs through May 11, 2014. The agreement provides for wage increases for union employees in each year of the agreement. The contract also makes certain changes in health benefits to help contain the escalation in PPL's costs while continuing to provide excellent medical insurance for both employees and retirees.

DELAWARE MAN CHARGED IN TRAFFIC STOP
A Delaware man is in jail following a traffic stop on Interstate 81 Sunday night. 26 year old Robert Tinsley Jr. of Middletown, Delaware, was reported to be driving erratically on the Interstate near the Schuylkill Mall. When stopped by police, Tinsley was found to be intoxicated. He was charged with drunk driving and taken to the county prison after arraignment.

TRACTOR TRAILER JACKNIFED
State police are reporting that a tractor trailer caused damage to Route 901 in North Manheim Township yesterday afternoon. The unidentified driver was traveling south when he apparently made a wrong turn, then jacknifed the trailer as he tried to reverse course. The rear tires of the rig dug two large holes in the roadway. The driver was stopped about a mile from the scene. No one was injured.

TREMONT WOMAN HAS MINOR INJURY
A Tremont woman suffered minor injuries in a one vehicle crash in Cressona Monday. 28 year old Melody Williams was traveling south on Route 183 when she missed a left curve and her car struck a utility pole, then spun clockwise. Traffic had to be detoured while the crash was cleaned up. The accident happened before 6pm last night.

DAY OF THE ROPE
Today marks a dark day in Molly Maguires history, for in 1879, 10 men were sent to the gallows. Tonight, a roundtable discussion will be held in Minersville to mark the event. The Day of the Rope commemoration will be held from 6 to 9pm at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse. On this date, 10 men of Irish decent were hanged, 7 in Pottsville and 3 in Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe), by order of Judge Franklin Gowen. Music, food and discussion of the events of that day 131 years ago will be held.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - A small plane chartered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture crashed into a central Pennsylvania neighborhood yesterday, killing all three people aboard. The Cessna 210 was on final approach to Lock Haven's William T. Piper Memorial Airport when it went down.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police say a suspect wanted in the weekend killing of an 18-year-old a few days after she graduated from high school has turned himself in to authorities.
Police tell The Philadelphia Inquirer Shakuwrah Muhammad was hit by a stray bullet when a youth opened fire on a group of teenagers in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia early Saturday.

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in central Pennsylvania have charged a man with criminal homicide in the shooting death of his roommate. Police in Lancaster arrested Luther Benner in the death of Robert Zwally after they were called to the home Sunday afternoon. Lancaster police call the shooting "the combination of alcohol consumption, an argument and a firearm."

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's tax amnesty program is adding about $261 million to state coffers, far exceeding projections of $190 million. Governor Ed Rendell says about 60,000
delinquents took part in the program. Participants get their penalties waived and only have to pay half the interest due.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Taxes have become another frustration for victims of the Gulf oil spill. People who have gotten money from BP say they're surprised and frustrated to learn they may have to pay taxes on it. Many were already angry about how long the oil giant took to cut checks and spent the money fast once it came.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some incumbents will be sweating out primary runoffs today. South Carolina Republican Congressman Bob Inglis fights for his political life in a runoff with prosecutor Trey Gowdy. Inglis is accused of not being conservative enough. The only Democrat in Utah's congressional delegation, Jim Matheson, faces his first primary challenge after nearly a decade in office.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has a White House get together today with state insurance commissioners to talk about implementing his health care plan. A key part of the conversation will be about new patient protections -- like barring discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions.

NEW YORK (AP) - A New York City crane rigger is poised to go on trial on manslaughter and other charges in one of the nation's deadliest crane accidents: a collapse that killed seven people.
Opening statements are set for today in William Rapetti's trial. Prosecutors say Rapetti improperly secured a six-ton piece of steel on a crane in midtown Manhattan. Rapetti's lawyer questions those findings.

TOKYO (AP) - Authorities say a contract worker for Mazda in Japan is under arrest after allegedly driving over people at a Mazda factory, killing one and injuring 10. Japanese media reports say the suspect was a contract worker who had been let go in April and bore a grudge against the automaker. A Mazda spokesman denies there were any problems.

Today's News-Monday, June 21, 2010

TWO CAR CRASH IN PORTER TOWNSHIP
A pregnant woman was taken to the hospital following a crash in Porter Township Saturday night. Schuylkill Haven state police say that 28 year old Eugene Sattler of Williamstown sideswiped a car operated by 45 year old Scott Ferris, also from Williamstown, on Porter Road before 10pm Police say Sattler tried to leave the scene, but his car broke down. Ferris's passenger Jodi, who was reported to be in the late stages of pregnancy, was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center South. Sattler was believed to be impaired while driving.

