TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010

MAHANOY CITY FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL

A MALFUNCTIONING OIL BURNER IS TO BLAME FOR THE FIRE THAT DESTROYED THREE HOMES AND DAMAGED ANOTHER IN MAHANOY CITY EARLY MONDAY MORNING. THE BLAZE STARTED IN THE BASEMENT OF 1117 EAST PINE STREET, HOME OF CORNELIUS AND MILDRED VANDERPLUYM AND SPREAD THROUGH THREE OTHER HOMES. THE DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED IN EXCESS OF $100,000. TWELVE PEOPLE ARE LEFT HOMELESS AND THE RED CROSS IS NOW HELPING THOSE FAMILIES.
　
ARMED ROBBERY

POLICE ARE NOW SEARCHING FOR THREE ARMED ROBBERS WHO BURST INTO YORKVILLE DRUG STORE IN POTTSVILLE LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON, PUT A PISTOL TO A CUSTOMER'S HEAD AND DEMANDED CASH AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM THE STAFF. MORE THAN $10,000 WORTH OF NARCOTICS AND OVER $1,000 IN CASH WAS TAKEN. THE THREE ROBBERS ARE BEING DESCRIBED AS BLACK MEN WEARING DARK HOODED SWEATSHIRTS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL WOJCIECHOWSKY OR CITY DETECTIVE STEVE GUERS AT CITY HALL AT 570-622-1234.
　
TAXES WILL RISE IN 2011

THE CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCED MONDAY ITS PLANS TO INCREASE TAXES BY 2.5 MILLS IN 2011. BY RAISING THE TAXES, THE AVERAGE PROPERTY OWNER WILL PAY $70 MORE IN TAXES PER YEAR. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, THE CITY'S SPENDING PLAN TOTALS MORE THAN EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS FOR 2011, AND RAISING TAXES WAS THE ONLY WAY TO BALANCE THAT PLAN.
　
HOLIDAY CRASHES

SEVENTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 348 INJURED IN OVER 1,000 CRASHES INVESTIGATED BY PA STATE POLICE DURING A FIVE-DAY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY DRIVING PERIOD. OF THOSE CRASHES, 79 WERE ALCOHOL-RELATED, INCLUDING SIX CRASHES INVOLVING ONE OR MORE FATALITIES. A TOTAL OF 11 PEOPLE WHO DIED WERE NOT WEARING SEATBELTS.
　
LIBRARY PROGRAM

CHILDREN AGES FOUR AND OLDER ALONG WITH THEIR PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE INVITED TO TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME WITH MCGRUFF AND OFFICER FRIENDLY AND LEARN ABOUT STAYING SAFE. THE PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE POTTSVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2ND AT 6PM. ALL INTERESTED IN ATTENDING ARE ASKED TO CALL 570-622-8880 AND REGISTER.
　
WORLD AIDS DAY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST IS WORLD AIDS DAY. THIS IS A TIME FOR ALL OF US TO GET THE FACTS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND TO FOSTER A CONCERN FOR THOSE ALREADY INFECTED. PREVENTION IS THE ONLY "VACCINE" WE HAVE AGAINST HIV/AIDS. ONE IN FOUR NEW INFECTIONS OCCUR IN PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 22. BASED ON CURRENT TRENDS, AN AVERAGE OF TWO YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INFECTED WITH HIV EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY. SCHUYLKILL WELLNESS SERVICES WILL BE HAVING HIV GENERAL TESTING FROM 2-6PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST. THEY ARE LOCATED AT 514 NORTH CENTER STREET IN POTTSVILLE. WALK-INS ARE WELCOME AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKER INDICTED ON FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES WILL BE ARRAIGNED IN MID-DECEMBER. A JUDGE HAS GRANTED STATE SENATOR RAY MUSTO'S REQUEST TO DELAY HIS ARRAIGNMENT ON CHARGES INCLUDING BRIBERY AND FRAUD. MUSTO HAD BEEN SCHEDULED FOR A COURT APPEARANCE TOMORROW BUT IT WAS POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 15.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A SMALL-TOWN MAYOR UPSET ABOUT THE CLOSING OF A HOSPITAL IN HIS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN ARRESTED AT THE HOSPITAL'S CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN PITTSBURGH. PITTSBURGH POLICE SAY BRADDOCK MAYOR JOHN FETTERMAN IS CHARGED WITH DEFIANT TRESPASSING FOR REFUSING TO LEAVE THE U.S. STEEL TOWER DOWNTOWN. THE SKYSCRAPER HOUSES THE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER.

QUAKERTOWN, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA ARE INVESTIGATING THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A HUNTER ON THE FIRST DAY OF DEER SEASON. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP POLICE TELL KYW-TV THAT THE MAN'S DEATH YESTERDAY AFTERNOON IS SUSPICIOUS. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE QUAKERTOWN MAN KILLED A DEER AND CALLED HIS WIFE TO GET THEIR SON TO HELP CARRY THE ANIMAL. BY THE TIME THE SON ARRIVED, THE MAN HAD BEEN SHOT.

EVANS CITY, PA. (AP) - RESCUE CREWS HAD TO USE ROPES AND LADDERS TO RETRIEVE A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN FROM HER PICKUP TRUCK AFTER IT RAN OFF A ROAD AND LANDED IN TREE TOPS ABOUT 30 FEET ABOVE GROUND IN A RAVINE. POLICE SAY THEY'LL BE CITING 33-YEAR-OLD DANA BOWSER FOR DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS ON ROUTE 68 NEAR EVANS CITY. THAT'S ABOUT 25 MILES NORTH OF PITTSBURGH.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE NEW BALANCE OF POWER IN WASHINGTON IS ON DISPLAY TODAY AS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HOLDS THE FIRST MEETING WITH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS SINCE THE MIDTERM ELECTION. KEY TOPICS WILL LIKELY INCLUDE THE BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS AND A U.S.-RUSSIA TREATY TO REDUCE NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARSENALS. THE MEETING WILL ALSO HELP DEFINE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE WHITE HOUSE AND A DIVIDED CONGRESS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE DEBATE OVER GAYS SERVING OPENLY IN THE MILITARY COULD INTENSIFY TODAY AFTER THE PENTAGON'S STUDY ON "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" IS RELEASED. OFFICIALS FAMILIAR WITH THE RESULTS OF THE 10-MONTH STUDY HAVE SAID A CLEAR MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS DON'T CARE IF GAYS SERVE OPENLY. SOME 70 PERCENT OF THOSE WHO SURVEYED PREDICT THAT LIFTING THE BAN WOULD HAVE POSITIVE, MIXED OR NO RESULTS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW POLL SAYS MOST AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY PREFER THE OPTION TO CUT FEDERAL SERVICES TO REDUCE BUDGET DEFICITS UNTIL IT'S TIME TO MAKE SPECIFIC CUTS. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS-CNBC
POLL FINDS LITTLE AGREEMENT ON THE PARTICULARS - AND A WARINESS TO CHANGE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE, WHICH TOGETHER TAKE UP A THIRD OF THE ANNUAL FEDERAL BUDGET.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE HOUSE COULD VOTE TODAY ON A $4.6 BILLION SETTLEMENT WITH AMERICAN INDIAN LANDOWNERS AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN FARMERS WHO CLAIM THEY WERE SUBJECTED TO MISTREATMENT AND
DISCRIMINATION. THAT WOULD COMPLETE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION AND SEND THE AUTHORIZATION TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, WHOSE ADMINISTRATION BROKERED SETTLEMENTS ON THE LAWSUITS OVER THE PAST YEAR. THE SETTLEMENT COULD END YEARS OF LITIGATION.

MARINETTE, WIS. (AP) - THERE'S NO WORD YET ON THE CONDITION OF THE WISCONSIN STUDENT WHO POLICE SAY SHOT HIMSELF AFTER HOLDING A TEACHER AND NEARLY TWO DOZEN OTHER STUDENTS HOSTAGE FOR FIVE HOURS IN A MARINETTE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM. ALL OF THE HOSTAGES WERE FREED UNHARMED. ONE OF THE HOSTAGES SAYS THE GUNMAN APPEARED DEPRESSED BUT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE HE WANTED TO HURT ANYONE.

PIAA Class AAAA State Championship First Round

Cumberland Valley 28, Central Dauphin 7
Neshaminy 33, West Chester Rustin 7
North Penn 28, Council Rock South 14
Red Lion 14, Daniel Boone 0
State College 35, Perry Traditional Academy 26

PIAA Class AAA State Championship First Round

Allentown Central Catholic 54, Abington Heights 14
Clearfield 42, Shikellamy 26
Cocalico 17, Conrad Weiser 16
Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt 40, Lampeter-Strasburg 10
Strath Haven 42, Pottsgrove 28

PIAA Class AA State Championship First Round

Forest Hills 14, Tyrone 0
Lewisburg 18, Danville 13
Northern Lehigh 50, Wilkes-Barre GAR 14
Trinity 28, Wyomissing 0

PIAA Class A State Championship First Round

Reading Holy Name 27, Millersburg 20
Riverside 36, Southern Columbia 0
Schuylkill Haven 41, Calvary Christian 14

Someone broke into the auction at Renninger's Farmers Market early Wednesday morning in Schuylkill Haven and stole thousands of dollars in toys, from radio-controlled cars to Barbie dolls. Police estimate nearly $20,000 worth of merchandise was taken. Douglas and Margaret Bushold, of Pine Grove, who own the auction in North Manheim Township are offering a reward of $500 for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. Tips can be given to state police at 593-2000.

Three more people, two of whom are headed to state prison and liable for almost $1 million in restitution, entered pleas Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to crimes stemming from January's meth lab fire that destroyed a large part of a Pine Grove block. 46-year-old Lance Christman, and 37-year-old Angela Singh, both of Pine Grove, each pleaded guilty to 10 counts of recklessly endangering another person, arson and related counts, while 22-year-old Amber Marek-Jolley, of Pottsville, pleaded no contest to one count of arson. All will serve prison terms. On Tuesday, 29-year-old Steven Donton, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to seven counts of arson and was sentenced by Judge D. Michael Stine to similar consequences.

State police are seeking information about a man between the ages of 60 and 70 years old for an incident at the Turkey Hill at 1587 Bunting St., Norwegian Township. Police said a man came into the store with an empty white bag, picked up a pair of heavy duty gloves, then asked an employee where a lighter set of gloves would be. The man then found a lighter set of gloves and returned to the counter to exchange the heavy duty gloves, which he never purchased, for the lighter ones, police said. Police said the man received $18.31 for the difference in price of the gloves. The man, of medium height and weight, was wearing glasses and a Penn State baseball cap, jeans, a red shirt and a blue jacket, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 593-2000.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said a squirrel led a 24-year-old Pottsville woman to crash her SUV about 2:10 p.m. Thursday on Tumbling Run Road in Blythe Township. Troopers said Jennifer L. Schickram was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer east about 40 mph when a squirrel ran from a wooded area onto the roadway. The woman applied the brakes, troopers said, causing her vehicle to slide into the westbound lane and travel off the road about 50 feet before hitting several large rocks.

Police are searching for a driver who struck a Spring Glen man's car about 11 p.m. Wednesday then fled. State police at Schuylkill Haven said Colby S. Klinger, 18, was stopped at routes 125 and 25 when someone driving a red four-door sedan west on Route 25 tried to turn right onto Route 125 and struck the driver's side of Klinger's 2007 Ford Fusion. When Klinger attempted to approach the vehicle that struck him, the driver fled north on Route 125. Police ask anyone with information to call 593-2000

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the second time, a Douglas fir tree from Christopher Botek's farm in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, is the official White House Christmas tree. Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha received this year's 18 1/2-foot tree yesterday. A tree from Botek's farm last was at the White House in Christmas 2006.

HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — Police in western Pennsylvania who were held at bay by a man who was despondent because he was unemployed say they found him dead when they burst into his Houston home yesterday following a 12-hour stand-off. State and Chartiers Township police identified the man as 47-year-old Joel Cook. An autopsy has been scheduled.

MCKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) — Investigators are trying to determine how a 4-year-old Pittsburgh-area boy got hold of his police officer father's service weapon and apparently accidentally shot and killed himself. Liberty police Chief Luke Riley says the boy's father, John Thompson, is a part-time Liberty police officer and works full-time in Port Vue.

FAIRVIEW, Pa. (AP) — Officials say a northwestern tool factory worker was hurt in an explosion yesterday, but the company's president disputes that. Matrix Tool president Tim Lewis says it's unclear if the worker was hit with a piece of pipe, hit his head when he fell or was injured in some other way at the Fairview plant.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A top FBI agent in Oregon says the terror threat posed by a 19-year-old Somali-born man was very real, even though undercover agents had supplied him with dud explosives. Special agent in charge Arthur Balizan says the suspect was "absolutely committed." Mohamed Osman Mohamud is accused of trying to attack a crowded Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's interior minister says a dozen insurgents are in custody on suspicion they were behind a deadly church siege a month ago. Interior Minister Jawad Bolani says the arrests are a blow to the al-Qaida network in Iraq. Insurgents took about 120 people hostage in a Baghdad church in October. The deadly siege ended with 68 people dead.

UNDATED (AP) — Black Friday may have been a ray of sunshine for retailers. Malls and top stores report a surge of customers and sellers say they noticed people buying things for themselves as well as others and not just necessities.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Everyone's fine after the partial collapse of a Colorado thrift store's ceiling. Firefighters carefully searched through the rubble for several hours yesterday after employees said they thought a shopper might not have made it out of the Salvation Army store in Grand Junction. But fire department spokesman Mike Page says no victims were found.

