TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAY CHANGE ORDINANCE
The borough of Schuylkill Haven is proposing to amend its ordinance regulating customer-owned electric generation. As reported by the Republican and Herald, the council will consider for adoption the ordinance at its 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meeting. According to the ordinance, the borough does not have be named as additional insured if the customer has a $1 million insurance policy - something the previous ordinance stated was needed. However, the customer will be responsible if something happens to the system. This is good news to Ed Woznicki, who spent $50,000 for 32 solar panels on his property and has yet to use them. Woznicki said he is just doing his part to "go green" and help the environment. He said he didn't expect to encounter the resistance he has with the borough. While he was aware of the additional insured requirement, he didn't think it would be a problem.

DUMP TRUCK STOLEN IN FRACKVILLE

Frackville police are investigating the theft of a red 2004 Chevrolet dump truck from Quality Auto Market at 134 N. Lehigh Ave. that occurred sometime Monday or Tuesday. Police said someone stole the vehicle that has a Pennsylvania registration of MP3451D, a snow plow attachment and a Class III hitch that is bent to the right. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 874-0238 or 874-2040. Information will remain confidential.

POLICE SEEK ILLEGAL DUMPERS

State police at Frackville are investigating a scattering rubbish incident on Old Mill Road, just east of Green Mountain Road in East Union Township, sometime Thursday. Troopers said several bags of household waste were found alongside the road and that items inside them will help identify the person who discarded them. Anyone with information is asked to call troopers at 874-5300.

LATE CRASH ON ROUTE 183

Four people escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash on Route 183, just east of Fox Hollow Road, about 1:45 a.m. Thursday. State police at Schuylkill Haven said Matthew Sinkovich of Saint Clair, was driving a 2001 Dodge Caravan south when he was unable to avoid a deer that jumped onto the road and struck the animal, causing disabling damage to his van. Sinkovich and his passengers, George Dillman of Saint Clair, a 17-year-old Orwigsburg boy and a 17-year-old Friedensburg girl, escaped injury, troopers said.

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - Thousands of customers are without power and winds have caused serious damage after heavy thunderstorms swept across eastern Pennsylvania. In suburban Philadelphia, an estimated 40,000 customers were reported without power in Bucks and
Montgomery counties last night.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police say a man accused of fatally stabbing a Drexel University senior apparently acted in self-defense and may not face charges. Officials say 22-year-old Evan Morris was killed early yesterday morning in the city's Powelton Village neighborhood, just off Drexel's campus. But police tell The Philadelphia Inquirer it appears that the man who stabbed Morris was acting in self-defense.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A jury has reached a guilty verdict in the murder trial of a Philadelphia man left disfigured by a suicide attempt after he killed his longtime girlfriend following their
breakup. Jurors have found 57-year-old Edward Wilson guilty of third-degree murder in the March 2009 slaying of 26-year-old Antoinette Austin. Authorities say Wilson shot himself in the face during a standoff with police after shooting Austin.

ERIE, Pa. (AP) - An Erie doctor has been cleared of charges that he stockpiled painkillers prescribed to cancer patients. The Erie Times-News reports that a jury acquitted Dr. Amer Khouri of all remaining charges. Khouri had denied stockpiling the Fentanyl lozenges after prescribing them to patients who were told to return them after saying he prescribed the wrong dosage.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Debt legislation that's required to avoid a first-ever default on U.S. financial obligations remains in limbo as an impasse drags into the weekend. Even before the Democrat-run Senate tries to pass its own plan tomorrow, House Republicans plan to go tit-for-tat and reject it today. The Senate said no to the House plan yesterday.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The debt ceiling impasse dominated the weekly radio and Internet messages today from President Barack Obama and Republicans. Obama says "there are plenty ways out of this mess." GOP Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl says Democrats have used the crisis to try
to raise taxes.

McALLEN, Texas (AP) - Don was a dud as far as South Texans are concerned. They were hoping for a soaking after months without substantial rain but Tropical Storm Don failed to deliver. Much of Texas is in extreme drought.

CHICAGO (AP) - Two Delta Airlines aircraft being backed away from loading gates collided on the tarmac at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport but no one was hurt. Officials say the planes incurred minor damage. Passengers were put on other planes.

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - The death toll rose to 25 in Ukraine after rescue workers found five more bodies at two coal mines where accidents occurred. Twelve other miners remain missing. There was an explosion at one mine and an elevator collapse at another.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY JULY 29, 2011

ON MAY 22, THE RESIDENTS OF JOPLIN, MISSOURI CAME FACE TO FACE WITH ONE OF MOTHER NATURE’S DEADLIEST FORCES: AN EF5 TORNADO. 158 CASUALTIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND IT'S ESTIMATED THAT THE DAMAGE RANGES FROM ONE TO THREE BILLION DOLLARS.MITCHELL HECKMAN REPORTS:

KANTNER FILES PETITION FOR CONTROLLER

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CONTROLLER MELINDA KANTNER HAS FILED HER PETITION WITH ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO PUT HER ON THE BALLOT INT THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, AS AN INDEPENDENT. KANTNER WILL FACE OFF AGAINST DEMOCRAT BRAD PETCHULIS AND G-O-P CANDIDATE CHRISTY JOY. KANTNER ANNOUNCED SHE WAS LEAVING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY BACK IN JANUARY AND RUNNING AS AN INDEPENDENT. KANTNER HAS BEEN COUNTY CONTROLLER SINCE 2007 WHEN SHE TOOK OVER FOR GARY HORNBERGER WHO DID NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION AT THAT TIME.

MINERSVILLE MAN HEADED TO COURT

POLICE IN PINE GROVE HAVE CHARGED A MINERSVILLE MAN WITH STABBING A MAN EARLIER THIS MONTH. 32 YEAR OLD TODD GIBSON IS HEADED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY STABBED A MAN AND INJURED ANOTHER. POLICE REPORT THAT GIBSON WENT TO A HOME OF A FRIEND LOCATED ON POTTSVILLE STREET IN PINE GROVE AND STABBED HIM MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE LEAVING THE SCENE.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECEIVE TRAINING

SPONSORED BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND SCHUYLKILL WOMEN IN CRISIS, LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECEIVED SPECIALIZED TRAINING ON HOW TO HANDLE DOMESTIC DISPUTES, ESPECIALLY VIOLENT CRIMES. THE TRAINING WAS CONDUCTED BY LT MARK WYNN A 20 YEAR VETERAN OF THE METRO POLICE IN WASHINGTON D.C. THE SEMINAR WAS ATTENDED BY PROFESSIONALS FROM MAHANOY CITY, POTTSVILLE, MCADOO AND SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AND SOME MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE.

DRIVE IN THEATRE TO OPEN

FAMECO REAL ESTATE, EMPIRE REALTY INVESTMENTS, AND KING THEATRE CIRCUIT HAVE JOINTLY ANNOUNCED THE OPENING OF A TWO-SCREEN ALL-DIGITAL DRIVE IN THEATRE AT THE SCHUYLKILL MALL NEAR FRACKVILLE, EXPECTED TO OPEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 12TH. "MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN" WILL FEATURE TWO ALL-DIGITAL PROJECTIONS, FM RADIO SOUND, AND FULL CONCESSIONS, WITH SPECIALTY FOOD VENDORS EACH WEEKEND. MOVIES WILL BE SHOWN AT DUSK EACH FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY NIGHT. KING THEATRE WILL BE INSTALLING TWO SCREENS, ONE 50 FEET WIDE AND THE SECOND 60 FEET WIDE, AND UTILIZE THE PARKING FIELDS ON THE NORTH AND WEST SIDES OF THE PROPERTY. FIRST-RUN FEATURES WILL BE SHOWN AT THE DRIVE-IN. COST WILL BE ONLY $7 FOR ADULTS AND $2 FOR KIDS AGES 3 TO 12. CHILDREN UNDER 3 ARE FREE. THE LOCATION CAN HOLD ABOUT 700 CARS BETWEEN THE TWO PARKING AREAS FACING THE SCREENS. MARK CLEMENT, MANAGER OF SCHUYLKILL MALL THEATRES SAYS THEY WILL BE OFFERING THE ONLY DIGITAL DRIVE-IN THEATER EXPERIENCE IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.(WGRC)

AROMA SPA EMPLOYEES HEAD TO COURT NEXT WEEK

PRELIMINARY HEARINGS ARE SCHEDULED FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 FOR TWO AROMA SPA EMPLOYEES CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DETECTIVES ARRESTED SUNG CHUN YANG AND MIDUCK PARK WEDNESDAY AFTER RECEIVING NUMEROUS CALLS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PROSTITUTION OCCURRING AT THE SPA ON ROUTE 61 IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. OFFICERS SEIZED SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS, MONEY, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, BUSINESS RECORDS AND PROSTITUTION RELATED EQUIPMENT. BOTH WOMEN WERE ARRAIGNED BEFORE JUDGE FERRIER AND COMMITTED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON IN DEFAULT OF $2,500 EACH.

WEEKEND SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WILL BE CONDUCTING A SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT THIS WEEKEND. ONE OF THE MAIN CASUAL FACTORS IN FATAL ACCIDENTS IS DRIVERS AND/OR PASSENGERS NOT WEARING SEATBELTS. MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO UTILIZE PROPER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN THEIR VEHICLES.


STATE NEWS:

CHICORA, PA. (AP) - A MAN HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FROM NEW JERSEY TO FACE CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY KILLING HIS FATHER AND STEPMOTHER LAST MONTH. STATE POLICE IN BUTLER SAY 40-YEAR-OLD COLIN ABBOTT IS SET TO BE ARRAIGNED BEFORE A DISTRICT JUDGE IN CHICORA, BUTLER COUNTY. HE'S ACCUSED OF KILLING KENNETH AND CELESTE ABBOTT LAST MONTH AND BURNING THEIR BODIES OUTSIDE THEIR HOME NEAR SLIPPERY ROCK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING FOR THE FIRST TIME TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION AT OIL AND GAS WELLS, PARTICULARLY THOSE DRILLED USING A METHOD CALLED HYDRAULIC FRACTURING. THE PROPOSAL ADDRESSES AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS REPORTED IN THE MIDST OF A NATURAL GAS DRILLING BOOM IN PLACES SUCH AS PENNSYLVANIA, WYOMING, TEXAS, AND COLORADO.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS APPROVED MORE THAN $65,000 IN COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO NEARLY 100 CRIME VICTIMS TARGETED BY YOUTHS WHO LATER HAD THEIR CONVICTIONS DISMISSED AS THE RESULT OF A JUVENILE JUSTICE SCANDAL IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. SPECIAL MASTER ARTHUR GRIM DETERMINED THAT EACH CRIME VICTIM IN LUZERNE COUNTY WILL GET AN AMOUNT THAT'S EQUAL TO THE RESTITUTION THE VICTIM WOULD HAVE RECEIVED HAD THE CONVICTION NOT BEEN OVERTURNED.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PITTSBURGH POLITICIANS ARE CALLING THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S BATMAN FILMS ANOTHER STEP IN THE CITY'S MAKEOVER FROM STEEL CITY TO HOLLYWOOD DESTINATION. NOLAN PRAISED PITTSBURGH'S DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE TODAY, CALLING IT "INCREDIBLY VALUABLE" TO THE LOOK OF THE UPCOMING FILM "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES."

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - ECONOMISTS IN A FACTSET SURVEY ARE PREDICTING THE ECONOMY EXPANDED AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF 1.7 PERCENT. THAT FOLLOWS A 1.9 PERCENT GROWTH RATE IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. THEY'RE THE SLOWEST BACK-TO-BACK QUARTERS SINCE THE ECONOMY BEGAN
RECOVERING FROM THE RECESSION. THE GOVERNMENT RELEASES ITS REPORT TODAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - REPUBLICAN HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER TRIES AGAIN TODAY TO MUSTER ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR HIS DEBT CEILING BILL AFTER A STINGING SETBACK YESTERDAY. HE WAS FORCED TO POSTPONE ANOTHER VOTE ON HIS PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE NATION'S BORROWING
AUTHORITY TO AVOID DEFAULT WHILE CUTTING FEDERAL SPENDING BY NEARLY $1 TRILLION.

WASHINGTON (AP) - USING LESS GASOLINE DOWN THE ROAD IS A KEY GOAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION, AND PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND TOP AUTO EXECUTIVES ARE SET TO UNVEIL DETAILS OF A COMPROMISE TODAY. THE DEAL WILL DOUBLE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS TO 54.5 MILES PER GALLON BY
2025 AND FURTHER RESTRICT THE TAILPIPE EMISSIONS BLAMED FOR GLOBAL WARMING.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (AP) - NEW MAPS FOR CALIFORNIA'S CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS COULD PUT MORE DEMOCRATS IN OFFICE IF IT'S APPROVED. THE CALIFORNIA CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION IS SCHEDULED TO ADOPT THE FINAL MAPS DURING A MEETING FRIDAY. THEY WILL BE USED IN STATE ELECTIONS FOR THE NEXT DECADE.

WARSAW, POLAND (AP) - A HOTLY ANTICIPATED REPORT ON THE PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED POLAND'S PRESIDENT IS DUE OUT TODAY. SOME POLITICAL OBSERVERS BELIEVE IT COULD LEAD TO THE DISMISSAL OF THE DEFENSE MINISTER IF THE REPORT POINTS TO MILITARY MISMANAGEMENT. A
RUSSIAN REPORT RELEASED MONTHS AGO CITED HUMAN ERROR BY POLISH OFFICIALS.

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY JULY 28,2011

AN ARMY OF VOLENTEERS WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

WOMEN ARRESTED ON PROSTITUTION CHARGES

A FOUR MONTH INVESTIGATION HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 2 WOMEN CHARGED WITH WORKING AS PROSTITUTES AT AROMA SPA IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. ON TUESDAY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE CHARGED 47 YEAR OLD SUNG CHUN YANG AND 47 YEAR OLD MIDUCK PARK WITH PROVIDING SEXUAL SERVICES AND WERE REMANDED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME AROMA SPA HAS BEEN UNDER SCRUTINY, IN FEBRUARY ANOTHER WOMAN WAS ARRESTED ON SIMILAR CHARGES.

COMMISSIONER MEETING

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE PROMOTED ANTOINETTE HUNTZINGER OF POTTSVILLE TO THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING AT REST HAVEN. HUNTSZINGER WILL MAKE CLOSE TO $60,000 FOR THE POSITION. HUNTSZINGER REPLACES JILL SCHAEFFER WHO WAS PROMOTED TO NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR LAST WEEK. ALSO APPROVED WERE A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND AUTHORIZED THE ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 9 - OCTOBER 1.

SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL RECIEVES DONATION

THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER HERITAGE AREA'S SPONSOR-A-TRAIL PROGRAM RECENTLY RECEIVED A THREE-YEAR, NINE-THOUSAND-DOLLAR DONATION FROM SAFECO INSURANCE FOR THE CARE AND UPKEEP OF A THREE-MILE STRETCH OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL. THE HERITAGE AREA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING 26-MILES OF THE TRAIL IN BERKS AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. EVEN WITH AN ACTIVE GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP WITH THE UPKEEP OF THE TRAIL, THE HERITAGE AREA PAYS ABOUT 400-DOLLARS PER MILE ANNUALLY ON TRAIL MAINTENANCE. THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER HERITAGE AREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KURT ZWIKL, SAYS THE ORGANIZATION IS VERY GRATEFUL FOR SAFECO'S DONATION WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO BETTER MAINTAIN A POPULAR SECTION OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO CERTAIN FAMILIES

THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IS OFFERING ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES FACING FORECLOSURE. THE EMERGENCY HOMEOWNERS LOAN PROGRAM, MANAGED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY, IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE DELINQUENT ON THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. THE LOAN PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE UP TO 50,000-DOLLARS FOR HOMEOWNERS WHOSE INCOME IS CUT BY 15-PERCENT OR MORE DUE TO JOB LOSS, JOB REDUCTION, OR MEDICAL EXPENSES AND ARE AT LEAST THREE MONTHS BEHIND ON THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE, A HOMEOWNER MUST CONTACT A HOMEOWNERS EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COUNSELING AGENCY AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE IS SEPTEMBER 30TH OF THIS YEAR.

