2011 FIREWORK DISPLAYS

FRIDAY JULY 1- POTTSVILLE AREA HIGH SCHOOL: GATES OPEN AT 7 PM (RAINDATE JULY 2)
SUNDAY JULY 3- MEMORIAL FIELD IN ASHLAND: 9:30 PM
SATURDAY JULY 9- SWEET ARROW LAKE COUNTY PARK: 9:30 PM

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2011

DEPUTY FATALLY SHOT

A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY TRYING TO SERVE A BURGLARY WARRANT WAS FATALLY SHOT BY A SUSPECT ARMED WITH AN ASSAULT RIFLE, WHO WAS THEN KILLED BY POLICE. STATE POLICE AT HAMBURG TELL US BERKS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY KYLE PAGERLY WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL AFTER BEING SHOT WEDNESDAY NIGHT WHILE TRYING TO SERVE A WARRANT ON 25-YEAR-OLD MATTHEW CONNOR. INVESTIGATORS SAY PAGERLY WAS PART OF A FUGITIVE TASK FORCE TRYING TO SERVE A WARRANT ON CONNOR FOR BURGLARY AND WEAPONS CHARGES WHEN CONNOR FLED FROM HIS GIRLFRIEND'S HOME IN ALBANY TOWNSHIP. STATE POLICE SAY THEY PURSUED CONNOR INTO THE WOODS BEHIND THE HOME. A SHOOTOUT ERUPTED AFTER POLICE SAY CONNOR REFUSED TO DROP AN AK-47 ASSAULT RIFLE. CONNOR WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE PASSES ON-TIME $27.15 BILLION BUDGET WITH REDUCED STATE SPENDING AND NO NEW TAXES

THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE APPROVED A $27.15 BILLION STATE BUDGET WEDNESDAY IN HARRISBURG THAT CUTS STATE SPENDING, HOLDS THE LINE ON TAXES AND GIVES THE STATE ITS FIRST ON-TIME SPENDING PLAN IN EIGHT YEARS.COMMENTS FROM REP. JERRY KNOWLES

THE FIRE THAT BROKE OUT IN MINERSVILLE LAST WEEK HAS BEEN RULED SUSPICIOUS, BUT IS IT AN ARSON? JASMINE BROOKS REPORTS.


MANAGER ACCUSED OF STEALING FROM LIQUOR STORE

THE MANAGER OF THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LIQUOR STORE IS ACCUSED OF STEALING OVER 75 HUNDRED DOLLARS FROM THE STORE. 44 YEAR OLD LINDA MULLIN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH UNLAWFUL TAKING AND TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL RECORDS. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE REPORT THAT MULLIN WAS IDENTIFIED AFTER RECEIVING A CALL FROM AN INVESTIGATOR WITH THE PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD WHO SAID AN AUDIT REVEALED DISCREPANCIES WITH DEPOSITS THAT WERE NOT MADE. MULLINS IS SCHEDULED FOR A HEARING ON JULY 19.


MAYOR WARNS MAJOR REPAIRS ARE NOT PERMITTED

SHENANDOAH RESIDENTS MAY DO MINOR REPAIRS ON THEIR VEHICLES ON THE STREET BUT NOT MAJOR ONES. THAT'S WHAT MAYOR MICHAEL WHITECAVAGE HAD TO SAY AT LAST WEEKS BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING ADDING THAT AN ORDINANCE SETS THE PARAMETERS OF WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE DONE. SHENANDOAH RESIDENTS CAN FACE ANYWHERE FROM A $100 FINE TO A $1000 FINE IF CAUGHT PERFORMING MAJOR REPAIRS ON THEIR VEHICLES ON BOROUGH STREETS.

MEMORIAL GARDENS TO BE DEDICATED AT RED CHURCH
AN HORRIFIC ACCIDENT 52 YEARS AGO THAT KILLED ELEVEN PEOPLE AND INJURED NEARLY A DOZEN NEAR ORWIGSBURG WILL BE REMEMBERED TONIGHT AT ZION'S RED CHURCH. A MEMORIAL STONE AND GARDEN HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS TO MARK THE EXPLOSION OF A GAS TANKER TRUCK ON NEAR THE CHURCH ON JUNE 2, 1959. A TRACTOR TRAILER REAR ENDED THE GAS TRUCK, CAUSING THE TANK TO EXPLODE AND SHOOT UP ROUTE 61, THEN KNOWN AS ROUTE 122, KILLING THE 11 MEN, SOME OF WHOM WERE BYSTANDERS. THE FORCE OF THE BLAST KNOCKED OUT A PART OF THE STONE WALL AT THE CHURCH. SEVERAL OF THE PEOPLE WHO SURVIVED AND PROVIDED VALUABLE AID AT THE SCENE THAT DAY WILL ALSO BE HONORED AT THE 6:30PM SERVICE THIS EVENING. A MEMORIAL GARDEN, HONORING THE LATE JUDGE E.MAC TROUTMAN AND HIS WIFE PEGGY WILL ALSO BE DEDICATED. THOSE PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE DEDICATION SHOULD BRING THEIR LAWN CHAIRS.

STATE POLICE STATION WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER

FRACKVILLE WELCOMES A NEW COMMANDER TO ITS STATE POLICE STATION. SGT. BARRY WHITMOYER TOOK COMMAND ON TUESDAY. WHITMOYER HAS BEEN A STATE TROOPER FOR TWENTY YEARS. AS A STATION COMMANDER HE WILL BE IN CHARGE OF 30 STATE TROOPERS.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - HOUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE SENT A NEW STATE BUDGET TO GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT FOR HIS SIGNATURE. THE HOUSE VOTED 109 TO 92 LATE LAST NIGHT IN FAVOR OF THE $27.2 BILLION PLAN THAT DEALS WITH A DROP-OFF IN REVENUE COLLECTIONS BY MAKING WIDESPREAD CUTS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY TWO PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS WERE SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THEIR CRUISER COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE SPOKESMAN TELLS THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER THE 25TH DISTRICT OFFICERS WERE HEADED TO HELP PATROL OFFICERS WHO HAD STOPPED ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH OFFICERS WERE RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL. THEY WERE LISTED IN STABLE CONDITION LAST NIGHT.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A SUSPECT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A NORTH PHILADELPHIA CORNER GROCERY STORE OWNER EARLIER THIS MONTH. AUTHORITIES SAY DARNELL GRIFFIN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND RELATED OFFENSES. HE'S ACCUSED OF KILLING FELIX RODRIGUEZ JUNE 18TH.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE CHANCELLOR OF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM SAYS IT'S FACING ITS BIGGEST FINANCIAL CHALLENGE EVER AS ITS BOARD PREPARES TO SET TUITION RATES FOR NEXT YEAR. CHANCELLOR JOHN CAVANAUGH TOLD MEMBERS OF A BOARD COMMITTEE THE SYSTEM FACES A $112 MILLION DEFICIT, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF
MORE THAN $90 MILLION IN STATE AND FEDERAL MONEY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

BAGHDAD (AP) - IT'S THE DEADLIEST MONTH FOR U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ IN TWO YEARS. THE U.S. MILITARY SAYS THREE AMERICANS WERE KILLED WEDNESDAY IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY, BUT THE MILITARY ISN'T SAYING HOW. FIFTEEN U.S. TROOPS HAVE BEEN KILLED THIS MONTH IN IRAQ, AND ALL BUT ONE WERE KILLED IN COMBAT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS WILL LIKELY BE MAKING THE MOVE FROM HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN TO CIA DIRECTOR. THE SENATE IS EXPECTED TO APPROVE PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S PICK FOR CIA DIRECTOR WHEN LAWMAKERS VOTE LATER TODAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS CALLING ON CONGRESS TO WORK THROUGH THE JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY ON A DEBT REDUCTION PACKAGE. THE WHITE HOUSE HAS IDENTIFIED AT LEAST $1.3 TRILLION IN SPENDING CUTS OVER 10 YEARS AND IS PROPOSING UP TO $400 BILLION IN NEW TAX REVENUE. BUT REPUBLICANS WANT MORE SPENDING CUTS AND NO TAX
INCREASES.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (AP) - SCIENTISTS SAY IT'S LIKELY THAT A TEAM OF U.N. WORKERS FROM NEPAL BROUGHT THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC TO HAITI FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE. THE EPIDEMIOLOGISTS AND PHYSICIANS SAY THE SAME STRAIN OF CHOLERA IN HAITI WAS FOUND IN THE REGION THE NEPALESE VOLUNTEERS CAME FROM, AND THEY SAY THE RIVER NEAR THE VOLUNTEERS' MILITARY CAMP IN HAITI TRIGGERED THE EPIDEMIC.
SOME 5,500 PEOPLE DIED.

HARTFORD, CONN. (AP) - A MAN WANTED FOR MURDER IN CONNECTICUT HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE U.S. FROM MEXICO, AFTER 20 YEARS ON THE RUN. ADAM ZACHS WAS CONVICTED OF SHOOTING A MAN OUTSIDE A WEST HARTFORD RESTAURANT IN 1987, BUT HE WAS FREED ON BAIL WHILE HE APPEALED THE CASE. HE FLED IN 1989 AND WAS CAUGHT IN MEXICO IN FEBRUARY. HE'LL APPEAR BEFORE A JUDGE THIS MORNING TO BEGIN SERVING A 60-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2011

A $1 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET CUT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS SWAYED SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CONVERT THEIR ENERGY TO SAVE MONEY. JASMINE BROOKS REPORTS.

WITH A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF CITIZENS OVER THE AGE OF 65, PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS ARE TARGET FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF CRIME. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE.

FIRE IN PINE GROVE, NO INJURIES

NO INJURIES ARE BEING REPORTED DURING A FIRE THAT BROKE OUT IN PINE GROVE TUESDAY AFTERNOON. 6 FIRE COMPANIES RESPONDED TO THE HOUSE LOCATED ON OAK ROAD. FIRE OFFICIALS BELIEVE THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND BEGAN IN THE BASEMENT. TOWNSHIP FIRE CHIEF GREG PIJAR PLANS TO INVESTIGATE THE BLAZE LATER THIS WEEK
SENATE ADOPTS BUDGET


SCHUYLKILL COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ROSE IN MAY FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS DESPITE THE INCREASE IN THE MONTHLY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, THE COUNTY REPORTED AN INCREASE OF 700 JOBS FROM APRIL TO MAY. THE INCREASE LEAVES THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT NINE PERCENT.

PIT BULL ATTACK IS 3RD IN WEEK

AFTER TWO PIT BULL ATTACKS IN POTTSVILLE LAST WEEK, ANOTHER PIT BULL CRASHED THROUGH A SCREEN DOOR AND ATTACKED A TOWER CITY WOMAN TUESDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE TELL US THE VICTIM IS A 47-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES.

CAR THEFTS

BETWEEN SATURDAY AND TUESDAY, A TOTAL OF 7 THEFTS FROM VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN TOWER CITY AND PORTER TOWNSHIP. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE ARE NOW WARNING THE PUBLIC TO LOCK THEIR CAR DOORS WHEN THEY ARE NOT ATTENDING THEIR VEHICLE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE THEFTS IS ASKED TO CALL STATE POLICE AT 593-2000.

STATE NEWS:

A $27.15 BILLION REPUBLICAN BUDGET BILL HAS APPROVAL FROM THE STATE SENATE AFTER A SHARP PARTISAN DEBATE OVER A PLAN TO LOWER BUSINESS TAXES, PUT MONEY IN RESERVE AND MAKE DEEP CUTS IN EDUCATION AID. THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED SENATE APPROVED IT ALONG PARTY LINES TUESDAY AND SENT IT TO THE HOUSE. REPUBLICANS THERE AND GOV. TOM CORBETT ARE EXPECTED TO APPROVE IT BEFORE PENNSYLVANIA'S NEW FISCAL YEAR BEGINS FRIDAY. THE BUDGET WOULD REDUCE STATE SPENDING BY ABOUT 3 PERCENT, THANKS LARGELY TO ABOUT $1.1 BILLION IN CUTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES. REPUBLICANS DESIGNED IT TO AVOID RAISING TAXES WHILE COPING WITH A DISAPPEARANCE OF TEMPORARY FEDERAL BUDGET AID. BUT DEMOCRATS SAY IT FAVORS BUSINESSES WHILE FORCING UNIVERSITIES TO RAISE TUITION AND SCHOOL BOARDS TO RAISE TAXES AND LAY OFF EMPLOYEES. COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES RISE AGAIN


HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A SENIOR HOUSE REPUBLICAN SAYS THERE WON'T BE A VOTE ON A TAX OR FEE ON PENNSYLVANIA'S MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION UNTIL THE FALL AT LEAST. MAJORITY WHIP STAN SAYLOR OF YORK COUNTY SAYS THE DECISION WAS MADE YESTERDAY.

ELKINS PARK, PA. (AP) - A PHILADELPHIA-AREA MAN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH KILLING THE MOTHER OF HIS TWO CHILDREN. POLICE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SAY CLIVE THOMPSON STABBED OLIVIA THOMPSON AT AN APARTMENT IN ELKINS PARK EARLY MONDAY. SHE WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT A NEARBY HOSPITAL.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE LATEST STEP IN TALKS WITH CONGRESS OVER SPENDING CUTS AND INCREASING THE GOVERNMENT'S BORROWING AUTHORITY COMES TODAY WHEN PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN MEET WITH SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID WILL JOIN SENS. DICK DURBIN OF ILLINOIS, CHUCK SCHUMER OF NEW YORK AND PATTY MURRAY OF WASHINGTON. OBAMA ALSO PLANS A NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY AND WILL LIKELY ADDRESS THE NEGOTIATIONS.

ATHENS, GREECE (AP) - GREECE'S PARLIAMENT IS POISED TODAY TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL $40 BILLION AUSTERITY PROGRAM TO GAIN ACCESS TO A SECOND INSTALLMENT OF EUROPEAN UNION LOANS. A DEPUTY WITH THE GOVERNING SOCIALISTS HAS TOLD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HE WILL LIKELY BE THE ONLY ONE IN THE PARTY TO VOTE NO.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A NEW SUIT IS BEING FILED TODAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO FORCE NEW JERSEY TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGES. SUPPORTERS SAY NEW JERSEY'S CIVIL UNION LAW HAS ACTUALLY CREATED AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL SEPARATE DESIGNATION. SEVERAL GAY COUPLES SAY THEIR DIGNITY AND FINANCES HAVE BEEN HURT.

MIAMI (AP) - FORECASTERS SAY THE FIRST NAMED STORM IN THE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON IS HEADED TOWARD MEXICO. TROPICAL STORM ARLENE IS EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN IN THE GULF OF MEXICO TODAY. THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEASTERN COAST. THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BRACING FOR HEAVY RAIN.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (AP) - A WAYWARD EMPEROR PENGUIN AFFECTIONATELY DUBBED HAPPY FEET IS BEGINNING TO RECOVER AFTER TURNING UP ON A NEW ZEALAND BEACH 2,000 MILES FROM ITS ANTARCTIC HOME. OFFICIALS HAVE DECIDED AGAINST A FREE RIDE ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE ANTARCTIC, BUT ONCE THE BIRD IS HEALTHY THEY WILL RELEASE IT INTO THE SOUTHERN OCEAN, SOUTHEAST OF NEW ZEALAND. THE REST WILL BE UP TO THE PENGUIN.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

LEGISLATION HAS BEEN SIGNED APPROVING A LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM BILL. MIKE DAVIES REPORTS

WILDONER RESIGNS

RYAN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF TAX COLLECTOR WILLIAM WILDONER DURING A SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY. WILDONER, WHO WAS CHARGED WITH STEALING OVER $170 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, WAS TOWNSHIP TAX RECEIVER FOR 35 YEARS. HIS UNEXPIRED TERM WILL BE FILLED BY JOHN KOWALCHICK. NEITHER STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN NOR SUPERINTENDENT JOIE GREEN WOULD COMMENT DUE TO THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION.