SYDNEY (AP) — The top man at Qantas boarded the first flight of an Airbus A380 since an engine explosion to show passengers the company has confidence in the superjumbo jet. CEO Alan Joyce says the airline is completely comfortable with the plane's safety. The plane took off from Sydney today bound for Singapore and London. The company's six-plane superjumbo fleet had been grounded for safety checks.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010

TRACTOR TRAILER CRASH UPDATE

AN OVERTURNED TRACTOR-TRAILER CLOSED PART OF ROUTE 61 SOUTH FOR SIX HOURS YESTERDAY. THE DRIVER OF THAT TRACTOR-TRAILER THANKFULLY WAS NOT INJURED, BUT CAN FACE FINES OVER $2,000.
　
HAMBURG FIRE

A RENTAL STORAGE BUILDING AND WORK AREA FOR BUILDING SHEDS AT GREEN ACRES OUTDOOR FURNITURE IS NOW DESTROYED AFTER A FIRE BROKE OUT JUST BEFORE NOON ON TUESDAY IN HAMBURG. FLAMES ENGULFED THE BUILDING AT 515 SOUTH THIRD STREET AS FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED AFTER SEEING THE SMOKE WHILE HANGING HOLIDAY LIGHTS ALONG THE BOROUGH STREETS. A NEARBY GARAGE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE WHEN THE BLAZE MADE ITS WAY ACROSS A SMALL ALLEY, BUT WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL QUICKLY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT SOMEONE IN THE BUILDING HAD BEEN USING A BLOWTORCH INSIDE THE BUILDING JUST BEFORE THE SMOKE WAS DISCOVERED.
　
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FIRE CAUSED BY FAULTY WIRING

AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS TO BLAME FOR THE MASSIVE FIRE THAT DESTROYED A FORMER KNITTING MILL AT WILLIAM AND RAILROAD STREETS IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LAST WEEK.THE FLAMES STARTED IN AN ELECTRICAL PANEL BOX INSIDE THE BUILDING WHICH STORED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL.
　
POTTSVILLE MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH METH LAB FIRE

A POTTSVILLE MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH A JANUARY FIRE AT A PINE GROVE METHAMPHETAMINE LAB IS NOW HEADED TO STATE PRISION. 29-YEAR-OLD STEVEN DONTAN IS ONE OF FOUR PEOPLE CHARGED. AFTER PLEADING GUILTY AND BEING SENTENCED WEDNESDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT, DONTAN HAS A RESTITUTION BILL OF ALMOST $1 MILLION.
　
ROBBERY AT GUNPOINT UPDATE

AFTER ROBBING AN ORWIGSBURG MAN AT GUNPOINT, TWO WOMEN HAVE NOW BEEN ARRAIGNED. LESLIE PEREIRA AND DANIELLE WAKED, BOTH OF MT. POCONO WERE ARRAIGNED TUESDAY BY DISTRICT JUSTICE KILKER. ON NOVEMBER 12TH, THE TWO WOMEN FOLLOWED A MAN INTO HIS HOTEL ROOM AT THE COUNTRY SQUIRE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, STUCK A GUN TO THE BACK OF HIS HEAD AND DEMANDED MONEY . BAIL WAS SET AT $25,000 CASH FOR BOTH WOMEN.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WOMAN WINS LOTTERY

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN IS GAURENTEED TO HAVE A JOLLY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR AFTER WINNING THE LOTTERY. A $100,000 CHECK WAS PRESENTED TO MARYANN ZIMMERMAN OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TUESDAY MORNING AT THE TURKEY HILL ON WEST COLUMBIA STREET. ZIMMERMAN WON THE MONEY FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY’S JUMBO BUCKS INSTANT GAME. THE ODDS OF WINNING A TOP PRIZE IN THAT PARTICULAR GAME ARE 1-IN-720,000. ZIMMERMAN SAYS SHE PLANS TO PUT THE MONEY IN THE BANK TO SAVE FOR THE FUTURE. SHE ALSO ADDS THAT PLAYING INSTANT GAMES IS SOMETHING SHE ENJOYS AND DOES OFTEN. JUST A FEW YEARS AGO, ZIMMERMAN WON $1,000 FROM AN INSTANT TICKET. PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY PLAYERS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WON MORE THAN $35.2 MILLION IN PRIZES IN THE 2009-10 YEAR.

SAVE THE DATE

THIS SUNDAY FROM NOON TO FIVE YOU ARE INVITED TO ENJOY YOURSELF AT THE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND CHRISTMAS PARADE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. CARRIAGE RIDES, HOT CHOCOLATE, HOLIDAY CHANCES, AND OF COURSE SANTA CLAUSE WILL ALL BE A PART OF THE DAY’S FESTIVITES. THE CHRISTMAS PARADE WILL START AT 3PM AND THE ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING WILL BE HELD AT 5PM, SO COME ON OUT AND CELEBRATE THIS SPECIAL DAY!

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER

NO NEED TO LOOK ANY FURTHER THAN YOUR LOCAL RESTARAUNT FOR A GREAT THANKSGIVING DINNER. THE FRIEDENSBURG COUNTRY RESTARAUNT IS HOLDING A THANKSGIVING DINNER, FREE OF CHARGE, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25TH. ALL AREA RESIDENTS ARE INVITED, ESPECIALLY THOSE LOOKING TO SHARE THE HOLIDAY WITH OTHERS AND THOSE HAVING DIFFICULT FINANCIAL TIMES. DINNER WILL BE SERVED BUFFET STYLE BETWEEN NOON AND 2:00PM. ANYONE IN NEED OF TRANSPORTATION CAN CONTACT THE RESTARAUNT TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

SANTA SHUTTLE

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO AVOID DRIVING AND PARKING DURING THE BUSY HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON. STS WILL BE RUNNING A SANTA SHUTTLE FOR ALL OF YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING NEEDS, BEGINING BLACK FRIDAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE. THE SHUTTLE WILL PICK UP AND DROP OFF EVERY THIRTY MINUTES AT THE SCHUYLKIL MALL, FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL, WALMART, AND THE STS TERMINAL IN DOWNTOWN POTTSVILLE. RIDERS PAY A FEE OF $1.25 AND RECEIVE A FREE TRANSFER AT THE POTTSVILLE TERMINAL ONTO THE SANTA SHUTTLE.


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE TELL THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER DNA EVIDENCE APPEARS TO LINK THE STRANGULATION DEATHS OF TWO WOMEN IN THE CITY'S KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE SAME KILLER. THE BODY OF NICOLE PIACENTINI WAS FOUND IN THE REAR OF AN ABANDONED BUILDING ON NOVEMBER 13TH. TEN DAYS EARLIER, THE BODY OF NURSING STUDENT ELAINE GOLDBERG WAS FOUND ABOUT A HALF-MILE AWAY.

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY FOUR PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A VAN TAKING A GROUP OF AMISH TO A FUNERAL COLLIDED WITH A PICKUP TRUCK NEAR SLIPPERY ROCK IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE REPORTS THE VAN'S DRIVER, 76-YEAR-OLD LEWIS SWEETAPPLE, WAS TAKING SIX AMISH NEIGHBORS TO A FUNERAL. POLICE SAY SWEETAPPLE AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE KILLED.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - FEDERAL PROSECUTORS SAY PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR RAY MUSTO HAS BEEN CHARGED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY WITH TAKING BRIBES AND KICKBACKS. PROSECUTORS SAID YESTERDAY THE LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRAT IS CHARGED WITH A COUNT EACH OF WIRE FRAUD AND MAIL FRAUD, AND TWO COUNTS EACH OF BRIBERY AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO FBI AGENTS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA ARENA THAT HOSTED MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT HAS MET THE WRECKING BALL. THE DEMOLITION OF THE SPECTRUM BEGAN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. MANY SPECTATORS GATHERED IN A PARKING LOT TO WATCH THE ARENA'S SLOW DEMISE, INCLUDING SPORTS LEGENDS LIKE JULIUS ERVING WHO PLAYED THERE.

INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - TUESDAY'S NORTH KOREAN ATTACK ON A SOUTH KOREAN ISLAND HAS KILLED AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE. THE SOUTH KOREAN COAST GUARD SAYS IT'S FOUND THE BURNT BODIES OF TWO MALE CIVILIANS ON THE ISLAND. AT LEAST TWO MARINES ALSO WERE KILLED. GREYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND

(AP) - A SAD ENDING IN A NEW ZEALAND MINE. POLICE SAY NONE OF THE 29 MINERS TRAPPED UNDERGROUND SINCE LAST FRIDAY'S EXPLOSION COULD HAVE SURVIVED A SECOND BLAST WEDNESDAY. RESCUERS WEREN'T ABLE TO ENTER THE MINE BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS GASES.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (AP) - AN INVESTIGATION IN CAMBODIA HAS INITIALLY CONCLUDED THAT A STAMPEDE THAT KILLED MORE THAN 350 PEOPLE WAS SET OFF WHEN A CROWDED BRIDGE STARTED SWAYING. CAMBODIAN TV SAYS THAT A COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING MONDAY'S TRAGEDY FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WEREN'T FAMILIAR WITH THE NORMAL SWAYING OF A SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND TRIED TO RUN OFF WHEN THEY FEARED IT WOULD COLLAPSE.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - AFGHANISTAN'S INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION HAS RELEASED THE FINAL RESULTS OF SEPTEMBER'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS FOR ALL 34 PROVINCES EXCEPT GHAZNI. THAT'S WHERE MANY POLLING STATIONS WERE CLOSED AND OTHERS WERE EXCLUDED BECAUSE OF FRAUD. THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN SAYS A DECISION ABOUT GHAZNI WILL BE MADE IN THREE DAYS TO A WEEK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - CONSUMERS MAY BE FEELING LESS STRESS ABOUT DEBT THESE DAYS. FIFTY-NINE PERCENT OF THOSE SURVEYED IN AN ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SAY THEY FEEL LITTLE OR NO STRESS FROM THEIR FAMILY'S DEBT - UP FROM 49 PERCENT A YEAR AGO. AND 52 PERCENT SAY THEY SELDOM OR NEVER WORRY ABOUT THEIR FINANCIAL LIABILITIES. THAT'S THE SAME AS LAST YEAR.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010

TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT

AN OVERTURNED TRACTOR-TRAILER BLOCKED A PORTION OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OVERNIGHT. THE CRASH HAPPENED ON ROUTE 61 BETWEEN FRACKVILLE AND SAINT CLAIR JUST BEFORE ONE THIS MORNING. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE TELL US THE HIGHWAY WILL BE SHUT DOWN SO CREWS CAN UPRIGHT THE TRACTOR-TRAILER AND CLEAR THE SCENE. DRIVERS SHOULD USE CAUTION IN THAT AREA OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OR USE A DIFFERENT ROUTE.

POTTSVILLE MAN DEAD

AFTER SUSTAINING A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD, IT HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED THAT 27-YEAR-OLD ANDREW MULLINS OF POTTSVILLE HAS DIED. MULLINS WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD 6PM SUNDAY EVENING. POLICE TELL US AN AUTOPSY WILL BE CONDUCTED THIS MORNING AT 8AM. POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING IF THE GUNSHOT WOUND WAS SELF-INFLICTED OR IF FOUL PLAY WAS INVOLVED. CHARGES WILL BE FILED BY WEEKS END IF NECESSARY.


WALKING WARRIOR
HE'S ALREADY WALKED ACROSS AMERICA AND HE WON'T STOP THERE.


HOLDEN'S VIEW ON AIRPORT SECURITY PAT DOWNS

TIM HOLDEN SAID MONDAY IN MAHONOY CITY THAT HE BELIEVES AIRPORT SECURITY PAT-DOWNS ARE "OVERLY INTRUSIVE". THE U.S REPRESENTATIVE SAID CONGRESS SHOULD WORK WITH TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS TO TRY AND REFORM THE PROCESS. HOLDEN WAS IN MAHANOY CITY PRESENTING GRANTS TO LOCAL OFFICIALS. HOLDEN IS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, AND ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, HE EXPECTS AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG CHILDREN ARE BEING SUBJECTED TO INVASIVE, FULL-BODY PAT-DOWNS AND SEARCHES BEFORE BOARDING FLIGHTS.

MAHONOY AREA SCHOOL HEARING

ON MONDAY, THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL BOARD HELD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A DISCIPLINARY MATTER WITH THE DISTRICT'S BUSINESS MANAGER. HIRED IN MAY, MARK BELTZ IS NOW ON LEAVE WITHOUT PAY PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE HEARING WHICH WILL CONTINUE NOVEMBER 29TH AT 5PM.

MURRYSVILLE, PA. (AP) - A SEARCH WARRANT IN A "SEXTING" INVESTIGATION SAYS A PITTSBURGH-AREA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OFFERED A MALE STUDENT MONEY FOR A PICTURE OF HIS PRIVATES AND WANTED THE STUDENT TO JOIN IN AN "ORGY." MURRYSVILLE POLICE AND OFFICIALS IN THE FRANKLIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HAVE CONFIRMED THE INVESTIGATION AND TELL THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW THE TEACHER IS ON PAID LEAVE.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN ALLENTOWN MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 20 TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON FOR THE BASEBALL BAT BEATING DEATH OF HIS ESTRANGED GIRLFRIEND LAST YEAR. THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL REPORTS ALFREDO REYES ORTIZ PLEADED GUILTY LAST MONTH TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER IN THE JULY 2009 DEATH OF FRANCESCA ISLEY.

CAIRNBROOK, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY A BLOWOUT CAUSED A MINIVAN CARRYING SEVEN PEOPLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, ROLLING REPEATEDLY AND KILLING TWO WOMEN AND AN INFANT. SHADE TOWNSHIP POLICE TELL THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE THAT SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THE SUNDAY'S CRASH IN SOMERSET COUNTY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A GROUP WORKING TO PRESERVE A HISTORIC CRUISE LINER IS PITCHING AN IDEA TO SAVE THE SHIP: MAKE IT THE HOME FOR THE LONG-STALLED FOXWOODS CASINO PROJECT IN PHILADELPHIA. THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY SAYS IT HAS THE BACKING OF PHILANTHROPIST H.F. "GERRY" LENFEST, WHO EARLIER THIS YEAR PLEDGED TO DONATE UP TO $5.8 MILLION TO SAVE THE SS UNITED STATES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS PROMOTING THE REBOUND IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY AS A BAILOUT SUCCESS STORY. LAST WEEK, THE PRESIDENT CLAIMED VINDICATION AFTER GENERAL MOTORS' GIANT PUBLIC STOCK OFFERING. OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ARE VISITING A CHRYSLER AUTO PLANT IN KOKOMO, IND., TODAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - ANALYSTS SAY THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC GROWTH MAY ACTUALLY BE A BIT BETTER THAN ORIGINALLY REPORTED. THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT IS EXPECTED TO REPORT 2.3 PERCENT JULY-SEPTEMBER GROWTH -- PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH TO RELIEVE UNEMPLOYMENT MUCH. THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS EXPECTED TO UPDATE ITS ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS TUESDAY.

MOAB, UTAH (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN UTAH SAY THEY'RE PRETTY SURE THEIR SUSPECT IN THE SHOOTING OF A PARK RANGER IS STILL HOLED UP SOMEWHERE IN THE RUGGED SEARCH AREA. OFFICIALS BELIEVE LANCE LEEROY ARELLANO MAY BE WOUNDED AND IN NEED OF MEDICAL HELP AFTER THE SHOOTOUT LATE FRIDAY. AUTHORITIES RECOVERED A RIFLE, BACKPACK AND A BLOODY T-SHIRT ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER. THE OFFICER IS IN SERIOUS CONDITION.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) - THE JUDGE IN THE MONEY LAUNDERING TRIAL OF FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER TOM DELAY SAYS HE'LL ADDRESS JURY QUESTIONS TODAY BEFORE SENDING JURORS OFF FOR THEIR FIRST FULL DAY OF DELIBERATIONS. PROSECUTORS ALLEGE THAT DELAY HELPED ILLEGALLY FUNNEL $190,000 TO TEXAS LEGISLATIVE RACES IN 2002. THE MOVE ULTIMATELY HELPED SEND MORE REPUBLICANS TO CONGRESS. DELAY COULD FACE UP TO LIFE IN PRISON IF CONVICTED.