EX- TAX COLLECOR HEADED TO COURT

FORMER RYAN TOWNSHIP TAX COLLECTOR, 71-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM WILDONER, WAVED HIS RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING WEDNESDAY. WILDONER IS CHARGED WITH STEALING MORE THAN $170,000FROM THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. HE REMAINS FREE ON $25,000 BAIL.

ASHLAND MAN APPEARS IN COURT FOR SHOOTING DOG

AN ASHLAND MAN WAIVED HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING WEDNESDAY AFTER BEING CHRAGED WITH SHOOTING AND SEVERELY INJURING A DOG. 46-YEAR-OLD LEE GOLAZESKI WAS CHARGED WITH ONE MISDEMEANOR COUNT OF CRUELTY OF ANIMALS AMONG OTHER CHARGES. GOLAZESKI ADDMITTED SHOOTING OFF A GUN TO SCARE THE DOG, BUT SAID HE DIDN'T MEAN TO SHOOT IT.

TAMAQUA WOMAN INJURED WHILE DRINKING AND DRIVING

A TAMAQUA WOMAN WAS INJURED AFTER DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN WALKER TOWNSHIP. POLICE TELL US 21-YEAR-OLD SAMANTHA RICHARDSON HIT A TREE THEN FLED THE SCENE, DRIVING WITH A MISSING TIRE. RICHARDSON DID NOT REPORT THE ACCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY A FRIEND. NUMEROUS TRAFFIC CITATIONS AND DUI CHARGES ARE PENDING.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE STATE CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE, FOR A WHILE, IF CONGRESS DOESN'T RAISE THE DEBT LIMIT AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STOPS SENDING MONEY TO STATES. THE GOVERNOR'S SPOKESMAN SAYS THE STATE HAS ENOUGH MONEY TO FUNCTION, FOR AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS, IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN'T PAY SOME BILLS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S LEADING ADVOCATE OF PRIVATIZING WINE AND LIQUOR SALES IS ALREADY PITCHING HIS PLAN TO A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT OFFICIALLY A BILL. HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER MIKE TURZAI WAS ARMED WITH CHARTS AS HE TESTIFIED YESTERDAY BEFORE THE HOUSE LIQUOR CONTROL COMMITTEE.

BUTLER, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A CAR VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, TRIGGERING A FOUR-CAR CRASH THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. STATE POLICE IN BUTLER COUNTY SAY THE CRASH HAPPENED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON IN SUMMIT TOWNSHIP ON ROUTE 422 BETWEEN BUTLER AND KITTANNING.


NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - INVESTOR WORRIES THAT A DYSFUNCTIONAL CONGRESS MIGHT REMAIN GRIDLOCKED OVER THE DEBT CEILING AND PROPEL THE U.S. INTO DEFAULT ARE WEIGHING ON STOCKS AGAIN TODAY AS ASIAN MARKETS FELL. HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE TO VOTE TODAY ON A NEWLY MODIFIED PLAN EVEN THOUGH IT'S UNLIKELY TO PASS THE SENATE AND FACES A PRESIDENTIAL VETO IF IT DOES.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - BANKS ARE TAKING LONGER TO MOVE AGAINST MORTGAGE DELINQUENT HOMEOWNERS AND TRYING TO WORK WITH THE NEWLY DELINQUENT ON LOAN MODIFICATIONS AND OTHER TACTICS. THE FORECLOSURE LISTING FIRM REALTYTRAC INC. SAYS 84 PERCENT OF METROPOLITAN AREAS WITH A POPULATION OF AT LEAST 200,000 SAW THEIR FORECLOSURE RATES DROP IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.

NEW YORK (AP) - A NEW SURVEY SUGGESTS THAT EVEN PEOPLE WHO OPPOSE GOVERNMENT REGULATION SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS THAT BANKS BE CLEARER ABOUT CHECKING ACCOUNT TERMS AND FEES. ACCORDING TO THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS, NEARLY THREE-QUARTERS OF AMERICANS WITH CHECKING ACCOUNTS SUPPORT RULES TO IMPROVE DISCLOSURE.

NEW YORK (AP) - A FIRST RESPONDER TO THE SEPT. 11 ATTACK IN NEW YORK SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED ANOTHER INJUSTICE AND LEFT CANCER VICTIMS OUT IN THE COLD. JOHN MARSHALL OF BROOKLYN SPOKE AT A TOWN MEETING TO EXPLAIN THE FEDERAL FUND TO HELP PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY BECAME ILL AFTER WORKING AT GROUND ZERO. THE FUND WON'T HELP PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY GOT CANCER.

WASHINGTON (AP) - REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDER HERMAN CAIN HAS MET WITH MUSLIM LEADERS IN THE WAKE OF VITRIOLIC REMARKS HE MADE ABOUT ISLAM. THE FORMER GODFATHER'S PIZZA CEO SAID IN A STATEMENT LATER HE WAS "TRULY SORRY" FOR COMMENTS THAT MAY HAVE "BETRAYED" HIS COMMITMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.

TODAY'S NEWS WEDNESDAY JULY 27,2011

GILLINGHAM NAMES TRUSTEES

THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL TOOK ANOTHER STEP FORWARD TUESDAY NIGHT WHEN THEY NAMED ITS TOP ADMINISTRATORS AND NAMED A BOARD OF TRUSTEES. DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING LAST NIGHT IT WAS DECIDED THAT NICOLE HUTCHINSON AND CHRISTIE WERKHEISER WILL BE THE SCHOOL'S TOP ADMINISTRATORS AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WERE INTRODUCED AND NAMED MARY RUSHANAN AS PRESIDENT. THE BOARD APPROVED THE 2011-12 BUDGET OF OVER $2.2 MILLION DOLLARS AND HIRED 11 TEACHERS. THE COLLABORATIVE PLAN TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER BUT NO DATE HAS BEEN SET.

DELAY IN AREA CODE OVERLAY

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OVERLAY FOR THE 5-7-0 AREA CODE HAS BEEN PUT OFF FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR. THE OVERLAY WILL NOW HAPPEN IN LATE 2012. THE NEW 2-7-2 AREA CODE WILL BE ISSUED IN THE SAME REGION AS THE CURRENT 5-7-0 WHICH WILL REMAIN INTACT. THE ADDITION OF THE 2-7-2 AREA CODE COINCIDES WITH THE DECISION FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN NUMBERING PLAN ADMINISTRATION WHO SAY WITH THE EXPANSION OF CELL PHONE NUMBERS HAS CAUSED A DEPLETION IN SEVERAL AREA CODES. THE LAST TIME AN OVERLAY TOOK PLACE IN OUR AREA WAS IN 1998 WHEN THE N-A-N-P-A DECIDED TO SPLIT THE 7-1-7 AREA CODE TO 5-7-0.

FRACKVILLE INMATE FOUND DEAD IN HIS CELL

AN INMATE AT THE STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN FRACKVILLE WAS FOUND DEAD IN HIS CELL SUNDAY NIGHT. WHILE MAKING ROUNDS, STAFF FOUND 31-YEAR-OLD LUIS DIAZ UNRESPONSIVE AND HANGING IN HIS CELL JUST AFTER 10PM. THE OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE. DIAZ, FORMALLY OF SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS, WAS SERVING SIX TO FOURTEEN YEARS AFTER BEING CONVICTED LAST YEAR OF TRYING TO RUN OVER A POTTSVILLE POLICE OFFICER.

EX-STATE STORE MANAGER HEADED TO COURT

AFTER WAIVING HER RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING TUESDAY, A FORMER STATE STORE MANAGER IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN IS HEADED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. 44-YEAR-OLD LINDA MULLIN OF MINERSVILLE IS FACED WITH CHARGES SHE STOLE MORE THAN SEVENTY-SIX-HUNDRED DOLLARS FROM THE STORE IN 2010.

BRUSH FIRES DOWN, WATER PLENTIFUL

ALTHOUGH A DRY SPELL HAS HIT THE AREA, LOCAL WATER SUPPLIERS ARE CURRENTLY AT NORMAL CAPACITY. JOHN MATZ, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR, SAYS THE RAIN FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR HAS KEPT US REPLENISHED. IN ADDITION, THE HOT, DRY WEATHER BROUGHT SURPRISINGLY FEW BRUSH FIRES TO THE AREA. MATZ SAYS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MORE CAREFUL WITH OPEN FIRES. EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN LIGHTING A FIRE TO PREVENT AN EXTRA BURDEN ON EMERGENCY SERVICES.

PSU BOOKSTORE WELCOMES PUBLIC TO BUY BOOKS

THE BOOKSTORE AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO COME FIND A GOOD READ. IN RECENT YEARS, TWO MAJOR BOOKSTORES IN THE AREA HAVE CLOSED, LEAVING LITTLE OPTIONS FOR BOOK LOVERS TO SHOP. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THE PSU BOOKSTORE KEEPS AN INVENTORY OF POPULAR READING BOOKS. ALL OF PSU BOOKSTORES ARE OWNED BY BARNES AND NOBLE.

LEGISLATION TO DETER UNDERAGE GAMBLING

LEGISLATION TO MAKE UNDERAGE GAMBLING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE WILL BE INTRODUCED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAUL COSTA. AFTER HEARING SEVERAL SOURCES ABOUT THE INCREASING NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS UNDER 21 TRYING TO GAMBLE AT PENNSYLVANIA’S CASINOS, COSTA SAID HE WAS PROMPTED TO AUTHOR THE LEGISLATION. THE CURRENT GAMBLING ACT MAKES IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANYONE UNDER 21 TO DO SO; HOWEVER UNDERAGE GAMBLING IS NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

POSTAL SERVICE TO STUDY LOCAL OFFICES

ON TUESDAY IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE WILL CLOSE OVER 3,000 OFFICES NATIONWIDE. LOCALLY SEVEN OFFICES WILL BE STUDIED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. CUMBOLA, LOCUSTDALE, LOST CREEK, MAHANOY CREEK, MARY-D, MUIR AND SPRING GLENN. THE POSTAL SERVICE CITES CHANGES IN CUSTOMER HABITS SUCH AS USING MORE ONLINE OR SMARTPHONE SERVICES FOR THE DECREASE IN PHYSICAL OFFICES.

OVER 1,000 CLASSIC CARS, RODS, TRUCKS AND CORVETTES WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE 18TH ANNUAL GREAT POTTSVILLE CRUISE. THIS YEAR IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER AS JERRY ENDERS AND DAVE CLEWS WILL TELL YOU. SAVE THE DATE! THE CRUISE ROLLS IN SUNDAY, AUGUST 14TH.

STATE NEWS:

A JUDGE HAS STOPPED ENFORCEMENT OF A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICT'S POLICY TO REQUIRE STUDENTS TO SUBMIT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING AS A CONDITION OF PARTICIPATING IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR DRIVING TO SCHOOL. PIKE COUNTY JUDGE JOSEPH KAMEEN SAYS THE POLICY IS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATION OF STUDENTS' PRIVACY. HE ISSUED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST THE DELAWARE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ARGUES THE 13-YEAR-OLD POLICY IS NEEDED TO PROTECT STUDENT SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND TO GET HELP TO STUDENTS FOUND TO BE USING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

PETERSBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE POLICE SAY THE CAUSE OF A CABIN FIRE THAT KILLED FOUR PEOPLE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA LAST WEEK REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE FIRE REPORTED EARLY FRIDAY DESTROYED A THREE-STORY CABIN OWNED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN ROTHROCK STATE FOREST NEAR STATE COLLEGE. INVESTIGATORS HAVE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF FOUL PLAY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - THREE EMPLOYEES AT A PITTSBURGH ABORTION CLINIC AND A FORMER REGISTERED NURSE HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ALLEGEDLY BEING ABUSED BY ONE OF THE STAFF MEMBERS. STATE PROSECUTORS SAY THE CLINIC'S FORMER AND CURRENT MEDICAL DIRECTORS AUTHORIZED ORDERING A PRESCRIPTION WEIGHT LOSS DRUG FOR AN EMPLOYEE AT THE CLINIC, WHO WAS ALLEGEDLY USING THE DRUG TO INSTEAD TREAT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE DEATH TOLL FROM LAST WEEK'S OPPRESSIVE HEAT WAVE KEEPS GROWING. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS EIGHT ADDITIONAL DEATHS OVER THE WEEKEND HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS HEAT-RELATED. HEALTH DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JEFF MORAN SAYS A TOTAL OF 15 DEATHS IN THE CITY HAVE BEEN CONNECTED TO THE SCORCHING HEAT WAVE. AT LEAST THREE OTHER DEATHS IN THE STATE HAVE ALSO BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THE HEAT WAVE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A POST OFFICE THAT PREDATES THE AMERICAN COLONIES IS ON THE POSTAL SERVICE'S LIST OF BRANCHES THAT COULD CLOSE. THE POST OFFICE IN PHILADELPHIA'S OLD CITY NEIGHBORHOOD IS LOCATED IN A HOUSE ONCE OWNED BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, THE COUNTRY'S FIRST POSTMASTER GENERAL.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE STILL COMPETING AS TIME RUNS OUT TO COMPROMISE ON A DEFICIT CUTTING MEASURE THAT ALSO WOULD EXTEND THE GOVERNMENT'S BORROWING AUTHORITY AHEAD OF A POSSIBLE DEFAULT NEXT MONTH. CONSERVATIVE AND TEA PARTY GROUPS ARE CRITICIZING HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER'S PLAN, EVEN AS HE REWORKS IT. IT'S NOT LIKELY TO PASS THE SENATE.

DENVER (AP) - EFFORTS TO REDUCE VIOLATIONS OF U.S. AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS MAY BE WORKING. THERE ARE FEWER THIS YEAR DESPITE RECENT INCIDENTS NEAR THE CAMP DAVID PRESIDENTIAL RETREAT. THE FAA SAYS VIOLATIONS ARE ON A PACE THAT WOULD RESULT IN ABOUT 220 FOR THE FULL YEAR. THAT WOULD BE THE LOWEST BY FAR SINCE 2008.

LOS COYOTES INDIAN RESERVATION, CALIF. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A SIX-DAY-OLD, 45 PERCENT CONTAINED WILDFIRE ON A SAN DIEGO COUNTY INDIAN RESERVATION IS MOST ACTIVE IN AN AREA THICK WITH VEGETATION AND NO KNOWN HISTORY OF FIRE. THE CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR FIREFIGHTERS IN THE RUGGED TERRAIN ARE HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND LOWER HUMIDITY.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - AT LEAST 19 PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A QUICK BLAST OF HEAVY RAIN SENT LANDSLIDES BARRELING THROUGH SOUTH KOREA'S CAPITAL AND A NORTHERN TOWN. TEN OF THE DEAD WERE COLLEGE STUDENTS DOING VOLUNTEER WORK ABOUT 68 MILES NORTHEAST OF THE CAPITAL, SEOUL.

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - A MAN MENTIONED AS A POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR TO THE ASSASSINATED HALF-BROTHER OF AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI HAS NOW BEEN KILLED. THE MAYOR OF TROUBLED KANDAHAR WAS ASSASSINATED TODAY BY A SUICIDE BOMBER WHO HID EXPLOSIVES IN HIS TURBAN.