OWNERS CITED

ALMOST A WEEK AFTER THAT PITBULL ATTACKS THAT INJURED THREE CHILDREN THE OWNER WILL BE CITED. JUSTIN EADDY THE OWNER OF THE PITBULL WILL BE CITED FOR NOT HAVING THE DOG LICENSED. DOCUMENTATION SHOWS THAT THE ANIMAL HAD UP TO DATE RABIES SHOTS BUT DID NOT HAVE A LICENSE AS REQUIRED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LAW. LAST WEDNESDAY EADDY'S PITBULL ATTACKED HIS CHILDREN SENDING ONE TO LEHIGH MEDICAL CENTER FOR NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AND 2 OTHERS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS. POTTSVILLE POLICE WERE FORCED TO SHOOT THE DOG DURING THE ATTACK.


RUSH TWP MAN TO STAY IN PRISON

A RUSH TOWNSHIP MAN WHO RAN A METHAMPHETAMINE LAB FROM HIS HOME IS BACK IN PRISON THIS MORNING AFTER HAVING HIS PAROLE REVOKED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT ON MONDAY. 30 YEAR OLD JEREMY SNYDER OF QUAKAKE WAS CHARGED WITH RUNNING A METH LAB FROM HIS HOME AMONG OTHER CHARGES. JUDGE WILLIAM BALDWIN FELT THAT PROSECUTORS DISPLAYED ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SHOW SNYDER VIOLATED HIS PAROLE.

PORT CARBON MAN CONVICTION UPHELD

A STATE SUPERIOR COURT PANEL UPHELD THE CONVICTION OF 30 YEAR OLD RODOLFO VALDEZ OF PORT CARBON. VALDEZ IS CHARGED WITH UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING 4 GUNS IN 2009. YESTERDAY, THE PANEL RULED THAT VALDEZ WAS IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOT OWN THE WEAPONS HE WAS IN POSSESSION OF THEM WHICH STILL VIOLATES THE LAW

ROTARY "PEDALS OUT POLIO"

BICYCLISTS TOOK A RIDE THROUGH SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MONDAY FOR POLIO CURE. IT'S ALL TO RAISE MONEY AS ROTARY "PEDALS OUT POLIO". THROUGH ITS POLIOPLUS PROGRAM, THE ROTARY DISTRICT 7370 PLANS TO RAISE $10,000 THROUGH A FOUR-DAY BIKE RIDE. MONDAY THREE BICYCLISTS ARRIVED IN ASHLAND WHILE TODAY'S RIDE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE COUNTY, VISITING 12 TOWNS WHERE ROTARY CLUBS ARE LOCATED.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE STATE BUDGET DEBATE IS PICKING UP STEAM IN HARRISBURG. YESTERDAY, THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY UNVEILED A $27.15 BILLION SPENDING PROPOSAL OPPOSED BY DEMOCRATS, WHILE DEBATES OVER A MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING TAX AND CUTS TO UNIVERSITY AID THREATEN TO STALL IT. REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT HAS
AGREED TO THE PROPOSAL. COMMENTS FROM REP. MIKE TOBASH

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - TENTATIVE CONTRACTS COVERING 55,000 STATE EMPLOYEES WOULD COST TAXPAYERS AN ADDITIONAL $164 MILLION OVER FOUR YEARS. GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION HAS RELEASED COST ESTIMATES OF THE PACTS WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S TWO LARGEST UNIONS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE HOUSE HAS APPROVED THREE PIECES OF LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE STATE'S SYSTEM OF COUNTY PROPERTY REASSESSMENTS. TWO RESOLUTIONS APPROVED YESTERDAY WOULD SET UP TASK FORCES TO SET UNIFORM STANDARDS AND NEW PROCEDURES. THE THIRD ITEM, A BILL, WOULD IMPOSE A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM WHILE THE
ISSUE IS BEING STUDIED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A MAN FACING THE POSSIBLE DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDERING THREE PITTSBURGH POLICE OFFICERS CRIED AS THE WIDOW OF ONE OFFICER TESTIFIED ABOUT NIGHTMARES, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND OTHER PROBLEMS HER TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS HAVE HAD. SHANDRA MAYHLE WAS THE FINAL WITNESS TO TESTIFY FOR THE PROSECUTION YESTERDAY IN THE
PENALTY PHASE OF THE TRIAL OF 24-YEAR-OLD RICHARD POPLAWSKI.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A JOINT FBI AND HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN, OBTAINED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, SHOWS THAT COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIALS REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT A POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK AT UPCOMING HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS OR OTHER LARGE GATHERINGS. BUT INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY THERE IS NO SPECIFIC OR CREDIBLE INFORMATION OF AN INDEPENDENCE DAY THREAT.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENATE COMMITTEE TAKES UP U.S. OPERATIONS IN LIBYA TODAY. THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE WILL HEAR FROM STATE DEPARTMENT LEGAL ADVISER HAROLD KOH ABOUT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S CLAIM THAT HE DOESN'T NEED CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION. THAT ARGUMENT HAS ANGERED REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS. LATER, THE
COMMITTEE CONSIDERS A RESOLUTION TO GIVE OBAMA LIMITED AUTHORITY FOR A YEAR.

STOCKHOLM (AP) - SWEDISH ACTIVISTS SAY SOMEONE CUT OFF A PROPELLER SHAFT ON A SHIP SCHEDULED TO BE IN A GAZA-BOUND FLOTILLA DESIGNED TO TEST THE ISRAELI BLOCKADE. THEY'RE CALLING IT SABOTAGE AND SAY IT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS TO FIX. ISRAEL HAS SAID IT HAS INFORMATION ABOUT EXTREMISTS AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

BAGHDAD (AP) - THE DEATH OF A REVERED EIGHTH CENTURY SAINT HAS SENT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SHIITE MUSLIM PILGRIMS FLOCKING TO A BAGHDAD SHRINE. THE OBSERVANCE HAS SNARLED TRAFFIC AND SENT SECURITY FORCES TO THE STREETS TO PROTECT THE WORSHIPPERS. SHIITE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN A FAVORITE TARGET OF SUNNI INSURGENTS HOPING TO INFLAME SECTARIAN TENSIONS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE GOVERNMENT HAS LAUNCHED A NEW CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COOKING AWARENESS. THE SIMPLE RECIPE FOR FOOD HANDLING IS: CLEAN. COOK. CHILL. SEPARATE. THE CAMPAIGN COMES IN THE WAKE OF A EUROPEAN E. COLI OUTBREAK THAT HAS KILLED ALMOST 50 PEOPLE. THE U.S. CAMPAIGN HOPES TO REMIND HOME CHEFS TO CLEAN OFF SURFACES AND
UTENSILS, WASH HANDS, SEPARATE RAW MEATS FROM OTHER FOODS AND COOK MEAT TO THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011

JASMINE BROOKS REPORTS ON NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER? RESTAURANTS OFFER MORE MEATLESS OPTIONS. TOM JOSEPH HAS THE COMPLETE STORY.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN KILLED IN 1-81 CRASH

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN WAS KILLED SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN TREMONT TOWNSHIP WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE ON INTERSTATE 81. POLICE TELL US 30-YEAR-OLD ABBY MILLER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. MILLER WAS NOT WEARING HER SEAT BELT.

STS BEGINS SERVICE FROM UNION STATION

SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1981 S-T-S HAS OPERATED FROM THE OLD TRAILWAYS BUS STATION, BUT A NEW ERA IS SET TO BEGIN. THE SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WILL BEGIN SERVICE TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM UNION STATION INTERMODAL COMPLEX IN POTTSVILLE. BIEBER TOUR WAYS OF KUTZTOWN IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SERVICE ON JULY15.UNION STATION HELD IT'S OFFICIAL DEDICATION EARLIER THIS MONTH AND CURRENTLY IS THE HOME FOR THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU AND A SUBSTATION FOR THE POTTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

PHARMACY ROBBERIES RISE IN US

PHARMACY ROBBERIES ARE SWEEPING THE UNITED STATES WITH INCIDENTS UP 81% IN JUST FOUR YEARS. LOCALLY, FIVE COUNTY PHARMACIES HAVE BEEN ROBBED SINCE LAST NOVEMBER. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS DESPERATE ADDICTS AND DEALERS ARE TURNING TO VIOLENCE TO GET THEIR HANDS ON NARCOTIC PAINKILLERS WHICH CAN SELL ON THE STREET FOR AS MUCH AS $80 A PIECE.

CRUISE-IN CAR SHOW A SUCCESS

FROM A 1954 LONDON TAXI TO CAMARO'S WERE ON DISPLAY SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT ISLAND PARK IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. OVER 80 CLASSIC CARS TOOK PART IN THE SCHUYLKILL VALLEY CORVETTE CLUB SECOND ANNUAL CRUISE IN CAR SHOW ON THE ISLAND. THE EVENT RAISED OVER $400 FOR THE ISLAND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX RESTORATION FUND.

STATE NEWS:

CHAMBERSBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE SAY A SCHOOL BUS THAT OVERTURNED ON INTERSTATE 81 IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA STRUCK A CAR THAT HAD VEERED INTO ITS LANE BEFORE FLIPPING OVER. STATE POLICE SAY NEARLY TWO DOZEN ADULTS AND CHILDREN WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL YESTERDAY. OFFICIALS SAY THE INJURIES WEREN'T LIFE-THREATENING.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A MAN THROWN OUT OF A NORTHWEST PHILADELPHIA TAVERN FOR SMOKING, RETURNED WITH A GUN AND OPENED FIRE. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED, AND FIVE OTHERS INJURED. POLICE SAY THE SHOOTING HAPPENED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING AT THE GENESIS TAVERN IN THE GERMANTOWN SECTION OF THE CITY. POLICE SAY CARL SHARPER WAS KILLED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - OFFICIALS IN PHILADELPHIA SAY A FIREFIGHTER WHO WAS REPRIMANDED AFTER POSING SHIRTLESS FOR A CHARITY CALENDAR IS DEAD. FIRE COMMISSIONER LLOYD AYERS SAYS JACK SLIVINSKI WAS FOUND DEAD EARLY SATURDAY IN HIS LAWNDALE HOME. AYERS CALLS HIS DEATH "DEVASTATING" AND SAYS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING.

HERNDON, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY AN ELDERLY MAN HAS DIED IN A LAWN MOWING ACCIDENT. STATE POLICE SAY BARRY SNYDER OF JACKSON TOWNSHIP WAS MOWING HIS LAWN NEAR A DITCH WHEN HIS LAWN TRACTOR ROLLED DOWN THE EMBANKMENT SATURDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE SAY SNYDER BECAME TRAPPED UNDER THE MOWER AND DIED A SHORT TIME LATER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

BUCHANNAN, N.Y. (AP) - AN ASSOCIATED PRESS INVESTIGATION FINDS THERE ARE NO STANDARDS FOR HOW QUICKLY PEOPLE MUST BE EVACUATED IN A NUCLEAR ACCIDENT DESPITE EXPLODING POPULATIONS AROUND U.S. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS. A COMPUTER-ASSISTED ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT POPULATIONS WITHIN 10 MILES OF THE SITES HAVE GROWN AS MUCH AS 4 1/2
TIMES SINCE 1980. SOME EMERGENCY PLANS WOULD DIRECT RESIDENTS TO FLEE ON ANTIQUATED, TWO-LANE ROADS THAT CLOG HOPELESSLY AT RUSH HOUR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SUPPORTERS OF STRICTER LIMITS ON POLITICAL SPENDING FEAR THAT A SUPREME COURT RULING EXPECTED TODAY MIGHT BE THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF DECISIONS BY THE COURT'S CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY UPENDING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS. THE RULING IS ON AN
ARIZONA CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW THAT GIVES EXTRA CASH TO PUBLICLY FUNDED CANDIDATES WHO FACE PRIVATELY FUNDED RIVALS AND INDEPENDENT GROUPS.

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) - ABOUT 100 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO EVACUATE AN AREA NEAR NEW MEXICO'S LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY DUE TO A FAST-MOVING WILDFIRE. THE LAB HAS ALSO CLOSED AND ITS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER HAS BEEN ACTIVATED. IN ARIZONA,
FIREFIGHTERS NOW HAVE THE UPPER HAND ON THREE MAJOR BLAZES.

OLYMPIA, WASH. (AP) - WASHINGTON STATE IS ABOUT TO BECOME THE ONLY ONE IN THE NATION TO TAKE THE DRASTIC BUDGET-CUTTING STEP OF SHUTTERING ITS OFFICIAL TOURISM OFFICE NEXT WEEK AND CUTTING ALL FUNDING FOR SELF-PROMOTION. SOME STATES ARE POURING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO FRESH MARKETING, WHILE OTHERS LIKE NEW YORK AND ARIZONA ARE SLASHING THEIR PROMOTIONAL SPENDING TO HELP SHORE UP BUDGETS.

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (AP) - JUDGES AT THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT COULD ISSUE ARREST WARRANTS TODAY FOR LIBYAN LEADER MOAMMAR GADHAFI, ONE OF HIS SONS AND HIS INTELLIGENCE CHIEF ON CHARGES OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY. IT COULD TURN THE THREE INTO INTERNATIONALLY WANTED SUSPECTS. THE COURT HAS NO POLICE FORCE AND RELIES ON OTHER STATES TO MAKE ARRESTS.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011

SECOND PIT BULL ATTACK IN TWO DAYS IN CITY

A SECOND PIT BULL ATTACK HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN AND HERALD, CITY POLICE WERE SUMMONED TO THE 500 BLOCK OF EAST MARKET STREET FOR A REPORT OF TWO PIT BULLS FIGHTING. THE DOGS OWNER, A 16-YEAR-OLD ARRIVED AT THE SCENE TO SECURE THEM AND FOUND OUT THAT HIS 8-YEAR-OLD BROTHER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE DOGS HOWEVER HE WAS BITTEN MULTIPLE TIMES ON HIS RIGHT ARM. ACCORDING TO RESIDENTS IN THE AREA THIS IS NOT THE FIRST SPAT BETWEEN THE TWO ANIMALS. POTTSVILLE POLICE HAVE TURNED OVER THE INVESTIGATION TO CITY HEALTH AND ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER FRANK SPLEEN.

PINE GROVE MAN FOUND TO BE DISORDERLY

STATE POLICE AT JONESTOWN ARRESTED ZACHARY ANSPACH AFTER MIDNIGHT THURSDAY ON CHARGES OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT. ACCORDING TO TROOPERS ANSPACH CREATED A DISTURBANCE AT THE HESS EXPRESS IN UNION TOWNSHIP AND THEN DECIDED TO WALK DOWN THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 72, KNOWN AS LICKDALE ROAD. ANSPACH WILL HAVE TO APPEAR BEFORE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE MICHAEL SMITH OF CLEONA.

TWO HURT IN CITY CRASH

POTTSVILLE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER 2 AM THURSDAY IN THE 1900 BLOCK OF MAHANTONGO STREET. TYLER CHANEY LOST CONTROL OF HIS JEEP, STRUCK TWO VEHICLES AND THEN RAN THROUGH AN IRON FENCE PROCEEDING THROUGH A YARD BEFORE EVENTUALLY STOPPING AFTER HITTING A CONCRETE WALL. A PIECE OF THE FENCE PIERCED THE DRIVER’S DOOR AND WAS LODGED IN CHANEY’S LEG. HE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH JACKSON FOR TREATMENT. HIS PASSENGER, KRISTOPHER STONEHAM SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE.

