TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO FIRE, NO SCHOOL

CLASSES IN THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT HAVE BEEN CANCELED FOR TUESDAY AFTER A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE RIPPED THROUGH THE CAFETERIA COMPLEX. THE SCHOOL HOLDS ABOUT 1,000ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FIRE OFFICIALS SAY A VISIBLE CRACK IS EVIDENCE THAT THE BUILDING HAS SETTLED FROM THE FIRE. CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELED FOR TODAY AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS DON'T KNOW ABOUT WEDNESDAY. DISTRICT OFFICIALS WILL MEET TODAY AT NOON TO DISCUSS THEIR OPTIONS FOR FACULTY AND STUDETNS. THE CAUSE OF THE BLAZE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.


COUNTY POWER RESTORED

POWER IS FINALLY RESTORED TO RESIDENTS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COMPLETED BY SATURDAY, SAW PP&L PUSH THE EXPECTED TIME TO HAVE POWER COMPLETELY RESTORED TO SUNDAY MORNING, THEN TO SOMETIME YESTERDAY. THE TORNADO THAT RIPPED THROUGH OUR AREA LAST WEEK AFFECTED OVER 15 THOUSAND PP&L CUSTOMERS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AS OF YESTERDAY THE LAST 72 CUSTOMERS FINALLY SAW POWER RESTORED.

MAN KILLED IN CRASH

A MOUNT CARMEL MAN WAS KILLED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHILE RIDING HIS MOTORCYCLE MONDAY NIGHT IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. POLICE SAY 23-YEAR-OLD BENJAMIN THOMPSON WAS HEADING EAST ON ROUTE 901 WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS MOTORCYCLE AND TRAVELED INTO THE PATH OF A FORD EXPEDITION. THAT VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BY ERIN BLACKWELL OF ST. CLAIR WHO SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES ALONG WITH HER PASSENGER JONATHAN BLACKWELL. A FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY, ALSO INSIDE THAT VEHICLE, ESCAPED INJURIES.

ORIGINAL YWCA BUILDING UP FOR SALE

LATE LAST WEEK THE DECISION WAS MADE TO PUT THE BUILDING THAT HOUSED THE Y-W-C-A IN POTTSVILLE UP FOR SALE. THE LOCAL LANDMARK AT 325 S CENTRE ST., SERVED THE AREA FOR OVER 50 YEARS. THE SCHUYLKILL Y-M-C-A TOOK OVER THE BUILDING IN JANUARY AND OFFICIALS THERE SAY THAT MAINTAINING THE BUILDING WAS JUST TOO COSTLY STATING THAT IT COST IN 2010, UP TO 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HEAT AND MAINTAIN. AT ITS REGULAR MEETING IN MAY, THE SCHUYLKILL YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MADE THE FINAL DECISION TO PUT THE BUILDING UP FOR SALE

THEFT AT AREA DEPARTMENT STORE

A COUPLE IS BEING HELD IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON THIS MORNING FOR STEALING OVER 800DOLLARS IN MERCHANDISE FROM AN AREA DEPARTMENT STORE. ACCORDING TO POLICE REPORTS ON MAY 28TH 48 YEAR OLD ALLEN ENDERS OF TREMONT AND 30 YEAR OLD STEPHANIE ENDERS OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ATTEMPTED TO STEAL OVER 800 DOLLARS IN CLOTHING FROM THE BOSCOV'S IN THE FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL IN NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP. ALLEN ENDERS WAS CAUGHT BY STORE SECURITY FILLING A SHOPPING CART FULL OF CLOTHES WHILE STEPHANIE ENDERS WAITED OUTSIDE IN A VEHICLE. THE PAIR HAD COMMITTED THE SAME CRIME THE DAY BEFORE BUT SECURITY WAS UNABLE TO CATCH THEM AT THAT TIME. THE COUPLE ALSO HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN WITH THEM AT THE TIME OF THE THEFT AND BOTH HAVE A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER ON EACH OTHER. ALLEN ENDERS IS CHARGED WITH RETAIL THEFT, CORRUPTION OF MINORS AND INDIRECT CRIMINAL CONTEMPT OF COURT WHILE STEPHANIE ENDERS IS CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT RETAIL THEFT AND CORRUPTION OF MINORS.

STATE NEWS:

GETTYSBURG, PA. (AP) - SARAH PALIN'S BUS TOUR ROLLED INTO GETTYSBURG YESTERDAY. THE YORK DAILY RECORD REPORTS, THE FORMER ALASKA GOVERNOR AND POSSIBLE 2012 GOP CONTENDER ARRIVED WITH HER HUSBAND TODD, AND DAUGHTERS BRISTOL AND PIPER. IT'S ALL PART OF PALIN'S "ONE NATION" TOUR THAT BEGAN SUNDAY IN WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON (AP) - FORMER ALASKA GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN SAYS SHE'S "STILL KIND OF CONTEMPLATING" A PRESIDENTIAL BID. PALIN SAYS IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO ALLOW TRADITIONAL CAMPAIGN-STYLE COVERAGE OF HER EAST COAST BUS TOUR THAT HAS STOKED SPECULATION ABOUT HER NEXT MOVES. INSTEAD, PALIN SAYS SHE WOULD OFFER HER OWN COVERAGE OF THE TOUR ON HER BLOG.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - FAMILY MEMBERS SAY A WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN THE LEHIGH RIVER HAD TAKEN HER CANOE INTO THE SWOLLEN RIVER TO RESCUE HER DOGS. THE LEHIGH COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE CONFIRMS THE BODY FOUND SUNDAY IS THAT OF PAMELA BOYKO OF LEHIGH TOWNSHIP.

NATIONAL NEWS:

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - A NATO SPOKESMAN SAYS TACTICS WON'T BE AFFECTED IN THE SHORT TERM BY AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI'S DECLARATION AGAINST AIRSTRIKES ON HOUSES. THE SPOKESMAN SAYS THE COALITION WILL REVIEW ITS PROCEDURES AFTER A STRIKE THAT MISTAKENLY KILLED WOMEN AND CHILDREN. IT'S ALSO UNCLEAR WHETHER KARZAI HAS THE POWER. NATO TROOPS ARE WORKING UNDER A UNITED NATIONS MANDATE.

SANAA, YEMEN (AP) - A BRIEF CEASE-FIRE HAS BROKEN DOWN AND FIGHTING HAS RESUMED IN YEMEN'S CAPITAL BETWEEN GOVERNMENT TROOPS AND FOLLOWERS OF THE COUNTRY'S MOST POWERFUL TRIBAL LEADER. THE TRIBAL LEADER HAS TURNED AGAINST PRESIDENT ALI ABDULLAH SALEH AND JOINED THE PROTEST MOVEMENT THAT HAS BEEN SEEKING HIS OUSTER SINCE EARLY FEBRUARY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THERE'S OVERWHELMING OPPOSITION IN THE HOUSE TODAY TO A BILL TO RAISE THE COUNTRY'S DEBT LIMIT BY $2.4 TRILLION WITHOUT CUTTING SPENDING. EVERY REPUBLICAN AND MANY DEMOCRATS ARE POISED TO VOTE AGAINST IT. SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER HAS INSISTED THAT ANY INCREASE IN THE DEBT LIMIT MUST BE LINKED TO SPENDING CUTS THAT ARE LARGER THAN THE INCREASE IN THE BORROWING AUTHORITY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS SAY HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASES MAY NOW TARGET INDIVIDUAL EXECUTIVES IN ADDITION TO CORPORATIONS. THEY'RE RAISING THE STAKES FOR CORPORATE HONCHOS WHO DEAL WITH MEDICARE AND MEDICAID. PREVIOUSLY, IF A COMPANY GOT CAUGHT, IT COULD AGREE TO A FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT WITHOUT FURTHER ACTION.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - ALL THE CRITICAL LANDING EQUIPMENT ABOARD SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR HAS CHECKED OUT. THE SIX ASTRONAUTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BRING NASA'S NEXT-TO-LAST SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHT TO AN END EARLY TOMORROW MORNING. ENDEAVOUR IS DUE TO LAND AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER IN FLORIDA. NASA WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE CROSSWIND.

TODAY'S NEWS-SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2011

TORNADO CONFIRMED

IN THE MINDS OF MANY, THURSDAY'S STORMS THAT CUT A SWATH OF DESTRUCTION THROUGH PARTS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WAS INDEED A TORNADO. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PERSONNEL CONFIRMED IT YESTERDAY. METEROLOGISTS FROM THE AGENCY, ALONG WITH SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL FLEW OVER THE REGION IN A STATE POLICE HELICOPTER. THE TORNADO INITIALLY LANDED AT 8:15PM NEAR CRESSONA. IT TOUCHED DOWN AND LIFTED SEVERAL TIMES DURING ITS 18 MILE TREK ACROSS THE COUNTY. THE STORM PETERED OUT IN WEST PENN TOWNSHIP. TWENTY HOMES WERE DAMAGED, FOUR HAD MAJOR DAMAGE. A DOZEN BARNS AND OUTBUILDINGS WERE DAMAGED AND MORE THAN 1000 TREES WERE FELLED BY THE STORM. WEATHER OFFICIALS SAY THAT WINDS DURING THE STORM WERE CLOCKED AT 110 MILES PER HOUR.

STORM AFTERMATH

NOW THE CLEANUP IS UNDERWAY FOLLOWING THE NASTY STORMS OF THURSDAY NIGHT. AMERICAN RED CROSS PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN ON THE JOB SINCE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE STORM, PROVIDING SUPPLIES TO RESIDENTS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL IN AFFECTED AREAS, AND HELPING PEOPLE WITH LODGING AND BASIC EMERGENCY NEEDS. AS FAR AS POWER RESTORATION, ABOUT 2 THOUSAND CUSTOMERS OF PPL ELECTRIC, MANY IN WEST PENN AND WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP, ARE STILL WITHOUT POWER THIS MORNING. CREWS FROM OUTSIDE OF THE AREA HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH LOCAL LINEMEN TO RESTORE SERVICE.

JUDGE BANS BATH SALTS

A SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE HAS RULED THAT SELLING OR DISTRIBUTING BATH SALTS IN THE COUNTY IS ILLEGAL. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN AND HIS STAFF HAD BEEN PUSHING FOR THE RULING. REPORTS INDICATE THAT JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL'S OPINION POINTED OUT THE HAZARDS OF USING THE BATH SALTS TO GET HIGH, CREATING A PRESENT PUBLIC DANGER. THIS IS THE FIFTH COUNTY IN THE COMMONWEALTH TO BAN THE SALE OF BATH SALTS.

VETERANS HONORED

SENATOR DAVE ARGALL WAS IN THE AREA TO KICK OFF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE STORY:

ARGALL :48
NWS 0001


MEMORIAL DAY PARADES

HONORING OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN AND THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE IS WHAT THIS WEEKEND IS ALL ABOUT AND WHAT A BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THAN WITH A PARADE. THROUGHOUT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, MEMORIAL DAY PARADES WILL BE HELD. PINE GROVE'S PARADE WILL STAY TRUE TO THE ESTEEM BESTOWED ON OUR COUNTRY'S MILITARY PERSONNEL, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, WHILE THE BOROUGH OF GORDON WILL HONOR THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICES OF THE U.S ARMED FORCES. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LOG ON TO WPPA RADIO.COM UNDER NEWS.

FISH FOR FREE DAY

FISH FOR FREE DAY WILL BE HELD AT THE PROGRAM SHELTER IN LOCUST LAKE STATE PARK MONDAY, MAY 30 FROM 9AM TO NOON. NO FISHING LICENSE IS NEEDED PLUS A DEMONSTRATION OF FILLETING AND FRYING FISH WILL FOLLOW. SOME FISHING POLES AND TACKLE WILL BE AVAILABLE, BUT PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAIT. SHINE ONLY.

EXOTIC GRILLING

AS THE UNOFFICIAL START OF BARBECUE SEASON, MEMORIAL DAY CAN START A LONG PARADE OF HOT DOGS AND BURGERS WITH THE OCCASIONAL STEAK THROWN IN. BUT A MEAT SPECIALIST IN PENN STATE STATE'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SAYS A NEW TREND OFFERS A BREAK FROM BORING GRILLING. GARY ABDULLAH HAS MORE.

GO GRILLING

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

ANNVILLE-PROGRAM 2PM SUNDAY, INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY

ASHLAND-PARADE AND CEREMONY 11AM MONDAY FROM MEMORIAL FIELD

AUBURN-PARADE STARTS 9:30AM MONDAY, FOLLOWED BY A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT WAR MEMORIAL

CRESSONA-PARADE MONDAY STARTS 11AM, SAPA PARKING LOT. SERVICE FOLLOWS AT LEGION PLAZA. COMMUNITY DAY 12-2PM CRESSONA GROVE.

FRACKVILLE-PARADE FORMS 8:45 MONDAY AT M&T BANK

GIRARDVILLE-PARADE 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY CEREMONY AT VETERANS MEMORIAL

GORDON-PARADE BEGINS 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY PROGRAM AT MUNICIPAL HALL

HAMBURG-DEDICATION CEREMONY AT 9AM MONDAY, VETERANS MEMORIAL FOLLOWED BY PARADE AT 9:30 FOLLOWED BY UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL

LLEWELLYN-PARADE BEGINS AT 8AM MONDAY FROM LLEWELLYN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY CELEBRATION OF VETERANS

MAHANOY CITY-CHURCH SERVICE 10:15AM SUNDAY AT FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. PARADE 11AM MONDAY. PROGRAM 2PM

MINERSVILLE-PARADE FORMS 9AM MONDAY. CEREMONY FOLLOWS AT VETERANS MEMORIAL

NEW PHILADELPHIA-PARADE STARTS AT 8:30 POST OFFICE WITH SERVICE FOLLOWING AT MEMORIAL SQUARE

ORWIGSBURG-PARADE 8AM AT MEMORIAL BUILDING FOLLOWED BY CEREMONY AT CENTRE SQUARE

PALO ALTO-SERVICES 1PM SUNDAY AT PALO ALTO MONUMENT

POTTSVILLE-PARADE STARTS 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY CEREMONIES AT GARFIELD SQUARE

RINGTOWN-10AM SERVICE MONDAY AT OLD WHITE CHURCH

SAINT CLAIR-1PM PROGRAM SUNDAY AT SAINT CLAIR AREA ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN-7:3-PM MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY AT FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

SELTZER-8:30AM MEMORIAL MONDAY AT SELTZER MEMORIAL

TOWER CITY-10:30AM PARADE MONDAY FOLLOWED BY PROGRAM AT THE SQUARE

TREMONT-1PM SERVICE SUNDAY AT MEMORIAL PARK

WICONISCO-8AM HONOR ROLL MONDAY AT CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WILLAIMSTOWN-9:45AM PARADE AT SOVEREIGN BANK PARKING LOT FOLLOWED BY SERVICES AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

ANNVILLE-PROGRAM 2PM SUNDAY, INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY

ASHLAND-PARADE AND CEREMONY 11AM MONDAY FROM MEMORIAL FIELD

AUBURN-PARADE STARTS 9:30AM MONDAY, FOLLOWED BY A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT WAR MEMORIAL

CRESSONA-PARADE MONDAY STARTS 11AM, SAPA PARKING LOT. SERVICE FOLLOWS AT LEGION PLAZA. COMMUNITY DAY 12-2PM CRESSONA GROVE.