BEIJING (AP) - CHINA AND THE U.S. ARE AT ODDS OVER RESUMPTION OF SIX-NATION NUCLEAR TALKS WITH NORTH KOREA. A FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN TOLD REPORTERS TUESDAY THAT IT'S IMPERATIVE TO RESUME THE TALKS, AFTER REPORTS THAT NORTH KOREA HAS BUILT A NEW URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY. THE U.S. SAYS TALKS WON'T BE HELD WHILE NORTH KOREA WORKS ON THE NEW NUCLEAR FACILITY.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2010

POTTSVILLE MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS NOW IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER HE WAS FOUND WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD AT ABOUT 2AM ON SUNDAY IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. 27-YEAR-OLD ANDREW MULLINS WAS FOUND BY SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE INSIDE THE RESIDENCE OF 306 SOUTH GARFIELD AVENUE. MULLINS WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER AND LATER TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL IN ALLENTOWN. MULLINS WAS LISTED IN CRITICAL CONDITION. POLICE TELL US THEY ARE STILL INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT AND ARE UNSURE AT THIS TIME IF THE GUNSHOT WOUND WAS SELF-INFLICTED OR IF FOUL PLAY WAS INVOLVED.

NEW PHILADELPHIA FIRE

THE FATAL FIRE THAT KILLED A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER IN NEW PHILADELPHIA EARLY THURSDAY MORNING IS STILL BEING PIECED TOGETHER BY POLICE, BUT AUTOPSY RESULTS SAY SMOKE INHALATION IS TO BLAME FOR THE DEATHS OF 56-YEAR-OLD MAUREEN WALLACE AND HER DAUGHTER 34-YEAR-OLD MARIETTA WALLACE. THE TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND DEAD IN THEIR HOME AT 78 WATER STREET FROM THE BLAZE THAT DESTOYED SEVEN HOMES.

OFFICIALS MEET OVER LOANS

CONGRESSMAN TIM HOLDEN AND OTHER OFFICIALS WILL MEET TODAY TO DISCUSS LOANS THAT WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THREE CRANES AT 9:30AM AT NORTHEAST PRESTRESSED PRODUCTS, 121 RIVER STREET IN CRESSONA. HOLDEN WILL BE IN MAHANOY CITY LATER THIS MORNING TO PRESENT A LOAN CHECK TO THE MAHANOY CITY SEWER AUTHORITY.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT PERIOD

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT EXTRA ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS WILL BE USED DURING THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY. TROOPERS WILL BE WATCHING FOR SPEEDERS, AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS AND INTOXICATED DRIVERS. THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT EFFORT WILL RUN FROM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH THRU SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28TH. MOTORISTS ARE ASKED TO GIVE THEMSELVES EXTRA TRAVEL TIME AND WEAR THEIR SEATBELTS.

WAYNESBORO, PA. (AP) - RESIDENTS OF A SLAIN PENNSYLVANIA GAME WARDEN'S HOME TOWN LINED ITS MAIN STREET YESTERDAY TO PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS AS HIS BODY WAS TAKEN FOR BURIAL AFTER A FUNERAL. THE FUNERAL FOR DAVID GROVE AT WAYNESBORO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DREW WELL OVER 1,000 MOURNERS.
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS OF A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN ARE DEFENDING COSTLY ADJACENT LAND PURCHASES, SAYING THEY WERE PART OF A LONGTERM EXPANSION PROGRAM. SOME CRITICS HAVE SAID TRUSTEES OF THE MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL WERE WATEFUL IN SPENDING $24 MILLION TO BUY SOME 238 IN SOUTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP FROM 2003 TO 2007.

BENEZETTE, PA. (AP) - STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS HOPE MASSIVE ELK AND A NEW VISITORS CENTER WILL HELP DRAW TOURISTS TO RURAL NORTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. THE ELK COUNTRY VISITORS CENTER OPENED THIS FALL IN ELK COUNTY, IN THE MIDDLE OF A DESOLATE REGION THAT HAS LONG STRUGGLED FINANCIALLY.

SARVER, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY TWO MEN HAVE DIED IN A ONE-CAR CRASH. POLICE IN BUTLER COUNTY SAY THE MEN WERE IN A CAR HEADING NORTHEAST ON SILVERVILLE ROAD IN BUFFALO TOWNSHIP FRIDAY NIGHT WHEN IT VEERED OFF THE OFF THE ROAD ANC CRASHED. TWO OTHERS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

MOAB, UTAH (AP) - DAWN WILL BRING RENEWED INTENSITY ON DAY THREE OF THE SEARCH FOR A GUNMAN SUSPECTED OF CRITICALLY WOUNDING A UTAH STATE PARK RANGER. THE SEARCH IS GOING ON IN A RUGGED CANYON ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER ABOUT 20 MILES WEST OF MOAB. LATE LAST NIGHT, AUTHORITIES IDENTIFIED A PERSON OF INTEREST, WHO OWNS A CAR BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED IN THE CRIME.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AIRPORT PASSENGER SCREENING HAS SOME PASSENGERS SCREAMING ABOUT THE INVASIVENESS BUT ANY CHANGES WON'T HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY. THE HEAD OF THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR AIRPORT SECURITY SAYS, HOWEVER, THAT THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK TO MAKE SCREENING METHODS "AS MINIMALLY INVASIVE AS POSSIBLE." JOHN PISTOLE IS FACING PROTESTS FROM TRAVELERS AND PRESSURE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) - JURY DELIBERATIONS COULD BEGIN LATER TODAY IN THE MONEY LAUNDERING TRIAL OF FORMER U.S. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER TOM DELAY. BUT FIRST, LAWYERS WILL DELIVER CLOSING ARGUMENTS PROSECUTORS AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BOTH EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE IN THEIR LEGAL POSITIONS.

UNDATED (AP) - STATE MEDIA SAYS 12 OUT OF 29 MINERS TRAPPED FOR NEARLY A DAY IN A FLOODED CHINESE COAL MINE HAVE BEEN LIFTED TO SAFETY AND THE REST HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED ALIVE. MEANWHILE THE NEWS IN NEW ZEALAND IS LESS OPTIMISTIC. AUTHORITIES SAY THEY'RE PREPARING FOR THE POSSIBILITY THAT 29 MINERS MISSING IN A COAL MINE EXPLOSION MAY NOT HAVE SURVIVED.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW POLL ON SEX FINDS MOST BABY BOOMERS THINK THEY PRETTY MUCH KNOW IT ALL. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS-LIFEGOESSTRONG.COM POLL FINDS MORE WOMEN THAN MEN ARE CONFIDENT OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE. AMONG PEOPLE AGED 45 TO 65, 59 PERCENT OF WOMEN AND 48 PERCENT OF MEN THINK THEY KNOW ALL ABOUT SEX. FAR MORE MEN THAN WOMEN FEEL THEIR PARTNERS DON'T WANT TO HAVE SEX AS OFTEN AS THEY DO.

UNDATED (AP) - STATE MEDIA SAYS 12 OUT OF 29 MINERS TRAPPED FOR NEARLY A DAY IN A FLOODED CHINESE COAL MINE HAVE BEEN LIFTED TO SAFETY AND THE REST HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED ALIVE. MEANWHILE THE NEWS IN NEW ZEALAND IS LESS OPTIMISTIC. AUTHORITIES SAY THEY'RE PREPARING FOR THE POSSIBILITY THAT 29 MINERS MISSING IN A COAL MINE EXPLOSION MAY NOT HAVE SURVIVED.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

FRIDAY'S GAMES

EASTERN CONFERNCE CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

PINE GROVE 28, WYOMING AREA 20

DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

DANVILLE 38, MT CARMEL 28

SATURDAY'S GAMES

EASTERN CONFERNCE CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP
　
HOLY CROSS AT MAHANOY AREA 1PM-WPPA

DISTRICT 11 CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP

PIUS THE TENTH AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN 7PM-WPPA

DISTRICT 11 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

NORTH SCHUYLKILL AT NORTHERN LEHIGH 7PM-T102

THINGS PROGRESSING IN SHENANDOAH MURDER CASE

THE MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING A SHENANDOAH WILL LIKELY BE CHARGED IN A CAPITAL CASE. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL, DURING A PRE-TRIAL HEARING ELUDED TO JULIUS ENOE THAT ALTHOUGH SHE DIDN'T RULE ON THE CASE AT THE TIME THAT IT IS EXPECTED THAT PROSECUTORS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY IF HE IS FOUND GUILTY. ENOE WAS IDENTIFIED BY TWO ACCOMPLICES THAT HE INDEED WAS THE TRIGGER MAN IN THE MURDER OF BRUCE FORKER IN SHENANDOAH ON MARCH 16 OF THIS YEAR. HIS ACCOMPLICES ARE BOTH INTENDED TO TESTIFY AGAINST HIM. A TRIAL DATE WAS NOT SET IN THE CASE AND INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE TRIAL MAY NOT START UNTIL MARCH OF NEXT YEAR. ANOTHER PRE TRIAL HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2ND AT 1:30 P.M. IN COURTROOM NUMBER TWO.

CONTROLLER'S REQUEST TO PAY ACCOUNTING FIRM DENIED

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE DENIED A REQUEST BY CONTROLLER MELINDA KANTNER TO PAY THE ACCOUNTING FIRM THAT ASSISTED HER OFFICE IN PREPARING COUNTY FINANCIAL REPORTS. THE REQUEST TO USE $4,800 DOLLARS OF TAXPAYER MONIES TO PAY MAILLIE FALCONIERO AND COMPANY OF POTTSTOWN FOR THEIR SERVICES WAS REFUSED BECAUSE THE MOVE WAS NEVER APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS AND WOULD BE IN VIOLATION WITH THE COUNTY CODE. KANTNER FEELS THAT THE MONEY SHOULD COME FROM THE FUNDS BEING PAID TO POTTSVILLE ACCOUNTANT SAM DEEGAN WHO WAS CONTRACTED LAST YEAR IN THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL AUDITOR. KATNER HAS ALLEGED THAT DEEGAN FAILED TO PROVIDE DRAFT COPIES OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, DEEGAN CHARGES THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF COOPERATION FROM KANTNER SO HE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION. IT IS NOT KNOWN WHEN AND HOW THE BILL WILL BE PAID.

ANOTHER FIRE IN THE COUNTY FRIDAY NIGHT

NO ONE WAS INJURED WHEN FIRE BROKE OUT INSIDE A HOME FRIDAY NIGHT NEAR KLINGERSTOWN. NO ONE WAS HOME AT 1173 RIDGE ROAD WHEN THE FIRE WAS DISOVERED. MAHANTONGO FIRE COMPANY ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF JIM STUTZMAN FEELS THAT FIRE MAY HAVE ORIGINATED IN THE CENTER OF THE HOME, HOWEVER INVESTIGATION INTO THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE BLAZE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE CALL WAS RECEIVED AROUND TEN AFTER SIX BRINGING EMERGENCY RESPONDERS FROM ELEVEN COMMUNITIES INCLUDING THE ENGLEWOOD FIRE COMPANY, BUTLER TOWNSHIP AND MAHANTONGO FIRE COMPANY'S RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM. WHEN FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED FLAMES WERE ALREADY SHOOTING THROUGH THE ROOF LEAVING IT SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED IN ABOUT AN HOUR.

FRACKVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL LOOKING TO TRIM BUDGET

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF FRACKVILLE HELD A SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT TO ADOPT A PRELIMINARY BUDGET, HOWEVER THE MEETING WAS A LINE BY LINE LOOK AT CHANGES AND COST CUTTING MEASURES. THE EARLY ANALYSIS SHOWS A SIGNIFICANT SHORTFALL HOWEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE COUNCIL IS TRYING TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO TRIM EXPENSES. A COMPUTER GLITCH CAUSED AN INACCURATE COUNT OF FIGURES MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO FIND ALL OF THE ANSWERS. COUNCIL IS OPTIMISTIC THAT A BALANCED BUDGET CAN BE REACHED WITH THE REDUCTION OF CONTRACTED SERVICES AND CUTTING PLANNED PURCHASES.

YORK, Pa. (AP) - A judge says prosecutors may seek the death penalty against a Pennsylvania couple accused of killing their adopted 7-year-old Russian son. The York Daily Record/Sunday News reports motions by Michael and Nanette Craver to prevent capitol punishment were denied. Prosecutors say the boy was tortured. The couple said he hurt himself.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police say a woman has come forward to report being assaulted by a man matching the description of a suspect who may be connected to the strangulation deaths of two women in the city's Kensington section. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports she told police the man choked her until she lost consciousness.

BUSHKILL, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Game Commission says an 879-pound black bear brought down by a bow hunter is the heaviest ever recorded in the state. David Price shot and killed the 17-year-old bear in Pike County on Monday. The Pocono Record reports the game commission says the bear had an estimated live weight of 879 pounds.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Regulators have shut down small banks in Florida and Pennsylvania, lifting to 148 the number of U.S. banks that have failed this year as soured loans have piled up. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday took over Gulf State Community Bank in Florida and Allegiance Bank of North America in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has invoked the memory of former President Ronald Reagan in chiding Republicans for not acting on a U.S. nuclear treaty with Russia. In the weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says the GOP have forgotten Reagan's principle of "Trust but verify." Obama says the treaty is "fundamental to America's national security."

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate's top Republican says Democrats should concentrate on extending soon-to-expire Bush-era tax cuts during the lame-duck session and not waste time on issues like gays in the military. In the weekly Republican radio and internet address, Sen. Mitch McConnell says failing to extend the tax cuts will cost even more jobs. He says workers and small business owners don't need more bad news now.

MOAB, Utah (AP) - A rugged canyon along the Colorado river in Utah is where law officers are concentrating their search for the suspect in the shooting of a state parks police officer. The victim was critically wounded. Grand County Sheriff Jim Nyland says the suspect's car has been found and officers think the gunman fled on foot into a nearby canyon along the Colorado River, about 20 miles west of Moab.

LISBON, Portugal (AP) - An exit strategy from Afghanistan and long term support for the country are being fine-tuned behind closed doors at a meeting of NATO leaders in Portugal. Despite the withdrawal of troops, NATO officials stressed that the alliance will maintain a military presence in Afghanistan far beyond the end of the transition.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A brief power failure at a water purification plant has prompted the most widespread boil-water order in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The order effects the entire east bank of the city. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports the order was issued early this morning after the power failure caused a massive drop in water pressure. A water superintendent calls the advisory precautionary.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010

THREE FIRES IN ONE NIGHT

THREE FIRES WITHIN HOURS OF ONE ANOTHER BROKE WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.THE FIRST BEGINING IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AT ABOUT 11:20PM. THAT FIRE TOOK MORE THAN FOUR HOURS AND PERSONNEL FROM MORE THAN 20 FIRE COMPANIES TO BRING UNDER CONTROL. A BOROUGH BUILDING THAT WAS ONCE HOME TO A COMPANY THAT MADE CHILDREN'S FLAME-RESISTANT SLEEPWEAR WAS DESTROYED BY THE BLAZE. JUST HOURS LATER SEVERAL CREWS WERE CALLED AWAY TO FIGHT A FIRE AT BLUE MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN RETREAT IN WEST PENN TOWNSHIP. THAT FIRE BROKE OUT AT ABOUT 2:40AM, DESTROYING THE MAIN BUILDING. THE THIRD AND FINAL FIRE THAT KILLED 56-YEAR-OLD MAUREEN WALLACE AND HER 34-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MARIETTA WALLACE WAS REPORTED AROUND 5:30AM. WPPA NEWS WAS AT THE SCENE AS FIRE FIGHTERS BATTLED THE BLAZE.