POLICE PICK UP TAMAQUA MAN
A Tamaqua man was picked up by police early Saturday for disorderly conduct and an outstanding warrant. 33 year old James Owens was reportedly yelling and using profanity outside a home on Piersol Street in the village of Reevesdale. During processing following the incident, police found that Owens was wanted by police for failing to appear in court. Owens was jailed for the bench warrant.

AGRICULTURE ANNIVERSARY
Schuylkill County Agriculture was celebrated over the weekend. Bobby Bechtel has more from the Ringtown Valley:

BECHTEL AGRICULTURE

PA DEM POWER SHIFT
CAMP HILL, Pa. (AP) - Control of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party changed hands for the first time in eight years this weekend. The Democratic State Committee elected a new chairman, Pittsburgh lawyer Jim Burn, as the sun sets on the Rendell era and the Republican Party vigorously campaigns to reclaim the governorship and an open U.S. Senate seat. Saturday's leadership shake-up did not come without a fair amount of behind-the-scenes drama, dealmaking and uncertainty over who was in charge. The top-of-the-ticket Democratic candidates - Dan Onorato for governor and Joe Sestak for Senate - said they studiously avoided taking sides prior to the vote. Onorato, the elected executive of Allegheny County governor, appeared at a state committee dinner on Friday night and urged unity. Sestak, a second-term congressman who ousted Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter in the primary, said he personally would have liked to elect a woman as the party's leader. But he said he did not want to interfere in the selection process.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Coast Guard is looking for a woman who fell into the Delaware River near Philadelphia. It received a report from a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department saying the woman was missing last night after falling off an inflatable raft anchored near No Name Island, a tiny patch of sand close to the shoreline. It says the woman wasn't wearing a life jacket.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in Wilkes-Barre have charged a grandfather in the stabbing death of his wife after an argument over Father's Day plans. Police were called to the
family's Saturday night and found that Maria Jeringa Ngolo had been stabbed. Investigators say Harun Ngolo is charged with criminal homicide.

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - The mayor of Chester says fear in the community has prompted him to declare a state of emergency to battle violence that has killed four people in eight days, including a toddler shot on his family's doorstep. Mayor Wendell Butler has temporarily instituted a curfew and outlawed any gathering of more than two people without a city permit.

NEW YORK (AP) - A Pakistan-born U.S. citizen suspected in the May 1 bombing attempt on Times Square is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in New York later today. Faisal Shahzad was indicted for allegedly using money and training from the Pakistani Taliban in the plot. The most serious count against the 30-year-old carries a possible life sentence.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A report by the RAND Corp. says the U.S. isn't getting its money's worth for all the billions of dollars its given Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. The report says although Pakistan has helped the U.S. in the hunt for terrorists, it also has a long history of either backing extremists or looking the other way.

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO (AP) - BP says so far it's paid out $105 million dollars to some 32,000 claimants in the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil giant says its tab for responding to the spill stands at $2 billion.

LANCASTER, Texas (AP) - Authorities in suburban Dallas say a police officer was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance Sunday. Two other men were also killed. Police say the
officer arrived at an apartment complex in Lancaster and gunfire erupted. One of the other men killed was the son of the Dallas police chief.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Firefighters are battling the second serious wildfire near Flagstaff, Ariz. in days. Hundreds of residents had to evacuate when flames, fueled by strong winds, got
too close to their homes. No buildings have burned.

Today's News-Saturday, June 19, 2010

AFTERNOON BURGLARY
Two Hispanic males are being sought in connection with a burglary at a Mahanoy Plane home Friday. One of the men knocked on the door of Jule Dougherty on Water Street after noon, saying he worked for the county and needed to trim trees in the backyard of Dougherty's neighbor. While Dougherty and the man were talking in the backyard, the other Hispanic male removed property from the second floor of Doughtery's home. The vehicle they were driving in was a silver or grey SUV . Anyone with information about these men should call state police at Frackville with details. All residents are asked to be vigilant in watching for scammers this summer.

DUI RELATED CRASH
A Hazleton man escaped injury but faces DUI charges following a crash in North Manheim Township early Friday. James Petrilla was driving north on Martha Lane, and as he negotiated a right hand curve, struck a fence post and got stuck on an embankment while attempting to make a U-turn on the road leaving the area. Schuylkill Haven state police expect to file drunk driving charges against Petrilla.

ORWIGSBURG MAN FACES DUI CHARGES
State police at Schuylkill Haven expect to file DUI related charges against an Orwigsburg man following a crash Friday morning in West Brunswick Township. Travis Sterner, 21, was driving east on Lincoln Avenue, attempting to turn right onto Second Mountain Road. Sterner's Honda Civic left the roadway then striking a utility pole. The car continued on for another 60 feet. Sterner is suspected of driving under the influence and was taken to the hospital for a blood alcohol test.


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former state lawmaker Mike Veon and a former aide both plan to appeal after being sentenced for their roles in the so-called "Bonusgate" scandal that saw
taxpayer-funded resources going into campaign efforts. A judge yesterday sentenced Veon to spend at least six years in prison in the case.


