TODAY'S NEWS: APRIL 30th, 2011

LOCAL COUNSELORS ORGANIZE HIGHER EDUCATION FAIR

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS FROM ACROSS SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO ORGANIZE A “HIGHER EDUCATION FAIR”. HERE STUDENTS WILL FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO PREPARE THEM FOR LIFE LONG CAREERS. EACH OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS RUN TWO YEARS OR LESS AND INCLUDES: APPRENTICESHIP, LICENSE, DIPLOMA, CERTIFICATE, OR ASSOCIATE DEGREE. MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR, ARTIE DICASIMIRRO, SAYS TOO MANY STUDENTS QUIT OR FAIL OUT OF COLLEGE AFTER RUSHING THEIR DECISION TO ATTEND. THIS LEAVES THEM WITH UNWANTED BILLS THAT ARE EXTREMELY COSTLY. BEFORE COMMITTING TO A FOUR YEAR COLLEGE, DICASIMIRRO WANTS STUDENTS TO BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE OF ALL OPTIONS. THE HIGHER EDUCATION FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE SCHUYLKILL MALL THIS TUESDAY, MAY THIRD, FROM 6:30-8PM.

CORONER RULES OUT FOUL PLAY

NO FOUL PLAY IS SUSPECTED IN THE DEATH OF A MAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND IN A DESERTED AREA OF NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP LATE THURSDAY. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN AND HERALD, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT SAID WARREN W. SMITH, 58, OF 410 W. POPLAR ST., SHENANDOAH, WAS FOUND OFF DARKWATER ROAD NEAR A STONE CRUSHING FACILITY. LIPSETT SAID HE PRONOUNCED SMITH DEAD AT 8:45 P.M. AND THAT AN AUTOPSY WAS CONDUCTED FRIDAY BY FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST DR. RICHARD BINDIE AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER-SOUTH JACKSON STREET. LIPSETT SAID BINDIE HAS LISTED BOTH THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH AS UNDETERMINED, PENDING THE RESULTS OF TOXICOLOGY TESTS. THE CORONER SAID AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH IS BEING CONDUCTED BY STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE AND JAMES NETTLES, CHIEF DEPUTY CORONER. NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE FRIDAY ABOUT SMITH, HIS LAST KNOWN WHEREABOUTS OR FAMILY. TROOPERS FROM THE FRACKVILLE STATION WERE STILL CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THEY SAID SMITH'S BODY WAS FOUND BY ATV RIDERS IN THE AREA BEHIND POTTSVILLE MATERIALS LLC, 2 E. DARKWATER ROAD, A FACILITY THAT PROVIDES SAND, GRAVEL, CRUSHED STONE AND OTHER MATERIALS.

MOTORCYCLIST FLOWN FROM SCENE

A MOTORCYCLIST WHO SUFFERED INJURIES IN AN OFF-ROAD ACCIDENT IN BLYTHE TOWNSHIP ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON WAS FLOWN FROM THE SCENE BY HELICOPTER TO AN AREA HOSPITAL, ACCORDING TO A SUPERVISOR AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. BLYTHE TOWNSHIP POLICE SAID THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND WAS "NON-REPORTABLE" AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. A TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT, IT OCCURRED AT 2:45 P.M. FRIDAY NEAR BURMA ROAD. RESPONDERS INCLUDED A MEDEVAC HELICOPTER, SAINT CLAIR AMBULANCE AND FIREFIGHTERS AND POTTSVILLE/SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ALS, ACCORDING TO THE COMMUNICATION SUPERVISOR.

LCB BUST FOUR LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS

THE PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF LIQUOR CONTROL ENFORCEMENT CITED FOUR BARS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FOR LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS, SGT. TIMOTHY F. GALLOWAY, THE BUREAU'S DISTRICT OFFICE COMMANDER, SAID FRIDAY. MARTHA J. HOWELLS, MARTHA'S PLACE, 300 LAFAYETTE ST., TAMAQUA, WAS CITED FOR SELLING OR FURNISHING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR ON FEB. 10. VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POST 1420, MAHANOY CITY, WAS CITED FOR POSSESSION OR OPERATION OF GAMBLING DEVICES OR PARAPHERNALIA OR PERMITTED GAMBLING OR LOTTERIES, POOL SELLING OR BOOKMAKING ON JAN. 20. GOOD INTENT HOSE CO. NO. 1, LLEWELLYN, WAS CITED FOR FAILING TO REQUIRE PATRONS TO VACATE THE PREMISES A HALF-HOUR AFTER THE BAR CLOSES, AND PERMITTING PATRONS TO POSSESS OR REMOVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FROM THE BAR AFTER 2:30 A.M. ON DEC. 11, 2010. FREDDY'S PUB LLC, TAMAQUA, WAS CITED FOR SELLING OR FURNISHING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 2 AND 11 A.M. AND A NOISE VIOLATION ON JAN. 9.

NEW ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON JOINS COMMUNITY

SAINT CATHERINE MEDICAL CENTER IN FOUNTAIN SPRINGS HAS A NEW ADDITION TO THEIR MEDICAL STAFF. DR. ASHISH ANAND IS NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS IN HIS OFFICE LOCATED AT 93, BROAD STREET, SUITE A, ON THE CAMPUS OF SAINT CATHERINE MEDICAL CENTER. MEDICAL PRACTICE MANAGER, PAULA ZLOWENICK SAYS DR. ANAND IS EXCITED TO BE BACK ON THE EAST COAST AFTER SPENDING SEVERAL YEARS IN MISSOURI. ZLOWENICK ALSO FEELS DR. ANAND WILL BE A BIG ASSET TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE HE IS SO DIVERSE.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has
told National Rifle Association members meeting in Pittsburgh that
President Barack Obama doesn't understand America. The Republican
presidential hopeful criticized remarks Obama made about two weeks
ago when he said America "would not be a great country" without
social programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A judge has put on hold a federal
whistle-blower case against the former head of the embattled
Philadelphia Housing Authority. A former assistant to ousted
executive director Carl Greene claims in a civil rights lawsuit
that he was fired for speaking out. The judge says Vincent Morris'
complaint lacked information necessary to make a civil rights
claim.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The owners of a suburban Philadelphia
elder-care facility are appealing the revocation of their state
license. The state Department of Public Welfare says it's moving to
revoke the license of the Quadrangle facility in Haverford after a
hidden camera allegedly captured aides assaulting and mocking a
dementia patient.

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - A school district is canceling plans for
elementary students to take a field trip to the state Capitol next
week for a protest over education funding. The Lancaster New Era
and Intelligencer Journal reported yesterday that the School
District of Lancaster made the decision after fielding complaints
from some parents.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - The National Weather Service says at least
one of the massive tornadoes that killed hundreds across the South
this week was a devastating EF-5 storm. Forecasters say they
suspect several others also were the worst of the worst but the
analysis continues. At least 339 people died in 7 states.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says tax breaks for oil
and gas companies have to go. In his weekly radio and Internet
address, Obama says the $4 billion a year in giveaways aren't right
amid high gas prices and big profits. For the Republicans,
first-term Oklahoma Congressman Jim Lankford says Obama's plan
won't punish CEOs of big companies but will hurt everyday consumers
and put jobs at risk.

CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's justice minister says that if ousted
President Hosni Mubarak is ever convicted of ordering the shooting
of protesters during the uprisings that brought him down, he could
face the death penalty. The minister says Mubarak, his two sons and
wife are also facing allegations of corruption.

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO is downplaying the Taliban's announcement
of their spring military offensive in Afghanistan as a sign of
desperation over recent setbacks. A NATO official in Brussels also
says the Taliban will try to gain a propaganda victory through
coordinated attacks and that the U.S.-led coalition already has
tightened security.

LONDON (AP) - Newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton have
left Buckingham Palace but their honeymoon spot is still a secret.
An Associated Press photographer saw their helicopter depart this
morning. William has a two-week leave from military duty.

LOCAL NEWS : APRIL 29,2011

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A CHANCE TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF PERSON WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IS HAPPENING TONIGHT IN POTTSVILLE. J MATTHEWS HAS MORE:

NATIONAL CHILDRENS STUDY OPENS DOORS

THE NATIONAL CHILDREN STUDY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OFFICIALLY OPENED ITS LOCAL OFFICE THURSDAY NIGHT. NEWS DIRECTOR JAY LEVAN HAS MORE:

TRIAL CONTINUES IN DEATH OF SHENANDOAH MAN

DAY 4 OF THE TRIAL OF JULIUS ENOE CONTINUED YESTERDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. ENOE TOOK THE STAND AND DENIED ANY INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF BRUCE FORKER. ENOE TESTIFIED THAT HE WAS NOT THE ONE WHO PULLED THE TRIGGER. THIS GOES AGAINST TESTIMONY FROM TWO OTHER CO-CONSPIRATORS JAHMAL OLLIVIRRE AND DAMON ENNETT WHO EARLIER THIS WEEK TESTIFIED THAT THEY TOOK PART IN THE SHOOTING WITH ENOE. THE TRIAL RESUMES TODAY WITH CLOSING ARGUMENTS FROM BOTH THE DEFENSE AND PROSECUTION BEFORE SEDING THE JURY TO DELIBERATE ON ENOE'S FATE.

TAMAQUA MAN SELECTE TO HEAD PA ED BOARD

GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S OFFICE HAS SELECTED A LOCAL MAN TO HEAD THE STATE'S BOARD OF EDUCATION. LARRY WITTIG WHO HAS BEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL BOARD SINCE 1995 WILL SUCCEED JOE TORSELLA, WHO STEPPED DOWN RECENTLY TO ACCEPT A POSITION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULATES AND MAKES POLICIES AS PART OF THE PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

STATE SENATOR DEFENDS AGAINST GUN ALLEGATIONS

A STATE SENATOR INSISTS HE DID NOTHING WRONG BEFORE RECEIVING A CITATION FOR ALLEGEDLY DISPLAYING A GUN WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 78 IN BERKS COUNTY LAST MONTH. STATE POLICE CITED MONTGOMERY COUNTY REPUBLICAN SENATOR BOB MENSCH FOR SUMMARY DISORDERLY CONDUCT. STATE POLICE SAY TROOPERS PULLED OVER MENSCH AFTER ANOTHER MOTORIST REPORTED SPOTTING A BLACK HANDGUN IN HIS RIGHT HAND.

GAS HOSE TAKEN FROM VEHICLE

WITH GAS PRICES ON THE RISE, SOME PEOPLE ARE GOING TO THE EXTREME TO FILL UP. 29-YEAR-OLD OLIVER SCHAEFFER OF AUBURN HAD HIS GAS HOSE CUT AND REMOVED FROM HIS VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT A DELI. POLICE REPORT THE INCIDENT OCCURRED SOMETIME BETWEEN 3PM MONDAY AND 10AM TUESDAY IN THE REAR LOT OF THE MARKET BASKET PRODUCE AND DELI.

PHEAA LAUNCHES MOBILE WEBSITES FOR SMART PHONES

THE PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AGENCY (PHEAA) ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT BORROWERS WHOSE LOANS ARE SERVICED BY ITS STUDENT LOAN SERVICING OPERATIONS, AMERICAN EDUCATION SERVICES AND FEDLOAN SERVICING, CAN NOW MAKE PAYMENTS DIRECTLY THROUGH THEIR WEB-ENABLED CELL PHONES, INCLUDING SMART PHONES. PHEAA BOARD CHAIRMAN, WILLIAM ADOLPH, SAYS "WE ARE HELPING BORROWERS AVOID DELINQUENCY AND DEFAULT- WHICH CAN ULTIMATELY SAVE BORROWERS FROM A LIFETIME OF CREDIT ISSUES, WHILE SAFEGUARDING MILLIONS OF FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS." BORROWERS CAN VISIT MYFEDLOAN.ORG TO CHECK THEIR ACCOUNT BALANCE TODAY.

STATE NEWS:

WERNERSVILLE, PA. (AP) - POWERFUL THUNDERSTORMS AND AT LEAST TWO TORNADOES TORE ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA YESTERDAY, CUTTING POWER,DOWNING TREES AND DAMAGING PROPERTY. ONE TREE FELL ON A SCHOOL BUS IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, BUT NO STUDENTS WERE HURT. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS ONE TWISTER CAME DOWN EAR THE ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN RESORT IN LEWISBERRY IN YORK COUNTY. ANOTHER TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN PALMYRA BOROUGH, LEBANON COUNTY.

BRISTOL, PA. (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT AFTER POLICE SAY HER THREE CHILDREN WERE LEFT ALONE AND FILTHY INSIDE THEIR SQUALID HOME. CHELSEA CHAMPEY OF BRISTOL REMAINS IN BUCKS COUNTY PRISON ON $75,000 BAIL. POLICE DISCOVERED THE CHILDREN, AGES 4, 2 AND 1, IN THE HOME IN FEBRUARY
AND THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY PLACED IN FOSTER CARE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A FRENCH-THEMED ARTS FESTIVAL IS COMING TO A CLOSE IN PHILADELPHIA WITH A HUGE STREET FAIR. THE PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS HAS PRESENTED 135 EVENTS BY 1,500 ARTISTS OVER 25 DAYS. THE WORLDS OF DANCE, THEATER, VISUAL ARTS, MUSIC, FOOD AND FASHION WERE CELEBRATED DURING THE EVENT
ORGANIZED BY THE KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.


NATIONAL NEWS:

LONDON (AP) - THERE ARE HIGH HOPES THE ROYAL WEDDING TODAY BETWEEN PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY WILL REVIVE BRITAIN'S BELEAGUERED MONARCHY. BUT THE ANSWER TO THE BIGGEST QUESTION ABOUT IS STILL YEARS AWAY FROM AN ANSWER. IS THIS ONE ROYAL COUPLE WHO WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER? IT'S EXPECTED A THIRD OF THE PLANET WILL WATCH THEM TAKE THE FIRST STEP.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - ABOUT 10 HOURS AFTER THE ROYAL WEDDING IN LONDON,ANOTHER MAJOR SPECTACLE TAKES PLACE TODAY AS SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR EMBARKS ON ITS FINAL FLIGHT. THE VIP LIST INCLUDES PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY AND WOUNDED
CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS, WHOSE HUSBAND, MARK KELLY,COMMANDS ENDEAVOUR.

CONCORD, ALA. (AP) - SURVIVORS OF THE NATION'S DEADLIEST TORNADO OUTBREAK IN NEARLY FOUR DECADES ARE POKING THROUGH RUBBLE FOR WHATEVER THEY CAN SALVAGE AS CREWS COMB THE REMAINS OF HOMES FOR VICTIMS. AT LEAST 297 WERE KILLED ACROSS SIX STATES. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PLANS A TRIP TO HARD-HIT TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA TODAY.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. (AP) - THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, RESIDENTS OF CAIRO (KAY'-ROH), ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM ARE WATCHING THE RIVERS RISE AS A JUDGE PONDERS PLANS TO BLOW UP A LEVEE. THE BLAST WOULD RELEASE A TORRENT OF WATER ON
MISSOURI FARMLAND AND THE STATE WANTS TO BLOCK IT. SUPPORTERS SAY IT WOULD PROTECT CAIRO, AT THE CONFLUENCE OF THE OHIO AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO (AP) - MOROCCO'S DEADLIEST TERRORIST ATTACK IN EIGHT YEARS HAS CLAIMED TWO MORE LIVES. MOROCCO'S STATE NEWS AGENCY SAYS THE DEATH TOLL IN THE TERRORIST ATTACK AT A TOURIST CAFE IN MARRAKECH HAS RISEN TO 16.