FRACKVILLE-PARADE FORMS 8:45 MONDAY AT M&T BANK

GIRARDVILLE-PARADE 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY CEREMONY AT VETERANS MEMORIAL

GORDON-PARADE BEGINS 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY PROGRAM AT MUNICIPAL HALL

HAMBURG-DEDICATION CEREMONY AT 9AM MONDAY, VETERANS MEMORIAL FOLLOWED BY PARADE AT 9:30 FOLLOWED BY UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL

LLEWELLYN-PARADE BEGINS AT 8AM MONDAY FROM LLEWELLYN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY CELEBRATION OF VETERANS

MAHANOY CITY-CHURCH SERVICE 10:15AM SUNDAY AT FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. PARADE 11AM MONDAY. PROGRAM 2PM

MINERSVILLE-PARADE FORMS 9AM MONDAY. CEREMONY FOLLOWS AT VETERANS MEMORIAL

NEW PHILADELPHIA-PARADE STARTS AT 8:30 POST OFFICE WITH SERVICE FOLLOWING AT MEMORIAL SQUARE

ORWIGSBURG-PARADE 8AM AT MEMORIAL BUILDING FOLLOWED BY CEREMONY AT CENTRE SQUARE

PALO ALTO-SERVICES 1PM SUNDAY AT PALO ALTO MONUMENT

POTTSVILLE-PARADE STARTS 10AM MONDAY FOLLOWED BY CEREMONIES AT GARFIELD SQUARE

RINGTOWN-10AM SERVICE MONDAY AT OLD WHITE CHURCH

SAINT CLAIR-1PM PROGRAM SUNDAY AT SAINT CLAIR AREA ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN-7:3-PM MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY AT FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

SELTZER-8:30AM MEMORIAL MONDAY AT SELTZER MEMORIAL

TOWER CITY-10:30AM PARADE MONDAY FOLLOWED BY PROGRAM AT THE SQUARE

TREMONT-1PM SERVICE SUNDAY AT MEMORIAL PARK

WICONISCO-8AM HONOR ROLL MONDAY AT CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WILLAIMSTOWN-9:45AM PARADE AT SOVEREIGN BANK PARKING LOT FOLLOWED BY SERVICES AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

BREAKING NEWS: WEATHER UPDATE

AFTER SEVERE STORMS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY LAST NIGHT, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS IS NOW STARTING TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION AND GET THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. EMERGENCY MANAGER COORDINATOR JOHN MATZ FROM SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS SAYS CRESSONA, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AND ORWIGSBURG HAVE THE WORST DAMAGE. THERE ARE ALSO SOME PRELIMINARY REPORTS OF DAMAGE IN WEST PENN TOWNSHIP. SEVERAL TREES ARE DOWN THROUGHOUT THE AREA.SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND PPL ELECTRIC TO GET MORE INFORMATION. MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE ACROSS THE REGION EXPERIENCED POWER OUTAGES. POWER HAS ALSO BEEN KNOCKED OUT ALONG ROUTE 61 WHERE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE DOWN NEAR THE CRESSONA MALL AND CONNORS CROSSING. WE WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.



SEVERE WEATHER THROUGHOUT COUNTY

SEVERE STORMS BLEW THROUGHOUT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LAST NIGHT, KNOCKING OUT POWER TO MORE THAN 10,000 CUSTOMERS AND OVER 13,000 IN BERKS COUNTY. A TORNADO WARNING WAS ISSUED AFTER 7:30PM AND POSSIBLY TOUCHED DOWN IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP WHERE WINDS TORE THE ROOF OF THE FORMER SEVEN STARS HOTEL. IN ADDITION TO HIGH WINDS, DAMAGING HAIL UP TO TWO INCHES IN DIAMETER FELL IN SCHUYLKILL AND NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTIES. THIS STORM COMES JUST THREE DAYS AFTER AN EF-1 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN WALKER TOWNSHIP. THE RED CROSS OPENED A SHELTER AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SENIOR CENTER, BUT THAT WAS CLOSED EARLY THIS MORNING.

LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS ARE INVITED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AT AN UPCOMING GRANT SEMINAR. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

SENATOR ARGALL TO HOST SENIOR CITIZENS EXPO

SENATOR DAVID ARGALL IS HOSTING AN EXPO FOR THE AREA'S SENIOR CITIZENS THAT WILL FEATURE OVER 35 EXHIBITORS TO PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO PENNSYLVANIA’S OLDER RESIDENTS. VENDORS INCLUDE NURSING CARE FACILITIES, CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCIES, INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES, SAFETY AWARENESS ORGANIZATIONS, STS, SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY AND SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AMONG OTHERS. ARGALL SAYS HE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE HE WILL BE AT THE SCHUYLKILL MALL FOR A SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR BECAUSE THE LOCATION ALLOWS EASY ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE AREA'S SENIOR CITIZENS. THE EXPO WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1ST FROM 10AM UNTIL 2PM.


LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS ON BILL ON PHARMACIES

LEGISLATION INITIALLY INTRODUCED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE NEAL GOODMAN THAT PROTECTS PENNSYLVANIANS' RIGHT TO BUY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AT A LOCAL PHARMACY WAS VOTED OUT OF THE HOUSE AGING AND ADULT SERVICES COMMITTEE. GOODMAN SAYS THIS LEGISLATION ALLOWS RESIDENTS TO OBTAIN THEIR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM THE PROVIDER OF THEIR CHOICE. HE ADDS MANY PENNSYLVANIANS, PARTICULARLY SENIOR CITIZENS, HAVE LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR LOCAL PHARMACISTS, AND SHOULDN’T HAVE TO JEOPARDIZE THAT BECAUSE OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY OR GOVERNMENT PROGRAM.

DUI CHECKPOINTS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

TO PROTECT THE TRAVELING PUBLIC FROM INTOXICATED DRIVERS IN PENNSYLVANIA, STATE POLICE ARE CONDUCTING DUI SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS AS WELL AS ROVING DUI ENFORCEMENT PATROLS OVER THE UPCOMING MEMORIAL HOLIDAY PERIOD. IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE PARTICIPATING IN THE CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN. THE BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION LIMIT HAS BEEN REDUCED TO 0.08% AND PENALTIES CAN RANGE FROM A $300 FINE WITH SIX MONTHS PROBATION ALL THE WAY UP TO $5,000 WITH PRISON SENTENCES OF UP TO FIVE YEARS.

GET MORE MILEAGE FROM GIVING BLOOD

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS COMING OUT OF ONE OF THE WORST WINTERS FOR COLLECTIONS IN A VERY LONG TIME, AND ARE ABOUT TO HIT THE HARDEST TIMES OF THE YEAR FOR DONATIONS-SUMMER. BY DONATING NOW AND EVERY 56 DAYS, INDIVIDUALS CAN HELP TO ENSURE THAT BLOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR AREA PATIENTS WHEN IT'S NEEDED. THROUGHOUT THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE, DONORS CAN ENTER TO WIN A ONE YEAR FORD FIESTA CAR LEASE. IT'S ALL PART OF THE "GET MORE MILEAGE FROM GIVING BLOOD" EVENT. THE NEXT BLOOD DRIVE WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, MAY 31 AT GEISINGER HOSPITAL FOR ADVANCED MEDICINE FROM 10AM-4PM. ELIGIBLE VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONORS ARE ASKED TO CALL 1-800-RED CROSS OR VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG TO FIND A BLOOD DRIVE AND TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS.

MENNOINITE CHURCH ROBBED
THEFT CHARGES ARE PENDING AGAINST A 17 YEAR OLD MALE WHO BROKE INTO A CHURCH. ACCORDING TO STATE POLICE IN HAMBURG. A 17 YEAR OLD MALE BROKE INTO THE SCHUBERT MENNONITE CHURCH IN BETHEL TOWNSHIP BACK ON MAY 18TH, BROKE A WINDOW AND STOLE AN ELECTRIC GUITAR. THE GUITAR WAS LATER RETURNED BUT POLICE PLAN TO CHARGE THE YOUTH WITH BURGLARY, THEFT AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

MAHANOY ARE APPROVES BUDGET
THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL BOARD HAS APPROVED THEIR PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET FOR THE UP COMING SCHOOL YEAR, WITHOUT A TAX INCREASE. TO BALANCE THE BUDGET THE TEACHERS SALARY CONTRACT WAS FROZEN FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR, ALONG WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS. THE OVER 16 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET INCLUDES THE REDUCTION OF FOUR TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS AND THREE ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS. BOARD MEMBERS ALSO AGREED TO ELIMINATE FREE ATHLETIC PHYSICALS AND AWAY GAME TRANSPORTATION FOR BAND AND CHEERLEADERS AS WELL AS SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS.

ROBBERY SUSPECT HEADED TO COURT

THE MAN CHARGED WITH ROBBING THE RITE-AID IN SHENANDOAH BACK IN FEBRUARY WAIVED HIS RIGHT IN COURT ON THURSDAY. 32 YEAR OLD MICHAEL GARVEY IS CHARGED WITH 3 COUNTS OF FELONY ROBBERY AND ONE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE FOR EACH OF THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY. GARVEY WAS CHARGED WITH ENTERING THE RITE AID IN SHENANDOAH AND POINTING A HANDGUN AT A PHARMACIST AND 2 OTHER EMPLOYEES. GARVEY THEN WAS GIVEN UP TO 4 BOTTLES OF THE DRUG XANAX. POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND WAS LATER ARRESTED AT HIS HOME.

STATE NEWS:

SEWARD, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY SAY HIGH WINDS TOPPLED A CIRCUS TENT, INJURING THREE CHILDREN AND TWO ADULTS. ONE ADULT WAS STRUCK IN THE HEAD AND IS IN INTENSIVE CARE. SEWARD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CHIEF TRAVIS LOVEJOY SAYS SPECTATORS FLED FROM THE TOPPLED TENT PARTWAY THROUGH A PERFORMANCE.

UNDATED (AP) - THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS IT HASN'T CONFIRMED ANY TORNADOES DURING LAST NIGHT'S STORMS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, BUT THERE WERE SEVERAL REPORTS OF FUNNEL CLOUDS. A TRACTOR TRAILER WAS BLOWN OVER ON INTERSTATE 81 IN FRANKLIN COUNTY. FLOODING CLOSED PART OF THE SAME HIGHWAY IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A RECOUNT HAS BEEN ORDERED IN THE MAY 17TH DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR COMMONWEALTH COURT JUDGE. RETURNS SHOW DOYLESTOWN LAWYER KATHRYN BOOCKVAR (BOOK'-VAR) AHEAD OF PITTSBURGH LAWYER BARBARA BEHREND ERNSBERGER (URNZ'-BERGER) BY ABOUT 2,100 VOTES. ERNSBERGER SAID YESTERDAY THAT SHE WOULDN'T WAIVE AN AUTOMATIC RECOUNT.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ATLANTA (AP) - STORMS IN THE ATLANTA AREA HAVE TOPPLED POWER LINES AND TREES, KILLING AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE AND TAKING OUT THE ELECTRICITY OF SOME 200,000 CUSTOMERS. UTILITY OFFICIALS SAY 65,000 CUSTOMERS ARE STILL WITHOUT POWER THIS MORNING.

ROUNDUP, MONT. (AP) - THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SAYS MORE RAIN AND MELTING SNOW COULD CAUSE THE MISSOURI RIVER TO FLOOD HUNDREDS OF HOMES IN DOWNSTREAM STATES. SOME MONTANA TOWNS ALREADY ARE SWAMPED WITH FLOOD WATERS AS HIGH AS 6 FEET IN SOME AREAS. IN VERMONT, SOME PEOPLE IN MONTPELIER AND TWO OTHER CITIES HAVE BEEN EVACUATED BECAUSE OF FLOODED RIVERS FROM OVERNIGHT RAINS.

DEAUVILLE, FRANCE (AP) - INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS ARE PROVIDING MORE THAN $20 BILLION TO EGYPT AND TUNISIA IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BECOME DEMOCRACIES. AND LEADERS AT THE G-8 SUMMIT IN FRANCE ARE ENCOURAGING RICH ARAB NATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMIES OF THE TWO COUNTRIES THAT EXPERIENCED POLITICAL UPRISINGS THIS YEAR.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS ANY PEACE DEAL IN AFGHANISTAN CAN'T BE NEGOTIATED WITHOUT THE HELP OF PAKISTAN. CLINTON IS IN ISLAMABAD IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR RELATIONS FOLLOWING THE U.S. RAID IN PAKISTAN THAT KILLED OSAMA BIN LADEN.

ATLANTA (AP) - VACCINE PRODUCERS SAY THEY'LL MAKE A RECORD AMOUNT OF FLU VACCINE FOR THE UPCOMING FALL AND WINTER - ENOUGH FOR HALF THE POPULATION. SOME DOCTORS SAY YOUNG, HEALTHY PEOPLE MAY NOT NEED THE VACCINE IF THEY GOT IT LAST YEAR, BECAUSE THE SAME FLU STRAINS ARE CIRCULATING.

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER EAST NORWEGIAN STREET AND SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH JACKSON STREET HAVE BEEN ONCE AGAIN BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PATIENT CARE. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:


STEPS TAKEN TO BAN SYNTHETIC DRUGS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

ANOTHER STEP WAS TAKEN YESTERDAY IN EFFORT TO BAN THE USE OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS IN OUR AREA. IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL ISSUED AN INJUNCTION TO BAN FOUR STORES NIRVANA'S CLOSET IN THE SCHUYLKILL MALL, DRAGON CHASERS EMPORIUM IN THE FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL, EMPIRE FUEL STOP IN PINE GROVE AND THE GASWAY IN DARKWATER, NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP FROM SELLING THE DRUG COMMONLY KNOWN AS BATH SALTS. A HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY MORNING IN JUDGE RUSSELL'S COURT TO CONTINUE OR EXPAND THE INJUNCTION BASED ON THE PETITION FILED BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JIM GOODMAN. GOODMAN FILED THE PETITION STATING THAT THE SALE OF BATH SALTS THREATEN THE PUBLIC HEALTH ,SAFETY, WELFARE AND IS A DANGER TO ALL OUR COMMUNITIES IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. GOODMAN ADDED THAT ANYONE DISOBEYING THE INJUNCTION BE SUBJECT TO A $1,000 CIVIL PENALTY FOR EACH VIOLATION.

POLICE TASE COMBATIVE MAN ON BATH SALTS

A CRESSONA MAN, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BATH SALTS, FLED FROM THE EMERGENCY ROOM TUESDAY. POTTSVILLE POLICE SAY 36-YEAR-OLD ALLEN HOWELL JR. ESCAPED FROM THE SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH JACKSON STREET EMERGENCY ROOM WITH AN ACTIVE 302 PSYCHIATRIC WARRANT OF ARREST. WHEN POLICE LOCATED HOWELL HE BECAME AGGRESSIVE AND POLICE DEPLOYED A TASER X26 ON HIM. HOWELL WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AND CHARGES OF PERSISTENT DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RESISTING ARREST WILL BE FILED.

EX-SHENANDOAH POLICE CONVICTION UPHELD

TWO EX SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS HAD THEIR CONVICTIONS UPHELD IN U.S DISTRICT COURT WEDNESDAY. U.S DISTRICT COURT JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO RULED THE EVIDENCE WAS ENOUGH TO PROVE MATTHEW NESTOR WAS GUILTY OF FILING A FALSE POLICE REPORT AND WILLIAM MOYER WAS GUILTY OF LYING TO F-B-I AGENTS. CAPUTO WILL ISSUE SENTENCE ON JUNE 1ST FOR NESTOR AND MOYER IN U.S DISTRICT COURT IN WILKES BARRE. NESTOR AND MOYER WERE CONVICTED IN JANUARY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR ROLES IN OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE FATAL BEATING OF AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IN JULY 2008. NESTOR FACES UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR HIS ACTIONS WHILE MOYER COULD SEE UP TO FIVE YEARS.


WOMAN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A TAMAQUA WOMAN SUFFERED MODERATE INJURIES WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER MOTORCYCLE. POLICE SAY 29-YEAR-OLD MOLLY PETRO WAS DRIVING ON SR209 WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF A MOTORCYCLE SHE WAS DRIVING WITHOUT THE PROPER CLASS OF LICENSE. PETRO WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH JACKSON STREET AND WILL BE CITED FOR CAUSING THE CRASH.

BUDGET APPROVED FOR NORTH SCHUYLKILL SD

IN THEIR REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED THE PROPOSED 24 MILLION DOLLAR FINAL BUDGET FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE THE SCHOOL THE BUDGET SHOWS A LITTLE OVER 2 MILLION DOLLAR DECREASE IN ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FROM THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET THAT PASSED IN JANUARY. TO MAKE UP THOSE DEDUCTIONS ONE OF THE CHANGES NOTEED WAS THE MORE THAN 1.4 MILLION DOLLAR DEDUCTION IN WAGES AND BENEFITS. OTHER CHANGES INCLUDE A PAY-TO-PLAY FOR STUDENT ATHLETES AND A $25 PARKING PERMIT FOR STUDENTS WHO CHOOSE TO DRIVE THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLE TO SCHOOL.