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Authorities in northeast Philadelphia say one child was seriously injured yesterday afternoon when a car apparently rear-ended a school bus. They tell WPVI-TV several other children also suffered less serious injuries in the crash.


HAMBURG, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities say four people from Grove City, north of Pittsburgh, were injured when their car got wedged beneath a tractor-trailer rig in a crash on the New York State
Thruway yesterday near Buffalo. At least three of the injured were from one family, with one man taken from the scene by helicopter.


CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Greensburg-based Allegheny Energy and an Ohio power utility say an energy demand study shows a proposed power line from West Virginia to Maryland will need to be in place by June of 2015. The line's development has been on hold as the utilities reassess future demand across the Mid-Atlantic.



WASHINGTN (AP) - Republicans say President Barack Obama didn't react fast enough to the Gulf Oil Spill and some of his decisions will do more harm than good. In the weekly GOP radio and Internet address Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi criticized Obama for pushing an energy bill and increases in oil cleanup fees and for calling for a moratorium on deep-water drilling.


WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says extended jobless benefits, thousands of jobs and a tax credit for first time homebuyers are threatened by Senate Republicans. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama accused Republicans of blocking legislation that would help the economy and lift a $75 million cap on oil spill reparations.


KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A NATO spokesman says despite a U.N. report that concludes security has not improved the international force is making steady strides in Afghanistan. The U.N. report released today paints a grim picture, saying roadside bombings and assassinations have soared.

MIR ALI, Pakistan (AP) - Officials say the area in Pakistan where a suspected U.S. missile strike killed 13 people is one where several militant outfits plot attacks on Western troops in
Afghanistan. meanwhile, a roadside bomb aimed at police in the volatile northwest killed a civilian and wounded eight people. The attacks came as U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke met with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - For the first time, BP's oil containment system in the Gulf of Mexico is approaching peak capacity. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says it's capturing or burning more than 1 million gallons of oil per day. BP hopes that by the end of the month it will capture 90 percent of the oil spewing from its well. Officials say it won't all stop until a relief well is done.

Today's News-Friday, June 18, 2010

DOMESTIC DISPUTE, STABBING IN PORT CARBON
A Port Carbon man is stabbed last night, and his wife is jailed for her role in the incident last night. Port Carbon police report the incident took place at the Keppley residence, 415 Market Street, Trailer 9 after 9pm. Officers discovered that 47 year old Kenneth Keppley was bleeding from stab wounds to his chest. His 24 year old wife Anna Keppley was covered in blood and trying to get back into the trailer when police arrived. Kenneth Keppley was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center South for treatment. Anna Keppley was charged with aggravated and simple assault, and taken to the county prison in lieu of bail. Port Carbon police were assisted by St Clair and New Philadelphia officers, and Schuylkill County Children and Youth workers.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR MAY HAVE LED TO CRASH
An apparent low blood sugar level led to a driver becoming disoriented and a subsequent crash Thursday afternoon. Reports say 35 year old Lynette Beretsky was southbound on Route 61, when she became ill and her car left the road, then crossed all four lanes and struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to spin. State police say Beretsky was wearing her seatbelt, and escaped injury. The accident happened around 3:30pm Thursday.

COBRA, OTHER BENEFITS IN LIMBO
A bill to extend federal funding for some key programs failed to pass a procedural vote in the Senate Wednesday, leaving many unemployed and low-income Pennsylvanians in limbo. Tom Joseph reports.

JOSEPH CONGRESS

TAX AMNESTY TO END TODAY
Amnesty for taxpayers who owe money in Pennsylvania is coming to an end. More from the state capitol:

CADAU TAX AMNESTY

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - More jobs are coming to the Keystone State, but Pennsylvania's unemployment rate remains at its highest rate in more than a quarter-century. The state Labor and Industry Department says many of the 19,500 jobs added in May were by the government, including temporary hiring by the U.S. Census Bureau.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Corbett's campaign has three times as much money in the bank as his Democratic foe, Dan Onorato. According to campaign finance reports filed yesterday, Onorato had $1.1 million on hand as of June 7th, while Corbett had $3.4 million.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Rendell administration is celebrating a key approval of its strategy for protecting Pennsylvania's rivers and household water from a rapid expansion of natural gas drilling. A state regulatory board has voted in favor of proposed new standards to deal with polluted drilling wastewater.

WYALUSING, Pa. (AP) - Police investigating the discovery of human remains in a northeastern Pennsylvania home say they have dug up the graves of the homeowner's husband and sister and found their coffins empty. The remains found at the Bradford County home of Jean Stevens Tuesday have been identified as the bodies of James Stevens and June Stevens, the homeowner's husband and sister.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A scientist is trying to call attention to what may be an overlooked part of the Gulf of Mexico oil well blowout -- vast amounts of methane gas spewing out with the crude. John Kessler of Texas A&M says it's the "most vigorous methane eruption in human history." It has the potential to suffocate marine life and create "dead zones" where oxygen is depleted.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is hoping to use the groundbreaking on an Ohio road project today to remind the nation that the massive, costly stimulus act is still churning out jobs. Millions of unemployed people have yet to feel the relief. The White House says the groundbreaking marks the start of the 10,000th road project launched under the recovery act.