TODAY'S NEWS: APRIL 28,2011

STORMS CAUSE POWER OUTAGES IN COUNTY

UPDATED: 7:45A
POWERFUL STORMS RIPPED THROUGH SCHUYLKILL AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES EARLY THIS MORNING CAUSING POWER OUTAGES. PPL REPORTS 918 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CUSTOMERS SUFFERING POWER OUTAGES DURING THIS MORNING STORMS, BUT SERVICE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO ALL BUT 200 CUSTOMERS. FLOOD ADVISORIES REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL 10:00AM.

MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

"NOT PART OF THE PLAN" THAT'S WHAT DAMON ENNETT SAID WHILE TESTIFYING ABOUT THE SHOOTING DEATH OF BRUCE FORKER OF SHENANDOAH IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT ON WEDNESDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF THE TRIAL FOR JULIUS ENOE. SO FAR ENNETT AND JAHMAL OLLIVIRRE HAVE BEEN THE MAIN WITNESSES IN THE TRIAL. DISTRICT ATTORNEY JAMES GOODMAN AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILL CONTINUE TO PRESENT THEIR CASE AGAINST ENOE TODAY WHEN THE TRIAL RESUMES AT 9:30 AM IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT.

WOMAN STRUCK BY CAR IN LOT

AN 84-YEAR-OLD ORWIGSBURG WOMAN WAS INJURED WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON IN THE PARKING LOT OF DR. LUO EYE CARE CENTER IN POTTSVILLE. POLICE REPORT EULA KOPERNA WAS WALKING BEHIND A VEHICLE THAT WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE, DRIVEN BY 41-YEAR-OLD HEATHER BREISCH OF POTTSVILLE, WAS PARTIALLY OUT OF THE SPACE WHEN IT STRUCK KOPERNA, CAUSING HER TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND. KOPERNA SUFFERED AN INJURY TO HER RIGHT HIP AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER-SOUTH JACKSON STREET FOR TREATMENT.

SHENANDOAH SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES BUDGET

THE SHENANDOAH SCHOOL BOARD MET LAST NIGHT AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TENTATIVE BUDGET PLAN REAL ESTATE TAXES WILL REMAIN THE SAME AND THE PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS WILL REMAIN FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. THE BUDGET FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR TOTALS NEARLY 16 MILLION DOLLARS AND WAS CREATED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT STATE FUNDING WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AS INDICATED IN GOV. TOM CORBETT'S PROPOSED BUDGET.



A PLAYFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR MEN TO RAISE AWARENESS HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ABOUT THE SERIOUS CAUSES, EFFECTS AND REMEDIATION TO SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE IS HAPPENING TODAY. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES

OF COURSE WOMAN ARE INVITED TO REGISTER AND MARCH WITH WALKERS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT. WALKERS WHO OBTAIN $50 OR MORE IN PLEDGES WILL RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT. THE WALK WILL END WITH A CELEBRATION AT MAROONS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IS CELEBRATING NATIONAL JAZZ HISTORY MONTH WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY FIVE TALENTED ARTISTS. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

SPRING FLING

ITEMS USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE WERE CONFISCATED FROM A TREMONT HOME TUESDAY NIGHT MARKING THE THIRD SUCH LAB FOUND IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. POLICE DISCOVERED THE LAB AT THE HOME OF ROSS WOLFF WHILE ASSISTING WOLFF’S EX-WIFE RETRIEVE ITEMS FROM INSIDE THE HOME. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS A SEARCH WARRANT WAS OBTAINED AT THE 34 N. CRESCENT ST. HOME, WITH A SEARCH BY BOROUGH POLICE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE DETECTIVES AND HEGINS TOWNSHIP POLICE TURNING UP A CONCEALED METHAMPHETAMINE LAB. WOLFF IS CURRENTLY INCARCERATED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON ON A DUI CONVICTION. CHARGES AGAINST WOLFF AND ANOTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE METH LAB ARE PENDING THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION.


STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S MARCELLUS SHALE ADVISORY COMMISSION HEARD FROM DOZENS OF SOMETIMES ANGRY RESIDENTS WHO SAY THEY ARE WORRIED THAT THE BOOMING NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY IS HARMING PUBLIC HEALTH AND DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT. ABOUT 60 PEOPLE, MOST OF THEM ANTI-DRILLING PROTESTORS, SPOKE AT A MEETING YESTERDAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL HAVE TO CUT 3,800 JOBS - INCLUDING ALMOST 1,300 TEACHERS - IF THE GOVERNOR'S PLANNED BUDGET CUTS ARE APPROVED. DISTRICT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER MICHAEL MASCH SAYS THE SCHOOLS FACE A $292
MILLION LOSS IN STATE AID, CREATING A $629 MILLION DEFICIT OVERALL.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A MELEE IN AN ALLENTOWN WAWA CONVENIENCE STORE INJURED SIX POLICE OFFICERS, INCLUDING ONE WHO WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. IT ALL STARTED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING WHEN OFFICERS SAW A MAN THROW A SODA AT A WOMAN. OFFICERS SAID THEY TRIED TO ARREST HIM, BUT HE THREW ONE OFFICER INTO A COOLER, ELBOWED ANOTHER AND PUSHED A THIRD INTO A DOUGHNUT STAND. POLICE SAY ABOUT 200 ONLOOKERS THEN SURROUNDED THE OFFICERS IN WHAT THEY DESCRIBED AS A "NEAR RIOT."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A NEWLY DISCOVERED SPECIES OF LICHEN (LIKE'-IN) HAS BEEN NAMED FOR ALFRED "ERNIE" SCHUYLER, EMERITUS CURATOR OF BOTANY AT THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES IN PHILADELPHIA AND A WORLD EXPERT ON RARE PLANTS. LICHEN IS A TYPE OF FUNGUS. THE NEWLY NAMED VEZDAEA SCHUYLERIANA (VEZ-DEE'-UH SKY-LER-EE-AH'-NAH) IS BARELY VISIBLE AND SO RARE THAT IT IS ONLY KNOWN TO EXIST ON A SINGLE BOULDER IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.

NATIONAL NEWS:

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. (AP) - FIERCE STORMS OBLITERATED LARGE SWATHS OF LAND FROM MISSISSIPPI TO GEORGIA, TAKING 83 LIVES IN FIVE STATES. THE STORM WIPED OUT HOMES AND BUSINESSES, CAUSED A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TO USE BACKUP GENERATORS AND EVEN FORCED THE EVACUATION OF A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE. ONE OF THE HARDEST-HIT AREAS WAS TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA.

WASHINGTON (AP) - ECONOMISTS ARE PREDICTING SLOWER GROWTH FOR FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR BUT SAY IT'S JUST TEMPORARY AND THINGS SHOULD PICK UP THE REST OF THE YEAR. IT'S BLAMED ON A HARSH WINTER AND HIGH OIL PRICES. THE GOVERNMENT'S REPORT THIS MORNING IS FORECAST TO SHOW A 1.9 PERCENT ANNUAL GROWTH RATE IN THE JANUARY-MARCH QUARTER.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL TODAY AND ANNOUNCE THAT ARMY GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS WILL TAKE COMMAND OF AMERICA'S SPY AGENCY. HE IS EXPECTED TO RETIRE LATER THIS YEAR AFTER 37 YEARS IN THE ARMY AND WILL NOW HAVE A ROLE IN SHAPING U.S. POLICY. THE CURRENT CIA DIRECTOR, LEON PANETTA, IS EXPECTED TO BE SHIFTED TO DEFENSE SECRETARY.

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (AP) - POLICE IN SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA, SAY NEIGHBORS' CALLS ABOUT AN UNUSUAL SMELL LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF A BODY IN AN APARTMENT. THE 30-YEAR-OLD WOMAN HAD BEEN DEAD FOR AT LEAST A WEEK AND POLICE SAY A MAN LIVING THERE IS IN CUSTODY -- BUT HASN'T BEEN CHARGED YET.

WASHINGTON (AP) - RESEARCHERS IN SAN DIEGO SAY SIGNS OF AUTISM IN CHILDREN MAY BE PRESENT AT ONE YEAR OLD, IF PEOPLE KNOW TO LOOK FOR THEM. SCIENTISTS SAY A SIMPLE CHECKLIST COULD SOMEDAY HELP DOCTORS AND PARENTS SEE THE WARNINGS. PEDIATRICIANS HAD THE PARENTS OF 10,000 ONE-YEAR-OLDS FILL OUT A CHECKLIST, LOOKING FOR THINGS LIKE HOW THE TOTS BABBLE, GESTURE AND INTERACT WITH OTHERS.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010

NEPHEW TESTIFIES AT CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL

DAY TWO OF THE CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL OF JULIUS ENOE BEGAN TUESDAY WITH ONE ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE UNDER CROSS-EXAMINATION. ENOE'S NEPHEW, JAHMAL OLLIVIRRE ACKNOWLEDGED HE HAD NOT TOLD THE TRUTH AT A PRIOR HEARING IN REGARDS TO THE MURDER WEAPON'S WHEREABOUTS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS OLLIVIRRE TESTIFIED EARLIER TUESDAY THAT ENOE HAD TAKEN THE GUN WITH HIM TO NEW YORK CITY WHEN THE PAIR FLED BY BUS AFTER BRUCE FORKER'S SHOOTING. THE TRAIL IS SCHEDULED TO RESUME TODAY AT 9:30AM WITH ENOE'S OTHER ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE DAMON ENNETT.

2010 SURPLUS FOR COUNTY

PRELIMINARY FIGURES SHOW SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAS A SURPLUS OF MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION AFTER PREPARING TO END 2010 IN THE RED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS COUNTY FINANCIAL EXPERTS CAUTION THAT MONEY IS AN UNAUDITED EXCESS BUT EXPECT THE COUNTY TO END UP IN THE BLACK ONCE THE FINAL AUDIT IS COMPLETE. A SAVINGS OF $1.5 MILLION LESS THAN WHAT WAS BUDGETED FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES MADE A BIG IMPACT. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IS ALSO REALIZING SAVINGS THROUGH AN ENERGY UPGRADE THAT BEGAN IN 2008. 2011 COULD STILL FACE A $3.5 MILLION DEFICIT, BUT THE COMMISSIONERS PLAN TO TIGHTEN THE COUNTY'S BELT AND PULL MONEY FROM RESERVES IN LIEU OF A TAX INCREASE.

UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

ORGANIZED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AND THE PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION ON CRIME AND DELINQUENCY, EXPIRED, UNUSED AND UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MAY BE TURNED IN AT COLLECTION SITES ACROSS THE STATE THIS SATURDAY APRIL 30TH. IT'S ALL PART OF NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY. PA STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER FRANK NOONAN SAYS "IT GIVES PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DRUGS." MORE THAN 121 TONS OF PILLS WERE COLLECTED LAST YEAR WHEN THE PROGRAM KICKED OFF. ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING CAN DROP OFF ANY CONTROLLED, NON CONTROLLED, OR OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS FROM 10AM-2PM AND THE FRACKVILLE OR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE BARRACKS.

LOCAL STATE POLICE BARRACKS DROPOFF:
PSP FRACKVILLE: 31 ELEANOR AVE., FRACKVILLE

PSP SCH.HAVEN: 23 MEADOWBROOK DRIVE, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF DROP OFF CENTERS CLICK HERE

CONTINUANCE REQUESTED IN TRIAL

IN A MOTION FILED IN U.S DISTRICT COURT, MATTHEW NESTOR, WHO IS ONE OF THE TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN AN ALLEGED EXTORTION RING FILED FOR A CONTINUANCE YESTERDAY IN HIS TRIAL WHICH IS SET TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH. NESTOR AND HIS FORMER CAPTAIN JAIME GENNARINI ARE SCHEDULED TO GO ON TRIL MAY 10TH. SENIOR U.S DISTRICT COURT JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO HAS NOT RULED ON NESTOR'S REQUEST

STATE NEWS:


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A DELTA JET HEADED FROM FLORIDA TO NEW YORK HAD TO LAND IN PHILADELPHIA LAST NIGHT AFTER SMOKE WAS REPORTED IN THE PLANE'S COCKPIT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND AN AIRLINE SPOKESWOMAN SAYS PASSENGERS WERE PUT UP IN HOTELS OVERNIGHT.

HARRISBURG, PAS. (AP) - FOUR MEMBERS OF GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S CABINET HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE STATE SENATE. THE FOUR OK'D UNANIMOUSLY YESTERDAY INCLUDE CAROL AICHELE TO BECOME SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH AND RONALD TOMALIS AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.

BEAVER, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS ORDERED THREE MEN TO STAND TRIAL ON CHARGES THEY SPRAYED AN ALIQUIPPA HOME WITH GUNFIRE IN 2006, KILLING A MAN AS HE SAT IN A BASEMENT RECORDING STUDIO. POLICE SAY JORDAN CAIN'S HOME WAS HIT BY MORE THAN 20 ROUNDS FROM AN AK-47 AND A 9 MILLIMETER HANDGUN.

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - A LANCASTER JURY HAS SPARED THE LIFE OF A MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING A FORMER FRIEND. THE (LANCASTER) INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL/LANCASTER NEW ERA REPORTS JURORS YESTERDAY TOOK JUST OVER AN HOUR YESTERDAY TO DECIDE ON A LIFE PRISON TERM FOR CHARLIE RIVERA-RODRIGUEZ.

NATIONAL NEWS:

VILONIA, ARK. (AP) - ANOTHER NIGHT OF SEVERE, VIOLENT WEATHER IN THE SOUTH. AT LEAST ONE PERSON DIED IN ARKANSAS, IN ADDITION TO 10 OTHERS WHO WERE KILLED A DAY EARLIER. MORE THAN 100 HOMES WERE DAMAGED IN A RURAL EAST TEXAS COMMUNITY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - REPUBLICANS ARE DISMISSING A CALL BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO REPEAL OIL INDUSTRY TAX BREAKS BECAUSE OF RISING GAS PRICES. SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL CALLS THE PROPOSAL "AS PREDICTABLE AS IT IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE."

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY AN AFGHAN ARMY OFFICER WAS SHOT DEAD AFTER HE OPENED FIRE ON FOREIGN TROOPS FOLLOWING AN ARGUMENT AT THE AIRPORT IN THE CAPITAL. SOURCES AT THE SCENE SAY FOREIGN TROOPS ARE AMONG THE DEAD.

MINAMI-SANRIKU, JAPAN (AP) - JAPAN'S EMPEROR AND EMPRESS HAVE OFFERED ENCOURAGEMENT TO RESIDENTS WHO LOST HOMES AND LOVED ONES IN LAST MONTH'S EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI. THE DEEPLY RESPECTED ROYAL COUPLE MET EVACUEES AT A SCHOOL GYMNASIUM.