TODAYS NEWS: TUESDAY JULY 26, 2011

YUENGLING BREWERY CELEBRATED ITS 3RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN JULY MONDAY. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:
CHRISTMAS IN JULY

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE DENIED FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

AFTER TWO TORNADOES HIT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN MAY, MANY RESIDENTS WERE LEFT TO FIX DAMAGES TO THEIR PROPERTIES. THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ANNOUNCED MONDAY NO FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED. AFTER AN INITIAL CONSULTATION, THE EFFORTS WERE FOCUSED ON SECURING A SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER DECLARATION WHICH WOULD MAKE LOW INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO MEET THE LOAN CRITERION. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A DECLARATION FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, THE COUNTY HAD TO SHOW A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF UNINSURED LOSS TO AT LEAST 25 HOMEOWNERS, RENTER S, NONFARM BUSINESSES OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. BASED ON THE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THESE GROUPS, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH LOSS TO MEET THE CRITERIA.

POTTSVILLE WOMAN CONVICTED OF STEALING FROM SENIOR CITIZEN

A POTTSVILLE WOMAN WILL SPEND THE NEXT ONE TO THREE YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR STEALING MONEY FROM A PALO ALTO SENIOR CITIZEN. 42-YEAR-OLD BARBARA DOYLE WAS SENTENCED MONDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. DOYLE ADMITTED TAKING NEARLY EIGHT-THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE LATE MARY CARESTIA.

HIGH TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE HEAT STRESS IN LIVESTOCK AND PETS

ROUND ONE OF THE HEAT WAVE HAS PASSED, BUT NOT WITHOUT AFFECTING MUCH OF THE STATE AND COUNTY. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY GEORGE GREIG CAUTIONS LIVESTOCK AND PET OWNERS TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT ANIMALS FROM HIGH TEMPERATURES THAT CAN CAUSE THEM TO SUFFER FROM HEAT-RELATED STRESS. GREIG RECOMMENDS LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF STRESS IN LIVESTOCK THAT ARE OUTSIDE DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY. THESE SIGNS INCLUDE ANIMALS BUNCHING TOGETHER, HEAVY PANTING, SLOBBERING, LACK OF COORDINATION AND TREMBLING. THE HEAVIER, FATTENED LIVESTOCK, ANIMALS WITH DARKER COATS AND THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE AT THE GREATEST RISK OF STRESS FROM THE EXTREME HEAT. PET OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE ANIMALS IN VEHICLES AND IF LEFT OUTSIDE SHOULD HAVE SHADE AND PLENTY OF COLD WATER.


FIRE UPDATE IN MAR LIN

THE FIRE THAT BROKE OUT ON SATURDAY IN MARLIN HAS BEEN RULED ACCIDENTAL. FIRE OFFICIALS TELL US THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. 50 FIREFIGHTERS FOUGHT THE SATURDAY MORNING BLAZE AT 215 CHESTNUT ST FOR OVER 30 MINUTES THAT LEFT JASON AND BETHANY CLARK AND THEIR SON TEMPORARILY HOMELESS.


ASHLAND RESERVOIR UPGRADE

IN ORDER TO MAKE A MANDATED SAFETY UPGRADE THE ASHLAND AREA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY WILL SEE A PROJECT INCREASE TO $500,000 TO THE A-A-M-A RESERVOIR. THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIRES THE RESERVOIR CREST TO BE RAISED BY SIX FEET ABOVE ITS CURRENT HEIGHT. THE IMPROVEMENT WILL ALLOW FOR AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF STORM WATER THE RESERVOIR WILL HOLD AND WILL CONTROL THE WAY WATER LEAVES THE RESERVOIR. THE A-A-M-A HAS SECURED A $650,000 LOAN TO PAY FOR THE PROJECT.

GILLINGHAM REPAIR

THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE IS STILL WAITING ON A PROPOSAL FROM THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE ON HOW THEY PLAN TO BRING THE SCHOOL BUILDING UP TO CODE. RENOVATIONS TO THE SCHOOL ARE ESTIMATED AT JUST OVER $300,000 BUT MEMBERS OF THE COLLABORATIVE INSIST THAT THE 116 YEAR OLD SCHOOL BUILDING WILL BE READY TO GO BY SEPTEMBER. THE COLLABORATIVE WILL ALSO HOLD A MEETING TODAY WITH THE INTENTIONS OF SELECTING A BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

STATE NEWS:

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A FORMER PROSECUTOR WHO DISAPPEARED SIX YEARS AGO HAS BEEN DECLARED DEAD. CENTRE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RAY GRICAR DISAPPEARED ON APRIL 15, 2005, ABOUT NINE MONTHS BEFORE HE WAS TO RETIRE AS THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY'S TOP PROSECUTOR. HE HAD TAKEN A DAY OFF FROM WORK AND HAD TOLD HIS GIRLFRIEND THAT HE WAS GOING FOR A DRIVE. HIS CAR LATER WAS FOUND ABANDONED. THE CENTRE DAILY TIMES NEWSPAPER REPORTS THAT CENTRE COUNTY JUDGE DAVID GRINE HAS RULED THAT GRICAR BE DECLARED DEAD.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - HEAVY RAINS CAUSED FLOODING PROBLEMS YESTERDAY IN PARTS OF THE STATE. AUTHORITIES IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SAY A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY NEARLY DROWNED IN A CREEK DURING TORRENTIAL RAINS. STRANDED VEHICLES WERE REPORTED IN WILKES-BARRE.
AND FLASH FLOODING WAS REPORTED EARLIER IN FAYETTE COUNTY, JUST OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH.

PETERSBURG, PA. (AP) - A CORONER IS SEEKING DNA TESTS TO CONFIRM THE IDENTITIES OF FOUR PEOPLE WHO DIED IN A FIRE AT A CABIN NEAR STATE COLLEGE IN ROTHROCK STATE FOREST. THE HUNTINGDON COUNTY CORONER SAYS AN INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING, BUT PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS ARE THE VICTIMS ARE MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY AND THEY
DIED OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A TEENAGER WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO KILLING AN ELDERLY SOUTH PHILADELPHIA MAN NEARLY A YEAR AGO HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 17 1/2 TO 40 YEARS BEHIND BARS. THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS REPORTS EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD REINALDO AMADOR PLEADED GUILTY TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF HARVEY MARINOFF. MARINOFF'S BODY WAS FOUND IN A CRAWL SPACE UNDER A STAIRWAY IN HIS HOME.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - THE DEATH OF AN ALLENTOWN MAN WHO WAS STABBED AND THEN PLUNGED FROM A SECOND-FLOOR WINDOW EARLIER THIS MONTH HAS BEEN RULED A HOMICIDE. ACCORDING TO THE MORNING CALL OF ALLENTOWN, THE LEHIGH COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE SAYS ERICK HERNANDEZ MAYEN DIED OF BLUNT AND SHARP FORCE INJURIES FROM THE JULY 17TH
ATTACK AT AN ALLENTOWN APARTMENT.


NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS MADE A LAST-DITCH CALL FOR COMPROMISE, BUT HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER SAYS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE WHITE HOUSE OVER RAISING THE DEBT CEILING HAVE BEEN FUTILE. OBAMA SAYS THE PUBLIC CANNOT BECOME "COLLATERAL
DAMAGE TO WASHINGTON'S POLITICAL WARFARE." BOEHNER SAYS OBAMA WON'T "TAKE YES FOR AN ANSWER."

WASHINGTON (AP) - DEBT STRESS IS MAKING A STRONG COMEBACK JUST AS AMERICANS HAD BEEN FEELING BETTER ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL FINANCES. A NEW ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SAYS THAT NEARLY HALF THE COUNTRY IS EXPERIENCING DEBT STRESS, WHICH IS UP 17 PERCENT FROM NOVEMBER.

OSLO, NORWAY (AP) - NORWAY'S JUSTICE MINISTER ISN'T SAYING THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE DEAD BUT HE DOES SAY TODAY THAT EMPLOYEES FROM HIS DEPARTMENT ARE STILL MISSING AFTER A BOMBING IN OSLO AND A SHOOTING SPREE AT A NEARBY ISLAND. OFFICIALS SAY IN ALL, 76 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN THE TWIN ATTACKS THAT HAVE STUNNED PEACEFUL NORWAY.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - FIERCE FIGHTING LATELY ACROSS VOLATILE SOUTHWEST HELMAND PROVINCE IS TAKING A TOLL. AN AFGHAN OFFICIAL SAYS CLASHES HAVE KILLED 22 INSURGENTS AND TWO POLICE OFFICERS. THE OFFICIAL SAYS THE LATEST CLASHES WERE YESTERDAY.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (AP) - A U.N. FACT-FINDING MISSION SAYS ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS DESPITE A VENEER OF NORMALCY IN THE PART OF LIBYA UNDER MOAMMAR GADHAFI'S CONTROL. A U.N. STATEMENT LATE YESTERDAY SAYS THERE ARE FOOD, CASH AND FUEL SHORTAGES. AT LEAST 30 COUNTRIES HAVE RECOGNIZED LIBYAN REBELS AS THE COUNTRY'S LEGITIMATE REPRESENTATIVES.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, JULY 25, 2011

FOR RESIDENTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WHO NEED HELP SUPPORTING THEIR PETS, A NEW FOOD PANTRY IS IN THE WORKS. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

FIRES DAMAGES HOME IN MAHANOY CITY

A FIRE RIPPED THROUGH A HOME IN MAHANOY CITY ON SUNDAY MORNING. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO 1 HOME OWNED BY JAMES WRONSKI. THE HOME LOCATED AT 1111 AND 1115 E PINE ST IN MAHANOY CITY WAS KEPT TO JUST THE KITCHEN AND PANTRY AREA, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME A FIRE AS HIT THE HOME, BACK IN NOVEMBER 2010 A FIRE BROKE OUT THAT DAMAGED 5 HOMES. FIRE OFFICIALS HAVE RULED THIS BLAZE ACCIDENTAL.


ASHLAND FIRE

A FIRE IN ASHLAND DAMAGED A HOME SUNDAY MORNING. OFFICIALS SUSPECT THE FIRE AT 732 WALNUT STREET WAS ACCIDENTAL. THE OWNER OF THAT HOME, JAMES FLANAGAN, WAS REMOVED AND TAKEN TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR A FOOT INJURY. DAMAGE WAS CONTAINED TO THE DINING ROOM.

MAR LIN FIRE LEAVES FAMILY HOMELESS

THREE PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS AFTER A SATURDAY MORNING FIRE DESTROYED A TWO STORY HOME IN MAR LIN. THE BLAZE AT 215 CHESTNUT STREET, HOME OF JASON AND BETHANY CLARK AND THEIR 11-YEAR-OLD SON KILLIAN, IS BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED OUTSIDE THE HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

FATAL CRASH IN BERKS COUNTY

A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN BERKS COUNTY TOOK THE LIFE OF A WOMAN SUNDAY MORNING. HAMBURG POLICE TELL US A 64-YEAR-OLD BETHEL WOMAN TRAVELED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT IN UPPER TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP AND SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES FROM TO THE IMPACT.

MAHANOY AREA READY FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

THE MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL WELCOME STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH MOST REPAIRS AND RESTORATION COMPLETE AFTER A FIRE DAMAGED THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ON MEMORIAL DAY. STUDENTS WILL RETURN TO CLASS AUGUST 29TH AND TEACHERS RETURN AUGUST 22ND. THE COST FOR REPAIRS AND RESTORATION IS ABOUT THREE MILLION DOLLARS.

MAIN STREET PROGRAM GOOD FOR TWO YEARS

IN SHENANDOAH THE DOWNTOWN SHENANDOAH INC RECENTLY COMPLETED THE FIFTH YEAR OF PENNSYLVANIA'S MAIN STREET PROGRAM AND RECEIVED AND EXIT GRANT FOR THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH YEARS. THE GRANT FOR $60,000 WILL COVER OPERATIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR PROPERTIES HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH OVER 20 COMPLETED PROJECTS IN 5 YEARS


PINE GROVE TO VOTE ON LIBRARY

AT A RECENT MEETING ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS DISCUSSED THE MATTER OF BUILDING A LIBRARY IN THE TOWNSHIP. THE PARACLETE FOUNDATION PRESENTED A PETITION TO PUT THE PROJECT ON THE BALLOT IN THIS YEARS GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8. THE TOWNSHIP ALSO APPROVED A CONTRACT WITH PENNY SUPPLY OF SUMMIT STATION TO DO LEVELING AND MILLING TO DARKSWOODS ROADS AND OLD FORGE ROAD AT A COST OF JUST OVER $270,000.

BICENTENNIAL BUS BASH

THIS COMING WEEKEND TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY WITH THE BICENTENNIAL BUS BASH. HOSTED BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CONSERVANCY THE BUS BASH BEGINS SATURDAY AT 9 AM VISITING SOME FAMOUS AND NOT SO FAMOUS PLACES IN THE COUNTY. STOPS WILL INCLUDE ST NICHOLAS BREAKER AND THE GRAVE SITE OF CIVIL WAR SURVIVOR BILLY HEATH OF TAMAQUA. HEATH CLAIMED TO HAVE FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF LITTLE BIG HORN JUNE 25 AND 26, 1876. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RESERVED A SEAT CALL 622-4124 EXT 113.


STATE NEWS:

WARMINSTER, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A MAN WAS STABBED TO DEATH AT A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT COMPLEX. POLICE IN BUCKS COUNTY WERE CALLED TO THE BUCKS LANDING APARTMENTS IN WARMINSTER EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. OFFICIALS SAY THE VICTIM WAS RUSHED TO AN AREA HOSPITAL, WHERE HE DIED.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - ACCORDING TO ADVOCATES FOR THE POOR AND DISABLED, GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S ADMINISTRATION IS PILING UP A STRING OF CHANGES IT ORDERED TO SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICES BEFORE SEEKING OUTSIDE INPUT. THE ADVOCATES SAY THAT'S A DEPARTURE FROM THE PRACTICE UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A NEWSPAPER SAYS INTERNAL SAFETY AUDITS INDICATE SECURITY CAMERAS INSTALLED IN PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE HAPHAZARDLY MONITORED AND NOT ENOUGH PERSONNEL ARE TRAINED TO USE THEM - IF THEY'RE OPERATIONAL AT ALL. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS THE AUDITS WERE CONDUCTED LAST WINTER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAYS HE'S CRAFTING A $2.7 TRILLION PACKAGE OF SPENDING CUTS THAT WOULD ALSO INCREASE THE GOVERNMENT'S BORROWING AUTHORITY THROUGH NEXT YEAR. HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER (BAY'-NUR) PLANS TO MEET WITH HIS CHAMBER'S REPUBLICANS TODAY TO DISCUSS THE IMPASSE. HE ALSO MAY UNVEIL DEBT CEILING LEGISLATION.

OSLO, NORWAY (AP) - THE MAN WHO CONFESSED TO THE TWIN ATTACKS THAT KILLED 93 PEOPLE IN NORWAY IS SCHEDULED FOR ARRAIGNMENT TODAY. ANDERS BEHRING BREIVIK (AHN'-DURS BRAY'-VIHK) SAYS HE WANTS TO EXPLAIN HIS MASSACRE TO THE PUBLIC. HE DENIES ANY CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY.

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS (AP) - JURY SELECTION BEGINS TODAY IN THE TRIAL OF POLYGAMIST RELIGIOUS LEADER WARREN JEFFS. THERE ARE FEW IN THE REMOTE WEST TEXAS TOWN OF SAN ANGELO WHO HAVEN'T ALREADY HEARD OF JEFFS, BUT JURY SELECTION IS ONLY ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IN WHAT'S EXPECTED TO BE A COMPLEX CASE. JEFFS IS ACCUSED OF TWO COUNTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT.

ATLANTA (AP) - A NEW GOVERNMENT STUDY SAYS THE CHICKENPOX VACCINE HAS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE DEATH RATE FROM THE DISEASE. THE STUDY FOUND THAT CHICKENPOX DEATHS FELL FROM AN AVERAGE OF 105 PER YEAR TO 14, AFTER THE VACCINE HAD BEEN AVAILABLE FOR 12 YEARS.