DRAPER, Utah (AP) - Utah prison officials say a firing squad has executed convicted killer Ronnie Lee Gardner. The 49-year-old Gardner was shot by a team of five anonymous marksmen with a matched set of .30-caliber rifles early Friday. He was convicted of a 1980s murder.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A pair of food recalls this morning. ConAgra Foods is recalling all Marie Callender's brand cheesy chicken and rice frozen meals after they have been possibly linked to a
salmonella outbreak in 14 states. And Campbell Soup Co. is recalling 15 million pounds of SpaghettiOs with meatballs due to possible underprocessing.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th NBA championship in dramatic fashion. The Lakers survived poor shooting to rally from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA finals.

Today's News-Thursday, June 17, 2010

SHENANDOAH SHOOTING
POTTSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A man accused of shooting another to death in his Shenandoah home with the victim's children in the next room has been ordered to stand trial in county court. District Judge Anthony Kilker on Wednesday forwarded homicide and related charges against 30-year-old Julius Enoe of Reading to Schuylkill County Court. Police allege that Enoe and two other men forced their way into the Shenandoah home of 24-year-old Bruce Forker on March 16 and demanded money. Enoe's 29-year-old co-defendant, Damon Ennett, of Freeland,
waived his right to a preliminary hearing and testified that the defendant entered the residence with a gun and came out saying he had "hit" Forker. Charges against the two include criminal homicide, robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated assault and simple assault. Authorities say a third defendant, Jahmal Ollivirre is still awaiting extradition from New York.

BOIL ADVISORY
A water boil advisory is in effect for certain customers of the Pine Grove Water Authority. Service was shut off for repairs yesterday. Affected areas are South Tulpehocken Street from East Mill to the south end of Pine Grove. Also affected, the lower part of High Street to Walters Street, and Wood and Church Streets. The boil advisory remains in effect until further notice.

SIMPLE ASSAULT
Three adults were involved in a fight in Walker Township early Wednesday. State police say that two men and a woman got into the altercation in the village of New England. None of the participants have been identified as yet, but preliminary reports indicate that one man allegedly pointed a a hand gun at the other and that one was hit with a steel tool in the face. The woman also reportedly was assaulted. Troopers aren't sure if charges will be filed until the completion of the investigation.

BREAK IN IN PORTER TOWNSHIP
Schuylkill Haven state police are probing a burglary at a Porter Township home. The incident took place Tuesday afternoon at the home of Rachal Shucker on North Keystone Street. Someone broke into the property, knocking over two large shelving units and fled the scene with nothing apparently taken. The investigation continues.

MAN ALLEGEDLY SELLING REPTILES
State Fish and Boat Commission officials and police seached an Auburn man's home, after he allegedly was selling native reptiles illegally. Reports say that the man, who has not been identified, had items in his home on Market Street that indicated he was raising the protected native reptiles there. Police also found pot in the home. Charges are pending, and the investigation continues.

COMMISSIONERS
The Schuylkill County Commissioners and Prison Board met Wednesday. Sherry Marchefsky reports:

COMMISSIONERS 6.17.10

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Governor Ed Rendell says layoffs of teachers and state and local government employees will take place if the state doesn't get $850 million in budget help from the federal government. Rendell says the layoffs will begin next month if Congress doesn't approve additional subsidies helping states weather the recession and a severe downturn in tax collections.

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) - A central Pennsylvania man is suing the state police over guidelines that forbid the use of hearing aids in the certification process for becoming a municipal police officer. Bill Furman wants the rule be changed so he has the chance to become eligible for certification. The state police oversees the process.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's top environmental regulator is warning of "serious consequences" for the state's rapidly growing natural gas industry if companies are caught
sacrificing safety for profits. Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger tells a state Senate committee that the industry must improve its performance and stop well blowouts, gas migration and water pollution.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A group of Philadelphia high school students has advanced in the $10 million Progressive Auto X Prize competition for fuel-efficient cars. The West Philly Hybrid X Team is one of 111 teams that entered the international contest. Twenty-two remain, and West Philadelphia is the only high school to make the cut.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The chief executive officer of BP expects to tell Congress that he has been "personally devastated" by the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In testimony prepared for a House hearing later today, BP CEO Tony Hayward says he understands the anger Americans feel toward him and his company.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A new Associated Press-Gfk poll finds public support for President Barack Obama's health care law has risen to its highest point to date. But the poll does suggest that the nation remains divided over the new law, with 45 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed.