BOULDER, COLO. (AP) - A MAN SUSPECTED OF PLACING A HOMEMADE BOMB IN A SHOPPING MALL NEAR COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL IN COLORADO IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN COURT TODAY. EARL ALBERT MOORE WAS ARRESTED OUTSIDE A BOULDER SUPERMARKET.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011

CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL BEGINS

THE CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL OF A BERKS COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING A SHENANDOAH MAN BEGAN MONDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THE VICTIM'S FIANCEE KASA BRENNAN WAS THE FIRST WITNESS TO TESTIFY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. 32-YEAR-OLD JULIUS ENOE OF READING IS ACCUSED OF SHOOTING 26-YEAR-OLD BRUCE FORKER DURING A HOME BURGLARY AND ROBBERY IN MARCH. PROSECUTORS ARE ASKING THE JURY TO CONVICT ENOE OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AMONG OTHER CHARGES AND THEN IMPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY ON HIM. THE TRIAL WILL RESUME AT 9:30AM TODAY WITH PROSECUTORS CONTINUING THEIR DIRECT EXAMINATION OF ENOE'S NEPHEW AND ONE OF HIS TWO ALLEGED ACCOMPLICES IN THE CRIME.

TWO JURORS EXCUSED IN CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL

TWO JURORS HAVE BEEN EXCUSED IN THE CAPITAL HOMICIDE TRIAL OF A BERKS COUNTY MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT A SHENANDOAH MAN IN MARCH. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS JURORS ONE AND TWO, BOTH WOMEN, WERE EXCUSED AFTER THE LATTER REVEALED HER DAUGHTER WORKS AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON. JULIUS ENOE HAS BEEN HELD IN THAT FACILITY PENDING TRIAL FOR THE KILLING OF BRUCE FORKER.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED AGAIN IN MARCH TO 8.7 PERCENT. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS CONTINUED TO FALL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2010. DROPPING ANOTHER FOUR-TENTHS OF A PERCENTAGE LAST MONTH, THE DROP WAS LESS THAN FEBRUARY'S DECLINE. THE COUNTY MAINTAINS ITS STATE RANKING AT 55TH OF 67, TIED WTH CLARION AND LUZERNE COUNTIES.

LOCAL MAN IN 2 COUNTY CHASE BY POLICE

A MAHANOY CITY MAN WAS ARRESTED MONDAY AFTERNOON AFTER LEADING POLICE ON A 2 COUNTY CHASE ON HIS ATV. 19 YEAR OLD JUSTIN KLINGER WAS ARRESTED BY SHAMOKIN POLICE AFTER KLINGER'S ATV DISABLED IN A RUNOFF FROM AN ABANDONED MINE DISCHARGE. POLICE REPORTS SAY THAT KLINGER IS WANTED ON A BENCH WARRANT STEMMING FROM FAILURE TO APPEAR IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT FOR RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY AND RETAIL THEFT.

MARCH ON RACISM

SOME MINERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A MARCH AGAINST RACISM ON FRIDAY. THE SCHOOL'S MARCHING BAND WILL LEAD THE 40 MINUTE WALK IN ORDER TO ALERT THE PUBLIC AND TO PROVIDE SAFETY. THE EVENT WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE PEER EDUCATION CLUB AND YOUTH COUNCIL WILL BEGIN AT 8AM ON FRIDAY. MINDERSVILLE RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

PRISONS ARE A REVOLVING DOOR FOR SOME CRIMINALS. TOME JOSEPH HAS MORE.



STATE NEWS:

LEGISLATION THAT REPEALED THE STATE MANDATE REQUIRING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TO BE INSTALLED IN ALL NEWLY CONTRUCTED HOMES IN PENNSYLVANIA WAS SIGNED INTO LAW YESTERDAY BY GOV. CORBETT. THE MANDATE RELIEF BILL WAS SPONSORED BY REP. GARTH EVERETT( R-LYCOMING), WHO SAYS THIS LEGISLATION IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF LAWMAKERS AND THE ADMINISTRATION ACTING COOPERTIVELY TO REMOVE A REGULATION THAT WAS HURTING BOTH HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEBUILDERS.

PITTSBURGH, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT WILL APPEAR TODAY AT A SEMINAR FOR THE OIL AND GAS DRILLING INDUSTRY IN PITTSBURGH. HE'LL BE SPEAKING JUST DAYS AFTER HIS ADMINISTRATION ASKED NATURAL GAS DRILLERS TO STOP TAKING POLLUTED WASTEWATER TO RIVERSIDE TREATMENT PLANTS THAT AREN'T EQUIPPED TO REMOVE ALL THE CONTAMINANTS.

BROWNSVILLE, PA. (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN IS FACING A HOMICIDE CHARGE FOR ALLEGEDLY CAUSING HIS STEPFATHER'S FATAL HEAD INJURY DURING AN ARGUMENT AT A FAYETTE COUNTY GRAVESITE. AUTHORITIES SAY SCOTT RODEHEAVER OF JEFFERSON KNOCKED CHARLES RODEHEAVER TO THE GROUND IN DECEMBER DURING AN ARGUMENT ABOUT FLOWERS.

INDIANA, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE ARE MARKING THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA GIRL WITH A NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY THEY HOPE WILL JUMP-START THEIR INVESTIGATION. FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD ALICIA MARKOVICH OF WINDBER WAS LAST SEEN IN APRIL 1987 IN INDIANA COUNTY, WHERE SHE WAS VISITING HER FATHER.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) - MILITARY OFFICIALS SAY AN ARMY SERGEANT FROM SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAS DIED OF WOUNDS HE SUFFERED WHEN HIS UNIT WAS ATTACKED IN AFGHANISTAN. THE PENTAGON SAYS 37-YEAR-OLD BENJAMIN BITNER OF GREENCASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA, DIED SATURDAY IN KANDAHAR PROVINCE.

NATIONAL NEWS:

POPLAR BLUFF, MO. (AP) - LEVEES ALREADY CLOSE TO BURSTING ARE BEING POUNDED BY DRIVING RAIN AGAIN IN SOUTHERN MISSOURI. RESIDENTS HAVE FLED TO HIGHER GROUND AND THE RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FIVE PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN STORMS IN ARKANSAS.

DETROIT (AP) - AN INSURER-FUNDED RESEARCH GROUP THAT LOOKS AT AUTO SAFETY HAS FOUND A PAIR OF ELECTRIC CARS TO ITS LIKING. THE CHEVROLET VOLT AND NISSAN LEAF GOT TOP SAFETY RATINGS IN SOME OF THE FIRST-EVER TESTS OF ELECTRIC CARS BY THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE OR HIGHWAY SAFETY. BOTH CARS EARNED TOP SCORES FOR FRONT, SIDE AND REAR-IMPACT CRASHES AND FOR ROLLOVER CRASH PROTECTION.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - NATO SAYS TWO AL-QAIDA LEADERS IN AFGHANISTAN ARE DEAD. THE INTERNATIONAL MILITARY COALITION SAYS THE REGIONAL COMMANDER IN CHARGE OF SUICIDE BOMBINGS AND CASH FLOW WAS KILLED IN AN AIRSTRIKE EARLIER THIS MONTH. THE ALLIANCE SAYS THE STRIKE KILLED A NUMBER OF INSURGENTS, INCLUDING ANOTHER AL-QAIDA LEADER.

BEIRUT (AP) - A SYRIAN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP SAYS A SPATE OF ARRESTS TODAY HAVE TARGETED DOZENS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, A DAY AFTER THE ARMY'S DEADLY RAID ON PRO-DEMOCRACY SUPPORTERS IN A SOUTHERN CITY THE RAIDS ON DARAA, AT THE CENTER OF THE UPRISING AGAINST PRESIDENT BASHAR ASSAD, KILLED AT LEAST 11 PEOPLE.

CHICAGO (AP) - A FEDERAL JUDGE PLANS TO QUESTION ONE LAST BATCH OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS FOR THE RETRIAL OF FORMER ILLINOIS GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH ON CORRUPTION CHARGES. TWENTY-FIVE JURORS HAVE MADE THE INITIAL CUT AND THE JUDGE SAYS HE WANTS 40 IN THAT POOL BEFORE MAKING FINAL JURY SELECTION DECISIONS.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011

In honor of Schuylkill County’s Bicentennial and Arbor Day, the Schuylkill County Conservancy is distributing 75 trees on Tuesday, April 26th to local municipalities and civic groups participating in the Bicentennial Tree Project. The 10-12 ft. bare root trees will be distributed at Fanelli’s Trucking in the Highridge Business Park from 1-3 p.m. With the help of the Pottsville Shade Tree Commission, the trees are provided by the Northeast Tree Association and are from Schichtel’s Nursery in Springville, NY. A study by researchers at Cornell University found that bare root trees, as opposed to ball and burlap, are easier for volunteers to handle and plant without the use of heavy machinery. Also, more of the root system of the tree is left intact. Partners in the project include the Penn State Schuylkill Master Gardeners and the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, who are helping to coordinate the project and providing tree planting instructions and advice to participants. Fanelli Trucking is providing transportation and a site for the trees to be distributed. This project is funded by Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. The Bicentennial Tree Project will bring beauty to the county’s public areas, teach volunteers how to care for trees, and provide a living legacy of our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy! Six of the trees will be planted at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. An Arbor Day ceremony will take place at the courthouse on Thursday, April 28th at 2 p.m.

Governor Tom Corbett announced yesterday that he has signed an executive order creating a Transportation Funding Advisory Commission to develop innovative solutions to Pennsylvania’s mounting transportation funding challenges. Corbett feels compelled to having a “strategic blueprint for how we pay for years of underinvestment in our roads, bridges, and mass transit systems. The governor tasked the group to make its recommendations by Aug. 1. The panel’s first meeting will be on April 25. The panel is comprised of public and private sector members representing various interests in the transportation industry. The commission’s materials can be found at www.tfac.pa.gov or at the PennDOT website, www.dot.state.pa.us, under the TFAC button. The commission also has established an email address, tfac@state.pa.us, to accept public comments. The commission’s first meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 25 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Office Building, 4th and Market streets, Harrisburg. Overflow seating will be in the second-floor auditorium.

No one was injured in a one-vehicle crash on Route 61 in North Manheim Township about 5 p.m. Friday. According to state police Schuylkill Haven, the crash occurred as a 1996 Subaru Impreza driven by Jonathan B. Phillips, 20, of Jersey Shore, was traveling north on Route 61 at about 60 mph. The front passenger tire blew out and Phillips hit the brakes hard, police said, causing the car to fishtail on the roadway before exiting the paved portion and striking an embankment. The car then re-entered the roadway before Phillips pulled off to the side of the road. Police said neither Phillips nor his passenger, Sloane J. Stradley, 18, of Williamsport, were injured. The car was towed from the scene.

A borough woman was charged with retail theft after leaving a Pine Grove Township market without paying for a box of Excedrin. According to state police at Schuylkill Haven, Sharon Wetzel, 43, went into BG Value Market and placed a box of the pain reliever into her right coat pocket. She paid for other items but left the store without paying $5.39 for the Excedrin. Charges were filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake, Tremont.

Chronic wasting disease, a disease that affects deer and realted species and their nervous system resulting in death, was not found in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state's 2010 hunting season. The Game Commission took nearly 4,000 samples from hunter-killed deer, and CWD was not detected. This marked the ninth year for testing hunter-killed deer. Results showing that the tests of hunter-killed elk from 2010 were all negative as well for chronic wasting disease. Game Commission officials say that although CWD has not been found in Pennsylvania, the Commission must continue to be vigilant in their surveillance efforts for the disease. While no confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been found in Pennsylvania's wild deer and elk, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials continue to be concerned about not only "when" it arrives here, but also about how fast it could spread once it does reach the Commonwealth. Officials say in the past two years, confirmed cases of chronic wasting disease have been documented only 20 miles from Pennsylvania's southern borders.

CANTON, Pa. (AP) - Workers have stopped the flow of drilling fluids from a natural gas well in northern Pennsylvania that leaked the chemical-laced water for two days following an equipment problem. Chesapeake Energy says the fluid leaking from a well near Canton was stopped. What caused the equipment failure hasn't been determined yet.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Tom Corbett has given an advisory panel three months to recommend how Pennsylvania can finance its transportation needs. The governor says he wants the group to come up with a plan that takes into account the country's energy objectives and realities.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - An administrative judge has reiterated his ruling that the owner of Quecreek Mine should pay a $55,000 fine for "gross negligence" that caused nine miners to be trapped underground for hours because of faulty maps. PBS Coals has 40 days to pay the fine or appeal the ruling.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Just in time for Earth Day, Penn State researchers say they have developed a new tool intended to become the standard by which to measure zero-waste efforts. Researchers say the ReDi Index is the first tool able to quantify and compare claims of zero-waste operations.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Crews are cleaning up after an apparent tornado tore through a terminal at the main airport in St. Louis, putting it temporarily out of business. The storm caused several injuries and sent people scurrying for shelter as plated glass shattered around them. The storm yesterday evening ripped away a large section of the main terminal's roof.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say an Oregon motorcycle officer is dead after a being shot while trying to apprehend a a fleeing driver. Police say Eugene police officer Chris Kilcullen was shot near an intersection and never had a chance to return fire. The driver, a woman was arrested after a brief standoff.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some experts thinking past the one-year anniversary of the Gulf oil spill wonder if a similar blowout off remote Alaska's shores would be worse. Some experts worry that lack of infrastructure and people in remote drilling areas could delay and hinder a response as big as the one in the Gulf.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistan's army chief says the day is not far away when insurgents will be fully defeated. He says Pakistani forces have broken the "backbone" of the terrorists. The basis
for the army chief's predictions isn't known but he said them during a televised address to military cadets.

BEIRUT (AP) - Six Syrian human rights groups issued a statement today saying security forces killed 76 protesters yesterday in different parts of the country. It was the bloodiest day since
protests began last month. The groups called on the government to set up a judicial investigation committee to try those who shot at protesters and to release all political detainees.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011

POLICE ARREST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

TWO HAZELTON MEN WERE ARRESTED THURSDAY FOR ALLEGEDLY BEING IN THE COUNTY ILLEGALLY. POLICE REPORT A TRAFFIC STOP NEAR INTERSTATE 81 IN MAHANOY TOWNSHIP REVEALED 32-YEAR-OLD GONZALO VILLEGAS AND HIS PASSENGER 27-YEAR-OLD DAVID JUAREZ WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. BOTH MEN WERE TURNED OVER TO IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FROM BERKS COUNTY.

SENTENCING POSTPONED

THE SENTENCING OF THE TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WILL HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER MONTH. SENIOR U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO RESCHEDULED THE SENTECING OF MATTHEW NESTOR AND WILLIAM MOYER BEGINNING AT 10AM JUNE 1ST. NESTOR AND MOYER WERE BOTH CONVICTED OF OBSTRUCTION IN THE INVESTIGATION OF THE BEATING OF LUIS EDUARDO RAMIREZ ZAVALA IN 2008.