BEIRUT (AP) - SYRIA'S OPPOSITION HAS DISMISSED PROPOSED GOVERNMENT REFORMS AS LARGELY SYMBOLIC. SYRIA'S GOVERNMENT HAS ENDORSED A LAW THAT IT SAYS WILL ALLOW THE FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES. PRESIDENT BASHAR ASSAD HAS PROMISED A SERIES OF REFORMS HOPING TO QUELL MONTHS OF PROTESTS.

TODAY'S NEWS: JULY 23, 2011

The Schuylkill Haven Dive Rescue and Recovery Team on Friday recovered the body of a Reading man from a lake in Berks County, according to state police at Reading. At 4:55 p.m. Friday, the team located the body of Samuel Burlacu, 23, in 18 feet of water in the area he was reported missing Thursday, police said. At 6:24 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to Blue Marsh, Penn Township, at Old Church Road and Route 183 for the report of a possible drowning victim. Upon arrival, they interviewed people at the scene who said they saw a young man who appeared to be in distress and drowing. Several people entered the water but weren't able to reach the victim before he submerged, police said. Police had no success finding the victim Thursday and called in the Schuylkill Haven dive team Thursday

A New Ringgold man posted bail after he was arrested for physically assaulting two women Thursday in East Brunswick Township, state police at Frackville said Friday. Bail for Theodore S. Sadorski, 47, was set at $5,000, after he was charged with two counts of making terroristic threats and harassment and one count of simple assault, police said. Police said Sadorski was involved in an altercation at 12:30 p.m. Thursday with Linda M. Lebel and a 17-year-old girl at 59 Goose Pond Road. Sadorski also loaded a pistol in front of the victims before he fled the scene, police said. Lebel suffered bruising and the juvenile suffered a black and blue mark above her eyebrow and a cut and bruise to her elbow, police said. Sadorski was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, police said.

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that occurred at 1:33 a.m. Wednesday at Uni-Mart Exxon, 1618 Route 61 South, North Manheim Township. Police said someone smashed the glass front entry door and stole several packets of synthetic marijuana from the store. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Schuylkill Haven at 593-2000.

An electric company was the victim of a burglary when someone stole about 500 feet of copper wiring from a trailer about 1:45 a.m. Thursday. State police at Schuylkill Haven said that a spool of cooper wiring was taken from BJ Baldwin Electric Inc., Deer Lake, after someone forced open a wooden trailer door. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact state police at Schuylkill Haven at 593-2000.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said a Kutztown truck driver escaped injury when the vehicle he was driving crashed at Route 61 and Rolling Mill Road, Route 895, in West Brunswick Township at 6:25 a.m. Friday. Troopers said Jerome Schweitzer was driving a truck-tractor hauling a set of double semi-trailers west on Route 895. He stopped at a red light at the intersection, intending to turn left onto Route 61 south. Schweitzer turned at a speed too fast for his vehicle, and the second trailer rolled over onto its right side, crushing a guiderail, troopers said, adding that the man drove for about 125 feet before coming to a stop. Schweitzer was not hurt and was able to drive the truck and one of the trailers away from the scene while the second trailer was placed on its wheels and towed away. Troopers said Schweitzer will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed and for overturned vehicles and that Deer Lake-West Brunswick Township firefighters assisted at the scene.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011

HEAT WARNING

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR SCHUYLKILL COUNTY REMAINS IN EFFECT TODAY. EXPECT TODAY'S HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 98 DEGREES TO FEEL MORE LIKE 100 TO 105 DEGREES. HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES HAVE PROMPTED A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOMS. VARIOUS COOLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN TODAY TO HELP RESIDENTS BEAT THE HEAT.

RANDOM DRUG TESTING WILL BE GIVEN TO SOME STUDENTS FROM TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. MITCHELL HECKMAN HAS MORE:

CARGO AIRPORT SETBACK

CHALLENGES TO EAST UNION TOWNSHIP'S PLANNING COMMISSION, ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP BY THE PARTNERSHIP SEEKING TO DEVELOP A CARGO AIRPORT NEAR HUMBOLDT INDUSTRIAL PARK HAVE BEEN REJECTED THURSDAY BY A THREE-JUDGE COMMONWEALTH PANEL. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THE PANEL RULED GLADSTONE PARTNERS LP OF PITTSBURG FILED ITS CHALLENGE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EAST UNION'S PLANNING COMMISSION TOO LATE AND DID NOT PROVE THAT THE TOWNSHIP FAILED TO FOLLOW STATE LAW IN ENACTING THE ZONING ORDINANCE. THE DECISION, WHICH IS A SETBACK FOR GLADSTONE, UPHELD IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT.

CHARTER SCHOOL TO APPOINT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD FOR THE GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE IN ORDER TO APPOINT ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE HISTORIC ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL BUILDING IN POTTSVILLE TUESDAY AT 7PM. THE PLANNING BOARD WILL APPOINT “SEVEN TO NINE” PEOPLE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD TRUSTEES. EACH BOARD MEMBER WILL SERVE FOR TWO YEARS.

IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS

THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON THE CORNERS OF 12TH AND WEST MARKET ST COULD SEE AN UPGRADE BY THE FALL, ACCORDING TO CITY ADMINISTRATOR TOM PALAMAR. CITY OFFICIALS PLAN TO MEET WITH PENN-DOT ON TUESDAY AND TALK ABOUT IMPLEMENTING THE GRANT TO HELP PAY FOR THE NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THE INTERSECTION UPGRADE WILL INCLUDE FOUR NEW TRAFFIC POLES WITH OVERHEAD SIGNAL LIGHTS, FOUR PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AND CURB CUTS FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS.

THE SCHUYLKILL UNIT OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ITS ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM. VOLUNTEERS WILL TRANSPORT PATIENTS WEEKDAYS FOR MORNING AND AFTERNOON APPOINTMENTS. VOLUNTEERS NEED A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD AND PROPER INSURANCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL JUDY HOPPES 1-888-227-5445.

CANCER SURVIVORS CELEBRATE LIFE

THE SIMON KRAMER INSTITUTE IN NEW PHILADELPHIA WILL BE HOLDING AN EVENT FOR CANCER SURVIVORS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 24, FROM NOON UNTIL 5:30. THIS CELEBRATION OF LIFE IS A UNIQUE FAMILY EVENT OPEN TO EVERYONE INCLUDING SURVIVORS, PATIENTS, FAMILY, FRIENDS, CAREGIVERS, AND SUPPORTERS. THE EVENT WILL FEATURE A PIG ROAST, HEALTH AND WELLNESS INFORMATION, MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, BINGO, AND FUN AND GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT VISIT WWW.SIMONKRAMER.COM OR CALL 570-277-6218 TO REGISTER

STATE NEWS:

DOYLESTOWN, PA. (AP) - BUCKS COUNTY IS RETHINKING A PROGRAM WHERE OFFICIALS CUT BACK AIR CONDITIONING IN COUNTY BUILDINGS TO SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY COSTS, OFFICIALS HAD BEEN CUTTING THE AC LATE IN THE AFTERNOON ON SELECT HOT DAYS. BUT THE BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES REPORTS OFFICIALS ARE LEANING TOWARD SCRAPPING THE PROGRAM. THIS COMES AS MUCH OF THE REGION IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A HEAT WAVE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - AN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY GROUP IS ALLEGING IN A LAWSUIT, ENERGY COMPANY ULTRA RESOURCES IS VIOLATING FEDERAL AND STATE AIR POLLUTION LAWS AT ITS MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING SITES IN NORTHERN PENNSYLVANIA. PENNFUTURE CLAIMS
HOUSTON-BASED ULTRA DOESN'T HAVE REQUIRED PERMITS AND IS POLLUTING THE AIR IN TIOGA AND POTTER COUNTIES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY CASH TOLLS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE WILL GO UP 10 PERCENT IN 2012. BUT DRIVERS USING E-ZPASS WON'T SEE AN INCREASE. THE TURNPIKE COMMISSION APPROVED THE CHANGE TO GENERATE APPROXIMATELY $23 MILLION IN NEW REVENUE NEXT YEAR.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S DRIVE TO SELL OFF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE-CONTROLLED LIQUOR SYSTEM COULD FACE TOUGH ODDS IN THE SENATE WHERE THE CHAMBER'S TOP LAWMAKER SAYS HE'S NOT READY TO TAKE THAT STEP. JOE SCARNATI GAVE A LIST OF REASONS THE TIME ISN'T RIPE TO SELL THE SYSTEM. FOR ONE, HE SAYS THE AGENCY THAT CONTROLS THE STORES NEEDS THE CHANCE TO MAXIMIZE SALES.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED SENATE TODAY IS EXPECTED TO DOOM A HOUSE-PASSED MEASURE THAT WOULD RAISE THE DEBT LIMIT ON THE CONDITION THAT CONGRESS PASS A CONSTITUTIONAL BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. MEANWHILE, DIFFERENCES REMAIN AS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER SEARCH FOR AN AMBITIOUS $4 TRILLION GRAND BARGAIN.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS TAKING HIS DEFICIT CUTTING CASE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY, HOLDING A TOWN HALL MEETING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK CAMPUS. THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN OCCUPIED WITH NEAR-DAILY NEGOTIATIONS, TRYING TO AVOID AN AUG. 2 GOVERNMENT DEFAULT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE NAACP KICKS OFF ITS 102ND CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. IT'S REMADE ITSELF INTO AN ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ALL MINORITIES. JOBS, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND HOUSING ARE THE DRIVING ISSUES NOW, MUCH LIKE THE CONCERNS OF MOST AMERICANS.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (AP) - DEFENSE ATTORNEYS WILL CALL THEIR FIRST WITNESSES TODAY IN THE TRIAL OF A MAN WHO HAS CONFESSED TO SHOOTING TWO SOLDIERS OUTSIDE A MILITARY RECRUITING STATION IN ARKANSAS, KILLING ONE. JURORS ARE LIKELY TO HEAR EXPERTS PORTRAY HIM AS MENTALLY UNSTABLE.

NEW YORK (AP) - THE HEAT WAVE OVER WIDE SWATHS OF THE COUNTRY DOESN'T JUST PRESENT A DANGER IN THE SEARING SUNSHINE. EXPERTS WARN THE REAL DANGER MAY LURK AT NIGHT. THAT'S BECAUSE THE NIGHTTIME AIR MAY NOT COOL ENOUGH TO GIVE THE BODY A VITAL CHANCE TO RECOVER FROM THE DAY.

TODAY'S NEWS: JULY 21, 2011

3 SOLDIERS KILLED IN BLAST

THE PA NATIONAL GUARD HAS RELEASED AN OFFICIAL REPORT ON A STORY WE BROUGHT TO YOU YESTERDAY. THREE US SOLDIERS WERE KILLED EARLIER THIS WEEK IN AN EXPLOSION IN BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN. 47-YEAR-OLD SGT EDWARD KOEHLER OF LEBANON, 49 YEAR OLD BRIAN MOWERY OF HALIFAX AND 30 YEAR OLD SGT KENNETH VAN GIESEN OF KANE WERE TRANSPORTING SUPPLIES WHEN THEIR VEHICLE WAS HIT BY AN IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. GOV. TOM CORBETT SAYS OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THESE BRAVE YOUNG MEN WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE ON BEHALF OF THIS COUNTRY. THE SOLDIERS WERE SERVING WITH THE PA NATIONAL GUARD'S 131ST TRANSPORTATION COMPANY AND 213TH AREA SUPPORT GROUP BASED IN WILLIAMSTOWN AND PHILADELPHIA.


POTTSVILLE SD REVISES DRESS CODE

THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROVED A REVISION TO THE STUDENT DRESS CODE WEDNESDAY EFFECTIVE FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. THE CHANGES WILL AFFECT JACKETS OR OUTER WEAR, PANTS, COLLARD SHIRTS FOR ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS. ALSO WRITTEN APPROVAL FOR ANY CLUB OR ACTIVITY TO DESIGN THEIR OWN SHIRT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO SCHOOL OFFICIALS.

2 ADMIT METH LAB INVOLVEMENT

TWO PEOPLE HAVE AVOIDED MORE PRISON TIME AFTER THEY ADMITTED THEY HELPED TO OPERATE A METHAMPHETAMINE LAB IN TREMONT BACK IN MAY OF 2010. 36-YEAR-OLD CHARLES KILLE OF READING AND 35 YEAR OLD TANYA KOCH OF TREMONT ARE BOTH CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF POSSESSION OF CHEMICALS WITH THE INTENT TO MANUFACTURE A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ONE COUNT EACH OF POSSESSING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. BOTH KILLE AND KOCH COULD SPEND UP TO 2 YEARS IN PRISON.

TEEN ADMITS TO THREAT AT SCHOOL

A FORMER SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ADMITTED TO THREATENING TO BLOW UP THE SCHOOL IN MARCH 2010, IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT WEDNESDAY. 19-YEAR-OLD TOMARA SCOTT OF POTTSVILLE WILL NOT HAVE TO SPEND TIME IN PRISON AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO 2 OTHER CRIMES. JUDGE JACQUELINE RUSSELL PLACED SCOTT ON PROBATION FOR 23 MONTHS AND ISSUED HER TO PAY OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARD IN FINES ALONG WITH 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE.

REST HAVEN NAMES NEW ADMINISTRATOR

JILL SCHAEFFER HAS BEEN NAMED TO THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATOR OF REST HAVEN DURING THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY. SCHAEFFER BEGAN HER CAREER AT REST HAVEN IN 2005 AS DIRECTOR OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT. SCHAEFFER WILL TAKE OVER FOR ELAINE SCHAEFFER WHO RETIRED EARLIER THIS MONTH AFTER SERVING REST HAVEN FOR 38 YEARS.

ECONOMIC SUMMIT CREATES 5-YEAR IMPROVEMENT GOAL

FIVE NEW GOALS TO IMPROVE THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WERE DEVELOPED AT A POTTSVILLE ECONOMIC SUMMIT WEDNESDAY. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

THE GROUP DECIDED ON THE FOLLOWING FIVE INITIATIVES FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT:
• A RETAIL INCUBATOR, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR AT 1 S. SECOND STREET
• ATTENTION TO HOUSING, SPECIFICALLY INVESTIGATING RENTALS FOR PROFESSIONS AND BLIGHT ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
• ADDITIONAL HOTEL/CONFERENCE CENTER FACILITIES
• NEED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESS AND THE PUBLIC IN POTTSVILLE
• IMPROVE MARKETING STRATEGIES IN AN EFFORT TO INFORM AREA SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT COMMUNITY EVENTS

RN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST HOSPITAL

A FORMER REGISTERED NURSE AT SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER-EAST NORWEGIAN STREET FILED A FEDERAL LAWSUIT TUESDAY ALLEGING A FELLOW RN SEXUALLY HARASSED HER IN 2009. SHARON LAWRENCE OF MAHANOY CITY SAID THE HOSPITAL VIOLATED THE FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND STATE HUMAN RELATIONS ACT BY REFUSING TO DISCIPLINE JEFFREY VALLIANT WHEN SHE REPORTED HE HAD BEEN MAKING SEXUAL COMMENTS TOWARDS HER. LAWRENCE ALSO SAID THE HOSPITAL SUBJECTED HER TO RETALIATION.

SENIOR SERVICES EXTENDS HOURS

THE OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES ANNOUNCED THAT THE HOURS OF THE SENIOR CENTERS IN POTTSVILLE AND MAHANOY CITY HAVE BEEN EXTENDED. DURING THIS HEAT WAVE, OUR ELDERLY CAN VISIT THE CENTERS UNTIL 7PM. BOX FANS AND A/C UNITS ARE AVAILABLE ON A LIMITED BASIS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES.

THIEVES BREAK INTO LOCAL UNI-MART FOR SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ARE NOW INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY THAT HAPPENED EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING AT THE UNI-MART EXXON ON STATE ROUTE 61 IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. POLICE TELL US THE STORE'S GLASS DOOR WAS SMASHED OPEN AND SEVERAL PACKETS OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA WERE STOLEN. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL STATE POLICE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AT 593-2000.