STATE NEWS:

THE STATE HOUSE HAS APPROVED A BILL INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JIM COX (R-BERKS) THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR RESIDENTS TO RE-APPLY EVERY FIVE YEARS TO HAVE THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON THE STATE'S DO-NOT-CALL LIST. UNDER COX'S BILL, ONCE A PERSON REGISTERS HIS OR HER PHONE NUMBER ON THE STATE'S DO-NOT-CALL LIST, IT WOULD REMAIN ON THE LIST UNTIL THE NUMBER WAS NO LONGER VALID FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL. COX AGREED TO AN AMENDMENT PUT FORTH BY REPRESENTATIVE KATHY WATSON (R-BUCKS), WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT ALL TELEMARKETING CALLS ON STANDARD FEDERAL HOLIDAYS. THE BILL NOW HEADS TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - HOUSE DEMOCRATS HAVE FAILED TO FORCE CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO TAX DRILLING FOR NATURAL GAS IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE FORMATION. THE ISSUE CAME UP YESTERDAY IN THE FORM OF PROCEDURAL VOTES REGARDING A BILL SPONSORED BY DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE GREG VITALI OF DELAWARE COUNTY.

ERIE, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A BABY GIRL FOUND STUFFED INTO A SUITCASE ON A NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA STREET IS THE VICTIM OF A HOMICIDE. ERIE COUNTY CORONER LYELL COOK TELLS THE ERIE TIMES-NEWS THE CHILD MOST LIKELY DIED OF "NUTRITIONAL NEGLECT."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - RESCUE CREWS IN PHILADELPHIA SEARCHED THE DELAWARE RIVER LAST NIGHT FOR A TEENAGE BOY WHO JUMPED INTO THE WATER AND DISAPPEARED. WITNESSES SAY A GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE WERE JUMPING INTO THE RIVER FROM A PIER. WITNESSES SAY ONE YOUTH JUMPED IN TO HELP OUT A FRIEND AND DISAPPEARED.

READING, PA. (AP) - PROSECUTORS IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY DNA EVIDENCE LINKS A MAN TO THE STABBING DEATH OF A CO-WORKER THREE YEARS AGO. THE READING EAGLE REPORTS PROSECUTORS SAY THE EVIDENCE LINKS GLENN LYONS TO THE DEATH OF KATHY LEIBIG. LEIBIG'S BODY WAS FOUND IN MAY OF 2008 AT WERNERSVILLE STATE HOSPITAL.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - BEAVER STADIUM IS GOING WIRELESS. PENN STATE ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR GREG MYFORD TELLS THE PATRIOT-NEWS OF HARRISBURG THE SCHOOL HOPES TO MAKE THE NITTANY LIONS' HOME FIELD THE LARGEST COLLEGIATE VENUE TO BE WIRELESS ACCESSIBLE. FANS WILL BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD APPS AND VIEW REPLAYS.


NATIONAL NEWS:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - FORECLOSURE LISTING FIRM REALTYTRAC SAYS SALES OF HOMES IN SOME STAGE OF FORECLOSURE ARE A CONTINUING SIGN OF WEAKNESS IN THE HOUSING SECTOR. THOUGH THEY'RE LOWER THAN THE FIRST QUARTER LAST YEAR, REALTYTRAC SAYS SUCH SALES STILL ACCOUNTED FOR 28 PERCENT OF ALL HOME SALES. THE NUMBER SHOULD BE BELOW FIVE PERCENT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE ECONOMY HIT A SOFT PATCH IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, CAUSED BY A BIG JUMP IN OIL PRICES, AND ANALYSTS SAY THEY EXPECT THAT TO WEIGH ON GROWTH FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT IS SCHEDULED TO REVISE FIRST QUARTER GROWTH UPWARD TODAY FROM 1.8 PERCENT TO 2.2 PERCENT, BUT ANALYSTS SAY IT'S STILL A LACKLUSTER PACE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE VOTES ARE SET TO BEGIN TODAY TO EXTEND KEY PATRIOT ACT PROVISIONS BEFORE THEY EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT. FINAL PASSAGE TODAY WOULD SEND THE LEGISLATION TO THE HOUSE FOR QUICK APPROVAL AND THEN ON TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN EUROPE FOR HIS SIGNATURE. THE PROVISIONS INCLUDE ROVING WIRETAPS, COURT-APPROVED ACCESS TO BUSINESS RECORDS AND SURVEILLANCE OF "LONE WOLF" SUSPECTS.

NEW YORK (AP) - IT HAS A HOME THEATER, GYM, JAPANESE PAPER WALLS, FIREPLACE AND VARIOUS RENOVATIONS -- AND IT'S CONSIDERED A JAIL CELL. THE FOUR-BEDROOM BRICK TOWN HOUSE IN A TONY NEW YORK CITY NEIGHBORHOOD IS WHERE FORMER INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND LEADER DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN HAS BEEN MOVED. HE'S UNDER HOUSE ARREST AWAITING TRIAL ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES.

MORELIA, MEXICO (AP) - DISPLACED VILLAGERS AND 28 DEAD BODIES ON A WESTERN HIGHWAY ARE THE LATEST SNAPSHOTS OF MEXICO'S VIOLENT DRUG WAR. POLICE RESPONDING TO A CITIZEN COMPLAINT FOUND 28 MEN LYING DEAD AND FOUR OTHERS WOUNDED ON A ROAD LITTERED WITH BULLET CASINGS. EARLIER, AN OFFICIAL IN A NEARBY WESTERN STATE SAID HUNDREDS OF FRIGHTENED VILLAGERS HAD TAKEN REFUGE AT SHELTERS.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011

LOCAL NEWS: WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011

TORNADO CONFIRMED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED THAT A TORNADO DID TOUCH DOWN IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DURING MONDAY'S HEAVY STORMS. A EF-1 TORNADO, WITH WINDS RANGING FROM 86 TO 110 MILES PER HOUR, TORE THROUGH WALKER TOWNSHIP, ACCORDING TO BARRY LAMBERT METEOROLOGIST WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE. THE STORM DESTROYED BARNS AND TORE THE ROOF'S OFF HOUSES OTHER TONARDOS WERE CONFIRMED IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND CARBON COUNTIES AS WELL. FOR SCHULKILL COUNTY IT WAS THE FIRST TORNADO SINCE MAY 1996.

2 CHARGED WITH SHENANDOAH DEATH BACK IN COURT

THE TWO MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MARCH 2010 KILLING IN SHENANDOAH WERE BACK IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT ON TUESDAY FOR A CHANCE TO TESTIFY IN THE RETRIAL OF THEIR ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE. 30 YEAR OLD DAMON ENNETT OF FREE LAND AND 20 YEAR OLD JAHMAL OLLIVIRRE OF READING HAD THEIR CASES CONTINUED BY JUDGE JACQULINE RUSSELL. THE TWO MEN ARE THE PRINCIPLE WITNESS'S IN THE CASE AGAINST 32 YEAR OLD JULIUS ENOE OF READING. ENOE WAS CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF BRUCE FORKER OF SHENANDOAH BUT JUROR'S IN THE FIRST CASE COULD NOT COME TO A VERDICT AND A MISTRIAL WAS DECLARED ON THE CHARGES OF CRIMINAL HOMICIDE, CONSPIRACY, ROBBERY AMONG OTHER CHARGES. SINCE ENOE WAS NOT ACQUITTED IN THE LAST TRIAL HE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE DOUBLE JEOPARDY RULE.

CHARGES HELD AGAINST TAMAQUA MAN

A TAMAQUA MAN INVOLVED IN A HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT SERIOUSLY HURT ANOTHER MAN HAD CHARGES HELD AGAINST HIM HELD TO COURT DURING A PRELIMINARY HEARING TUESDAY AFTERNOON. STATE POLICE CHARGED 18-YEAR-OLD STEPHEN KUPETZ IN CONNECTION WITH THE MARCH 28 CRASH THAT SERIOUSLY INJURED 20-YEAR-OLD ROBERT REHRIG. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, KUPETZ WILL BE SENT TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT ON CHARGES OF FELONY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH, MISDEMEANOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DEATH OR INJURY, SUMMARY DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION AND RENDER AID, AND CARELESS DRIVING. KUPETZ REMAINS FREE ON $25,000 UNSECURED BAIL.

U.S REPS BAN VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDERS

THE WORD FROM U.S REPRESNTATIVE TOM MARINO AND LOU BARLETTA IS THAT YOU CAN COME TO THE TOWN HALL MEETINGS BUT DON'T RECORD THEM. BARLETTA HAS BANNED ANYONE WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA FROM USING VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDERS TO PEOPLE WHO COME TO THE MEETINGS WILL FEEL MORE OPEN TO SPEAK. THE FEAR OF HAVING THEIR COMMMENTS RECORDED AND PUT ON DISPLAY SUCH AS ON THE INTERNET HAS SOME PEOPLE CONCERNED AND FOR GOOD REASON, THE STATE DEMORCRATIC PARTY HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THEY HAVE SENT PEOPLE TO TOWN HALL MEETINGS CONDUCTED BY BARLETTA AND MARINO AND RECORDED THEM AND POSTED ON IT'S WEBSITE.

KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONES

THIS MONTH'S LOCAL TV REPORT BY SENATOR ARGALL FEATURES A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROS AND CONS OF KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONES THROUGHOUT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THE HEARING FEATURED A WIDE-RANGE OF SPEAKERS WITH FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE ON THE KOZS, TAX FREE ZONES AND FIGHT BLIGHT IN PENNSYLVANIA. ARGALL SAYS WITH 3,000 NEW JOBS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BECAUSE OF KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONES, THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN A VALUABLE PART OF OUR REGION'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY. HE ADDS NOT ONLY ARE JOBS BEING CREATED, BUT SEVERAL OF OUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND OUR COUNTRY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE NOW REAPING THE REWARDS WITH AN INFLUX OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN NEW TAX REVENUE ON FORMERLY ABANDONED SITES TO ALLEVIATE THE STRESS ON LOCAL HOMEOWNERS. BEGINNING THIS YEAR, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $3 MILLION EACH, NOW THAT KOZS ARE BEGINNING TO EXPIRE ACROSS THE STATE.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT PERIOD

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY AND THAT MEANS THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT PERIOD BEGINS. FROM 1AM FRIDAY UNTIL 12AM MONDAY TROOPERS WILL ENGAGE IN HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS DIRECTED TOWARD AGGRESSIVE VIOLATIONS. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A ZERO-TOLERANCE ATTITUDE TOWARD SEATBELT VIOLATIONS. CORPORAL FRED KRUTE OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN STATE POLICE TOOK PART IN A SURVEY ON ROUTE 445 IN WAYNE TOWNSHIP RECENTLY THAT RESULTED IN A 67% COMPLIANCE. KRUTE SAYS POLICE ARE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO REALIZE THE BENEFITS OF WEARING A SEATBELT, BUT ALSO GUARANTEES A TICKET WILL BE ISSUED IF A PERSON IS NOT WEARING ONE WHEN PULLED OVER.



STATE NEWS:

MIFFLINTOWN, PA. (AP) - THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED TORNADOS TOUCHED DOWN MONDAY NIGHT IN FIVE COUNTIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. STRONG WINDS DAMAGED HOMES AND DESTROYED BARNS. NO SERIOUS INJURIES WERE REPORTED.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - MAJORITY REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE ARE SENDING THEIR STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL TO THE SENATE OVER LOUD OBJECTIONS BY DEMOCRATS DURING A MARATHON FLOOR DEBATE. THE CHAMBER VOTED 109-TO-92 YESTERDAY TO APPROVE A $27.3 BILLION SPENDING PLAN.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A BILL TO PRESERVE EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR MORE THAN 100,000 JOBLESS PENNSYLVANIANS IS ON ITS WAY TO THE HOUSE. THE BILL WON FINAL SENATE APPROVAL YESTERDAY. IT WOULD REQUIRE PEOPLE TO ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR WORK AS A CONDITION OF BENEFITS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A DAUPHIN COUNTY JUDGE HAS POSTPONED THE SECOND TRIAL OF DISGRACED POLITICAL POWER BROKER MIKE VEON UNTIL NEXT YEAR. THE JUDGE ISSUED AN ORDER YESTERDAY MOVING THE TRIAL DATE FROM JUNE 1ST TO FEBRUARY 6TH OF 2012.

NATIONAL NEWS:

DENNING, ARK. (AP) - TWO DEATHS IN ARKANSAS BRING TO NINE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WERE KILLED WHEN SEVERE STORMS HIT THREE STATES. AN ARKANSAS EMERGENCY OFFICIAL SAYS AT LEAST ONE PERSON DIED AFTER A TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY OF DENNING EARLY TODAY. AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE DIED IN OKLAHOMA AND ANOTHER TWO IN
KANSAS.

PHOENIX (AP) - JARED LEE LOUGHNER WILL APPEAR IN COURT TODAY FOR A HEARING ON WHETHER HE'S COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL IN THE SHOOTING SPREE THAT CRITICALLY WOUNDED CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS. SIX PEOPLE DIED. HE SPENT FIVE WEEKS GETTING A MENTAL EVALUATION.

LONDON (AP) - AIDES SAY AN ADDRESS TO BRITAIN'S PARLIAMENT TODAY IS THE CENTERPIECE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S FOUR-COUNTRY,SIX-DAY EUROPEAN TRIP. AFGHANISTAN, LIBYA AND UPRISINGS IN THE MIDDLE EAST WILL BE ON THE AGENDA EARLIER, WHEN OBAMA MEETS WITH
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON. OBAMA'S MESSAGE TO ALLIES IS THAT THEIR LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS REMAIN THE CORNERSTONE OF AMERICA'S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD.

SANTA ANA, CALIF. (AP) - ATTORNEYS FOR TOY MAKER MGA ENTERTAINMENT INC. WILL ARGUE FOR DAMAGES AND COURT COSTS AGAINST MATTEL IN A TRADE SECRETS CASE. MATTEL WILL ASK THE FEDERAL JUDGE IN CALIFORNIA JUDGE TO THROW OUT A JURY'S GUILTY VERDICT TODAY. THE
MULTIMILLION DOLLAR ARGUMENT IS OVER THE BRATZ DOLL LINE.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - NASA HAS MADE ONE LAST CALL TO ITS PLUCKY MARS ROVER SPIRIT, BUT CONCEDES IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE. SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT, NASA SENT A WAKE UP SIGNAL TO THE ROVER MIRED IN SAND ON MARS. ORBITING SPACECRAFT WILL CONTINUE TO PASSIVELY LISTEN UNTIL THE END OF MAY -- WITHOUT MUCH CHANCE OF SUCCESS. SPIRIT
LANDED IN 2004 AND WORKED LONG BEYOND ITS EXPECTED THREE MONTHS.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011

STORMY WEATHER NOT CONFIRMED AS TORNADO

MONDAY NIGHT'S POWERFUL STORM IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FEATURED HEAVY WIND, RAIN AND LIGHTNING. IN WALKER TOWNSHIP, TREES WERE KNOCKED DOWN AND ROOFS RIPPED OFF THE SIDE OF BARNS. STILL THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS NOT CONFIRMED THE STORM AS A TORNADO. METEOROLOGIST GREG DEVOIR SAYS THE DAMAGE HAS NOT YET BEEN INVESTIGATED. AS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK, DEVOIR SAYS WEDNESDAY MAY BE THE ONLY DRY DAY.

ELDERLY WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH

ROUTE 61 WAS CLOSED TO ONE LANE AFTER A TWO VEHICLE CRASH. THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND 10:30 YESTERDAY MORNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF RT 61 AND ARCH STREET IN POTTSVILLE. AN ELDERLY WOMAN DRIVING A CHEVROLET IMPALA ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO ARCH STREET FROM RT 61 SOUTH WHEN HER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A FORD EXPLORER HEADED NORTH ON 61. BOTH VEHICLES CAME TO REST IN THE NORTHBOUND LANE OF 61 TAKING OUT A LAMP POST AND STREET LIGHT. MEDICAL CREWS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE FOR THE WOMAN AND BOTH VEHICLES RECIEVIED MODERATE DAMAGE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. PENN DOT WAS ALSO ON SCENE TO INSPECT THE DAMAGED TRAFFIC LIGHT. AT THIS TIME POLICE ARE NOT RELEASING THE INDIVIDUALS NAMES.