REQUEST TO CONVERT BUILDING REJECTED

A REQUEST FROM A POTTSVILLE DEVELOPER TO TURN THE FORMER GREENWOOD HILL FIRE COMPANY INTO OFFICE SPACE HAS BEEN REJECTED. THE UNANIMOUS VOTE THURSDAY AT THE POTTSVILLE ZONING HEARING BOARD MEETING WAS BASED ON WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTED. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS RESIDENTS OF GREENWOOD HILL ATTENDED THE MEETING WITH A PETITION OF 279 SIGNATURES. SOME RESIDENTS FELT AN OFFICE WOULD INCREASE TRAFFIC IN THE AREA, WHICH COULD PRESENT A DANGER TO CHILDREN USING THE PLAYGROUND OR POSSIBLY SHUT IT DOWN.

UNION STATION NEGOTIATES LEASE

NEGOTIATIONS ARE SET TO RESUME NEXT WEEK BETWEEN THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE AND SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY PERTAINING TO THE LEASE OF UNION STATION BEFORE BUS SERVICE CAN BEGIN. ONCE COMPLETE, THE 17 MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY WILL HOUSE THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU, A POLICE SUBSTATION AND A BUS STATION. NEGOTIATIONS STALLED WHILE THE S-T-A WORKS ON TAKING CONTROL OF THE SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTAION SYSTEM AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTERS RECOGNIZED FOR PATIENT SAFETY AND ORTHOPEDICS

SCHUYLKILL HEALTH HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ORTHOPEDIC CARE AND PATIENT SAFETY BY THE NATION’S MOST TRUSTED SOURCE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDER INFORMATION, HEALTHGRADES. SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH JACKSON STREET RECEIVED A FIVE-STAR RATING FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY, TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND IS RANKED AMONG THE TOP NINE HOSPITALS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY SETS GOAL

THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY HAS SET A GOAL FOR THEIR 2012 CAMPAIGN. THE GOAL IS SET AT ONE-MILLION SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, A REPRESENTATION OF THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY AND SYMBOL OF OPTIMISM FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR. THE 2012 CAMPAIGN KICK OFF BREAKFAST WILL TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER.

TOBASH TO HOST VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDER GRANT SEMINAR

REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH WILL HOST A GRANT SEMINAR FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE AND AMBULANCE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE 125TH DISTRICT THURSDAY, JUNE 2 AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL'S MORGAN AUDITORIUM FROM 6-9PM. STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER ED MAN WILL EXPLAIN STATE AND FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS AND PROVIDE IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE FILLING OUT GRANT APPLICATIONS. TOBASH HOPES ALL OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO HELP THEM TRAINING, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER NEEDS.


EASTER BUNNY NOT GOOD FOR PET

WITH EASTER COMING UP TOM JOSEPH REPORTS WHY THE BUNNY CAN MAKE A BAD PET FOR KIDS

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

TODAY IS EARTH DAY AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THAN WITH AN ECO-FAIR WPPA'S JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE


STATE NEWS:

CANTON, PA. (AP) - A NATURAL GAS COMPANY HAS SUSPENDED A DRILLING TECHNIQUE INVOLVING CHEMICAL-LACED WATER AT ITS PENNSYLVANIA WELLS UNTIL IT DETERMINES THE CAUSE OF A SPILL IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE. CHESAPEAKE ENERGY SAYS CREWS HAVE
SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE FLOW OF THE CHEMICAL-LADEN WATER FROM ITS OUT-OF-CONTROL WELL NEAR CANTON IN BRADFORD COUNTY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD IS CLOSE TO ROLLING OUT A PILOT PROGRAM TO ALLOW SALES OF HARD LIQUOR AT WINE VENDING KIOSKS INSIDE GROCERY STORES. WGAL-TV REPORTS THAT THE AGENCY PLANS TO TEST THE SALES IN ABOUT FIVE OR 10 LOCATIONS,POSSIBLY STARTING IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A CANADA GOOSE THAT HAD BEEN FOUND WITH A BLOW DART THROUGH ITS NECK HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE WILD IN PHILADELPHIA. THE INJURED GOOSE WAS FOUND LAST WEEK ON THE MANAYUNK CANAL IN THE CITY'S MANAYUNK NEIGHBORHOOD. OFFICIALS WITH THE
SCHUYLKILL CENTER'S WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CLINIC TELL THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER RESCUERS WERE EVENTUALLY ABLE TO CARE FOR IT AND NURSE IT BACK TO HEALTH.


NATIONAL NEWS:

BENGHAZI, LIBYA (AP) - SEN. JOHN MCCAIN SAYS LIBYAN REBELS FIGHTING MOAMMAR GADHAFI'S TROOPS ARE HIS HEROES. MCCAIN, ONE OF THE STRONGEST CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORTERS OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY INTERVENTION IN LIBYA,ARRIVED IN THE REBEL-HELD CITY OF BENGHAZI TODAY. MCCAIN IS THE TOP REPUBLICAN ON THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES
COMMITTEE AND SAYS HE'S THERE TO ASSESS THE SITUATION.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - REPUBLICAN SEN. JOHN ENSIGN OF NEVADA CONTINUES TO INSIST HE'S DONE NO WRONG IN THE FACE OF AN ETHICS PROBE BUT WILL TURN IN HIS RESIGNATION TODAY. HE SAYS THE ONGOING PROBE WOULD RESULT IN FURTHER "WEAR AND TEAR" ON HIMSELF AND HIS
FAMILY. ENSIGN HAS ADMITTED AN EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR WITH A FORMER STAFFER, AND THAT HE HELPED HER HUSBAND OBTAIN LOBBYING WORK.

BAGHDAD (AP) - THE WORD FROM IRAQ'S PRIME MINISTER IS THAT IRAQI FORCES CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN COUNTRY'S SECURITY. PRIME MINISTER NOURI AL-MALIKI MADE THE REMARK DURING A MEETING LATE YESTERDAY WITH ADM. MIKE MULLEN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF. DISCUSSIONS ARE INTENSIFYING OVER WHETHER TO KEEP ANY U.S. FORCES IN IRAQ PAST THIS YEAR.

TOKYO (AP) - JAPAN IS TAKING STEPS TO FINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ITS TSUNAMI-DEVASTATED NORTHEAST. THE CABINET TODAY APPROVED AN EXTRA BUDGET WORTH OVER $50 BILLION. JAPAN'S PARLIAMENT IS EXPECTED TO PASS IT NEXT WEEK.

SAN PEDRO CUTUD, PHILIPPINES (AP) - A BIZARRE ANNUAL RITE HAS AGAIN TAKEN PLACE IN THE PHILIPPINES AS SEVERAL FILIPINOS WERE NAILED TO WOODEN CROSSES TODAY TO REENACT JESUS CHRIST'S SUFFERING. THE GOOD FRIDAY RITUAL IS REJECTED BY CATHOLIC CHURCH LEADERS BUT DRAWS THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS.

TODAY'S NEWS: APRIL 21, 2011

LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS SENTENCED

FOUR FORMER FIREFIGHTERS WERE SENTENCED YESTERDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT ARSONS THAT OCCURRED BETWEEN 2009 AND 2010 FROM PINE GROVE TO NEW RINGOLD. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS MATTHEW DIXON OF FRIEDENSBURG, CHARLES FERGUSON OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, JUSTIN GEIGER AND JONATHAN EICHERT BOTH OF ORWIGSBURG ALL ENTERED A PLEA OF GUILTY MEANWHILE ANOTHER PERSON INVOLVED DEVON SMITH OF AUBURN PLEADED NO CONTEST. EICHERT FACES UP TO 20 YEARS IN STATE PRISON. DIXON RECEIVED UP TO 2 YEARS IN PRISON. FERGUSON WILL SERVE NINE-TO-TWENTY THREE MONTHS. SMITH WAS HANDED A 11-TO 22 MONTH SENTENCE AND GEIGER RECEIVED 23 MONTHS PROBATION. 2 OF THE MEN WILL BEGIN THEIR SENTENCE NEXT WEEK WHILE SMITH AND DIXON WILL REPORT ON MAY 4TH

3 CORRECTIONS OFFICERS CHARGED

THREE OFFICERS FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT AND HARRASSMENT OF AN INMATE. POTTSVILLE POLICE REPORT THAT WALTER PRENETA OF SHENANDOAH IS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT AND HARRASSMENT WHILE JOHN DAVID YEAGER AND MICHAEL JOHN GALAVAGE BOTH OF POTTSVILLE WILL BE CHARGED WITH HARRASSMENT FOR THE ALTERCATION THAT OCCURRED INSIDE THE CELL ON INMATE BRANDON MOYER ON APRIL 7TH

LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER ELIGIBILITY CLASSES FOR VETERANS

THE LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER WILL BE HOLDING TWO EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS ON FREE BASIS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ELIGIBILITY FOR VETERANS. THESE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD TODAY FROM 9-10AM AND AGAIN FROM 1:30-2:30PM IN THE BUILDING 1 AUDITORIUM. VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT VETERAN ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES OBTAINED OUTSIDE OF VA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

TWO INJURED IN CAR CRASH

TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED WEDNESDAY MORNING IN A CRASH IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. POLICE REPORT KATINA AND HAROLD MCGURL, BOTH OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, WERE DRIVING ON MT. LAFFEE ROAD IN NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP WHEN THEIR JEEP HIT A DIRT EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. ACCORDING TO POLICE MCGURL WAS DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND WILL BE CITED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH.

THIEVES STEAL 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL

POLICE ARE NOW LOOKING FOR THIEVES THAT STOLE 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL FROM HEAVY EQUIPMENT PARKED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN FRAILEY TOWNSHIP LAST WEEK, THEN DROVE ONE OF THEM INTO THE OTHER, CAUSING $6,190.12 DAMAGE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED BETWEEN 3 P.M. APRIL 12 AND 6:15 P.M. APRIL 13 NEAR ROUTE 209 AND FRANKLIN STREET. THE VICTIMS WERE NATURAL SOIL PRODUCTS, GOOD SPRING, AND MID ATLANTIC MACHINERY, WILKES-BARRE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL TROOPERS AT 593-2000.

COMMISSIONER SUPPORTS YOUTH SERVICES

COMMISSIONER GALLAGHER COMMENTED ON THE IMPACT MASTER GARDENERS AND 4-H YOUTH SERVICES HAS ON OUR COMMUNITY SAYING THAT THEY ARE GREAT PROGRAMS AND NEED TO BE MORE VISIBLE IN THE COMMUNITY. THAT COMMENT CAME AT WEDNESDAY'S COMMISSIONERS' MEETING AFTER THREE CONTRACTS WERE APPROVED FOR THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE. ACCORDING TO DANA MOYER OF STS, RIDER SHIP HAS INCREASED SINCE JANUARY DUE TO THE RISE IN GAS PRICES. MOYER ALSO SAID STS IS UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATE THEY WILL BE MOVING INTO UNION STATION. ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE, MARK SCARBINSKY REQUESTED THE APPROVAL OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES WITH PRIMECARE FOR PRISON INMATE CARE FOR FOUR YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE PRISON WILL UPGRADE ITS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE NEARLY $288,000 WILL BE COVERED BY SUPERVISION FUNDS AIR MARKED FOR THE PRERELEASE CENTER. THE COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY. NEXT WEEKS WORK SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM.

LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

CELEBBRATING 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS THIS YEAR, A LOCAL SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SHOP STILL DRAWS IN PLENTY OF CUSTOMERS FROM AREAS NEAR AND FAR. WPPA'S BRITTANY HAS MORE:

KEILBASSY

STATE NEWS:

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAVE ARRESTED TWO SUSPECTS IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A MOTHER OF FOUR OVER THE WEEKEND. LANCASTER AUTHORITIES SAID 33-YEAR-OLD DIANA SPENCER WAS FOUND SHOT EARLY SATURDAY IN A HOME IN THE CITY. POLICE
SAY OSCAR MARTINEZ WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY NIGHT AND CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE AND CONSPIRACY, AND A 24-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED YESTERDAY WOULD FACE THE SAME CHARGES.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN THE STABBING DEATHS OF FOUR PEOPLE LAST SUMMER. MICHAEL ERIC BALLARD PLEADED GUILTY YESTERDAY IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY COURT TO FOUR COUNTS OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER. A JURY WILL DECIDE IF BALLARD SHOULD BE SENTENCED TO DEATH. HE'S ADMITTED TO STABBING HIS FORMER
GIRLFRIEND, HER FATHER, HER 87-YEAR-OLD GRANDFATHER AND A NEIGHBOR LAST JUNE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FORMER CONGRESSMAN PATRICK MURPHY IS RUNNING FOR PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL IN 2012. THE FORMER PROSECUTOR FROM BUCKS COUNTY ANNOUNCED HIS CANDIDACY IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT YESTERDAY. THE DEMOCRAT BECAME THE FIRST IRAQ WAR VETERAN ELECTED TO CONGRESS IN 2006, WHEN HE DEFEATED REPUBLICAN MIKE FITZPATRICK FOR THE SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SEAT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - MILITARY AUTHORITIES SAY A SOLDIER FROM PHILADELPHIA HAS DIED IN AFGHANISTAN. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SAYS 19-YEAR-OLD PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN KIHM DIED TUESDAY IN KANDAHAR PROVINCE. KIHM'S MOTHER, CECELIA, TELLS THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER THAT HER SON WAS DEPLOYED LAST MONTH.

NATIONAL NEWS:

TOKYO (AP) - EVACUEES FROM THE 12-MILE ZONE AROUND JAPAN'S DAMAGED NUCLEAR PLANT NOW RISK $1,200 FINES OR UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL IF THEY TRY TO RE-ENTER. A BAN TO PROTECT THEM FROM RADIATION EXPOSURE, AND POSSIBLE LOOTING, IS NOW IN EFFECT. PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO IN FOR TWO HOURS TO GRAB NECESSARY BELONGINGS.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (AP) - SEVEN PEOPLE ARE KNOWN DEAD AND DOZENS ARE FEARED MISSING AFTER A FERRY CAPSIZED IN BANGLADESH. IT'S BELIEVED THERE WERE ABOUT 100 PEOPLE ABOARD. POLICE SAY MANY PASSENGERS WERE ABLE TO SWIM ASHORE, SO THE NUMBER OF MISSING IS UNCLEAR. DIVERS ARE BEING CALLED IN TO HELP WITH THE SEARCH.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ATTENDS FOUR FUNDRAISERS TODAY ON THE SECOND DAY OF HIS THREE-DAY TRIP TO THE WEST. THE FIRST IS THIS MORNING IN SAN FRANCISCO, WHERE HE'S SPENDING THE NIGHT. OBAMA THEN FLIES TO RENO, NEV., FOR A TOWN HALL BEFORE FLYING TO LOS ANGELES FOR THREE FUNDRAISERS THIS EVENING. HE'LL SPEND THE NIGHT IN L-A.