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) - Calmer weather is forecast for today in northern Arizona, where a wind-whipped wildfire charred an estimated 1,000 acres yesterday. Less than a dozen residents were evacuated as a precaution, but there are some 50 homes in the area northeast of Williams. Officials with the Kaibab National Forest say there are no reports of injuries or lost structures.

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel says it will ease much of its land blockade on the Gaza Strip. The prime minister's office says Israeli leaders have decided to expand the number of products
allowed into Hamas-ruled Gaza, including desperately needed construction materials. Israel has been scrambling to find ways to ease the embargo following an international outcry over its deadly raid on a blockade-busting flotilla.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - Nearly three dozen Pakistani paramilitary troops are missing after hundreds of Islamist militants attacked a checkpoint along the Afghan border. Security officials blame the Afghan Taliban for the attack.

Today's News-Wednesday, June 16, 2010

WOMAN DIED OF SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS
A 44-year-old Deer Lake woman whose home was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon died as a result of injuries caused by the blaze. The Schuylkill County coroner says Susan Drummer died of inhaling too much smoke and severe burns. Forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Bindie determined the cause of death during an autopsy, with Coroner Joseph Lipsett. State Police fire marshals and Fire officials are still trying to determine a cause of the blaze.

TRIAL SET FOR FOUR IN HOMICIDE CASE
The trial of four men accused of killing a Hazleton man is set to begin in September, according to District Attorney Jim Goodman. Anthony Locascio was beaten to death last September near Brandonville. Shane Roof, Andrew Tutko the Second, Jeffrey Gombert and Curtis Foose are accused of murdering Locasio. A hearing is also scheduled this week to determine if Foose may have the charges against him changed or dropped. The charges against the men include criminal homicide, conspiracy, robbery and assault.

HOT WIRE ARTISTS CAUGHT
Quick work by police nabs three men who tried to steal a car from a Girardville garage. 20 year olds Rick Erbe of McAdoo and Julio Mora of Hazleton, along with a 17 year old male from Hazleton, entered Krick's garage on East Mahanoy Street and attempted to hotwire a car there. The trio fled the scene after the owner attempted to stop them. Shenandoah police made the stop and the men arraigned and committed to jail.

WATCH OUT FOR TRANSIENT CRIMINALS
State police have issued a public warning about transient criminals. These types of scams frequently take place during the summer, and often directed at older Pennsylvanians. Some of the more common schemes to be on the lookout for include home repair scams, where someone goes door to door offering to do repairs at very cheap prices, and take cash without either doing the work or using poor materials. Diversion thefts/ imposter frauds are also prevalent according to state police, where criminals pose as utility workers, inspectors etc. and distract homeowners while a break in occurs. Some simple hints to protect you...keep your doors locked when you are outside the property, check for identification from everyone who comes to your door and when in doubt, call police if the situation you are in doesn't seem right.

DUMP THE PUMP
Schuylkill Transportation System is participating with other public transit systems nationwide for Dump the Pump day tomorrow, Thursday. The National Dump the Pump Day, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, is a day to encourage people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. All riders of the STS fixed route system will ride free on Thursday. STS Vice President for Public Transportation Mike Micko says people who use public transportation are helping to meet economic challenges for themselves, as well as for the county, state and nation.

HOUSE PASSES CHEMO TREATMENT BILL
　
The state House approved legislation this week that would require health insurance providers to cover chemotherapy treatment options the same. Roseann Cadau has more:

CADAU CHEMO

McKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) - Police in Allegheny County say masked robbers who have been preying on residents of a housing complex near Pittsburgh in recent weeks may have been responsible for a triple-fatal shooting yesterday. The medical examiner's office says the victims were 30-year-old Jahard Poindexter and 17-year Tre Madden, both of McKeesport, and 23-year-old Angela Sanders of Wilkinsburg.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Members of the state House of Representatives aren't getting the chance yet to vote on new taxes on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction and another dime a pack on cigarettes. A $317 million tax package has been sent back to the Appropriations Committee following a contentious debate yesterday that exposed internal Democratic divisions.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Animal welfare groups are offering thousands of dollars for help in bringing to justice whoever is responsible for the hanging death of a dog at a North Philadelphia playground. The Pennsylvania SPCA says the female brown pit-bull mix was found hanging at the playground yesterday. Officials say they named the animal Flora after her death.

TYRONE, Pa. (AP) - A federal judge has approved a reorganization plan that will allow a western Pennsylvania hospital to emerge from bankruptcy next month. Tyrone Hospital filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2006 after ending that fiscal year with a $3.9 million loss. The Altoona Mirror reports the hospital is to emerge from bankruptcy by July 24th.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he'll tell BP executives he meets with today to set up a substantial escrow fund to pay for all the damage and cleanup. A BP statement says it looks forward to the meeting and that the company shares his goal of shutting down the gushing Gulf oil well and cleaning things up.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Faced with losing a showdown vote today Senate Democrats are scaling back a catchall tax and spending bill. They're trying to extend unemployment benefits and help doctors facing Medicare payment cuts but anxiety over record budget deficits is fueling the moves. The legislation also includes dozens of popular but expired tax breaks.