TASTEE FREEZE WAS ROBBED

WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP POLICE ARE SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT A THEFT AT THE TASTEE FREEZE ON RINGTOWN BOULEVARD. ACCORDING TO POLICE SOMEONE FORCED OPEN A FRONT WINDOW BETWEEN 10:15 PM WEDNESDAY AND 10:30 AM THURSDAY. ONCE INSIDE REMOVED AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF CASH. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL POLICE AT 462-2360.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The prosecution has rested in the trial of a
man charged with killing three Pittsburgh police officers.
Yesterday, at least two law enforcement officers testified that
suspect Richard Poplawski confessed to the shootings. The defense
is expected to present its case beginning this morning.

SHIREMANSTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Children at a central Pennsylvania day
care center are being relocated after wildlife officials found a
colony of bats in the building. Staff at The Children's Garden in
Shiremanstown evacuated about 180 kids this week after finding one
bat in a classroom and another in a hallway. No one was bitten.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Federal environmental officials say that
testing has revealed contamination in three private water wells
located near an April blowout at a Pennsylvania natural gas
drilling site. An Environmental Protection Agency spokesman says
the EPA took water samples from seven private water wells near the
Chesapeake Energy drilling site near Canton in northeastern
Pennsylvania's Bradford County.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Some test pilots came a long way for
Pittsburgh's famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches. The Pittsburgh
Tribune-Review reports the crew manning a new $300 million 747-8
Freighter jet made the scheduled 2,500-mile test flight from
outside Seattle to western Pennsylvania and called in a to-go order
on the runway.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York is now the sixth state to legalize
same-sex marriage and the weddings can begin in late July. At New
York City's famous Stonewall Inn that spawned the gay rights
movement in 1969, the passage and signing of the bill touched off a
major celebration.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is following up on a
plan he announced to join the federal government, universities and
corporations in a cooperative effort toward high-tech
manufacturing. In the weekly radio and Internet address, Obama
stresses his effort to re-ignite American manufacturing with an
emphasis on cutting-edge research and new technologies.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans say job creators they're hearing
from don't want handouts or bailouts, they want government to back
off. In the weekly Republican radio and Internet address, Rep.
Renee Ellmers of North Carolina says the Republican plan is to
reduce regulations, expand domestic energy production and require
the government to consider the effect of federal rules on hiring.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) - More rain is forecast in Minot, N.D. today,
possibly worsening a record-setting flood that already has damaged
thousands of homes. Officials estimate the surging Souris river
already has swamped at least 2,500 homes, and the number is
expected to be much higher by the time the river crests today. More
than a quarter of the city's 40,000 residents have been evacuated.

BEIJING (AP) - Prosecutors in China's commercial hub of Shanghai
have charged 26 people with bribery and other crimes related to an
apartment-building fire that killed 58 people last year. Officials
say welders caused the fire by ignoring safety precautions.
Building fires are common in China because of lax safety codes and
unsafe construction work.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

TWO LOCAL CHARITIES RECEIVED GRANTS TOTALING OVER $10,000. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

REP. JERRY KNOWLES COMMENTS ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS..CHUCK NICHOLS HAS THE STORY

VEREB AMENDMENT WOULD MOVE FUNDING AND OVERSIGHT FOR GAMING ENFORCEMENT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. MIKE DAVIES WITH THE REPORT

AUTO FIRM WILL CREATE 150 JOBS TO AREA

A NEW BUSINESS COMING TO EAST UNION TOWNSHIP EXPECTS TO CREATE OVER 150 JOBS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. AFFINIA GROUP INCORPORATED, A GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT PARTS COMPANY, WILL LOCATE ITS EAST COAST DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN HUMBOLDT INDUSTRIAL PARK. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, AFFINIA EXPECTS TO BEGIN SHIPPING THE PRODUCTS FROM THE SITE IN JULY.

TAMAQUA REFUSE TO PAY BILL FOR LIGHTS

TAMAQUA BOROUGH COUNCIL REFUSES TO PAY A BILL THEY OWE TO MUNICIPAL ENERGY MANAGERS IN THE AMOUNT OF 25 HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE COUNCIL HIRED M-E-M IN 2008 TO NEGOTIATE A DEAL WITH PPL TO PURCHASE STREET LIGHTS FOR THE BOROUGH. BOROUGH OFFICIALS ARE CLAIMING THAT M-E-M HAS NOT MET THEIR END OF THE BARGAIN AND THAT THE STREETLIGHTS ARE NOT BEING MAINTAINED AND THAT TAMAQUA DOES NOT OWN THE LIGHTS. M-EM CLAIMS THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH PPL ON A FAIR PRICE FOR THE LIGHTS.

BLUE MOUNTAIN WILL APPEAL MYSPACE RULING

ON THURSDAY, THE BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORIZED ITS LAW FIRM TO PREPARE AN APPEAL TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT REGARDING A STUDENT'S MYSPACE FREE SPEECH CASE. THE CASE INVOLVED A FEMALE STUDENT WHO POSTED A PROFILE OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, ADDING INSULTS AND ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. THE 3RD U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS ORIGINALLY RULED THE POSTINGS ARE PROTECTED UNDER PREVIOUS SUPREME COURT CASE LAW ON STUDENT SPEECH, BUT THE DISTRICT WILL PURSUE THE APPEAL TO PROTECT ITS FACULTY AND STAFF FROM THE MISUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA.

ANTHRACITE PHILHARMONIC TO PERFORM

ON JULY 10TH THE LACK OF ORCHESTRA MUSIC IN THE AREA WILL COME TO AN END. THE ANTHRACITE PHILHARMONIC WILL MAKE ITS DEBUT AT YUENGLING MANSION. 2 YEARS AGO THE SCHUYLKILL SYMPHONY DISBANDED DUE TO FINANCES LEAVING THE AREA WITHOUT AN ORCHESTRA. THE 20 MEMBER PHILHARMONIC STARTED IN MARCH OF LAST YEAR WHEN THEY JOINED WITH THE SCHUYLKILL CHORAL SOCIETY FOR AN AFTERNOON WITH JOHN RUTTER. THE PHILHARMONIC HAS RECEIVED CLOSE TO A $1000 DOLLAR GRANT FROM THE PA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS AND DONATIONS FROM THE YUENGLING FOUNDATION AMONG OTHERS.


BAN ON BATH SALTS SIGNED

RESPONDING TO THE LATEST TREND AMONG DRUG ADDICTS, GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT SIGNED A STATE LAW THURSDAY THAT BANS THE SALE OF "BATH SALTS" AND OTHER SYNTHETIC DRUGS. EARLIER THIS YEAR, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ISSUED A SALE BAN INJUNCTION AND SEVERAL MUNICIPALITIES IN THE COUNTY PASSED ORDINANCES REGARDING BATH SALTS. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAYS "THIS LAW IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN THE ONGOING FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE." THE BAN WILL TAKE EFFECT 60 DAYS FROM NOW.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA (AP) A SECOND TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES IS BEING ANNOUNCED IN HARRISBURG. THE PRESIDENT OF LOCAL 668 OF THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, WHICH REPRESENTS 10,000 WORKERS, SAID THE DEAL
WAS STRUCK THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER FOUR STRAIGHT DAYS OF NEGOTIATIONS. KATHY JELLISON DID NOT PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT WITH GOV. TOM CORBETT'S ADMINISTRATION, BUT SAID IT PROTECTS BOTH UNION MEMBERS AND TAXPAYERS.


HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT SAYS HE'D SIGN A BILL THAT WOULD CLAMP DOWN ON THE ABILITY OF THE STATE'S FINANCIALLY TROUBLED CAPITAL CITY TO FILE FOR FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. CORBETT'S COMMENTS COME A DAY AFTER A SENATE COMMITTEE
SENT THE BILL TO THE FULL SENATE. IT STILL NEEDS HOUSE APPROVAL.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) -FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORS WILL STUDY THREE PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES AS PART OF ITS INVESTIGATION INTO THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING ON DRINKING WATER. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SAID IT HAS CHOSEN A TOTAL OF SEVEN SITES FOR THE STUDY, INCLUDING BRADFORD AND SUSQUEHANNA COUNTIES IN
NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY IN THE SOUTHWEST.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - FEWER PENNSYLVANIA HOUSEHOLDS ARE NOW HEADED BY MARRIED COUPLES THAN A DECADE AGO, WHILE THE NUMBER OF SAME-SEX PARTNER HOMES IN THE COMMONWEALTH IS ON THE RISE. FIGURES FROM THE 2010 CENSUS SHOW MARRIED COUPLES LED 48PERCENT OF PENNSYLVANIA HOMES IN 2010, COMPARED TO NEARLY 52 PERCENT A DECADE AGO.

NATIONAL NEWS:

MINOT, N.D. (AP) - OFFICIALS IN NORTH DAKOTA'S FOURTH-LARGEST CITY SAY THE SOURIS RIVER, NOW TRICKLING INTO PARTS OF TOWN, IS LIKELY TO COME ROARING IN OVER THE WEEKEND. AS MANY AS 10,000 PEOPLE HAVE EVACUATED AND WATER IS UP TO THE FIRST FLOOR OF SOME HOUSES. IN BURLINGTON, WHERE ANOTHER RIVER MEETS THE SOURIS, THE MAYOR SAYS SAVING THE TOWN JUST ISN'T POSSIBLE.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - THE DEBATE OVER LEGALIZING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN NEW YORK ISN'T OVER YET. THE STATE SENATE MEETS TODAY TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION AND IT'S NOT ASSURED THAT THE MARRIAGE BILL WILL SEE A VOTE. THE STATE SENATE ENDED ITS SESSION LATE LAST NIGHT WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE BILL. THERE WERE DEMONSTRATIONS ON BOTH SIDES YESTERDAY.

BEIRUT (AP) - TURKEY'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SAYS THE STREAM OF REFUGEES FROM SYRIAN STRIFE CONTINUES. OFFICIALS SAY MORE THAN 1,500 SYRIAN REFUGEES HAVE CROSSED THE BORDER TO SAFE HAVENS IN TURKEY IN ONE DAY. THEY ARE TRYING TO ESCAPE A VIOLENT GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN ON PRO-DEMOCRACY ADVOCATES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - BEFORE HIS DEATH, AL-QAIDA FOUNDER OSAMA BIN LADEN RECOGNIZED HE WAS LOSING THE PUBLIC RELATIONS WAR WITH THE WEST, PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT WAS KILLING TOO MANY MUSLIMS. BIN LADEN, WHO HATED THE UNITED STATES AND DECRIED CAPITALISM, CONSIDERED A MOST AMERICAN OF BUSINESS STRATEGIES, A FRESH START UNDER A NEW NAME. THE WRITINGS WERE RECOVERED FROM HIS COMPOUND IN PAKISTAN.

PHOENIX (AP) - A PHOENIX-BASED TV PITCHMAN IS IN CUSTODY AFTER BEING A NO-SHOW AT HIS ARRAIGNMENT. DONALD LAPRE IS CHARGED WITH RUNNING A NATIONWIDE SCHEME TO SELL ESSENTIALLY WORTHLESS INTERNET-BASED BUSINESSES. ONE WAS ALLEGEDLY A COMPANY CALLED "THE GREATEST VITAMIN IN THE WORLD." HE WAS ARRESTED LAST NIGHT IN TEMPE, ARIZONA.

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S RECOGNIZED SEVERAL RESIDENTS FOR THEIR EXEPTIONAL PERFORMANCES. J MATTHEWS REPORTS.


THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NEEDS YOUR HELP. MITCHELL HECKMAN HAS MORE:

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY HELD A TABLE TOP EXERCISE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. BOB BECHTEL HAS MORE:

TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR HUNDREDS OF STATE EMPLOYEES WHOSE CONTRACTS EXPIRE JUNE 30TH, AND THOSE RALLIED STATEWIDE THIS WEEK DEMANDING A FAIR SHAKE. TOM JOSEPH REPORTS:


TAX COLLECTOR CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM DISTRICT
STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN HAVE CHARGED 71 YEAR OLD WILLIAM WILDONER OF BARNESVILLE WITH STEALING OVER 170 THOUSAND DOLLARS OWED TO THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. AUTHORITIES SAY THAT WILDONER BEGAN TAKING TAX PROCEEDS THAT HE COLLECTED FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND USING THAT MONEY FOR HIS OWN BENEFIT. CAUSING A SHORTFALL THAT WAS NEVER REPORTED TO THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TAX CLAIM BUREAU. WILDONER THEN USED 2010 TAX PROCEEDS TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALL. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY BE FILED.

FAMILY DOG ATTACKS CHILDREN

THREE CHILDREN WERE ATTACKED BY THEIR FAMILY DOG WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, SENDING TWO TO LOCAL HOSPITALS WHILE A THIRD WAS FLOWN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL. POTTSVILLE POLICE TELL US THE OWNERS OF THE PIT BULL, JUSTIN AND NICOLE EADDY, WERE NOT HOME AT THE TIME OF ATTACK. THE OLDEST CHILD, A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL, WAS FOUND LYING ON THE SIDEWALK WITH SERIOUS INJURIES WHEN POLICE ARRIVED. TWO OTHER CHILDREN, BOTH UNDER THE AGE OF 10, SUFFERED LESS SEVERE WOUNDS. OFFICERS WERE FORCED TO PUT THE DOG DOWN AFTER IT CONTINUED TO ACT EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE.

MCADOO MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR ASSAULT ON GIRLS

A SELINSGROVE MAN WAS SENTENCED ON WEDNESDAY TO SPEND AT LEAST 20 YEARS FOR THE RAPE OF A CHILD AND INDECENT ASSAULT. MCADOO POLICE ARRESTED DAVID MILLER JR. IN JUNE OF LAST YEAR AFTER RECEIVING A PHONE CALL OF AN ALLEGED RAPE. POLICE REPORTS SAY THAT ONE OF THE VICTIMS REPRTED THAT WHILE MILLER WAS BABYSITTING HER AND ANOTHER GIRL MILLER WOULD ENGAGE IN DEVIANT SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH THEM, TO INCLUDE RAPE. DAVID MILLER’S SENTENCE WILL RUN CONSECUTIVELY WITH ANOTHER SIX TO 20 YEAR SENTENCE HE WILL SERVE FOR A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN SNYDER COUNTY.

SHEN VAL CREATES POSITION

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT PLAN TO CREATE A THIRD COUNSELING POSITION TO FOCUS ON TESTING PROGRAMS. SHENANDOAH VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED THE POSITION WEDNESDAY. SUPERINTENDENT STANLEY RAKOWSKY SAYS THAT HAVING A THIRD COUNSELOR POSITION WILL HELP SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELORS SPEND TIME WORKING WITH STUDENTS INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON TESTING REQUIREMENTS.

18TH ANNUAL GREAT POTTSVILLE CRUISE

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL GREAT POTTSVILLE CRUISE ARE NOW ON SALE. THE FIRST 500 REGISTERED CRUISERS RECEIVE THE YEAR'S YUENGLING COLLECTOR'S DASH PLAQUE. THIS YEAR'S CRUISE WILL BE HELD AUGUST 11TH THROUGH THE 14TH WITH CRUISE DAY BEING SUNDAY, AUGUST 14TH.