HARTFORD, CONN. (AP) - LAWMAKERS IN SEVERAL STATES, INCLUDING CONNECTICUT AND TEXAS, ARE PUSHING BILLS TO MAKE ONLINE DATERS MORE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL RISKS. SOME PREDATORS HAVE USED INTERNET DATING TO FIND VICTIMS. THE CONNECTICUT BILL WOULD REQUIRE INTERNET DATING SERVICES TO PROVIDE A SAFETY AWARENESS NOTICE DURING REGISTRATION.

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (AP) - IT'S BECOMING EASIER FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME U.S. CITIZENS TO ACCOMPLISH IT THROUGH MILITARY SERVICE. RECRUITS CAN NOW WRAP UP THE PROCESS WHILE STILL IN BASIC TRAINING, BUT MUST STILL COMPLETE FIVE YEARS OF HONORABLE SERVICE. THE PROCESS WAS SPEEDED UP BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR SPECIALISTS AND LANGUAGE SKILLS.

LOCAL: WEDNESDAY APRIL 20

MORNING CRASH KILLS ONE

AN EARLY MORNING CRASH LEAVES ONE MAN DEAD AND ANOTHER INJURED. 45 YEAR OLD NORMAN TUTTLE OF MAINE WAS TRAVELING ON STATE ROUTE ONE-TWENTY-FIVE NEAR PITMAN YESTERDAY AROUND 9:20 WHEN HE FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A TURN AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 52 YEAR OLD CARL ADAMS OF KLINGERSTOWN. TUTTLE WAS EJECTED FROM HIS VEHICLE AND BECAME TRAPPED UNDERNEATH KILLING HIM INSTANTLY. ADAMS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURES WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER.

STATE POLICE VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE PLACED ALMOST 150 TRUCKS AND 30 DRIVERS OUT OF SERVICE DURING A ONE DAY CRACKDOWN ON COMMERCIAL VEHICLES TRAVELING ON RURAL ROADS AND NON-INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. PA STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER FRANK NOONAN SAYS THAT "STATISTICS SHOW THAT ALMOST HALF OF ALL TRUCK CRASHES OCCUR IN RURAL AREAS." IN ADDITION TO TO PLACING TRUCKS AND DRIVERS OUT OF SERVICE THE STATE POLICE ALL ISSUED NEARLY 700 CITATIONS MOSTLY FOR OUT OF BRAKE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT AND OTHER OFFENSES.

ST. CLAIR FIRE DAMAGES HOME

TWO PEOPLE WERE LEFT HOMELESS AFTER A FIRE TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN ST. CLAIR. MATT SLEVA AND ALEXIS MURIN LIVE IN THE HOME AT 25 PIKE STREET, BUT WERE NOT HOME WHEN THE FIRST-FLOOR BEDROOM CAUGHT FIRE. THE REPUBLICAN HERALRD REPORTS SEVERAL DOGS WERE SAVED FROM THE BLAZE. THE HOME IS OWNED BY JOHN AND PATSY MISTISHIN. THE CAUSE REMAINS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. SLEVA AND MURIN ARE NOW STAYING WITH RELATIVES.

JURY SELECTED FOR SHENANDOAH MURDER CASE

SEVEN WOMEN AND FIVE MEN ARE SLATED TO DECIDE THE FATE OF A BERKS COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING A SHENANDOAH MAN IN MARCH 2010. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS 32-YEAR-OLD JULIUS ENOE OF READING PARTICIPATED IN THE TWO-DAY SELECTION PROCESS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT THAT QUESTIONED ALMOST 80 PEOPLE ON WHETHER THEY COULD SERVE ON A PANEL THAT MAY SENTENCE HIM TO BE EXECUTED. JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL WILL PRESIDE OVER THE TRAIL WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN MONDAY AT 9:30AM.

LPN's MEET WITH HOSPITAL OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS LAY OFFS

AFTER BEING TOLD BY THEIR UNION EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF BY SEPTEMBER, 51 LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER-SOUTH JACKSON STREET HAD THEIR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH HOSPITAL OFFICIALS TUESDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING TO MEET WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LPN's UNION FOR NEGOTIATIONS AT A LATER DATE. THE EXACT DATE WHEN LAYOFFS WILL START HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED AT THIS TIME.

STATE NEWS:
HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE SUPREME COURT HAS NAMED A RETIRED SENIOR JUDGE TO CHAIR THE COMMISSION OVERSEEING EFFORTS TO REDRAW LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES. THE HIGH COURT NAMED STEPHEN MCEWEN JR. TO CHAIR THE PANEL AFTER REPUBLICANS AND
DEMOCRATS ON THE COMMISSION COULDN'T AGREE ON A LEADER.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE IN PHILADELPHIA IS TRYING TO IDENTIFY A WOMAN WHOSE BODY WAS PULLED FROM THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER YESTERDAY. POLICE SAY THE WOMAN HAD DUCT TAPE AROUND HER HEAD AND BODY ALONG WITH A HANDCUFF ATTACHED TO AN ANKLE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - NINE MONTHS AFTER A DEADLY COLLISION INVOLVING A DUCK BOAT ON THE DELAWARE RIVER, THE POPULAR TOUR BOATS ARE SLATED TO RETURN TO THE WATER THIS WEEK -- BUT WITH SOME CHANGES. PHILADELPHIA OFFICIALS SAY THE BOATS' REVISED TOUR ROUTE WILL BE SHORTER AND CLOSER TO THE CITY'S SHORELINE.

BERLIN, PA. (AP) - A DRILLING COMPANY IN BERLIN, SOUTHEAST OF PITTSBURGH, HAS RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS FOR ITS ROLE IN LAST OCTOBER'S RESCUE OF 33 CHILEAN MINERS. CENTER ROCK MADE THE 28-INCH WIDE DRILLING CANISTERS THAT BORED THROUGH 2,000 FEET OF ROCK TO REACH THE MINERS.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TAKES OFF THIS MORNING ON A THREE-DAY TRIP TO THE WEST. FIRST STOP IS SAN FRANCISCO, WHERE HE'LL HOLD A TOWN HALL MEETING HOSTED BY FACEBOOK, WHOSE HEADQUARTERS HE'LL VISIT IN PALO ALTO. OBAMA WILL ALSO SPEAK THIS EVENING AT TWO FUNDRAISERS FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE FAA IS INVESTIGATING WHY A PLANE CARRYING MICHELLE OBAMA WAS ONLY THREE MILES FROM ANOTHER JET MONDAY INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED FIVE MILES AS HER PLANE WAS APPROACHING TO LAND AT ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE. THE FIRST LADY'S PLANE WAS TOLD TO CIRCLE AND TRY ANOTHER APPROACH. THERE WAS APPARENTLY LITTLE RISK, BUT
IT'S ANOTHER EMBARRASSMENT FOR THE FAA.

BOISE, IDAHO (AP) - FOUR DAYS AFTER A MINE COLLAPSE IN NORTHERN IDAHO, RESCUERS ARE HOPING A VOID THEY'VE FOUND WHILE DRILLING COULD MEAN THAT A MISSING MINER IS STILL ALIVE. SO FAR, THEY'RE NOT SURE HOW BIG THE VOID IS, BUT THE HOLE THEY'VE DRILLED IS ALLOWING FRESH AIR IN. RESCUERS STILL HAVE TO DIG THROUGH 220 FEET OF ROCK.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - IT WAS A YEAR AGO TODAY THAT THE GULF OIL SPILL BEGAN OFF LOUISIANA WITH THE EXPLOSION AND FIRE ABOARD THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL RIG. THE BODIES OF THE 11 MEN KILLED WERE NEVER RECOVERED. TODAY, RELATIVES OF THE MEN WILL FLY OVER THE AREA. ON SHORE, VIGILS ARE PLANNED IN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI,ALABAMA AND FLORIDA.

TOKYO (AP) - THERE MAY BE MORE BAD NEWS FOR THE UP TO 80,000 PEOPLE WHO FLED THEIR HOMES IN NORTHEAST JAPAN BECAUSE OF THE DISASTER AT A NUCLEAR PLANT. ACCESS TO THE AREA, WHICH EXTENDS 12 MILES FROM THE PLANT, MAY BE BANNED BECAUSE OF RADIATION RISKS. SOME PEOPLE HAVE OCCASIONALLY RETURNED TO CHECK ON THEIR PROPERTY.

LOCAL NEWS: TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011

THREE MEN CHARGED IN BANK ROBBERY

AFTER HOLDING UP A SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BANK MONDAY MORNING, THREE ROBBERS ARE NOW BEHIND BARS. POLICE HAVE TAKEN THE READING MEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING A CHASE DOWN ROUTE 61 AT SPEEDS EXCEEDING 100 MPH. POLICE REPORT 20-YEAR-OLD JUSTIN SMITH AND 23-YEAR-OLD ORLANDO LUIS VELEZ JR. ENTERED THE FRONT DOOR OF THE UNION BANK AND TRUST IN WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP CARRYING HAND GUNS AND DEMANDING MONEY. 21-YEAR-OLD QUAMAINE SMITH-TISDALE WAS WAITING OUTSIDE IN THE GETAWAY CAR. POLICE SAY ONE MAN WAS WEARING A BULLET PROOF VEST. A PRELIMINARY ARRAIGNMENT WAS HELD AT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON, SETTING BAIL AT $300K FOR SMITH AND SMITH-TISDALE AND $400K FOR VELEZ. ALL THREE MEN REMAIN IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON UNABLE TO POST BAIL.

JURY SELECTION BEGINS IN MURDER CASE

JURORS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE DEATH PENALTY HOMICIDE CASE OF A BERKS COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING A SHENANDOAH MAN IN MARCH 2010 IN FRONT OF HIS CHILDREN. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS JURORS SELECTED WILL DECIDE WHETHER 32-YEAR-OLD JULIUS ENOE SHOT BRUCE FORKER IN HIS APARTMENT. IF THEY FIND IT WAS FIRST DEGREE MURDER, THEY THEN MUST DECIDE IF SUFFICIENT AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES EXIST TO IMPOSE A DEATH SENTENCE AGAINST HIM. ENOE IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN THE COUNTY PRISON WITHOUT BAIL.

RULES SET FOR MAY TRIAL OF FORMER SHENANDOAH COPS

THE JUDGE IN THE FEDERAL TRIAL OF TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICEMEN CHARGED WITH RUNNING AN EXTORTION SCHEME IN THE BOROUGH SET COURTROOM RULES MONDAY VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL TO THOSE IN THE JANUARY TRIAL OF THREE EX-OFFICERS WHO ALLEGEDLY OBSTRUCTED THE PROBE OF THE FATAL BEATING OF AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT.IN A FOUR-PAGE ORDER, SENIOR U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO BARRED CAMERAS, CELL PHONES AND SIMILAR AUDIO AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES FROM COURTROOM 3 AT THE MAX ROSENN UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE, WILKES-BARRE, WHERE THE TRIAL OF MATTHEW NESTOR AND JAMIE GENNARINI WILL BE HELD MAY 10TH. A FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTED NESTOR, SHENANDOAH'S FORMER POLICE CHIEF, AND GENNARINI, ITS FORMER POLICE CAPTAIN, IN DECEMBER, 2009, ON CHARGES RESULTING FROM AN ALLEGED EXTORTION SCHEME. PROSECUTORS ALLEGE THAT FROM 2004 THROUGH 2007, NESTOR AND GENNARINI EXTORTED CASH FROM THREE BOOKMAKERS OPERATING AN ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION IN THE BOROUGH. IN EXCHANGE, THE SHENANDOAH POLICE TOOK NO ACTION AGAINST ANY OF THE BOOKMAKERS DURING THE TIME OF THE CONSPIRACY. (WGRC)

EARLY RETIREMENT OFFERED TO MAHANOY AREA FACULTY

THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL BOARD VOTED MONDAY TO OFFER EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVES TO ADMINISTRATORS, SUPERVISORS AND TEACHERS. THE DECISION CAME AFTER A $1.1 MILLION BUDGET GAP AWAITS THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED ON TWO RETIREMENT INCENTIVE OFFERS- ONE FOR ADMINISTRATORS/SUPERVISORS, THE OTHER TO MEMBERS OF THE MAHANOY AREA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. GOVENOR TOM CORBETT’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES CUTS IN EDUCATION SPENDING EVEN THOUGH A FINAL 2011-12 STATE BUDGET HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED.

LOCAL STUDENTS DONATE TO CHARITY

THIRD GRADE STUDENTS AT JOHN S. CLARKE ELEMENTARY CENTER HAVE VOTED TO DONATE MONEY TO 5 LOCAL CHARITIES AND THE RESULTS ARE IN! A TOTAL OF $1,500 WAS DISPERSED BETWEEN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, POTTSVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, SCHUYLKILL BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE, MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION AND SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATER. THROUGH THE KAREN CHATTIN NEY EDUCATION FUND, STUDENTS EXPERIENCED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITY LIFE.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GREEN CHALLENGE

USING THE THEME "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FORESTS," OVER 6,000 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GREEN CHALLENGE THAT IS ADMINISTERED BY THE SCHUYLKILL CONSERVATION DISTRICT. INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS AND TEAMS NOT ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF FORESTS WORLDWIDE, BUT WERE AWARDED $12,000 IN PRIZE MONEY FROM CORPORATE SPONSORS. A THREE-TIERED COMPETITION WAS HELD THAT FEATURED AN EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST, AN ENVIRONMENTAL ESSAY CONTEST AND A TEAM CHALLENGE.

OVERTURNED DUMP TRUCK INJURES ONE

TRAFFIC WAS SLOWED MONDAY IN THE WESTBOUND LANES OF INTERSTATE 180 FOLLOWING A CRASH LATE MONDAY MORNING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. THAT CRASH HAPPENED JUST BEFORE ELEVEN A.M. ON THE WESTBOUND LANES OF THE INTERSTATE NEAR THE ROUTE 54 INTERSECTION IN DELEWARE TOWNSHIP. POLICE SAY A DUMP TRUCK DRIVEN BY 66-YEAR OLD WILLIAM DELSITE OF MILTON ROLLED OVER AFTER GOING UP AN EMBANKMENT TRAPPING HIM INSIDE THE CAB OF THE TRUCK BEFORE HE WAS EXTRICATED. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE OF THE DUMP TRUCK HAULING ASPHALT BLEW OUT LEADING TO THE CRASH. LIFE-FLIGHT WAS SENT TO THE SCENE AND REPORTEDLY LANDED ON THE INTERSTATE TO FLY DELSITE TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER WITH WHAT POLICE SAY WERE MODERATE INJURIES. (WGRC)

PSU-SCHUYLKILL TO HOLD INTERVENTION EVENT

IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT TRAGEDY IN ARIZONA, PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL AND SCHUYLKILL NAMI TEAMED UP TO COORDINATE AN EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION. A THREE HOUR PRESENTATION TONIGHT IN THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUILDING ON CAMPUS WILL DISCUSS BEHAVIOR AND EXPRESSIONS THAT CAN BE RECOGNIZED IN STUDENTS TO AVOID VIOLENCE AND SEEK HELP. THE FORMAT FOR THE EVENT WILL CONSIST OF SEVERAL 20 MINUTE PRESENTATIONS WHICH WILL BE OPEN FOR DISCUSSION. THE PURPOSE OF THE SYMPOSIUM IS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND DISCUSS SITUATIONS IN WHICH MENTALLY HEALTHY STUDENTS CAN FACE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. JOIN PENN STATE AND SCHUYLKILL NAMI ALONG WITH LEHIGH CARBON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MCCANN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MH/MR TONIGHT AT SIX OCLOCK TO RAISE AWARENESS AND BANISH THE TABOO OF MENTAL HEALTH ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

STATE NEWS:

YORK, PA. (AP) - THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED THAT A TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA OVER THE WEEKEND, DAMAGING A MALL AND OTHER STRUCTURES. FORECASTERS SAY A SMALL TORNADO WITH WINDS UP TO 85 MILES-PER-HOUR TRAVELED ALONG ALMOST ONE-HALF MILE IN WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP IN YORK COUNTY ON SATURDAY NIGHT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - DISABLED PENNSYLVANIANS TRYING TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES ARE SUING STATE WELFARE OFFICIALS OVER ALLEGED DELAYS WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR IN-HOME CARE. DISABILITY LAWYERS SAY LONG DELAYS ARE DENYING THEIR CLIENTS HELP WITH BATHING, MEAL PREPARATION AND OTHER ESSENTIAL NEEDS.