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel appears to be headed toward softening the Gaza blockade. Senior officials say top Israeli Cabinet ministers have decided on a plan to limit restrictions on Gaza to a
small list of goods that Israel says militants could use in their battle against the Jewish state. Officials say even those goods, such as steel and cement, could be allowed in coordination with the United Nations.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea warns that tension over the sinking of a South Korean warship could trigger nuclear war unless the U.N. Security Council acts impartially. The threat came hours after the country's U.N. ambassador told reporters at a rare news conference that its military will respond if the world body questions or condemns North Korea over the sinking.

PARIS (AP) - France is raising its retirement age from 60 to 62 in an effort to rein in its deficit. The change takes effect in 2018 and already is sparking angry reactions from the opposition
Socialist party and labor unions. Demonstrations against the measure were under way even before it was unveiled today. More protests are expected in September.

Today's News-Tuesday, June 15, 2010

DRUG BUST IN POTTSVILLE
More than $3-thousand-dollars worth of marijuana was seized recently by Pottsville City police. 48 year old Lafayette Johnson was taken into custody at Third and West Race Streets, with officers finding pot, a cell phone and cash from his drug trade. A search of Johnson's home uncovered a safe containing the drug and packaging materials. The investigation continues as to where Johnson got his supply of drugs from. Johnson was arraigned on the drug counts and sent to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of bail.

WARRANT ISSUED
State police at Hamburg are looking for a Berks County man who allegedly stole his grandmother's ATM card and used it to obtain money. Reports say that 75 year old Mae Himmelberger, Port Clinton, noticed her debit card was missing and called Wachovia Bank. Bank personnel said two withdawals were made, and the suspect in question is her grandson, 27 year old John David Adams. He had been living with her at the time of the theft. A warrant is outstanding for theft and related charges against Adams, whose whereabouts are unknown.

FORMER ADMINISTRATOR ENTERS PLEA
The former adminstrator of Pinebrook Personal Care Center was sentenced in Schuylkill County Court Monday. The Republican Herald reports 57 year old Sharon Haley pleaded guilty on five counts of theft for stealing more than $61-thousand-dollars from various accounts and cashed checks intended for the facility over a year and a half period of time. Five other counts against Haley were dropped. Haley will be required to make restitution for the stolen money, plus serve four years on probation.

DOGS REPORTED STOLEN
Schuylkill Haven state police are investigating the theft of dogs from Hillside SPCA. Sometime over the weekend, a pit bull and a rottweiler mix dog were taken from an outside kennel at the facility along Hillside Road. Anyone with leads should call 593-2000.

O NEGATIVE IN SHORT SUPPLY
Officials at the American Red Cross are reporting seriously low supplies of O Negative blood. The Northeast Region, which includes Schuylkill County, is extending blood drive hours and reaching out to the community to try and build up supplies. O Negative is widely used because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. The shortage of O Negative blood is not uncommon in the summer months when donor numbers are down. If you can make a blood donation, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS, to set an appointment to give the gift of life.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Chocolate maker Hershey says it will spend $250 million to $300 million modernizing some facilities in its home town to cut its annual costs by $80 million a year. Union members have paved the way for the deal this month by approving a contract that will lead to hundreds of layoffs.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A Penn State study which shines a positive light on the economic potential of natural gas drilling is being derided by skeptics because the research was funded by an industry group. The university says the Marcellus Shale Coalition will pay more than $50,000 for the study released last month.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - An Allentown woman says she drove her son and another man to a home where they planned to rob a man who ended up shot to death almost two years ago. The Allentown Morning Call reports Terrie Collopy testified yesterday in a hearing in the death of David Walterick. Collopy, her son Bobby Riddick and Marcus Breeland face murder and other charges.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A nonprofit group says that up to 90 percent of young Philadelphians are ineligible for military service because of criminal records, obesity or lack of education.
Pennsylvania-based says 1 million Pennsylvanians are ineligible for the same reasons.

THEODORE, Ala. (AP) - President Obama will make his first speech to the nation from the Oval Office today. It's set for 8-p.m. Eastern. Obama will be returning earlier in the day from a two-day trip to the Gulf, where he predicted the Gulf Coast will be restored. But he conceded it won't happen overnight.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Documents released by Congress show BP took measures to cut costs in the weeks before a rig blew up, causing the oil giant's blown-out well to spew millions of gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. A BP engineer wrote just six days before the deadly explosion that the Deepwater Horizon rig was a "nightmare well."