TRI-VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES BUDGET

THE TRI VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD VOTED 7-2 LAST NIGHT IN FAVOR OF THEIR PROPSED 12 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR. THE BUDGET REFLECTS A DECREASE FROM THIS YEARS BUDGET. SUPERINTENDENT MARK SNYDER SAYS THAT FOR NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET VACANT POSITONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION LIBRARY, AND CUSTODIAL WILL NOT BE FILLED.

SHIELD SEVEN PROGRAM

A PROGRAM SPONSORED BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JAMES GOODMAN WILL GIVE SEVENTH-GRADE STUDENTS ACROSS SCHUYLKILL COUNTY A CHANCE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME WHILE LEARNING TO BE SAFER. THE SHIELD 7 PROGRAM WILL FOCUSES ON BULLYING, ALCOHOL USE, DRUG USE AND SEXTING. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS "CHOICES COUNT" IS THE THEME WHICH TRIES TO TELL STUDENTS THAT CHOICES THEY MAKE NOW CAN AFFECT THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. ELEVEN OF THE COUNTY'S 12 SCHOOL DISTRICTS HOST THE SHIELD 7 PROGRAM.



STATE NEWS:

HUNDREDS OF BIKERS ROARED INTO THE STATE CAPITOL MONDAY FOR AN ANNUAL MOTORCYCLISTS RIGHTS RALLY WHILE LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED THAT WOULD MAKE HELMET USE MANDATORY FOR RIDERS STATEWIDE. UNDER THE CURRENT LAW, PASSED IN 2003, RIDERS OVER 21 WHO HAVE TAKEN A SAFETY COURSE OR HAVE TWO YEARS OF MOTORCYCLING EXPERIENCE CAN RIDE WITHOUT A HELMET.THE MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS RALLY ALSO INCLUDED AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THERE IS A BILL IN THE PA. HOUSE RIGHT NOW TO MAKE HARLEY-DAVIDSON THE OFFICIAL STATE MOTORCYCLE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS' $27.3 BILLION STATE BUDGET BILL IS A VOTE AWAY FROM PASSAGE. THE HOUSE VOTED 110-89 YESTERDAY TO POSITION THE GOP SPENDING PLAN FOR A FINAL VOTE, SUGGESTING IT WILL ADVANCE EASILY TO THE STATE SENATE.A FINAL HOUSE VOTE COULD HAPPEN AS EARLY AS TONIGHT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - U.S. APPELLATE JUDGES HEARING A NEW JERSEY TERRORISM CASE SAY THE TRIAL JUDGE MAY HAVE BEEN RIGHT TO LET PROSECUTORS PLAY BEHEADING VIDEOTAPES TO THE JURY. FIVE MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS CONVICTED OF PLOTTING A DEADLY STRIKE AT A NEW JERSEY MILITARY BASE ARE APPEALING THEIR 2008 CONVICTIONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE REPUTED BOSS OF THE PHILADELPHIA MOB, HIS ALLEGED CHIEF LIEUTENANT AND ELEVEN OTHERS ARE FACING CHARGES. JOSEPH "UNCLE JOE" LIGAMBI WAS AMONG 11 ALLEGED MOBSTERS ARRESTED YESTERDAY ON CHARGES INCLUDING CONSPIRACY, EXTORTION, ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND WITNESS TAMPERING. TWO OTHERS WERE ALREADY IN CUSTODY.

NORRISTOWN, PA. (AP) - PROSECUTORS IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SAY THEY WILL SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY AGAINST A MAN CHARGED IN THE RAPE AND MURDER OF HIS 9-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOR. JAMES TROUTMAN IS CHARGED IN THE MAY 9TH DEATH OF SKYLER KAUFFMAN. KAUFFMAN'S BODY WAS FOUND IN A TRASH BIN AT THE SOUDERTON ARMS APARTMENT BUILDING WHERE THEY BOTH LIVED.

NATIONAL NEWS:

JOPLIN, MO. (AP) - WITH POSSIBLE STRONG STORMS ON THE HORIZON, RESCUE CREWS IGNORED LIGHTNING AND STRONG WINDS AND WORKED INTO THE NIGHT, LOOKING FOR VICTIMS OR SURVIVORS OF THE DEADLIEST TORNADO IN NEARLY 60 YEARS. THE DEATH TOLL IN JOPLIN, MO., REACHED 116 YESTERDAY AND IS EXPECTED TO CLIMB. RESCUERS PULLED 17 PEOPLE FROM THE RUBBLE ALIVE AND THE SEARCH CONTINUES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - EXPERTS SAY IT'S RARE, BUT NOT UNKNOWN FOR POPULATED AREAS TO TAKE DIRECT HITS FROM TORNADOES JUST WEEKS APART. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA RESEARCHER HOWARD BLUESTEIN SAYS TORNADO-APPROPRIATE WEATHER SOMETIMES LINGERS OVER A WIDE AREA AND THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS YEAR. EXPERTS SAY URBAN SPRAWL HAS INCREASED THE ODDS THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL BE AFFECTED.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - SOME RESIDENTS NEAR THE FLOODED MISSISSIPPI RIVER WHO'VE RETURNED HOME ARE KEEPING THEIR BAGS PACKED IN CASE THEY'RE FORCED TO EVACUATE AGAIN. ONE RESIDENT IN KROTZ SPRINGS, LA. SAYS THE EVACUATIONS ARE COSTING HER BIG MONEY. MEANWHILE, BARGES ON THE MISSISSIPPI AT BATON ROUGE ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO TRAVEL THAT STRETCH IN ONE DIRECTION AT A TIME.

LONDON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA GETS AN OFFICIAL WELCOME TODAY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE DURING A TWO-DAY STATE VISIT TO BRITAIN AT THE INVITATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. OBAMA ARRIVED IN LONDON A BIT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE LAST NIGHT BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS OVER A VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD BEING BLOWN TOWARD BRITAIN FROM ICELAND.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - A SPECIAL ELECTION IN WESTERN NEW YORK TODAY IS SHAPING UP AS A REFERENDUM ON THE GOP'S PLAN TO TRANSFORM MEDICARE. INITIALLY, THE HOUSE RACE WAS PEGGED AS AN EASY GOP WIN. BUT A SIENA COLLEGE POLL PUBLISHED SATURDAY SHOWS DEMOCRAT KATHY HOCHUL (HOH'-KUHL) WITH A SLIGHT LEAD OVER REPUBLICAN JANE CORWIN, 42-38 PERCENT FOR THE 26TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT.

LOCAL NEWS: MONDAY, MAY 23, 2011

MOTORCYCLE CRASH NEAR SCHUYLKILL/BERKS COUNTY LINE

A LEESPORT MAN SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES SATURDAY AFTER LOSING CONTROL OF HIS MOTORCYCLE. STATE POLICE AT HAMBURG SAID 50-YEAR-OLD KEITH UHL WAS RIDING HIS 2010 TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 900 MOTORCYCLE WHEN HE LOST CONTROL WHILE TRAVELING NORTH ON ROUTE 61, NEAR THE SCHUYLKILL/BERKS COUNTY LINE. AFTER FLIPPING OVER, UHL WAS THROWN FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. UHL WAS WEARING A HELMET. HAMBURG EMS THEN TRANSPORTED UHL TO THE CABELA'S PARKING LOT AND HE WAS LATER FLOWN TO THE LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL. ROUTE 61 WAS PARTIALLY CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.

WECARE ORGANICS IN REILLY TOWNSHIP

A NEW YORK COMPANY THAT RECYCLES HUMAN WASTE PLANS ON BUILDING A PLANT IN REILLEY TOWNSHIP. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, WECARE ORGANICS WILL CONSTRUCT AND MANAGE THE FACILITY. AS A PART OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS, THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HELD THE REQUIRED LOCAL MUNICIPALITY INVOLVEMENT PROCESS MEETING EARLY THIS MONTH. ALTHOUGH THE WECARE ORGANICS APPLICATION HAS NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED, IT CAN BE DONE AFTER A 60-DAY COMMENT PERIOD.


CITY ISSUING CITATION TO VIOLATORS

CITATIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED AGAINST 80 PROPERTIES IN POTTSVILLE FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH STORM WATER AND SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT. UNTIL THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL CONTINUE TO ALLOW A WAITING PERIOD FOR NEW HOOKUPS. IN 2007 THE CITY STARTED AN EFFORT TO HAVE PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE CITY TO SEPARATE THEIR STORM DRAINS FROM SEWER PIPES AND FINING THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY UPTO 600 DOLLARS A DAY. CITY OFFICIALS HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED SHUTTING OFF WATER SERVICE TO THOSE PROPERTIES AS WELL, TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PAY THE FINES NOR ADHERE TO THE WATER AND SEWER SEPARATION.


PENNDOT WORKING HARD IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

IT'S BEEN A RATHER BUSY SPRING FOR PENN-DOT WORKERS IN THE COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOTATION HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN THE WESTERN PART OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THIS YEAR, WHERE DAMAGE HAS BEEN THE GREATEST TO ROADS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THAT PENNDOT HAS CONDUCTED REPAIRS TO STATE ROUTE 4020 AND THAT WORKERS WERE FINISHING UP ON REPAIRS TO A BRIDGE ON GAP STREET IN VALLEY VIEW THAT DATES BACK TO 1922. THOSE PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY OR AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. PENN-DOT RECENTLY COMPLETED THE PROJECT OF REPLACING A WATER DAMAGED PIPE ON ROUTE 25 IN HEGINS, THE DAMAGED PIPE WAS CAUSING WATER TO POOL OVER THE ROAD MAKING IT DANGEROUS FOR DRIVERS.


STATE NEWS

THIS WEEK THE STATE LAWMAKERS WILL VOTE ON A STATE BUDGET. THE PROPOSED 28 BILLION BUDGET PROPOSED BY HOUSE REPUBLICANS WILL HAVE TO MEET APPROVAL OF THE SENATE ON THE SPENDING PLAN. THE HOUSE WILL CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE BUDGET TODAY OR TOMORROW AND THEN HAVE THEIR FIRST VOTES CAST BY WEDNESDAY. THE GOP PLAN WILL USE PART OF GOV TOM CORBETT'S CUTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND WILL ALSO HAVE THOSE RECEIVING MEDICAL ASSISSTANCE MAKE CO-PAYS FOR SERVICES. IF PASSED, IT WOULD RESTORE 210 MILLION DOLLARS TO BASIC EDUCATION AND CLOSE TO 400 MILLION DOLLARS IN HIGHER EDUCATION.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS WILL BE IN PHILADELPHIA TOMORROW TO GATHER INFORMATION ON PROPOSED RULES TO FORCE COAL PLANTS TO CLEAN UP THEIR STACKS. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON A RULE THAT WOULD CURB EMISSIONS FROM COAL PLANTS.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A PITTSBURGH NEWSPAPER SAYS A PREVIOUSLY UNDISCLOSED STATE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT POLICY GIVES ADMINISTRATORS SOLE POWER TO APPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION NOTICES IN CASES INVOLVING OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES. THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE SAYS A MARCH 2ND INTERNAL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEMO DETAILS THE POLICY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE NUMBER OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS IN THE STATE DROPPED LAST YEAR FOR THE SIXTH YEAR IN A ROW. ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF PENNSYLVANIA COURTS, A TOTAL OF 1,491 MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS WERE FILED IN 2010.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN PHILADELPHIA SAY POLICE OFFICERS SHOT AND KILLED A MAN SUSPECTED OF STABBING ANOTHER MAN TO DEATH DURING A ROBBERY. AUTHORITIES SAY POLICE FOUND THE SUSPECT HOLDING A BUTCHER KNIFE AND ORDERED HIM TO DROP IT. INSTEAD, THEY SAY, HE LUNGED AT THE OFFICERS, WHO SHOT AND KILLED HIM.

NATIONAL NEWS

JOPLIN, MO. (AP) - OFFICIALS IN JOPLIN, MO., SAY THEY WORRY THAT A REPORT OF AT LEAST TWO DOZEN DEAD AFTER A MASSIVE TORNADO MAY BE LOW. ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNICATIONS ARE DOWN AND OFFICIALS SAY THEY'RE RELUCTANT TO GIVE A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF DEAD. THE MASSIVE TORNADO BLASTED A FOUR-MILE PATH ACROSS SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI AND SLAMMED INTO THE CITY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AN ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SUGGESTS THAT ARGUMENTS FOR OVERHAULING SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE TO PARE GOVERNMENT DEBT HAVE FAILED TO SWAY THE PUBLIC. THE POLL FINDS 54 PERCENT SAID IT'S POSSIBLE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET WITHOUT CUTTING MEDICARE, AND 59 PERCENT SAY DITTO FOR SOCIAL SECURITY. THE POLL
FOUND 3 OUT OF 5 SAY THE TWO PROGRAMS ARE VITAL TO THEIR BASIC FINANCIAL SECURITY AS THEY AGE.

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AP) - PAKISTAN'S NAVY SAYS IT APPEARS TO HAVE REGAINED CONTROL OF A BASE THAT HAD BEEN ATTACKED AND OCCUPIED BY ISLAMIST MILITANTS FOR MORE THAN 15 HOURS. SPOKESMAN SALMAN ALI SAYS COMMANDOS ARE STILL SEARCHING THE SPRAWLING FACILITY IN KARACHI BUT THAT "APPARENTLY THERE IS NO MORE MILITANT RESISTANCE." AT LEAST 12 SECURITY OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN KILLED.

MIAMI (AP) - PROSECUTORS AT A HEARING TODAY WILL ASK A JUDGE TO REJECT BAIL FOR A SOUTH FLORIDA MUSLIM CLERIC AND HIS SON CHARGED WITH PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE PAKISTANI TALIBAN. ARE DUE IN FEDERAL COURT FOR A BAIL HEARING. PROSECUTORS SAY 76-YEAR-OLD HAFIZ MUHAMMAD SHER ALI KHAN AND 24-YEAR-OLD IZHAR KHAN, ARE A DANGER TO
THE COMMUNITY AND WOULD LIKELY TRY TO FLEE THE COUNTRY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE SENATE VOTES THIS AFTERNOON TO BLOCK A POSSIBLE FILIBUSTER WITH LAWMAKERS DOWN TO A FEW DAYS TO EXTEND CRITICAL ASPECTS OF THE PATRIOT ACT BEFORE THEY EXPIRE. THE LAW HAS COME UNDER FIRE FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE FOR INFRINGING ON FREE SPEECH RIGHTS AND OTHER PROTECTIONS. BUT THE AGREEMENT THAT WAS
HAMMERED OUT DOESN'T ADD ANY NEW PRIVACY PROTECTIONS.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2011

STATE POLICE PROMOTE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MAN

A NATIVE OF POTTSVILLE HAS BEEN PROMOTED BY THE STATE POLICE. EDWARD HOKE OF NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP IS NOW CAPTAIN AND COMMANDER OF TROOP N, HAZLETON. THE TROOP COVERS CARBON, COLUMBIA AND MONROE COUNTIES AND THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF LUZERNE COUNTY. HOKE ENLISTED IN THE STATE POLICE IN 1987 AND HAS SERVED AT STATIONS IN FRACKVILLE, HAZLETON, READING, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, HONESDALE AND HAMBURG.

SUMMER SCAMMERS STARTING

SAINT CLAIR POLICE WARN OF A POSSIBLE TELEPHONE SCAM WITH A CALLER CLAIMING TO REPRESENT WAL-MART. POLICE SAID LOSS PREVENTION PERSONNEL FROM THE STORE IN SAINT CLAIR CONTACTED OFFICERS ABOUT 3:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY AFTER AN ORWIGSBURG WOMAN REPORTED HAVING RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL FROM A MAN WITH A HEAVY ACCENT WHO TOLD HER SHE HAD WON A $1.2 MILLION DRAWING OR LOTTERY THROUGH WAL-MART. THE CALLER TOLD THE WOMAN TO GO TO THE WESTERN UNION OFFICE AT THE STORE AND WIRE $300 TO COVER THE TAXES AND THEN THE $1.2 MILLION WOULD BE GIVEN TO HER, POLICE SAID. BUT WHEN THE WOMAN REPLIED THAT SHE WOULD GO TO THE WESTERN UNION WITH HER CHIEF OF POLICE, THE CALLER HUNG UP. WAL-MART OFFICIALS SAID THE CORPORATION IS OFFERING NO SUCH LOTTERY OR DRAWING, POLICE SAID. ANYONE RECEIVING SUCH A TELEPHONE CALL SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

LOCAL MAN WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - LA SALLE UNIVERSITY STUDENT VINCENT VELLA WAS AWARDED THE 2011 RALPH FLAMMINIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AT THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATED PRESS MANAGING EDITORS' ANNUAL MEETING FRIDAY. THE AWARD HONORING THE FORMER EDITOR OF THE MORNING CALL OF ALLENTOWN AND COATESVILLE RECORD SALUTES AN EXEMPLARY PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE STUDENT WHO BEST DISPLAYS THE IDEALS OF RALPH FLAMMINIO: PASSIONATE ABOUT JOURNALISM AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT, AND A CHAMPION
FOR A BETTER INFORMED CITIZENRY. VELLA, A JUNIOR FROM TAMAQUA, WILL RECEIVE A $3,000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE STATE APME. HE WAS CHOSEN FROM AMONG 47 CANDIDATES FOR HIS PORTFOLIO OF WORK AT THE LA SALLE COLLEGIAN, LEHIGHTON TIMES NEWS AND INTERNSHIP WORK AT THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. VELLA, THE SON OF LINDA AND VINCENT VELLA OF KRESGEVILLE, RECEIVED THE AWARD AT THE ANNUAL APME STATE AWARDS CEREMONY AT THE PENN STATER IN STATE COLLEGE. VELLA HOLDS A 3.99 GRADE-POINT-AVERAGE AT LA SALLE WHERE HE WRITES FOR THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AND SERVES AS EDITOR OF THE UNIVERSITY'S LITERARY MAGAZINE. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT'S STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD AND HELPS TUTOR AT LA SALLE'S WRITING CENTER. "I DON'T NEED TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE UPHEAVAL WE ARE EXPERIENCING IN JOURNALISM. AS A RESULT, SOME YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DISILLUSIONED ABOUT THE PROFESSION," SAID JOHN H. KENNEDY, AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT LA SALLE. "YET VINNY IS ONE OF THOSE TALENTED AND COMMITTED PEOPLE WE NEED AS LEADERS TO ENSURE ROBUST NEWSPAPER JOURNALISM SURVIVES AND THRIVES."

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens says
President Barack Obama has failed to develop the energy plan he
promised Americans as a presidential candidate in 2008. The oil
magnate and booster of alternative fuels said at a town hall
meeting at West Chester University yesterday that the president
hasn't followed up on a campaign promise to end America's reliance
on Mideast oil within 10 years.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican lawmaker is backing off an
amendment he authored that critics say would make it harder for the
Federal Aviation Administration to write new safety rules. Rep.
Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania says he's withdrawing his support from
the plan to require extensive economic studies for new FAA
regulations. The amendment is opposed by the families of victims
killed in an air crash near Buffalo, N.Y., two years ago and by
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully guided
an airliner into the Hudson River after it was disabled.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania may have an opportunity to
land a multibillion-dollar chemical manufacturing plant. That's
thanks to the increasing flow of natural gas from the Marcellus
Shale formation. The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reported that state
Secretary of Community and Economic Development Alan Walker says
that three large international chemical companies have expressed
interest in such an investment in the state.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in northeastern
Pennsylvania say a domestic shooting at an apartment building has
left two people dead, including the gunman, and two others wounded.
Shaundra Langille tells The Citizens' Voice of Wilkes-Barre that
the shooter was her ex-boyfriend. She says he stormed into her
apartment yesterday at the Hanover Village complex and started
firing. The apartment complex is in Hanover Township, outside
Wilkes-Barre.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - A small gash in the belly of space
shuttle Endeavour got a very close inspection today by astronauts
using the shuttle robot arm and an extension boom, tipped with
lasers and cameras. NASA ordered the inspection during the
next-to-last shuttle flight, even though managers said there was no
reason to be alarmed. The 12 astronauts aboard the International
Space Station are also expecting a phone call from Pope Benedict
today.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says at
least three people are dead and many others wounded by a powerful
blast at Kabul's main military hospital. Afghan media reported that
it was a suicide attack and another bomber might be on the hospital
grounds. Officials say the blast was in a tent on the grounds.

MEXICO CITY (AP) - An apparent birthday party turned into a
farewell gathering for a leading member of the Gulf drug cartel
when he was captured by Mexican federal police. A police spokesman
says Gilberto Barragan Balderas "is considered one of the main
leaders of the Gulf Cartel." The U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration has a $5 million bounty on the suspect.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Mississippi River looks more like a
stormy ocean at Vidalia, La. Whitecaps are moving beneath the
bridge that connects Vidalia to Natchez, Miss. Downstream in Baton
Rouge, three grain barges sank. River pilots say the surging water
and debris makes navigation even more of a challenge. Forecasters
say it could be days before the river starts to recede anywhere.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Officials say the official royal honeymoon
on the island nation of the Seychelles has ended. Before they left
after a 10-day stay, Britain's Prince William and his new wife, the
former Kate Middleton, invited members of the Seychelles coast
guard ashore to thank them for helping to ensure privacy.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WERE ACQUITTED OF ALL CHARGES AGAINST THEM THURSDAY NIGHT IN FEDERAL COURT. J MATTHEWS REPORTS FROM WILKES BARRE:

TAMAQUA AREA CONSIDERS LONGER SCHOOL DAY

A LONGER SCHOOL DAY COULD BE IN THE FUTURE FOR THE TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS CERTAIN SCHOOL DAYS MAY BE LENGTHENED SO OTHER DAYS CAN BE CUT FROM THE SCHEDULE. THE DISTRICT WON'T ADD MORE THAN A HALF-HOUR TO THE DAY AND ULTIMATELY THEY WILL SAVE MONEY TO BRIDGE THE $1.76 MILLION GAP IN THE BUDGET.THE SUBJECT WAS DISCUSSED WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

DEP GRANT FOR REILLY TOWNSHIP

SENATOR DAVID ARGALL AND REPRESENTATIVE NEAL GOODMAN ANNOUNCED A GRANT WORTH OVER SEVEN-HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM PENNSYLVANIA'S DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR REILLY TOWNSHIP'S ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION PROJECT: NEWTOWN SOUTH 2.SENATOR ARGALL SAYS DURING THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, PUBLIC SAFETY REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY, AND HE PLEASED TO SEE THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ASSISTING REILLY TOWNSHIP TO CLEAN UP THE EYESORES AND SAFETY HAZARDS FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THE GRANT WILL HELP PROVIDE FOR MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EROSION AND SEDIMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN, GRADING, DRAINAGE EXCAVATION, ROCK LINING AND SEEDING.THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 31, 2011 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MAY 5, 2012.

MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE

A MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN ORGANIZED HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TO IDENTIFY KEY ISSUES, DO RESEARCH, GENERATE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND REVIEW AND RECOMMEND PUBLIC POLICY REGARDING MARCELLUS SHALE ACTIVITIES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS SUSAN SMITH WILL SERVE AS TASK FORCE FACILITATOR ON THE 15-MEMBER TEAM WHO WERE ALL CHOSEN BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.THE FIRST MEETING WILL BE JUNE 15.

CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE WILL OFFER FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS STATEWIDE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S "CLICK IT OR TICKET" CAMPAIGN STARTING MAY 23. DURING THE CAMPAIGN, TROOPERS ALSO WILL CONDUCT TRAFFIC SAFETY CHECKPOINTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT TRAFFIC LAWS. ACCORDING TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, OUR STATE'S SEAT BELT USAGE RATE IS JUST UNDER 88 PERCENT, WHICH MEANS ABOUT 12 OF EVERY 100 PEOPLE TRAVELING ARE TAKING A RISK.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE UTILITY REGULATORS SAY A NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT MEETS THE DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC UTILITY. BUT REGULATORS SAY THEY WANT TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT'S NECESSARY TO GRANT THAT STATUS. LASER NORTHEAST IS SEEKING PUBLIC UTILITY STATUS FOR A PIPELINE IT'S BUILDING IN SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, WHERE HEAVY MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING IS UNDER WAY.

TARENTUM, PA. (AP) - FEDERAL AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING A SMALL PLANE CRASH THAT INJURED FOUR PEOPLE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY THE AIRCRAFT OVERSHOT THE RUNWAY DURING TAKEOFF. THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD ISSUED A PRELIMINARY REPORT WEDNESDAY ON THE ACCIDENT NEAR TARENTUM THAT SERIOUSLY HURT THE PILOT, TWO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR TEACHER.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A LAWYER FOR A PHILADELPHIA-AREA MAN CHARGED WITH RAPING AND KILLING HIS 9-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOR SAYS HIS CLIENT IS "CONFUSED" AND "SAD" OVER HIS ARREST IN THE GIRL'S DEATH. CRAIG PENGLASE SAYS HE PLANS TO EXPLORE JAMES TROUTMAN'S MENTAL-HEALTH ISSUES.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN WHO HOSTED MALE FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN HIS HOME HAS ADMITTED TO SECRETLY FILMING THEM AND OTHER TEENS. THE MORNING CALL OF ALLENTOWN REPORTS MICHAEL SCHEELER PLEADED GUILTY YESTERDAY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND INVASION OF PRIVACY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

TOKYO (AP) - THE PRESIDENT OF THE JAPANESE UTILITY OVERSEEING THE CRIPPLED NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAYS HE'S STEPPING DOWN. TOKYO ELECTRIC POWER HAS REPORTED MASSIVE LOSSES RELATED TO THE PLANT DAMAGED BY THE MARCH EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI.

NEW YORK (AP) - A LAWYER FOR DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN SAYS THE FORMER IMF CHIEF WILL PROBABLY BE RELEASED FROM JAIL LATER TODAY. A JUDGE IN NEW YORK SET HIS BAIL AT $1 MILLION YESTERDAY, BUT WHEN FREED HE'LL BE RESTRICTED TO A CITY APARTMENT UNDER ARMED GUARD. STRAUSS-KAHN FACES CHARGES THAT HE TRIED TO RAPE A HOTEL MAID.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA MEETS TODAY WITH ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AT THE WHITE HOUSE. OBAMA IS TRYING TO SALVAGE STALLED MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS, BUT THE TWO MEN HAVE DIFFERING OPINIONS ABOUT A PALESTINIAN STATE.

TOKYO (AP) - JAPAN'S CABINET HAS APPROVED A PLAN TO JOIN A GLOBAL CHILD CUSTODY TREATY, THAT WOULD BRING THE COUNTRY IN LINE WITH THE HAGUE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL ABDUCTION. PARLIAMENT STILL HAS TO GIVE ITS APPROVAL. RIGHT NOW IN JAPAN, CUSTODY IN DIVORCE CASES IS ONLY GIVEN TO ONE PARENT, AND SOMETIMES THAT HAS KEPT THE KIDS AWAY FROM THE FOREIGN PARENT FOR YEARS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - HIGH GASOLINE PRICES ARE PUSHING A LOT OF AMERICANS TO MAKE TOUGH FINANCIAL CHOICES. FORTY PERCENT OF PEOPLE WHO ANSWERED AN ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SAY INCREASES IN THE PRICE OF GASOLINE WILL CAUSE SERIOUS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR THEM OR THEIR FAMILY IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. AND 29 PERCENT SAY THERE'S BEEN NO NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE FAMILY.

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

LATE TUESDAY EVENING, AFTER FEDERAL PROSECUTORS RESTED THEIR CASE, THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY'S FOR MATTHEW NESTOR AND JAMIE GENNARINI PUSHED FOR A DISMISSAL ON THE EXTORTION CHARGE FOR THEIR CLIENTS...WEDNESDAY THEY GOT THE DECISION...FROM WILKES BARRE HERE'S J MATTHEWS
VERDICT ON THIS TRIAL COULD COME LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EARLY FRIDAY. WPPA WILL BRING YOU LIVE COVERAGE WHEN THAT HAPPENS.

FORMER FIREFIGHTER SENTENCED FOR ARSONS

A FORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WAS SENTENCED WEDNESDAY TO 12 TO 24 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR HIS ROLE IN A SERIES OF SOUTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ARSONS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS 22-YEAR-OLD SHAWN HOY OF PINE GROVE ENTERED A GUILTY PLEA AGREEMENT WHICH INCLUDED THAT HE PAY OVER SEVEN-HUNDRED-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN RESTITUTION. ALL SIX MEN INVOLVED IN THE ARSON RING HAVE BEEN SENTENCED A TOTAL OF 25 TO 50 YEARS IN PRISON AND NEARLY TWO-MILLION DOLLARS IN RESTITUTION.

MAHANOY CITY MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

A MAHANOY CITY MAN IS NOW BEHIND BARS AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH CRITICALLY INJURING ANOTHER MAN DURING AN ASSAULT MAY 8. POLICE SAY 37-YEAR-OLD TODD FORKER WAS JAILED WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING MICHAEL RITSKO WHO WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS WITH INJURIES TO THE HEAD. RITSKO REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER WHILE FORKER IS UNABLE TO POST 10 PERCENT OF $50,000 BAIL.

LIFESHARING PROGRAM A SUCCESS

DOZENS OF PEOPLE ATTENDED AN OPEN HOUSE AT THE TAMAQUA LIFE CENTER HOSTED BY ACCESS SERVICES ON TUESDAY. THE OPEN HOUSE DISCUSSED THE LIFESHARING PROGRAM ALONG WITH OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES WILLING TO OPEN THEIR HOMES TO DISABLED PERSONS. ACCESS SERVICES PROVIDES LIFESHARING THROUGHOUT 12 COUNTIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THERE IS CURRENTLY IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO SHARE THEIR HOME AND TIME. FOR INFORMATION ON LIFESHARING, FOSTER CARE, OR RESPITE CARE PROGRAMS CONTACT ACCESS SERVICES.

PENNDOT WARNS YOUNG DRIVERS

WITH GRADUATION AND PROM SEASON UNDERWAY AND SUMMER VACATION FAST APPROACHING, PENNDOT REMINDS YOUNG DRIVERS TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND FOCUS THEIR FULL ATTENTION ON THE ROAD. FROM 2006 TO 2010, THERE WERE OVER ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND CRASHES IN PENNSYLVANIA INVOLVING 16- TO 19-YEAR-OLD DRIVERS. TRAGICALLY, THOSE CRASHES RESULTED IN 952 DEATHS. FROM 2006 THROUGH 2010 OVER THREE THOUSAND CRASHES INVOLVED A TEEN DRIVER WHO HAD CONSUMED ALCOHOL. PENNSYLVANIA’S ZERO TOLERANCE LAW CARRIES SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE UNDER 21 WHO CONSUME ANY AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL. THE LAW SETS THE BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) AT .02 FOR MINORS TO BE CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI). IF UNDER AGE 21, A PERSON CONVICTED OF DUI WILL FACE A JAIL TERM OF TWO DAYS TO SIX MONTHS, HAVE THEIR LICENSE SUSPENDED FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR AND PAY A FINE OF $500 TO $5,000.

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - WEATHER OFFICIALS HAVE CONFIRMED IT WAS A TORNADO THAT RIPPED THROUGH A NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA BLOCK YESTERDAY. IT TORE PART OF THE ROOF OFF A BEEF DISTRIBUTOR, BAR AND RESTAURANT AND DEMOLISHED A CAR REPAIR SHOP. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY AN EF-0 TORNADO.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL SIX PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH KILLING ANOTHER MAN. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS INVESTIGATORS SAY NASUIL MARTINEZ FATALLY SHOT CARLOS FERNANDEZ ON DECEMBER 21ST. A DAY LATER HE ALLEGEDLY SHOT AND WOUNDED TWO PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS DURING A STANDOFF.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ISLAMABAD (AP) - TWO HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIALS FROM WASHINGTON CONTINUE TO WORK ON DAMAGE CONTROL IN PAKISTAN FOLLOWING THE OSAMA BIN LADEN RAID. SPECIAL ENVOY MARC GROSSMAN AND MICHAEL MORELL, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE CIA, ARE IN ISLAMABAD FOR MEETINGS. A PEW RESEARCH CENTER SURVEY SUGGESTS ONLY 11 PERCENT OF PAKISTANIS VIEW THE U.S. FAVORABLY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PLANS TO WIELD BOTH CARROT AND STICK TODAY IN HIS FIRST COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO REVOLTS ACROSS THE ARAB WORLD. HE'LL CRITICIZE SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR ASSAD FOR ATTACKING HIS PEOPLE AND DEFEND SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA. HE'LL ALSO PROMISE FRESH U.S. AID TO NATIONS THAT SUPPORT DEMOCRACY.