SOMERSET, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY ONE OF TWO MEN INJURED IN WHAT THEY BELIEVE WAS A DISPUTE OVER A DRUG DEAL HAS DIED. THE CAMBRIA COUNTY CORONER DENNIS KWIATKOWSKI SAYS SAMUEL TAYLOR JR. OF PITTSBURGH WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD SUNDAY. HE HAD BEEN SHOT IN THE HEAD EARLY THURSDAY IN A SOMERSET APARTMENT.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THOUSANDS OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN HARRISBURG ARE TO BE BACK ON THE JOB AS USUAL TODAY AFTER GETTING AN UNEXPECTED DAY OFF DUE TO A WATER LINE BREAK THAT LEFT PARTS OF THE CITY WITH LOW WATER PRESSURE. THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ON
YESTERDAY SENT WORKERS IN THE CAPITOL COMPLEX HOME AS CREWS WORKED TO FIX A LEAK. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GOVERNOR SAID WORKERS ARE DUE BACK AT WORK AT THEIR REGULAR TIMES TUESDAY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

BONNETSVILLE, N.C. (AP) - NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITIES ARE CLEARING AWAY RUBBLE AND DEBRIS FROM THE WORST TORNADO OUTBREAK IN NEARLY 30 YEARS AS OFFICIALS FRET ABOUT RECOVERY COSTS IN THE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. NORTH CAROLINA GOT THE WORST OF THE WEATHER WHICH RAGED THROUGH DENSELY POPULATED CITIES, TRASHING HOMES, BUSINESSES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND KILLED AT LEAST 44.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS TODAY ABOUT WHETHER FEDERAL COURTS OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER UTILITIES TO CUT THEIR CARBON EMISSIONS. ENVIRONMENTALISTS CONTEND THE COURTS HAVE THE AUTHORITY. UTILITIES AND THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SAY IT'S THE EPA.

PHOENIX (AP) - JURY SELECTION BEGINS IN PHOENIX TODAY FOR A 46-YEAR-OLD FORMER CONSTRUCTION WORKER ACCUSED OF KILLING NINE PEOPLE IN 2005 AND 2006. MARK GOUDEAU IS GOING ON TRIAL FOR MURDER. THE VICTIMS - EIGHT OF THEM WOMEN - RANGED IN AGES FROM 19TO 39. THEY WERE KILLED GOING ABOUT THEIR DAILY ACTIVITIES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - MOTORCYCLE DEATHS DROPPED FOR MOST OF LAST YEAR BUT SAFETY ADVOCATES ARE STILL CONCERNED. THEY SAY DEATHS BEGAN TO CLIMB TOWARD THE END OF THE LATEST REPORTING PERIOD. DEATHS PLUNGED WHEN THE ECONOMY TANKED, SUGGESTING A DROP IN
RECREATIONAL RIDING THAT MAY BE ENDING NOW THAT THINGS ARE IMPROVING. A BIKE OWNERS' GROUP SAYS THE RECESSION ACTUALLY INCREASED RIDERSHIP.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION HAS SUSPENDED ANOTHER AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AND A MANAGER. THE FAA SAYS THE CONTROLLER IN CLEVELAND WAS WATCHING A DVD AND THAT HIS MICROPHONE WAS INADVERTENTLY TRANSMITTING THE MOVIE SOUNDTRACK FOR MORE THAN THREE MINUTES. THAT PREVENTED HIM FROM HEARING INCOMING
RADIO CALLS.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN PASTOR INJURED IN MOTORCYLE CRASH

THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN CRITICALLY INJURED SATURDAY IN A CRASH ON ROUTE 61 IS DANIEL BELL, PASTOR OF JERSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. POLICE REPORT THE 49-YEAR-OLD PASTOR LOST CONTROL OF HIS MOPED WHILE ROUNDING A CURVE. THE BIKE WENT ONTO THE EAST SHOULDER AND OVERTURNED. BELL WAS TAKEN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL, WHERE HE REMAINED IN CRITICAL CONDITION AS OF SUNDAY.

FLOOD WARNING UPDATE

HEAVY RAINFALL THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND RESULTED IN EXTENDED FLOOD WARNINGS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. CURRENT CONDITIONS AT THE CHRISTIAN E SIEGRIST DAM IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP HAVE IMPROVED AND WATER LEVELS ARE DECREASING. THE SCHUYLKILL AND LEBANON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES PREVIOUSLY ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO AVOID THE AREAS DOWNSTREAM OF THE DAM DUE TO FLOODING. AT THIS TIME THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND TRAFFIC IS SAFE TO PASS THROUGH THE AREA.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE TODAY

AS CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL AND COUNTY OFFICES KNOCK ON DOORS TO MEET VOTERS BEFORE THE MAY PRIMARY, THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS TODAY. THAT’S ACCORDING TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ELECTION BUREAU DIRECTOR FRANNIE BRENNAN, WHO REMINDS PEOPLE THAT BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY, REGISTRATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE MAY 17TH PRIMARY. ONLY REGISTERED MAJOR PARTY VOTERS ARE ALLOWED TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARY.

TAMAQUA MAN HONORED FOR VOLUNTEERISM

A TAMAQUA MAN HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR HIS VOLUNTEER EFFORTS IN THAT COMMUNITY. THE TAMAQUA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS AWARDED THE JOSEPH PLASKO MEMORIAL CITIZENSHIP AWARD TO 33 YEAR OLD ANDREW LEIBENGUTH. THE 33 YEAR OLD MARINE VETERAN VOLUNTEERS WITH MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND IS THE CREATOR AND WEBMASTER OF TAMAQUA AREA-DOT-COM, A COMMUNITY WEBSITE. LEIBENGUTH IS THE YOUNGEST RECIPIENT OF THE AWARD. HE SAYS HIS PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS INSTILLED A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT AN EARLY AGE.

PA STINKBUGS SPREADING THROUGH U.S.

THIS SPRING MARKS A BIG COMING OUT PARTY FOR STINK BUGS IN THE STATE. TOM JOSEPH HAS MORE:

STINKBUGS


STATE NEWS:

PITTSBURGH (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY THE BODY OF A WOMAN WAS FOUND AFTER A FIRE THAT DESTROYED A SUBURBAN PITTSBURGH HOME. FIREFIGHTERS IN UPPER ST. CLAIR SENT TO THE HOME SATURDAY NIGHT. AUTHORITIES SAY THE TWO-STORY STRUCTURE BURNED TO THE GROUND, LEAVING ONLY REMNANTS OF A GARAGE AND A BRICK CHIMNEY.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A MAN FACING A DEATH PENALTY TRIAL NEXT MONTH IN THE MURDERS OF HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND AND THREE OTHER PEOPLE LAST YEAR TELLS THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL IN A PRISON INTERVIEW THAT HE DOESN'T "WANT TO DIE." MICHAEL ERIC BALLARD IS ACCUSED OF STABBING DENISE MERHI TO DEATH ALONG WITH HER FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND A NEIGHBOR IN JUNE IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY WHILE ON PAROLE FROM A 1991 MURDER.

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCATES ARE CELEBRATING A STATE SENATE COMMITTEE VOTE ON A MEASURE THAT WOULD OUTLAW PIGEON SHOOTS AND OTHER TARGET SHOOTS WITH LIVE ANIMALS, WHICH THEY SAY IS THE FIRST SUCH VOTE ON THE ISSUE IN ALMOST A DOZEN YEARS. A HUMANE SOCIETY OFFICIAL TELLS THE LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS PENNSYLVANIA IS THE ONLY STATE WHERE LIVE PIGEON SHOOTS ARE OPENLY STAGED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FEW PEOPLE REALIZE THAT SURVEYING FOR THE MASON-DIXON LINE STARTED AT A TINY HOUSE ON THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF PHILADELPHIA. THE HOUSE IS LONG GONE, BUT ITS LOCATION WAS RECENTLY
DISCOVERED BY GROUP OF PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE STUDENTS PAGING THROUGH CENTURIES-OLD PROPERTY RECORDS. STATE OFFICIALS APPROVED A HISTORICAL MARKER FOR THE SITE LAST MONTH.

NATIONAL NEWS:

TOKYO (AP) - READINGS FROM THE ROBOTS TELL THE TALE INSIDE TWO CRIPPLED REACTOR BUILDINGS AT JAPAN'S TSUNAMI-FLOODED NUCLEAR PLANT -- IT'S STILL TOO HOT TO HANDLE FOR HUMANS TRYING TO WORK IN THAT HARSH RADIOACTIVE ENVIRONMENT. NUCLEAR OFFICIALS SAY THE RADIATION READINGS FOR UNIT 1 AND UNIT 3 AT THE FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI PLANT DO NOT ALTER PLANS FOR STABILIZING THE COMPLEX BY YEAR'S END.

SANFORD, N.C. (AP) - NORTH CAROLINA GOV. BEVERLY PERDUE PLANS MORE TOURS TODAY OF HARD-HIT AREAS IN THREE COUNTIES WHERE DEVASTATING STORMS TOOK A DEADLY TOLL. SHE SAYS THE DEVASTATION SHE SAW YESTERDAY LEFT HER NEAR TEARS. THE STORM PUMMELED BUSTLING CITIES AND REMOTE RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE SOUTH, KILLING AT LEAST 45 PEOPLE IN SIX STATES.

CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST, N.C. (AP) - THREE CHILDREN AND TWO ADULTS ARE REPORTED DEAD IN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER THEIR SUV OVERTURNED IN A NATIONAL FOREST AND SANK IN A CANAL. OFFICIALS SAY IT HAPPENED NORTH OF CAMP LEJEUNE AND APPARENTLY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEVASTATING STORMS THAT HIT THE STATE OVER THE WEEKEND.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - ONLINE DATING SITE MATCH.COM SAYS IT WILL BEGIN SCREENING ITS USERS AGAINST THE NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY. BUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE POPULAR SINGLES SITE SAYS THE CHECKS "REMAIN HIGHLY FLAWED" IN FINDING DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDERS. MANDY GINSBERG SAYS USERS OF THE DATING SERVICE SHOULD NOT HAVE A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - THE UNITED NATIONS IS PREDICTING AN OVERALL DROP IN OPIUM POPPY PRODUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN, EXCEPT FOR A STRONG INCREASE IN CULTIVATION IN THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST. THAT'S WHERE INSURGENTS HAVE STEPPED UP ATTACKS AFTER BEING HEAVILY PRESSURED IN THEIR SOUTHERN STRONGHOLDS BY AFGHAN AND COALITION FORCES. LESS OF THE CROP IS BEING PLANTED IN THE SOUTH.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011

LEGISLATIVE DIALOGUE THE SCHUYLKILL ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION ALLIANCE, INC. (SEAPA) HELD A DIALOGUE FRIDAY MORNING TO INCREASE AWARENESS ON ELDER ABUSE. OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS JOINED SEAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COUNTRY CLUB. JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE DETAILS:

ELDER ABUSE (0005)

PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR POTTSVILLE MAN

A PRELIMINARY HEARING, FOR A POTTSVILLE MAN ACCUSED OF FIRING SHOTS AT POLICE OFFICERS EARLIER THIS MONTH, WAS HELD FRIDAY AT DISTRICT JUDGE REILEY’S OFFICE. 42-YEAR-OLD DAVID CHARLES BENTZ WAS PROSECUTED BY ASSISTANT DA LEO BREZNIK. OFFICER MICHAEL STANK OF THE POTTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS THE ONLY WITNESS. THE ENTIRE CASE WAS BOUND OVER FOR COURT. BENTZ REMAINS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON ON $200,000 BAIL.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY AT THE Y

KIDS ACROSS THE COUNTY SHOULD PUT PLAY IN THEIR DAY TODAY AS THE SCHUYLKILL YMCA HOSTS THE 2011 HEALTHY KIDS DAY. IN CONJUNCTION WITH GEISINGER HEALTH SYSTEMS AND THE RHOADES FOUNDATION, THE Y IS HOSTING THE EVENT FOR BOTH KIDS AND FAMILIES TO ENCOURAGE KIDS TO GET MOVING. SOME OF THE THINGS AVAILABLE AT THE Y IN POTTSVILLE TODAY ARE A TODDLER OBSTACLE COURSE, SEASONAL GAMES AND HEALTH AND WELLNESS CHECKS. SCHUYLKILL Y SENIOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR CHRIS GRASSLEY SAID THE GOAL OF THE EVENT FROM 9AM TILL 1PM TODAY IS “TO ENCOURAGE KIDS TO PLAY MORE AND BUILD A LIFETIME LOVE FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY”. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE Y TODAY AT 622-7850.