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) - Striking pilots at Spirit Airlines resume talks with the company today but say they won't go back to work until there's a deal. The National Mediation Board invited both sides to resume talks. The meeting in Florida could signal a potential thaw in the dispute over wages.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The trial is winding down for a Kansas doctor and his wife accused of 34 counts, including fraud, money-laundering and unlawfully prescribing painkillers. Closing
arguments are planned today in federal court in Wichita. Prosecutors say the couple's former clinic has been linked to 68 overdose deaths. The defense says the couple tried to help people
with chronic pain.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - An American who claims to have been on a mission to kill Osama bin Laden has been detained in northern Pakistan. Police say 52-year-old Gary Faulkner was armed with a pistol, a dagger and a sword and was carrying night vision equipment. Police say the man intended to cross into Afghanistan.

Today's News-Monday, June 14, 2010

FIRE DESTROYS HOME, CLAIMS LIFE
Investigators continue to look for a cause of the fire that claimed the life of a Deer Lake woman Saturday night. 44-year-old Susan Drummer, who was wheelchair bound, was in her parents home on Maple Boulevard when the fire broke out. She was pronounced dead at the scene. State police are handling the fire investigation.

WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH
A Pine Grove woman is in Geisinger Medical Center following a crash in Pine Grove Township early Sunday. Schuylkill Haven state police say 41 year old Crystal Jones was headed east on Sweet Arrow Lake Road around 445am when she veered into the oncoming lane and struck a mailbox and a utility pole. Jones reportedly had serious injury to her legs and hips and was flown from the scene for treatment.

TOMBSTONE TOPPLED IN HAVEN
State police are looking for the vandals who toppled a tombstone over the weekend. Someone knocked over the tombstone in Jerusalem Cemetery, also known as Union Cemetery. The incident happened between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

NACCHIO TRAVELS TO DENVER
An attorney for Joe Nacchio says the former Qwest CEO spent eight days in solitary confinement, had no visitors for six weeks and was denied his medication for days during his round trip from a prison camp in Pennsylvania to Denver for a court hearing. Nacchio was convicted of insider trading in 2007. He had a court hearing in Denver on May 4th, and his return trip to the Federal Correctional Institution in Minersville took 34 days, ending on June 7th. The US Marshals Service, which transports about 350 thousand prisoners a year says Nacchio was a low priority transfer. Nacchio was sentenced to six years in prison and $71 million dollars in fines and forefeitures, but the sentence is being recalculated because an appeals court ruled it was too harsh.

COUNTY WOMAN NETS HONOR FROM STATE POLICE
A Schuylkill County woman has been honored for her work with special needs children by her employer. Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski presented the Civilian Employee of the Year Award to Darlene Stiely, Sacramento, during a ceremony Friday. Stiely, 49, is an administrative employee at the Schuylkill Haven barracks. In addition to her daily work, Stiely is the founder of the Tyler Stiely Memorial Fund, which provides support to Tri Valley area families with special needs children. Stiely was nominated for the award by her station commander, Sgt. Steven Stinsky.

YORK, Pa. (AP) — A charity motorcycle ride in York County turned tragic over the weekend when a woman was killed and several others were hurt in a crash. Springettsbury Township police say Terri Fleagle was a passenger on one of three motorcycles involved in the crash shortly after noon on Route 30 Saturday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania National Guard official says two members from western Pennsylvania have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan. A Guard spokesman says Sergeant First Class Robert Fike of Crawford County and Staff Sergeant Bryan Hoover of West Elizabeth in Allegheny County died Friday in southeastern Afghanistan.

COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia teen is facing murder charges in a crash last year that killed his two teenage passengers. Zachary McGehrin is being held on $1 million bail in the December crash that killed Victoria Garvin and John Sherman Jr. Police tell Daily Local News that McGehrin was speeding and had marijuana in his system when his car crashed into a garbage truck.

BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) — The owners of an inn that opened in 1681 are selling the historic property, leaving some to worry that Bristol and the U.S. may lose one of its oldest continuously operating inns. John and Geri Caparrelli have owned the 16-unit inn since 2004 and are putting it up for sale because of a slowdown in business caused by the economy. The asking price is nearly $1.4 million.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is signaling it wants BP to create a multibillion dollar compensation fund for victims of the oil spill. President Barack Obama is going back to the Gulf Coast today and he plans a national address tomorrow after he gets back to Washington. Obama's going to Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

WASHINGTON (AP) — BP executives will be on the Capitol Hill hot seat this week. Several testify tomorrow and BP CEO Tony Hayward goes before a House panel Thursday for a first-time grilling about the spill. One question will likely be whether other oil companies are better prepared for disaster than BP.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A spokesman for the New York state Senate Democratic leader says there won't be a government shutdown over the lack of a budget. Austin Shafran, spokesman for state Sen. John Sampson, says an emergency spending bill to extend funding to keep government running for another week will be approved today. There have been closed-door discussions over the weekend.