LOCATIONS TO PRE-REGISTER:

YORKVILLE CONEY ISLAND
DOWNTOWN CONEY ISLAND
12-VOLT DAVE'S AUTO
JERRY'S NORTHEAST AUTO SALES

NEW BILL PASSED

THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECENTLY PASSED A BILL WHICH AMENDS THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT TO INCLUDE CANCER AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE FOR FIREFIGHTERS WHO HAVE SERVED FOR AT LEAST FOUR CONTINUOUS YEARS. REPRESENTATIVE JERRY KNOWLES SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO VOTE FOR THIS BILL AS HE SERVED AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. UNDER THE BILL, FIREFIGHTERS WHO CAN ESTABLISH A WORK RELATED EXPOSURE TO A GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN AS IDENTIFIED BY THE INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER WOULD BE COVERED. KNOWLES SAID THIS LEGISLATION WILL ENSURE THAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE PROTECTED IF THEY GET SICK AS A RESULT OF THEIR SERVICE. THE BILL WILL NOW GO TO THE STATE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT AND REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ARE SAYING LITTLE ABOUT THEIR PRIVATE TALKS AS THEY TRY TO REACH A DEAL ON THE STATE BUDGET. MEETINGS IN CORBETT'S OFFICES YESTERDAY WERE CONDUCTED ON THE EVE OF WHAT A SENIOR SENATE REPUBLICAN SAYS IS THE DEADLINE TO GET A HANDSHAKE AGREEMENT IN TIME TO ENACT A BUDGET BEFORE THE NEW FISCAL YEAR STARTS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - STATE POLICE SAY NO CHARGES ARE PLANNED AGAINST THE SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA BAR WHERE "JACKASS" STAR RYAN DUNN DRANK JUST BEFORE HE AND A PASSENGER DIED IN A FIERY CAR CRASH THIS WEEK. AUTHORITIES TELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THEY'VE DETERMINED DUNN WAS APPARENTLY NOT VISIBLY INTOXICATED WHEN BAR EMPLOYEES SERVED HIM TWO BEERS AND SIX SHOTS OVER FOUR HOURS.

HERDON, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY AN ELDERLY COUPLE DIED AFTER THEIR CAR WENT INTO THE PATH OF A FREIGHT TRAIN. STATE POLICE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SAY THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE NOON YESTERDAY IN HERNDON. THE COUNTY CORONER SAYS EARL HOLLENBACH AND EDITH HOLLENBACH WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A DEFENSE ATTORNEY SAYS AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN WHOSE TEENAGE SON PULLED OUT TWO OF HIS OWN TEETH WITH PLIERS BECAUSE HE HADN'T RECEIVED DENTAL CARE WILL PLEAD GUILTY TO RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON. FRANCISCO TORRES WAIVED HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING YESTERDAY IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.


NATIONAL NEWS:

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO'S SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS THE U.S. DECISION TO BEGIN PULLING TROOPS OUT OF AFGHANISTAN HIGHLIGHTS THE PROGRESS THE ALLIANCE HAS MADE THERE. HE SAYS THE DRAWDOWN IS COMING AS "THE TIDE IS TURNING" IN AFGHANISTAN. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYS HE'S BRINGING HOME MORE THAN 30,000 TROOPS BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - LESS THAN 50 PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS TO AN ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SAY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA DESERVES RE-ELECTION. IT'S THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR THAT'S HAPPENED. ECONOMIC SLUGGISHNESS HAS CONVINCED MORE AMERICANS THAT THE COUNTRY
IS HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. IT'S AN OBSTACLE TO OBAMA'S RE-ELECTION HOPES AND THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY WHICH DEPENDS ON PUBLIC PERCEPTION.

PHOENIX (AP) - CONTROL OF ONE OF THE THREE MAJOR WILDFIRES IN ARIZONA IS AT HAND MOSTLY BECAUSE THE 348-SQUARE MILE FIRE HAS BURNED NEARLY EVERYTHING THAT WILL BURN, INCLUDING AN ENTIRE FOREST. A PRIME BIRD WATCHING WAS NOT SEVERELY DAMAGED AND A FIRE SPOKESWOMAN SAYS MUCH OF THE AREA COULD RECOVER QUICKLY.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - NEW YORK GOV. ANDREW CUOMO IS STILL WORKING HARD TO FIRM UP THE VOTES FOR ONE OF THE STATE'S BIGGEST SOCIAL CHANGES IN A GENERATION. DOZENS OF GAY COUPLES ARE PLANNING TO CONVERGE ON ALBANY TODAY TO WITNESS WHAT WOULD BE A HISTORIC VOTE TO LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE IN NEW YORK. BUT A FULL STATE SENATE VOTE IS NOT YET ASSURED, NOR IS THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME.

TOKYO (AP) - A FORMER NUCLEAR SAFETY ADVISER IN JAPAN SAYS NUCLEAR POWER IN THE EARTHQUAKE-PRONE COUNTRY MAY NEVER BE SAFE. HE SAYS JAPAN NEEDS TO OVERHAUL ITS NUCLEAR POLICIES BECAUSE VIRTUALLY ALL FACILITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE IN DANGER OF THE SAME KIND OF CRISIS FACED BY THE FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI PLANT AFTER THE MARCH 11 EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

LOCAL VENDORS WILL HEAD TO SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL WINE, WALK AND WANDER. MITCHELL HECKMAN HAS MORE:

HOUSE BILL 1708 WOULD CREATE A RESCUE VOUCHER FOR FAMILIES IN NEED LIVING IN FAILING SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THE BILL ADDRESSES THE VIOLENT, FAILING DISTRICTS WHERE STUDENTS ARE TRAPPED. THESE SCHOOLS HAVE GRADUATION RATES IN THE 30 PERCENT RANGE, AND UNDER-PERFORMING PROFICIENCY RATES. MIKE DAVIES REPORTS:

FIRE CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS

THE FIRE THAT RAVAGED FOUR HOMES ON DELAWARE AVENUE IN MINERSVILLE IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS BY STATE FIRE MARSHAL JOHN BURNS. IT TOOK MORE THAN TWO HOURS AND SEVERAL FIRE CREWS TO CONTAIN THE FIRE MONDAY MORNING. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE RED CROSS IS HELPING THOSE DISPLACED BY THE FIRE.


2ND WAYMART LOCATION TO CLOSE

WHILE THE CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP FOR WAYMART IN POTTSVILLE WILL TAKE AFFECT JULY 18, STORE OWNER WAYNE HAAS HAS ANNOUNCED THE MINERSVILLE LOCATION WILL BE CLOSING. HAAS ANNOUNCED THE BUSINESS OF 33 YEARS WILL CLOSE ON JULY 4TH. A NEW COMPANY WILL BE REMODELING THE PROPERTY AND ADDING A "SUPER ADDITION" TO THE COMMUNITY OF MINERSVILLE.

TAMAQUA BOARD APPROVES BUDGET

THE FINAL BUDGET HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL BOARD. THE 24 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET INCLUDES THE ELIMINATION OF 10 PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, A WAGE FREEZE AND AN INCREASE IN THE PAY-TO-PLAY FEE FOR STUDENT ATHLETES. NO DECISIONS HAS BEEN MADE TO THE PROPOSED WINTER SCHEDULE OF A 4 DAY SCHOOL WEEK AS NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE WITH THE TEACHERS UNION.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP REQUIRES SEWER EXAM

RESIDENTS OF BUTLER TOWNSHIP WHO PLAN ON SELLING THEIR HOME WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR SEWER SYSTEM INSPECTED BEFORE PROPERTY TRANSFER CAN BE COMPLETED. DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF STORM WATER ENTERING THE CLOSED SEWER SYSTEM, RESIDENTS WILL HAVE TO NOTIFY THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY PRIOR TO ANY PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS. IF VIOLATED A PERSON CAN FACE A FINE FROM $300 TO $1000 PER VIOLATION. THE ORDINANCE WAS APPROVED BY BUTLER TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS ON TUESDAY.

MOST CHILD SAFETY SEATS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED

MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF THE 319 CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEATS INSPECTED BY STATE TROOPERS DURING A TWO-WEEK ENFORCEMENT EFFORT KNOWN AS "CLICK IT OR TICKET" WERE FOUND TO BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. STATE POLICE ARE URGING PARENTS TO CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THEIR VEHICLES AND SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM STATE POLICE IF THEY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

MEMORIAL HONORS HEROES AND VICTIMS OF 1959 ACCIDENT

ZION'S RED CHURCH IN ORWIGSBURG HAS CREATED A MEMORIAL FOR THE VICTIMS AND HEROES OF A TRAGIC PROPANE TANK EXPLOSION IN 1959. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, A STONE MEMORIAL AND GARDEN WILL HONOR THE 11 PEOPLE KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE MEMORIAL PRAYER GARDEN DEDICATION WILL BE HELD JUNE 30 AT 6:30PM OUTSIDE THE CHURCH.


STUFF THE BUS

THE 10TH ANNUAL STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN JULY 1. ORGANIZED BY THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY, THIS MONTH LONG CAMPAIGN WILL FEATURE BUSES PARKED IN FRONT OF SEVERAL LOCATIONS SERVING AS DROP OFF POINTS FOR DONATIONS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF LOCATIONS LOG ON TO WPPA RADIO.COM

BUS LOCATIONS:

FAIRLANE VILLAGE MALL, POTTSVILLE
SCHUYLKILL MALL, FRACKVILLE
CRESSONA MALL, CRESSONA

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A CORONER'S REPORT SAYS "JACKASS" DAREDEVIL RYAN DUNN AND PASSENGER ZACHARY HARTWELL DIED FROM THE IMPACT AND RESULTING FIRE OF A CAR CRASH IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA. OFFICIALS SAY TOXICOLOGY RESULTS WILL TAKE FOUR TO SIX WEEKS TO COMPLETE. AUTHORITIES SAY DUNN'S PORSCHE MAY HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AS FAST AS 100 MPH WHEN IT CRASHED EARLY MONDAY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A TEENAGER TESTIFIED IN A PITTSBURGH COURTROOM YESTERDAY THAT HE CALLED RICHARD POPLAWSKI DURING A STANDOFF WITH POLICE IN 2009. POPLAWSKI IS ON TRIAL FOR ALLEGEDLY SHOOTING AND KILLING THREE POLICE OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED TO A DOMESTIC DISPUTE WITH HIS MOTHER. MICHAEL BOGART TESTIFIED POPLAWSKI ADMITTED ON THE
PHONE THAT HE SHOT THREE POLICE OFFICERS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA WOMAN WHO STAGED A FAKE KIDNAPPING THAT ENDED AT DISNEY WORLD HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO SWINDLING NEARLY $1 MILLION FROM HER EX-BOSS AND AN ELDERLY RELATIVE. FEASTERVILLE RESIDENT BONNIE SWEETEN TOLD 911 OPERATORS
IN 2009 THAT TWO MEN KIDNAPPED HER AND HER 9-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. THEY LATER SURFACED AT A DISNEY HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

WEST CHESTER, PA. (AP) - AN ELDERLY SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA MAN AWAITING SENTENCING IN THE STABBING DEATH OF HIS WIFE OF 63 YEARS HAS DIED. EIGHTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD ERNEST RAYFIELD OF SPRINGFIELD DIED SATURDAY, ACCORDING TO HIS SON, PAUL. HE SAYS HIS FATHER HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER IN FEBRUARY AND DIED IN HIS SLEEP.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENIOR U.S. DEFENSE OFFICIAL SAYS THE TROOP DRAWDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN TO BEGIN THIS JULY WILL INVOLVE THE PHASED WITHDRAWAL OF ABOUT 10,000 MILITARY MEMBERS. THE OFFICIAL SAYS IT'S EXPECTED TO TAKE LESS THAN A YEAR WITH 5,000 TROOPS COMING HOME THIS SUMMER AND AN ADDITIONAL 5,000 BY WINTER OR SPRING 2012. OBAMA MAKES HIS ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS LAID OUT THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT FOR THE MILITARY'S USE OF CYBER-WARFARE. HE'S SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDERS THAT LAY OUT HOW FAR MILITARY COMMANDERS AROUND THE GLOBE CAN GO USING COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AGAINST ENEMIES AND AS PART OF ROUTINE ESPIONAGE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - TRIAL BEGINS WITH JURY SELECTION TODAY FOR FIVE CURRENT OR FORMER NEW ORLEANS POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN DEADLY SHOOTINGS OF UNARMED RESIDENTS ON A BRIDGE AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA. THE TRIAL IS EXPECTED TO LAST ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS. FIVE
FORMER OFFICERS ALREADY HAVE PLEADED GUILTY TO PARTICIPATING IN A COVER-UP. ONE INVESTIGATOR WILL BE TRIED SEPARATELY.

CHICAGO (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY TWO EMPTY OR NEARLY EMPTY INBOUND TRAINS ON CHICAGO'S COMMUTER RAIL SYSTEM WERE STILL STRANDED BEFORE DAWN AFTER SEVERE STORMS HIT THE AREA. THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY WINDS POUNDED THE UPPER MIDWEST LAST NIGHT CREATING HAVOC FOR AIR TRAVELERS AND COMMUTER RAIL PASSENGERS, SOME OF WHOM WERE STRANDED
FOR HOURS.

PHOENIX (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY THE FIRE DANGER IN THE SOUTHWEST IS LIKELY TO REMAIN HIGH FOR WEEKS UNTIL SEASONAL RAINS ARRIVE. STORMS THAT NORMALLY STOP THE THREAT AREN'T EXPECTED UNTIL AT LEAST MID-JULY. OFFICIALS SAY THAT MEANS THE LARGE BLAZES CHURNING ACROSS ARIZONA MAY NOT BE THE LAST. CREWS HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS
ATTACKING THREE MAJOR FIRES.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

ENJOY DINNER WHILE HELPING SOMEONE IN NEED. MITCHELL HECKMAN HAS MORE:

MINERSVILLE FIRE LEAVES 8 HOMELESS

EIGHT PEOPLE ARE NOW HOMELESS AFTER A FIRE BROKE OUT IN MINERSVILLE JUST AFTER 2AM MONDAY. FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED TO DELAWARE AVE. WHERE FOUR HOMES WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE BLAZE IS BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED IN AN UNOCCUPIED HOME, BUT THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

FOUR TEENAGERS ASSAULTED WITH TRUCK

FOUR TEENAGERS WERE INJURED EARLY SATURDAY MORNING IN BLYTHE TOWNSHIP AFTER A MAN HIT THEM WITH HIS TRUCK. FRACKVILLE POLICE TELL US 38-YEAR-OLD GEORGE KLIPOLA OF MIDDLEPORT DROVE HIS PICK UP TRUCK INTO A GROUP OF TEENAGE BOYS AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A FIGHT. TWO OF THE BOYS HAD TO BE TAKEN TO LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL AFTER BEING PULLED UNDER THE TRUCK AND RAN OVER. THE OTHER TWO ALSO SUFFERED MODERATE INJURIES. KLIPOLA WAS TAKEN TO COUNTY PRISON ON $75,000 STRAIGHT CASH BAIL.

MAN FLOWN TO HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP

A NEW YORK MAN WAS FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER MONDAY NIGHT AFTER FLIPPING HIS CAR SEVERAL TIMES ON I-81. FRACKVILLE POLICE TELL US THE DRIVER WAS SPEEDING WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE NEAR MILE MARKER 122. THE VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS ROOF, FORCING RESCUE TEAMS TO EXTRICATE HIM. THE DRIVER’S CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

HAVEN REVITALIZATION

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN HELD IT'S QUARTERLY MAYOR'S MEETING MONDAY NIGHT. SUGGESTIONS WERE TAKEN ON THE PROPOSED WALKING LOOP THAT WILL ADD TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION. THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN HERITAGE ACTION PLAN COMMITTEE IS TO REVITALIZE THE BOROUGH BY PROMOTING TOURISM. THE PLAN IS TO BUILD A TRAIL THAT WILL CONNECT POTTSVILLE TO PHILADELPHIA. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN RECEIVED A $2,000 GRANT TO HELP FUND THE PROJECT AND PARTS OF THE TRAIL HAVE ALREADY BEEN BUILT.


SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TO HAVE NEW FIELD

A NEW MULTI-PURPOSE FIELD IS PLANNED TO BE READY BY NEXT SPRING IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. OVER $62,000 HAVE BEEN DONATED TO THE BOROUGH FOR THE FIELD THAT WOULD BE USED FOR SOFTBALL OR TEE-BALL. THE EXACT COST OF THE FIELD IS UNKNOWN BUT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY CONSTRUCTION COULD BEGIN ON THE NEW FIELD BY AUGUST. THE NEW FIELD WILL REPLACE THE ONE PRESENTLY IN THE BOROUGH WHERE COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY IS DETERIORATED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED.


WILLIAMS VALLEY APPROVES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

THE WILLIAMS VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD HAS APPROVED A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT FOR A NEW SUPERINTENDENT. DONALD BURKHARDT OF COAL TOWNSHIP WILL EFFECTIVELY TAKE THE OFFICE ON JULY 1, HE REPLACES OUT GOING SUPERINTENDENT OLGA EHRHART WHO IS RETIRING AT THE END OF THE MONTH. THE SCHOOL BOARD ALSO APPROVED A NEW 130 THOUSAND DOLLAR TELEPHONE SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS. THE SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY WAITING APPROVAL FROM SOLICITOR RICHARD THORNBURG TO JOIN THE NATIONAL JOINT POWERS ALLIANCE

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON RT 309

CONTRACTORS ARE PREPARING FOR THE OVERHAUL OF RT 309 IN TAMAQUA. THE TRAFFIC MITIGATION AND SAFETY PROJECT WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK AND LAST UNTIL DECEMBER. THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE UPGRADES TO TRAFFIC SIGNALS, EMERGENCY SIGNAL PRE-EMPTION DEVICES AND PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS. PENNDOT SAYS MOST OF THE PROJECT WILL NOT AFFECT TRAFFIC FLOW.

CASTLE DOCTRINE AWAITS SIGNATURE

LEGISLATION KNOWN AS THE "CASTLE DOCTRINE" IS NOW ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK AWAITING HIS SIGNATURE. HOUSE BILL 40 CREATES IN LAW A PRESUMPTION THAT AN ATTACKER OR INTRUDER INTENDS TO DO GREAT BODILY HARM AND THEREFORE FORCE MAY BE USED TO PROTECT ONESELF AND THEIR FAMILY IN THE FACE OF AN ATTACK. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAID THE LEGISLATION THAT WORKS TO ENSURE A PERSON’S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE IS LONG OVERDUE.

STATE NEWS:
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE IN SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY SPEED MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR IN THE FIERY CAR CRASH THAT KILLED "JACKASS" CAST MEMBER RYAN DUNN. WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP POLICE SAY DUNN AND A PASSENGER DIED AFTER DUNN'S 2007 PORSCHE LEFT THE ROADWAY EARLY YESTERDAY AND BURST INTO FLAMES.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLICE OFFICER SAYS ONE OF THE THREE FELLOW OFFICERS SHOT TO DEATH WHILE RESPONDING TO A DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE CALL TWO YEARS AGO SAID TO "TELL MY WIFE AND KIDS I LOVE THEM" BEFORE HE DIED. THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE AND PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW REPORT, OFFICER TIMOTHY MCMANAWAY WAS
OVERCOME WITH EMOTION AS HE TESTIFIED IN RICHARD POPLAWSKI'S TRIAL.

WASHINGTON, PA. (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 29 TO 58 YEARS BEHIND BARS IN THE 2009 BLUDGEONING DEATH OF HIS LIVE-IN GIRLFRIEND. ACCORDING TO THE (WASHINGTON) OBSERVER-REPORTER, LARRY BOYD JR. WAS SENTENCED YESTERDAY IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE SAY A PHILADELPHIA-AREA MAN HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A WOMAN. POLICE SAY A MAN IN MANAYUNK CALLED 911 YESTERDAY AND SAID HE HAD SHOT HIS WIFE IN THE HEAD. OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO THE HOME AND FOUND THE WOMAN WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND. SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE
SCENE.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS MAKING FINAL DECISIONS ON A RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR GETTING TROOPS OUT OF AFGHANISTAN AHEAD OF HIS EXPECTED ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW. THE PROCESS IS FOCUSED NOT ONLY ON HOW MANY TROOPS WILL COME HOME IN
JULY, BUT ALSO ON A BROADER BLUEPRINT DESIGNED TO GIVE AFGHANS CONTROL OF THEIR OWN SECURITY BY 2014.

WASHINGTON (AP) - LABOR REGULATORS ARE SET TO MAKE A MOVE THAT COULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR STRUGGLING UNIONS TO ORGANIZE NEW MEMBERS, AND GIVE BUSINESSES MUCH LESS TIME TO MOUNT ANTI-UNION CAMPAIGNS. THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD PLANS TO ANNOUNCE SWEEPING NEW RULES TODAY THAT WOULD DRAMATICALLY SHORTEN THE TIME FRAME FOR
UNION ELECTIONS.

CHICAGO (AP) - JURORS AT FORMER ILLINOIS GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH'S SECOND CORRUPTION TRIAL ENTER THEIR SEVENTH DAY OF DELIBERATIONS TODAY FOLLOWING A TWO-MONTH TRIAL. THERE'S BEEN NO INDICATION IF THE RETRIAL JURORS SIMPLY WANT TO BE AS THOROUGH AS POSSIBLE OR IF THEY'RE STRUGGLING TO REACH CONSENSUS. BLAGOJEVICH HAS DENIED ALL
20 CORRUPTION COUNTS HE FACES AT THE RETRIAL.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SPRING HAS COME AND GONE AND THERE ARE STILL NO SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE ROOF. LAST FALL, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED PLANS TO INSTALL THE PANELS BY SPRING BUT OFFICIALS SAY THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE CONTRACTING PROCESS
INTERFERED. ENVIRONMENTALISTS SAY IT'S DISAPPOINTING BECAUSE THE ADMINISTRATION TALKS GREEN BUT IS SOMETIMES SHORT ON ACTION.

BURBANK, CALIF. (AP) - THE TATTOO ARTIST WHO SUED OVER A TATTOO IN "THE HANGOVER PART II" HAS INKED A SETTLEMENT WITH WARNER BROS. THE TATTOO RESEMBLES THE COPYRIGHTED FACIAL INK THE ARTIST CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MIKE TYSON.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011

BOIL ADVISORY

A WATER BOIL ADVISORY TAKES EFFECT THIS MORNING FOR SHENANDOAH, SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS, BROWNSVILLE, TURKEY RUN AND WESTON PLACE AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO THE SYSTEM IN THOSE MUNICIPALITIES.

FIRE IN MINERSVILLE

FIRE CREWS WERE CALLED OUT EARLY THIS MORNING TO BATTLE A BLAZE IN MINERSVILLE.THE FIRE WAS REPORTED JUST AFTER TWO THIS MORNING AT 233 SOUTH DELAWARE AVENUE AND SOON WENT TO TWO ALARMS.SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 9-1-1 REPORTS THAT FOUR HOMES ARE INVOLVED IN THAT FIRE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES REPORTED. THREE PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT A PLACE TO STAY DUE TO THAT FIRE. A STATE POLICE FIRE MARSHAL IS INVESTIGATING. FOUR MOTORCYCLISTS INJURED IN CRASH

FOUR MOTORCYCLISTS WERE INJURED SATURDAY MORNING WHEN THEY LOST CONTROL OF THEIR MOTORCYCLES IN TILDEN TOWNSHIP. AMONG THOSE MEN WAS 29-YEAR-OLD CHAD DANEHOWER OF ORWIGSBURG. HAMBURG POLICE TELL US, ALL SUFFERED SEVERE ABRASIONS AND WERE TAKEN TO VARIOUS HOSPITALS. ALL WERE WEARING HELMETS.

WITH LESS THAN TWO WEEKS REMAINING IN THE FISCAL YEAR, HOUSE AND SENATE NEGOTIATORS ARE WORKING NON-STOP IN HARRISBURG TOWARD A FINAL VERSION OF THIS YEAR'S STATE BUDGET PLAN. MIKE DAVIES HAS MORE


LAST WEEK, STATE LEGISLATURE PASSED A BILL TO BAN THE USE AND SALE OF BATH SALTS. REP MIKE TOBASH SAYS HE'S GLAD OF THE APPROVAL. MIKE DAVIES HAS MORE

THE AARP IS ADVISING OLDER AMERICANS HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR MONEY, AND SUGGESTING WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD. A NEW STUDY FINDS SOME KEY BEHAVIORS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STAYING SAFE AND BECOMING A VICTIM YOUTH CENTER OPENS

MINERSVILLE YOUTH CENTER HAS OPENED ITS DOORS TO STUDENTS IN GRADES SEVEN THRU TWELVE. THE CENTER, LOCATED IN THE HALL OF ST. MICHAELS THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH,WAS DESIGNED TO KEEP AREA YOUTH OFF THE STREETS AND OUT OF TROUBLE. THE CENTER CURRENTLY HAS GAMES SUCH AS PINBALL AND ARCADE GAMES PLUS KIDS CAN LISTEN TO MUSIC ON THE JUKEBOX. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS ABOUT A DOZEN STUDENTS HAVE USED THE CENTER. HOURS OF OPERATION 6P-10P DAILY, EXCEPT FOR WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.


MINERSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

THE MINERSVILLE ELEMENTARY IS LOOKING TO RENOVATE TWO CLASSROOMS THIS SUMMER WITH PROPOSALS BEING WRITTEN BY THE DISTRICT. SCHOOL OFFICIALS ARE HOPING TO HAVE THE RENOVATIONS COMPLETED FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR. THE CLASSROOMS BEING RENOVATED ARE CURRENTLY MUSIC ROOMS BUT THE DISTRICT WANTS TO CHANGE THEM BACK TO TWO SEPARATE CLASSROOMS AND INCLUDE NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING, LIGHTING AND A NEW PHONE SYSTEM.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

OVER FIFTY PEOPLE GATHERED AT THE ROUNDHOUSE IN POTTSVILLE SATURDAY TO HONOR THE 11TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION. JUNETEENTH IS THE OLDEST CELEBRATION RECOGNIZING THE END OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES. POTTSVILLE MAYOR, JOHN REILLY, PRESENTED A KEY TO THE CITY TO FREEDOM RIDER BETTY DANIELS ROSEMOND. REILLY PROCLAIMED JUNE 17 THROUGH JUNE 19 TO BE JUNETEENTH WEEKEND.


STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY SOMEONE KILLED THE OWNER OF A NORTH PHILADELPHIA CORNER GROCERY STORE. POLICE SAY THE 59-YEAR-OLD OWNER OF LOS INGENITOS WAS FOUND SHOT TO DEATH SATURDAY NIGHT. THREE MEN WERE REPORTEDLY SEEN RUNNING FROM THE AREA.

NEW KENSINGTON, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY FOUR FIREFIGHTERS WERE HURT IN ONE OF TWO BLAZES THAT BROKE OUT A FEW BLOCKS APART. OFFICIALS SAY THE PERSON WHO LIVED AT ONE OF THE NEW KENSINGTON HOMES WAS AT WORK WHEN THE FIRST FIRE WAS REPORTED SATURDAY NIGHT. THE SECOND BLAZE WAS REPORTED LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER AT A VACANT HOME.

NOXEN, PA. (AP) - RESIDENTS AND VISITORS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SPENT THE WEEKEND DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP WITH RATTLERS. THE RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP IN WYOMING COUNTY'S NOXEN TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN HELD FOR ALMOST FOUR DECADES. PEOPLE COULD HELP
CATCH SNAKES, OR JUST LOOK AT THEM IN AN ENCLOSURE. THE FESTIVITIES ALSO INCLUDED A CARNIVAL, FLEA MARKET AND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ATLANTA (AP) - GEORGIA'S NEW LAW CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS THE SUBJECT OF LEGAL ARGUMENTS TODAY. A FEDERAL JUDGE IN ATLANTA WILL HEAR THE CASE BROUGHT BY CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS TRYING TO BLOCK THE LAW FROM TAKING EFFECT PENDING A LAWSUIT FILED EARLIER THIS MONTH. JUDGE THOMAS THRASH HAS INDICATED HE MAY RULE FROM THE BENCH.

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - ACCOMMODATIONS MADE FOR AGING NUCLEAR PLANTS BY U.S. REGULATORS HAVE RAISED FEARS THAT SAFETY IS BEING UNDERMINED AND THE REACTORS ARE INCHING CLOSER TO AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD HARM THE PUBLIC AND JEOPARDIZE THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER. AN ASSOCIATED PRESS INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT REGULATORS HAVE
REPEATEDLY WEAKENED RULES OR NOT ENFORCED THEM TO KEEP THE NATION'S AGING NUCLEAR REACTORS RUNNING WITHIN SAFETY LIMITS.

MEDFORD, N.Y. (AP) - POLICE IN MEDFORD, N.Y., ABOUT 60 MILES EAST OF NEW YORK CITY, ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A SUSPECT WHO SHOT AND KILLED FOUR PEOPLE INSIDE A PHARMACY DURING AN APPARENT ROBBERY SUNDAY. INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THAT A SINGLE GUNMAN WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHOOTING. THEY SAY HE TOOK PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND FLED THE PHARMACY CARRYING A BLACK BACKPACK.

COLUMBUS, OHIO (AP) - A NEW U.S. STUDY ON DROWNINGS SAYS EVEN PORTABLE POOLS CARRY A DROWNING RISK FOR CHILDREN. THE STUDY IN THE JOURNAL PEDIATRICS SAYS A CHILD DIES EVERY FIVE DAYS IN A PORTABLE POOL DURING THE WARM-WEATHER MONTHS. IT CALLS FOR EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE PROTECTION DEVICES FOR THE POOLS, ALONG WITH CONSTANT ADULT SUPERVISION.

BEIRUT (AP) - A SPEECH TODAY COULD BE A KEY TEST OF WHETHER SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR ASSAD WILL BEND TO OPPOSITION DEMANDS. IT'S HIS THIRD ADDRESS TO THE NATION SINCE THE COUNTRY'S UPRISING BEGAN IN MARCH, FOLLOWED BY A VIOLENT GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN. MANY PROTESTERS INSIST THEY WILL ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN THE REGIME'S DOWNFALL.

TODAY'S NEWS: JUNE 18, 2011

WATER BOIL ADVISORY MONDAY

THE SHENANDOAH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED A WATER-BOIL ADVISORY STARTING MONDAY, JUNE 20 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FOR SHENANDOAH, SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS, WESTON PLACE, TURKEY RUN, AND BROWNSVILLE. WATER MUST BE BOILED FOR CONSUMPTION PURPOSES. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO EXPERIENCE LOW PRESSURE, DIRTY WATER, AND POSSIBLY NO WATER AT TIMES. THIS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEK AS NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE TO THE SYSTEM.

DEMS APPOINT NEW HEAD

THERE IS A CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE HELM OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY. TAMAQUA MAYOR CHRISTIAN MORRISON WAS UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED TO THE POST THIS WEEK, ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN HERALD. MORRISON REPLACES ED KLEHA, WHO STEPPED DOWN IN MARCH AFTER CHAIRING THE PARTY FOR OVER A DECADE.