NEW PHILADELPHIA FIRE
　
IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE FIRES WERE LINKED, OR IF THEY MAY BE RELATED TO ARSONS IN THE COUNTY IN RECENT MONTHS.


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - THE SUSPECTS IN THE SHOOTING OF A NORTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICER WERE FUGITIVES WANTED IN PENNSYLVANIA. COURT RECORDS REVIEWED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SHOW MICHAEL EDGERTON AND RENEE PHILLIPS WERE ARRESTED JUST THREE MONTHS AGO IN BUCKS COUNTY ON CHARGES THAT THEY STOLE A VEHICLE. THEY WERE RELEASED AFTER A JUDGE ELIMINATED THEIR BAIL REQUIREMENT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TRANSIT OFFICIALS SAY EIGHT PEOPLE ARE HURT AFTER A TROLLEY COLLIDED WITH A SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE IN WEST PHILADELPHIA. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED SHORTLY BEFORE LAST NIGHT IN THE CITY'S PARKSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD. A SEPTA SPOKESMAN SAYS FIVE PEOPLE FROM THE ROUTE 10 TROLLEY AND THREE FROM THE SUV WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD IS BACKING AWAY FROM PLANNED INCREASES IN HANDLING FEES THAT IT LEVIES ON MANUFACTURERS OF LIQUOR AND WINE. THE BOARD SAYS IT WON'T INCREASE THE FEES OR APPROVE ANY PRICE INCREASES PROPOSED BY DISTILLERIES AND WINERIES FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TWO PENNSYLVANIA GIRLS HAVE U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE MARY MCLAUGHLIN TO THANK FOR THEIR INVITES TO FRIDAY'S SNOW BALL DANCE. TWELVE-YEAR-OLD KAYLA MARTINEZ AND 13-YEAR-OLD BRIANNA HAWK ARE FIGHTING ONE-DAY SUSPENSIONS FOR WEARING "I (HEART) BOOBIES!" BRACELETS AT EASTON AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL. THE GIRLS SAY THE BRACELETS PROMOTE BREAST-CANCER AWARENESS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS FLYING TO EUROPE FOR A FEW DAYS, PARTLY TO BALANCE HIS RECENT TRIP TO ASIA. HE WANTS TO REASSURE AMERICA'S EUROPEAN ALLIES THAT HE'S NOT NEGLECTING THEM. OBAMA WILL TAKE PART IN A NATO SUMMIT IN LISBON, AS WELL AS A JOINT GATHERING WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (AP) - MORE THAN TWO DOZEN PEOPLE ARE MISSING SOME 5,000 FEET UNDERGROUND IN A NEW ZEALAND COAL MINE AFTER WHAT'S CALLED A LARGE EXPLOSION. FIVE WORKERS, DAZED AND SLIGHTLY INJURED, MANAGED TO STUMBLE TO THE SURFACE. NO WORD YET WHAT CAUSED THE EXPLOSION, BUT ONE EXPERT SUSPECTS GAS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE'S A MOVE IN CONGRESS TO MAKE SURE MEDICARE PAYMENTS TO DOCTORS DON'T DROP 23 PERCENT ON DEC. 1, AS SCHEDULED. THE SENATE HAS VOTED TO POSTPONE THE CUT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR -- THE HOUSE HAS YET TO VOTE. THE DELAY WOULD GIVE CONGRESS TIME TO WORK ON A ONE-YEAR POSTPONEMENT.

GULFPORT, MISS. (AP) - A FORMER NASA CHIEF OF STAFF WHO WAS ONCE THE AGENCY'S LIAISON TO THE WHITE HOUSE HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON ON A CONSPIRACY CHARGE. COURTNEY STADD PLEADED GUILTY CONCERNING A $600,000 NASA CONTRACT AWARDED TO A CLIENT OF HIS CONSULTING FIRM.

BEIJING (AP) - THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BEIJING, WHICH INDEPENDENTLY MONITORS AIR QUALITY IN THE CITY, IS REVISING ITS INDEX BECAUSE IT ONLY GOES UP TO 500. BEIJING'S AIR QUALITY IS SO BAD THAT THE EMBASSY HAS RUN OUT OF CONVENTIONAL ADJECTIVES, AND BRIEFLY REFERRED TO THE AIR IN THE CITY FRIDAY AS "CRAZY BAD."

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

NEW PHILADELPHIA FIRE

FIRE COMPANIES FROM NEW PHILADELPHIA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA WERE CALLED OUT AROUND 5:30 THIS MORNING TO A BLAZE IN THE BOROUGH. THE FIRE WAS REPORTED AT 74 WATER STREET AND IS REPORTED TO BURNING IN SEVERAL HOMES IN THAT SECTION OF WATER STREET. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO CONFIRMED DEATHS FROM THE FIRE THAT SPREAD TO AS MANY AS SEVEN HOMES.

BLUE MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN RETREAT BURNS

FIRE CREWS RESPONDED TO A MASSIVE FIRE IN WEST PENN TOWNSHIP THIS MORNING. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT AT THE BLUE MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN RETREAT AFTER 2AM. REPORTS INDICATE THAT A MAIN BUILDING, HOUSING THE CHURCH AND A DINING HALL WERE DESTROYED BY THAT FIRE OVERNIGHT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.

FIRE DESTROYS BUILDING

A LANDMARK BUILDING IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE OVERNIGHT. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 9-1-1 REPORTS THAT THE CALL CAME IN AROUND 11:20PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT, AS CREWS WERE CALLED TO THE FORMER UNION KNITTING MILLS ON WILLIAM STREET. FIREFIGHTERS FROM SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES AND BERKS COUNTY CREWS BATTLED THE BLAZE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, AND ARE STILL ON SCENE, MOPPING UP AT THIS HOUR. FIRE POLICE AT THE SCENE TELL US THAT FLAMES WERE SHOOTING FROM THE UPPER FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AT THE HEIGHT OF THE BLAZE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. WE EXPECT TO LEARN MORE DETAILS TODAY.

TRUCK/CAR CRASH

A CRASH INVOLVING A TRACTOR TRAILOR AND A ONE PASSANGER CAR IS NOW BEING CLEANED UP ON ROUTE 61 NEAR SANDS FORD AUTO. THE CRASH WAS REPORTED JUST AFTER 4AM. THERE WERE NO FATALITIES.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

A MAN NOW SITS BEHIND BARS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AFTER HE FIRED GUNSHOTS AT A WOMAN'S HOUSE AND THEN THREATENED TO KILL HER. 38-YEAR-OLD JUSTIN BLUME OF ORWIGSBURG ALLEGEDLY ARRIVED AT THE HOME OF 38-YEAR-OLD VICKI JONES ALSO OF ORWIGSBURG AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE CONTACT WITH HER. BLUME THEN DROVE FROM HER HOME AND FIRED FIVE TO SIX GUNSHOTS IN THE DIRECTION OF JONES' HOME. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE JONES CALLED BLUME AND HE ONCE AGAIN THREATENED TO KILL HER AND STATED "HE'S ON HIS WAY." BLUME WAS ARRESTED AND FAILED TO POST BAIL SET AT $100,000.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN THE RED

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMISSIONERS PASSED A PRELIMINARY 2011 BUDGET WEDNESDAY BY UNANIMOUS VOTE. OFFICIALS PROJECT THE COUNTY'S TAX REVENUE WILL BE ABOUT $3.5 MILLION SHORT OF PROJECTED EXPENSES NEXT YEAR LEAVING THE COUNTY IN THE RED. THE COUNTY'S MOST LIKELY PATH TO A BALANCED BUDGET IS TO PULL THE $3.5 MILLION FROM ITS UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE, OR SURPLUS.

MAN RUNS STOP SIGN

A WOMAN IS NOW IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER A MAN RAN A STOP SIGN IN WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. 21-YEAR-OLD SHANNON SZEDON OF KUTZTOWN WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF HER FORD ESCORT BY A DOGE DAKOTA AT AROUND 6:30PM WEDNESDAY. THAT DAKOTA WAS OWNED BY 31-YEAR-OLD JOEL MASTKO OF EMERALD WHO DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THE COLLISON LEFT BOTH VEHICLES DISABLED AND SZEDON WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL WHERE SHE REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION. MASIKO WILL BE CITED FOR CARELESS DRIVING AND DUTIES AT STOP SIGNS.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A NEW YORK MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE AFTER AN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY JURY WAS UNABLE TO AGREE ON WHETHER HE DESERVED THE DEATH PENALTY FOR THE BEATING DEATH OF THE 3-YEAR-OLD SON OF HIS FORMER GIRLFRIEND. EUGENIO TORRES WAS ALREADY CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE JULY 2008 DEATH OF ELIJAH STRICKLAND IN WILSON.

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (AP) - TOLLS ON FOUR BRIDGES CONNECTING PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY MIGHT NOT GO UP SO SOON, AFTER ALL. THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY LAST NIGHT REFERRED TO ITS FINANCE COMMITTEE A PROPOSAL THAT WOULD DELAY TOLL HIKES ON THE BEN FRANKLIN, WALT WHITMAN, BETSY ROSS AND COMMODORE BARRY BRIDGES UNTIL 2012.

MURRYSVILLE, PA. (AP) - A TEACHER AT A PITTSBURGH-AREA HIGH SCHOOL IS ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE WHILE POLICE AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE REPORTS THAT THE TEACHER "SEXTED" A STUDENT. FRANKLIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS TELL WPXI-TV THAT THEY AREA FOLLOWING DISTRICT POLICY AND "FULLY COOPERATING WITH THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART IS ANNOUNCING TODAY THAT IT HAS ACQUIRED MORE THAN 3,000 PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF PIONEERING MODERNIST PAUL STRAND - AND OFFICIALS SAY THAT WILL MAKE THE MUSEUM "THE GO-TO PLACE" FOR THE STUDY OF THE ARTIST. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS THE ACQUISITION WAS MADE THROUGH GIFTS AND A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE APERTURE FOUNDATION BASED IN NEW YORK.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - NATO SAYS TWO SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN. BUT THE ALLIANCE HASN'T DISCLOSED THEIR NATIONALITIES. NATO SAYS ONE DIED IN A BOMB EXPLOSION AND THE OTHER IN AN INSURGENT ATTACK. THIRTY-NINE NATO SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN KILLED SO FAR THIS MONTH IN AFGHANISTAN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI (HAH'-MIHD KAR'-ZEYE) SAYS HE SUPPORTS NATO'S MILITARY CAMPAIGN AND, RELUCTANTLY, ITS NIGHTTIME SPECIAL OPERATIONS RAIDS. THAT'S
ACCORDING TO A SENIOR NATO OFFICIAL WHO SAYS A MEETING IN KABUL BETWEEN KARZAI AND GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS, THE TOP NATO COMMANDER, HELPED SMOOTH OVER THE CONTROVERSY THAT FOLLOWED AN INTERVIEW IN WHICH KARZAI WAS CRITICAL OF U.S. OPERATIONS.

YANGON, MYANMAR (AP) - MYANMAR'S (MEE-AN-MAWRZ') DEMOCRACY ICON AUNG SAN SUU KYI (AHNG SAHN SOO CHEE) SAYS HER RECENT RELEASE FROM SEVEN YEARS OF DETENTION IS NOT A SIGN THE MILITARY REGIME IS BECOMING MODERATE. SUU KYI CALLS HER DETENTION "ILLEGAL" AND SAYS THERE'S NO REASON FOR HER RELEASE OTHER THAN THE PERIOD OF HER HOUSE ARREST HAD ENDED.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS SUMMONING FORMER SECRETARIES OF STATE AND DEFENSE TO THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY TO RALLY SUPPORT FOR AN IMPERILED NUCLEAR WEAPONS TREATY WITH RUSSIA. THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS OBAMA WANTS TO OUTLINE WHY IT'S IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST FOR THE SENATE TO APPROVE THE TREATY THIS YEAR. A KEY SENATE REPUBLICAN, JON KYL, SAYS IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO VOTE ON IT THIS YEAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - REP. CHARLES RANGEL OF NEW YORK WILL SOON LEARN HIS LIKELY PUNISHMENT AS HIS LONG ETHICS ORDEAL NEARS AN END. THE HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE IS TO DELIBERATE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS TODAY AFTER A SHORT PUBLIC HEARING, IN WHICH THE HARLEM DEMOCRAT CAN MAKE HIS CASE FOR A LIGHT PUNISHMENT.

LOCAL NEWS: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR DINNER

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BOUROGH RESIDENTS AND PENN STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CAME TOGETHER TUESDAY NIGHT FOR THE THIRD ‘MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR’ DINNER HELD AT THE JERUSALEM LUTHERN CHURCH. PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL COMMUNITY MANAGER OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND COORDINATOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, JERRY BOWMAN, SAID THE EVENT’S MAIN GOAL IS BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY. THE DINNER TRADITION BEGAN LAST YEAR AND CONTINUES TO GROW WITH OVER 125 STUDENTS AND RESIDENT IN ATTENDENCE. THE NEXT DINNER IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD DURING THE SPRING SEMESTER.

FRACKVILLE MAN CHARGED IN BURGLARY

EDWARD MANBECK, 24, OF FRACKVILLE, WAS CHARGED MONDAY NIGHT WITH CRIMINAL TRESPASS, LOITERING,PROWLING AT NIGHT, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, FORMER CONVICT NOT TO OWN A FIREARM, BURGLARY AND FOUR COUNTS EACH OF THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY. MANBECK WAS ARRESTED ON CHARGES FOR ONE BREAK-IN, BUT MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN OTHERS. BAIL IS SET AT $25,000 CASH, WHILE MANBECK IN BEING HELD IN THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.

DAY CARE CRASH: DRIVER SENTENCES

JENNIFER MOCK, OF POTTSVILLE, WILL SERVE AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS BEHIND BARS AFTER CRASHING HER VEHICLE INTO A DAY CARE WHILE INTOXICATED. MOCK WAS SENTENCED TUESDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT BY JUDGE CYRUS PALMER DOLBIN TO 30 DAYS TO SIX MONTHS IN PRISON, PLUS 23 MONTH PROBATION.