STATE NEWS:

DENVER (AP) - DENVER ARCHBISHOP CHARLES CHAPUT (SHAP'-YOO) SAYS HIS FIRST PRIORITY ONCE HE STARTS LEADING THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA WILL BE TO GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS. CHAPUT SAYS HE HAS TO LISTEN BEFORE HE CAN SPEAK. TUESDAY, THE POPE NAMED CHAPUT TO LEAD PHILADELPHIA'S 1.5 MILLION CATHOLICS.

DUNCANNON, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A CORONER WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE OF A CRASH LAST NIGHT INVOLVING A TRAIN AND A VEHICLE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. THE PATRIOT-NEWS OF HARRISBURG REPORTS THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JUST AFTER 9:30 P.M. AT A RAILROAD CROSSING IN PENN TOWNSHIP, JUST NORTHWEST OF HARRISBURG.

NORRISTOWN, PA. (AP) - A JANUARY TRIAL DATE IS SET FOR A MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING AND MURDERING A 9-YEAR-OLD SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA GIRL. JAMES LEE TROUTMAN HAS BEEN CHARGED IN THE MAY KILLING OF SKYLER KAUFFMAN, OF SOUDERTON. TROUTMAN WAS FORMALLY ARRAIGNED YESTERDAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT. HE REITERATED HIS NOT GUILTY PLEA.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S SUPREME COURT SAYS A FORMER POLICE OFFICER WHO ACCIDENTALLY SHOT AND KILLED A COLLEAGUE INSIDE THEIR POLICE STATION DESERVES A $10,765-A-YEAR PENSION. THE STATE'S HIGHEST COURT UPHELD A LOWER COURT DECISION THIS WEEK ALLOWING FORMER EASTON POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW RENNINGER TO COLLECT THE DISABILITY PENSION FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS SUFFERED SINCE ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTING OFFICER JESSE SOLLMAN IN 2005

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - FEDERAL REGULATORS, INCLUDING FED CHAIRMAN BEN BERNANKE, CAN EXPECT A GRILLING WHEN THEY GO BEFORE THE SENATE BANKING COMMITTEE TODAY. THE PANEL WANTS TO KNOW WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG TO PUT INTO EFFECT SWEEPING FINANCIAL REFORMS UNDER THE YEAR-OLD DODD-FRANK LAW.

AS THE NATION'S DEBT DILEMMA DRONES ON, THE SENATE IS TAKING UP A HOUSE PLAN KNOWN AS "CUT, CAP AND BALANCE." DEMOCRATS ARE EXPECTED TO KILL THE MEASURE; THEY OBJECT TO PROPOSED CUTS IN MEDICARE. MEANWHILE, THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA MAY BACK A SHORT-TERM DEAL TO PREVENT A DEFAULT.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - ATLANTIS IS ABOUT TO SHUTTLE OFF INTO HISTORY. IT'S SCHEDULED TO LAND AT 5:56 A.M. EASTERN TIME. THE WEATHER'S PERFECT. NASA IS ENDING ITS 30-YEAR SHUTTLE PROGRAM WITH ATLANTIS COMPLETING ITS SUCCESSFUL MISSION TO RESUPPLY THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS (AP) - A TEXAS INMATE HAS BEEN EXECUTED FOR KILLING A DALLAS-AREA CONVENIENCE STORE CLERK DURING A SHOOTING RAMPAGE HE CLAIMED WAS IN RETALIATION FOR 9/11. MARK STROMAN WAS LETHALLY INJECTED FOR THE DEATH OF AN INDIAN IMMIGRANT. BEFORE THE SENTENCE WAS CARRIED OUT, STROMAN PROCLAIMED HIMSELF "AT TOTAL PEACE."

JACKSON, GA. (AP) - GEORGIA IS PLANNING TO GO AHEAD WITH THE LETHAL INJECTION OF A DEATH ROW INMATE A DAY AFTER HE WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO DIE. NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DELAY IN EXECUTING ANDREW DEYOUNG, WHO KILLED HIS PARENTS AND SISTER. HIS
EXECUTION WILL BE VIDEOTAPED AT THE REQUEST OF AN ATTORNEY FOR
ANOTHER DEATH ROW INMATE.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2011

AMERICA'S OLDEST BREWERY WILL CELEBRATE ITS' 3RD ANNUAL BARBEQUE AT THE BREWERY ON MONDAY. JASMINE BROOKS HAS ALL THE TASTY DETAILS.

WILLIAMSTOWN NATIONAL GUARD UNIT INVOLVED IN BLAST

ACCORDING TO A RELEASE ISSUED BY INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE JOINT COMMAND THREE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE DIED IN AN EXPLOSION MONDAY. AND ACCORDING TO MAJ ED SHANK PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIAISON WITH THE PA NATIONAL GUARD HE WOULD NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY THAT MEMBERS OF THE 131 TRANSPORTATION UNIT OUT OF WILLIAMSTOWN WAS INVOLVED IN THE BLAST IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN. THE UNIT SHIPPED OUT IN NOVEMBER 2010 AND WERE ASSIGNED TO TRANSPORT NEEDED SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT TO U.S FORCES SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN.

CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED IN CRASH

THE DEATH OF AN ASHLAND MAN INVOLVED IN A ONE VEHICLE CRASH LAST FRIDAY HAS BEEN DETERMINED. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT SAYS THAT 51 YEAR OLD DONALD LAHR DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES. LAHR CRASHED HIS CAR INTO A GARAGE DOOR LAST FRIDAY IN ASHLAND AND WAS TAKEN TO ST CATHERINE’S MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD UPON ARRIVAL.

COMMUNITY TO SET NEW GOALS THIS MORNING

IN ORDER TO SET GOALS AND INITIATIVES FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE POTTSVILLE AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WILL HOLD AN ECONOMIC SUMMIT THIS MORNING. PADCO INVITES ALL TO JOIN FOR AN OPEN BRAINSTORMING SESSION WHICH ONLY TAKES PLACE EVERY FIVE YEARS. THE ECONOMIC SUMMIT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATER FROM 8AM-NOON.

NORTH MANHEIM MAN HEADED TO COURT

A NORTH MANHEIM TWP MAN IS HEADED TO COURT AFTER HIS HEARING TUESDAY ON CHARGES OF POSSESSING AN ASSAULT RIFLE. ACCORDING TO POLICE REPORTS 27 YEAR OLD JOHN KYLE SMITH OF RENNINGERS HAVEN, POSSESSED AN AK-47 ASSAULT RIFLE BACK IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR IN WEST BRUNSWICK TWP. SMITH IS BEING HELD IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS BAIL.

COUNTY RESIDENTS INDUCTED INTO PA. VOTER HALL OF FAME

A NUMBER OF RESIDENTS FROM SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WERE HONORED TUESDAY FOR VOTING IN FIFTY CONSECUTIVE GENERAL ELECTIONS AND INDUCTED INTO THE PENNSYLVANIA VOTER HALL OF FAME. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, TUESDAY'S EVENT HAD 670 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, BUT MORE THAN 700 COUNTY RESIDENTS WERE ELIGIBLE FOR INDUCTION.

PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL GETS SIGN APPROVAL

DURING TUESDAY'S ZONING HEARING BOARD OFFICIALS AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL CAMPUS APPROVED THE INSTALLATION OF A DIGITAL SIGN TO BE PLACED BEHIND THE CURRENT ON ALONG RT 61. NO ADVERTISEMENTS WILL DISPLAYED ON THE SIGN AND CAN BE USED DURING EMERGENCIES FOR THE BOROUGH.

STATE NEWS:

THE LARGEST STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' UNION HAS A NEW CONTRACT. COUNCIL 13 OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES SAID TUESDAY THAT ITS MEMBERS RATIFIED A NEW FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT BY A 4-TO-1 MARGIN. VOTING ENDED FRIDAY AFTER NEGOTIATORS FOR THE 45,000-MEMBER UNION AND GOV. TOM CORBETT STRUCK A TENTATIVE PACT IN LATE JUNE.

A STATE COURT SAYS A NEWSPAPER CAN'T GET ACCESS TO RECORDS IT'S SEEKING TO SHOW HOW PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE COMMISSION EMPLOYEES USE THE E-ZPASS SYSTEM. THE PATRIOT-NEWS OF HARRISBURG REPORTED TUESDAY THAT A COMMONWEALTH COURT PANEL SIDED AGAINST ITS EFFORTS TO OBTAIN THE DOCUMENTS, AND WENT FURTHER THAN THE OFFICE OF OPEN RECORDS IN KEEPING THEM SECRET. THE OPEN-RECORDS OFFICE HAD SAID THEY SHOULD BE RELEASED, BUT WITH THE NAMES OF ACCOUNT HOLDERS REDACTED.

THE INCOMING ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF PHILADELPHIA HAS PLEDGED TO HELP SEX-ABUSE VICTIMS BY WORKING HARDER THAN ANYONE TO HEAL "THE SINS OF THE PAST." ARCHBISHOP CHARLES CHAPUT OF DENVER TAKES OVER AN ARCHDIOCESE ROCKED BY TWO GRAND JURY REPORTS THAT ACCUSE THE CHURCH OF HIDING SEX-ABUSE COMPLAINTS FOR DECADES.

THE HERSHEY COMPANY IS SELLING OFF PART OF ITS ORIGINAL CHOCOLATE PLANT TO THE SWEET TUNE OF $58 MILLION DOLLARS. IT WAS REPORTED MONDAY THAT THE COMPANY WANTS TO SELL A PART OF THE 100 YEAR OLD BUILDING THAT'S CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR OFFICE SPACE. HERSHEY’S GOAL IS TO LEASE THE BUILDING BACK AS ITS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS.

NATIONAL NEWS:
ST. PAUL, MINN. (AP) - IT LOOKS LIKE 22,000 MINNESOTA STATE WORKERS COULD BE HEADED BACK TO WORK TOMORROW AT THE EARLIEST. THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED STATE LEGISLATURE IS WELL ON ITS WAY TO PASSING THE 9 BUDGET BILLS NEEDED TO END A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.
DEMOCRATIC GOV. MARK DAYTON WILL SIGN THEM WHEN THEY'RE ALL DONE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - MANY SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE GIVING A WARM RECEPTION TO A DEFICIT CUTTING PLAN HATCHED BY THE SO-CALLED "GANG OF SIX." THE BI-PARTISAN GROUP IS ALSO GETTING PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AS TIME RUNS SHORT TO INCREASE THE
GOVERNMENT'S BORROWING AUTHORITY TO AVOID AN AUG. 2 DEFAULT.

PHOENIX (AP) - ARIZONA IS ASKING PEOPLE TO HELP BUILD A FENCE BY SENDING THEIR MONEY. THE STATE LAUNCHED A WEBSITE TODAY WHERE PEOPLE CAN MAKE DONATIONS TO PAY FOR FENCING ALONG THE STATE'S BORDER WITH MEXICO. STATE SEN. STEVE SMITH SAYS THE INITIAL GOAL IS TO RAISE $50 MILLION.

BEIRUT (AP) - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL IS EXPRESSING CONCERN TODAY ABOUT POSSIBLE TORTURE OF DETAINEES IN SYRIA. AMNESTY SAYS ITS CONCERNS WERE RAISED AFTER MASS ARRESTS OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL, DAMASCUS AND THAT DOZENS OF MEN ARE BEING HELD INCOMMUNICADO.

NEW DELHI (AP) - SOMALIS AFFECTED BY FAMINE AND DROUGHT IN THE VIOLENCE-TORN EAST AFRICAN COUNTRY WILL BE GETTING SOME U.S. HELP. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS THE UNITED STATES WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL $28 MILLION IN EMERGENCY AID. CLINTON SAYS MORE THAN 11 MILLION PEOPLE ARE IN DIRE NEED.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY JULY 19,2011

IT'LL BE ANOTHER HOT AND STICKY DAY IN THE MIDWEST TODAY, WHERE TEMPERATURES IN SOME AREAS HAVE GOTTEN AS HIGH AS 110 DEGREES AND ABOVE THIS SUMMER. SEVENTEEN STATES HAVE HEAT ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS.JASMINE BROOKS HAS THE LATEST ON WEATHER IN OUR AREA.

FRACKVILLE TO SEEK TAX FORGIVENESS

A JANUARY FIRE HAS FRACKVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL ASKING THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURTS FOR TAX FORGIVENESS ON THREE DESTROYED PROPERTIES. BOROUGH COUNCIL PETITIONED THE COURT TO SAY THAT THE THREE HOUSES ON HOWARD AVENUE IN FRACKVILLE ARE SO BADLY DAMAGED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BRING IN ENOUGH MONEY IF SOLD, TO PAY THE TAXES DUE ON THEM. THE THREE PROPERTIES WERE INVOLVED IN A FIRE BACK IN JANUARY THAT LEFT NINE PEOPLE HOMELESS.

CRESSONA CONCERNED ABOUT VANDALS

THE INCREASED VANDALISM IN CRESSONA HAS MANY RESIDENTS WORRIED AND CONCERNED. AT MONDAY'S BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING THESE CONCERNS WERE ADDRESSED. SEVERAL IN ATTENDANCE SPOKE OF RECENT PROPERTY DAMAGE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES. ALSO DISCUSSED WAS THE CLEAN UP OF THE CREEK BED DUE TO FLOODING AND HEAVY RAINS A FEW MONTHS AGO.

HOME DEMOLITION IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP

A DILAPIDATED HOUSE IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP WILL SOON BE DEMOLISHED. THE THREE-STORY STRUCTURE ALONG MAIN STREET IN LOCUSTDALE IS CONSIDERED DANGEROUS AND UNINHABITABLE. THE TOWNSHIP GAINED THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE HOUSE TORN DOWN MONDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT.

LOCAL BOY SCOUT TO CLEAN UP CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL

IN ORDER TO EARN HIS EAGLE SCOUT AWARD, A LOCAL BOY SCOUT IS PLANNING TO SPRUCE UP A LOCAL CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, 17-YEAR-OLD JOSH DUDASH WILL DO GENERAL MAINTENANCE TO THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE HISTORIC PORT CARBON SOLDIERS MONUMENT ATOP MONUMENT HILL. PORT CARBON BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL CONTRIBUTE $150. DUDASH IS A MEMBER OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 604.

PET FOOD PANTRY

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PET FOOD PANTRY WILL SOON ACCEPT APPLICATIONS TO HELP FEED OUR FURRY FRIENDS. THE PET PANTRY PLANS TO USE SCHUYLKILL COMMUNITY ACTION’S 17 DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR THE COUNTY’S ALREADY EXISTING FOOD PANTRY. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT READY FOR DISTRIBUTION YET, THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING CAN DROP OFF PET FOOD AT THE DIRTY DOG IN POTTSVILLE.


PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL NEW SIGN

THE PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL CAMPUS IS LOOKING TO INSTALL A NEW DIGITAL BOARD TO ANNOUNCE CAMPUS INFORMATION. A ZONING HEARING WILL BE HELD TONIGHT AT 6:30 AT THE NORTH MANHEIM TWP BUILDING. PROPOSAL WILL BE GIVEN AT THE MEETING OF A SIGN TO BE PLACED NEAR THE CURRENT ONE ALONG RT 61. IF GRANTED THE SIGN COULD BE IN OPERATION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

STATE NEWS:

CARDINAL JUSTIN RIGALI IS EXPECTED TO STEP DOWN TODAY AFTER EIGHT TUMULTUOUS YEARS LEADING THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA. THE 76-YEAR-OLD IS UNDER PRESSURE FOR HIS HANDLING OF A LONG-RUNNING PRIEST SEX-ABUSE SCANDAL. THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER SAYS POPE BENEDICT XVI WILL NAME ARCHBISHOP CHARLES CHAPUT (SHA-PEW') OF DENVER TO SUCCEED HIM.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY FOUR PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED BY GUNFIRE IN PITTSBURGH. EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS TELL THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW THE SHOOTINGS WERE REPORTED LAST NIGHT AT A HOME IN THE CITY'S KNOXVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD.