ANNUAL HAWK MOUNTAIN HILL CLIMB

HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY IN KEMPTON WILL HOLD ITS FIRST ANNUAL HAWK MOUNTAIN HILL CLIMB THIS MORNING FROM 8AM TILL 2PM. THIS EVENT IS A 5K RUN, WALK OR HIKE. SHUTTLE SERVICES WILL TRANSPORT PARTICIPANTS TO THE START LINE FROM THE VISITORS CENTER FROM 8 TO 10AM WITH THE RACE BEGINNING AT 10AM FOR RUNNERS AND 10:05 FOR WALKERS. THE COST TO ENTER IS $30 AND CAN BE PAID UP TO AND INCLUDING RACE DAY. A FINALE CELEBRATION AFTER THE RACE WILL FEATURE HEADLINER BLUEGRASS BAND "MOUNTAIN FOLK" AS WELL AS SANCTUARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND A VARIETY OF FOOD VENDORS.

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT RESULTS

A SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT WAS CONDUCTED LAST WEEK, RESULTING IN 218 MOTORISTS BEING CONTACTED. ONE OPERATOR WAS ARRESTED FOR DUI, NINE TRAFFIC CITATIONS WERE ISSUED AND 16 WRITTEN WARNINGS WERE GIVEN OUT.

POTTSVILLE AREA APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER

THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTED LINDA GRUBE TO FILL A SEAT VACATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF LONGTIME BOARD MEMBER DR. WILLIAM DAVIDSON. GRUBE HAD BEEN ON THE BALLOT IN THE MAY PRIMARY. ITS EXPECTED THAT GRUBE WILL TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE AT THE JULY POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

TRAPPER RENDEZVOUS THIS WEEKEND

THE 74TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA TRAPPERS RENDEZVOUS AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS THIS WEEKEND. THE FAIR WILL FEATURE VENDORS SELLING OUTDOOR RELATED ITEMS AND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT FROM THE OKLAHOMA DAN BAND. THE RENDEZVOUS IS OPEN FROM 8AM TO 6PM DAILY.

GOODMAN BACKS BILL TO HELP VOLUNTEER AMUBULANCE COMPANIES

STATE REPRESENTATIVE NEAL GOODMAN HELPED ADVANCE A BILL THAT WOULD ENSURE AMBULANCE COMPANIES ARE PAID FOR THEIR SERVICES. HOUSE BILL 1344 WOULD REQUIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES TO SEND PAYMENT DIRECTLY TO AMBULANCE COMPANIES, INSTEAD OF WRITING A CHECK TO THE PATIENT. GOODMAN AND HIS COLLEAGUES VOTED TO MOVE THE BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE, AND NOW HEADED TO THE FULL HOUSE FOR VOTE.

TAMAQUA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

WORK WILL BEGIN MONDAY ON AN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN TAMAQUA'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO HELP IMPROVE SAFETY AND REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION. INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT ARE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL UPGRADES, NEW SIGNAGE AND OTHER UPGRADES. SOME TRAFFIC DELAYS AND LANE RESTRICTIONS MAY RESULT ON ROUTES 209 AND 309.

FREE CANCER SCREENING

SUMMER IS JUST ABOUT HERE, AND WHILE MANY ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN. SAINT CATHERINE MEDICAL CENTER, FOUNTAIN SPRINGS, IS OFFERING A FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER, TUESDAY JUNE 21ST FROM 2 TO 4PM AT FRACKVILLE FAMILY MEDICINE. FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 875-6950.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S SIGNATURE IS ON A BILL DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN EMERGENCY JOBLESS BENEFITS FOR 45,000 DISPLACED WORKERS AND REDUCE THE COST OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SYSTEM IN PENNSYLVANIA. CORBETT SIGNED THE BILL INTO
LAW IN PRIVATE YESTERDAY WHILE TRAVELING IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. THE NEW LAW ALSO ENSURES THAT AN ESTIMATED 90,000 OTHERS CAN ALSO QUALIFY FOR THE EXTRA 13 WEEKS OF BENEFITS THIS YEAR.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL TRAVEL TO PITTSBURGH NEXT WEEK. PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN JAY CARNEY ANNOUNCED THAT OBAMA WILL VISIT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY ON JUNE 24TH TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING TO THE U.S. ECONOMY.

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - TESTIMONY HAS WRAPPED UP IN THE CORRUPTION TRIAL OF A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND HIS FORMER COLLEAGUE. LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER A.J. MUNCHAK AND FORMER COMMISSIONER ROBERT C. CORDARO ARE CHARGED IN FEDERAL COURT WITH EXTORTION, RACKETEERING AND CONSPIRACY. THE TIMES-TRIBUNE OF SCRANTON REPORTS CLOSING ARGUMENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER HAS BEEN ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS. THE VOTE MEANS THAT, IF HE'S RE-ELECTED IN NOVEMBER, NUTTER WOULD BE ON A PATH TO BECOME THE THIRD PHILADELPHIA MAYOR TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - AFGHANISTAN HAS OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGED FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT THE TALIBAN ARE TALKING. PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED STATES ARE NEGOTIATING WITH TALIBAN FIGHTERS TO BRING PEACE TO THE COUNTRY. KARZAI TELLS REPORTERS TALKS ARE GOING WELL.

CHICAGO (AP) - UNITED AIRLINES SAYS IT'S IN THE PROCESS OF RESUMING NORMAL OPERATIONS TODAY FOLLOWING A COMPUTER CRASH YESTERDAY. UNITED SAYS A 'NETWORK CONNECTIVITY ISSUE' IS TO BLAME FOR THE PROBLEM THAT GROUNDED FLIGHTS NATIONWIDE. UNITED SAID FLIGHT OPERATIONS WILL BE AFFECTED THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.

TOKYO (AP) - THE OPERATOR OF JAPAN'S TSUNAMI-CRIPPLED NUCLEAR PLANT SAYS IT'S NOT SURE WHEN IT WILL RESTART A SYSTEM MEANT TO CLEAN MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF RADIOACTIVE WATER. THE HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN HOURS AFTER BEGINNING FULL OPERATIONS BECAUSE A CARTRIDGE WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO LAST A FEW WEEKS REACHED ITS RADIOACTIVITY LIMIT WITHIN FIVE HOURS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE NEW YORK TIMES IS REPORTS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA OVERRULED LAWYERS FOR THE PENTAGON AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WHEN HE DECIDED HE COULD CONTINUE THE AIR WAR IN LIBYA WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL. THE PAPER SAYS OBAMA RELIED ON OTHER SENIOR LAWYERS WHO SAID U.S. ACTIONS DID NOT CONSTITUTE HOSTILITIES.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. (AP) - THE AIR FORCE SAYS THE SECOND TEST OF AN UNMANNED HYPERSONIC EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ENDED IN A CRASH OFF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST EARLIER THIS WEEK. THE LOS ANGELES TIMES REPORTS THAT A VIDEO SHOWS THE X-51 WAVERIDER CRASHING AFTER IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY DROPPED BY A B-52 BOMBER THAT
HAD TAKEN OFF MONDAY FROM EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE.

LOCAL NEWS: FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

MINERSVILLE LIFTS WATER BOIL ADVISORY

THE MINERSVILLE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY HAS LIFTED THE WATER BOIL ADVISORY AS OF THIS MORNING. THE ADVISORY HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE MONDAY DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK ON RT 901. ANY QUESTIONS RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO CALL 544-2200.

THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS PASSED A BILL TO REFORM PENNSYLVANIA'S UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION. MIKE DAVIES HAS MORE.

CHARTER SCHOOL AND POTTSVILLE BOARD

THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE AND THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MET FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST NIGHT. THEIR PURPOSE, TO DISCUSS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S POLICIES FROM DRESS CODE TO CELL PHONES. SUPERINTENDENT JIM GALLAGHER AND OTHER DISTRICT OFFICIALS MET WITH NICOLLE HUTCHINSON AND MEMBERS OF THE COLLABORATIVE. GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL IS HOPING TO APPOINT A BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY JULY AND HAVE GRADES K THROUGH 9 BY SEPTEMBER.

BOYER'S TO BUY POTTSVILLE WAYMART

AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN BOYER'S FOOD MARKET INC AND THE WAY MART STORE IN POTTSVILLE. OWNER OF WAY MART WAYNE HAAS HAS DECIDED TO RETIRE AND HAS BEEN IN ON AND OFF TALKS WITH BOYER'S ABOUT PURCHASING THE STORE. THE CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 18. MEANWHILE, THE WAY MART STORE LOCATED IN MINERSVILLE ANNOUNCED IT WILL BE CLOSING ITS DOORS SOON BUT NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE BY HAAS ON THAT STORE SITE.


SKATE PARK TO PLAN DEMONSTRATION

IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND CHANCE TO SHOW OF SOME OF THEIR SKILLS, YOUTH IN MINERSVILLE WILL HOLD A SKATING DEMONSTRATION AT THE NEW MINERSVILLE HOSE COMPANY. ORGANIZED BY THE MINERSVILLE SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION THE EVENT WILL STAT TOMORROW AT 10 AM AND GO TILL NOON. THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION SHOULD ATTEND THE REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:30PM AT THE MINERSVILLE WATER COMPANY.

DOG SHOOTING IN ASHLAND

ASHLAND POLICE EXPECT TO MAKE AN ARREST IN THE SHOOTING OF A DOG THAT OCCURRED WEDNESDAY EVENING. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THE SPCA TOOK THE WOUNDED SHIH TZU TO AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL TO BE TREATED, BUT IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE ANIMAL WILL SURVIVE. POLICE HAVE A PERSON OF INTEREST THEY EXPECT TO FILE CHARGES AGAINST.

STATE NEWS:

THANKS TO A $50 MILLION DONATION FROM PHEAA, LOW-INCOME PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE AN EXTRA $700 IN STATE GRANTS FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR. THE PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AGENCY WILL BE DONATING MONEY FROM ITS BUSINESS EARNINGS TO INCREASE THE STATE’S MAXIMUM GRANT AWARD FROM $3,541 TO $4,309. PHEAA COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR KEITH NEW SAID THE ESTIMATES WERE CONTINGENT ON THE MONEY GOV. TOM CORBETT APPROPRIATES TO FUND STATE GRANTS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - LAWMAKERS IN PHILADELPHIA HAVE APPROVED A PLAN TO RAISE TAXES ON REAL ESTATE, NOT SODA, IN ORDER TO HELP THE CITY'S CASH-STRAPPED SCHOOL DISTRICT. CITY COUNCIL PASSED A PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL LATE LAST NIGHT TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES ABOUT 3.5 PERCENT FOR ONE YEAR TO GENERATE $37 MILLION FOR EDUCATION.

WILLIAMSPORT, PA. (AP) - FORMER PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE SAYS DRILLERS OPERATING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE REGION RECOGNIZE THEY NEED TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDING WITH THE PUBLIC. RIDGE IS NOW A CONSULTANT TO THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY. HE TOURED SEVERAL SHALE OUTCROPPINGS YESTERDAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GAS-BEARING ROCK THAT'S LED TO A DRILLING BOOM.

MUNCY, PA. (AP) - STATE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS ARE INVESTIGATING ANOTHER INSTANCE OF METHANE CONTAMINATING WATER IN NORTHERN PENNSYLVANIA NEAR A MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS DRILLING OPERATION. ACCORDING TO THE WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE, THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SAYS IT FOUND THE FLAMMABLE, EXPLOSIVE GAS IN SEVEN WATER WELLS IN LYCOMING COUNTY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED FOR A FIFTH STRAIGHT MONTH IN MAY, BUT A DROP OF 14,000 IN PAYROLLS IS CAUSING SOME CONCERN. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY SAYS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN MAY WAS 7.4 PERCENT, A DROP OF 0.1 PERCENT. HOWEVER, A SEPARATE SURVEY SHOWED NONFARM PAYROLLS DROPPED BY 14,200, AS PAYROLLS REMAINED BELOW 5.7 MILLION.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - HOT, DRY AND WINDY ARE NOT THE WORDS FIREFIGHTERS IN ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AND COLORADO WANT TO HEAR. CREWS CONTINUE TO BATTLE SEVERAL WILDFIRES BURNING THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST. THEY INCLUDE THE BIGGEST WILDFIRE IN ARIZONA HISTORY, WHERE CONTAINMENT IS UP TO 33 PERCENT.

HAMBURG, IOWA (AP) - THE NEXT ISSUE FOR RESIDENTS ALONG THE BULGING MISSOURI RIVER IS HOW LONG THE LEVEES WILL HOLD AGAINST A THREAT THAT'S EXPECTED TO LAST FOR WEEKS. THE FLOODWALLS AREN'T DESIGNED TO HOLD INDEFINITELY. SO FAR, MOST OF THE BARRIERS ARE DOING WHAT THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO, INCLUDING A HASTILY BUILT TEMPORARY LEVEE PROTECTING HAMBURG IOWA.

BEIRUT (AP) - BIG ANTI-GOVERNMENT DEMONSTRATIONS ARE EXPECTED AGAIN TODAY IN SYRIA, WHERE TROOPS BACKED BY TANKS AND HELICOPTER GUNSHIPS SWEPT INTO ANOTHER NORTHWESTERN CITY. SINCE ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS ERUPTED IN MID-MARCH, SYRIAN LEADER BASHAR ASSAD HAS UNLEASHED THE MILITARY TO CRUSH STREET DEMONSTRATIONS. HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS SAY MORE THAN 1,400 HAVE DIED.

ATLANTA (AP) - AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY REPORT SAYS FEWER PEOPLE WITH COLLEGE DEGREES DIE OF CANCER THAN THOSE WHO ONLY FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL, AND THE GAP IS GROWING. AMONG MEN, THE LEAST EDUCATED DIE OF CANCER AT RATES MORE THAN 2 1/2 TIMES THAT OF MEN WITH COLLEGE DEGREES. THE NUMBERS ALSO SHOW A GROWING GAP FOR WOMEN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - NEW YORK SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER SAYS CONGRESSMAN ANTHONY WEINER "SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, CITY AND COUNTRY WELL FOR OVER TWO DECADES." OTHER DEMOCRATS SIMPLY SAID WEINER MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO RESIGN BECAUSE OF HIS HANDLING OF A SEXTING SCANDAL. WEINER APOLOGIZED TO EVERYONE AFFECTED, INCLUDING HIS WIFE.

LOCAL NEWS: THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011

TODAY MARKS THE SIXTH ANNUAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY HELD ACROSS THE COUNTRY, J MATTHEWS HAS THE STORY

CALL TO RE-ESTABLISH DEFUNCT HEALTH CARE PLAN FOR THOUSANDS IN PA. TOM JOSEPH REPORTS

PASD CONSIDERS RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY

IF YOU'RE A POTTSVILLE AREA STUDENT ENROLLED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, YOU COULD BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING NEXT YEAR. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS ON WEDNESDAY THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCED ITS INTENT TO ADOPT A RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY THAT WOULD APPLY TO JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. EIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ALREADY HAVE SUCH POLICIES IN EFFECT.

ASSAILANT DESCRIPTION RELEASED

THE DESCRIPTION OF A MAN WHO ASSAULTED A MOTORIST MONDAY ALONG ROUTE 61 IN DEER LAKE HAS BEEN RELEASED BY STATE POLICE. THE MAN IS ABOUT 5-FEET 11 INCHES TALL, IN HIS 30S WITH SHORT RED HAIR. HE WAS WEARING BLACK WORK GLOVES AND A BLACK NASCAR SHIRT, JEANS AND A RED BANDANA. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL POLICE AT 593-2000.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

DESPITE SOME SETBACKS CONSTRUCTION ON ROUTE 61 IN DEER LAKE CONTINUES. THE 35 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT WILL SPAN FROM WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP TO PARTS OF ROUTE 895. PENNDOT HAS SEIZED OVER 100 PROPERTIES NEAR ROTE 61 FOR THE PROJECT. ON WEDNESDAY, ONE OF THOSE PROPERTIES WAS DEMOLISHED. ROAD CONSTRUCTION TO INCLUDE ADDING JUG HANDLES AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS COULD BEGIN BY NEXT SPRING WITH A COMPLETION SET FOR 2014.