NY MEN CHARGED OF ASSAULT & THEFT

PHILLIP HEMMINGER AND ANDREW O’CONNOR, BOTH OF NEW YORK, WAIVED THEIR RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING TUESDAY AND ARE HEADED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. BOTH MEN ARE CHARGED IN THE OCTOBER ROBBERY AND ASSAULT OF A TAMAQUA MAN. JUDGE JAMES FERRIER SET BAIL FOR BOTH MEN AT $200,000.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG- THE STATE HOUSE GAVE FINAL APPROVAL MONDAY TO HOUSE BILL 1926 THAT WOULD EXPAND THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO USE DEADLY FORCE TO DEFEND THEMSELVES IN PENNSYLVANIA AND ENHANCE THE STATE'S MEGAN'S LAW. STATE REPRESENTATIVE RICK MIRABITO SAYS THE BILL WILL NOT ONLY PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST CRIMINALS, BUT IT ALSO PROTECTS OUR CHILDREN BY STRENGTHENING MEGAN'S LAW. HOUSE BILL 1926 WOULD REQUIRE THE REGISTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS WHO ARE HOMELESS, TRANSIENT OR LOSE A PERMANENT ADDRESS DURING THEIR REGISTRATION PERIOD, FURTHER PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM THOSE WHO WOULD PREY ON THE INNOCENT. WHILE IT EXPANDS THE RIGHT TO USE DEADLY FORCE, THE BILL HAS STRICT GUIDELINES. AN INDIVIDUAL MUST HAVE A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. IT ALSO PROTECTS POLICE OFFICERS ACTING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA MAN ADMITS HE THREATENED VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN ERIC CANTOR IN A VIDEO POSTED ON YOUTUBE. FEDERAL PROSECUTORS SAY 38-YEAR-OLD NORMAN LEBOON HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN PHILADELPHIA. THEY SAY LEBOON CALLED THE CONGRESSMAN "A LIAR" AND "A LUCIFER" IN THE VIDEO AND VOWED TO SHOOT HIM.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE SAY A MAN WHO ATTACKED A WOMAN LAST MONTH IN NORTHEASTERN PHILADELPHIA MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF ONE OR BOTH WOMEN IN THE SAME AREA OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. POLICE SAY A DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY THE VICTIM OF THE KENSINGTON ATTACK IN EARLY OCTOBER IS BEING CIRCULATED.

LINGLESTOWN, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY TWO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A CRASH INVOLVING A TRACTOR-TRAILER. EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS IN DAUPHIN COUNTY SAY THE CRASH HAPPENED ON ROUTE 322 IN MIDDLE PAXTON TOWNSHIP AT ABOUT 9:30 P.M. LAST NIGHT. THEY SAID ANOTHER PERSON WAS ALSO INJURED AND TAKEN TO HERSHEY
MEDICAL CENTER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A GROUP OF TECHNICAL EXPERTS THAT'S EXAMINED THE GULF OIL SPILL SAYS BP AND ITS CONTRACTORS FAILED TO LEARN FROM "NEAR MISSES" BEFORE THE BLOWOUT IN APRIL. THE GROUP SAYS ALL INVOLVED IGNORED WARNING SIGNS, SHOWING AN "INSUFFICIENT CONSIDERATION OF RISK." A FINAL REPORT ON THE TRAGEDY IS DUE IN JUNE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - BOTH HOUSE DEMOCRATS AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS GO BEHIND CLOSED DOORS TODAY TO DECIDE WHO WILL LEAD THEM IN THE NEXT CONGRESS. WHEN THE DUST SETTLES, IT APPEARS THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES AT THE TOP. NANCY PELOSI IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN DEMOCRATIC LEADER, AND JOHN BOEHNER THE GOP LEADER PUTTING HIM IN PLACE TO BECOME THE NEXT SPEAKER.

NEW YORK (AP) - A RUSSIAN WHO THE U.S. SAYS WAS CONSIDERED "ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST PROLIFIC ARMS TRAFFICKERS" IS JAILED IN NEW YORK CITY, AWAITING A COURT DATE THIS AFTERNOON. THE EXTRADITION OF VIKTOR BOUT FROM THAILAND SPARKED A THREAT FROM MOSCOW THAT IT MAY NO LONGER COOPERATE WITH ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS IN AFGHANISTAN.

BERLIN (AP) - SECURITY IS BEING INCREASED IN GERMANY BECAUSE OF WHAT'S BELIEVED TO BE A GREATER TERRORISM THREAT. GERMANY'S TOP SECURITY OFFICIAL SAYS THEY GOT A TIP ABOUT AN UNSPECIFIED ATTACK PLANNED FOR THE END OF THE MONTH. BUT HE WOULDN'T SAY WHAT COUNTRY THEY GOT THE TIP FROM, OR WHERE THE ATTACK IS SUPPOSED TO BE.

PARIS (AP) - IRAQ'S PRESIDENT SAYS HE FEELS "COMPASSION" FOR THE MAN WHO ONCE SPOKE FOR SADDAM HUSSEIN, AND WILL NOT SIGN OFF ON A DEATH SENTENCE. TARIK AZIZ, WHO IS
74, WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH LAST MONTH FOR HIS ROLE IN SADDAM'S REGIME. HE'S ALREADY BEEN CONVICTED IN TWO OTHER CASES, AND IS SERVING 22 YEARS.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010

VEHICLE ACCIDENT

POLICE ARE NOW INVESTIGATING A VEHICLE ACCIDENT THAT TOOK PLACE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. OFFICER SGT. DEWALD WAS ON PATROL WHILE COMING ACROSS A VAN WHICH HAD ROLLED ONTO IT'S PASSENGER SIDE IN A LANDSCAPED AREA OF THE PEACOCK STREET PROJECT. THE VAN HIT A SMALL TREE AND A LAMP POST, PULLING IT'S CONCRETE BASE FROM THE GROUND. TWO PEOPLE WERE FOUND INSIDE THE VAN. 27-YEAR-OLD PETER CLIVE AND 32-YEAR-OLD JENNIFER JALBERT BOTH OF SAINT CLAIR. POTTSVILLE FIRE UNITS WERE REQUESTED TO ASSIST IN EXTRICATING THE TWO FROM THE VEHICLE. BOTH CLIVE AND JALBERT WERE TRANSPORTED TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES AND THEN RELEASED.

ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL HOMICIDE

POTTSVILLE POLICE WERE INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE PURSUIT WHICH RESULTED IN A ONE CAR ACCIDENT SATURDAY AROUND 11PM. OFFICERS TRIED TO STOP THOMAS CUNNINGHAM OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AFTER THEY SAW HIM REVVING HIS ENGINE AND THEN DRIVING HIS CAR IN REVERSE AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH PROGRESS AVENUE. CUNNINGHAM REFUSED TO STOP DROVE ONTO UNION STREET. DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, UNION STREET IS CLOSED WITH TEMPORARY FENCING, BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP CUNNINGHAM. HE THEN DROVE HIS VEHICLE THROUGH THE FENCING CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE. THAT'S WHEN ADDITIONAL POLICE CAME TO HELP. CUNNINGHAM AGAIN TRIED TO ESCAPE POLICE AND INSTEAD CRASHED INTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN OFFICERS MOVED INTO POSITION TO REMOVE CUNNINGHAM FROM HIS TRUCK, HE BEGAN USING HIS VEHICLE AS A WEAPON TO STRIKE OFFICERS. POLICE WERE REQUIRED TO USE FORCE TO STOP CUNNINGHAM WHO WAS LATER ARRAIGNED FOR CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO HOMICIDE AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AMONG OTHER CHARGES. CUNNINGHAM WAS UNABLE TO POST THE $200,000 STRAIGHT CASH BAIL AND NOW SITS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.
　
MOTOR COACH SAFETY WEEK

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE, PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WILL CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF MOTOR COACHES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND THE STATE DURING MOTOR COACH SAFETY WEEK, NOVEMBER 12-19. THIS WILL BE A LARGE SCALE EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLES ARE FREE OF SAFETY HAZARDS AND REACH THEIR DESTINATIONS SAFELY.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP PENNSYLVANIA'S HIGHWAYS SAFE DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL "CLICK IT OR TICKET" CAMPAIGN FROM NOVEMBER 15-27. IF A DRIVER IS STOPPED, AND ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED, THE DRIVER CAN RECIEVE TWO CITATIONS. DURING THE CAMPAIGN TROOPERS WILL ALSO BE OFFERING FREE CHILD PASSENGER SEAT INSPECTIONS.

HUNTERS CAN SHARE THEIR HARVEST

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVE JERRY KNOWLES INVITE AREA HUNTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HUNTERS SHARING THE HARVEST PROGRAM. SINCE 1991, THE HSH PROGRAM HAS COORDINATED THE PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF DONATED WILD GAME FROM HUNTERS TO PENNSYLVANIANS IN NEED. AN AVERAGE SIZED DEER WILL PROVIDED ENOUGH HIGHLY-NUTRITIOUS , LOW-CHOLESTEROL MEAT FOR 200 FAMILIES. THE HSH PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 100,000 POUNDS OF VENISON A SEASON. HUNTERS DONATING THEIR HARVEST PAY A $15 TAX-DEDUCTIBLE FEE TOWARD EACH PROCESSED DEER. ANYONE INTERESTED SHOULD CALL 1-866-474-2141 OR AT REPKNOWLES.COM.

CELL PHONES GO PUBLIC

THIS MONTH CELL PHONE NUMBERS GO PUBLIC. ALL CELL PHONE NUMBERS WILL BE RELEASED TO TELEMARKETING COMPANIES AND YOU WILL RECEIVE SALES CALLS THAT WILL CHARGE YOU FOR THE CALL! THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST BLOCKS YOUR NUMBER FOR FIVE YEARS. YOU MUST CALL FROM THE CELL PHONE NUMBER THAT YOU WANT TO HAVE BLOCKED. THAT NUMBER IS 888-382-1222.
　
EASTON, PA. (AP) - AN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY JURY HAS FOUND A NEW YORK MAN GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF THE TODDLER SON OF HIS FORMER GIRLFRIEND TWO YEARS AGO. EUGENIO TORRES IS CONVICTED IN THE JULY 2008 DEATH OF 3-YEAR-OLD ELIJAH STRICKLAND. PROSECUTORS SAY TORRES BEAT AND TORTURED STRICKLAND TO DEATH AT THE HOME HE SHARED WITH THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER IN WILSON.

MEADVILLE, PA. (AP) - A NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY JAIL GUARD HAS DIED AFTER NEVER REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS SINCE AN ALLEGED INMATE ATTACK LAST MONTH. CRAWFORD COUNTY CORONER PATRICK MCHENRY SAYS 49-YEAR-OLD GARY CHAPIN DIED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. GREGORY BROWN IS AWAITING A PRELIMINARY ON AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND OTHER CHARGES IN CHAPIN'S BEATING AT THE CRAWFORD COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE HOUSE IS SENDING THE GOVERNOR A BILL TO MAKE COST-SAVING CHANGES TO THE STATE'S TWO LARGE PUBLIC-SECTOR PENSION SYSTEMS. THE HOUSE VOTED 165-TO-31 YESTERDAY FOR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD FLATTEN A SPIKE EXPECTED TO SOON DRAMATICALLY INCREASE THE COST TO TAXPAYERS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SCHOOL PENSIONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - TWO MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ARE SUING THEIR PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER THEY WERE SUSPENDED FOR WEARING THE POPULAR "I (HEART) BOOBIES!" BRACELETS. A NONPROFIT SELLS THE $4 RUBBER BRACELETS TO RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS. THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRIANNA HAWK AND 12-YEAR-OLD KAYLA MARTINEZ SAY THE EASTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BAN VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

BANGKOK (AP) - THE THAI GOVERNMENT HAS EXTRADITED ACCUSED RUSSIAN ARMS TRAFFICKER VIKTOR BOUT TO THE UNITED STATES TO FACE TERRORISM CHARGES. THAI LEADERS REJECTED HEAVY PRESSURE FROM MOSCOW FOR HIM TO BE FREED. BOUT IS A FORMER SOVIET AIR FORCE OFFICER. HE ALLEGEDLY SUPPLIED WEAPONS THAT FUELED CIVIL WARS AROUND THE WORLD, INCLUDING BOTH SIDES IN ANGOLA'S CIVIL WAR.

MIR ALI, PAKISTAN (AP) - PAKISTANI INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY A SUSPECTED U.S. MISSILE STRIKE HAS KILLED 15 ALLEGED MILITANTS. THE ATTACK, LAUNCHED EARLY TUESDAY IN A TRIBAL REGION NEAR THE AFGHAN BORDER. THE MISSILES ARE SAID TO HAVE STRUCK A HOME AND A SPEEDING CAR.

JUNEAU, ALASKA (AP) - ELECTION OFFICIALS SAY SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI HAS TAKEN A NARROW LEAD IN THE STILL UNDECIDED ALASKA U.S. SENATE RACE. MURKOWSKI LAUNCHED A WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN AFTER LOSING THE GOP PRIMARY TO TEA PARTY FAVORITE JOE MILLER. SHE'S SAID TO LEAD HIM BY ABOUT 1,700 VOTES.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE IRISES OF CRIME SUSPECTS ALONG WITH THEIR FINGERPRINTS AND MUG SHOTS. THE NYPD SAYS THE IMAGES WILL BE USED TO HELP AVOID CASES OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

TOKYO (AP) - SCIENTISTS SAY A JAPANESE SPACECRAFT THAT RETURNED TO EARTH IN JUNE SUCCESSFULLY CAPTURED DUST FROM AN ASTEROID. THE FEAT IS CONSIDERED A FIRST. IT'S HOPED THE SAMPLES, FROM AN ASTEROID (CALLED ITOKAWA), CAN OFFER INSIGHT INTO THE CREATION AND MAKEUP OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM.
　

TODAY'S NEWS:MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2010

CRIMINAL ATTEMPT-HOMICIDE

A MAN NOW SITS BEHIND BARS IN SCHULKILL COUNTY AFTER ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO KILL ANOTHER MAN. SUNDAY AFTERNOON, 38-YEAR OLD-GEORGE PETRYLAK III ALLEGEDLY TELEPHONED WILLIAM J. PESAVAGE AND THREATED TO SHOOT HIM. HE THEN WENT TO PESAVAGE'S HOME WITH A 30-30 LEVER ACTION RIFLE, RAISED AND POINTED IN THE DIRECTION OF PESAVAGE AND 37-YEAR-OLD STACEY M. FONSLICK AND FIRED. PETRYLAK HAS BEEN ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES OF CRIMINAL ATTEPMT, HOMCIDE, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, DISCHARGING A FIREARM INTO AN OCCUPIED STRUCTURE, TERRORISTIC THREATS SIMPLE ASSAULT, AND RECKLESSLY ENDNAGERING ANOTHER. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. PETRYLAK'S BAIL WAS SET FOR $200,000.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE ARE NOW INVESTIGATING AN INICIDENT THAT HAPPENED AROUND 5PM SUNDAY. 25-YEAR-OLD DANIEL P. WILHELM AND 24-YEAR OLD RACHEL L. KADZIELA BOTH OF FRACKVILLE WERE ENGAGED IN A VERBAL ARGUMENT. AT SOME POINT, WILHELM GRABBED KADZIELA BY THE NECK AND PUSHED HER AGAINST A WINDOW. WHEN STATE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE HOME, WILHELM HAD ALREADY FLED THE SCENE. CHARGES TO BE FILED AGAINST WILHELM AT DISTRICT COURT 21-2-01 FOR HARASSMENT.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BREAK IN

TWO MEN FORCED THEIR WAY INTO THE LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MAHANOY TOWNSHIP BY SMASHING A REAR BASEMENT WINDOW. THE MEN TURNED OFF THE MAIN CIRCUIT TO THE BUILDING WHILE INSIDE, CUTTING ALL THE POWER. CARETAKER OF THE BUILDING, JOHN W. REED, PASSED THE BUILDING AND NOTICED THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE OUT. REED ENTERED THE BUILDING AND HEARD THE TWO MEN TALKING. THE MEN THEN RAN OUT OF THE BUILDING AND REED FOLLOWED, THAT'S WHEN ONE OF THE MEN DROVE A RED DODGE RAM TOWARDS HIM. REED QUICKLY JUMPED OUT THE WAY UNHARMED. THE TWO MEN FLEED THE SCENE AND GOT AWAY WITH METAL CHOP SAWS, COPPER, AND VARIOUS OTHER ITEMS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL FRACKVILLE STATE POLICE AT 570-874-5300.

PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS

A DRUNK MAN FLIPPED OVER A GUIDERAIL AROUND 1AM FRIDAY IN EAST UNION TOWNSHIP. 48-YEAR-OLD KENNETH WETZEL OF SHAMOKIN WAS WALKING WHILE INTOXICATED AND STOPPED TO HAVE A CIGARETTE, THAT'S WHEN HE FLIPPED OVER A GUIDERAIL HE WAS USING AS A SEAT AND ROLLED DOWN A STEEP EMBANKMENT. HE WAS STUCK UNTIL POLICE ARRIVED AND ASSISTED HIM. WETZEL WILL RECEIVE A SUMMONS IN THE MAIL FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENESS. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO SAINT CATHERINE HOSPITAL IN ASHLAND FOR MINOR INJURY TO HIS KNEE BY SHENANDOAH AMBULANCE.

DUI CRASH

A DUI CRASH PUT A MAN IN THE HOSPITAL FRIDAY NIGHT. JUST BEFORE 2AM, 22-YEAR-OLD BLAKE D. RINGLER FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A LEFT-HAND CURVE AND ENDED UP IN THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. AFTER SKIDDING ACROSS THE ROADWAY, HIS CAR ENTERED A PERSON'S YARD. RINGLER'S VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SLIDE BROADSIDE AND CONTINUED STRAIGHT INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND GARAGE AREA OF THE HOME. HE WAS NOT WEARING A SEATBELT AND SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES. RINGLER WAS TAKING TO HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER VIA LIFE LION.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP PENNSYLVANIA'S HIGHWAYS SAFE DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE TROOP "L" WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL "CLICK IT OR TICKET" CAMPAIGN. THE CAMPAIGN WILL GO FROM NOVEMBER 15TH THROUGH THE 27TH.

ERIE, PA. (AP) - ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JACK DANERI SAYS A MAN AND WOMAN HAD APPARENTLY HAD SOME KIND OF ESTRANGEMENT BEFORE THEY AND TWO CHILDREN WERE KILLED IN WHAT AUTHORITIES BELIEVE WAS A MURDER-SUICIDE. A 2-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WITH A MINOR INJURY.

WASHINGTON, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD TO BE TREATED FOR SMOKE INHALATION AFTER A FIRE AT A WASHINGTON COUNTY HOTEL. OFFICIALS SAY THE 10-STORY GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL WAS EVACUATED ABOUT 10:30 A.M. YESTERDAY. OFFICIALS SAY THEY BELIEVE THE BLAZE STARTED IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA COURT OFFICIALS HAVE QUIETLY DROPPED CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST MORE THAN 19,000 DEFENDANTS WHO SKIPPED COURT YEARS AGO. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS THE ACTION HAS REDUCED A BACKLOG BUT IS DRAWING CRITICISM FROM VICTIMS' RIGHTS ADVOCATES.

HAGERSTOWN, MD. (AP) - PUBLIC OFFICIALS FROM SIX STATES ARE GATHERING IN HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND TODAY TO DISCUSS THEIR COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 81. THE I-81 CORRIDOR COALITION INCLUDES STATE, COUNTY AND LOCAL OFFICIALS FROM PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, NEW YORK, TENNESSEE, VIRGINIA AND WEST VIRGINIA.

WASHINGTON (AP) - LAME-DUCK SESSIONS ARE USUALLY UNPOPULAR AND UNPRODUCTIVE. NOTHING SUGGESTS OTHERWISE THIS YEAR. THERE'S MUCH TO DO BEFORE YEAR'S END, STARTING WITH THE EXPIRING BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS TO AVOID HANDING SIGNIFICANT TAX INCREASES TO MILLIONS. NO SPENDING BILL PASSED EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHILE DOCTORS FACE CRIPPLING CUTS IN MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - THE FEDERAL TRIAL OF THE MAN ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING ELIZABETH SMART BEGINS ITS THIRD WEEK. BRIAN DAVID MITCHELL IS CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING AND UNLAWFUL TRANSPORTATION OF A MINOR ACROSS STATE LINES. IF CONVICTED, THE 57-YEAR-OLD ONE-TIME STREET PREACHER COULD SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN A FEDERAL PRISON. SMART WAS 14 WHEN SHE WAS TAKEN FROM HER HOME AT KNIFEPOINT AND HELD CAPTIVE FOR NINE MONTHS.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - NEW YORK DEMOCRAT CHUCK SCHUMER WANTS THE GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF HIGH LEAD CONTACT IN REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS MADE IN CHINA. THE SENATOR IS CONCERNED THAT AS THE
BAGS ACCUMULATE IN LANDFILLS THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION RISES.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE LATEST TREND IN DRUG TRAFFICKING IS DELIVERING THE GOODS BY JET. SOUTH AMERICAN GANGS ARE BUYING OLD JETS, STUFFING THEM FULL OF COCAINE AND FLYING THEM ACROSS THE ATLANTIC TO FEED EUROPE'S GROWING COKE HABIT. BECAUSE THERE IS NO RADAR COVERAGE OVER THE OCEAN, BIG PLANES CAN CROSS THE ATLANTIC VIRTUALLY UNDETECTED. THERE ARE FIVE SUCH CASES BEING PROSECUTED IN MANHATTAN.

BRUSSELS (AP) - A SENIOR U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS NATO AND RUSSIA ARE READY TO CONCLUDE A SERIES OF AGREEMENTS DESIGNED TO BOOST COOPERATION IN THE AFGHAN WAR. AMONG THE AGREEMENTS IS ONE THAT ALLOWS NATO TO SHIP NONLETHAL SUPPLIES FROM EUROPE TO AFGHANISTAN.

TODAY'S NEW: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010

ORWIGSBURG MAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

AN ORWIGSBURG MAN WAS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT LATE FRIDAY NIGHT, WHILE ENTERTING HIS MOTEL ROOM AT THE COUNTRY SQUIRE MOTEL IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. THE MAN WAS FORCED INTO HIS ROOM AS THE SUSPECTS REMOVED HIS WALLET CONTAINING FOUR-HUNDRED-FIFTY DOLLARS IN CASH AND VARIOUS CREDIT CARDS. THE SUSPECTS ARE DESCRIBED AS TWENTY-SOMETHING FEMALES, ONE WHITE AND ONE HISPANIC, AND DRIVING A WHITE SEDAN WITH MASSACHUSETTS LISENCE PLATES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.

GIRARDVILLE WOMAN PLEADED GUILTY IN THEFT

MICHELLE CONNORS, OF GIRARDVILLE, PLEADED GUILTY FRIDAY ON TWO COUNTS EACH OF THEFT AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY. CONNORS WAS SENTENCED TO ONE TO FIVE YEARS IN A STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AND FIVE YEARS OF PROBATION FOR STEALING MORE THAN ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM MARY OCONNELL AFTER BECOMING HER POWER OF ATTORNEY. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, CONNORS APOLOGIZED AND STATED SHE HOPES OCONNELL WOULD FORGIVE HER ONE DAY.

STATE POLICE PARTICIPATE IN MOTOR COACH SAFETY WEEK

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE, PENSYLVANIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WILL CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF MOTOR COACHES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE DURING MOTOR COACH WEEK, WHICH RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER 19TH. MOTOR COACHES ARE INSPECTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ACCORDING TO PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER FRANK PAWLOWSKI, BUT THIS WILL BE A LARGE-SCALE EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLES ARE FREE OF SAFETY HAZARDS AND REACH THEIR DESTINATIONS SAFELY.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS DESIGNATE LEADERSHIP TEAM

THE ONE-HUNDRED-AND-TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS OF THE INCOMING PENSYLVANIA HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ELECTED THEIR LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR THE UPCOMING SESSION THAT BEGINS JANUARY 4TH. REPRESENTATIVE SAM SMITH WAS NOMINATED FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURZAL WAS SELECTED TO BECOME THE NEW MAJORITY LEADER. REPRESENTATIVE STAN SAYLOR WILL SERVE AS MAJORITY WHIP. THE NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM IS UNITED IN RESTORING CITIZENS’ CONFIDENCE IN STATE GOVERNMENT, CONTROLLING EXCESSIVE STATE SPENDING, AND ULTIMATELY LOWERING TAXES ON HARD WORKING PENSYLVANIANS.

STATE NEWS

GETTYSBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER, THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR AND A GAME COMMISSION OFFICIAL ARE PLANNING TO DISCUSS THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A WILDLIFE OFFICER. THE AFTERNOON NEWS CONFERENCE CONCERNED THE SHOOTING DEATH OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OFFICER DAVID GROVE IN ADAMS COUNTY. POLICE HAVE DETAINED A PERSON
OF INTEREST IN THE CASE, CHRISTOPHER LYNN JOHNSON.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A MEDICAL EXPERT TESTIFYING FOR THE DEFENSE IN THE TRIAL OF A MAN CHARGED IN A TODDLER'S BEATING DEATH SAYS THE CHILD'S WOUNDS ARE CONSISTENT WITH AN ACCIDENT. EUGENIO TORRES OF N.Y., IS CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE IN ELIJAH STRICKLAND'S
DEATH IN 2008. AUTHORITIES SAY STRICKLAND HAD BURNS, A SKULL FRACTURE AND INTERNAL BLEEDING WHEN HE DIED IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.

NATIONAL NEWS

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYS THAT WHILE ASIA'S RAPID GROWTH WILL LEAD TO COMPETITION FOR JOBS, COUNTRIES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PROSPER AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER NATIONS. SPEAKING TO EXECUTIVES AT A BUSINESS SUMMIT IN JAPAN, OBAMA SAYS NO COUNTRY SHOULD HAVE A MONOPOLY ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA (AP) - THE DEATH TOLL IN A SERIES OF ERUPTIONS FROM INDONESIA'S MOUNT MERAPI HAS CLIMBED TO 240. THE FIGURE HAS CONTINUED TO RISE SINCE A MASSIVE BLAST ON NOV. 5. CREWS ARE PULLING MORE BODIES FROM SMOLDERING VILLAGES, PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM THEIR WOUNDS AND OFFICIALS ARE COUNTING DEATHS INDIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE VOLCANO.

ANNAPOLIS, MD. (AP) - FEDERAL PROSECUTORS IN MARYLAND HAVE CHARGED A MARRIED COUPLE, BOTH TOP POLITICIANS IN THEIR SUBURBAN WASHINGTON, D.C., COUNTY, WITH TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE AND OTHER CHARGES. A PROSECUTOR SAYS THE CHARGES GREW OUT OF A 5-YEAR-OLD INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED REWARDS PROVIDED BY REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS TO LOCAL POLITICIANS IN EXCHANGE FOR FAVORS.

High School Football- Week 11

FRIDAY GAMES

SOUTHERN LEHIGH 21
POTTSVILLE 19

ALLENTOWN CC 55
BLUE MTN 20

MAHANOY AREA 21
TRI VALLEY 19

PINE GROVE 14
CATASAUQUA 13

SHIKELLAMY 23 OT
SHAMOKIN 17

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 68
CANTON 52

MOUNT CARMEL 45
NORTH PENN 14

DANVILLE 62
WYALUSING 20

LEWISBURG 21
BLOOMSBURG 20

BERWICK 28
BANGOR 21

LINE MTN 57
MUNCY 13

SATURDAY GAMES

SHENANDOAH VALLEY @ SCHUYLKILL HAVEN
PIUS X @ WILLIAMS VALLEY
NORTH SCHUYLKILL @ PEN ARGYL
JIM THORPE @ NORTHERN LEHIGH

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010

POWER OUTAGE

MORE THAN 11,000 PEOPLE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WERE WITHOUT POWER THURSDAY FOR ABOUT 90 MINUTES. THE OUTAGE WAS CAUSED BY A TRIPPED POWER LINE IN FRACKVILLE. THE LINE TRIPPED JUST BEFORE 11AM, IT AFFECTED CUSTOMERS IN SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP, RUSH TOWNSHIP, WEST MAHONOY, FRACKVILLE, GIRARDVILLE, TAMAQUA, ASHLAND, AND OTHER NEARBY AREAS. ALL POWER HAD BEEN RESTORED IN THE COUNTY JUST AFTER 1PM.
　
SAINT CLAIR TAXES

SAINT CLAIR BOROUGH RESIDENTS WILL MOST LIKELY BE PAYING MORE IN TAXES IN 2011. ON THURSDAY NIGHT, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL APPROVED THE 2011 TENTATIVE BUDGET WITH AN INCREASE OF $1 MILLION. THE COUNCIL MUST NEXT VOTE ON THE BUDGET'S FINAL VERSION ON DECEMBER 7TH. THE LAST TAX INCREASE WAS 15 TO 20 YEARS AGO.
　
CORBETT WILL NOMINATE NEXT ATTORNEY GENERAL

GOVENOR ELECT-TOM CORBETT GETS TO NOMINATE A SUCCESSOR TO FILL THE POST HE'S HELD FOR SIX YEARS. ONE OF THE EARLY DECISIONS FACING CORBETT, WHO TAKES OFFICE JANUARY 18, IS PICKING A NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL. HE WILL STAY IN OFFICE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL UNTIL INAUGURATION DAY. 15-YEARS-AGO CORBETT GOT HIS START IN STATEWIDE POLITICS BY BEING APPOINTED ATTORNEY GENERAL, REPLACING FORMER LACKAWANNA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ERNIE PREATE.
　
MAGICAL MEMORIES- A TRIBUTE TO THE MAGIC OF DISNEY

THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATER WILL PRESENT "MAGICAL MEMORIES - A TRIBUTE TO THE MAGIC OF DISNEY" THIS SUNDAY. THE SHOWS AT 2PM AND 5PM WILL FEATURE THE TALENTS OF 55 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE. SONGS FROM SUCH DISNEY SHOWS AS "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, "THE LION KING, "PETER PAN", AND "MARY POPPINS" WILL BE PERFORMED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THERE'S NO WORD YET ON THE CAUSE OF A FIVE-ALARM FIRE AT A PITTSBURGH GLASS COMPANY. THE FIRE AT EMERALD ART GLASS WAS REPORTED JUST AFTER 9:30 P.M. LAST NIGHT AND WAS REPORTED UNDER CONTROL IN ABOUT 90 MINUTES. NO ONE WAS HURT.

ERIE, PA. (AP) - AN ERIE MAN HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF KILLING A DOWNSTAIRS NEIGHBOR AND SETTING FIRE TO HER APARTMENT IN MARCH. TWENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD TYLER KEYS OF WAS FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF PEGGY SUE GAERTTNER. AUTHORITIES SAY KEYS BEAT AND STABBED THE VICTIM BEFORE SETTING THE HOME ABLAZE.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A FORMER HEAD OF STATE POLICE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SAYS IN A LAWSUIT A BARRACKS COMMANDER RETALIATED AGAINST HIM FOR INVESTIGATING WHETHER THE COMMANDER WRONGLY INTERCEDED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A FRIEND. LIEUTENANT JEFFREY SHAW'S LAWSUIT DOESN'T IDENTIFY THE COMMANDER - WHO HAS SINCE RETIRED - OR THE FRIEND, WHO WAS NEVER CHARGED.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - A WILKE-BARRE BUSINESSMAN WHO ADMITTED GUILT IN A CORRUPTION PROBE HAS BEEN PLACED ON PROBATION FOR TWO YEARS AND FINED $10,000. THOM GRECO PLEADED GUILTY LAST SUMMER TO FAILURE TO REPORT A CRIME RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF TELEVISION SETS FOR AN UNNAMED LUZERNE COUNTY PUBLIC OFFICIAL.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - LEADERS OF 20 MAJOR ECONOMIES ARE REFUSING TO ENDORSE A U.S. PUSH TO GET CHINA TO LET ITS CURRENCY RISE. AFTER THE G-20 MEETING IN SOUTH KOREA TODAY, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TOLD REPORTERS THE YUAN (YOO-AHN') IS AN "IRRITANT" NOT JUST FOR THE U.S BUT FOR CHINA'S OTHER TRADING PARTNERS.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S DECISION TO BUY $600 BILLION IN U.S. DEBT ISN'T DESIGNED TO WEAKEN THE DOLLAR BUT TO GIVE A BOOST TO THE NATION'S SLOW RECOVERY. CRITICS CALL IT A RECKLESS AND SELFISH SCHEME TO FLOOD MARKETS WITH DOLLARS, DRIVING DOWN THE VALUE OF THE U.S. CURRENCY AND GIVING AMERICAN EXPORTERS AN ADVANTAGE.

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA (AP) - NIGERIA'S MAIN MILITANT GROUP IN THE OIL-RICH SOUTHERN DELTA HAS RELEASED A LIST OF HOSTAGES TAKEN DURING MONDAY'S ATTACK ON AN OFFSHORE OIL RIG. AT LEAST ONE NAME MATCHES THAT OF A U.S. WORKER. JAMES ROBERTSON OF SILVER CREEK, MISS., IS EMPLOYED BY CONTRACTOR TRANSOCEAN LTD.

FLINT, MICH. (AP) - A MAN SUSPECTED IN A SERIES OF STABBINGS IN THREE STATES COULD LEARN TODAY IF HE'LL FACE TRIAL FOR A SLAYING THAT CONVINCED MICHIGAN POLICE THEY WERE LIKELY DEALING WITH A SERIAL KILLER. ISRAELI NATIVE ELIAS ABUELAZAM (EH-LEE-AHS' A-BOO-LAH'-ZUHM) IS CHARGED WITH THREE MURDERS AND FIVE ATTEMPTED MURDERS IN MICHIGAN AND AN ATTEMPTED MURDER IN OHIO. HE'S ALSO SUSPECTED IN ATTACKS IN VIRGINIA.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN SAN ANTONIO HAVE CHARGED A 29-YEAR-OLD FORMER PRISON INMATE WITH FOUR COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED CAPITAL MURDER. POLICE SAY WILLIAM CARROLL SHOT FOUR POLICEMEN ENTERING HIS HOUSE THURSDAY TO SERVE A SEARCH WARRANT. TWO OF THE OFFICERS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. POLICE SAY CARROLL, WHO HAS A LENGTHY CRIMINAL HISTORY, SURRENDERED WHEN SWAT OFFICERS RETURNED GUNFIRE.

TODAY'S NEWS:THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010

VETERANS DAY

VETERANS DAY TODAY, WE PAUSE TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS. ON THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH, AT THE 11TH HOUR, IN 1918, THE ARMISTICE (AR-MISS-TISS) WAS SIGNED, ENDING THE FIRST WORLD WAR. SINCE THEN, OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SAFEGUARDED OUR FREEDOMS IN THE JUNGLES OF THE FAR EAST, THE BEACHES OF EUROPE AND THE SANDS OF THE MIDDLE EAST, WHEREVER THEY WERE CALLED. MANY CAME HOME, SOME WERE INJURED, OTHERS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. IN COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS AROUND THE COUNTY, PROGRAMS ARE PLANNED IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY. MANY FEDERAL , STATE AND LOCAL OFFICES, POST OFFICES AND BANKS ARE CLOSED. IF YOU ARE ENJOYING A DAY OFF TODAY, DO SO..BUT MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU PAUSE IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALL OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN, THOSE WHO HAVE PROUDLY WORN THE UNIFORM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES , AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON DUTY NOW, FOR OUR PROTECTION.

KANTNER'S SPEECH

CONTROLLER MELINDA KANTNER BLASTED COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY'S EXTERNAL AUDITOR AT WEDNESDAY MORNING'S COMISSIONERS MEETING. AMONG OTHER THINGS, KANTNER CLAIMED TO BE THE VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY BY OTHER COUNTY OFFICIALS. THE EIGHT MINUTE MONOLOGUE WAS EVENTUALLY STOPPED BY COMMISSIONERS CHAIRWOMAN MANTURA M. GALLAGHER, BUT OFFICIALS WERE STILL EMBARRASSED AND DISGUSTED FOR WHAT THEY HAD ALREADY WITNESSED.

TAMAQUA MAN ARRESTED

A TAMAQUA MAN NOW SITS BEHIND BARS ON A $1 MILLION STRAIGHT CASH BAIL. 28-YEAR-OLD QUINTEN T. HUTTY WAS JAILED LATE TUESDAY NIGHT AFTER HE WAS PICKED UP BY BOROUGH POLICE ON ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES IN MARYLAND. HUTTY WAS TAKEN BEFORE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE STEPHEN J. BAYER, TAMAQUA ON A CHARGE OF ARREST PRIOR TO REQUISITION IN CONNECTION WITH GOVERNOR'S WARRANTS FROM BOTH MARYLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA. THE WARRANTS CHARGE HUTTY WITH ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, ATTEMPTED SECOND-DEGREE MURDER, SECOND-DEGREE ASSUALT AND WEARING OR CARRYING A DANGEROUS WEAPON WITH INTENT TO INJURE. BAYER SET THE BAIL AND ORDERED HUTTY TO BE HELD IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON UNTIL HE IS EXTRADITED TO MARYLAND.
　
MINERSVILLE WANTS TAX EXEMPTION

MINERSVILLE BOROUGH OFFICIALS ASKED SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT ON WEDNESDAY TO ALLOW A TAX EXEMPTION ON A PROPERTY THAT HOUSED A RESTURANT DESTROYED BY A FIRE IN APRIL. IF GRANTED BY THE COURT, THE RELIEF WOULD LOWER TAX RECEIPTS FOR FOR THE COUNTY AND MINERSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND WOULD REVERSE THE OCTOBER 11TH DECISION OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS THAT REFUSED TO GRANT THE EXEMTION OR CHRAGE THE ASSESSMENT.
　
BUSY SANTA

WITH CHRISTMAS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, SANTA CLAUS IS ONE BUSY MAN. MORE THAN 200 CHILDREN HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED FOR FREE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH SANTA CLAUS THIS SATURDAY. THE BOOKED EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE REPUBLICAN-HERALD.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A MEMBER OF THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY SAYS MORE THAN $50 MILLION IN UNSPENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS SHOULD BE FROZEN. THE DRPA OPERATES BRIDGES BETWEEN PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY. STATE AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER TELLS THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER ANY FURTHER SPENDING WOULD VIOLATE THE "SPIRIT" OF A MOVE TO END SPENDING ON PROJECTS NOT RELATED TO THE BRIDGES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - DEMOCRATIC SENATOR AND REPUBLICAN SENATOR-ELECT ARE VOWING TO WORK TOGETHER ON ISSUES OF INTEREST TO THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE NATION.SENATOR BOB CASEY AND SENATOR-ELECT PAT TOOMEY SAY THEY HAD LUNCH YESTERDAY AND TALKED OVER A NUMBER OF ISSUES.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - FIREFIGHTERS IN PITTSBURGH SAY A BLAZE AT A GLASS COMPANY WENT TO FIVE ALARMS, BUT NO INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED. THE FIRE AT EMERALD ART GLASS IN THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE CITY TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF TO GET UNDER CONTROL. OFFICIALS SAY NO HOMES WERE THREATENED BY THE FLAMES.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A COUNTY JAIL IDENTIFICATION WORKER STATIONED AT PITTSBURGH MUNICIPAL COURT IS CHARGED WITH FONDLING A WOMAN AND MAKING ADVANCES WHILE FINGERPRINTING HER. LLOYD WILSON IS CHARGED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT AND OFFICIAL OPPRESSION IN THE INCIDENT. POLICE SAY WILSON TOLD THEM HE MERELY KISSED AND HUGGED THE WOMAN BECAUSE HE FELT SORRY FOR HER.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S ACTIONS TO HELP THE U.S. CLIMB OUT OF RECESSION WERE PRUDENT AND STABLE. OBAMA DEFENDED THE ACTIONS AT A NEWS CONFERENCE IN SEOUL, KOREA. OBAMA ALSO SAYS HE EXPECTS THE G-20 NATIONS MEETING IN SEOUL TO ACHIEVE BALANCED AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - FEWER HOMEOWNERS ARE HAVING THEIR HOMES REPOSSESSED. THE FORECLOSURE LISTING FIRM REALTYTRAC INC. SAYS HOME REPOSSESSIONS DROPPED 9 PERCENT FROM SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER, FALLING BY THE SHARPEST MARGIN THIS YEAR, BUT THEY WARN THAT FORECLOSURES MAY PICK UP SOON.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A PENTAGON STUDY GROUP REPORTEDLY SAYS THE MILITARY CAN LIFT THE BAN ON GAYS SERVING OPENLY WITH ONLY MINIMAL AND ISOLATED INCIDENTS OF RISK TO CURRENT WAR EFFORTS. THE WASHINGTON POST IS REPORTING ON THE SURVEY OF U.S. TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA (AP) - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS HAVE RESUMED IN AND OUT OF INDONESIA'S CAPITAL OF JAKARTA, HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY FROM THE COUNTRY'S DEADLY VOLCANO. THE U.S. IS TELLING AMERICAN TOURISTS TO USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING IN INDONESIA. THE VOLCANO HAS KILLED MORE THAN 190 SINCE IT STARTED ERUPTING MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AGO.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE CRUISE SHIP VACATION IS ALMOST OVER FOR THE PASSENGERS OF THE CARNIVAL SPLENDOR WHO HAD PLANNED TO GO TO THE MEXICAN RIVIERA. THE SHIP IS BEING PULLED TO PORT IN SAN DIEGO AND SHOULD GET THERE BY MIDDAY THURSDAY. SPLENDOR HAS HAD NO POWER SINCE AN ENGINE ROOM FIRE MONDAY.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010

INTERSTATE81 FATAL CRASH

FOR MORE THAN FIVE HOURS, EARLY TUESDAY MORNING, BOTH NORTHBOUND LANES OF INTERSTATE 81 WERE SHUT DOWN....DUE TO A FATAL CRASH. 42-YEAR-OLD ZBIGNIEW JARZAB, A TRUCK DRIVER FROM CHICAGO, WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH BY STATE POLICE TROOPER JUSTIN R. PREVOST AT ABOUT 5:55AM. PREVOST SAID JARZAB WAS DRIVING HIS TRACTOR WHEN HE DRIFTED ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD ABOUT A MILE SOUTH OF THE RAVINE EXIT. THE TRUCK TIPPED AFTER STRIKING METAL GUIDERAILS. JARZAB WAS NOT WEARING A SEATBELT.
　
POTTSVILLE FIRE

A FIRE THAT TORE THROUGH THE THIRD FLOOR OF A POTTSVILLE HOME TUESDAY EVENING WAS CAUSED BY A BURNING CANDLE. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT AT ABOUT 5:45PM YESTERDAY AT 715 WEST NORWEGIAN STREET. THANKFULLY THE FIRE WAS UNDER CONTROL IN ABOUT TEN MINUTES.
　
ENFORCE LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE ASKED A JUDGE TO ENFORCE A LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT THEY SAY CONTROLLER MELINDA B. KANTNER AGREED TO AND THEN RENEGED ON. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, DAUPHIN COUNTY SENIOR JUDGE JOSEPH H KLEINFELTER, WHO IS HANDLING THE CASE, HAS SCHEDULED A HEARING AND ARGUMENT ON THE PETITION FOR 11AM OF FRIDAY.
　
AMERICA RECYCLE DAY

EVERYDAY AMERICANS RECYCLE THEIR TRASH BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT'S AN IMPORTANT ACTIVITY THAT CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. ONCE A YEAR THE U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SETS ASIDE NOVEMBER 15TH TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT RECYCLING PLAYS A DRAMATIC ROLE IN REDUCING POLLUTION. IT'S A GREAT DAY TO RECOMMIT TO RECYCLING , AND CONSIDER ADDING SOME ADDITIONAL RECYCLING ACTIVITES TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. PLEASE RECYCLE!

CHESTER, PA. (AP) - A SECRETARY IN A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FACES CHARGES AFTER AUTHORITIES SAY SHE LEAKED CONFIDENTIAL CASE INFORMATION IN TWO ROBBERY CASES INVOLVING HER GRANDSON. VERA CARROLL, WHO WORKS IN THE OFFICE OF DELAWARE COUNTY D.A. G. MICHAEL GREEN, IMPROPERLY OBTAINED A COPY OF AN ARREST WARRANT FOR HER GRANDSON BEFORE IT WAS SUBMITTED TO A DISTRICT JUDGE.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY FIRE HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A 16-YEAR-OLD YOUTH AND SEVERELY DAMAGED FOUR ROW HOUSES. THE THREE-ALARM BLAZE WAS REPORTED SHORTLY AFTER 7 LAST NIGHT IN THE EAST END OF ALLENTOWN. ARRIVING FIRE CREWS FOUND ONE HOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES, AND THE BLAZE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THREE OTHER HOMES.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL HAS GIVEN PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO A BAN ON NATURAL GAS DRILLING WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARLENE HARRIS SAID THE PANEL HAS CONCERNS ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF DRILLING AND INDUSTRY CHEMICALS ON THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS. THE MEASURE WAS APPROVED 8-0 YESTERDAY WITH A FINAL VOTE EXPECTED NEXT WEEK.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FAMED ARCHITECT FRANK GEHRY SAYS AN EXPANSION AT THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART WON'T BE VISIBLE TO PEOPLE FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT WILL "KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF INSIDE." GEHRY JOINED DIGNITARIES, PHILANTHROPISTS AND ART AFICIONADOS YESTERDAY AT THE CITY'S 82-YEAR-OLD NEOCLASSICAL LANDMARK FOR THE START OF CONSTRUCTION.

BAGHDAD (AP) - OFFICIALS IN IRAQ SAY EXPLOSIONS ARE TARGETING BAGHDAD'S CHRISTIAN NEIGHBORHOODS. AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND 11 ARE WOUNDED. AL-QAIDA MILITANTS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAST WEEK'S CHURCH MASSACRE THAT LEFT 58 PEOPLE DEAD AND MILITANTS HAVE THREATENED MORE VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS HEADED TO SOUTH KOREA FOR A MEETING OF THE GROUP OF 20 MAJOR ECONOMIC POWERS IN SEOUL. EARLIER WEDNESDAY, OBAMA WAS IN INDONESIA, WHERE HE REACHED OUT TO THE ISLAMIC WORLD.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2010

BREAKING NEWS

I81 NORTH BOUND IS CLOSED AT THE 100 MILE MARKER DUE TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. WE WILL HAVE MORE DETAILS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

POTTSVILLE PARKING STUDY

POTTSVILLE IS USING SENSORS TO GAUGE PARKING PATTERNS IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT IN AN EFFORT TO FREE UP PARKING IN FRONT OF DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES. THE STUDY THAT WILL LAST UP TO 90 DAYS BEGAN INSTALLATION ON MONDAY BY STREETSMART TECHNOLOGY LLC. ABOUT 100 SENSORS AT METERED AND ONE-HOUR SPACES IN THE 100 AND 200 BLOCKS OF WEST MARKET STREET AND THE FIRST AND 100 BLOCKS OF NORTH CENTRE STREET WERE PUT IN PLACE. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THE INITIAL WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY WEDNESDAY WITH THE STUDY TO BEGIN BY YEAR'S END.

KANTNER'S APPEAL DISMISSED

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CONTROLLER, MELINDA B. KANTNER'S APPEAL HAS BEEN DISMISSED. KANTNER WAS ORDERED BY A JUDGE THAT SHE COMPLETE TWO LEGALLY MANDATED REPORTS, BUT HER APPEAL HAS BEEN DISMISSED BY COMMONWEALTH COURT. SENIOR JUDGE BARRY F. FEUDALE DISMISSED KANTNER'S APPEAL FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A DEFECT CORRECTION NOTICE OF OCTOBER 4TH.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ARREST
　
A SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MAN WAS PLACED BEHIND BARS FOR BREAKING A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER. POLICE SAY AROUND SIX SUNDAY MORNING 48-YEAR-OLD GENE MASCHAL OF NEW PHILADELPHIA SHOWED UP AT A HOME WHERE A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER WAS PLACED AGAINST HIM. POLICE ARRESTED HIM ON VALLEY STREET IN NEW PHILADELPHIA AND HE WAS PLACED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JAIL.

SMUGGLING POT

A PITTSBURGH WOMAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO SMUGGLE POT INTO A STATE PRISON IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WAS SENTENCED TO SPEND THE NEXT TWO YEARS IN A STATE PRISON. 28-YEAR-OLD JULIA KEEN WAS SENTENCED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE JACUELINE RUSSELL MONDAY TO THE PRISON TERM OF TWO TO FOUR YEARS IN STATE PRISON, KEEN PLEADED GUILTY IN SEPTEMBER TO SMUGGLING MARIJUANA INTO STATE PRISON AT MAHONOY IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

AVOID DROWSY DRIVING

THIS WEEK IS DROWSY DRIVING PREVENTION WEEK. WITH THE EALIER ARRIVAL OF NIGHTFALL, THE DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE REMIND DRIVERS TO BE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING ALERT BEHIND THE WHEEL. IF YOU FEEL DROWSY, PULL OVER AND TAKE BREAK FROM YOUR TRAVEL. BETWEEN 2005 AND 2009, PENNSYLVANIA HAS HAD NEARLY 2,300 DROWSY DRIVING-RELATED CRASHES A YEAR.

CANCER TREATMENT

NEW CANCER RESEARCH INTRODUCED AT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR RADIATION ONCOLOGY'S 52ND ANNUAL MEETING WILL IMPACT PATIENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH IN THE AREAS OF LUNG CANCER, LYMPHOMA, PROSTATE CANCER, AND BREAST CANCER WERE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 31ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 4TH. RESEARCHERS PROVIDED THE LATEST FINDINGS FOR EACH OF THESE IMPORTANT CANCER TREATMENTS.
　
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A HIGH-RANKING PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICIAL IS PLEADING 'NOT GUILTY' TO CHARGES THAT HE TRIED TO HAVE A "COLLECTOR" USE THREATS TO RECOUP THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FROM A FAILED REAL ESTATE DEAL. CARLO DANIEL CASTRO, AN INSPECTOR WHO HEADED THE TRAFFIC DIVISION, ENTERED THE PLEA BEFORE A FEDERAL JUDGE YESTERDAY. HE'S FACING BRIBERY AND EXTORTION CHARGES.

SOUTHAMPTON, PA. (AP) - POLICE NORTH OF PHILADELPHIA HAVE OPENED A HOMICIDE PROBE INTO THE DEATH OF A WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN THE NAIL SALON SHE OWNED. EMPLOYEES FOUND ANNIE HUYNH'S BODY YESTERDAY WHEN THEY ARRIVED FOR WORK. AN AUTOPSY HAS CONCLUDED HER DEATH WAS A HOMICIDE BUT AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT SAID HOW SHE DIED.

AMBLER, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A TEENAGER WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND IN A PHILADELPHIA-AREA CEMETERY DIED AS A RESULT OF A FALL FROM A 175-FOOT MAUSOLEUM BELL TOWER. POLICE SAY THE 16-YEAR-OLD FOUND DEAD SUNDAY APPARENTLY GAINED ACCESS TO THE TOWER OF CHIMES USING A LADDER THAT WAS BROUGHT TO WHITEMARSH MEMORIAL PARK IN AMBLER. THE IDENTITY OF THE TEEN HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - NEW NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES UP FOR REVIEW SUGGEST THAT SCHOOLS ALLOW FEWER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA'S CLASSROOMS. THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS RECOMMENDING THAT SCHOOLS STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO OFFER NO MORE THAN A SINGLE HOMEMADE SWEET AT SCHOOL PARTIES. THE BOARD EXPECTS TO VOTE ON THE NEW GUIDELINES THIS SPRING.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (AP) - INDONESIANS ARE FINALLY ABOUT TO GET A CHANCE TO CHEER FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, WHO LIVED THERE AS A CHILD FOR FOUR YEARS. BUT THE PRESIDENT WILL BE THERE FOR JUST 24 HOURS. THAT DISAPPOINTS SOME MUSLIM LEADERS AND CHILDREN AT THE SCHOOL OBAMA ATTENDED. OBAMA IS TO MEET WITH INDONESIA'S PRESIDENT AND MAKE A SPEECH ABOUT THE NEED TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE WEST AND THE MUSLIM WORLD.

MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA (AP) - INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES SAY THE DEATH TOLL FROM TWO WEEKS OF ERUPTIONS FROM MOUNT MERAPI (MEH-RAH'-PEE) HAS RISEN TO 153. TWELVE MORE BODIES HAVE BEEN RECOVERED. MOST OF THE VICTIMS WERE KILLED FRIDAY WHEN SUPERHEATED GASES ROLLED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

BEIJNG (AP) - ECONOMIC ADVISER PAUL VOLCKER IS PREDICTING THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WILL DECLINE GRADUALLY. VOLCKER, CHAIR OF THE PRESIDENT'S ECONOMIC ADVISORY BOARD, ONLY EXPECTS THE ECONOMY TO GROW SLOWLY FOR THE NEXT YEAR OF MORE. HE OFFERED THE FORECAST AT A BUSINESS FORUM IN CHINA.

DANNENBERG, GERMANY (AP) - TRUCKS CARRYING 123 TONS OF NUCLEAR WASTE ARE FINALLY MAKING THEIR WAY TO A STORAGE FACILITY IN NORTHERN GERMANY. POLICE WORKED THROUGH THE NIGHT TO CLEAR ABOUT 3,000 PROTESTERS WHO HAD BLOCKED THE ROAD. ACTIVISTS SAY THE STORAGE SITES ARE NOT SAFE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD IS HOLDING A TWO-DAY FORUM IN WASHINGTON TO CONSIDER THE SAFETY RISKS THAT OLDER DRIVERS FACE. MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE LICENSED DRIVERS WILL SOON BE 65 OR OLDER. SMARTER CARS AND BETTER DESIGNED ROADS MAY HELP KEEP THEM STAY BEHIND THE WHEEL LONGER.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010

STATE BUDGET

REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ARE THINKING "OUTSIDE THE BOX" TO CUT THEIR OWN BUDGETS DUE TO STATE BUDGET WOES. AT A PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER, SCHOOL DIRECTORS WERE TOLD THAT THE STATE IS FACING AT LEAST A FIVE BILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL IN NEXT YEARS BUDGET. ACCORDING TO PSBA DIRECTOR, DAVID DAVARE, THE REAL NUMBERS MAY TOP 15 BILLION DOLLARS....AND THOSE NUMBERS HAVE AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS SCRAMBLING TO FIND WAYS TO TRIM SPENDING AND INCREASE REVENUE.

FREE MEALS

THE PINE GROVE MASONIC LODGE'S EFFORT TO PROVIDE MEALS TO SHUTINS AND PEOPLE HAS FILLED THE STOMACHS OF MANY. MORE THAN 100 SHUT-INS AND OVER 145 PEOPLE WENT TO THE LODGE FOR A HOT MEAL THAT INCLUDED TURKEY, POTATO STUFFING, SALAD, AND DESSERT.

MISSING PERSONS

A SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUVENILE HAS STILL NOT BEEN LOCATED AFTER BEING REPORTED MISSING IN OCTOBER. THE PA STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE ARE INVESTIGATING THE DISAPERENCE OF 17-YEAR-OLD SANDRA LYNETTE STOEVER. STOEVER IS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE FEMALE, FIVE FEET FOUR INCHES, APROX 125 POUNDS, BROWN EYES, AND WEARING EYE GLASSES. JUST YESTERDAY, ANOTHER JUVENILE WAS REPORTED MISSING. 16-YEAR-OLD BRIDGETTE HUNT OF ZION GROVE WENT MISSING FROM HER HOME OVER THE WEEKEND AND HAS STILL NOT BEEN LOCATED. ANYONE KNOWING THE WHEREABOUTS OF EITHER OF THE VICTUMS IS URGED TO CALL PA STATE POLICE FRACKVILLE AT 570.874.5300.

MOUNT JOY, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY AN AUTOPSY IS PLANNED TODAY ON THE BODY OF A MAN WHO DIED OVER THE WEEKEND AFTER BEING SUBDUED BY POLICE USING A STUN GUN. STATE POLICE SAY OFFICERS IN MOUNT JOY WERE CALLED TO A HOME EARLY SATURDAY BY AND FOUND A "COMBATIVE AND AGGRESSIVE" 61-YEAR-OLD ROBERT NEILL. OFFICERS SAY THEY USED STUN GUNS AFTER ATTEMPTS TO CALM HIM FAILED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT IS SCHEDULED TO HOLD A HEARING TOMORROW ON THE DEATH SENTENCE IMPOSED ON MUMIA ABU-JAMAL IN THE 1981 MURDER OF A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER. ABU-JAMAL HAS ARGUED IN NUMEROUS APPEALS THAT RACISM BY THE TRIAL JUDGE AND PROSECUTORS LED TO HIS 1982 CONVICTION BY A MOSTLY WHITE JURY.

JOHNSTOWN, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN JOHNSTOWN SAY A WOMAN WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY A TRAIN. AUTHORITIES TELL THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT THAT THE WOMAN WAS HIT BY A NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN IN THE WEST END OF THE CITY SATURDAY NIGHT.

DOYLESTOWN, PA. (AP) - IN THE HIGH-PRESSURE WORLD OF EDUCATIONAL FUNDRAISING, DELAWARE VALLEY COLLEGE HAS SEEMINGLY HIT THE LOTTERY. A FOUNDATION IS GIVING THE SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL ABOUT $30 MILLION IN PROPERTY AND CASH. COLLEGE PRESIDENT JOSEPH BROSNAN WANTS TO ADD GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND ATTAIN UNIVERSITY STATUS THROUGH THE GIFT.

NEW DELHI (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS PLEDGED TO WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH INDIA TO COMBAT GLOBAL TERRORISM. THE PRESIDENT OFFERED TO HELP INDIA AND PAKISTAN RESOLVE THEIR LONG-STANDING DISPUTE OVER KASHMIR, WITHOUT INTERVENING DIRECTLY. OBAMA IS IN NEW DEHLI. HE'S ON A 10-DAY TRIP TO ASIA.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - THE TOP U.S. DEFENSE CHIEFS SAY AFGHANISTAN SHOULD BE READY TO HANDLE ITS OWN SECURITY BY THE YEAR 2014. DEFENSE SECRETARY ROBERT GATES AND JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF CHAIRMAN ADM. MIKE MULLEN, SPEAKING IN AUSTRALIA, BOTH SAY THAT NATO SHOULD ENDORSE THE 2014 TIMELINE PROPOSED BY AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI. THE WAR IS ALREADY IN ITS 10TH YEAR AND UNPOPULAR IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE.

IRBIL, IRAQ (AP) - LEADERS OF IRAQ'S MAIN POLITICAL BLOCS ARE MEETING IN THE NORTHERN CITY OF IRBIL (UR-BEEL') IN A RARE FACE-TO-FACE GATHERING THAT COULD SIGNAL PROGRESS IN BREAKING THE COUNTRY'S POLITICAL DEADLOCK. NO GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN FORMED SINCE THE MARCH ELECTION. IN SOUTHERN IRAQ TODAY, SEVEN SHIITE PILGRIMS WERE KILLED IN A CAR BOMB BLAST IN IRAQ'S HOLY CITY OF KARBALA (KAHR'-BAH-LAH).

MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA (AP) - MOUNT MERAPI (MEH-RAH'-PEE) IS RUMBLING AGAIN AND EXPERTS SAY IT COULD DELIVER ANOTHER ERUPTION AT ANY TIME. THE INDONESIAN VOLCANO KILLED ABOUT 100 PEOPLE FRIDAY. MANY OF THE VICTIMS WERE PLACED IN A MASS GRAVE YESTERDAY. THOUSANDS HAVE LEFT A CITY OF 400,000 ABOUT 20 MILES FROM MERAPI.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATORS LOOKING INTO THE CAUSES OF THE MASSIVE GULF OIL SPILL WILL LAY OUT THEIR INITIAL FINDINGS AS A TWO-DAY HEARING GETS UNDER WAY TODAY IN WASHINGTON. REPRESENTATIVES OF COMPANIES INVOLVED WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.