BUSHKILL, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY A MAN DROWNED TRYING TO RESCUE HIS TEENAGE NIECE IN THE DELAWARE RIVER. THE POCONO RECORD SAYS THE MAN HAD BEEN SWIMMING WITH HIS 13- AND 11-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTERS AND HIS 14-YEAR-OLD NIECE IN THE
DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

GREENSBURG, PA. (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA JURY HAS CONVICTED A MAN OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS WIFE'S FORMER LOVER A YEAR AGO. JURORS IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY DELIBERATED FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 HOURS YESTERDAY BEFORE CONVICTING RICHARD MCNULTY OF MURDER AND OTHER CHARGES. HE FACES LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT
POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.

NATIONAL NEWS:

HORIZON CITY, TEXAS (AP) - FORECASTERS SAY IT'S GOING TO STAY HOT THROUGH THE WEEK IN THE MIDWEST AND THAT PEOPLE FURTHER EAST CAN EXPECT A DOSE OF IT THEMSELVES. MANY AREAS HAVE OPENED COOLING CENTERS AS HEAT INDEXES SURGED ABOVE 100 DEGREES. SEVENTEEN STATES HAVE ISSUED HEAT WATCHES, WARNINGS OR ADVISORIES.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE FINAL VISIT OF A SPACE SHUTTLE TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION IS OVER. ATLANTIS LEFT BEHIND A YEAR'S WORTH OF SUPPLIES, AS WELL AS A COMMEMORATIVE SHUTTLE MODEL AND A U.S. FLAG THAT FLEW ON THE FIRST SHUTTLE MISSION IN 1981. THE SHUTTLE PROGRAM IS ENDING AFTER 30 YEARS.

MILWAUKEE (AP) - WISCONSIN VOTERS CAN BEGIN TODAY TO MAKE A DIRECT STATEMENT ABOUT THE CONTROVERSIAL REPUBLICAN PLAN THAT STRIPPED MOST PUBLIC WORKERS OF THEIR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS. BUT IT'S A DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR'S JOB THAT'S ON THE LINE TODAY. IN ALL, NINE STATE SENATORS, INCLUDING SIX REPUBLICANS, FACE
RECALLS.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - SEVEN POLICE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN POISONED AND SHOT TO DEATH AT A SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN CHECKPOINT NEAR AN AREA ABOUT TO TRANSITION TO AFGHAN-LED SECURITY. AN AFGHAN OFFICIAL SAYS THE POLICEMEN WERE KILLED MONDAY BY ONE OF THEIR
COLLEAGUES. POLICE SAY THE ASSAILANT ESCAPED IN A POLICE VEHICLE LOADED WITH WEAPONS.

GENEVA (AP) - THE U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS THE PRIORITY FOR HIS SECOND FIVE-YEAR TERM WILL BE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. BAN KI-MOON TELLS THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION THAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSES MANY ISSUES, INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE,
GLOBAL HEALTH, WOMEN'S ISSUES AND FOOD, WATER AND ENERGY SHORTAGES.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY JULY 18, 2011

POTTSVILLE AREA TO CHANGE DRESS CODE

THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT IS PLANNING ON CHANGING ITS DRESS CODE FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. DURING THE WORK SESSION HELD LAST WEEK IT WAS PROPOSED THAT SUCH CHANGES AS SWEATERS THAT HAVE A ZIPPER OR A HALF ZIP MUST HAVE AN APPROPRIATE SHIRT UNDERNEATH, ANY GROUP WHO DESIGN THEIR OWN SHIRT MUST HAVE IT APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL ALONG WITH A WRITTEN APPROVAL SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL, AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A COLLARD SHIRT DURING PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES. SUPERINTENDENT JIM GALLAGHER SAYS THAT THE CHANGES ARE EXPANDED EXPLANATIONS OF LAST YEAR'S CODE THE BOARD WILL PUT IT TO A FINAL VOTE THIS WEDNESDAY.


PARK IN HAVEN GETS A MAKEOVER

WITH THE HELP OF WAL-MART EMPLOYEES THE GREEN GOOSE PARK IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WILL GET SOME MUCH NEEDED REPAIR. THOSE EMPLOYEES WILL PAINT, SAND AND MULCH BEGINNING IN THE SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST AND CONTINUE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. ABOUT $5,000 IS ALLOCATED TO THE PROJECT ONCE COMPLETE ANY FUNDS LEFT WILL BE DONATED TO THE BOROUGH.


MAN CONNED OUT OF $11K

AN AUBURN MAN IS FEELING THE STING AFTER BEING DUPED OUT OF 11 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 73 YEAR OLD KENNETH TOWNSEND HAD THE MONEY STOLEN BY DECEPTION ACCORDING THE STATE POLICE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. POLICE REPORT THAT TOWNSEND SENT MONEY ORDERS BETWEEN JULY 8 AND JULY 16 TO THE GOLDEN NUGGET SWEEPSTAKES COMPANY AFTER RECEIVING WORD THAT HE HAD WON 2.5 MILLION DOLLARS, A MERCEDES BENZ AND OTHER CASH PRIZES. POLICE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING


SHENANDOAH OBSERVES FEAST DAY

A LOCAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATED THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL FOR THE 97TH TIME SUNDAY. RESIDENTS FROM SHENANDOAH GATHERED FOR A MASS IN OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH FOLLOWED BY AN OUTDOOR PROCESSION ALONG THE STREETS. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, MONSIGNOR ANTHONY MUNTONE, SON OF THE PARISH AND SHENANDOAH NATIVE, WAS THE MAIN CELEBRANT AND HOMILIST.

ANTI-POLLUTION CAMPAIGN

A CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER FROM STORM DRAIN DUMPING IS SET TO LAUNCH AT THE END OF THE MONTH. PROGRAMS COORDINATOR FOR SCHUYLKILL HEADWATERS ASSOCIATION, MEGAN BLACKMON, ALONG WITH A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS FROM YMCA IN POTTSVILLE PLAN TO POST ANTI-POLLUTION STICKERS ON CITY STREETS THAT READ "NO DUMPING! DRAINS TO RIVER!" THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, MARKINGS WILL BE INSTALLED BESIDE STORM DRAINS ALONG MAHANTONGO STREET ON THE MORNING OF JULY 28TH.

VOLUNTEERS RETURN TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

A GROUP OF TEENAGERS FROM A NEW JERSEY CHURCH WILL RETURN TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 1ST TO HELP CLEAN-UP LOCAL PARKS. THE VOLUNTEER GROUP WILL MAKE THEIR ANNUAL TRIP TO THE COUNTY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PUBLIC PARKS AND OTHER PROPERTIES. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS, THEY WILL WORK ON THE POCKET PARK ON NORTH CENTRE STREET. TO HELP SUPPORT THE VOLUNTEERS, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ACTION IS ENCOURAGING THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE DONATIONS.

PROGRAM TO HELP YOUTH SEX ABUSE VICTIMS

A LOCAL PROGRAM IS NOW BEING OFFERED TO HELP YOUNG VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE. THE THROUGH YOUR LENS PROJECT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE AND COUNSELING CENTER WILL INTEGRATE PHOTOGRAPHY, COUNSELING AND THERAPY TO SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAM, CONTACT SARCC AT 628-2965.



STATE NEWS:

FIRE RESCUE CREWS HAVE RECOVERED A BODY FROM THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. OFFICIALS TELL WFMZ-TV THAT THE BODY WAS RECOVERED THIS MORNING AFTER A SEARCH AROUND CUMRU AND EXETER TOWNSHIPS IN BERKS COUNTY. AUTHORITIES SAY THEY WERE CALLED ABOUT A PERSON WHO WENT INTO THE RIVER NEAR FOREST HILLS MEMORIAL PARK AND DID NOT SURFACE.


THE STATE COURT SYSTEM IS TRYING TO DETERMINE WHETHER A NEW LAW VIOLATES THE SEPARATION-OF-POWERS PROVISION IN THE CONSTITUTION. GOV. TOM CORBETT SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW LAST MONTH. THE LAW HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EXPOSE MORE STATE SPENDING DATA TO GREATER PUBLIC SCRUTINY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING COMPANY SAYS THE ECONOMIC DOWNTOWN AND INABILITY TO CONTROL LABOR COSTS ARE FORCING THE COMPANY TO CLOSE AFTER NEARLY A CENTURY IN BUSINESS. HERRE BROTHERS IN HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA WAS FOUNDED IN 1913.


PENNSYLVANIA HAS A NEW LAW THAT COULD EXPOSE MOUNTAINS OF STATE SPENDING DATA TO GREATER PUBLIC SCRUTINY. BUT A COURT HAS ALREADY BEEN ASKED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE NEW LAW VIOLATES THE SEPARATION OF POWERS PROVISION IN THE CONSTITUTION.

IT'S GOING TO COST MORE TO ATTEND PENN STATE NEXT SEMESTER. THE UNIVERSITY'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES HAS VOTED TO HIKE TUITION 4.9 PERCENT FOR IN-STATE FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES. OUT-OF-STATE TUITION IS GOING UP 3.5 PERCENT. THE IN-STATE RATE IS ABOUT $15,100. THE OUT-OF-STATE TUITION RATE NOW STANDS AT $27,200.

NATIONAL NEWS:

NEW YORK (AP) - A SURVEY OF BUSINESS ECONOMISTS FINDS LOWERED EXPECTATIONS PROMPTED BY GLOBAL UNCERTAINTIES, INCLUDING THE DISASTERS IN JAPAN. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS ECONOMISTS SURVEY SAYS 76 PERCENT EXPECT GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT TO GROW 2 PERCENT OR MORE, DOWN FROM 94 PERCENT IN APRIL. AND 23 PERCENT EXPECT GROWTH OF 2 PERCENT OR BELOW, UP FROM 5 PERCENT IN APRIL.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - SEVENTEEN STATES FROM TEXAS TO MICHIGAN HAVE ISSUED CONTINUING HEAT ADVISORIES AND TEMPERATURES EDGED INTO THE 90S AND EVEN NEAR TRIPLE DIGITS IN SOME SPOTS. FORECASTERS SAY A SO-CALLED "HEAT DOME" OVER THE REGION ISN'T MOVING MUCH SO RELIEF ISN'T IN SIGHT YET.

CHICAGO (AP) - RESEARCHERS SAY KIDS MAY BE SAFEST IN THE CAR WHEN GRANDMA OR GRANDPA IS DRIVING. IT CAME AS A SURPRISE. PREVIOUS EVIDENCE SUGGESTS CAR CRASHES ARE MORE COMMON IN OLDER DRIVERS, MOSTLY THOSE BEYOND AGE 65. BUT THIS STUDY LOOKED AT INJURIES, NOT WHO HAD MORE CRASHES.

TORONTO (AP) - A MAJOR MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CANADA WENT DOWN WITH A BANG. THE MAIN STAGE AT OTTAWA BLUESFEST COLLAPSED LAST NIGHT DURING A CHEAP TRICK CONCERT DURING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM. AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE WERE INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY. BLUESFEST IS ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S MAIN MUSICAL EVENTS.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA IS CELEBRATING HIS 93RD BIRTHDAY TODAY. HE'S WITH HIS FAMILY IN HIS HOME VILLAGE IN SOUTHERN SOUTH AFRICA. MILLIONS OF CHILDREN AROUND THE COUNTRY SANG A SPECIAL VERSION OF "HAPPY
BIRTHDAY," FOR MANDELA BEFORE LESSONS BEGAN.

TODAY'S NEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011

SCHUYLKILL HEALTH INFORMS OF SURVEY

A FAMILIAR SOUND MAY BE ON THE OTHER END OF THE LINE WHEN COUNTY RESIDENTS ANSWER THE PHONE, ANOTHER SURVEY TAKER. HOWEVER, SCHUYLKILL HEALTH SYSTEM IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP AS THEY ARE ATTEMPTING COLLECT INFORMATION REGARDING THE HEALTH-RELATED NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. THE SURVEY WILL BE BRIEF AND SCHUYLKILL HEALTH WOULD APPRECIATE OUR SUPPORT.

RESPONDERS SEARCH WAREHOUSE

RESCUE PERSONNEL RESPONDED TO THE AMAZON.COM WAREHOUSE IN NEIGHBORING LUZERNE COUNTY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON TO CONDUCT A SEARCH OF THE LOCATION. STATE TROOPERS AND FIREFIGHTERS SEARCHED THE BUILDING WHILE WORKERS WAITED OUTSIDE. NO ONE WAS ALLOWED INTO THE BUILDING, EVEN TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE STAGED IN LINE ON THE ACCESS ROAD. THERE IS NO REPORT OF WHAT AUTHORITIES WERE LOOKING FOR.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN DIES IN ASHLAND CRASH

A MAN DIED WHEN HIS PICK UP SMASHED INTO A GARAGE IN ASHLAND YESTERDAY MORNING AROUND 11 A.M. POLICE ARE UNSURE IF THE MAN DIED FROM HITTING THE GARAGE ON CHESTNUT STREET OR IF HE DIED FROM A MEDICAL CONDITION. AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED.

TWO ARRESTED FOR THEFT, WARRANT SEEKING THIRD

TWO PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED THURSDAY BY RUSH TOWNSHIP POLICE ON FELONY WARRANTS STEMMING FROM AN INCIDENT AT MAZAKIA COAL COMPANY. ACCORDING TO THE REPUBLICAN AND HERALD, CHASTITY YANETTI AND BRIAN VIECHEC WERE ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES OF THEFT, RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY AND CRIMINAL TRESPASS. THE PAIR WERE TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON UNABLE TO POST TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS BAIL. POLICE ALSO ISSUED A WARRANT ON IDENTICAL CHARGES FOR STEPHEN DAVIS OF MCADOO. THE CHARGES ARE RELATED TO THEFTS AT THE COAL COMPANY THAT OCCURRED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK.

CHARGES OF HARASSMENT COMING FOR BARNESVILLE MAN

CHRISTOPHER JADOSH OF BARNESVILLE WILL BE FACING CHARGES OF HARASSMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE FOLLOWING A REPORT OF A DOMESTIC DISPUTE AT 221 CHURCH STREET RYAN TOWNSHIP AROUND 10:40 THURSDAY NIGHT. IT IS ALLEGED THAT JADOSH PUSHED MARIA DELCARMEN ORTIZ TO THE GROUND AND THEN FLED IN HER CAR. CHARGES WILL BE FILED AT THE OFFICE OF SENIOR MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE ELIZABETH ROMIG, FRACKVILLE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The father of a disabled Philadelphia teen
who starved to death has been convicted of child endangerment for
abandoning the girl with her unfit mother. A Philadelphia jury has
also convicted a social-services contractor of involuntary
manslaughter and a city social worker of reckless endangerment in
Danieal (dan-YELL') Kelly's death. Danieal Kelly died in 2006 at
age 14, weighing 42 pounds.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (AP) - It's going to cost more to attend Penn
State next semester. The university's Board of Trustees has voted
to hike tuition 4.9 percent for in-state freshmen and sophomores.
Out-of-state tuition is going up 3.5 percent. The in-state rate is
about $15,100. The out-of-state tuition rate now stands at $27,200.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Pittsburgh woman is in custody after police
say she abandoned her infant daughter on a sidewalk while leaving
five other children alone at another home. Police say Evette Smith
had banged on the door of a home on the city's North Side early
yesterday before leaving the 1-month-old girl and a diaper bag on
the sidewalk.

HAVERFORD, Pa. (AP) - Officials at Haverford College say
President Stephen Emerson is stepping down to return to teaching.
The school says Emerson will leave the post later this summer after
an interim president is named. He will then take a year-long
sabbatical and return as a tenured biology professor.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is still pushing for a
major deficit reduction deal and taking his case to the public
today. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama pushed for a
package of spending cuts and tax increases that Republicans oppose.
He says the wealthiest Americans must "pay their fair share."