UNDATED (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration is taking a hard look at whether Americans are overexposed to radiation from medical tests. The average American's dose has grown sixfold in the past few decades. Americans get the most medical radiation in the world and the FDA is looking at ways to reduce and keep track of a person's exposure.

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Helicopters have flown Japanese scientists to the remote site where their space probe made it back to earth, hopefully carrying samples of an asteroid. A scientist with Japan's space agency says they're especially pleased since the return was delayed three years by technical problems. The capsule landed in the Australian Outback yesterday.

Today's News-Saturday, June 12, 2010

JUSTINIANO BACK BEHIND BARS

The Pine Grove woman charges with 117 counts of cruelty to animals back in 2009 is back in prison. Virginia Justiniano will serve two to six years in a state correctional facility after being sentenced on parole violations. Justiniano was found to have animals in her possession during a visit from her parole officer in May. As part of her sentencing from the 2009 trial, Justiniano was ordered to stay pet free for 30 years, she failed to meet the terms of her parole by having four cats, a ferret, and a goldfish. She was also ordered to take part in a mental health evaluation while incarcerated by Judge Charles Miller.

CARENET WALK FOR LIFE

A walk to help CareNet of Schuylkill County is scheduled to get underway. The non-profit agency, which offers free and confidential services for pregnant teens, parenting education and other Christian based services, will hold the Walk for Life Saturday at Stoyer's Dam, with registration beginning at 1:30pm. A free concert will be featured at Bubeck Park immediately following, cost of $5.00. All proceeds benefit CareNet's programs.

STATE DEFICIT
　
As the budget process gets underway in Harrisburg, lawmakers will have to deal with a projected deficit of more than 1 billion dollars. One state Senator says the state cannot balance its budget on the backs of people who need help. Don Rooney has more.

ROONEY DEFICIT

GAS THEFT

State police are looking for the bandit who siphoned diesel fuel from a Pine Grove man's rig. Sometime between Wednesday and Thursday, thieves sucked about 100 gallons of fuel from Kevin Zimmerman's truck as it was parked at the end of his driveway along Molleystown Road. The investigation continues.

ITEMS TAKEN FROM PROPERTY IN DELANO TOWNSHIP

A Delano Township man is the victim of theft following an incident earlier this week. Someone entered the property of Scott Kershetsky on Lakeside Avenue and removed a chainsaw, gas generator and other items from a makeshift campsite at the rear of the grounds. Anyone with information should contact Frackville state police at 874-5300.

PRISON REFORM BILL
　
The Senate has passed prison reform legislation expected to save the Commonwealth up to $100 million within the next three years. Don Rooney has more.

ROONEY PRISON REFORM

READING, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say an 11-year-old boy's body was pulled from the Schuylkill River in Berks County yesterday after he went in and apparently drowned. Officials say the boy went into the river near the Stonecliffe Recreation Area in Reading around 4 p.m. Another boy tried to help, but wasn't able to rescue him.

WAYNESBURG, Pa. (AP) - A fire that killed two people at a southwest Pennsylvania apartment complex for elderly and disabled residents has been ruled accidental. Waynesburg police Chief Tim Hawfield says fire marshals were unable to pinpoint the cause of he April 22nd fire at the Avalon Court apartments, but they've ruled out foul play.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Iron City Brewing has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a $2.7 million past-due sewer bill at its former Pittsburgh brewery. Under the deal announced yesterday, the brewery will pay $450,000 in September, and $300,000 more later. City officials say some of the money will be used to redevelop unused buildings at the former brewery site.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency says Pennsylvania will get $1 million to help cover costs and damages from a series of major snow storms in February. The money will also go to certain private nonprofit organizations. FEMA says that more money may be granted as it continues to process requests for public assistance.

CADDO GAP, Ark. (AP) - Authorities are unsure how many people are still missing from an Arkansas campground washed away by flash flooding that killed at least 16 campers. Campers are required to register but the registration book was washed away. Officials say the search could take days or even weeks.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama plans to make an overseas call to his British counterpart today to talk about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The criticism of British oil company BP has frayed some nerves and strained relations.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korean loudspeakers and other propaganda facilities along their heavily fortified border have riled North Korea into threatening an attack. The General Staff of the Korean People's Army said in a statement today that North Korea would launch an "all-out military strike" and that its retaliation for the psychological warfare would be "merciless."

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A rescue boat is scheduled to arrive anytime now at the spot where a 16-year-old girl sits adrift in the frigid southern Indian Ocean in her disabled boat. Many people criticized Abby Sunderland's parents for allowing the global sailing adventure. Some veteran sailors says it's all but irresponsible.

UNDATED (AP) - Pilots and Spirit Airlines have failed to reach agreement on pay issues after extending a midnight strike deadline. The Airline Pilots Association reports on its website that pilots went on strike early this morning. Spirit pilots have said their pay lags behind competitors like JetBlue Airways Corp. and AirTran Airways.