COUNTY LOOKING TO BOOST REVENUE

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE LOOKING TO IMPROVE REAL ESTATE TAX REVENUES AND HAVE HIRED A FIRM FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO DO SO. PALMETTO POSTINGS INC. HAS BEEN HIRED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TO POST PROPERTIES ON BEHALF OF THE TAX CLAIM BUREAU WHOSE OWNERS HAVE NOT PAID THEIR TAXES. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE HIRING AT YESTERDAY'S MEETING.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MARCELLUS TASK FORCE MEETING

MEMBERS OF THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE MET YESTERDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME. 11 OF THE 15 MEMBERS MET TO DISCUSS LEADERSHIP AND BEGIN DEVELOPING PLANS TO LEARN ABOUT MARCELLUS SHALE , WHICH HAS BEEN A POPULAR TOPIC IN PENNSYLVANIA. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CREATED THE TASK FORCE BACK IN MAY MAKING SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THE 16TH COUNTY TO DO SO IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

UNION STATION TO START BUS SERVICE

SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM HAS SET A DATE TO OPEN BUS SERVICE AT UNION STATION. JUNE 27 THE FIRST BUS WILL GO INTO SERVICE AT THE NEW 17 MILLION DOLLAR BUILDING. SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY IS STILL WORKING OUT THE DETAILS FOR BIEBER TOURWAYS OF KUTZTOWN TO BEGIN CHARTER BUS SERVICES BUT NO DATE ON THAT HAS BEEN SET. THE INTERMODAL STATION OPENED LAST WEEK WITH A FORMAL DEDICATION.


NEW BILL PASSED IN REACTION TO "CASH FOR KIDS"

THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A NEW BILL THIS WEEK IN REACTION TO THE RECENT "CASH FOR KIDS" CORRUPTION CASE IN LUZERNE COUNTY. THE LEGISLATION WILL MANDATE THE IMMEDIATE FORFEITURE OF PENSION BENEFITS WHEN A PUBLIC OFFICIAL ENTERS A PLEA OF GUILTY OR NO CONTEST TO CORRUPTION CHARGES. THE BILL WAS PART OF A PACKAGE OF ANTI-CORRUPTION LEGISLATION AND WILL NOW GO TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION.

TOBASH APPLAUDS MOVEMENT ON MARCELLUS SHALE IMPACT FEE PROPOSALS

REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAID WEDNESDAY HE IS ENCOURAGED BY RECENT ACTIONS ON A PROPOSED IMPACT FEE ON NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN THE COMMONWEALTH. THE SENATE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE APPROVED AN IMPACT FEE PROPOSAL ON TUESDAY AND BY WEDNESDAY TOBASH STOOD WITH SEVERAL HOUSE LAWMAKERS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A PLAN. TOBASH ADDED THAT DRILLING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE REGION IS GROWING IN "LEAPS AND BOUNDS" AND THINKS THE TIME TO ASSESS AN IMPACT FEE IS NOW.

STATE NEWS:
THE PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD HAS VOTED NO TO PRICE INCREASES FOR WINES AND LIQUOR. THE THREE MEMBER PANEL REJECTED SUPPLIERS REQUESTS FOR AN INCREASE ON ABOUT 400 PRODUCTS SOLD IN STATE STORES. MOST OF THE ITEMS WOULD HAVE SEEN ABOUT A DOLLAR INCREASE PER BOTTLE. THIS COMES AS THE P-L-C-B AND STATE EMPLOYEE UNIONS CONTINUE TO FIGHT OVER WHETHER LIQUOR STORES SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BY THE STATE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS HAVE ANNOUNCED A DEAL TO AVOID LETTING 45,000 PENNSYLVANIANS LOSE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS. IT PUTS LIMITS ON THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF BENEFIT CHECKS AND REQUIRES RECIPIENTS TO LOOK FOR WORK. THE COMPROMISE AMENDMENT WOULD CAP THE LARGEST BENEFIT AT $573 FOR NEXT
YEAR.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE AGREED ON A BILL TO BAN THE SYNTHETICALLY PRODUCED CHEMICALS KNOWN AS "BATH SALTS" THAT ARE LEGAL EVEN THOUGH THEY CAN PACK AS MUCH OF A PUNCH AS COCAINE OR METHAMPHETAMINES. THE SENATE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY YESTERDAY TO SEND THE BILL TO GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT, WHO PLANS TO SIGN IT. THE HOUSE APPROVED IT MONDAY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A US AIRWAYS EMPLOYEE WAS STOPPED IN PITTSBURGH AFTER ALLEGEDLY STOWING AWAY ON AN EARLIER FLIGHT FROM FLORIDA TO NORTH CAROLINA. ALLEGHENY COUNTY POLICE SUPERINTENDENT CHARLES MOFFATT TELLS THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW THE EMPLOYEE WAS STOPPED ON TUESDAY AFTER GETTING OFF A FLIGHT AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

ENOLA, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY THEY LEARNED OF THE FATAL SHOOTINGS OF A MAN AND WOMAN IN A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HOME AFTER THE KILLER CALLED 911 TO REPORT THAT ONE VICTIM'S YOUNG SON WAS ALONE IN THE HOUSE. AUTHORITIES SAY ROBERT LIDDICK APPARENTLY KILLED HIMSELF YESTERDAY; HOURS AFTER INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE HE FATALLY SHOT HIS
EX-GIRLFRIEND AND ANOTHER MAN IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

SPRINGERVILLE, ARIZ. (AP) - THE RETURN OF HIGH WINDS TODAY COULD GIVE FIREFIGHTERS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY AGAINST THE LARGEST WILDFIRE IN ARIZONA HISTORY. THEY'VE BEEN MAKING PROGRESS BUT THE WINDS COULD LAST THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THE WINDS WILL ALSO MOVE INTO NEW MEXICO, WHERE CREWS ARE TRYING TO GAIN ON GROWING FIRES.

HAMBURG, IOWA (AP) - FLOODWATERS THAT BREACHED A MISSOURI RIVER LEVEE NEAR THE MISSOURI-IOWA BORDER ARE EXPECTED TO REACH A MAKESHIFT BARRIER TODAY THAT WAS HURRIEDLY BUILT TO PROTECT THE SMALL IOWA TOWN OF HAMBURG. THE NEW LEVEE WAS FINISHED WEDNESDAY, AND MOST OF THOSE LIVING IN THE THREATENED PARTS OF TOWN HAVE
CLEARED OUT.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - JOHN EDWARDS IS TRYING TO DELAY GIVING A DEPOSITION IN A LAWSUIT. A JUDGE IN NORTH CAROLINA WILL HEAR ARGUMENTS TODAY OVER WHETHER THE FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE TO TESTIFY THIS MONTH IN A CASE INVOLVING A PURPORTED SEX TAPE. THE FORMER SENATOR SAYS HIS DEPOSITION SHOULD WAIT UNTIL
THE RESOLUTION OF FEDERAL CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST HIM.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WANTS PEOPLE TO DEVELOP HEALTHIER HABITS. IT'S RELEASING A PLAN TODAY CALLING FOR PREVENTING DISEASE AND INJURY, WITH A GREATER EMPHASIS ON CREATING HEALTHIER HOMES, COMMUNITIES, FOODS, ROADS AND WORKPLACES. WHILE U.S. LIFE EXPECTANCY IS AROUND 78 YEARS, A NEW REPORT SAYS ONLY 69
OF THOSE YEARS TEND TO BE HEALTHY ONES.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (AP) - A EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK OFFICIAL SAYS A GREEK DEFAULT ON DEBT WOULD MEAN THE EU'S CRISIS BAILOUT FUND WOULD HAVE TO DOUBLE TO $2.1 TRILLION. A DEFAULT WOULD SPREAD FINANCIAL TURMOIL TO OTHER COUNTRIES. THE OFFICIAL SAYS THE BIGGER FUND WOULD BE NEEDED TO BACKSTOP THE ADDED RISKS TO PORTUGAL AND IRELAND, WHO ARE ALSO IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

PPL ELECTRIC UTILITY CUSTOMERS MAY BE ABLE TO SAVE ON THEIR NEXT BILL. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:


FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICER REPORTS TO PRISON

FORMER SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM MOYER HAS REPORTED EARLY FOR HIS PRISON SENTENCE IN FEDERAL PRISON. MOYER WAS TO REPORT TO U-S MARSHALS OFFICE IN SCRANTON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. JUDGE RICHARD CAPUTO HAD ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED MOYER TO REPORT ON JUNE 29TH BUT MOYER INDICATED HE WANTED TO REPORT EARLY. MOYER WAS CONVICTED OF LYING TO F-B-I AGENTS IN REGARDS TO THE BEATING DEATH OF AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IN SHENANDOAH IN 2008

NEW RINGGOLD MAN ASSAULTED ON ROUTE 61

STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT IN WHICH SOMEONE ALLEGEDLY THREATENED A NEW RINGGOLD MAN WITH A GUN MONDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE TELL US 22-YEAR-OLD JORDAN BERG STOPPED TO HELP A MAN WHO WAS BROKEN-DOWN ON ROUTE 61 NEAR DEER LAKE. THE MAN GOT INTO BERG'S VEHICLE AND BRANDISHED A HANDGUN AT HIM. BERG SUFFERED INJURIES DURING THE INCIDENT BUT WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY FROM THE MAN. ANYONE WHO SAW A DISABLED TAN CHEVROLET BLAZER ON ROUTE 61 AND MAY HAVE INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL STATE POLICE AT 593-2000.

MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE TO HOLD 1ST MEETING

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE WILL BE HOLDING A KICK OFF MEETING TODAY AT 1PM. ALL 15 MEMBERS OF THE FORCE WERE CHOSEN LAST MONTH BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. TODAY'S MEETING WILL REVIEW THE MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TASK FORCE; SELECT A CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN AND ESTABLISH GOALS, SUBCOMMITTEES AND FUTURE MEETING DATES. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING IN POTTSVILLE.


SOLICITING REQUIRES PERMITS IN BOROUGH

RINGTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL HAS AGREED TO REQUIRE A PERMIT IN ORDER TO PRIVATELY SOLICIT WITHIN THE BOROUGH. THE ORDINANCE WILL REGULATE PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO VISIT RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING GOODS AND OTHER WARES. THIS ORDINANCE DOES DIFFER FROM COMMERCIAL SOLICITATION.

PORT CARBON TO FIGHT THE BLIGHT

PORT CARBON BOROUGH COUNCIL HAS AGREED TO HIRE LEHIGH ENGINEERING OF POTTSVILLE TO SERVE AS ITS ON CALL CODE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. THEIR DUTY TO BRING BLIGHTED PROPERTIES UP TO CODE. COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE SCHEDULED TO MEET TODAY WITH LEHIGH ENGINEERING TO FINALIZE THE AGREEMENT.

DUMP THE PUMP

DUMP THE PUMP, THE ANNUAL EVENT HELD BY SCHUYLKILL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IS SET FOR TOMORROW. THE IDEA BEHIND THE EVENT IS TO SAVE PEOPLE GAS MONEY AND THOSE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THE CHANCE TO RIDE THE BUS FOR JUST A DOLLAR. S-T-S REPORTS LAST YEAR 380 PEOPLE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE REDUCED RATE

COALDALE MAN TO SERVE ON PA NURSING BOARD

THE PENNSYLVANIA SENATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE GOVERNOR'S NOMINATION OF ROBERT AMES OF COALDALE TO SERVE ON PENNSYLVANIA'S NURSING BOARD. SENATOR DAVE ARGALL AND REPRESENTATIVE JERRY KNOWLES STRONGLY SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR'S NOMINATION AND SAY HIS EXPERIENCE AS A HOSPITAL PATIENT AND A LONG-TERM BOARD MEMBER AT ST. LUKE'S MINERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN COALDALE GIVE HIM A UNIQUE AND VALUABLE INSIGHT. THE STATE BOARD OF NURSING MEETS ONCE A MONTH IN HARRISBURG.

DOWNTOWN LOCATION LAW PASSED

SENATOR DAVE ARGALL'S LEGISLATION THAT STRENGTHENS THE CURRENT DOWNTOWN LOCATION LAW HAS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED THE SENATE'S COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC, AND RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. THIS LAW WHICH WAS INTRODUCED BY ARGALL AND SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE DURING THE 1999-2000 SESSION ENCOURAGES STATE AGENCIES TO LOCATE OFFICES IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS TO AID AND REVITALIZE AGING DOWNTOWNS. THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED REQUIRE THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES TO COORDINATE WITH LOCAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION ORGANIZATIONS WHEN DECIDING ON A LOCATION FOR ANY STATE AGENCY OFFICE.

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE STATE SUPREME COURT IS WADING INTO THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ITS TEACHERS UNION OVER WHAT COULD BE THE BIGGEST JOB LOSSES IN A GENERATION. THE CASH-STRAPPED DISTRICT ISSUED MORE THAN 1,500 PINK SLIPS TO TEACHERS LAST WEEK. THE LAYOFFS ARE ON HOLD WHILE THE JUSTICES REVIEW THE CASE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - UNION LEADERS IN PHILADELPHIA SAY A PROPOSED TAX ON SODA AND OTHER SUGARY BEVERAGES WOULD FORCE HUNDREDS TO LOSE THEIR JOBS. MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER IS PUSHING A 2-CENTS-PER-OUNCE TAX ON SODA AND OTHER SUGARY BEVERAGES TO HELP PREVENT CUTS IN THE CITY'S CASH-STRAPPED SCHOOL SYSTEM. A SIMILAR PLAN WAS SCRAPPED LAST YEAR.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - POLICE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY A MAN WAS SHOT AND KILLED AFTER HE INTERVENED IN AN ARGUMENT DURING A PICKUP BASKETBALL GAME. POLICE TELL THE PATRIOT-NEWS OF HARRISBURG, OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO THE BASKETBALL COURTS IN HARRISBURG'S RESERVOIR PARK LAST NIGHT.


NATIONAL NEWS:

LUNA, N.M. (AP) - TODAY COULD BE THE DAY A MASSIVE ARIZONA WILDFIRE BECOMES THE LARGEST IN STATE HISTORY. AS FIREFIGHTING CREWS CONTINUE THEIR WORK, INVESTIGATORS ARE FOCUSED ON TWO PEOPLE WHOSE CAMPFIRE MAY HAVE STARTED THE BLAZE. FIRES ALSO GREW ELSEWHERE IN NEW MEXICO, INCLUDING ONE NEAR THE COLORADO BORDER THAT FORCED THE CLOSURE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY.

HAMBURG, IOWA (AP) - IF A SECONDARY LEVEE CAN'T DO ITS JOB, OFFICIALS FEAR HAMBURG, IOWA WILL FILL UP LIKE A BATHTUB WITH FLOODWATER FROM THE MISSOURI RIVER. CREWS WORKING FOR THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HOPE TO PILE AT LEAST THREE FEET OF EXTRA DIRT ATOP THE TEMPORARY BARRIER BEFORE THIS EVENING. THE RIVER HAS ALREADY SMASHED THROUGH THE MAIN LEVEE.

SANAA, YEMEN (AP) - ISLAMIC MILITANTS WHO HAVE SEIZED ENTIRE EIGHBORHOODS IN A SOUTHERN YEMEN CITY ARE BELIEVED TO INCLUDE AL-QAIDA MEMBERS. THE MILITANTS, EMBOLDENED BY MONTHS OF TURMOIL IN YEMEN LAUNCHED A SURPRISE DAWN ATTACK TODAY, SEIZED ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOODS OF HOUTA AFTER GUNFIGHTS WITH GOVERNMENT FORCES. HOUTA IS THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF LAHJ PROVINCE.