MAN WITH GUN INSIDE GROCERY STORE

A TAMAQUA MAN FACES CHARGES OF POSSESSING A GUN AT A GROCERY STORE IN THE BOROUGH FRIDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT TAMAQUA POLICE APPREHENDED 44 YEAR OLD GINO CICIONI AT BOYERS FOOD MARKET YESTERDAY AFTER HE ALLEGED THREATENED A STORE EMPLOYEE WITH WHAT APPEARED TO BE A PISTOL, BUT TURNED OUT TO BE A BB GUN. POLICE CONFRONTED CICIONI IN THE STORE PARKING LOT AFTER THE INCIDENT INSIDE. HE’S CHARGED WITH POSSESSING AN INSTRUMENT OF CRIME, TERRORISTIC THREATS, RESISTING ARREST AND OTHER COUNTS. CICIONI IS LODGED IN THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - FORMER ALASKA GOV. SARAH PALIN HAS WON ANOTHER PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST A 19-YEAR-OLD PENNSYLVANIA MAN ACCUSED OF STALKING THE 2008 REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND HER FAMILY. A MAGISTRATE IN ANCHORAGE ISSUED THE TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST SHAWN CHRISTY OF MCADOO, PA., AND SET A MAY COURT DATE IN THE CASE.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (AP) - A LEHIGH UNIVERSITY GRAD STUDENT WHO RETURNED TO HIS NATIVE LIBYA AND IS NOW FIGHTING WITH REBEL FORCES HAS SHARED HIS STORIES WITH STUDENTS AND FACULTY. ISSA HAKIM SPOKE FRIDAY FROM BENGHAZI THROUGH A LIVE SKYPE VIDEO-CONFERENCE CALL. HE TALKED OF TAKING UP ARMS AND WHAT HE ENVISIONS FOR A NEW GOVERNMENT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP PLANS TO BE IN PHILADELPHIA ON MONDAY WHEN MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER SIGNS A LAW TO PROHIBIT QUESTIONS ABOUT A PERSON'S CRIMINAL RECORD ON JOB APPLICATIONS. PROPONENTS OF THE "BAN THE BOX" MEASURE SAY EX-OFFENDERS DON'T GET JOB INTERVIEWS IF THEY ADMIT THEIR RECORDS EARLY ON.

CHESTER, PA. (AP) - A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE FATAL SHOOTINGS OF TWO OTHER TEENS AT A PARTY IN CHESTER. DELAWARE COUNTY PROSECUTORS SAY KANEI AVERY, OF CHESTER, WAS ARRAIGNED AS AN ADULT ON FIRST- AND THIRD-DEGREE MURDER CHARGES IN THE SHOOTING AT MINARET TEMPLE NO. 174.

TOKYO (AP) - JAPAN'S NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY HAS ORDERED NUCLEAR PLANT OPERATORS TO BEEF UP EARTHQUAKE-PREPAREDNESS SYSTEMS TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF THE CRISIS AT THE RADIATION-LEAKING FUKUSHIMA PLANT. MEANWHILE, A MAGNITUDE-5.9 AFTERSHOCK RATTLED THE COUNTRY TODAY, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF MAJOR DAMAGE AND NO TSUNAMI RISK.

GRAHAM, TEXAS (AP) - STRONG WINDS AND DROUGHT-STRICKEN GRASSES AND SHRUBS ARE FUELING WILDFIRES ACROSS TEXAS. THE BLAZES HAVE FORCED HUNDREDS OF EVACUATIONS, INCLUDING THE ENTIRE TOWN OF GORMAN. AT LEAST 60 HOMES WERE DESTROYED YESTERDAY. FIREFIGHTERS HAVE BEEN WORKING OVERNIGHT, DESPITE LOSING ONE OF THEIR OWN. OFFICIALS SAY GREGORY SIMMONS WAS OVERCOME BY SMOKE AND FELL IN A DITCH.

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (AP) - THE VIOLENT STORMS THAT HAVE BEEN BATTERING THE DEEP SOUTH ARE EXPECTED TO SPREAD NORTH UP THE EAST COAST TODAY. THE STORMS HAVE PRODUCED NUMEROUS TORNADOES AND LEFT AT LEAST 10 DEAD IN THREE STATES. AN ALABAMA MAN WAS KILLED WHEN A TWISTER HURLED HIS MOBILE HOME NEARLY A QUARTER OF A MILE ACROSS A STATE HIGHWAY.

BEIRUT (AP) - SYRIA'S STATE-RUN NEWS AGENCY SAYS PROTESTERS HAVE BEATEN TO DEATH A POLICEMAN DURING A DEMONSTRATION. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS ACROSS SYRIA YESTERDAY. WHILE POLICE DISPERSED CROWN WITH TEAR GAS AND CLUBS IN DAMASCUS, SECURITY FORCES GENERALLY WATCHED FROM THE SIDELINES ELSEWHERE. IN SOME CITIES, SECURITY FORCES BECAME THE TARGET OF ATTACKS.

NEW DELHI (AP) - THE OWNERS OF A HIJACKED SHIP SAY THEY'VE PAID A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR RANSOM, BUT SOMALI PIRATES CONTINUE TO HOLD SOME OF THEIR CREW. ONE PIRATE SAYS THE INDIAN CREW MEMBERS ARE BEING KEPT IN RETALIATION FOR THE ARRESTS OF MORE THAN 100 SOMALI PIRATES BY THE INDIA'S NAVY.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

TRAVELING RAILROAD

ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST CORPORATIONS, MADE EVEN MORE FAMOUS BY THE GAME OF MONOPOLY, IS THE READING RAILROAD. JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE DETAILS ON HOW YOU CAN CHECK OUT ITS TRAVELING MODULAR DISPLAY.

RAILROAD

THE READING COMPANY TECHNICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS ACCEPTING DONATIONS AT THE MALL DISPLAY. THEY ALSO HAVE VARIOUS ITEMS FOR SALE; THOSE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THEIR MUSEUM LOCATED IN HAMBURG WHICH FEATURES OVER 80 PIECES OF FULL SIZED TRAIN EQUIPMENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT READINGRAILROAD.ORG

SHENANDOAH ROAD UPGRADE YEARS AWAY

PENNDOT AND LOCAL OFFICIALS MET THURSDAY IN SHENANDOAH TO DISCUSS NEEDED ROAD REPAIRS. TEMPORARY FIXES HAVE BEEN MADE THROUGHOUT THE BOROUGH TO REPAIR POTHOLES, BUT WINTER WEATHER AND MAINTENANCE CAUSE WEAR AND THE HOLES REOPEN. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS SHENANDOAH BOROUGH MANAGER, JOSEPH PALUBINSKY, WROTE TO THE PENNDOT OFFICE IN ALLENTOWN REQUESTING THE MEETING TO DISCUSS A MAJOR ROAD PROJECT. THE PROJECT WOULD REQUIRE TIME AND MONEY, BUT MICHAEL REBERT, ENGINEERING EXECUTIVE FROM PENNDOT SAID WITHIN A MONTH AND A HALF TALKS COULD BEGIN FOR A PROJECT START IN THREE YEARS.

PENNDOT TO OFFER MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SEMINARS

PENNDOT IS OFFERING TWO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SEMINARS THIS WEEKEND AT THE STURGIS ROAD SHOW IN HARRISBURG. RIDERS AND ENTHUSIASTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE SATURDAY APRIL 16TH AND SUNDAY APRIL 17TH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVE FREE RIDE ALIVE CAMPAIGN AND PENNSYLVANIA MOTOR SAFETY PROGRAM. BOTH PRESENTATIONS WILL BE OFFERED EACH DAY AND AFTERWARD RIDERS CAN ENROLL IN A FREE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM OFFERED AT 70 LOCATIONS FROM MARCH THROUGH OCTOBER. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL IN SEMINARS AND PROGRAMS LOG ON TO PAMSP.COM

FREE TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE

TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE FREE ASSISTANCE IN PREPARING YOUR TAX RETURNS. WITH MONDAY'S TAX DEADLINE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, SCHUYLKILL COMMUNITY ACTION WILL HOLD ITS FINAL TAX PREPARATION HOURS FOR THE SEASON FROM 9AM TO NOON TODAY IN THE TERRY REILEY CENTER, 12TH STREET. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS SCA HAS BEEN RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS SINCE 2003 TO HELP LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IDENTIFY WHICH TAX CREDITS THEY QUALIFY FOR.

STATE NEWS:

STROUDSBURG, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA JURY HAS CONVICTED A FORMER U.N.WEAPONS INSPECTOR NABBED IN AN ONLINE SEX STING ON ALL BUT ONE COUNT. PROSECUTORS SAY SCOTT RITTER EXCHANGED EXPLICIT MESSAGES WITH A DETECTIVE POSING AS AN UNDERAGE GIRL AND MASTURBATED EVEN AFTER THE UNDERCOVER OFFICER STRESSED DURING THE CHAT THAT HE WAS A MINOR.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - CITGO DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY $177 MILLION IN CLEANUP COSTS FROM A MASSIVE 2004 OIL TANKER SPILL INTO THE DELAWARE RIVER. A U.S. JUDGE RULED THIS WEEK THAT CITGO ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPILL, CAUSED WHEN THE SINGLE-HULL TANKER STRUCK A RUSTY ANCHOR IN THE RIVER'S BOTTOM.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE WILL NOT STOP THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT FROM USING MONEY THAT IN THE PAST HAD HELPED PAY FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S SHUTTERED HEALTH-CARE PLAN FOR LOW-INCOME ADULTS. COMMONWEALTH COURT SENIOR JUDGE JAMES KELLEY HAS DENIED A MOTION TO ORDER THE STATE TREASURER TO HOLD ONTO
PENNSYLVANIA'S ANNUAL DEPOSIT OF MONEY FROM A 1998 SETTLEMENT WITH MAJOR CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CONTINUED TO DROP IN MARCH FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH AND IS NOW AT ITS LOWEST LEVEL IN TWO YEARS, ALTHOUGH A SEPARATE SURVEY OF EMPLOYERS SHOWED THAT PAYROLLS DIPPED SLIGHTLY. THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY SAID THURSDAY THAT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN MARCH WAS 7.8 PERCENT, A DROP OF 0.2 PERCENT. NATIONALLY, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 8.8 PERCENT IN MARCH.

NATIONAL NEWS:

TOKYO (AP) - THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT IS ORDERING TOKYO ELECTRIC POWER TO PAY $12,000 TO EACH HOUSEHOLD FORCED TO EVACUATE BECAUSE OF RADIATION LEAKING FROM THE COMPANY'S TSUNAMI-DAMAGED NUCLEAR PLANT. ROUGHLY 48,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR WHAT'S BEING DESCRIBED AS AN INITIAL ROUND OF COMPENSATION. BUT SOME OF THE DISPLACED COMPLAIN THE PAYMENTS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO COVER THEIR LOSSES AND EXTRA EXPENSES.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (AP) - MOAMMAR GADHAFI'S DAUGHTER IS SENDING NATO A DEFIANT MESSAGE. SPEAKING ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF A U.S. BOMBING THAT LEFT HER FATHER'S COMPOUND BADLY DAMAGED, AISHA AL-GADHAFI TOLD A CHEERING CROWD THAT LIBYA WAS NOT DEFEATED BY
AIRSTRIKES THEN AND WON'T BE DEFEATED NOW. PUMPING HER FIST IN THE AIR, SHE DIRECTED A MESSAGE DIRECTLY TO NATO, SAYING: "LEAVE OUR SKIES WITH YOUR BOMBS."

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE WORLD'S MAJOR ECONOMIES ARE PLEDGING TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR NEW GOVERNMENTS LIKE THOSE TAKING POWER IN EGYPT AND TUNISIA. AN OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL SAYS THE TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA COULD UNLOCK ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN THE REGION LIKE THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL DID IN EASTERN EUROPE MORE THAN TWO DECADES AGO.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SOME SCIENTISTS SAY THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS FALLING ASLEEP DURING OVERNIGHT SHIFTS IS TO LET THEM DO IT MORE. CURRENT REGULATIONS FORBID CONTROLLERS FROM SLEEPING AT WORK. BUT SLEEP STUDIES SHOW NIGHTTIME WORKERS WHO ARE ALLOWED "RECUPERATIVE BREAKS" SUCH AS A NAP ARE MORE ALERT WHEN THEY RETURN TO THEIR JOBS.

TUSHKA, OKLA. (AP) - AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND DOZENS MORE INJURED AFTER A LARGE TORNADO CUT THROUGH A TINY TOWN IN SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA LAST NIGHT. THE TWISTER HAS LEFT THE TOWN OF TUSHKA (TUHSH'-KUH) WITHOUT A PUBLIC SCHOOL AND FORCED MANY TO SEEK SHELTER WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. ONE WOMAN WHO FOUND SHELTER IN A STORM CELLAR SAYS THE TORNADO "FELT LIKE A BOMB" WHEN IT HIT.

LOCAL NEWS: THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011

DA GOODMAN GIVES MONEY BACK TO LAW ENFORCMENT

DISTRICT ATTRONEY JAMES P. GOODMAN HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY GIVING BACK MONEY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGANEICES ONCE IN THE HANDS OF DRUG DEALERS. JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE DETAILS:

GIVING BACK

CELEBRATING HISTORY

THIS MONDAY IS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST DEFENDERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C, AFTER THE START OF THE CIVIL WAR. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS 245 OF THOSE SOLDIERS WERE FROM SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. A CELEBRATION OF THE OCCASION, CREATED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE AND LOCAL HISTORIANS, WILL TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND. MUSIC AND POETRY OF THE CIVIL WAR WILL BE HELD AT 7PM SATURDAY AT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. FIRST DEFENDERS DAY WILL BE CELEBRATED AT 7PM MONDAY AT SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATER.

ALTERNATIVES TO AVOID PRISON OVERCROWDING

METHODS ARE STILL BEING SOUGHT TO RELIEVE PRISON OVERCROWDING AFTER THE MARCH 31ST DECISION BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON BOARD TO NOT BUILD A PRERELEASE CENTER. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER, JOHN RICHMOND, DISCUSSED THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING AT WEDNESDAYS PRISON BOARD MEETING. THE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1992 SAVING OVER 108,000 JAIL DAYS AND $5 MILLION-DOLLARS. RICHMOND SAID THE ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY HAS 45 PEOPLE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM, BUT ADDITION WORK WOULD REQUIRE MORE MANPOWER. THE COUNTY PRISON IS BUILT TO HOUSE 240 INMATES, BUT THE CURRENT NUMBER HAS REACHED 272 WITH OFFICERS WORKING OVERTIME TO COVER NECESSARY SHIFTS.


POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL SEEKS NEW BUSES

ON WEDNESDAY, THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD VOTED TO ADVERTISE TO REPLACE FIVE OF ITS BUSES WITH NEWER MODELS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS SOME OF THE SCHOOL BUSES ARE MORE THAN 18-YEARS-OLD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE DISTRICT IS LOOKING TO PURCHASE TWO-OWNED 48-PASSENGER SCHOOL BUSES, AN 18-PASSENGER SCHOOL BUS AND TWO WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE SCHOOL BUSES. BIDS ARE DUE BY MAY 11 AT NOON.


IT'S NOT TO LATE TO LEND A HAND

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY BY VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

VOLUNTEER

STATE NEWS:

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - FORMER SENATOR RICK SANTORUM SAYS HE IS FORMING A COMMITTEE THAT WILL LET HIM START RAISING MONEY FOR A WHITE HOUSE RUN. SANTORUM SAYS THAT HE WANTS TO SEE IF THE FUNDRAISING IS THERE FOR A POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. HE SAYS HE IS "TESTING THE WATERS" FOR A FULL-ON CAMPAIGN.

NEW HOLLAND, PA. (AP) -AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAVE RELEASED THE NAME OF A MAN KILLED FOLLOWING A STANDOFF WITH OFFICERS. POLICE IN LANCASTER COUNTY TELL THE INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL/LANCASTER NEW ERA THAT 41-YEAR OLD LARRY DEAN MARSH WAS SHOT EARLY YESTERDAY AFTER A LENGTHY STANDOFF OUTSIDE HIS HOME IN THE GREEN ACRES MOBILE HOME PARK IN EARL TOWNSHIP.

BLAIRSVILLE, PA. (AP) - EMERGENCY RESPONDERS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY A SMALL PLANE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING LAST NIGHT IN A FIELD, BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. OFFICIALS SAY THE PILOT WAS GUIDED TO A LANDING IN DERRY TOWNSHIP ALONG ROUTE 30 ABOUT TWO MILES NORTH OF THE ARNOLD PALMER REGIONAL AIRPORT IN UNITY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A WILLIAMSPORT MAN HAS BEEN ORDERED TO SPEND MORE THAN TWO YEARS IN PRISON FOR POINTING A HIGH-POWERED LASER INTO THE COCKPIT OF A PHILADELPHIA POLICE HELICOPTER. A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS ALSO ORDERED 54-YEAR-OLD JAMES GAUTIERI TO PAY A $10,000 FINE. POLICE SAY GAUTIERI AIMED A LASER INTO THE COCKPIT OF A HELICOPTER THAT WAS LANDING IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - CONGRESS VOTES TODAY ON THE DEAL REACHED LAST WEEK TO FUND THE DAY-TO-DAY BUDGETS OF FEDERAL AGENCIES THROUGH SEPTEMBER. THEN, HOUSE REPUBLICANS WILL START DEBATE ON A BUDGET BLUEPRINT FOR 2012 AND BEYOND. THEIR PROPOSAL DIFFERS SIGNIFICANTLY FROM ONE OUTLINED YESTERDAY BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

BERLIN (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON IS IN BERLIN FOR TALKS WITH HER FELLOW NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS, HOPING TO BRIDGE DIFFERENCES OVER THE MILITARY OPERATIONS IN LIBYA. U.S. OFFICIALS SAY CLINTON WILL PRESS THE ALLIES TO REAFFIRM THEIR GOAL OF PROTECTING CIVILIANS AS REBELS BATTLE FORCES LOYAL TO LIBYAN LEADER MOAMMAR GADHAFI.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (AP) - A GLOBAL MARITIME WATCHDOG SAYS PIRACY AT SEA HIT A RECORD HIGH OF 142 ATTACKS IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR. THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU'S PIRACY REPORTINGCENTER SAYS 97 OF THE ATTACKS OCCURRED OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA. IT SAYS ATTACKERS SEIZED 18 VESSELS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING THREE BIG
TANKERS, FROM JANUARY TO MARCH, CAPTURED 344 CREW MEMBERS AND MURDERED SEVEN.

PARSONS, TENN. (AP) - A SEARCH RESUMES AT DAYLIGHT FOR A 20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN CENTRAL TENNESSEE WHO MAY HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED DURING A HOME INVASION. HER BROTHER TOLD INVESTIGATORS HE SAW HIS SISTER BEING DRAGGED ACROSS HER CARPORT TOWARD A WOODED AREA. ABOUT 250 VOLUNTEERS TURNED OUT TO SEARCH FOR HER YESTERDAY.

PHOENIX (AP) - RESIDENTS OF ARIZONA CAN BEGIN APPLYING FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA TODAY. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES SAYS THE APPLICATION SYSTEM WILL BE ENTIRELY ONLINE, IN A BID TO MAKE THE PROCESS EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE. THE NEW LAW WAS APPROVED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER.

LOCAL NEWS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH, 2011

BOY INJURED AFTER FALL FROM WINDOW

A 5-YEAR-OLD POTTSVILLE BOY IS IN UNKNOWN CONDITION AFTER FALLING FROM A 3RD STORY WINDOW TUESDAY MORNING. POLICE REPORT EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RESPONDED TO THE SCENE OF A FALL VICTIM AT 619 PIERCE STREET, POTTSVILLE, AND RUSHED THE UNIDENTIFIED 5-YEAR OLD VICTIM TO LEGHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE BECAUSE WEATHER RESTRICTED THE USE OF A HELICOPTER. THE BOY WAS REPORTEDLY PLAYING WITH HIS 4-YEAR OLD SISTER IN THE 3RD STORY ATTIC WHEN HE FELL THROUGH THE WINDOW LANDING ON A REAR ROOF AND FALLING ANOTHER 20 FEET ONTO CONCRETE. DUE TO THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION, IT IS UNKNOWN WHETHER CHARGES WILL BE FILED, BUT THE CASE IS BEING REFERRED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CHILDREN AND YOUTH. THE NAMES OF THE VICTIM AND PARENTS HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED AT THIS TIME.

LOCAL RESTAURANT HELPS FIGHT HUNGER

A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN BY HOSS'S STEAK AND SEA HOUSE TO COLLECT DONATIONS FOR LOCAL FOOD BANKS HAS CONCLUDED, AND THE RESULTS COULD FILL A BUFFET CAPABLE OF FEEDING THOUSANDS OF HUNGRY FAMILIES. LOCALLY, THE POTTSVILLE LOCATION COLLECTED 250 CANS DURING THE FOUR WEEK PROMOTION. WITH THE AVERAGE AMOUNT BEING 183 CANS PER RESTAURANT, THE POTTSVILLE LOCATION DID EXCEPTIONALLY WELL. MORE THAN 6,000 CANNED GOODS WERE COLLECTED AT ALL 38 HOSS'S LOCATIONS.

RETAIL THEFT LEADS TO MISSING PERSON

STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ARE LOOKING FOR A MISSING AUBURN WOMAN LAST SEEN TUESDAY MORNING. 49-YEAR-OLD ROBERTA SCHOENER IS FACING RETAIL THEFT CHARGES AFTER LEAVING SEARS STORE, SCHUYLKILL MALL WITH THREE UNPAID ITEMS. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE TOOK SCHOENER INTO CUSTODY MONDAY, BUT THE ON-CALL MAGISTRATE WAS UNAVAILABLE, SO SHE WAS RELEASED. SCHOENER THEN LEFT A NOTE AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNSELING CENTER AROUND 4:30 TUESDAY AFTERNOON THREATENING TO HARM HERSELF. SCHOENER WAS LAST SEEN BY HER HUSBAND AT 7:00 TUESDAY MORNING, AND ANYONE WITH MORE INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS COULD BE CUT

THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE IS WAITING TO RECEIVE ITS FINAL BUDGET FIGURES FOR THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. IN 2010 THE CITY RECEIVED OVER $400,000 IN FUNDS, BUT THIS YEAR THE PROGRAM COULD BE CUT SIGNIFICANTLY. THE REPULICAN HERALD REPORTS THE LACK OF FUNDING WILL DELAY PLANS TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 12TH AND WEST MARKET STREETS, A $250,000 PROJECT. IF CDBG FUNDS CONTINUE TO BE CUT, FUTURE DEMOLITION AND SIDEWALK PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE DELAYED. HAVING A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 4,000, POTTSVILLE IS ONE OF NINE OF THE 67 MUNICIPALITIES IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TO RECIEVE ENTITLEMENT FUNDS THROUGH THE FEDERAL PROGRAM.

NESQUEHONING MAN MEMORIALIZED AT STATE CAPITOL

A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER AND EMPLOYER IN CARBON COUNTY WAS HONORED AT THE STATE CAPITOL AFTER HIS PASSING IN JANUARY. REPRESENTATIVES DOYLE HEFFLEY AND JERRY KNOWLES HAVE CO-SPONSORED A HOUSE RESOLUTION ON HONORING JOHN J. "SONNY" KOVATCH, FORMERLY OF NESQUEHONING. HOUSE RESOLUTION 151, A CONDOLENCE RESOLUTION, PASSED THE HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12. KOVATCH WAS A WORLD WAR II VETERAN AND OWNER OF KOVATCH MOBILE EQUIPMENT AND THE KOVATCH ORGANIZATION, WHICH HAS EMPLOYED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN CARBON COUNTY THROUGH THE YEARS.

DEATH PENALTY NOT SOUGHT IN PA. WOMAN'S KILLING

(AP)- PROSECUTORS IN MONTOUR COUNTY SAY THEY WILL NOT SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY AGAINST A MAN CHARGED WITH STABBING HIS GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH EARLIER THIS YEAR. THIRTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD WESTLEY WISE IS CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN THE JAN. 24 DEATH OF 26-YEAR-OLD JESSICA FREDERICK IN DANVILLE. MONTOUR COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROBERT BUEHNER JR. SAID AT WISE'S ARRAIGNMENT MONDAY THAT THERE IS NO LEGAL BASIS TO SEEK CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. HE SAID THE DEATH PENALTY DID NOT HOLD UP ON APPEAL IN A SIMILAR KILLING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY IN 1989. DEFENSE ATTORNEY ANTHONY MCDONALD HAS SAID HE PLANS TO SEEK PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS OF HIS CLIENT. BUEHNER SAID HE WOULD OPPOSE THE REQUESTS FOR MENTAL EVALUATIONS AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE SENATE HAS DELAYED TO VOTE ON A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW MORE CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PENNSYLVANIA WITH TAXPAYER HELP IS ENCOUNTERING TROUBLE. THE BILL HAD BEEN SCHEDULED FOR A SENATE VOTE YESTERDAY HOURS AFTER HUNDREDS OF PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS, SHEPHERDED BY PARENTS AND TEACHERS, RALLIED AT THE CAPITOL FOR ITS PASSAGE. A VOTE WILL BE PUT OFF UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 26TH.

WEST CHESTER, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS REJECTED A BID FOR A NEW TRIAL FOR TWO MEN CONVICTED OF KILLING FOUR TEENAGERS IN THE 1970S TO COVER UP A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BURGLARY RING. SIXTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD DAVID JOHNSTON AND 60-YEAR-OLD NORMAN JOHNSTON WERE CONVICTED IN 1980 IN THE CHESTER COUNTY KILLINGS. THE DAILY LOCAL NEWS OF WEST CHESTER SAYS THEY APPEALED IN 2009, SAYING A NEW BOOK CONTAINED DETAILS THAT WOULD HAVE HELPED THEM AT TRIAL.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A MCKEESPORT MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 10 TO 20 YEARS IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF ANOTHER MAN OUTSIDE A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA BAR NEARLY SEVEN YEARS AGO. AN ALLEGHENY COUNTY COMMON PLEAS JUDGE IMPOSED THE SENTENCE ON 28-YEAR-OLD CAMERON MEADOWS. WITNESSES SAID MEADOWS SHOT VITO LEE OF DUQUESNE IN THE BACK OUTSIDE COOTIE'S BAR IN AUGUST 2004.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA GAMING COMMISSION SAYS PESKY PORCUPINES CAN BE HUNTED, GIVING ITS APPROVAL FOR A NEARLY SIX-MONTH HUNTING SEASON. COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE PROPOSAL YESTERDAY BUT FAVORED A HUNTING SEASON FROM SEPTEMBER 1ST TO MARCH 31ST INSTEAD OF THE INITIAL YEAR-LONG SEASON.

NATIONAL NEWS:

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - A SUICIDE BOMBING IN AFGHANISTAN HAS KILLED AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE. THE POLICE CHIEF IN KUNAR PROVINCE SAYS THE BOMBER DETONATED A VEST FULL OF EXPLOSIVES AT A MEETING OF LOCAL ELDERS AND OFFICIALS. AMONG THE DEAD WAS THE APPARENT TARGET OF THE ATTACK, AN INFLUENTIAL TRIBAL ELDER AND FORMER MILITARY COMMANDER.

SANAA, YEMEN (AP) - A HOSPITAL OFFICIAL IN YEMEN SAYS SECURITY FORCES HAVE OPENED FIRE DURING CLASHES WITH ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS, KILLING ONE PERSON AND WOUNDING FOUR. THE OFFICIAL SAYS THE SHOOTING STARTED AFTER PROTESTERS IN THE SOUTHERN PORT OF ADEN (AY'-DUHN) SET UP BARRICADES AND THREW ROCKS AT THE TROOPS IN AN EFFORT TO PREVENT TANKS FROM ROLLING INTO THE CITY'S MAIN STREET.

CAIRO (AP) - EGYPT'S OUSTED LEADER IS BEING DETAINED. THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL SAYS THE FORMER PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK IS BEING HELD FOR 15 DAYS PENDING INQUIRIES INTO ACCUSATIONS OF CORRUPTION, ABUSE OF AUTHORITY AND THE KILLING OF PROTESTERS. THE ANNOUNCEMENT CAME SHORTLY AFTER MUBARAK WAS ADMITTED TO A HOSPITAL WITH HEART
PROBLEMS. HIS TWO SONS ARE ALSO BEING DETAINED.

TOKYO (AP) - PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN AMONG PEOPLE FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES NEAR JAPAN'S DAMAGED NUCLEAR POWER PLANT. A GROUP OF PROTESTERS FROM THE AFFECTED AREA GATHERED AT THE TOKYO HEADQUARTERS OF THE PLANT'S OPERATOR TODAY TO DEMAND COMPENSATION. THE UTILITY'S PRESIDENT APOLOGIZED AND TOLD THE PROTESTERS THAT CASH PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (AP) - VETS A HOUSECAT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HOUSECAT IS "DOING REALLY WELL" AFTER SURGERY TO REMOVE AN ARROW FROM ITS HEAD. THE 12-INCH ARROW WAS STICKING THROUGH ONE EAR AND INTO THE BASE OF THE CAT'S HEAD. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS ARE CANVASSING THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRYING TO FIND OUT WHO DID IT.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS COULD BE CUT

THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE IS WAITING TO RECEIVE ITS FINAL BUDGET FIGURES FOR THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. IN 2010 THE CITY RECEIVED OVER $400,000 IN FUNDS, BUT THIS YEAR THE PROGRAM COULD BE CUT SIGNIFICANTLY. THE REPULICAN HERALD REPORTS THE LACK OF FUNDING WILL DELAY PLANS TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 12TH AND WEST MARKET STREETS, A $250,000 PROJECT. IF CDBG FUNDS CONTINUE TO BE CUT, FUTURE DEMOLITION AND SIDEWALK PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE DELAYED. HAVING A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 4,000, POTTSVILLE IS ONE OF NINE OF THE 67 MUNICIPALITIES IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TO RECIEVE ENTITLEMENT FUNDS THROUGH THE FEDERAL PROGRAM.

NESQUEHONING MAN MEMORIALIZED AT STATE CAPITOL

A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER AND EMPLOYER IN CARBON COUNTY WAS HONORED AT THE STATE CAPITOL AFTER HIS PASSING IN JANUARY. REPRESENTATIVES DOYLE HEFFLEY AND JERRY KNOWLES HAVE CO-SPONSORED A HOUSE RESOLUTION ON HONORING JOHN J. “SONNY” KOVATCH, FORMERLY OF NESQUEHONING. HOUSE RESOLUTION 151, A CONDOLENCE RESOLUTION, PASSED THE HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12. KOVATCH WAS A WORLD WAR II VETERAN AND OWNER OF KOVATCH MOBILE EQUIPMENT AND THE KOVATCH ORGANIZATION, WHICH HAS EMPLOYED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN CARBON COUNTY THROUGH THE YEARS.