SULAIMANIYAH, IRAQ (AP) - AT LEAST 17 PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN TWIN BOMBINGS IN THE NORTHERN IRAQI CITY OF KIRKUK. THE BOMBS APPEARED TIMED TO LURE POLICEMEN FROM THEIR PROTECTED COMPOUND. A KIRKUK POLICE OFFICIAL SAYS 53 PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED. THE SECOND BLAST EXPLODED AS POLICE OFFICERS RUSHED OUTSIDE TO INVESTIGATE THE FIRST ONE. MOST OF THE DEAD ARE POLICE OFFICERS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN FACES A BAIL HEARING TODAY IN NEW YORK CITY, WHERE HE'S CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A HOTEL MAID. HE'S RESIGNED AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND, SAYING HE WANTED TO DEVOTE "ALL HIS ENERGY" TO THE LEGAL BATTLE. HE SAYS HE'S INNOCENT.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - SCIENTISTS SAY THERE'S AN INVISIBLE UNIVERSE OF ANTIMATTER AND DARK MATTER OUT THERE AND SPACE SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS TODAY UNPACKED A DEVICE MEANT TO STUDY IT. THE $2 BILLION ALPHA MAGNETIC SPECTROMETER IS BEING ATTACHED TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. IT'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR'S NUMBER 1 PRIORITY ON ITS FINAL MISSION. THE ANALYSIS CONTINUES ON EARTH OF SOME POTENTIALLY DAMAGED THERMAL TILES.

LOCAL NEWS: WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

BREAKING NEWS: SEVEN CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS

IN US MIDDLE DISTRICT COURT JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO HAS DISMISSED SEVEN OF THE TEN CHARGES AGAINST MATTHEW NESTOR AND JAMIE GENNARINI. THE SEVEN CHARGES OF EXTORTION AND CONSPIRACY TO EXTORT HAVE BEEN DISMISSED DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCE BY FEDERAL PROSECUTORS. THE OTHER THREE CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE CIVIL RIGHTS, VIOLATING CIVIL RIGHTS AND OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE STILL STAND. NESTOR AND GENNARINI FACE A MAXIMUM OF TEN YEARS BEHIND BARS.


UNOFFICIAL RESULTS-PRIMARY ELECTION 2011

JUDGE OF COURT OF COMMON PLEAS:

INCUMBENT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JAMES GOODMAN WAS THE TOP VOTE GETTER IN A CROWDED FIELD FOR A CHANCE TO BECOME THE NEXT JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN THE COUNTY. IN UNOFFICIAL RESULTS, GOODMAN OUTPACED ATTORNEY JAMES CONVILLE, HIS CLOSEST CHALLENGER ON BOTH THE DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN TICKETS. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT VOTERS HAVE HAD TO ELECT A JUDGE IN 10 YEARS.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

AN INCUMBENT AND THREE NEWCOMERS ARE HEADED FOR A SHOWDOWN IN NOVEMBER TO OCCUPY A SEAT IN THE COMMISSIONERS WING OF THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AFTER TUESDAY'S PRIMARY. BUSINESSMEN GARY HESS AND JOHN PLACHKO JR. WERE THE TOP DEMOCRATIC VOTE GETTERS IN UNOFFICIAL RESULTS, WHILE INCUMBENT REPUBLICAN COMMISSIONER FRANK STAUDENMEIER GARNERED TOP HONORS, WITH BUSINESSMAN GEORGE HALCOVAGE COMING IN SECOND. INCUMBENT DEMOCRATS MANTURA GALLAGHER AND FRANK MCANDREW ARE NOT SEEKING RE ELECTION.

COUNTY CONTROLLER

BUSINESSMAN AND ACCOUNTANT CHRISTY JOY WON THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR COUNTY CONTROLLER TUESDAY, DEFEATING BANKER ERIC HOLLEN. DEMOCRAT BRAD PETCHULIS WAS UNOPPOSED ON THE DEMOCRATIC BALLOT. HOWEVER, INCUMBENT MELINDA KANTNER, WHO WON AS A DEMOCRAT FOUR YEARS AGO, WILL RUN AS AN INDEPENDENT IN NOVEMBER.

OTHER ROW OFFICES

ALL STANDING COUNTY ROW OFFICEHOLDERS WILL SEE RE-ELECTION IN NOVEMBER, WITH NO CHALLENGERS ON THEIR PARTY'S TICKET IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARY. CLERK OF COURTS STEVE LUKACH, REGISTER OF WILLS MIKE MCCORD, PROTHONOTARY PJ SYMONS, CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT, TREASURER JACKIE MCGOVERN AND RECORDER OF DEEDS MATT DUDISH ALL WERE UNOPPOSED TUESDAY, BUT FACE OPPOSITION IN ALL BUT THE TREASURER'S RACE IN NOVEMBER.

DISTRICT JUDGE

THREE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES WERE UNOPPOSED IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARY. JAMES REILEY OF POTTSVILLE,JAMES FERRIER OF ORWIGSBURG AND STEPHEN BAYER OF TAMAQUA ALL WERE UNOPPOSED. IN A HOTLY CONTESTED RACE FOR THE SEAT ONCE HELD BY BERNADETTE NAHAS, IN NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, CHRISTINA HALE WAS THE TOP VOTE GETTER ON BOTH TICKETS.

SCHOOL BOARDS

IN LIGHT OF TIGHT BUDGETS AND REDUCED FUNDING SOURCES, SEVERAL SCHOOL BOARD RACES TOOK THE SPOTLIGHT IN TUESDAY’S ELECTION. IN THE BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD RACE, NEARLY A DOZEN CANDIDATES WERE VYING FOR FIVE SPOTS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT. ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, TOP VOTE GETTERS WERE JOHN GRANITO, SCOTT REICHERT, HEATHER GOSCH, DAVID LAFKO AND MARCI KRAMER. ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, IT WAS REICHERT, GOSCH, GRANITO, KRAMER AND ALCIA KELLER.

IN THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL BOARD RACE, DAVID KURZINSKY, NANCY BOYLE, JOHN ERBE AND MICHAEL MISTISHEN, ALONG WITH BETH BRADBURY WERE TOP VOTE GETTERS.

IN THE POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD RACE, INCUMBENTS CINDY PETCHULIS, GARY CORTESE (CORE-TEASE), KAREN RISMILLER, SCOTT KRATER AND NEWCOMER LINDA GRUBE WILL HEAD TO NOVEMBER.

IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, INCUMBENTS SCOTT JACOBY, ELAINE MILLER, BERNICE MACHAMER, CRYSTAL MCGARRY AND FIRST TIME CANDIDATE ERIC FELTY WILL APPEAR ON NOVEMBER’S BALLOT.

IN TAMAQUA, WANDA ZUBER, ROBERT BETZ, EILEEN MEISER, DANIEL SCHOENER AND LARRY WITTIG WERE WINNERS IN TUESDAY’S PRIMARY.

LOCAL NEWS:

WITH FEDERAL PROSECUTORS GETTING READY TO REST THEIR CASE AGAINST MATTHEW NESTOR AND JAMIE GENNARINI, THEY CALLED UPON DONALD RINALDI, WHO ACCUSED GENNARINI OF VIOLATING HIS CIVIL RIGHTS. J MATTHEWS HAS MORE FROM WILKES-BARRE.

OPENING STATEMENTS BEGIN TODAY FOR THE DEFENSE TO PLEAD THEIR CASE FOR THE 2 FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WHEN COURT RECONVENE'S AT 9 AM IN U.S MIDDLE DISTRICT COURT.

TRI-VALLEY PHARMACY ROBBERY

POLICE ARE NOW LOOKING FOR A MAN WHO HELD A KNIFE TO A WOMAN’S THROAT WHILE ROBBING THE TRI-VALLEY PHARMACY. IT HAPPENED JUST AFTER 1:30 TUESDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE SAY THE SUSPECT IS A WHITE MAN IN HIS 20S, STANDING AROUND 6 FEET TALL AND WEARING A YELLOW AEROPOSTALE SWEATSHIRT. HE WAS ALSO SAID TO HAVE HAD A BLACK AND WHITE BANDANA OVER HIS FACE DURING THE INCIDENT. THE MAN WAS GIVEN MORE THAN 300 OXYCODONE PILLS VALUED AT ABOUT $270. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL HEGINS TOWNSHIP POLICE AT 682-3133.

ORWIGSBURG MAN SEVERELY INJURED

AN ORWIGSBURG MAN IS SEVERELY INJURED AFTER A CRASH IN WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP TUESDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE SAY 32-YEAR-OLD JOSHUA ROARK WAS DRIVING HIS MOTORCYCLE ON SR 61 NEAR 3C’S DINER WHEN HE COLLIDED WITH A TRUCK. ROARK WAS THROWN OFF HIS MOTORCYCLE AND CAME TO REST FACE DOWN. ROARK WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE READING HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES.

RACE TO BENEFIT LATE TEACHER

IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009, WILLIAMS VALLEY ELEMENTARY LOST ONE OF ITS BELOVED TEACHERS, MR. LYNN SPITTLE. STUDENTS SAY IT WAS A FAMILIAR SIGHT TO SEE MR. SPITTLE RUNNING EACH MORNING BEFORE SCHOOL AND THAT’S WHY A MEMORIAL RUN/WALK WILL BE HELD IN HIS HONOR. THE 2ND ANNUAL LYNN SPITTLE 5K MEMORIAL RUN/WALK IN TOWER CITY WILL BE HELD MAY 21. THE RACE WILL BEGIN AT THE TOWER CITY POOL ENTRANCE AT 9AM. REGISTRATION IS $20 AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE PORTER TOWNSHIP RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE AND THE LYNN SPITTLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP.

PA FAIRS GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE

REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAYS THE FREE 2011 PENNSYLVANIA FAIR GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE. PUBLISHED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, THE GUIDE LISTS THE DATES, LOCATIONS AND CONTACT PERSONS FOR MORE THAN 100 AGRICULTURE FAIRS AND EVENTS SCHEDULED THIS SUMMER AND FALL IN PENNSYLVANIA. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SEVERAL MILLION VISITORS WILL ATTEND PENNSYLVANIA FAIRS THIS YEAR. THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ALSO HOSTS THE ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA STATE FARM SHOW, THE LARGEST INDOOR AGRICULTURE EXHIBITION IN THE COUNTRY.

PA’S SUSQUEHANNA MOST ENDANGERED RIVER IN THE NATION

THE MISSISSIPPI IS MAKING THE HEADLINES RECENTLY, BUT IT’S A RIVER RIGHT HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA THAT TAKES THE TOP SPOT IN THE NEW AMERICAS MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS OF 2011 LIST. THIS YEAR THE NUMBER ONE RIVER IS THE SUSQUEHANNA , SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THE THREAT OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING THAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WATERSHED. THERE IS A SPECIAL CONCERN ABOUT HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OR FRACKING IN PA, WHICH OIL COMPANIES TAKE LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER FROM RIVERS AND STREAMS, MIX IT WITH SAND AND CHEMICALS AND PUMP IT UNDERGROUND TO EXTRACT NATURAL GAS. WHILE OIL COMPANIES GENERALLY KEEP THE CHEMICALS THEY USE A SECRET, THE INDUSTRY MAINTAINS THAT THE RISK OF FRACKING FLUIDS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH AN AQUIFER, OR GROUND WATER SOURCE, IS REMOTE.

CRASH INVOLVING TRACTOR TRAILER

A NEW HAMPSHIRE MAN REMAINS IN GOOD CONDITION AT HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER FOLLOWING A CRASH ON INTERSTATE 81 IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THAT CRASH HAPPENED JUST AFTER TWO MONDAY AFTERNOON AT MILE-MARKER 109 IN FRAILEY TOWNSHIP. POLICE SAY 58-YEAR-OLD JAMES HANNERS OF CONCROD, NEW HAMPSHIRE SLAMMED INTO THE REAR OF A TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVEN BY 50-YEAR-OLD DANIEL BUSH OF RODMAN, NEW YORK. BUSH WASN'T HURT. IN THE WRECK. POLICE SAY HANNERS WILL BE CITED FOR THE WRECK.

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER HAS WON THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION IN THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY. NUTTER OVERWHELMINGLY DEFEATED LONG-SHOT CANDIDATE MILTON STREET. STREET IS A FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR, HOT DOG VENDOR, AND THE OLDER BROTHER OF NUTTER'S PREDECESSOR JOHN STREET.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - REPUBLICAN VOTERS NOMINATED HARRISBURG LAWYER VIC STABILE FOR AN OPEN SEAT ON THE STATE SUPERIOR COURT. STABILE WILL TAKE ON ALLEGHENY COUNTY JUDGE DAVID WECHT IN NOVEMBER. REPUBLICANS ALSO NOMINATED NEW HOPE LAWYER ANNE COVEY FOR AN OPENING ON THE STATE COMMONWEALTH COURT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - RICK SANTORUM SAYS SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HOW EFFECTIVE WATERBOARDING AND OTHER HARSH INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES CAN BE. LAST WEEK, MCCAIN SAID SEVERE INTERROGATION TACTICS DID NOT PROVIDE THE INFORMATION THAT LED TO OSAMA BIN LADEN. MCCAIN SPENT 5 1/2 YEARS ENDURING BRUTAL TREATMENT IN A NORTH VIETNAMESE PRISON.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A CONVICTED MURDERER WHO ADMITTED TO KILLING HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND AND THREE OTHERS LAST SUMMER WHILE ON PAROLE FOR A 1991 KILLING WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH YESTERDAY. JURORS IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY DELIBERATED FOR LESS THAN TWO HOURS BEFORE SENTENCING MICHAEL BALLARD TO FOUR DEATH SENTENCES.

NATIONAL NEWS:

HOUSTON (AP) - ARIZONA CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS' RECOVERY ISN'T SLOWING DOWN WHILE HER ASTRONAUT HUSBAND ZOOMS AROUND THE EARTH. GIFFORDS WILL UNDERGO SURGERY TODAY SO DOCTORS CAN REPLACE A PIECE OF HER SKULL WITH A PLASTIC IMPLANT. IT'S ANOTHER ENCOURAGING STEP IN HER RECOVERY AFTER A WOULD-BE ASSASSIN SHOT HER DURING A JAN. 8 RALLY IN TUCSON.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - IN LITTLE MORE THAN AN HOUR ENDEAVOUR WILL DOCK AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION FOR THE LAST TIME. THE SPACE SHUTTLE IS ON A 16-DAY MISSION. THE TASK IS TO ATTACH TO THE SPACE STATION A $2 BILLION GIANT MAGNET THAT LOOKS FOR ANTIMATTER AND DARK ENERGY. THE HUSBAND OF ARIZONA CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS, MARK KELLY, IS THE SHUTTLE FLIGHT'S COMMANDER.

JACKSON, MISS. (AP) - CARGO IS AGAIN SLOWLY MOVING ALONG THE BLOATED MISSISSIPPI RIVER AFTER A COSTLY DAYLONG STANDSTILL ALONG A 15-MILE STRETCH AT NATCHEZ, MISS. OFFICIALS ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON THE LOWER DELTA WHERE THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF FARMLAND COULD BE SWAMPED BY WATER INCHING CLOSER TO THE TOP OF A BACKWATER LEVEE.

NEW YORK (AP) - CALLS HAVE INTENSIFIED FOR DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN, THE 62-YEAR-OLD MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND TO RESIGN. HE'S UNDER SUICIDE WATCH IN NEW YORK'S NOTORIOUS RIKER'S ISLAND JAIL COMPLEX. HE'S ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A HOTEL MAID, WHO CAME FROM ONE OF THE WORLD'S POOREST COUNTRIES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS DELIVERING HIS FINAL COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS OF THE SEASON AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY. THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF IS HEADED TO NEW LONDON, CONN., TO WATCH 229 CADETS RECEIVED THEIR BACHELOR DEGREES AND SERVICE RANK. THE COAST GUARD ENFORCES THE LAWS AT SEA.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011

EXTORTION TRIAL

TESTIMONY IN THE EXTORTION TRIAL OF TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS CONTINUED MONDAY IN WILKES-BARRE. REPORTER JAY MATTHEWS REPORTS:


ELECTION DAY

REGISTERED VOTERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS FOR A HOST OF STATE, COUNTY AND LOCAL CANDIDATES TODAY. POLLS OPENED AT 7AM AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8PM. ON THE STATE LEVEL, SUPERIOR COURT AND COMMONWEALTH COURT JUDGESHIPS ARE ON THE LINE. ON THE COUNTY SCENE, POSITIONS FOR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND OTHER ROW OFFICES ARE UP FOR GRABS. LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD, COUNCILS AND OTHER MUNICIPAL RACES ARE ALSO CONTENDED. EXERCISE YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO VOTE, THEN HEAR YOUR VOTE COUNTED WITH JAY LEVAN THIS EVENING AS VOTES ARE TALLIED.

MINERSVILLE FIRE

AN ELDERLY WOMAN WAS RESCUED FROM HER MINERSVILLE HOME MONDAY MORNING AFTER A FIRE BROKE OUT. EMERGENCY CREWS TELL US 92-YEAR-OLD MARY STRAIGES WAS IN AN UPSTAIRS BEDROOM WHEN THEY REMOVED HER AND HER PET SCHNAUZER. THE BLAZE AT 245 SPRUCE STREET WAS PUT OUT BY 10AM.


THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC AWARDS

STUDENTS FROM TEN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS, COMPETING FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS, WILL ATTEND THE 6TH ANNUAL SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC AWARDS THIS THURSDAY NIGHT. MODELED AFTER THE TONY AWARDS, THIS PREMIERE AWARDS CEREMONY FOCUSES ON HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS. AMY BURKHART IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PADCO. SHE SAYS THIS AWARD CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS THE EXCELLENCE OF ARTS THAT ALL OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE.THE AWARD CEREMONY WILL ALSO FEATURE PERFORMANCES FROM EACH SCHOOL, HIGHLIGHTING THE ARTISTIC TALENT IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC AWARDS WILL BE HELD THIS THURSDAY AT 7PM AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL HIGH SCHOOL. TICKETS ARE $5.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP STRIP CLUB

SEVERAL WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS SPOKE OUT AT A MEETING MONDAY TO OPPOSE AN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT VENUE THAT OPENED FOR BUSINESS FRIDAY. IT’S CALLED “THE STRIP MINE” AND ONE RESIDENT FEELS THE SITE IS CORRUPTING THE YOUTH. THE CLUB OPENED AT THE SITE OF THE DUTCHMEN MX PARK WHICH IS A MOTOCROSS RACING SITE THAT BRINGS IN KIDS OF ALL AGES TO RIDE THEIR FOUR-WHEELERS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS THE COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP HAS 30 DAYS TO ACCEPT THE SERVICE OF THE COMPLAINT AND TO RESPOND.

ACCESS SERVICES IS CALLING ON LOCAL FAMILIES

FOSTER CARE, LIFE SHARING AND RESPITE FAMILIES ARE ALWAYS NEEDED HERE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. IN ORDER TO GET THE COMMUNITY AWARE AND INVOLVED, ACCESS SERVICES WILL BE HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE TODAY AT 11AM AND AGAIN AT 5PM. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, SHEILA DAVISON, SAYS THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR FAMILIES WITH HOMES THAT ARE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE IN CARBON, BERKS AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES. DAVISON SAYS SOME FAMILIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE PROGRAM FOR 35 YEARS AND ADDS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BENEFITS. THE OPEN HOUSE WILL TAKE PLACE AT TAMAQUA L.I.F.E. PROGRAM CENTER.

LOCAL SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT AND DUI PATROLS

THE NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT DUI TASKFORCE WILL CONDUCT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS AND DUI PATROLS IN THE AREA UNTIL MAY 23. TRAVELERS ARE REMINDED TO DIAL 911 IF THEY SUSPECT A DRUNK DRIVER AND TO REPORT UNDERAGE DRINKING AT 1-888-UNDER21. THE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS ARE PART OF THE NORTH CENTRAL PA REGIONAL SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT AND EXPANDED DUI/UNDERAGE DRINKING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FUNDED THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE NATIONAL.


MAN ESCAPES INJURIES IN UPPER MAHANTONGO TOWNSHIP CRASH

A SHAMOKIN MAN ESCAPED INJURIES AFTER A CRASH IN UPPER MAHANTONGO TOWNSHIP EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY 24-YEAR-OLD ZACHARY TYSON WAS TRAVELING ON RIDGE ROAD JUST BEFORE 2AM WHEN HE FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND DROVE UP AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPING HIS CAR. TYSON WAS ARRESTED FOR DUI AFTER SHOWING SIGNS OF INTOXICATION. CHARGES ARE PENDING UPON RECEIPT OF A CHEMICAL TEST.

ARE PA FORESTS IN STORE FOR AN EXTREME MAKEOVER?

CLIMATE CHANGE COULD CHANGE PENNSYLVANIA’S LANDSCAPE ACCORDING TO A PROMINENT WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. WARMER TEMPERATURES IN OUR STATE ARE LIKELY TO ATTRACT PLANTS AND WILDLIFE THAT TRADITIONALLY MAKE THEIR HOME FURTHER SOUTH. DOUG INKLEY OF THE NATIONAL WILDFIRE FEDERATION SAYS THE INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE COMMON IN LOWER STATES COULD HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF A NUMBER OF NATIVE TREE SPECIES IN PENNSYLVANIA LIKE SUGAR MAPLE, SWEET BIRCH AND EASTERN PINE. INKLEY SAYS INSECTS MAKING A MOVE NORTH CAN ALSO CAUSE A PROBLEM. THE ARGENTINIAN RED FIRE ANT CAN GROW COLONIES TO HUGE NUMBERS. PENNSYLVANIA MAY NEED TO PREPARE FOR WHAT’S TO COME.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A TOP PENNSYLVANIA SENATOR HAS INTRODUCED A LONG-AWAITED BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE COMPANIES DRILLING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS FORMATION TO PAY AT LEAST $10,000 PER WELL EACH YEAR. STATE SENATOR JOE SCARNATI SAYS PENNSYLVANIA MUST BE VIGILANT IN ENSURING THAT COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT ARE PROTECTED.

TELFORD, PA. (AP) - FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE SAID GOODBYE TO 9-YEAR-OLD SKYLER KAUFFMAN. THE LITTLE GIRL WAS BRUTALLY ASSAULTED AND KILLED LAST WEEK. HER BODY WAS THEN STUFFED IN A TRASH BIN NEAR HER APARTMENT. FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD YESTERDAY IN SOUDERTON.JAMES LEE TROUTMAN HAS BEEN CHARGED IN HER DEATH.

GREENSBURG, PA. (AP) - DEFENSE ATTORNEYS FOR A TEENAGER ACCUSED OF INSTIGATING THE TORTURE AND SLAYING OF A MENTALLY DISABLED WOMAN ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THEIR CASE TODAY. PROSECUTORS IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY RESTED THEIR CASE YESTERDAY AGAINST 18-YEAR-OLD ANGELA MARINUCCI. MARINUCCI IS ONE OF SIX PEOPLE ACCUSED OF TORTURING AND KILLING JENNIFER DAUGHERTY IN FEBRUARY OF 2010

EASTON, PA. (AP) - CLOSING ARGUMENTS ARE SET TO BEGIN TODAY IN THE PENALTY PHASE HEARING FOR A MAN WHO HAS ADMITTED TO KILLING HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND AND THREE OTHER PEOPLE LAST SUMMER. MICHAEL BALLARD HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO THE MURDERS OF DENISE MERHI, HER FATHER, HER GRANDFATHER, AND A NEIGHBOR. BALLARD WAS ON PAROLE FOR A 1991 MURDER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE 25-YEAR MARRIAGE OF ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AND MARIA SHRIVER REPORTEDLY HIT THE SKIDS WHEN THE FORMER GOVERNOR TOLD HER HE HAD FATHERED A CHILD WITH A WOMAN IN THEIR HOUSEHOLD STAFF. THE LOS ANGELES TIMES REPORTS SCHWARZENEGGER ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING HE WAS "TRULY SORRY." THE PAPER SAYS THE WOMAN HAS CLAIMED HER HUSBAND AT THE TIME FATHERED THE CHILD ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE CREW OF SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR HAS BEGUN TODAY'S MAIN TASK -- CHECKING FOR LAUNCH DAMAGE. IT'S A MORE THAN FIVE-HOUR CAMERA INSPECTION OF THE SHUTTLE'S DELICATE HEAT SHIELD. NASA SAYS THERE WASN'T MUCH FALLING INSULATION AT LAUNCH. ENDEAVOUR ARRIVES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION TOMORROW.

BRUSSELS (AP) - AUSTRIA'S FINANCE MINISTER SAYS THE HEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND SHOULD THINK ABOUT ANOTHER LINE OF WORK TO HELP PROTECT THE IMF'S REPUTATION. OTHER EUROPEAN FINANCE MINISTERS MEETING IN BRUSSELS HAVEN'T GONE THAT FAR. DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BAIL IN NEW YORK IN AN ALLEGED SEXUAL ATTACK ON A HOTEL MAID.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONSHIP IN THE WAKE OF THE OSAMA BIN LADEN RAID GETS AN AIRING TODAY BEFORE A SENATE PANEL. SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOHN KERRY IS JUST BACK FROM PAKISTAN. KERRY TOLD PAKISTANI OFFICIALS THAT U.S. LAWMAKERS MUST SEE ACTION TO BE CONVINCED ISLAMABAD IS AN ALLY IN THE WAR ON TERROR.

NEW YORK (AP) - SPRINT NEXTEL HAS MOVED UP FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP IN A SURVEY ON CELL PHONE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. THE AMERICAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX SAYS SPRINT NEXTEL SHARES LIFE AT THE TOP WITH LONGTIME LEADER VERIZON WIRELESS. SPRINT WAS ONCE DEAD LAST AMONG THE BIG 4 NATIONAL WIRELESS CARRIERS. AT&T AND T-MOBILE, WHICH ARE MERGING, HAVE LOST POINTS IN THE SATISFACTION DEPARTMENT.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011

BREAKING NEWS: FIRE IN MINERSVILLE

A FIRE THAT BROKE OUT THIS MORNING IN THE BOROUGH OF MINERSVILLE IS NOW UNDER CONTROL. EMERGENCY CREWS TELL US THE BLAZE AT 239 SPRUCE STREET WAS PUT OUT JUST BEFORE 10AM. NO ADDITIONAL HOMES WERE DAMAGED AND ALL OCCUPANTS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR. FIRE CREWS ARE STILL ON SCENE AT THIS TIME. WE WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.


FIRE FIGHTERS FROM THE AREA GATHERED SATURDAY TO DEDICATE THEIR NEW HISTORICAL SOCIETY. BOBBY BECHTEL HAS MORE:

RELAY FOR LIFE

THIS WEEKEND POTTSVILLE CELEBRATED THE 18TH ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. A GRAND TOTAL OF $162,000 WAS RAISED BETWEEN 3PM FRIDAY AND 12PM SATURDAY. THAT MONEY WILL SUPPORT CANCER PATIENT SERVICES, LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH, PREVENTION EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY EFFORTS. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO RAISE $203,000 BY THE END OF AUGUST.

AMERICAN WAY FAIR

POTTSVILLE OPENED ITS’ STREETS SUNDAY TO WELCOME THE 36TH ANNUAL AMERICAN WAY FAIR. DESPITE THE RAINY WEATHER, HUNDREDS PACKED THE FAIR THROUGHOUT THE DAY. THE ONE-DAY EVENT FEATURED FOOD, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT.

PAVILION DEDICATED TO LATE SENATOR

THE JOSEPH C. CAPPELLA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME ASSOCIATION DEDICATED ITS OUTDOOR PAVILION TO LATE SENATOR JAMES J. RHOADES SUNDAY. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, A 3-BY-3 FOOT PAINTING OF RHOADES WAS ALSO UNVEILED. THE MEMORIAL HOME IN SCHOENTOWN DEDICATED ITS PAVILION TO THE SEVEN-TERM SENATOR WHO HELPED THE VETERANS ACQUIRE $35,000 IN STATE FUNDING TO BUILD THE PAVILION NEARLY A DECADE AGO.

SHOOTING WITH PELLET GUN

CHARGES ARE BEING FILED AGAINST A LYKENS MAN AFTER AN INCIDENT FRIDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE SAY 19-YEAR-OLD JAMES YOUNG BRANDISHED A PELLET GUN AT ANOTHER MAN, STRIKING HIM IN THE FACE MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VICTIM’S NAME HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED, BUT POLICE SAY BODILY INJURY WAS CAUSED.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE SAY A 12-YEAR-OLD CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA BOY SHOT BY HIS TWIN BROTHER AS THEY WERE PLAYING WITH GUNS IS NOW IN STABLE CONDITION. OFFICIALS SAY THE TWINS WERE ALONE IN THEIR EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP HOME ON SATURDAY AND APPARENTLY PLAYING WITH A .45-CALIBER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL AND A .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE IN THE STABBING DEATH OF A MAN TWO YEARS AGO. IN MARCH, A LEHIGH COUNTY JURY CONVICTED PETER ROJAS OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER AND ROBBERY IN THE 2009 DEATH OF MARK HOLDREN. ROJAS INSISTS IT WAS SELF-DEFENSE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS PENNSYLVANIA JURIES HAVE OPTED FOR THE DEATH PENALTY IN ONLY 3 PERCENT OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CASES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. THE PAPER CITES AN ANALYSIS OF ALMOST 2,000 PENNSYLVANIA HOMICIDE CASES BETWEEN JANUARY 1ST, OF 2007 AND FEBRUARY 3RD.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - OPENING STATEMENTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TODAY IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA IN THE RETRIAL OF A HITCHHIKER ACCUSED OF KILLING A DRIVER WHO PICKED HIM UP ALMOST THREE DECADES AGO. JAMES STRONG IS CHARGED IN THE MURDER OF JOHN STROCK OF GLENSIDE ALONG INTERSTATE 81 IN DORRANCE TOWNSHIP IN 1983.

NATIONAL NEWS:

KROTZ SPRINGS, LA. (AP) - SOME OF THE MANY LOUISIANA TOWNS KNOWN FOR THEIR CAJUN CULTURE ARE VIRTUALLY EMPTY TODAY, EVACUATED AHEAD OF WATER FROM THE SWOLLEN MISSISSIPPI RIVER. THE WATER IS FLOWING INTO THE REGION FROM FLOODGATES OPENED TO PROTECT THE MORE DENSELY POPULATED CITIES OF BATON ROUGE AND NEW ORLEANS, ALONG WITH OIL AND CHEMICAL FACILITIES.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - THE FIRST AMERICAN EMISSARY TO VISIT PAKISTAN SINCE THE OSAMA BIN LADEN RAID HAS GIVEN THE COUNTRY'S ARMY CHIEF A LIST OF "SPECIFIC DEMANDS" ABOUT SUSPICIONS THAT PAKISTAN HARBORS MILITANTS. A PAKISTANI OFFICIAL SAYS SEN. JOHN KERRY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, HAS MEETINGS TODAY THAT COULD SHAPE A PARTNERSHIP DANGEROUSLY STRAINED BY THE RAID.

NEW YORK (AP) - AUTHORITIES HAVE SUBJECTED THE HEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONEY FUND TO A FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR EVIDENCE THAT COULD INCRIMINATE HIM IN THE ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A HOTEL MAID. DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN FACES ARRAIGNMENT TODAY ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED RAPE AND CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONTACT. HE WAS ARRESTED SATURDAY IN NEW YORK.

NEW YORK (AP) - A MAJOR CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY SAYS HOMEOWNERS ARE GETTING BETTER ABOUT PAYING MORTGAGES. TRANSUNION SAYS THE DELINQUENCY RATE FELL DURING THE FIRST QUARTER FOR THE FIFTH QUARTER IN A ROW. IT STOOD AT 6.19 PERCENT, COMPARED TO 6.77
PERCENT A YEAR AGO. BUT IT'S STILL HIGH, COMPARED TO THE 2 PERCENT DELINQUENCY RATE BEFORE THE RECESSION.

JERUSALEM (AP) - THE ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS IT HAS TURNED BACK A SHIP BOUND FOR THE HAMAS-RULED GAZA STRIP. THE MOLDOVAN-FLAGGED VESSEL LEASED BY A MALAYSIAN ANTI-WAR GROUP TURNED BACK TOWARD EGYPT AFTER WARNING SHOTS WERE FIRED.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011

LOCAL AIR TOURS

BRIGHT SKY AVIATION LOCATED AT THE POTTSVILLE-SCHUYLKILL COUNTY-JOE ZERBEY AIRPORT IS KICKING OFF THEIR SPRING FLING AIR TOURS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THIS WEEKEND. SPRING HAS ARRIVED THE WEATHER LOOKS MUCH BETTER, SO NOW IS THE TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR SCENIC AIR TOUR OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. FOR THE PRICE OF LESS THAN TAKING THE KIDS TO A MOVIE, YOU CAN HOP ABOARD YOUR AIRCRAFT AND TOUR THE COUNTY OR YOUR HOME TOWN BY AIR. YOU CAN TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR HOME BUSINESS OR FARM FROM THE AIR, POINT OUT HISTORICAL LANDMARKS OR JUST TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF SPRING FROM AN AIRPLANE! YOU ACTUALLY TAKE CONTROL AND FLY THE AIRPLANE! FOR RESERVATIONS OR INFORMATION CALL THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AIRPORT BUSINESS OFFICE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8A.M. AND 4P.M. @ 570-544-6002.

TROOPERS JUSTIFIED IN SHOOTING

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JAMES GOODMAN SAID TODAY THAT STATE TROOPERS WERE JUSTIFIED IN SHOOTING A MAN WHEN THEY SERVED A SEARCH WARRANT AT HIS HOME MAY 4TH. 56-YEAR OLD JEFFREY WOLFE OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP, DIED AFTER HE WAS SHOT TWICE IN THE CHEST AND SUFFERED A PERFORATED LUNG, ACCORDING TO COUNTY CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT. LIPSETT RULED THE MANNER OF DEATH A HOMICIDE AFTER AN AUTOPSY THE NEXT DAY BY FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST DR. RICHARD BINDIE. LIPSETT TELLS THE REPUBLICAN HERALD, WOLFE TESTED POSITIVE FOR UNSPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND THAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WOULD BE AVAILABLE WHEN RESULTS OF TOXICOLOGY TESTS WERE RECEIVED. WOLFE DIED IN THE BEDROOM OF HIS HOME AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY POINTED A LOADED 12-GAUGE SHOTGUN AT POLICE WHO WERE EXECUTING A SEARCH WARRANT FOR A METHAMPHETAMINE LAB.

ANOTHER TENANT LEAVES SCHUYLKILL MALL

FAMOUS LABELS OPENED IN NOVEMBER 2009 IN THE SCHUYLKILL MALL. ON FRIDAY, THE SELF-DESCRIBED "OFF-PRICE" RETAILER'S STOREFRONT WAS DARK, METAL GATES LOCKED TIGHT AT ITS ENTRYWAYS BARRING ANYONE ACCESS WITHOUT PERMISSION. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN AND HERALD, A "NO TRESPASSING" SIGN BY ORDER OF MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE DAVID A. PLACHKO WAS TAPED TO A GATE, WARNING THAT ANYONE ENTERING THE PREMISES WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE SCHUYLKILL MALL COULD FACE UP TO 10 YEARS IN JAIL OR A FINE OF $25,000, OR BOTH. THE WARNING WAS POSTED AT THE COURT'S ORDER BY PENNSYLVANIA STATE CONSTABLE JOHN BONDURA. THE DATE THE SIGN WAS POSTED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION TO FAMOUS LABELS, THE MALL HAS ALSO LOST KAY JEWELERS AND LIBERTY TRAVEL WITHIN THE PAST MONTH. THE PREVIOUS TENANT WAS STEVE AND BARRY'S, A RETAIL CLOTHING CHAIN THAT CAME TO THE MALL IN OCTOBER 2007 BUT CLOSED ITS DOORS IN JANUARY 2009 WHEN THE 276-STORE CHAIN WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. THE ORIGINAL TENANT WAS HESS'S DEPARTMENT STORE, WHICH WAS PART OF THE MALL OPENING IN NOVEMBER 1980. HESS'S, ALONG WITH SEARS AND KMART, WERE THE ORIGINAL THREE ANCHOR STORES. THE FOURTH ANCHOR, THE BON-TON, MOVED INTO AN ADDITION BUILT ONTO THE MALL A FEW YEARS LATER.

DUI CHECKPOINTS SCHEDULED

THE NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT DUI TASKFORCE ANNOUNCED THAT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS AND ROVING DUI PATROLS WILL BE CONDUCTED TODAY THROUGH MONDAY ON ROUTES 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 AND 54. TRAVELERS ARE REMINDED TO CALL 911 IF THEY SUSPECT A DRUNK DRIVER OR TO CALL, TOLL-FREE, 888-UNDER21 TO REPORT UNDERAGE DRINKING.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Tom Corbett goes into the hospital
Monday for back surgery. His office describes it as a routine
procedure for treatment of spinal stenosis. He expects to be back
home the next day.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A new $27.3 billion Pennsylvania state
budget written by House Republicans would ease some spending cuts
on schools and universities. But the proposal would shift money
away from shelters for women and the homeless and hospitals that
treat the poor.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The head of the Philadelphia archdiocese's
panel on priest sex-abuse is blasting the cardinal's response to
the pedophilia crisis. Chairwoman Ana Maria Catanzaro says Cardinal
Justin Rigali and his bishops "failed miserably at being open."
The archdiocese says its review of complaints continues to evolve.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A southeastern Pennsylvania man accused
of trading a tattoo for sex with an underage girl now faces sex
charges involving more than a dozen other children. Walter Meyerle
of Falls faces nearly 200 sex crime counts on allegations that he
sexually assaulted two adults and 14 children.

LAKE PROVIDENCE, La. (AP) - The raging Mississippi River has
forced a difficult decision on Louisiana. Army engineers say when
they open the Morganza spillway for the first time in 38 years
Saturday, tens of thousands of homes and farms over 3,000 square
miles of Louisiana's Cajun country could be submerged. The trade
off is protection of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, along with oil
and chemical facilities.

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's not clear who it belonged to, but U.S.
officials say a sizable stash of pornography was seized from Osama
bin Laden's compound by U.S. forces. There were three other adult
males living at the compound.

CLARENCE CENTER, N.Y. (AP) - A special House election election
in western New York could be a little more important than first
thought. It was supposed to be an easy Republican victory but polls
two weeks before the May 24 vote suggest a competitive race and the
first electoral test of GOP budget policies. There's been a lot of
outside spending.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The National Park Service says two more
injured climbers have been rescued on Alaska's Mount McKinley. Park
officials say the two climbers, including a guide, were rescued
from 17,200-foot high camp Friday afternoon. The rescues follow the
death of one climber and the rescue of another on North America's
tallest mountain.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Officials in Oregon say a U.S. Forest
Service survey crew found a man's body in a sleeping bag in the
back of his pickup truck, where he had been stranded for nearly 70
days. It was found along with his diary on a remote mountain road.
Jerry McDonald had made notations about being snowed in in the
remote foothills of the Cascade Range. He hadn't been reported
missing.

LOCAL NEWS: THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2011

WITH A GROWING CONCERN FOR OUR ELDERLY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE REACHED OUT TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY AWARE. J MATTHEWS REPORTS:


RUSH TOWNSHIP HAS RECEIVED A GRANT TO HELP MAKE ROUTES SAFER FOR OUR CHILDREN TO GET TO SCHOOL. J MATTHEWS REPORTS:


EX-SHENANDOAH COPS EXTORTION TRIAL TO BEGIN

THE EXTORTION TRIAL OF TWO FORMER SHENANDOAH OFFICERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN TODAY. MATTHEW NESTOR AND JAMIE GENNARINI WILL HEAD TO FEDERAL COURT BEFORE JUDGE A. RICHARD CAPUTO AT 9:30AM TODAY FOR A JURY SELECTION. PROSECUTORS WILL BEGIN PRESENTING THEIR CASE ONCE A JURY IS CHOSEN. NESTOR AND GENNARINI HELD POSITIONS OF POLICE CHIEF AND CAPTAIN WHEN THEY WERE INDICTED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DECEMBER 2009. NESTOR IS ACCUSED OF SHAKING DOWN BOOKMAKERS OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATIONS AND BOTH ARE ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO EXTORT A BOROUGH BUSINESSMAN.

MEN ARRESTED FOR STEALING POLITICAL AND PENNDOT SIGNS

TAMAQUA POLICE ARRESTED FOUR MEN WEDNESDAY AND CHARGED THEM WITH STEALING POLITICAL SIGN AND PENNDOT ROAD SINGS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS 18-YEAR-OLD AARON WELLER OF ORWIGSBURG ALONG WITH 19-YEAR-OLDS JOSEPH RENO OF PINE GROVE, JORDAN HOFFMAN OF NEW RINGGOLD AND EVAN GREENAWALT OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WERE ARRAIGNED ON THEFT AND RELATED OFFENSES. THE MEN ALSO REMOVED TWO "ROAD CLOSED" SIGNS FROM A DILAPIDATED BRIDGE AND PLACED THEM ON A DIFFERENT STREET WHICH AFFECTED TRAFFIC WEDNESDAY MORNING. EACH WAS RELEASED ON $5,000 UNSECURED BAIL.


FATAL CRASH IN TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP

A LINGLESTOWN MAN DIED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WHEN HIS MOTORCYCLE WAS HIT BY THE DRIVER OF A SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. STATE POLICE SAY 49-YEAR-OLD LESTER LEACH WAS DRIVING HIS MOTORCYCLE NORTH ON ROUTE 183 APPROACHING OLD ROUTE 22 IN UPPER TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP WHEN A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 69-YEAR-OLD FELIX HERNANDEZ OF BETHLEHEM TRAVELED INTO THE INTERSECTION AND STRUCK LEACH'S MOTORCYCLE. THE CRASH CLOSED BOTH LANES OF ROUTE 183 FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS AND TRAFFIC WAS DETOURED INTO STRAUSSTOWN. LEACH WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY THE BERKS COUNTY CORNER'S OFFICE. POLICE SAY LEACH WAS WEARING A HELMET.

HOUSE REPUBLICAN BUDGET PROPOSAL

THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN ALTERNATIVE TO GOVERNOR CORBETT'S BUDGET PLAN WAS UNVEILED THIS WEEK IN HARRISBURG. THE PROPOSAL PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION, OFFSET BY A REDUCTION IN WELFARE PROGRAMS, WHILE PRESERVING CORBETT'S ORIGINAL $27.3 BILLION SPENDING LIMIT. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAID THAT THE ELIMINATION OF WASTE AND ABUSE IN THE WELFARE SYSTEM WILL FREE UP THE FUNDING NEEDED TO INCREASE SPENDING FOR BASIC AND HIGHER EDUCATION BY $380 MILLION AND RESTORE BASIC EDUCATION FUNDING TO PRE-STIMULUS LEVELS.

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN. TIME FOR THE AMERICAN WAY FAIR! JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE STORY:
AMERICAN WAY FAIR

STATE NEWS:

SOUDERTON, PA. (AP) - THE FATHER OF A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA GIRL DOESN'T BLAME POLICE FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S DEATH. ACCORDING TO THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, ERIC KAUFFMAN SAYS 9-YEAR-OLD SKYLER MIGHT HAVE BEEN MURDERED MONDAY EVEN IF POLICE HAD DETAINED JAMES LEE TROUTMAN AFTER HIS DAUGHTER AND HER FRIEND FOUND THEMSELVES LOCKED IN HIS APARTMENT.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - ACCORDING TO THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL, THE ATTORNEY FOR A VETERINARIAN ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS PREGNANT LOVER AND DUMPING HER BODY AT A NATURE PRESERVE SAYS HIS CLIENT WILL WAIVE HIS RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING. DAVID RAPOPORT IS CHARGED WITH KILLING JENNIFER SNYDER. HER BODY WAS FOUND MARCH 18TH IN A WOODED RAVINE NEAR ALLENTOWN.

MEDIA, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS DENIED A REQUEST FOR A NEW SENTENCE FOR A MAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO SHOOTING A SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLICE OFFICER. THE DELAWARE COUNTY DAILY TIMES SAYS MARVIN MARMOLEJOS HAD SOUGHT TO WITHDRAW HIS PLEA IN LAST MAY'S SHOOTING OF UPPER DARBY POLICE OFFICER RAYMOND BLOHM, BUT INSTEAD ASKED A DELAWARE COUNTY JUDGE TO RECONSIDER HIS SENTENCE.

NATIONAL NEWS:

RENA LARA, MISS. (AP) - EXPERTS DON'T EXPECT THE SWOLLEN MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO CREST AT VICKSBURG, MISS., UNTIL A WEEK FROM TODAY, AND IN NEW ORLEANS, NOT FOR ANOTHER 11 DAYS. FLOODS ALREADY HAVE SPILLED ACROSS FARM FIELDS, WASHED OVER ROADS AND SENT PEOPLE FLEEING FROM THEIR HOMES IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA. ONE RESIDENT IN THE SMALL TOWN OF HOLLANDALE SAYS IF THE LEVEE BREAKS, SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAVE NO WHERE TO GO.

WASHINGTON (AP) - INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY IT COULD TAKE MONTHS TO GO THROUGH OSAMA BIN LADEN'S PERSONAL, HANDWRITTEN JOURNAL AND HIS MASSIVE COLLECTION OF COMPUTER FILES THAT U.S. FORCES TOOK FROM HIS COMPOUND AFTER THEY KILLED HIM. BUT OFFICIALS SAY SO FAR, THEY'VE LEARNED HOW BIN LADEN REMAINED KEY TO RUNNING AL-QAIDA AND WANTED DESPERATELY TO HIT MORE U.S. TARGETS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE HAS VOTED TO DELAY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S NEW POLICY ALLOWING GAYS TO SERVE OPENLY IN THE MILITARY. THE BROAD, $553 BILLION DEFENSE BLUEPRINT WOULD ALSO LIMIT THE PRESIDENT'S AUTHORITY ON SLASHING THE NATION'S NUCLEAR ARSENAL AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL $118 BILLION TO FIGHT
WARS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, MEETING THE PENTAGON'S REQUEST.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (AP) - LIBYAN REBELS IN THE PORT CITY OF MISRATA SAY THEY'VE PUSHED MOAMMAR GADHAFI'S FORCES FURTHER FROM THE CITY'S WESTERN OUTSKIRTS. THE REPORTED ADVANCE IS ONE OF A FLURRY OF ACCOUNTS OF REBEL VICTORIES, COINCIDING WITH INTENSIFIED NATO AIRSTRIKES ON GADHAFI'S FORCES IN SEVERAL AREAS OF LIBYA. AT LEAST FOUR AIR STRIKES APPEARED TO TARGET CENTRAL TRIPOLI OVERNIGHT.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA (AP) - AN INDIAN GOVERNMENT MINISTER SAYS HE'S GLAD AN AUSTRALIAN COMPANY HAS DECIDED TO SCRAP ITS SWIMWEAR LINE THAT INCLUDED WOMEN'S BIKINIS DECORATED WITH THE IMAGE OF THE HINDU GODDESS, LAKSHMI, THE GODDESS OF BEAUTY, WEALTH AND GOOD FORTUNE. MANY HINDUS WERE OUTRAGED WHEN MODELS WORE THE SWIMWEAR AT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK IN SYDNEY LAST WEEK. IN RESPONSE, ANGRY
MOBS BURNED AUSTRALIAN FLAGS IN INDIA'S NORTHERN PUNJAB STATE. DESIGNER LISA BLUE HAS APOLOGIZED FOR ANY OFFENSE HER FASHIONS CAUSED.