WASHINGTON (AP) - Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch says the deficit
stalemate can be laid at the feet of the Democrats. In the weekly
Republican radio and Internet address, Hatch says Democrats have
failed to embrace adequate budget cuts. He argues for passage of a
balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution.

LONDON (AP) - A spiraling phone hacking scandal has brought
denials from Britain's government that it was too close to Rupert
Murdoch's media empire. Government records show Prime Minister
David Cameron had more than 20 meetings with Murdoch executives in
the past year.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A 10-mile section of one of the nation's
busiest freeways is a virtual ghost road this morning. The normally
clogged segment Interstate 405 near Los Angeles is shut down for
the weekend for a major construction project. While it's been
dubbed "Carmageddon," so far motorists appear to have heard the
warnings.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -Security experts say if her lawyers are
smart, they'll arrange a safe house for her when she's released
from jail tomorrow. The experts say that could go on for weeks in
case anyone tries to make good on a death threat. Anthony was
acquitted of killing her daughter.

TODAY'S NEWS: FRIDAY JULY 15, 2011

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO TESTS

EARLIER THIS WEEK WPPA REPORTED THAT THE STATE DEPT OF EDUCATION FLAGGED OVER THREE DOZEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR INCONSISTENCIES TO INCLUDE CHEATING ON STANDARDIZED TESTS IN 2009. EDUCATION SECRETARY RONALD TOMALIS HAS NOW ISSUED THE SAME INVESTIGATION INTO 2010 TESTS AS WELL. SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE 30 DAYS TO REPORT BACK TO TOMALIS. LOCALLY MINERSVILLE, NORTH SCHUYLKILL AND HAZLETON AREA SCHOOLS WERE SOME OF THOSE NAMED IN THE INVESTIGATION.


COALDALE MAYOR CHARGED WITH CHILD PORN

COALDALE MAYOR HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT HIS PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. RICHARD CORKERY WAS ARRESTED ON THURSDAY ON 28 COUNTS OF VIEWING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT HIS JOB IN NESQUEHONING. POLICE REPORTS SAY THAT THEY WERE TIPPED OFF ABOUT THE ALLEGATIONS THROUGH AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. CORKERY ADMITTED TO VIEWING THE PORN SITES DURING HIS INTERVIEW WITH AUTHORITIES AND WAS RELEASED ON $50,000 UNSECURED BAIL.


INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUES INTO FIRE

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES FOR TWO FIRES THAT OCCURRED ON WEDNESDAY. THE FIRST FIRE THAT CAME IN AROUND 10PM AT THE HOME OF JOHN PARKER OF MUIR, FIRE OFFICIALS NOW SAY THAT THIS FIRE WAS ACCIDENTAL AND WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. THE SECOND FIRE WHICH OCCURRED LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER IN WEST PENN TOWNSHIP ,THAT CAUSE, HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN EITHER INCIDENTS.



MAHANOY TO ENFORCE BLIGHT LAWS

AT THIS WEEKS BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING IN MAHANOY CITY MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS WERE INFORMED ON ACT 90 OF 2010. BOROUGH SOLICITOR MICHAEL O'PAKE TOLD THOSE IN ATTENDANCE THAT WHAT ACT 90 DOES IS GIVE THE BOROUGH MORE CONTROL OVER BLIGHTED PROPERTIES AND ALLOWS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO HOLD OWNERS OF PROPERTIES MORE ACCOUNTABLE BY ALLOWING OFFICIALS TO ISSUE FINES ON UP TO TAKING MORE LEGAL ACTION. O'PAKE ALSO SAYS THAT IT WILL ALSO EFFECT THOSE APPLYING PERMITS BY DENYING THAT PERMIT IF A PERSON HAS CODE VIOLATIONS IN THE BOROUGH OR OTHER JURISDICTIONS.


LYKENS MAN DIES IN MOPED ACCIDENT

AN ELDERLY MAN WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AFTER HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN PORTER TOWNSHIP. POLICE REPORTS TELL US THAT 74 YEAR OLD LLOYD KREISER DIED AT THE SCENE OF THE 4PM ACCIDENT IN WHERE KREISER'S MO-PED COLLIDED WITH A PROPANE TRUCK AT THE INTERSECTION OF RT 209 AND EAST GRAND AVENUE AND NORTH KEYSTONE ST. THE DRIVER OF THE PROPANE TRUCK WAS NOT INJURED AND REPORTS SAY THAT KREISER WAS WEARING A HELMET.

STATE NEWS:

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORS ARE QUESTIONING THE NEED FOR A 39-MILE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE THROUGH NORTHERN PENNSYLVANIA'S ENDLESS MOUNTAINS REGION. OPPONENTS SAY IT WOULD DAMAGE PRISTINE FORESTS AND STREAMS. CENTRAL NEW YORK OIL AND GAS IS SEEKING REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR ITS PIPELINE IN BRADFORD, SULLIVAN AND LYCOMING COUNTIES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE SAY A PHILADELPHIA SHOOTING HAS LEFT A 4-YEAR-OLD BOY DEAD. THE SHOOTING HAPPENED LAST NIGHT IN THE CITY'S KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE CHILD WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD AND TAKEN TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL, WHERE HE DIED.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE AND ANIMAL WELFARE OFFICIALS SAY THEY RESCUED 29 CATS AND A DOG FROM A PHILADELPHIA HOME YESTERDAY AND FOUND 17 DEAD ANIMALS BURIED IN THE FRONT YARD. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE HOME IS OCCUPIED BY THREE WOMEN WHOSE NAMES HAVEN'T BEEN RELEASED. OFFICIALS SAY THE WOMEN WILL FACE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES.

UNDATED (AP) - PITTSBURGH STEELERS LINEBACKER JAMES HARRISON HAS APOLOGIZED FOR USING AN ANTI-GAY SLUR TO REFER TO NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL IN AN INTERVIEW WITH "MEN'S JOURNAL." HARRISON SAYS HIS CRITICAL STATEMENTS ABOUT TEAMMATES WERE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT. HARRISON POSTED A STATEMENT ON HIS TWITTER ACCOUNT LAST NIGHT.

NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A DEBT CEILING PROPOSAL THE WHITE HOUSE CALLS A "FALLBACK OPTION" IS TAKING ROOT IN THE SENATE AS REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ASSESS THE MOOD OF THEIR MEMBERS AMID A CONTINUING IMPASSE ON DEFICIT REDUCTION. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS SCHEDULED A NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY.

ST. PAUL, MINN. (AP) - DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATE LEADER TOM BAKK (BAHK) SAYS A BUDGET DEAL TO END MINNESOTA'S GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DOESN'T SOLVE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. DEMOCRATIC GOV. MARK DAYTON AND GOP LEADERS WILL RELY ON DELAYED AID TO SCHOOLS AND SELLING BONDS IF THE LEGISLATURE GOES ALONG.

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) - A HEARING IS SCHEDULED TODAY IN A LAWSUIT AGAINST CASEY ANTHONY. AN ATTORNEY FOR A WOMAN SUING FOR DEFAMATION WILL ARGUE IN COURT THAT ANTHONY SHOULD BE DEPOSED BEFORE SHE'S RELEASED FROM JAIL. THE WOMAN SAYS HER REPUTATION WAS MALIGNED WHEN ANTHONY USED HER NAME TO FALSELY CLAIM A BABYSITTER KIDNAPPED THE 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO WAS LATER FOUND DEAD.

ISTANBUL (AP) - THE GROUP MOST LIKELY TO GOVERN LIBYA IN A POST-MOAMMAR GADHAFI AGE IS ASKING DELEGATES FROM NEARLY 40 COUNTRIES FOR MORE FINANCIAL AID AND DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT. THE CONTACT GROUP ON LIBYA IS MEETING IN TURKEY. THE REBELS ARE STILL
STRUGGLING TO DEFEAT GADHAFI.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - ALASKA WANTS ITS MOON ROCKS BACK IN A STATE MUSEUM. ALASKA OFFICIALS ARE CONTESTING A LAWSUIT FILED BY A FORMER RESIDENT WHO CLAIMS HE RESCUED THE MOON ROCKS FROM A GARBAGE HEAP 38 YEARS AGO AFTER A MUSEUM FIRE. THE ROCKS ARE FROM THE APOLLO 11 MISSION.

TODAY'S NEWS: THURSDAY JULY 14, 2011

2 FIRES HAPPEN ON TWO ENDS OF COUNTY, SAME TIME

FIREFIGHTERS WERE FORCED TO BATTLE TWO BLAZES THAT HAPPENED AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE COUNTY. THE FIRST BLAZE DAMAGED A HOME IN PORTER TOWNSHIP. ACCORDING TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNICATION CENTER THAT FIRE STARTED IN THE BASEMENT. THEN SHORTLY AFTER THAT A FIRE BROKE OUT AT A GARAGE OF A HOME IN NEW RINGOLD, THE FIRE SPREAD TO A TWO STORY HOME FIREFIGHTERS FROM SCHUYLKILL AND CARBON COUNTIES WERE CALLED OUT TO BLAZE.


SOLICITOR MIKO RESIGNS AND SHIELDS STEPS IN

THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED CAL SHIELDS TO THE COUNTY SOLICITOR POSITION ON WEDNESDAY. SHIELDS WILL TAKE OVER FOR ERIC MIKO WHO WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE TO BECOME THEIR SOLICITOR. SHIELDS SAYS HE IS AWARE THAT THIS JOB COULD JUST BE TEMPORARY. SHIELDS WILL MAKE A LITTLE OVER 31 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE INTERIM.


LOCAL BOY TO BE ABC PERSON OF THE WEEK

THE STORY OF 7 YEAR OLD JOSIAH VIERA OF HEGINS IS ONE OF THE MOST TOUCHING STORIES. YOU SEE JOSIAH WAS BORN WITH HUTCHINSON-GILFORD PROGERIA, COMMENLY KNOWN AS EARLY AGING DISEASE. VIERA’S TRIUMPH OF THE DISEASE TOOK ANOTHER STEP WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL BE NAMED PERSON OF THE WEEK BY ABC WORLD NEWS WITH DIANE SAWYER. VIERA WAS THE SUBJECT LAST YEAR FOR AN EPISODE OF ESPN E:60.

STATE NEWS:

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A MOTHER CHARGED IN THE DEATHS OF HER TWO YOUNG SONS HAS SURRENDERED TO POLICE. KDKA-TV REPORTS KIAIRA POLLARD SURRENDERED YESTERDAY, A DAY AFTER AUTHORITIES SAY SHE LEFT HER TWO YOUNG SONS WITHOUT A BABY SITTER WHEN A FIRE BROKE OUT AND KILLED THEM.

YORK, PA. (AP) - A MAN HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF ANOTHER MAN IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA LAST YEAR. JURORS IN YORK COUNTY DELIBERATED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR YESTERDAY BEFORE CONVICTING RASHAAN GREER OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AND A
FIREARMS CHARGE. PROSECUTORS SAY HE GUNNED DOWN DRAKKAR GENTRY AFTER A FISTFIGHT IN YORK IN MAY OF 2010.

SOMERSET, PA. (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN WHO SAYS A MASKED INTRUDER KILLED HER HOUSEMATE HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO MURDER CHARGES IN THE CASE. THE (SOMERSET) DAILY AMERICAN SAYS ERIN EVERETT ENTERED THE PLEA TUESDAY IN SOMERSET COUNTY. SHE'S CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE, FIRST- AND THIRD-DEGREE MURDER AND OTHER CHARGES IN THE DEATH OF TORY MINNICK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS ISSUED A DISASTER DECLARATION FOR THE SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING THAT STRUCK NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA LAST SPRING, CLEARING THE WAY FOR FEDERAL AID. THE PRESIDENT SAYS DAMAGE FROM THE APRIL STORMS IN BRADFORD,
LYCOMING, SULLIVAN, TIOGA, AND WYOMING COUNTIES CONSTITUTE A MAJOR DISASTER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

LONDON (AP) - BRITAIN'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SAYS MEDIA MOGUL RUPERT MURDOCH SHOULD APPEAR BEFORE A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PHONE HACKING SCANDAL AT ONE OF HIS NEWSPAPERS. NICK CLEGG SAYS MURDOCH HAS "BIG QUESTIONS" TO ANSWER AFTER THE SCANDAL FORCED MURDOCH'S NEWS CORP. TO ABANDON A BID TO TAKE FULL CONTROL OF BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE ASTRONAUTS ON NASA'S LAST SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHT WILL BE GETTING SOME TIME OFF. THE CREW OF FOUR PLANS TO DO A LITTLE MORE CARGO HAULING AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION THIS MORNING, THEN KICK BACK AND RELAX AFTER NEARLY A WEEK IN ORBIT. ATLANTIS WILL LEAVE THE SPACE STATION NEXT WEEK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON IS HOPING TO RATCHET UP THE PRESSURE ON LIBYAN LEADER MOAMMAR GADHAFI. SHE EMBARKS ON A 12-DAY AROUND-THE-WORLD DIPLOMATIC TOUR TODAY. CLINTON'S FIRST STOP IS ISTANBUL, TURKEY, WHERE SHE'LL MEET WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM NATIONS SUPPORTING NATO'S OPERATION TO
PROTECT LIBYAN CIVILIANS.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - THE AFGHAN GOVERNMENT SAYS FOUR PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN BLAST INSIDE A MOSQUE IN THE SOUTH'S LARGEST CITY. THE INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS AMONG THOSE KILLED IN THURSDAY'S EXPLOSION IN KANDAHAR CITY WAS THE HEAD OF THE CLERIC COUNCIL FOR THE PROVINCE. NO ONE IMMEDIATELY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PLANS TO AGAIN TALK WITH TOP CONGRESSIONAL NEGOTIATORS ABOUT RAISING THE DEBT CEILING. YESTERDAY, HE ENDED A NEARLY TWO HOUR DEBT-LIMIT NEGOTIATION BRUSQUELY, DECLARING: "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH." HE REJECTED REPUBLICAN DEMANDS THAT HE ACCEPT A SHORT-TERM EXTENSION OF THE GOVERNMENT'S
BORROWING AUTHORITY.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY JULY13, 2011

AUTOPSY SCHEDULED FOR TODAY

AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED TODAY FOR A WOMAN WHO WAS FOUND DEAD ON HER FATHER'S GRAVESITE INSIDE SKY-VIEW MEMORIAL PARK IN HOMETOWN. COUNTY CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT SAYS THAT 36 YEAR OLD BETH JOY DAILY OF LANSFORD WAS FOUND LATE SUNDAY NIGHT IN THE CEMETERY AND THAT CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER RECEIVING TOXICOLOGY TESTS.

TAMAQUA SD GOES GEOTHERMAL

STATE EDUCATION SECRETARY RON TOMALIS WAS IN OUR AREA ON TUESDAY. HE JOINED OFFICIALS OF THE TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO TALK ABOUT THE SECOND PHASE OF A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY UPGRADE THAT HAS SAVED THE DISTRICT MONEY. THE GEOTHERMAL PROJECT REPLACES AN OLD HEATING SYSTEM WITH ONE THAT HEATS AND COOLS BUILDINGS WITH LIQUID FROM UNDERGROUND.


DEPT ENERGY EASES MORATORIUM

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS EASED UP ON THE CITY OF POTTSVILLE'S EFFORTS TO COMPLETE A STORMWATER AND SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT. OFFERING RELIEF FROM A MORATORIUM ON SEWER CONNECTIONS. THAT BEING SAID, IT COULD ALSO GIVE THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT A CHANCE TO INSTALL NEW RESTROOMS AT ALUMNI FIELD. THE D-E-P HAS AUTHORIZED THE CITY TO ALLOW UP 3,000 GALLONS OF NEW SANITARY SEWAGE PER DAY FROM NEW CONNECTIONS.

RINGTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

AFTER MONDAY'S RINGTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING THE MESSAGE WAS CLEAR, SPEEDERS BEWARE! DURING THE MEETING BOROUGH POLICE AGREED TO ENFORCE LIMITING SPEEDERS AND CONTROLLING LOUD MUSIC. COUNCIL MEMBERS REMINDED RESIDENTS THAT THERE ARE LAWS IN THE BOOKS AND THE POLICE DEPT WILL DO THEIR BEST TO ENFORCE IT. COUNCIL ALSO ADOPTED AN ORDINANCE THAT REQUIRES SOLICITORS TO HAVE A PERMIT THAT WILL REQUIRE A 30 DAY NOTICE TO POLICE.

TV RATES COULD BE ON THE RISE

COMCAST CABLE SUBSCRIBERS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COULD SEE THEIR CABLE BILL ON THE RISE BY THE END OF THE MONTH. A COMPANY SPOKESMAN FOR COMCAST SAYS THAT CUSTOMERS WILL SEE AN AVERAGE OF 3% INCREASE TO THEIR MONTHLY BILL BUT ADDS THAT WHILE SOME WILL GO UP OTHERS WILL STAY THE SAME OR DECREASE BASED ON SERVICE PACKAGE. THE LAST CABLE INCREASE CAME ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN SUBSCRIBERS SAW A 3.5% INCREASE

PHEAA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR GRANTS

PHEAA IS REMINDING FIRST TIME AND NON RENEWAL PA STATE GRANT APPLICANTS PLANNING TO ATTEND A COMMUNITY COLLEGE THAT THE PHEAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAVE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR STATE GRANT TO AUGUST 1ST. THE MAXIMUM STATE GRANT AWARD IN 2011-2012 FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECIPIENTS WILL BE UPTO $2400.


STATE NEWS:

LANCASTER, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT ISN'T ENDORSING A PROPOSAL FROM THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN FLOOR LEADER TO PRIVATIZE LIQUOR SALES, AND HE ISN'T SAYING HOW HE WOULD PURSUE THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE STATE-OWNED SYSTEM, EITHER. WHEN HE WAS ASKED YESTERDAY WHETHER HE SUPPORTS THE PROPOSAL, CORBETT SAID HE HASN'T SEEN IT.

WEST CHESTER, PA. (AP) - A FORMER DAIRY FARM LABORER HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILD. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS JURORS IN CHESTER COUNTY DELIBERATED FOR 3 1/2 HOURS YESTERDAY BEFORE REJECTING MAURICIO JOSE BEDOLLA-CAMACHO'S CONTENTION THAT HE WAS OVERCOME BY PASSION WHEN
HE STRANGLED DAICY VASQUEZ-BEDOLLA IN APRIL OF 2008 AND DUMPED HER BODY.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A NORTH VERSAILLES WOMAN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN THE DEATHS OF HER TWO YOUNG SONS IN A FIRE THAT SWEPT THROUGH THEIR APARTMENT NEAR PITTSBURGH. KIAIRA POLLARD WAS ALSO CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND TAMPERING WITH A FIRE APPARATUS IN THE JUNE 30TH BLAZE.

CHESTER, PA. (AP) - NURSES AT A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL HAVE RATIFIED A NEW THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT. A UNION SPOKESWOMAN SAYS NEGOTIATORS FOR THE UNION AND CROZER CHESTER MEDICAL CENTER REACHED AN AGREEMENT SUNDAY NIGHT ON A PROPOSAL FOR THE 700 REGISTERED NURSES. SHE SAYS MEMBERS VOTED 343 TO 89 YESTERDAY IN FAVOR OF THE
CONTRACT.

NATIONAL NEWS:


WASHINGTON (AP) - NEITHER THE WHITE HOUSE NOR HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER ARE DISMISSING A BACKUP PLAN TO RAISE THE GOVERNMENT'S BORROWING AUTHORITY AS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS GOP RIVALS HEAD INTO ANOTHER DEFICIT-CUTTING MEETING TODAY. SENATE GOP LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL OFFERED A BACKUP PLAN THAT WOULD, IN EFFECT,
GUARANTEE OBAMA REQUESTS FOR NEW GOVERNMENT BORROWING AUTHORITY UNLESS CONGRESS MUSTERS VETO-PROOF MAJORITIES TO DENY HIM. THERE'S STIFF OPPOSITION AMONG TEA PARTY CONSERVATIVES.

WASHINGTON (AP) - OPENING ARGUMENTS ARE SCHEDULED TODAY IN THE TRIAL OF BASEBALL'S ROGER CLEMENS FOR ALLEGEDLY LYING TO CONGRESS ABOUT USING PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS. A FEMALE-DOMINATED JURY OF 10 WOMEN AND TWO MEN IS IN PLACE TO BEGIN HEARING THE EVIDENCE.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) - THE FOCUS TODAY TURNS TO STOCKPILING THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION WITH THE YEAR'S WORTH OF SUPPLIES BROUGHT BY ATLANTIS IN THE SHUTTLE PROGRAM'S FINAL MISSION. WHEN THE SUPPLIES ARE STOWED, BOTH CREWS WILL FILL A CARGO CARRIER WITH SPACE STATION TRASH AND DISCARDED EQUIPMENT FOR RETURN TO EARTH NEXT WEEK.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW POLL OF BABY BOOMERS SAYS THEY THINK "OLD" DOESN'T BEGIN UNTIL AT LEAST AGE 70. THE AP-LIFEGOESSTRONG.COM POLL SHOWS BABY BOOMERS FEEL MOSTLY UPBEAT ABOUT THEIR FUTURES. THE POST-WORLD WAR II GROUP IS TURNING 47 THROUGH 65 THIS YEAR, AND THE VAST MAJORITY STILL CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE MIDDLE-AGED.

LONDON (AP) - BRITAIN'S HOUSE OF COMMONS IS POISED TO PROVIDE A POWERFUL EXPRESSION TODAY OF THE TIDE RUNNING AGAINST RUPERT MURDOCH'S MEDIA EMPIRE. LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO DEMAND THAT MURDOCH GIVE UP HIS AMBITION OF TAKING OVER A LUCRATIVE BROADCASTER IN THE WAKE OF THE PHONE HACKING SCANDAL.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUEDAY JULY 12, 2011

ANIMAL LAW RE-WRITTEN

WITH THE RECENT ATTACK FROM PIT BULLS IN POTTSVILLE, CITY COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO HOLD OWNERS MORE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PETS. THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES PAYMENT OF $250 AND REGISTRATION WITH POTTSVILLE HEALTH DEPT AND FINES RANGING FROM $600 FOR FIRST OFFENSE AND EUTHANASIA OF THE ANIMAL FOR A THIRD OFFENSE. OTHER REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED PROVIDING PROOF OF INSURANCE TO HOUSE A DANGEROUS DOG, VACCINATION STATUS. IF A DOG IS RULED TO BE DANGEROUS OWNERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO HAVE THE DOG SPAYED OR NEUTERED.

MORE INFORMATION ON FALL VICTIM

MORE INFORMATION IS COMING OUT ABOUT THE PERSON WHO FELL TO THEIR DEATH SUNDAY IN AN AREA KNOWN AS NEWTOWN FALLS. AUTHORITIES SAY THAT 21 YEAR OLD JAMES KRUSS OF PORT CARBON WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD BY COUNTY CORONER JOSEPH LIPSETT, LISTING THE DEATH AS ACCIDENTAL. LIPSETT SAYS AN AUTOPSY IS PENDING BUT AT THIS POINT SURMISES THAT KRUSS LOST HIS FOOTING AND FELL AND SUCCUMB TO INJURIES.


MOTORCYCLE SPEEDER IDENTIFIED

THE OPERATOR OF A SPEEDING MOTORCYCLE THAT CRASHED AND DIED DUE TO THE ACCIDENT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. AUTHORITIES SAY NOW THAT 20 YEAR OLD CHARLES AGYEI- KYEREMEH OF LEBANON DIED IN THE FIERY CRASH NEAR GOOD SPRING CREEK SUNDAY. REPORTS HAVE KYEREMEH LISTED AS AN HONOR STUDENT AND A RUNNING BACK FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AND A GRADUATE OF CEDAR CREST HIGH SCHOOL IN LEBANON.

MINERSVILLE WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPLE

THE MINERSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD HAS APPOINTED JAMES YACOBACCI AS ITS NEW ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLE FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. THE APPROVAL CAME AT YESTERDAY'S SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. YACOBACCI REPLACES JUDITH MCGRORY WHO RETIRED AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED A $.10 RAISE TO THE CURRENT CAFETERIA PRICES.

BLOOD SHORTAGE DIRE

THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA REGION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ISSUED AN APPEAL MONDAY FOR BLOOD DONORS OF ALL TYPES DUE TO A CRITICAL NATIONAL BLOOD SHORTAGE. DEMAND FOR BLOOD PRODUCTS IS STEADY, BUT DONATIONS TO THE RED CROSS THIS SUMMER ARE THE LOWEST SEEN IN OVER A DECADE. ALL BLOOD TYPES ARE NEEDED, BUT ESPECIALLY O NEGATIVE. ELIGIBLE DONORS ARE ASKED TO PLEASE CALL 800-RED-CROSS NOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE NEAREST BLOOD DRIVE. EVERYONE WHO COMES IN TO DONATE THIS MONTH WILL RECEIVE A COUPON FOR A FREE CARTON OF ICE CREAM.

MOTORISTS SURVEY

PENNSYLVANIA MOTORISTS CAN NOW HELP PENNDOT PRIORITIZE ITS HIGHWAY SAFETY EFFORTS BY SHARING THEIR OPINIONS ON ENFORCEMENT AND DRIVING BEHAVIORS THROUGH AN ONLINE SURVEY AVAILABLE THROUGH JULY 30TH AT DRIVESAFEPA-DOT-ORG. THE SURVEY CONSISTS OF 19 QUESTIONS FOCUSED ON HIGHWAY SAFETY, INCLUDING SEAT BELTS, IMPAIRED AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING. THE SURVEY IS ANONYMOUS. PENNDOT OFFICIALS SAY THE SURVEY WORKS, WITH MORE THAN 38-HUNDRED PEOPLE RESPONDING TO 2010'S QUESTIONNAIRE. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION REQUIRES STATES TO CONDUCT THIS SURVEY NATIONALLY.

REP MIKE TOBASH TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS

THE OFFICE OF REP. MIKE TOBASH HAVE ISSUED A RELEASE NOTIFYING RESIDENTS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY THAT THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AT HIS PINE GROVE OFFICE THIS THURSDAY JULY 14, FROM 3PM-6PM. TOBASH ADDS HE WELCOMES ALL TO COME AND TALK TO HIM ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS. TOBASH'S OFFICE IN PINE GROVE IS LOCATED AT THE AMERICAN LEGION BUILDING ON TULPEHOCKEN ST.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A NEWSPAPER REPORTS THE PAYCHECKS OF 13,600 NONUNION AND MANAGEMENT STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE REMAINED VIRTUALLY FROZEN SINCE RIGHT AFTER THE RECESSION BEGAN, AND SOME NOW EARN LESS THAN THEIR UNIONIZED SUBORDINATES. BUT A SPOKESMAN FOR GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT'S ADMINISTRATION TELLS THE PATRIOT-NEWS OF
HARRISBURG THERE ISN'T GOING TO BE A MANAGEMENT PAY RAISE IN A YEAR IN WHICH UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES ARE ACCEPTING A WAGE FREEZE.

NORRISTOWN, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY ONE MAN IS DEAD AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WOUNDED IN A SHOOTING IN SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. PROSECUTORS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SAY POLICE WERE CALLED TO HAWKS ALLEY IN NORRISTOWN EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. PROSECUTORS SAY ALL THREE VICTIMS ARE NORRISTOWN RESIDENTS.

WEST CHESTER, PA. (AP) - POLICE SAY A MAN IS DEAD AND HIS WIFE INJURED IN A SHOOTING IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA. WEST GOSHEN POLICE TELL THE DAILY LOCAL NEWS OF WEST CHESTER IT APPEARS A DOMESTIC DISPUTE BROKE OUT EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY MICHAEL TAKACS DIED AND HIS WIFE MARY TAKACS WAS INJURED.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 20 TO 40 YEARS BEHIND BARS IN A HOME INVASION MURDER FOR WHICH HER SON WAS CONVICTED. TERRIE COLLOPY PLEADED GUILTY TO THIRD-DEGREE MURDER IN THE 2008 KILLING OF DAVID WALTERICK IN ALLENTOWN. POLICE SAY SHE DROVE HER SON AND ANOTHER MAN TO WALTERICK'S HOME.


NATIONAL NEWS:

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND GOP LAWMAKERS REMAIN HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SHORT OF THEIR GOAL, AS THEY STRUGGLE FOR AGREEMENT ON CUTTING TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM THE FEDERAL BUDGET. LAWMAKERS WERE ASKED TO RETURN TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR TALKS THIS AFTERNOON AFTER A 90-MINUTE MONDAY SESSION PRODUCED
NO PROGRESS OTHER THAN TO IDENTIFY THE SIZE OF THE GAP BETWEEN REPUBLICANS AND OBAMA. REPUBLICANS AGAIN TOOK A FIRM STAND AGAINST REVENUE INCREASES WHILE OBAMA AND HIS DEMOCRATIC ALLIES INSISTED THAT TAXES BE PART OF ANY EQUATION THAT CUTS PROGRAMS LIKE MEDICARE.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE HOUSE IS TAKING UP ONE OF THE MORE UNCOMMON QUESTIONS OF THIS LEGISLATIVE YEAR: WHETHER AMERICANS ARE BEING FORCED TO SACRIFICE PERSONAL FREEDOMS FOR A BETTER LIGHT BULB. HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE PUSHING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD OVERTURN MEASURES IN A 2007 ENERGY ACT REQUIRING THE ADOPTION OF MORE EFFICIENT VERSIONS OF THE INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB INVENTED BY THOMAS EDISON IN 1879. REPUBLICANS SAY PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO BUY TRADITIONAL, CHEAP AND RELIABLE INCANDESCENT BULBS. THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS SAY NEW BULBS ON THE MARKET WILL SAVE AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ENERGY COSTS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE JUDGE IS NEARLY READY TO SEAT A JURY IN BASEBALL STAR ROGER CLEMENS' PERJURY TRIAL. ATTORNEYS FOR BOTH SIDES SPENT THREE DAYS INTENSELY QUESTIONING 50 WASHINGTONIANS TO WEED OUT ANY WHO MAY HAVE BIASES AGAINST CLEMENS OR CONGRESS FOR INVESTIGATING WHETHER HE OR OTHER BASEBALL PLAYERS USED PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS. CLEMENS IS CHARGED WITH LYING UNDER OATH WHEN HE SAID HE NEVER USED STEROIDS OR HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD IS SET TO RENDER ITS VERDICT ON WHAT CAUSED A COAST GUARD VESSEL TO CRASH INTO A PLEASURE BOAT DURING A HOLIDAY PARADE IN SAN DIEGO BAY, KILLING AN 8-YEAR-OLD BOY AND SERIOUSLY INJURING FOUR OTHERS. THE PANEL MEETS TODAY IN WASHINGTON TO CONSIDER THE FINDINGS OF A STAFF
INVESTIGATION INTO THE DECEMBER 2009 COLLISION. THE COAST GUARD WAS RESPONDING TO A REPORT OF A GROUNDED BOAT ON THE CROWDED BAY. CREW MEMBERS TOLD INVESTIGATORS THEY DIDN'T SEE THE BOAT.

LONDON (AP) - A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE IS QUESTIONING SENIOR LONDON POLICE OFFICERS ABOUT WHY THEY DIDN'T PURSUE A PHONE HACKING INVESTIGATION AT THE TABLOID NEWS OF THE WORLD TWO YEARS AGO. THE NEWSPAPER WAS SHUT AMID A FLURRY OF PUBLIC OUTRAGE OVER ALLEGATIONS IT HACKED INTO PHONES, INCLUDING THAT OF A MURDERED 13-YEAR-OLD.