JERUSALEM (AP) - THE ACTING U.S. MIDDLE EAST ENVOY AND ANOTHER TOP DIPLOMAT ARE IN THE REGION TO TRY TO FIND A WAY TO RESUSCITATE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE TALKS. THE BIG CHALLENGE IS TO FIND A FORMULA FOR TALKS THAT WOULD ENTICE THE PALESTINIANS TO DROP THEIR BID TO SEEK RECOGNITION FOR A STATE AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN SEPTEMBER.

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) - THERE ARE A FEW MORE BITS OF EVIDENCE TO INTRODUCE TODAY BUT THE PROSECUTION SAYS IT EXPECTS TO REST ITS CASE IN THE MURDER TRIAL OF CASEY ANTHONY, THE FLORIDA MOTHER ACCUSED OF KILLING HER 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. THE DEFENSE SAYS IT WILL BE READY TO CALL ITS FIRST WITNESS TOMORROW, BUT ONLY IF A STANDARD MOTION ASKING THE JUDGE TO THROW OUT THE CASE IS DENIED.

TODAY'S NEWS: JUNE 14, 2011

STATE REP. MIKE TOBASH(SCHUYLKILL, BERKS)SPEAKS OUT ABOUT MARCELLUS SHALE AND THE STATE BUDGET. J MATTHEWS REPORTS

BLUE MOUNTAIN TEEN WINS FEDERAL CASE

THE 3RD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS IN PHILADELPHIA HAS RULED IN A STUDENT FROM BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT'S FAVOR. THE COURT RULED THAT THE SCHOOL CANNOT DISCIPLINE STUDENTS FOR MYSPACE PARODIES OF THEIR PRINCIPLES OFF SCHOOL GROUNDS BECAUSE STUDENT SPEECH IS PROTECTED UNDER SUPREME COURT CASE LAW. THE STUDENT HAD POSTED A MYSPACE PROFILE OF BLUE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPLE JAMES MCGONIGLE IN MARCH 2007 THE PROFILE INCLUDED ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, INSULTS AND PICTURES OF THE PRINCIPLE.

POTTSVILLE BANS SYNTHETIC DRUG

POTTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL BANNED THE POSSESSION , SALE AND MANUFACTURING OF BATH SALTS LACED WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS AT LAST NIGHT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING. THE FIRST OFFENSE CARRIES A HEAVY FINE OF $1000 AND 30 DAYS IN JAIL. IN MAY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL ISSUED A COUNTY-WIDE BAN ON THE SYNTHETIC DRUG.

CHARTER SCHOOL MEETING WILL ALLOW POTTSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ALONG WITH THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING OF THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY WILL BE HELD AT THE HOME OF NICOLLE HUTCHINSON, THE COLLABORATIVE PRESIDENT. NEITHER THE PUBLIC NOR PRESS IS ALLOWED AT THE MEETING.

SENIOR PICNIC HELD TODAY

THE SENIOR SET WILL HAVE PLENTY TO DO IN THE BOROUGH OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TODAY AS IT'S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZEN APPRECIATION DAY AND PICNIC AT PICTURESQUE BUBECK PARK. THERE'S ALWAYS PLENTY OF GREAT FOOD, SUPER ENTERTAINMENT AND FELLOWSHIP FOR THOSE OVER 50 WHO LIVE IN THE BOROUGH. GET THERE EARLY AS THE EVENT HAS DRAWN LARGE CROWDS IN PREVIOUS YEARS. RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED. CALL SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BOROUGH HALL AT 385-2841.


MAYOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO HOLD MEETING.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAYOR GARY HESS’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS PLANNING A MEETING FOR JUNE 20TH TO DISCUSS THE TOURISM ASSETS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE PURPOSE IS THE MARKETING PLAN FOR THE 130 MILE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL. WHEN COMPLETED THE TRAIL WILL RUN FROM POTTSVILLE TO PHILADELPHIA AND OFFER PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO HIKE OR BIKE. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WAS AWARDED A GRANT TO BE USED FOR THE FORMATION OF A HERITAGE ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY.

BID FOR FRACKVILLE DEMOLITION APPROVED

AT A SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY, FRACKVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL ACCEPTED A LOW BID TO DEMOLISH THE HOMES DESTROYED IN THE JANUARY 2 FIRE ON HOWARD STREET. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, OUT OF EIGHT BIDS, THE LOW BID CAME FROM PENN EARTHWORKS INC. IN HAZLE TOWNSHIP FOR OF $29,440. A TOTAL SEVEN PROPERTIES WILL BE DEMOLISHED.

DEADLINE TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE

RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THAT WERE AFFECTED BY THE EXTREME WEATHER ON MAY 23-26 SHOULD CONTACT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO REPORT ANY DAMAGE RELATED TO THE EXTREME WEATHER. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMA IS COLLECTING DATA TO POSSIBLY QUALIFY FOR LOW INTEREST LOANS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TO ASSIST IN RESTORING PROPERTY AND HOMES TO LIVABLE CONDITION. THE DEADLINE TO REPORT DAMAGE TO BE INCLUDED IS FRIDAY, JUNE 17. TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE, PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION LINE AT 570-621-9966.


STATE NEWS:

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (AP) - THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED TWO TORNADOS TOUCHED DOWN IN YORK COUNTY OVER THE WEEKEND. FORECASTERS SAY A WEAK EF-1 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN EAST WINDSOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THE TORNADO KNOCKED DOWN ABOUT 50 TREES. THE WEATHER SERVICE SAYS AN EF-0 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER NORTHEAST OF SPRINGVALE.

WASHINGTON, PA. (AP) - NEARLY 400 SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING GATHERED AT WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOR A U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HEARING. LAST NIGHT'S HEARING WAS AIMED AT GATHERING COMMENTS ABOUT HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, OR FRACKING.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS SAYS THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT HAS ISSUED A STAY IN A LAWSUIT THE UNION BROUGHT AGAINST THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT OVER TEACHER LAYOFFS. THE UNION SAID IN A STATEMENT LAST NIGHT THE RULING POSTPONES A HEARING SCHEDULED FOR THIS MORNING. A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT COULDN'T BE REACHED FOR COMMENT.

YARDLEY, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY SMOKING MAY HAVE SPARKED A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA HOUSE FIRE THAT LEFT ONE WOMAN DEAD. OFFICIALS SAY THE BLAZE IN LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP BROKE OUT YESTERDAY MORNING. THE NAME OF THE VICTIM HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED PENDING NOTIFICATION OF HER RELATIVES.

NATIONAL NEWS:

BAGHDAD (AP) - THERE ARE CONFLICTING REPORTS ABOUT WHETHER AN ATTACK ON AN IRAQI GOVERNMENT COMPOUND THAT KILLED EIGHT PEOPLE IS UNDER CONTROL. AN IRAQI ARMY OFFICIAL SAYS THE ASSAILANTS SET OFF TWO CAR BOMBS OUTSIDE THE COMPOUND IN BAQOUBA 3MILES NORTHEAST OF BAGHDAD. GUNMEN THEN STORMED THE BUILDING AND TOOK HOSTAGES. IT'S NOT KNOWN IF ATTACKERS ARE AMONG THE DEAD.

HAMBURG, IOWA (AP) - AN EFFORT TO BOLSTER A SECONDARY LEVEE IS TRYING TO BEAT THE CLOCK, AND FLOODWATERS HEADING FOR A SMALL IOWA TOWN. HAMBURG COULD FIND ITSELF UNDER 10 FEET OF WATER IF THE SECOND LEVEE FAILS. CREWS ARE TRYING TO RAISE IT THREE FEET AFTER A MAIN LEVEE BROKE.

LUNA, N.M. (AP) - FIRE CREWS CLEARING BRUSH AND SETTING FIRE LINES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PREVENT A MASSIVE WILDFIRE IN EASTERN ARIZONA FROM SPREADING TO A TOWN ACROSS THE STATE LINE IN NEW MEXICO. THE FIRE HAS BURNED FOR TWO WEEKS.

BERLIN (AP) - GERMAN AUTHORITIES SAY IT COULD TAKE WEEKS TO INVESTIGATE OF THE CRASH OF A GOODYEAR BLIMP THAT BURST INTO FLAMES, KILLING THE PILOT. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, SAYS THE OFFICE IS INTERVIEWING
WITNESSES AND ANALYZING PHOTOS. A SURVIVOR WHO JUMPED FROM A WINDOW SAYS THE PILOT YELLED "WE HAD AN ACCIDENT!"

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - MINNESOTA CONGRESSWOMAN MICHELE BACHMANN HAS USED THE FIRST MAJOR DEBATE OF THE CAMPAIGN SEASON TO ANNOUNCE HER CANDIDACY. FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH SAID NEW LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED TO END WHAT HE CALLED "THE OBAMA DEPRESSION." THE SEVEN GOP HOPEFULS APPEARED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THEY WERE LARGELY UNIFIED IN OPPOSITION TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011

RIDE FOR AUTISM

THIRTY-FOUR MOTORCYCLISTS PARTICIPATED IN THE 9TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR AUTISM SUNDAY MORNING IN TREMONT. THE CHARITY EVENT BENEFITS ST. JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPECIAL LEARNING TO HELP FIGHT AUTISM. THE 50-MILE EXCURSION HAD A LOWER TURNOUT THAN LAST YEAR, BUT STILL RAISED OVER $1,000.

NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL RELAY FOR LIFE

MAHANOY AREA ALUMNI FIELD WAS BUSY THIS WEEKEND HOSTING THE 7TH ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE. BRAVING THE ELEMENTS TO INCLUDE SUN, RAIN, LIGHTNING AND HUMIDITY, THE AREA TEAMS FORMED OF CITY SHIRT TAILS, MA BEARS AND FRIENDS AND TRINITY MISSION DOVES OF LOVE WERE ABLE TO RAISE OVER 44 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE SCHUYLKILL UNIT OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.


REBATE PROGRAM TARGETS PROPERTY TAXES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

OVER 120,000 SENIOR CITIZENS WHO LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOMES WILL HAVE THEIR ENTIRE SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX BILL ELIMINATED THIS SUMMER. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, SENIOR CITIZENS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX RELIEF FROM TWO SOURCES, THE GENERAL SLOTS REVENUE EARMARKED FOR PROPERTY OWNERS AND THE SENIOR-ORIENTED PROPERTY TAX AND RENT REBATE PROGRAM. THE REBATE PROGRAM STARTED WHEN THE PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY WAS CREATED TO PAY FOR A VARIETY OF SENIOR CITIZEN BENEFITS.

ACTION CALLED TO FIX SIRENS IN LIGHT OF RECENT STORMS

IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT TORNADOS AND THUNDERSTORMS THAT ROLLED THROUGH THE AREA A FEW WEEKS AGO, ONE AREA COMMUNITY IS LOOKING TO IMPROVE ITS POOR WARNING SYSTEM FOR RESIDENTS. AT A RECENT MEETING OF THE HEGINS TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS DISCUSSED THE BROKEN SIRENS AT THE HEGINS AND VALLEY VIEW FIRE COMPANIES SUPERVISOR CHAD RICHARDS SAYS HE WILL INVESTIGATE THE WORKING ORDER OF THE SIRENS AND SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO WARN THE RESIDENTS OF IMPENDING STORMS.

STATE NEWS:

ERIE, PA. (AP) — JURY SELECTION IS SCHEDULED TO START TODAY IN ERIE FOR THE TRIAL OF A MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING AND KILLING A WOMAN IN A CITY PARK. AUTHORITIES SAY DNA EVIDENCE LINKED JEFFREY NORRIS TO THE DEATH OF MINDY ACOSTA IN NOVEMBER 2005. ACOSTA WAS BEATEN, SMOTHERED, RAPED AND STRANGLED.

HARRIBSURG, PA. (AP) — THE STATE SENATE IS EXPECTED IN THE COMING WEEK TO VOTE ON A BILL THAT WOULD SUBJECT ABORTION CLINICS TO THE SAME REGULATORY STANDARDS REQUIRED OF AMBULATORY SURGICAL FACILITIES. A GRAND JURY REPORT THIS YEAR FOUND UNSANITARY AND ALLEGEDLY CRIMINAL CONDITIONS AT A WEST PHILADELPHIA ABORTION CLINIC.

MONROEVILLE, PA. (AP) — FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE INVESTIGATING A SMALL PLANE CRASH AT PITTSBURGH-AREA AIRPORT THAT RESULTED IN MINOR INJURIES. POLICE IN MONROEVILLE SAY A WIND GUST APPARENTLY CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL AND THE PLANE TO VEER OFF THE RUNWAY AT PITTSBURGH-MONROEVILLE AIRPORT YESTERDAY. THE CRASH SPARKED A SMALL FIRE.

ATLANTA (AP) — EDYTHE SCOTT BAGLEY, THE OLDER SISTER OF CORETTA SCOTT KING, HAS DIED AT AGE 86. MARTIN LUTHER KING III SAYS IN A STATEMENT THAT BAGLEY DIED SATURDAY AT HER HOME IN CHENEY, PENNSYLVANIA. BAGLEY WAS A RETIRED PROFESSOR OF THEATRE ARTS AT CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY. HER FUNERAL IS FRIDAY IN WEST CHESTER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

EAGAR, ARIZ. (AP) — THE ROUGHLY 7,000 RESIDENTS OF EAGER AND SPRINGERVILLE, ARIZ. ARE RETURNING HOME, BUT THE 693-SQUARE-MILE FOREST FIRE IS STILL KEEPING AWAY SOME 2,700 IN SEVERAL RESORT COMMUNITIES IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE STATE. AND OFFICIALS SAY CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS SHOULD STILL STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA BECAUSE OF POOR AIR QUALITY.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (AP) — ONE OF THE FEW BUILDINGS LEFT STANDING DOWNTOWN FOLLOWING FEBRUARY'S EARTHQUAKE IN CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND HAS NOW TOPPLED TO THE GROUND. A 5.2-MAGNITUDE QUAKE FOLLOWED BY A 6.0 TREMOR TODAY SENT DOZENS OF PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES AND CUT ELECTRICITY TO THOUSANDS OF HOMES. RESIDENTS SAY SEVERAL BUILDINGS IN THE SUBURBS WERE ALSO DAMAGED.

WASHINGTON (AP) — CONGRESS RETURNS TO WORK TODAY, BUT NEW YORK'S REP. ANTHONY WEINER STARTS HIS WEEK IN TREATMENT AND ON A TEMPORARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE. THE MARRIED DEMOCRAT REQUESTED THE TIME OFF AFTER ADMITTING SENDING LEWD PHOTOS TO SEVERAL WOMEN ONLINE AND THEN LYING ABOUT IT.

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — TONIGHT IS THE FIRST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE TO INCLUDE FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY. ROMNEY AND SIX OF HIS RIVALS WILL MEET AT ST. ANSELM'S COLLEGE IN MANCHESTER. HE'S CURRENTLY SEEN AS THE REPUBLICAN FRONTRUNNER.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A NEW STUDY SAYS MANY SENIORS WILL HAVE TO PAY ASTRONOMICAL PRICES IF THEY WANT ACCESS TO NEW CANCER DRUGS. THAT'S BECAUSE THE MEDICATIONS COME IN PILL FORM AND DON'T HAVE TO BE ADMINISTERED AT A CLINIC. RESEARCHERS SAY 46 PERCENT OF MEDICARE RECIPIENTS FACE A CO-PAY OF MORE THAN $500 AND 1 IN 6 SENIORS CAN'T AFFORD TO FILL THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS.