TODAY'S NEWS MON. OCTOBER 31, 2011

PPL URGRADES DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES IS UPGRADING THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN NORTH AND SOUTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIPS. JOE OLIVER FILED THIS REPORT.
"PPL UPGRADES"

JASMINE BROOKS REPORTS ON HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR HOME ELECTRICITY BILL FROM ZOMBIE ELECTRONICS THIS HALLOWEEN:

FATAL CRASH IN LYKENS

TWO PEOPLE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUNDAY NIGHT IN A CRASH IN LYKENS TOWNSHIP. POLICE REPORT 24-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ANDERSON OF DALMATIA STRUCK 52–YEAR-OLD TARALEE MOYER OF SUNBURY ON STATE ROUTE 1009 NEAR PHILLIPS ROAD. ANDERSON WAS EXTRICATED FROM HIS VEHICLE THAT WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. POLICE SAY BOTH ANDERSON AND MOYER WERE DECEASED UPON ARRIVAL ON SCENE.

FIVE PEOPLE INJURED IN CRASH

FIVE PEOPLE WERE INJURED SATURDAY IN A CRASH ALONG STATE ROUTE 61 IN THE BOROUGH OF DEER LAKE. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE TELL US SHERRY CROMLEIGH LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE ON THE SLUSH COVERED ROAD. HER PASSENGER, JENNIFER SANCHEZ, ALONG WITH THREE CHILDREN WERE INJURED. A SUMMARY TRAFFIC CITATION WILL BE FILED AGAINST CROMLEIGH FOR DRIVING AT AN UNSAFE SPEED.

WEEKEND SNOWFALL SETS RECORDS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

MOTHER NATURE PLAYED HER OWN HALLOWEEN TRICK ON SATURDAY, BLANKETING THE AREA WITH A COVERING OF HEAVY WET SNOW. THOUSANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE WITHOUT POWER, AS THE SNOW TOOK DOWN TREES AND SNAPPED POWER LINES. TRAVEL QUICKLY BECAME HAZARDOUS, AND MANY EVENTS WERE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SOME SCHUYLKILL COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE STILL WAITING FOR THEIR ELECTRICITY TO BE RESTORED, AND PPL IS WORKING QUICKLY TO BRING THEM BACK ON LINE. SUNNY SKIES AND MORE SEASONAL TEMPERATURES MELTED MOST OF THE SNOW AND ICE BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

DONATIONS TO RED CROSS FLOOD RELIEF HAVE POURED IN

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BEGAN ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR FLOOD RELIEF ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER MANY COMMUNITIES WERE PUT UNDER WATER BY HURRICANE IRENE AND TROPICAL STORM LEE. MANY RESIDENTS AND CORPORATIONS HAVE OPENED THEIR HEARTS AND WALLETS TO ASSIST THOSE WHO WERE AFFECTED, RESULTING IN DONATIONS OF NEARLY THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS SO FAR. THE MONEY HAS HELPED THE RED CROSS PROVIDE OVER ONE HUNDRED SHELTERS FOR MORE THAN EIGHT THOUSAND PEOPLE IN NORTHEASTERN AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, AND HAS PROVIDED SUPPLIES FOR THE CLEANUP EFFORT. DONATIONS CAN STILL BE SENT TO RED CROSS LOCAL FLOOD RELIEF AT 1402 LAUREL BOULEVARD IN POTTSVILLE.

2011 CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN

IN JUST A FEW WEEKS STATE POLICE FROM SCHUYLKILL, BERKS, AND LEBANON COUNTIES WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S "CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN". FROM NOVEMBER 14 THROUGH THE 27 STATE POLICE WILL ENFORCE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT VIOLATIONS. IN ADDITION, POLICE WILL BE PROVIDING FREE CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT CHECKS. THE GOAL OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AND PENNDOT IS TO RAISE THE AVERAGE OF SEAT BELT USAGE.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT CHECKS

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY:
WEST END FIRE AND RESCUE
700 WEST MAHANOY AVE
MAHANOY CITY PA
11/14/11
2-6PM

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY:
WAL MART SUPER CENTER
500 TERRY RICH BLVD
ST. CLAIR PA
11/21/11
10AM-2PM

BERKS COUNTY:
CABELAS
100 CABELA DR
HAMBURG OA
11/19/11
10AM-6PM

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS ARE STILL DIGGING OUT AFTER THIS WEEKEND'S UNUSUAL OCTOBER SNOWSTORM. UTILITY OFFICIALS SAY IT WILL LIKELY TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO RESTORE POWER TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HOMES AND BUSINESSES. THE STORM IS BEING BLAMED FOR FIVE DEATHS IN THE STATE.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - SOME OCCUPY PROTESTERS BRAVED THE COLD AND SNOW, WHILE OTHERS SOUGHT SHELTER. DEANNA SUMMERS SAYS PROTESTERS HUNKERED DOWN IN THEIR TENTS NEXT TO PHILADELPHIA'S CITY HALL AND WEATHERED IT OUT. THE MORNING CALL REPORTS SOME ALLENTOWN PROTESTERS STUCK IT OUT, WHILE OTHERS WENT HOME TO WARM UP NOW AND THEN.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A PANEL IN CHARGE OF ALIGNING PENNSYLVANIA'S 253 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS WITH THE 2010 CENSUS MAY HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN MAPS. THE LEGISLATIVE REAPPORTIONMENT COMMISSION IS SCHEDULED TO MEET TODAY ON A PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR REDRAWING HOUSE AND SENATE DISTRICTS TO MAINTAIN EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN HARRISBURG.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - LAWYERS IN PENNSYLVANIA'S GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION TRIAL ARE PREPARING TO MAKE THEIR CLOSING ARGUMENTS. THE TRIAL IN DAUPHIN COUNTY COURT IN HARRISBURG IS ENTERING ITS SIXTH WEEK. FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE BRETT FEESE AND HIS FORMER AIDE, JILL SEAMAN, ARE CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH AN ALLEGED SCHEME BY
LEADERS OF THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS TO ILLEGALLY SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES BETWEEN 2000 AND 2007.

NATIONAL NEWS:

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO IS ENDING ITS SEVEN-MONTH AIR CAMPAIGN OVER LIBYA AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. THE ALLIANCE STOPPED ITS BOMBING MISSIONS SOON AFTER MOAMMAR GADHAFI'S DEATH EARLIER THIS MONTH, BUT HAS KEPT UP REGULAR AIR PATROLS.

ATLANTA (AP) - A NEW STUDY SUGGESTS THAT WHEN MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE DEPLOYED, THEIR CHILDREN ARE MORE THAN TWICE AS LIKELY TO BECOME INVOLVED IN VIOLENCE. THE RESEARCHERS SAY THE SOLDIERS' SONS AND DAUGHTERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO CARRY A WEAPON, JOIN A GANG OR BE INVOLVED IN FIGHTS WHEN AT LEAST ONE PARENT IS AWAY. THE 2008 STUDY
OF MILITARY AND NON-MILITARY FAMILIES IN WASHINGTON STATE WILL BE PRESENTED TODAY AT A PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN. (AP) - NO TRICK-OR-TREATING? THAT'S WHAT KIDS IN PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST COULD FACE TONIGHT AFTER THEIR COMMUNITIES GOT SOCKED WITH SNOW OVER THE WEEKEND. SOME AREAS GOT AS MUCH AS 30 INCHES AND SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELED TODAY FOR THOUSANDS. JUST UNDER 3 MILLION HOMES AND BUSINESSES ARE STILL WITHOUT ELECTRICITY.

RICHMOND, VA. (AP) - POLICE IN RICHMOND, VA., HAVE BROKEN UP AN OCCUPY WALL STREET CAMP WHERE PROTESTERS HAD SET UP A TENT CITY, COMPLETE WITH A MAKESHIFT LIBRARY, KITCHEN AND PORTABLE TOILETS. POLICE SAY MOST OF THE PROTESTERS LEFT WHEN TOLD TO, BUT THE DOZEN WHO STAYED WERE ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING. THE "OCCUPY" MOVEMENT BEGAN SIX WEEKS AGO IN NEW YORK AND HAS SPREAD TO CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THIS AFTERNOON DESIGNED TO HELP THE ECONOMY. SAYING THE COUNTRY CAN'T WAIT FOR CONGRESS, OBAMA HAS BEGUN TAKING UNILATERAL STEPS THAT HE SAYS WILL ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC GROWTH. THE ACTIONS DO NOT REQUIRE CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.

WEEK NINE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

POTTSVILLE 28
MUHLENBURG 0

PINE GROVE 23
WILLIAMS VALLEY 18

MINERSVILLE 33
TAMAQUA 20

MAHANOY AREA 48
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN 14

NORTH SCHUYLKILL 41
PANTHER VALLEY 7

MARIAN 45
JIM THORPE 14

BLUE MOUNTAIN 54
BERKS CATHOLIC 6

JUNIATA 29
TRI VALLEY 7

MT CARMEL 22
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 21

SHAMOKIN 30
SHIKELLAMY 13

TODAY'S NEWS FRI. OCTOBER 28, 2011

WANTED SHENANDOAH MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN

A SHENANDOAH MAN WANTED ON CHARGES OF FELONY BURGLARY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS, AND OTHER CHARGES HAS TURNED HIMSELF IN TO POLICE. FIFTY THREE YEAR OLD MARK TUTKO WAS WANTED ON CHARGES RESULTING FROM A BREAK IN AT THE HOME OF BARBARA BISCO ON SEPTEMBER TWENTY THIRD. IT WAS REPORTED THAT TUTKO WAS HIDING IN A WOODED AREA IN THE BOROUGH, AND THAT IS WHERE POLICE FOUND HIM ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. TUTKO WAS ARRAIGNED BEFORE MAGESTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE CAROL PANCAKE OF TREMONT, AND COMMITTED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS BAIL.

CHESAPEAKE BAY ADVOCATES CONCERNED ABOUT FUNDING IN NEW FARM BILL

AS CONGRESS CONSIDERS THE NEW FEDERAL FARM BILL, CHESAPEAKE BAY ADVOCATES ARE CONCERNED THAT THE WAY THE BILL IS HANDLED THIS TIME COULD MEAN A REDUCTION IN MONIES AVAILABLE FOR PENNSYLVANIA AND ITS FARMERS AS THEY WORK TO REDUCE RUNOFF TO STREAMS THAT FEED THE BAY. WE HAVE THIS REPORT FROM DOUG SIGLIN OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, AND WPPA'S JOE OLIVER:

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD AWARDS GRANT TO POTTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

THE PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD HAS AWARDED FOURTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HELP EDUCATE STUDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL USE. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL USE THE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TIDE TASK FORCE, WHICH WAS FORMED IN 2010 WITH THE GOAL OF ENCOURAGING STUDENTS NOT TO DRINK. THE DISTRICT WILL PREPARE A CURRICULUM, THEN PRESENT IT TO THE PLCB FOR APPROVAL. THE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD SAYS THAT ALCOHOL IS THE MOST COMMONLY USED DRUG AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, AND THIS GRANT WILL ALLOW THE POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE RESPONSIBLE CHOICES.

COUNTY JUDGES SEEK RETENTION

TWO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY JUDGES ARE RUNNING FOR RETENTION IN NOVEMBER. JUDGES CYRUS PALMER DOLBIN AND CHARLES MILLER BOTH SEEK TO RETURN TO THE BENCH FOR ANOTHER TEN YEAR TERM. DOLBIN AND MILLER ARE THE SUBJECTS OF SEPARATE RETENTION BALLOT QUESTIONS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE CAMPAIGNING TOGETHER. DOLBIN HAS BEEN JUDGE SINCE 1991, MILLER SINCE 2001.

FUNDS GROWING FOR SKATE PARK

THE MINERSVILLE SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION HAS ALREADY RAISED SIX-THOUSAND DOLLARS TOWARDS A NEW SKATE PARK. THE ORGANIZATION HAS ONLY BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS, BUT ORGANIZERS SAY MANY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS, PROUDLY GIVING UP THEIR TIME. THE ORIGINAL FIGURES TO BUILD A SKATE PARK IN THE BOROUGH AMOUNTED TO A MINIMUM OF ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND DOLLARS, BUT THE GROUP HOPES TO GET THE PROJECT DONE FOR A LOT LESS.

$18K TO REPAIR TRINITY EPISCOPAL STEEPLE

TRINITY EPISCOPAL PARISH IN POTTSVILLE IS UPGRADING ITS CHURCH STEEPLE BY INSTALLING NEW LOUVERS. THE CURRENT LOUVERS ARE DUE FOR AN UPGRADE AFTER BEING INSTALLED OVER FIFTY-YEARS AGO. THE EIGHTEEN-THOUSAND DOLLAR PROJECT IS BEING FINANCED BY DONATIONS AND INVESTMENT MONEY. THE PROJECT SHOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO WEEKS. TRINITY EPISCOPAL IS THE OLDEST PARISH IN THE CITY.

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - WINTER IS STILL NEARLY TWO MONTHS AWAY, BUT FLAKES ARE IN THE FORECAST FOR THIS WEEKEND. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH FOR PARTS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TOMORROW. THE SOUTHERN POCONOS, LEHIGH VALLEY AND BERKS COUNTY COULD RECEIVE FOUR TO SIX INCHES OF SNOW.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT'S LOOKING AT USING MORE DATABASES FOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AFTER A U.S. SENATOR CALLED FOR TIGHTER REGULATIONS BECAUSE OF ALLEGATIONS THAT PEOPLE WERE LOCKED IN A PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT AS PART OF A FRAUD SCHEME. SENATOR BOB CASEY WROTE A LETTER TO THE AGENCY ASKING IT TO CLOSE A LOOPHOLE HE SAYS LET A WOMAN ACCUSED OF RUNNING THE HORRIFIC FRAUD CASE EVADE NOTICE FOR YEARS.

NATIONAL NEWS:

OAKLAND, CALIF. (AP) - THE IRAQ WAR VETERAN WHO WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CONFRONTATION BETWEEN POLICE AND ANTI-WALL STREET DEMONSTRATORS HAS BEEN HONORED WITH A VIGIL IN OAKLAND. AT LEAST 1,000 PEOPLE GATHERED AND MANY HELD LIT CANDLES FOR 24-YEAR-OLD SCOTT OLSEN, WHO'S IN FAIR CONDITION. IN TENNESSEE, AUTHORITIES HAVE MADE SOME ARRESTS AT A NASHVILLE ENCAMPMENT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE DEFENSE FOR A DOCTOR CHARGED WITH INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN THE DEATH OF MICHAEL JACKSON PLANS TO PRESENT ITS OWN THEORY TODAY. A DEFENSE EXPERT PLANS TO LAY OUT A SCENARIO THAT JACKSON SOMEHOW GAVE HIMSELF A FATAL DOSE OF A DRUG
WHEN HIS DOCTOR LEFT THE ROOM. A VIGOROUS CHALLENGE IS EXPECTED FROM PROSECUTORS.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - DAVID FREESE HOMERED TO LEAD OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE 11TH INNING, AND THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS FORCED THE WORLD SERIES TO A GAME 7 BY RALLYING FROM TWO-RUN DEFICITS AGAINST THE TEXAS RANGERS IN THE 9TH AND 10TH INNINGS TO WIN 10-9 LAST NIGHT. GAME 7 IS TONIGHT IN ST. LOUIS.

THESSALONIKI, GREECE (AP) - GREECE'S PRESIDENT CALLS THE CANCELLATION OF THE ANNUAL MILITARY PARADE COMMEMORATING GREECE'S ENTRY IN WORLD WAR II "SHAMEFUL. A PROTEST BY ANTI-AUSTERITY DEMONSTRATORS FORCED THE PARADE TO BE SCRAPPED.

ERCIS, TURKEY (AP) - TURKISH OFFICIALS SAY THEY'VE UPDATED THE DEATH TOLL IN THE MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE IN EASTERN TURKEY TO 570, WITH MORE THAN 2,500 INJURED AND MORE THAN 185 RESCUED. THE LATEST RESCUE WAS A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY TRAPPED FOR NEARLY FIVE DAYS.

TODAY'S NEWS THU. OCTOBER 27, 2011

JOB CHANGE IN COUNTY MAY RESULT IN GRIEVANCE

AT THEIR MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT CHIEF ASSESSOR HELEN O'CONNOR, EFFECTIVE APRIL 8, 2012. THE FOLLOWING DAY, SHE WILL BEGIN A NEWLY ESTABLISHED PART-TIME JOB IN THE SAME POSITION. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MARK SCARBINSKY SAID THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COUNTY TO SAVE MONEY FOR THE TAXPAYERS, AS THE PART-TIME POSITION WILL INCUR FEWER HOURS, AND NO BENEFITS WILL BE PAID. THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES ASSERTS THAT THE COMMISSIONERS ARE NOT FOLLOWING PROPER PROCEDURES FOR FILLING A NEW POSITION, SINCE THEY DID NOT POST THE JOB FOR BIDS BY OTHER UNION EMPLOYEES. THE UNION MAY DECIDE TO FILE A GRIEVANCE OVER THE APPOINTMENT.

DON'T THROW CANDY, SAY LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

CHILDREN HAVE LINED THE ROUTES OF HALLOWEEN PARADES FOR MANY YEARS WAITING FOR THE TREATS THAT WERE THROWN TO THEM, BUT MANY MUNICIPALITIES ARE DISCOURAGING THE PRACTICE. DOROTHY HOMA, A MEMBER OF THE SAINT CLAIR WOMENS CLUB, SAID HER GROUP HAS TRIED TO DISCOURAGE PARADE PARTICIPANTS FROM THROWING CANDY FOR YEARS SO KIDS AREN'T RUNNING INTO THE STREET WHERE CARS AND TRUCKS ARE DRIVING. LAST NIGHT'S PARADE ON SECOND STREET WAS WELL ATTENDED, AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT MANY IN THE PARADE CHOSE TO IGNORE THE WARNING AGAINST THROWING CANDY, WHICH BROUGHT CHILDREN RUSHING INTO THE STREET TO GATHER UP THE SWEET TREATS.

INAUGURAL "HEART CHASE" WALK TO BE HELD SATURDAY IN POTTSVILLE

MCCANN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AS THEY HOST THE FIRST HEART CHASE WALK THIS SATURDAY IN POTTSVILLE. THE HEART ASSOCIATION IS HOPING THAT THE HEART CHASE TAKES OFF LIKE THE RELAY FOR LIFE HAS, ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO JOIN A TEAM AND RAISE FUNDS FOR HEART RESEARCH. THE WALK WILL BE HELD AS PART OF MCCANN'S ANNUAL SAFETY FIRST/FAMILY EVENT, WHICH WILL INCLUDE FAMILY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL SECURITY AND IDENTITY THEFT. PEOPLE WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WALK CAN SIGN UP AT MCCANN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT 9:00 SATURDAY MORNING. THE COST TO BE PART OF THE HEART CHASE WALK IS TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS PER PERSON.


FRACKVILLE POOL MANAGER ADDRESSES PAY

AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT EMPLOYEES OF THE FRACKVILLE MEMORIAL POOL WERE NOT GETTING PAID, THE ISSUE WAS FINALLY ADDRESSED WEDNESDAY DURING A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING. THE REPUBLICAN HERALD REPORTS ALBERT LASAVAGE, OWNER OF NEPTUNE POOL MANAGEMENT, CLAIMED THE POOL STRUGGLED FINANCIALLY OVER THE SUMMER AND ADMITTED TO MISSING ONE PAY ROLE, BUT SAID EVERYTHING WAS EVENTUALLY RECTIFIED. HE ADDED THAT TWO EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT YET BEEN PAID IN FULL, BUT THE PROBLEM IS BEING TAKEN CARE OF. NEPTUNE POOL MANAGEMENT TOOK OVER OPERATIONS IN JUNE. THE POOL AND CAFE WERE CLOSED ABOUT THIRTY-DAYS DURING THE SUMMER.

COUNTY RESIDENTS HOPE FOR GOVERNMENT BUYOUTS

SOME RESIDENTS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, WHO ARE TIRED OF REPEATEDLY GETTING FLOODED, ARE HOPING THE GOVERNMENT BUYS OUT THEIR PROPERTIES. SEVERAL HOMES IN THE AREA ARE STILL CLEANING UP AND GETTING POWER RESTORED AFTER BEING FLOODED OUT IN SEPTEMBER. PINE GROVE OFFICIALS WANT THE BUYOUTS TO GO THROUGH, BECAUSE IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE FLOOD WATERS HIT AGAIN.

FEMA UPDATE

MANY PENNSYLVANIANS WHO SUFFERED LOSSES DURING HURRICANE IRENE OR TROPICAL STORM LEE HAVE ALREADY NOTIFIED THEIR INSURANCE COMPANIES. THOSE SAME INSURED HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS CAN, AND SHOULD, REGISTER FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TOO. ONCE REGISTERED, EACH APPLICATION IS REVIEWED BY FEMA. IF AN INSURED APPLICANT EXPECTS THEIR INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER STORM-RELATED LOSS AND DAMAGES, THEY ARE MAILED A "REQUEST FOR INFORMATION" LETTER. THE LETTER DETAILS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO SUPPORT THE APPLICANT'S NEED FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE. IT ALSO EXPLAINS FEMA'S "OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE,” HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THESE FUNDS, AND WHAT INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY. PEOPLE WHO WORK OR LIVE IN THE 28 PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES DECLARED ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER AID AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE IRENE AND TROPICAL STORM LEE AND WHO WERE AFFECTED BY EITHER OR BOTH STORMS SHOULD REGISTER WITH FEMA. FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDS ARE PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS IN THE FORM OF FEMA GRANTS THAT DO NOT HAVE TO BE REPAID AND LOW-INTEREST DISASTER LOANS FROM THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A FEMA GRANT OR AN SBA LOAN, YOU MUST REGISTER WITH FEMA NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 14. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAS 749 REGISTRATIONS TO DATE WITH FEMA.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE SENATORS HAVE OK'D A MAJOR PROPOSAL TO SPEND MORE TAXPAYER MONEY TO HELP FAMILIES AFFORD THE COST OF PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOL TUITION FOR THEIR CHILDREN. THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED CHAMBER VOTED 27-22 YESTERDAY AFTER DEFEATING DEMOCRATIC AMENDMENTS DURING FOUR-PLUS HOURS OF DEBATE. THE BILL NOW HEADS TO THE HOUSE, WHERE ITS FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS IS RECALLING 5,000 POUNDS OF PINE NUTS SOLD IN THE BULK FOODS DEPARTMENT OF ITS STORES IN NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, VIRGINIA, AND MARYLAND BETWEEN JULY 1ST AND OCTOBER 18TH. THE GROCER IS CITING POSSIBLE SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION. THE RECALL ONLY APPLIES TO TURKISH PINE
NUTS SOLD IN BULK.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN EXHIBIT INCLUDING GUITARS, HANDWRITTEN LYRICS, AND A 1960 CORVETTE WILL OPEN AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER IN PHILADELPHIA THIS WINTER. THE EXHIBIT WILL OPEN AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM SOMETIME AFTER CLOSING IN FEBRUARY AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN CLEVELAND. THE EXACT DATES HAVE NOT YET BEEN POSTED.

NATIONAL NEWS:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE DEFENSE IS EXPECTED TO SHIFT TO SCIENCE AND AWAY FROM PERSONALITY TODAY IN THE INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S DOCTOR. THE FINAL WITNESSES TESTIFYING FOR DR. CONRAD MURRAY WILL BE FELLOW DOCTORS, ONE AN EXPERT IN THE POWERFUL ANESTHETIC THAT JACKSON WAS GIVEN.

CHICAGO (AP) - A MAJOR GOVERNMENT STUDY IS CONFIRMING SMALLER ONES THAT CHALLENGE A ONCE-COMMON TYPE OF SCREENING FOR LUNG CANCER. THE STUDY OF MORE THAN 150,000 OLDER AMERICANS SHOWS ROUTINE CHEST X-RAYS DO NOT PREVENT LUNG CANCER DEATHS. THERE'S ALSO EVIDENCE THAT THE MORE SOPHISTICATED CT SCAN DOES.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILL REPORT TODAY ABOUT NEARLY 14,000 MILES OF LEVEES UNDER ITS JURISDICTION. IT WAS PROMPTED BY THE DEVASTATION OF HURRICANE KATRINA. BUT THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 100,000 MORE MILES OF LEVEES NOT UNDER CORPS JURISDICTION. A CORPS LEVEE SAFETY OFFICIAL SAYS THEY DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW MANY LEVEES THERE ARE.

ERCIS, TURKEY (AP) - TURKISH AUTHORITIES ARE DELIVERING MORE TENTS AND ACCEPTING OFFERS OF AID FROM OTHER COUNTRIES FOR VICTIMS OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE FOUR DAYS AGO THAT KILLED AT LEAST 523 PEOPLE. RAIN AND SNOW ARE MAKING LIFE MORE MISERABLE TODAY FOR THE THOUSANDS LEFT HOMELESS.

JERUSALEM (AP) - A PALESTINIAN OFFICIAL SAYS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT UNITING DUELING GOVERNMENTS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT MONTH. THE MEETING IN CAIRO WILL BE THE FIRST BETWEEN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS AND HAMAS' KHALED MASHAAL (HAH'-LED MAH'-SHAHL) SINCE A SURPRISE RECONCILIATION AGREEMENT IN MAY. THAT DEAL REMAINS TROUBLED.

TODAY'S NEWS: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011

TODAY'S NEWS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2011

LOCAL NEWS

FEMA CENTER IN PINE GROVE CLOSES FRIDAY

THE NOVEMBER FOURTEENTH DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND FEMA IS NEARING, BUT THE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER AT THE HOSE HOOK AND LADDER FIRE COMPANY IN PINE GROVE WILL BE CLOSING THIS FRIDAY. RESIDENTS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE WILL STILL BE ABLE TO CALL THE FEMA HELP LINE AT 800-621-3362 OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV. THE OFFICE IN PINE GROVE WILL BE OPEN TODAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY BETWEEN 10:00 A.M. AND 7:00 P.M.

FILM ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PRESENTED AT PENN STATE

THE DOCUMENTARY "TELLING AMY’S STORY" WAS SHOWN AS PART OF A PRESENTATION AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL CAMPUS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE THOSE IN ATTENDANCE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE. THE EVENT WAS SPONSORED BY THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN, AND INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, SCHUYLKILL WOMEN IN CRISIS, THE SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE CENTER, AND THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT. COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND PENNSYLVANIA RANKS AMONG THE STATES WITH THE HIGHEST RATE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.

POTTSVILLE LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL

ON NOVEMBER 9, 1911, THE POTTSVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENED ITS DOORS IN A FORMER PUB ON WEST MARKET STREET. AT THE TIME THEY OFFERED THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO ALMOST FOUR THOUSAND BOOKS. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2011, THE LIBRARY WILL CELEBRATE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE AND GROWTH WITH A SHOW TITLED "INSPIRED BY A BOOK". THE CELEBRATION WILL INCLUDE DISPLAYS OF PHOTOGRAPHY, PAINTINGS, JEWELRY, POTTERY, AND OTHER ITEMS, AND IT IS OPEN FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. THE LIBRARY CURRENTLY HAS OVER EIGHT THOUSAND REGISTERED USERS AND HOUSES OVER ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND ITEMS.


EIGHT PEOPLE ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH FELONY DRUG CHARGES

THE POTTSVILLE BUREAU OF POLICE DRUG INVESTIGATION UNIT ARRESTED SEVEN CITY RESIDENTS AND ONE MINERSVILLE MAN TUESDAY FOR THE SALE OF SEVERAL ILLEGAL DRUGS. ARRESTED WERE 21-YEAR-OLD DUANE INGRAHAM, 20-YEAR-OLD SEAN KEHOE, 29-YEAR-OLDS SHANNON REED AND JOHN HARLEY ARMSTRONG, 30-YEAR-OLD TRACY WENSEL, 22-YEAR-OLD CALEB COOK, 32-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL O'BOYLE, AND 43-YEAR-OLD TAMMYJO MCSHAW. ALL EIGHT PEOPLE WERE COMMITTED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON IN LIEU OF TEN PERCENT BAIL. THE DRUG INVESTIGATION UNIT REMINDS ALL CITIZENS THAT A CONFIDENTIAL NUMBER IS AVAILABLE TO REPORT ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE SALE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS IN POTTSVILLE. CALL CITY HALL AT 622-1234 AND ACCESS MAILBOX 150. ANONYMOUS INFORMATION IS ACCEPTED BUT CALLBACK INFORMATION IS OF GREATER USE AND WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EARNS RECYCLING GRANT

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED A GRANT OF OVER 24-THOUSAND DOLLARS UNDER THE STATE’S COUNTY RECYCLING COORDINATOR GRANT PROGRAM. THE GRANT WILL BE USED TO REIMBURSE 50 PERCENT OF THE COST OF THE COUNTY’S RECYCLING COORDINATOR’S SALARY AND EXPENSES. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH SAID THE COUNTY’S RECYCLING PROGRAM HAS INCREASED CITIZENS PARTICIPATION IN RECYCLING AND REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF WASTE GOING INTO LANDFILLS. COUNTY RECYCLING COORDINATOR GRANTS ARE PROVIDED THROUGH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNDER A LAW ADOPTED IN 1988.

MAN WANTED BY MCADOO POLICE FOUND IN NEW YORK CITY

A HAZLETON MAN WANTED BY MCADOO POLICE SINCE LAST YEAR WAS ARRESTED BY NEW YORK CITY POLICE EARLIER THIS MONTH, AND HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY TO STAND TRIAL ON FELONY DRUG CHARGES. RASHAD SANTIAGO WAS ARRESTED ON FEBRUARY FIFTH, 2010, BUT FLED BEFORE HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING. HE WAS ARRESTED BY NEW YORK CITY POLICE WHEN HE BOARDED A BUS WITHOUT PAYING THE FARE. A ROUTINE CHECK REVEALED THAT HE WAS WANTED BY MCADOO POLICE, AND HE WAS RETURNED TO THE AREA. SANTIAGO IS SCHEDULED TO HAVE A PRELIMINARY HEARING ON NOVEMBER FIRST BEFORE MAGESTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE STEPHEN BAYER OF TAMAQUA.

STATE NEWS:

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - TOM CORBETT SAYS HE STILL FAVORS THE PRIVATIZATION OF LIQUOR AND WINE SALES IN PENNSYLVANIA. BUT HE SAYS LIMITS ARE NEEDED ON THE NUMBER OF STORES TO BE LICENSED. CORBETT HAS MADE PUBLIC A LONG-AWAITED CONSULTANT'S REPORT LAYING OUT TWO ALTERNATIVES FOR PRIVATIZATION - A STRUCTURED PROCESS IN WHICH RETAIL LICENSES ARE SOLD AT AN AUCTION OR AN OPEN-MARKET APPROACH IN WHICH ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANT COULD BUY A LICENSE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A NEW PENNSYLVANIA LAW IS IN PLACE THAT LIMITS HOW MANY PASSENGERS TEEN DRIVERS CAN HAVE IN THE CAR AND INCREASES THE NUMBER OF HOURS OF BEHIND-THE-WHEEL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR A JUNIOR LICENSE. GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT SIGNED THE BILL YESTERDAY. HE SAYS HE WANTS LAWMAKERS TO PASS A TEXTING-WHILE-DRIVING BAN FOR ALL DRIVERS.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A LONG-ANTICIPATED BILL THAT WOULD SEND MORE TAXPAYER MONEY TO PAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION IN PENNSYLVANIA AND MAKE IT EASIER TO OPEN CHARTER SCHOOLS COULD GET A SENATE VOTE THIS WEEK. THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVED A
REWRITTEN VERSION OF LEGISLATION YESTERDAY THAT HAD STALLED IN THE SENATE IN THE SPRING. A FULL SENATE VOTE COULD HAPPEN AS EARLY AS TODAY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A BILL THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE 19 MORE CITIES IN PENNSYLVANIA TO INSTALL RED-LIGHT CAMERAS IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IS HEADED TO THE STATE HOUSE. SENATORS VOTED YESTERDAY TO APPROVE THE BILL. THE CAMERAS ARE ALREADY USED IN PHILADELPHIA TO NAB RED-LIGHT RUNNERS AND TRAFFIC LAW VIOLATORS.

NATIONAL NEWS:

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - AFGHAN OFFICIALS SAY THE COUNTRY'S OWN SECURITY FORCES COULD SOON START REPLACING U.S. AND NATO FORCES IN ALL OR PART OF 17 OF THE NATION'S 34 PROVINCES. PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI (HAH'-MIHD KAR'-ZEYE) WILL ANNOUNCE HIS SECOND LIST OF TRANSITION SITES AT A CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK IN ISTANBUL.

DOHA, QATAR (AP) - LIBYA'S INTERIM LEADER IS IN QATAR (GUH'-TUR) FOR THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE ON HIS COUNTRY SINCE THE DEATH OF MOAMMAR GADHAFI. THE OFFICIAL QATAR NEWS AGENCY SAYS TODAY'S GATHERING IS EXPECTED TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM GULF STATES, WESTERN POWERS AND NATO.

ATLANTA (AP) - SWAT TEAMS IN RIOT GEAR AND POLICE ON MOTORCYCLES AND HORSES HAVE CLEARED OCCUPY WALL STREET PROTESTERS FROM A DOWNTOWN ATLANTA PARK. THEY'VE ARRESTED ABOUT 50 PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN CAMPING IN THE PARK FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.

UNDATED (AP) - NEW FIGURES SHOW THE COST OF A COLLEGE EDUCATION AT A FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC COLLEGE RUNS MORE THAN $17,000 FOR TUITION AND ROOM AND BOARD. BUT A COMPANION REPORT SHOWS THAT THANKS TO FEDERAL GRANTS AND TAX CREDITS FAMILIES ACTUALLY PAY ABOUT $2,500.

LONDON (AP) - AN INQUEST INTO SINGER AMY WINEHOUSE'S DEATH BEGINS TODAY IN LONDON. AN AUTOPSY WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THE 27-YEAR-OLD SINGER WAS FOUND DEAD IN HER APARTMENT IN JULY.

TODAY'S NEWS: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

STUDENT ATHLETES FROM GRADES SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE WHO WANT TO CONTINUE PLAYING SPORTS IN COLLEGE WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET SOME ADVICE TONIGHT. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

NEW PHILLY FIRE NOT ARSON

AUTHORITIES BELIEVE A FIRE IN NEW PHILADELPHIA SATURDAY WAS NOT A CASE OF ARSON NOR WAS FOUL PLAY INVOLVED. THE BLAZE ON VALLEY STREET DESTROYED THE HOME, LEAVING WHAT WAS LEFT TO BE TORN DOWN SUNDAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDERMINED AT THIS TIME, BUT APPEARS TO BE ACCIDENTAL. AUTHORITIES FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF FIREARMS IN THAT HOME, BUT SAY NO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WAS INVOLVED.

DANCE SENDS DIABETIC CHILDREN SENT TO CAMP

SOME DIABETIC CHILDREN WILL AGAIN BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO GO TO CAMP SETEBAID THIS SUMMER THANKS TO AN ANNUAL DANCE. THE DANCE HELD AT THE POTTSVILLE ZONE WILL HONOR THE LATE FOUNDER OF THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DIABETES ORGANIZATION, JOANIE ALBO. THE ORGANIZATION PLANS ON SENDING TWO CHILDREN TO THE GROUNDS OF CAMP LOUISE IN JULY. THE DANCE WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CONTACT 570-628-3827

GOVERNOR CORBETT DECLARES FISCAL EMERGENCY IN HARRISBURG

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE, GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT HAS DECLARED A FISCAL EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF HARRISBURG, AND HAS BEGUN THE PROCESS OF TAKING CONTROL OF THE CITY'S FINANCES. CITY COUNCIL HAS ALREADY FILED FOR CHAPTER 9 BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION FOR THE CASH STRAPPED CITY, BUT THE CASE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY A JUDGE YET. THE GOVERNOR HAS THE AUTHORITY, THROUGH A RECENTLY ENACTED LAW, TO DECIDE HOW HARRISBURG’S REVENUES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.

APPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS MUST BE IN SOON

SCHOOLS, CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND OTHERS WHO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HAVE UNTIL DECEMBER 16 TO COMPLETE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS TO HELP THEM IN THEIR WORK. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAKES FUNDS AVAILABLE TO HELP THESE ORGANIZATIONS SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT TOPICS LIKE AIR QUALITY, WATER CONSERVATION, MINE RUNOFF, AND A VARIETY OF OTHER SUBJECTS. INTERESTED ORGANIZATIONS CAN APPLY FOR THE GRANTS ONLINE AT WWW.DEP.STATE.PA.US, OR BY CALLING 717-772-1828.

FUNDING MAY BE DIVERTED FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO FUND CHARTERS

A BILL CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION IN HARRISBURG WOULD CREATE A SCHOOL VOUCHER SYSTEM, WHERE MONEY WOULD BE TAKEN FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL COFFERS TO FUND STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS. THE BILL IS IN THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE AWAITING ACTION, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT MAY BE ON THE FAST TRACK FOR APPROVAL. IF IT IS PASSED INTO LAW, THE BILL COULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON PUBLIC EDUCATION BY CAUSING FINANCIAL SHORTFALLS.


STATE NEWS:

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - A COALITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANDGOOD-GOVERNMENT GROUPS IS RECOMMENDING MORE STRINGENT OVERSIGHT OF THE STATE'S NATURAL-GAS DRILLING INDUSTRY. THE CITIZENS COMMISSION SAYS THE MARCELLUS SHALE DEPOSITS ARE A VALUABLE RESOURCE BUT SAYS PENNSYLVANIA NEEDS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF MINIMIZING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DRILLING.

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A MAN ACCUSED IN THE AUGUST SHOOTING DEATH OF A FREEMANSBURG POLICE OFFICER HAS BEEN ORDERED TO STAND TRIAL. GEORGE HITCHO JR. ALLEGEDLY KILLED ROBERT LASSO WITH A SHOTGUN AS LASSO WAS STRUGGLING WITH TWO OF HITCHO'S DOGS IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

MISRATA, LIBYA (AP) - A JAILED CONFIDANT DESCRIBES THE FINAL DAYS OF MOAMMAR GADHAFI AS SHIFTING BETWEEN RAGE AND MELANCHOLY AND TOTALLY WITHDRAWN FROM LEADING THE BATTLE. MANSOUR DAO SAYS GADHAFI, HIS SON AND AN ENTOURAGE OF TWO DOZEN DIE-HARD LOYALISTS WERE LARGELY CUT OFF FROM THE WORLD, LIVING IN ABANDONED HOMES.

ERCIS, TURKEY (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY THE DEATH TOLL IN THE POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE THAT HIT EASTERN TURKEY IS NOW 366. THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE ALSO SAYS MORE THAN 2,000 BUILDINGS COLLAPSED IN SUNDAY'S 7.2-MAGNITUDE QUAKE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE SPENT A
SECOND NIGHT OUTDOORS, AFRAID TO GO HOME AMID NUMEROUS AFTERSHOCKS.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A NURSE WHO TREATED MICHAEL JACKSON RESUMES TESTIMONY FOR THE DEFENSE TODAY IN THE INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S DOCTOR. SHE'S EXPECTED TO DETAIL THE SINGER'S REQUESTS FOR A POWERFUL ANESTHETIC. CHERILYN LEE HAS SAID SHE REPEATEDLY WARNED JACKSON THAT USING PROPOFOL COULD KILL HIM.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS RAISING MONEY IN CALIFORNIA, TAPPING A RELIABLE DONOR BASE THAT'S HEAVY ON HOLLYWOOD PERSONALITIES. THE PRESIDENT IS ALSO TO TAPE AN APPEARANCE ON "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO." A FUNDRAISER IN SAN FRANCISCO WILL FEATURE A PERFORMANCE BY FOLK ROCK SINGER-SONGWRITER JACK JOHNSON.

TOLEDO, OHIO (AP) - JOE THE PLUMBER IS SET TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY ABOUT WHETHER HE'LL TRY TO BECOME JOE THE CONGRESSMAN. SAMUEL "JOE" WURZELBACHER (WUR'-ZUHL-BAH-KUR) ALREADY HAS FILED THE PAPERWORK AND SET UP A CAMPAIGN WEBSITE TO RAISE MONEY. WURZELBACHER ROSE OUT OF OBSCURITY IN 2008 TO BECOME AN ICON FOR MANY ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT CONSERVATIVES.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011

NEW PHILLY FIRE LEAVES MAN CRITICALLY INJURED

A LATE SATURDAY FIRE IN NEW PHILADELPHIA DESTROYED A HOME AND CRITICALLY INJURED A MAN. 51-YEAR-OLD JOHN MARCAVAGE SUFFERED BURNS ON ABOUT 90-PERCENT OF HIS BODY. HE REMAINED IN CRITICAL CONDITION SUNDAY NIGHT. POLICE HAVE NOW RECOVERED FIREARMS WITH AMMUNITION AND CASH FROM THE VALLEY STREET HOME. THE INVESTIGATION REMAINS ONGOING.

LOCAL BOOK STORE ANNOUNCES SECOND LOCATION

A LOCAL BOOK STORE HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL OPEN ITS' SECOND LOCATION AT THE HOMETOWN FARMERS MARKET. THE SAINT CLAIR BOOK NOOK, LOCATED ON NORTH SECOND STREET, SELLS NEW AND USED BOOKS AT DISCOUNT PRICES. THE NEW LOCATION WILL BE OPEN ON WEDNESDAY’S IN HOMETOWN.

CANCER PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE TO GROUPS

THANKS TO A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER WILL BE PROVIDING FREE PRESENTATIONS ON A VARIETY OF CANCER INCLUDING PROSTATE, OVARIAN, COLORECTAL AND SKIN. TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION FOR YOUR GROUP CALL ARMENTA WASHINGTON AT 215-214-3984.

IF YOU REGISTERED WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS OR OTHER DISASTER-AID ORGANIZATIONS, YOU STILL MUST REGISTER WITH FEMA SEPARATELY

PENNSYLVANIANS WHO REGISTERED WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS FOR DISASTER AID MUST ALSO REGISTER WITH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL AND COMMONWEALTH DISASTER AID. FOR HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE, TROPICAL STORM LEE, OR BOTH, THERE ARE FOUR WAYS TO REGISTER:

1.CALL 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). OPERATORS ASSIST CALLERS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. HELP IS AVAILABLE IN MOST LANGUAGES. IF YOU HAVE A SPEECH DISABILITY OR HEARING LOSS AND USE A TTY, CALL 1-800-462-7585.
2.REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV
3.REGISTER USING A TABLET OR SMARTPHONE BY VISITING M.FEMA.GOV
4.IF YOU USE 711 OR VIDEO RELAY SERVICE (VRS), CALL 1-800-621-3362

NOVEMBER 14 IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE.IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND NEED HELP REGISTERING, DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT FEMA TO ASK FOR HELP.

LEGAL NON-CITIZENS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER RECOVERY AID

THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE AND TROPICAL STORM LEE WHO ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS BUT ARE IN THE UNITED STATES LEGALLY CAN APPLY FOR STATE AND FEDERAL DISASTER
ASSISTANCE.

INDIVIDUALS ISSUED A LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "A GREEN CARD" MAY APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE IF THEY HAVE DISASTER-RELATED LOSSES. OTHER NONCITIZENS WHO CAN REGISTER WITH FEMA INCLUDE THOSE WITH LEGAL RESIDENT STATUS BECAUSE OF ASYLUM, REFUGEE STATUS, PAROLE STATUS, SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION STATUS OR STATUS AS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.IN ADDITION, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF A CHILD WHO IS A CITIZEN, NONCITIZEN NATIONAL OR QUALIFIED ALIEN MAY APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD. APPLICANTS SHOULD REGISTER BY CALLING 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) OR TTY 1-800-462-7585 TO REGISTER FOR FEDERAL DISASTER AID IF THEY HAD DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IRENE OR TROPICAL STORM LEE AND LIVE IN ONE OF THE COUNTIES DESIGNATED UNDER THE DISASTER DECLARATIONS. IF THEY USE 711 OR VIDEO RELAY SERVICE (VRS), THE NUMBER TO CALL IS 1-800-621-3362. OPERATORS ARE MULTILINGUAL AND CALLS ARE ANSWERED SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. APPLICANTS CAN ALSO REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THREE SUSPECTS WHO POLICE SAY HELD FOUR MENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS CAPTIVE IN A FILTHY PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT AS PART OF A SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD SCHEME MAKE THEIR FIRST COURT APPEARANCES TODAY. LINDA ANN WESTON, EDDIE WRIGHT AND GREGORY THOMAS ARE CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING, ASSAULT, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND OTHER CHARGES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A NEWSPAPER SAYS SCORES OF CAPITAL MURDER CONVICTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA HAVE BEEN REVERSED OR SENT BACK FOR NEW HEARINGS DUE TO ERRORS MADE BY OFTEN LOW-PAID DEFENSE ATTORNEYS. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SAYS COURTS CITED DEFENSE ERRORS IN REVERSING OR ORDERING NEW HEARINGS IN MORE THAN 125 CAPITAL MURDER TRIALS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA POLICE ARRESTED MORE THAN A DOZEN PROTESTERS WHO CAMPED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ACROSS FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS OVERNIGHT SATURDAY. THEY WERE PART OF A GROUP MARCHING TO PROTEST POLICE BRUTALITY ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ERCIS, TURKEY (AP) - RESCUERS IN EASTERN TURKEY SEARCHING AMONG BUILDINGS PANCAKED BY A 7.2-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HAVE FOUND FOUR SURVIVORS. NEWS REPORTS SAY THEY WERE PULLED FROM A COLLAPSED SIX-STORY BUILDING AFTER A MAN MANAGED TO CALL POLICE ON HIS CELL PHONE. AT LEAST 239 PEOPLE HAVE DIED.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN (AP) - DEFENSE SECRETARY LEON PANETTA SAYS WASHINGTON AND TOKYO SHARE COMMON CHALLENGES, ONE BEING NORTH KOREA. PANETTA SAYS NORTH KOREA CONTINUES TO ENGAGE IN "RECKLESS AND PROVOCATIVE BEHAVIOR." HE ALSO SAYS THE U.S. AND JAPAN SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE CHINA "TO PLAY A RESPONSIBLE ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY."

MIAMI (AP) - TROPICAL STORM RINA IS CHURNING IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA OFF THE COASTS OF HONDURAS AND NICARAGUA. FORECASTERS SAY IT COULD BECOME A HURRICANE BY THE END OF THE WEEK. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE COAST OF HONDURAS FROM PUNTA CASTILLA EASTWARD TO THE NICARAGUAN BORDER.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TAKES HIS PUSH FOR HIS JOBS CREATION BILL TO LAS VEGAS TODAY. NEVADA HAS THE NATION'S HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, 13.4 PERCENT. HE'LL LATER ATTEND CAMPAIGN EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA.

CHICAGO (AP) - A NEW STUDY CONCLUDES THAT EXPOSURE TO BPA BEFORE BIRTH COULD AFFECT GIRLS' BEHAVIOR AT AGE 3. WHILE THE RESULTS ARE NOT CONCLUSIVE, IT FOUND HIGH URINE LEVELS OF BPA DURING PREGNANCY WERE LINKED WITH INCREASINGLY WORSE BEHAVIOR IN DAUGHTERS. BOYS' BEHAVIOR DIDN'T SEEM TO BE AFFECTED.

TODAY'S NEWS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 8

POTTSVILLE 34
READING 0

WYOMISSING 14
BLUE MOUNTAIN 7

NORTH SCHUYLKILL 38
MAHANOY AREA 37

MARIAN 35
SHENANDOAH VALLEY 21

TAMAQUA 39
PANTHER VALLEY 6

MINERSVILLE 33
TRI VALLEY 0

WILLIAMS VALLEY 54
NEWPORT 12

MT CARMEL 35
SHIKELLAMY 14

PINE GROVE 28
PEQUEA VALLEY 0

LOCAL NEWS

FREEDOM TOYOTA LAUNCHES COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM TO BENEFIT LOCAL CAUSES

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN COMMUNITIES JOIN TOGETHER. THAT’S THE PHILOSOPHY OF ERIC SAVAGE, PRESIDENT OF FREEDOM AUTO GROUP WHICH IS LAUNCHING A NEW PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM TO BENEFIT A CROSS-SECTION OF LOCAL CAUSES. FROM OCTOBER 15 THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, FREEDOM TOYOTA CAR LOTS IN HARRISBURG AND HAMBURG, PA., WILL BE FILLED WITH AN ASSORTMENT OF CULINARY DELICACIES, HIGHWAY SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS, A KNIGHT RIDER REPLICA CAR, MILITARY CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES ALL IN THE NAME OF A GOOD CAUSE. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO A SERIES OF SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCED AS PART OF THE FREEDOM TOYOTA CARES PROGRAM. THERE WILL BE NO ADMISSION CHARGE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE PROVIDED COURTESY OF FREEDOM TOYOTA, WHICH WILL JOIN WITH TOYOTA CORPORATION TO DONATE A TOTAL OF $40,000 TO DESIGNATED LOCAL CAUSES BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STORM OR FLOOD

HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING CAN OCCUR ANYTIME. OFFICIALS RECOMMEND THAT PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS PREPARE NOW FOR THE NEXT STORM OR FLOOD. ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA), SOME SIMPLE ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN TO LOWER YOUR CHANCES OF FLOOD PROPERTY LOSSES AND TO MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE. CREATE A FILE WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN IT. KEEP THE INFORMATION IN A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX OR IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER IN YOUR HOME.

THE FILE SHOULD CONTAIN:

• LIFE AND PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICIES AND YOUR AGENT'S CONTACT INFORMATION.
• A COPY OF YOUR DEED IF YOU OWN REAL ESTATE.
• FINANCIAL RECORDS AND BANK ACCOUNT NUMBERS.
• AN INVENTORY OF YOUR POSSESSIONS.
• PHOTOGRAPHS OF EACH ROOM AND ITS CONTENTS.
• CRITICAL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS WILLS, TRUSTS, AND MEDICAL DIRECTIVES.
• PREPARING YOUR HOME:
• KEEP YOUR SUMP PUMP IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
• CLEAN OUT DEBRIS FROM GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS REGULARLY SO RAIN WATER CAN FLOW THROUGH.
• KEEP FUEL TANKS ANCHORED TO PREVENT THEM FROM FLOATING AWAY AND POSSIBLY CAUSING HARM.
• RAISE ELECTRICAL ITEMS SUCH AS SWITCHES, CIRCUIT BREAKERS, AND WIRING AT LEAST 12 INCHES ABOVE THE POINT YOU THINK FLOODWATERS MIGHT REACH.
• IF POSSIBLE, RAISE THE FURNACE, WATER HEATER, WASHER, AND DRYER ONTO CEMENT BLOCKS AT LEAST 12 INCHES ABOVE THE POINT YOU EXPECT FLOOD WATER MIGHT REACH.

SAFEGUARDING YOUR FAMILY:

• MAKE A SAFETY KIT WITH A 3 DAY SUPPLY OF DRINKING WATER AND CANNED FOOD, A CAN OPENER, FIRST AID ITEMS, BLANKETS, A NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) RADIO, AND A FLASHLIGHT WITH BATTERIES.

• PUT EMERGENCY CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS BY EACH PHONE, PROGRAM THEM INTO YOUR CELL PHONES, POST THEM ON THE REFRIGERATOR AND TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO DIAL 911.

• KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY'S EVACUATION PLAN AND PRACTICE THE FLOOD EVACUATION ROUTE WITH YOUR FAMILY. FIND SAFE ROUTES FROM HOME, WORK AND SCHOOL-THOSE ON HIGHER GROUND.

• ASK AN OUT-OF-STATE RELATIVE OR FRIEND TO BE THE CONTACT FOR YOUR FAMILY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

• MAKE PLANS TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR YOUR PETS.

• PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE. WHEN THE NEXT FLOOD COMES YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU HAVE AN INSURANCE SETTLEMENT TO HELP YOU RECOVER FROM ANY LOSSES YOU HAVE. TO FIND THE AGENT CLOSEST TO YOU, GO TO WWW.FLOODSMART.GOV

LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT BUSTED

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BUREAU OF LIQUOR CONTROL ENFORCEMENT CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FROM 7 TO 10:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY AT THE ORWIN GUN CLUB FOR SELLING LIQUOR AND MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES WITHOUT A LICENSE ISSUED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD. AS A RESULT OF THE RAID, OFFICERS SEIZED 225 GALLONS OF BEER, 37 LITERS OF LIQUOR AND $215, POLICE SAID. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING, POLICE SAID.

MAHANOY MAN VIOLATES PFA

A 61-YEAR-OLD MAHANOY CITY MAN WAS JAILED THURSDAY AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH VIOLATING A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT ON LINE STREET IN WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP AT 2 P.M. THURSDAY. STATE POLICE AT FRACKVILLE SAID RONALD BULCAVAGE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, ARRAIGNED BY ON-CALL MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE STEPHEN J. BAYER, TAMAQUA, AND COMMITTED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON UNABLE TO POST $1,500 STRAIGHT CASH BAIL. TROOPERS CHARGED BULCAVAGE WITH VIOLATING AN ACTIVE PFA AGAINST HIM BY ROXANNE HONER OF POTTSVILLE, BY HAVING CONTACT WITH THE WOMAN.

STATE NEWS
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The parents of a mentally disabled woman
held captive in a Philadelphia basement as part of what police
believe was a Social Security fraud scheme are seeking custody of
her two young children.
Wilbert and Peggy Wanamaker are the parents of 29-year-old
Tamara Breeden, among four people freed from the basement.
Four people have been arrested in the case. Police say the
suspects locked up disabled people and cashed their Social Security
checks.
Eight children and four young adults linked to the defendants
are now in protective custody.
Attorney Steven Wigrizer represents the Wanamakers. He says they
want temporary custody of two children believed to be ages 2 and 7
who they say are Breeden's.
A social services spokeswoman says the identities of the
children haven't been determined.


PRIEST ABUSE-CHARGES
Pa. priest gets prison time on sex assault charges

MONTROSE, Pa. (AP) - A cloistered priest has been sentenced to
six to 24 months in state prison on charges of inappropriate sexual
contact with an eastern Pennsylvania teen.
The Rev. Phillip Ferrara pleaded no contest in September to
indecent assault of a minor.
The 49-year-old Eastern Rite Catholic priest was sentenced
Thursday in Susquehanna County Court.
A 14-year-old boy told police Ferrara forced him into having
sexual contact on several occasions at the Our Lady of Solitude
Retreat in Little Meadows
Public defender Linda LaBarbera said her client has a medical
condition that causes severe pain, which impaired his judgment.
She said Ferrara is still a priest but lives in a supervised
facility in Kansas and no longer participates in church rituals or
has contact with children.


TOW TRUCK-WOMAN KILLED
Pa. tow-truck driver charged in woman's death

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - A tow truck driver has been charged
with vehicular homicide after prosecutors say he struck and killed
a stranded motorist he was sent to help.
Fifty-five-year-old Robert Wickham of Dallas, Pa., appeared
before a magistrate Thursday to face charges of vehicular homicide,
driving under the influence and related counts from the March 7
crash.
Police said 55-year-old Denise Polinchak of Wilkes-Barre called
the tow truck because she had car trouble.
Investigators said Wickham was backing up to tow the vehicle
away when the driver's side door of Polinchak's car opened,
knocking her to the pavement and killing her.
Wickham said he wasn't drunk but had several beers earlier in
the day because he didn't think he'd be working.
Magisterial District Judge Diana Malast scheduled a preliminary
hearing for Oct. 28.


FOILED MURDER PLOT
3 in eastern Pa. charged in attempted murder plot

LANSFORD, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say an eastern Pennsylvania man
survived an attempted murder plot in which he was tied up, struck
numerous times in the face and stabbed four times in the back.
State police in Carbon County say a woman who lived with
27-year-old Christopher Herman concocted a plan to kill him with
two other men.
Troopers say 34-year-old Jennifer Steigerwalt left a door
unlocked so 24-year-old Kevin Brandwein and 26-year-old Steve Walck
could get inside Thursday night.
Police say Herman was attacked, bound, forced into the basement
and stabbed but escaped. He was hospitalized Friday in stable
condition.
The three suspects were each charged with attempted homicide,
aggravated assault and conspiracy. They were sent to the Carbon
County prison on $250,000 bail. It wasn't clear if they had
attorneys.


BODIES UNEARTHED
DA: Pa. man in buried bodies case had prison key

STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Prosecutors say a northeastern
Pennsylvania man whose property had as many as 12 bodies buried on
it had a master key to the county prison.
District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll said at a hearing Friday
that Hugo Selenski kept a key to the Luzerne County Correctional
Facility in his then-girlfriend's Kingston Township home.
The prosecutor said investigators found it in June 2003 while
investigating the deaths of several people buried in Selenski's
yard.
That October, Selenski escaped from the prison for three days by
tying together bedsheets and climbing out a window.
The revelation came as prosecutors argued against him returning
to the same prison until his November murder trial.
He is charged in the 2002 deaths of Michael Kerkowski and Tammy
Fassett, whose bodies were recovered from his property.


NORRISTOWN MURDER
14-28 years in Philly-area boyfriend's murder

(Information in the following story is from: KYW-AM,
http://www.kyw1060.com )

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A transgender woman from southeastern
Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 14 to 28 years in prison for
fatally stabbing her boyfriend during an argument in August 2010.
Forty-one-year-old Asia Santana, whose legal name is Tyrone
Crawley, pleaded guilty in April to third-degree murder in the
stabbing death of 28-year-old Eric Nevith.
Santana said in Montgomery County Court on Friday that she loved
Nevith but their five-year relationship became strained because he
gave her HIV. Santana told the judge she was sorry for her actions
and she never meant to hurt Nevith.
Prosecutor Cara McMenamin said the defendant has had a difficult
life but it's not an excuse for taking another life.
Defense attorney Greg Nester said his client bears as much pain
and sadness as anyone else in this case.


1973 SHOOTING
Jury acquits man of murder charges in '73 Pa. case

(Information in the following story is from: The Philadelphia
Inquirer, http://www.philly.com )

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A jury has acquitted a man of murder
charges stemming from a suburban Philadelphia shooting almost four
decades ago.
Fifty-eight-year-old Domingo Lopez Negron of Philadelphia was
convicted of assault and served time in the 1973 shooting in
Warminster that paralyzed Joseph Kwiatkowski.
But murder charges were filed after the victim's 2009 death,
which authorities attributed to the bullet.
Jurors in Bucks County deliberated for two days before finding
Negron not guilty Friday of first-degree murder, third-degree
murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Defense attorney Craig Penglase has compared the case to the
1966 shooting of a Philadelphia police officer prosecuted as a
murder after the victim's 2007 death, a case that also ended in an
acquittal.


BODY IN VAN
20-40 years in woman's 2007 slaying near Pa. club

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - An eastern Pennsylvania man has been
sentenced to serve 20 to 40 years in prison for his role in a
September 2007 robbery-turned-murder outside a nightclub.
Twenty-eight-year-old Dennis Velez said Friday in Lehigh County
Court that he didn't kill or rob Debra Robberson, but he did hit
her with the barrel of a shotgun and stood by as Christian Bueno
shot and killed her.
The 45-year-old Berks County woman was found in her van outside
Diamonz nightclub in Bethlehem. Nearly three years passed before
arrests were made.
Velez pleaded guilty last month to third-degree murder and
conspiracy to commit robbery.
Bueno is serving life without parole for Robberson's murder.


GAS DRILLING-FRACKING CHEMICALS
Pa. industry group to disclose drilling chemicals

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The largest Marcellus Shale industry group in
Pennsylvania says its members will voluntarily disclose chemicals
used in each natural gas well as of Jan. 1.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition says in a statement issued
Thursday that its members want to go beyond state requirements and
reassure people who have questions. Members will list the chemicals
used in each well on the website FracFocus.org. The group says many
companies are already doing so.
The environmental group PennFuture says it applauds the move,
but that the state still needs to pass a law making disclosure
mandatory for all companies, not just members of the coalition.
The drillers use water, sand and a small amount of chemicals to
break apart shale rock formations deep underground. That frees the
gas trapped in the rocks.


BANK ROBBERY
Md. couple charged in 4 central Pa. bank robberies

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Federal authorities have indicted a
Maryland couple in connection with a string of bank robberies in
central Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of
Pennsylvania says 44-year-old Jason Dixon and 43-year-old Shawnette
Fleet, both of Essex, Md., are both charged with four counts of
robbery.
Authorities say they robbed two credit unions in Chambersburg,
one in York and one in Camp Hill spanning from March until August.
Prosecutors say they were apprehended while fleeing the Camp Hill
robbery on Aug. 10.
If convicted both could face 20 years in prison and a $250,000
fine for each robbery count.

PARTY FLIER-LAWSUIT
Judge: Pa. district can't bar church party fliers

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A federal judge has granted a conservative
Christian group's request to bar a northeastern Pennsylvania school
district from banning a fifth-grader from handing out fliers for a
church Christmas party.
The Alliance Defense Fund sued the Pocono Mountain School
District in March, claiming the student's free speech rights were
violated.
The suit claims the district permits students to hand out fliers
for Halloween parties, Valentine's dances and other events. But it
says the girl was stopped from handing out Christmas party
invitations last year at her school, Barrett Elementary Center.
U.S. District Judge Richard Caputo on Thursday issued a
preliminary injunction in the student's favor. Caputo ruled that
the school regulations were too vague.
A call to the school district for comment was not immediately
returned.

BROTHERS-STOLEN BRIDGE
2 Pa. brothers headed to court over stolen bridge

(Information in the following story is from: New Castle News,
http://www.ncnewsonline.com )

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) - Two unemployed brothers are headed to
trial on charges they stole a western Pennsylvania bridge and cut
it up for scrap.
Twenty-four-year-old Benjamin Arthur Jones and 25-year-old
Alexander William Jones, of New Castle, are accused of using a
blowtorch to dismantle the 50-foot-long and 20-foot-wide Covert's
Crossing Bridge between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5.
The New Castle News reported Friday the brothers waived a
preliminary hearing on charges including theft so a district judge
would lower their bond. Benjamin Jones' attorney says the brothers
did that to get out of jail.
The brothers are accused of selling 31,000 pounds of steel from
the privately owned and rarely used bridge in a wooded area about
50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. They were arrested last week
after the scrap company that paid them nearly $5,200 notified
police.

NATIONAL NEWS
LIBYA
UPDATE: Libyan council to declare liberation Sunday
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) - A military spokesman says Libya's
transitional government will declare liberation tomorrow after
months of bloodshed that culminated in the death of longtime leader
Moammar Gadhafi.
Officials from the governing National Transitional Council had
said the announcement would be made today in the eastern city of
Benghazi, the revolution's birthplace.
But a spokesman says preparations are under way for a Sunday
ceremony. He didn't give an explanation for the delay. The
declaration will allow Libya's new rulers to move forward with
efforts to transform the oil-rich nation into a democracy.
Libyan authorities are facing questions about how Gadhafi was
killed after images emerged showing he was found alive and taunted
and beaten by his captors.

US-IRAQ
Obama: Troops can leave Iraq proud of their success
WASHINGTON (AP) - The final exit date has been sealed for U.S.
troops in Iraq, signaling an end to a deeply unpopular, eight-year
war.
President Barack Obama says all U.S. troops "will definitely be
home for the holidays."
Some troops attached to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad will remain,
as will thousands of contractors to provide security for diplomats
there and at U.S. consulates in two other Iraqi cities.
The war resulted in more than 4,400 members of the military
killed. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the U.S. more
than $1.3 trillion.
Obama says U.S. troops who'll be leaving Iraq will leave "with
their heads held high" and "proud of their success."
The decision ends months of wrangling over whether the U.S.
would maintain a force there to help train Iraqis. There are
currently almost 40,000 American service personnel in Iraq.
Their departure allows Obama to keep a campaign promise to end
the war. And it allows Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to
restore his country's sovereignty.

AP POLL-WALL STREET PROTESTS
AP-GfK Poll: 37 percent of public back protests
WASHINGTON (AP) - The "Occupy Wall Street" movement appears to
be gaining support.
The latest Associated Press-GfK poll shows about 37 percent of
those surveyed support the protests. And some 58 percent say they
are angry with American politics. In January, it was 49 percent.
The poll also finds that most of those who support the protests
don't blame President Barack Obama for the economic crisis. More
than two-thirds of them say George W. Bush deserves either "a
lot" or "almost all" of the blame.

OCCUPY WALL STREET
Oakland protesters defy city order to leave
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protesters
defiantly remained at their campsite outside Oakland's City Hall
early Saturday, despite a city order to vacate.
As the 10 p.m. time of the city's ultimatum passed Friday night,
Occupy Oakland demonstrators showed no signs of departing as music
blasted from the plaza. More protesters arrived with tents as
midnight approached.
Earlier, city spokeswoman Karen Boyd said that Oakland gave
official notice that the protesters do not have permission to
remain overnight. Boyd says that protesters can legally demonstrate
at the plaza from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In New York, 92-year-old Folk music legend Pete Seeger and '60s
folk singer Arlo Guthrie joined demonstrators while neighbors say
they'd like a little peace and quiet.
Some residents complain of protesters urinating in the streets
and beating drums in the middle of the night.

AUSTRALIA-SHARK ATTACK
Shark kills American diver off western Australia
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - A great white shark has killed an
American diver in the second fatal shark attack off Western
Australia in 12 days.
Police Sgt. Gerry Cassidy says the man was below water Saturday
when a witness on the dive boat "saw a large amount of bubbles."
The body soon surfaced with fatal injuries. The shark was described
as a 10-foot (3-meter) great white.
Cassidy said it happened off the tourist spot of Rottnest Island
in overcast conditions. Sharks attack more often in cloudy weather.
Police said the 32-year-old American was living in Australia on
a work visa. His identity and hometown weren't available.
Rottnest Island is 11 miles (18 kilometers) from a popular Perth
city beach where a man was believed taken by a great white Oct. 10.

IRAN-SHIP SINKING
Iran team hopes to reach divers trapped underwater
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - An Iranian official says a rescue team hopes
to soon reach 13 divers trapped underwater after their support ship
sank two days ago in the Persian Gulf.
Pirouz Mousavi, head of the Pars Energy Zone in southern Iran,
told the official IRNA news agency on Friday that the divers are
believed to still be alive despite a dwindling oxygen supply.
The divers - seven Indians, five Iranians and one Ukrainian -
were part of a team installing an underwater oil pipeline and were
inside a pressurized diving chamber when their Koosha-1 ship sank
in the Persian Gulf on Thursday afternoon in stormy seas.
Out of 73 people on board, 60 had been rescued earlier. The
pressurized chamber is about 180 feet (60 meters) underwater and
can hold 72-hours worth of oxygen.

CLINTON
Clinton highlights Afghan security, human rights
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (AP) - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham
Clinton is urging Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors to play a
role in securing and rebuilding the war-torn nation. She's also
pressing authorities in the region on human rights.
Clinton told an audience in Tajikistan (tah-JEEK'-ih-stahn)
today that Afghanistan's reintegration into the regional economy
would be critical to its recovery as well as improving conditions
in surrounding countries.
She says that historically Afghanistan has been a place where
many different nations have vied for power and influence.
Clinton also says she will raise the issue of human rights when
she meets with leaders in the region.
Clinton is visiting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
(ooz-behk-ih-STAHN') this weekend as she wraps up a South and
Central Asia tour focused on securing and stabilizing Afghanistan.

DEFICIT-MILITARY BENEFITS
Lawmakers open to changes in military benefits
WASHINGTON (AP) - The government's promise of lifetime health
care for the military's men and women is suddenly a little less
sacrosanct as Congress looks for ways to slash trillion-dollar-plus
deficits.
Republicans and Democrats are signaling a willingness to make
military retirees pay more for coverage. It's a reflection of
Washington's fiscal austerity and the Pentagon's push to cut health
care costs that have skyrocketed from $19 billion in 2001 to $53
billion.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says personnel costs have put the
Pentagon, in his words, "on an unsustainable course."
Veterans groups are mobilizing to fight any changes. They argue
that Americans who were willing to die for their country should be
treated differently than the average worker. Lawmakers are
sympathetic to that argument but many are unmoved by it.

EUROPE-FINANCIAL CRISIS
Euro chief: agreed on sizable cut to Greek debt
BRUSSELS (AP) - The chairman of the Eurogroup says eurozone
finance ministers have agreed that banks need to take substantial
losses on their Greek bondholdings.
Jean-Claude Juncker says "yesterday we agreed that we need a
substantial increase in the contribution from the banks."
Juncker, who is also the prime minister of Luxembourg, did not
say how big the cuts would have to be.
In July, banks had tentatively agreed to take a loss of about 21
percent on Greek bonds, but it has since become clear that that is
not enough to make Greece's massive debts sustainable.
Austria's Finance Minister Maria Fekter said the chief
negotiator for the eurozone has been asked to restart negotiations
with banks. That suggests that the eurozone is still aiming for a
voluntary deal.

PRIMARY SCRAMBLE
Nevada Republicans to vote on caucus date change
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada Republicans are debating whether to bow
to national pressure and delay the state's presidential nomination
contest.
More than 200 of the party's top volunteers and leaders are
meeting in Las Vegas Saturday to decide when Nevada's caucuses
should be held.
New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner has threatened to
hold that state's primary in early December to avoid wedging it
between the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses and Nevada's Jan. 14 contest.
Several Republican presidential candidates have said they will
boycott Nevada's contest if it isn't pushed back, prompting the
Republican National Committee to suggest Thursday that Nevada move
to Feb. 4.
Nevada GOP leaders have signaled that they support the change,
but it's unclear whether rank-and-file members will agree to it.

OBAMA-POLITICS-PROMISES
Obama's foreign successes may not help much in 2012
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's allies say he scored
a fourth big foreign policy success this year by ending the Iraq
war on schedule.
But those events might play a small role in a 2012 election
dominated by jobs and the economy.
Obama's supporters are seeking ways to make the most of his
foreign accomplishments. They include the killings of Osama bin
Laden and Moammar Gadhafi.
One approach is to contrast them with Congress' partisan-driven
gridlock on key issues such as the deficit.
Democratic activist Karen Finney points to what she calls the
progress Obama can make when he doesn't have Republicans
obstructing him.
Finney says a president must show that he keeps his promises.

MACY'S PARADE-TIM BURTON BALLOON
Tim Burton's Franken-balloon to debut at NY parade
NEW YORK (AP) - Filmmaker Tim Burton has designed a floating
freak show of a balloon for this year's family-friendly Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
With pointed teeth and jagged stitching across his face, B. is
the Frankenstein of balloons.
A Burton-created backstory distributed by Macy's says the
balloon boy was "stitched together from rejects of old birthday
party balloons." The parties were thrown for children at a London
hospital. But B. wasn't allowed to join in the fun. Instead he
watched the French short film "The Red Balloon" repeatedly.
B.'s only dream was to fly and make a child happy - just like in
that movie.
Now B. will get his chance at November's parade through
Manhattan.
Burton has directed several films, including "Edward
Scissorhands," ''Alice in Wonderland" and "The Nightmare Before
Christmas."

TODAY'S NEWS FRI. OCTOBER 21, 2011

SCHUYLKILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY. THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENTS TIES TO THE COUNTY'S BICENTENNIAL "200 YEARS, 200 HELPING PROJECTS." DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION, JANICE JOHNSTON, TALKS ABOUT SOME OF THE LARGER PROJECTS HAPPENING THIS YEAR:

JANICE

THIS YEAR OVER TWENTY PROJECTS WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO HELP PINE GROVE FLOOD VICTIMS. JANICE SAYS IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET INVOLVED. CALL 570-628-1436 TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR BLUE MOUNTAIN CASE

THE NATION'S HIGHEST COURT WILL HEAR ARGUMENTS OF OFFICIALS FROM THE BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE PETITION FILED IS REGARDING THEIR APPEAL OF A RULING FOR A STUDENT DISCIPLINED FOR A MYSPACE PARODY OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. THE DISTRICT HAS ASKED THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO HEAR ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF OVERTURNING THE 3RD U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS DECISION WHICH OVERTURNED THE SUSPENSION OF A STUDENT.

LOCAL SCHOOLS TAKE PART IN LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND DOORS OPEN TO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTY, THE SAINT CLAIRE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATED THE 12TH ANNUAL LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL. A TOTAL OF TEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ARE TAKING PART IN THE 21ST CENTURY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM.

PROSECUTORS RECEIVE AWARDS FROM DEPT. OF JUSTICE

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAS AWARDED TWO PEOPLE WHO HELPED PROSECUTE TWO SHENANDOAH MEN FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND PASSION FOR THEIR WORK. ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY CHRISTIAN FISANICK AND PARALEGAL DONNA GARD-LENGER RECEIVED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD ON WEDNESDAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THE AWARDS WERE IN RECOGNITION OF THE WORK DONE BY FISANICK AND GARD-LENGER DURING THE CASE AGAINST DERRICK DONCHAK AND BRANDON PIEKARSKY OF SHENANDOAH.

FIREFIGHTERS TEACH FIRE SAFETY TO KIDS IN ORWIGSBURG

MEMBERS OF THE ORWIGSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT MADE A FIRE SAFETY PRESENTATION TO A GROUP OF CHILDREN AT THE DAYDREAM NURSERY ON THURSDAY. THE CHILDREN LEARNED IMPORTANT LESSONS ABOUT FIRE SAFETY, THE IMPORTANCE OF SMOKE DETECTORS, AND HOW TO ESCAPE A FIRE IN THEIR HOME. THEY ALSO GOT TO SEE A FIRE ENGINE, AND A FIREFIGHTER DRESSED IN TURNOUT GEAR. THERE WAS ALSO A PRESENTATION BY TWO FIREFIGHTERS WHO PORTRAYED SESAME STREET CHARACTERS BERT AND ERNIE IN A PUPPET SHOW ABOUT FIRE SAFETY.

AMERICAN HOSE OF MAHANOY PLANE CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

BACK IN 1886, THE ENGINE HOUSE OF THE READING COMPANY'S MAHANOY PLANE WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE, MAINLY BECAUSE THERE WERE NO FIRE COMPANIES IN THE AREA. THAT SAME YEAR, THE AMERICAN HOSE COMPANY NO. 2 WAS CREATED, AND IT HAS BEEN PROVIDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY EVER SINCE. THIS SATURDAY, THE FIRE COMPANY WILL CELEBRATE ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A FALL FESTIVAL THAT KICKS OFF AT ONE O'CLOCK, A FIRE TRUCK PARADE THAT BEGINS AT FOUR O'CLOCK, AND THE GREAT PUMPKIN FLOAT AT FIVE.

HELP NEEDED IN PINE GROVE THIS WEEKEND

CLEAN UP IN THE PINE GROVE AREA IS STILL NOT FINISHED AFTER RECENT FLOODING. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS SATURDAY TO HELP SOME FAMILIES GET BACK INTO THEIR HOMES ON TIME FOR THE WINTER SEASON. IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP PLEASE CALL KARL JONES AT 570-617-4018.


STATE NEWS FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2011

HARRISBURG BANKRUPTCY SAGA CONTINUES

HAVING FRESHLY SIGNED A BILL AIMED AT GIVING HIM UNPRECEDENTED POWER TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE FINANCES IN PENNSYLVANIA'S CAPITAL, GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT EXPECTS TO DECLARE A FISCAL EMERGENCY IN HARRISBURG SOON. A SPOKESWOMAN SAYS CORBETT'S OFFICE IS WORKING ON THE PAPERWORK FOR HARRISBURG AND THE GOVERNOR EXPECTS TO SIGN IT AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK.

FATHER OF GIRL WHO STARVED TO DEATH SENTENCED

THE ABSENTEE FATHER OF A DISABLED PHILADELPHIA TEENAGER WHO STARVED TO DEATH IN A SQUALID APARTMENT HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO BETWEEN 2 1/2 YEARS TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON. DANIEL KELLY WAS CONVICTED OF FELONY CHILD NEGLECT IN THE 2006 DEATH OF HIS 14-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, DANIEAL (DAN-YELL'). SHE WEIGHED JUST 42 POUNDS WHEN SHE DIED. THE FATHER ONCE HAD CUSTODY OF THE GIRL BUT ABANDONED HER WITH HER UNFIT MOTHER, WHO'S BEEN CONVICTED OF THIRD-DEGREE MURDER.

PENNSYLVANIA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CLIMBS

PENNSYLVANIA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ROSE FOR A FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTH IN SEPTEMBER WHILE PAYROLLS SHRANK. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY SAID THURSDAY THE STATEWIDE JOBLESS RATE INCREASED TO 8.3 PERCENT FROM 8.2 PERCENT IN AUGUST. PENNSYLVANIA'S POST-RECESSION HIGH WAS 8.8 PERCENT IN JANUARY 2010, AND HAD IMPROVED TO 7.4 PERCENT IN MAY 2011. NATIONALLY, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER WAS 9.1 PERCENT. MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT SAYS PENNSYLVANIA JOB GROWTH IS STAGNANT. THE NUMBER OF NONFARM JOBS DROPPED BY 15,800 IN SEPTEMBER, TO REMAIN BELOW 5.7 MILLION. PAYROLLS PEAKED AT ABOVE 5.8 MILLION IN 2008, BUT AFTER THE RECESSION BEGAN IN DECEMBER 2007, PAYROLLS DROPPED BELOW 5.6 MILLION IN 2009 AND 2010.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING BABY

A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF THIRD-DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 1-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. THE LUZERNE COUNTY JURY DELIBERATED LESS THAN THREE HOURS BEFORE REACHING THE VERDICT THURSDAY IN THE CASE AGAINST LAMONT CHERRY OF WILKES-BARRE. DURING THE FOUR-DAY TRIAL, PROSECUTORS SAID CHERRY SHOOK AND BEAT THE 1-YEAR-OLD WHILE SHE WAS IN HIS CARE IN MAY 2009. CHERRY HAS DENIED CAUSING THE GIRL'S INJURIES AND SAID THEY WERE THE RESULT OF A FALL. ANOTHER JURY IN JANUARY HAD ACQUITTED CHERRY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER BUT ONE JUROR BROUGHT OUTSIDE RESEARCH INTO DELIBERATIONS, PROMPTING THE JUDGE TO DECLARE A MISTRIAL.

NATIONAL NEWS:

NORFOLK, VA. (AP) - PIRACY OFF AFRICA'S COAST IS EXPECTED TO RESULT IN A LIFE SENTENCE FOR A YEMENI MAN IN FEDERAL COURT TODAY IN VIRGINIA. MOUNIR ALI IS THE 11TH MAN TO PLEAD GUILTY IN THE FEBRUARY HIJACKING OF THE YACHT QUEST. THE AMERICAN OWNERS OF THE QUEST AND TWO FRIENDS WERE SHOT TO DEATH.

ISLAMABAD (AP) - SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON SAYS IT'S TIME FOR PAKISTAN TO GET TOUGHER ON MILITANTS WHO OFTEN ATTACK INTO AFGHANISTAN. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE, SHE SAYS IT'S BEEN GOING ON TOO LONG. THE U.S. IS PRESSURING ISLAMABAD TO TAKE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST THE HAQQANI MILITANT NETWORK.

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO'S GOVERNING BODY IS MEETING TODAY AND A PRIMARY TOPIC IS THE END OF THE BOMBING CAMPAIGN OVER LIBYA. WITH THE DEATH OF MOAMMAR GADHAFI YESTERDAY, OFFICIALS SAY THE ALLIANCE MAY DECIDE TO KEEP AIR PATROLS FLYING OVER LIBYA FOR SEVERAL MORE DAYS UNTIL SECURITY STABILIZES.

ATHENS, GREECE (AP) - NEW STRIKES ARE THREATENED FOR NEXT WEEK IN GREECE WHERE MORE AUSTERITY MEASURES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY PARLIAMENT. MASS PROTESTS AND RIOTS OVER TWO DAYS LEFT ONE MAN DEAD AND ABOUT 200 INJURED. GREECE IS WORKING TOWARD A SECOND BAILOUT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - DEFENSE ATTORNEYS WAITING FOR THEIR CHANCE TO CHALLENGE A KEY PROSECUTION WITNESS WILL GET TO DO SO TODAY IN THE INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S DOCTOR. DR. STEVEN SHAFER SAYS THE ONLY VIABLE THEORY IS THAT DR. CONRAD MURRAY PLACED JACKSON ON AN IV DRIP AND LEFT HIM FOR SOME PERIOD OF TIME.

TODAY'S NEWS THU. OCTOBER 20, 2011

A FREE PROGRAM WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TONIGHT. IT'S ALL ABOUT LIVING WITH LYMPHEDEMA. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL PROVIDED A GROUP OF STUDENTS A CHANCE TO MEET WITH COMMUNITY BUSINESS LEADERS WEDNESDAY AT A "STUDENT HIGHLIGHT LUNCH". JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

THE RED CROSS CAME TO PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL WEDNESDAY TO GET STUDENTS INVOLVED WITH DONATING BLOOD. JASMINE BROOKS HAS MORE:

U.S. SENATOR COMING TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

RESIDENTS IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO RECEIVE HELP FROM A U.S. SENATOR THIS MORNING WHEN SENATOR PAT TOOMEY'S PERSONAL STAFF HOLDS A CASEWORK DAY. YOU CAN VISIT REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TOBASH’S OFFICE IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP AND SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH REPRESENTATIVE TOOMEY’S STAFF. CITIZENS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY FROM 10:30AM TO 3PM.

CRESSONA MAN PLEADS GUILTY, FACES UP TO 13-YEARS

A CRESSONA MAN FACES UP TO 13-YEARS IN STATE PRISON AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO DOZENS OF CRIMES WEDNESDAY IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COURT. 27-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM KISTLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A ROBBERY AT RED AND WHITE MARKET AND A CRIME SPREE THAT CONTINUED ACROSS SOUTHERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN 2010. KISTLER MUST NOW PAY COSTS AND OVER $9-THOUSAND RESTITUTION.

COMMISSIONERS FIELD REQUESTS FROM ELECTION BUREAU

ELECTION BUREAU DIRECTOR FRANNIE BRENNAN BROUGHT SEVEN ISSUES BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT WEDNESDAY'S WORKSHOP. CHIEF AMONG THEM ARE THREE POLLING PLACES THAT WILL BE RELOCATED WITHIN THE COUNTY. HOSE HOOK AND LADDER FIRE COMPANY IN PINE GROVE WILL REPLACE THE PINE GROVE LIONS CLUB UNTIL THE LIONS CAN REPAIR THE FLOOD DAMAGE TO THEIR BUILDING. THE PHOENIX FIRE COMPANY WILL REPLACE THE GREENWOOD HILL FIRE COMPANY FOR POTTSVILLE'S FIRST WARD VOTERS, AND SCHUYLKILL HEALTH SCHOOL OF NURSING WILL BE THE NEW POLLING PLACE FOR SECOND WARD VOTERS, ALSO REPLACING THE GREENWOOD HILL FIRE COMPANY.

POTTSVILLE MAROONS RETURN TO TOWN AT SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC

AN OFF-BROADWAY PRODUCTION GROUP FROM PHILADELPHIA CALLED THE IRON AGE THEATER WILL PRESENT A PREVIEW OF THE PLAY "MAROONS:THE ANTHRACITE GRIDIRON" ON SUNDAY AT THE SOVEREIGN MAJESTIC THEATER IN POTTSVILLE. THE FULL SCALE PRESENTATION WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE CENTRE THEATER IN NORRISTOWN STARTING ON NOVEMBER 4. THEATER-GOERS WILL SEE DUKE OSBORN, TONY LATONE, AND THE REST OF THE MAROONS AS THEY DEFEAT THE CHICAGO CARDINALS FOR THE NFL TITLE. THE SHOW OPENS AT 2:00 ON SUNDAY, AND TICKETS ARE TEN DOLLARS.

SHENANDOAH POLICE SEEK STALKER

POLICE IN SHENANDOAH ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MAN WHO MAY BE LIVING IN THE WOODS NEAR THE BOROUGH. OFFICERS SAY THAT MARK TUTKO BROKE INTO THE HOME OF BARBARA BISCO BY REMOVING A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER. HE WOKE BISCO BY RUBBING HER LEG WHILE SHE SLEPT, AND BISCO FORCED HIM TO LEAVE HER HOME. TUTKO HAS BEEN SEEN IN THE VICINITY OF BISCO'S HOME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE THEN, BUT POLICE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE HIS WHEREABOUTS.

STATE NEWS:

FBI INVESTIGATING CASE OF THOSE LOCKED IN BASEMENT

THE CASE OF THE FOUR DISABLED ADULTS FOUND LOCKED IN A PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT MAY BECOME ONE OF THE FIRST PROSECUTED UNDER A 2009 FEDERAL HATE-CRIMES LAW. THE FBI IS TAKING A BROAD LOOK AT THE APPARENT SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD CASE, WHICH ALREADY STRETCHES FROM TEXAS TO FLORIDA TO PENNSYLVANIA. PHILADELPHIA POLICE BELIEVE ALLEGED RINGLEADER AND CONVICTED MURDERER LINDA WESTON GAINED THE TRUST OF DISABLED PEOPLE BEFORE WRESTING CONTROL OF THEIR DISABILITY CHECKS.

HARRISBURG BANKRUPTCY BILL ON GOVERNOR'S DESK

A BILL AIMED AT GIVING THE GOVERNOR THE POWER TO FORCE THE CITY OF HARRISBURG INTO AN APPOINTEE'S PLAN TO DEAL WITH ITS STAGGERING DEBT APPEARS TO BE ALL BUT LAW IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE HOUSE VOTED 177-18 ON WEDNESDAY TO SEND THE BILL TO THE DESK OF GOV. TOM CORBETT. A SPOKESWOMAN SAYS HE'LL LIKELY SIGN IT LATER THIS WEEK.
IT IS UNCLEAR HOW THE MEASURE WILL AFFECT PENNSYLVANIA'S CAPITAL, NOW THAT A CITY COUNCIL PETITION IS IN FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY COURT, PENDING A NOV. 23 COURT DATE. THE BILL IS A RESPONSE TO AN UNPRECEDENTED REJECTION BY HARRISBURG'S CITY COUNCIL OF A FINANCIAL RECOVERY PLAN PRESENTED TO IT BY STATE-APPOINTED CONSULTANTS UNDER A MUNICIPAL AID LAW OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ACT 47. OPPONENTS SAY IT'S AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL OVERREACH.

COVERED BRIDGE RECOVERED FROM CREEK IN LANCASTER

ENGINEERS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HAVE SALVAGED 127-YEAR-OLD COVERED BRIDGE THAT WASHED AWAY IN FLOODS STEMMING FROM TROPICAL STORM LEE. TWO CRANES HOISTED THE SIEGRIST MILL SPAN OUT OF CHIQUES CREEK ON TUESDAY. FLOODS HAD RIPPED THE HISTORIC, 50-TON COVERED BRIDGE OFF ITS ABUTMENTS ON SEPT. 8 AND DUMPED IT INTO THE RAGING WATER. THE 92-FOOT-LONG WOODEN STRUCTURE SITS NEAR LANCASTER ON THE LINE BETWEEN RAPHO AND WEST HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIPS. LANCASTER COUNTY OFFICIALS EXPECT TO SOLICIT BIDS IN THE COMING WEEKS FOR ITS REHABILITATION. COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR CHARLIE DOUTS SAYS THE PROJECT'S COST IS UNCLEAR, BUT THAT HE EXPECTS FEDERAL DISASTER AID TO OFFSET MOST OF THE EXPENSE. HE SAYS THE COUNTY HOPES TO REOPEN THE BRIDGE BY NOVEMBER 2012.

COUPLE SENTENCED IN PHILLY JEWELRY STORE ROBBERY

A JUDGE HAS IMPOSED WIDELY DIFFERENT SENTENCES ON A NORTH PHILADELPHIA COUPLE CONVICTED OF ROBBING A JEWELRY STORE LAST YEAR AND LEAVING THEIR 4-YEAR-OLD SON BEHIND. THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS SAYS 48-YEAR-OLD JOHN BENSON WAS SENTENCED WEDNESDAY TO 30 TO 72 YEARS IN PRISON IN THE FEBRUARY 2010 ROBBERY OF THE PLATINUM & ICE STORE. BENSON WAS CONVICTED IN AUGUST OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, CONSPIRACY, RETAIL THEFT, CHILD ENDANGERMENT, AND ROBBERY, AND OF ASSAULTING THE JEWELER WHOSE THROAT WAS SLASHED AS HE CHASED THE ROBBER. THE JUDGE SENTENCED 32-YEAR-OLD SHEAKIA (SHUH-KEE'-UH) STUBBS TO 11 1/2 TO 23 MONTHS WITH IMMEDIATE PAROLE AND TWO YEARS OF PROBATION, NOTING THAT SHE HAD LEFT THE STORE WITH THE CHILD BEFORE THE ROBBERY. SHE WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY, RETAIL THEFT AND CHILD ENDANGERMENT.

NATIONAL NEWS:

SIRTE, LIBYA (AP) - THE HOMETOWN OF LIBYA'S MOAMMAR GADHAFI HAS BEEN OVERRUN BY REVOLUTIONARIES. REPORTERS SAY ABOUT FIVE CARLOADS OF GADHAFI LOYALISTS TRIED TO FLEE SIRTE (SERT), BUT WERE KILLED. THE REVOLUTIONARIES ARE NOW SAID TO BE SEARCHING HOMES AND BUILDINGS.

SALINAS, CALIF. (AP) - BAGS OF SALAD BLENDS MADE BY TAYLOR FARMS OF SALINAS, CALIF., ARE BEING RECALLED BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA. TAYLOR SAYS THE RECALL IS VOLUNTARY, AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF ILLNESS. MORE THAN 3,200 CASES OF SALAD BLENDS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN 14 STATES AND PUERTO RICO.

ATHENS, GREECE (AP) - ANOTHER DAY OF PROTESTS OUTSIDE THE GREEK PARLIAMENT AS IT PREPARES TO VOTE ON YET MORE AUSTERITY MEASURES TO GET THE COUNTRY'S DEBT UNDER CONTROL. MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE HAVE GATHERED ON THE SECOND DAY OF A GENERAL STRIKE THAT'S VIRTUALLY PARALYZED GREECE.

BERLIN (AP) - GERMAN SCIENTISTS SAY ONE OF THEIR SATELLITES THAT'S SLOWLY SLIDING BACK TO EARTH WILL PLUNGE INTO THE ATMOSPHERE THIS WEEKEND. THEY DON'T KNOW YET WHERE. THE SATELLITE IS AS BIG AS A MINIVAN. UP TO 30 FRAGMENTS WEIGHING ALMOST TWO TONS ARE EXPECTED TO SURVIVE RE-ENTRY.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A WILDLIFE RESCUE GROUP IN SAN FRANCISCO SAYS IT WILL TAKE TODAY OFF FROM TRYING TO CAPTURE A RED-TAILED HAWK THAT WAS APPARENTLY SHOT IN THE HEAD WITH A NAIL GUN. THEY'VE TRIED TO CATCH IT FOR THREE DAYS. THE HAWK HAS BEEN EATING, BUT IS BELIEVED TO BE WEAKENED.

TODAY'S NEWS WED. OCTOBER 19, 2011

POTTSVILLE MAN ARRESTED AFTER MONDAY NIGHT INCIDENT

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS NOW IN CUSTODY AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE CITY MONDAY NIGHT. POTTSVILLE POLICE WERE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE 55-YEAR-OLD CARL PANGONIS INTO CUSTODY IN RELATION TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT WHEN HE TOOK OFF ON FOOT. PANGONIS WAS FOUND BUT CONTINUED TO RESIST ARREST, FORCING OFFICERS TO TASER HIM. PANGONIS WAS IN POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, BINOCULARS, A PAIR OF GLOVES, AND TWO HACKSAW BLADES. HE WAS REMANDED TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRISON UNABLE TO POST BAIL.


INVESTIGATION LEADS TO RESIGNATION OF LOCAL PASTOR

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN PASTOR HAS RESIGNED AFTER RECENT ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT TOWARD A FEMALE MEMBER OF HIS CHURCH. THE REV. DANIEL BELL WAS FORMALLY PASTOR OF JERUSALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ONE OF THE BOROUGH’S LARGEST CONGREGATIONS. BELL WAS A PASTOR AT THE CHURCH SINCE 2004. THEY ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A NEW PASTOR.

HALLOWEEN PRESENTATION TONIGHT

THOSE INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN WILL GET THE CHANCE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT THE SPOOKY HOLIDAY TONIGHT. THE ORWIGSBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS HOLDING A FREE PRESENTATION AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER ON MIFFLIN STREET. "HALLOWEEN: HISTORY LEGEND AND COLLECTIBLES" IS THE TITLE AND WILL BE PRESENTED BY LOCAL HISTORIAN ELLEN STUMP. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WILL ALSO GET TO SEE SOME INTERESTING MEMORABILIA.

STORMWATER PROJECT TO BEGIN IN WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP

WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS RESIDENTS OF SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS CAN EXPECT PHASE ONE OF THE STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT TO BEGIN. THE INITIAL PHASE WILL HAVE STORM DRAINS INSTALLED AND NEW PAVING IN THE AREA, TOTALING 90-THOUSAND-DOLLARS. THE WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS EXPECT THE PROJECT TO BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF NOVEMBER.


FRACKVILLE FITNESS CENTER RELOCATES

THE FRACKVILLE FITNESS CENTER HAS PICKED UP ITS WEIGHTS AND PUT THEM DOWN AT THE FRACKVILLE BOROUGH HALL. BOROUGH HALL IS LOCATED IN THE FORMER FRACKVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND THE FITNESS CENTER REMODELED THE BOTTOM FLOOR FOR THEIR USE. DR. BUDDY TOUCHINSKY AND MIKE O'CONNELL ARE THE OWNERS, AND THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH FRACKVILLE COUNCIL TO RENOVATE THE AREA SO THEY COULD BRING THE GYM THERE FROM THEIR PREVIOUS LOCATION IN THE SCHUYLKILL MALL.

COMMUNITY CENTER AT GREENWOOD HILL FIRE COMPANY ON HOLD

THE GREENWOOD HILL FIRE COMPANY WAS PUT OUT OF BUSINESS IN JANUARY 2009, AND THEIR FIRE HOUSE IS UP FOR SALE. BAREFIELD DEVELOPMENT HAD EXPRESSED INTEREST IN BUYING THE PROPERTY AND TURNING IT INTO A COMMUNITY CENTER, BUT OTHER PROJECTS HAVE TAKEN HIGHER PRIORITIES FOR BAREFIELD, AND NOW THE COMMUNITY CENTER IDEA IS ON THE BACK BURNER. DIRECTOR CRAIG S. L. SHIELDS SAID THAT IF THE BUILDING IS AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR, THEY MAY STILL BE INTERESTED, BUT FOR NOW, THE FORMER FIRE HOUSE REMAINS VACANT.

COUNTY STUDENTS ATTEND OWL CREEK LEARNING DAYS

STUDENTS FROM TAMAQUA AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND GILLINGHAM CHARTER SCHOOL ATTENDED THE OWL CREEK OUTDOOR LEARNING DAYS PROGRAM, SPONSORED BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CONSERVANCY. THE STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT TREES, BIRDS, AND ANIMALS DURING THEIR VISIT. PRESENTATIONS WERE PROVIDED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION, SCHUYLKILL CONSERVATION DISTRICT, STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, AND HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY, WHO MADE A PRESENTATION TO THE STUDENTS THAT INCLUDED LIVE RAPTORS.

STATE NEWS:

PHILADELPHIA WOMAN ILL AFTER EATING CANTALOUPE

HEALTH OFFICIALS IN PENNSYLVANIA SAY A SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA WOMAN IS THE STATE'S FIRST REPORTED CASE OF SOMEONE BECOMING ILL AFTER EATING A CANTALOUPE TAINTED WITH LISTERIA. THE PENNSYLVANIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TUESDAY THE ELDERLY WOMAN FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY WAS HOSPITALIZED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, BUT HAS SINCE RECOVERED. LISTERIA INFECTIONS CAN KILL YOUNG CHILDREN OR FRAIL PEOPLE. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE FEVER, HEADACHE, STIFFNESS, NAUSEA, ABDOMINAL PAIN AND DIARRHEA. IT'S THE STATE'S FIRST CASE LINKED TO THE MULTI-STATE OUTBREAK OF LISTERIA LINKED TO A COLORADO FARM. FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY AN OUTBREAK OF LISTERIA IN CANTALOUPE IS NOW LINKED TO 116 ILLNESSES AND 23 DEATHS NATIONWIDE, MAKING IT THE DEADLIEST KNOWN OUTBREAK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS IN THE U.S. IN A QUARTER CENTURY.

RETRIAL SET IN DEATH OF ONE YEAR OLD GIRL

A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN IS FACING A RETRIAL IN THE DEATH OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 1-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. A LUZERNE COUNTY JUDGE OVERSEEING THE CASE AGAINST LAMONT CHERRY ADMONISHED THE JURY MONDAY TO AVOID OUTSIDE RESOURCES IN THE WAKE OF JANUARY'S MISTRIAL. THE EARLIER JURY HAD ACQUITTED CHERRY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER BEFORE ONE JUROR BROUGHT OUTSIDE RESEARCH INTO DELIBERATIONS, PROMPTING THE JUDGE TO DECLARE A MISTRIAL. THE RETRIAL APPLIES TO CHARGES OF THIRD-DEGREE MURDER AND INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER THE FIRST JURY HAD YET TO CONSIDER BEFORE THE MISTRIAL WAS DECLARED. PROSECUTORS SAY CHERRY SHOOK AND BEAT THE 1-YEAR-OLD WHILE HE WATCHED HER IN WILKES-BARRE IN MAY 2009. CHERRY HAS DENIED CAUSING THE GIRL'S INJURIES.

PENNSYLVANIA SENATE DEALS WITH HARRISBURG BANKRUPTCY

A BILL AIMED AT FORCING THE CITY OF HARRISBURG TO ACCEPT THE STATE'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON DEALING WITH ITS STAGGERING DEBT IS HEADED FOR A FINAL VOTE THIS WEEK. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATE APPROVED IT TUESDAY, 37-13. REP. GLEN GRELL, A CUMBERLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN WHO HELPED DEVELOP THE LEGISLATION, SAID A FINAL VOTE IN THE HOUSE IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY. AFTER THAT, IT CAN GO TO THE DESK OF GOV. TOM CORBETT, WHO IS EXPECTED TO SIGN IT INTO LAW. IT IS UNCLEAR HOW THE MEASURE WILL AFFECT THE CITY, NOW THAT A CITY COUNCIL PETITION IS IN FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY COURT. PROPONENTS SAY IT WILL FORCE LOCAL OFFICIALS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR AFFAIRS, BUT OPPONENTS SAY IT IS AN UNWARRANTED OVERREACH BY STATE GOVERNMENT THAT FAVORS MONIED INTERESTS OVER LOCAL TAXPAYERS.

FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD IN CHAMBERSBURG

AUTHORITIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY A FIRE THAT KILLED A BOY AND INJURED A WOMAN WAS APPARENTLY STARTED BY CHILDREN PLAYING WITH A CIGARETTE LIGHTER. THE PUBLIC OPINION NEWSPAPER REPORTS CREWS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WERE CALLED TO A TOWN HOUSE IN CHAMBERSBURG MONDAY NIGHT. FRANKLIN COUNTY CORONER JEFFREY CONNER HAS IDENTIFIED THE VICTIM AS 4-YEAR-OLD JULIUS COACHMAN.

SUSQUEHANNA BREWING COMPANY REBORN

DESCENDANTS OF A TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BREWER ARE BRINGING THE FAMILY BUSINESS BACK TO THE WYOMING VALLEY. FRED MAIER SAYS THAT HIS FAMILY IS REFORMING THE SUSQUEHANNA BREWING COMPANY AND PLANS TO OPEN A NEW BREWERY IN LUZERNE COUNTY.

INVESTIGATION INTO STOLEN IDENTITY RING CONTINUES

A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND FOLLOW-THROUGH BY OFFICIALS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PLIGHT OF FOUR MENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS WHO AUTHORITIES SAY WERE LOCKED IN A PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT WHILE A CONVICTED MURDERER STOLE THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS. POLICE IN PHILADELPHIA AND WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, INVESTIGATED ELEMENTS OF THE CASE BUT MISSED OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP THE PEOPLE NOW CONSIDERED VICTIMS OF THE SCHEME.

NATIONAL NEWS:

ZANESVILLE, OHIO (AP) - DOZENS OF ARMED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE PROWLING RURAL ZANESVILLE IN EAST-CENTRAL OHIO WHERE NEARLY 30 ESCAPED WILD ANIMALS INCLUDING LIONS HAVE BEEN KILLED AND MORE ARE ON THE LOOSE. THEY ESCAPED FROM A WILD-ANIMAL PRESERVE WHERE THE OWNER'S BODY WAS LATER FOUND.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS MADE HERMAN CAIN THE TARGET IN LAST NIGHT'S LAS VEGAS DEBATE FOR HIS 9-9-9 ECONOMIC PLAN HIS OPPONENTS CALL A TAX INCREASE. BUT FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY AND TEXAS GOV. RICK PERRY CLASHED OVER IMMIGRATION.

ATHENS, GREECE (AP) - GREECE IS LARGELY CLOSED FOR BUSINESS TODAY BY A TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE THAT UNIONS VOW WILL BE THE LARGEST IN YEARS. IT HAS GROUNDED FLIGHTS, DISRUPTED PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING FROM SHOPS TO SCHOOLS AS
THOUSANDS OF PROTESTERS CONVERGED IN CENTRAL ATHENS TO DEMONSTRATE AGAINST ANY MORE AUSTERITY MEASURES.

NEW YORK (AP) - ANOTHER ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS TIPS OFF TODAY BETWEEN NBA PLAYERS AND OWNERS WHO WENT INTO OVERTIME YESTERDAY TRYING TO CUT A DEAL WITH THE HELP OF A FEDERAL MEDIATOR. THEY DIDN'T EMERGE WITH THE AGREEMENT COMMISSIONER DAVID STERN WANTED, BUT THINGS WENT WELL ENOUGH DURING A 16-HOUR MARATHON THAT OWNERS DECIDED TO ALTER THEIR PLANS AFTER PREVIOUSLY SAYING THEY WEREN'T AVAILABLE TODAY.

BEDFORD, VA. (AP) - A 29-YEAR-OLD VIRGINIA WOMAN HAS PLEADED NO CONTEST TO A SECOND-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN THE FATAL BEATING OF HER 77-YEAR-OLD BOYFRIEND WITH HIS OWN CANE. SHE FACES UP TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON. SHE SAYS THE MAN WANTED TO KICK HER OUT OF HIS HOME.

TODAY'S NEWS-TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011

LOCAL NEWS TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2011

DEADLINE NEARS TO FILE FOR FEMA AID

LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO SUFFERED DAMAGES FROM RECENT FLOODING MUST FILE PAPERWORK WITH FEMA AND THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BY NOVEMBER 14TH. SUSAN SOLOMON, FEMA PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, SAID FEDERAL RELIEF FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO HELP THOSE IN NEED, BUT THEY MUST COMPLETE THEIR APPLICATIONS SOON. AN OFFICE HAS BEEN OPENED AT THE HOSE HOOK AND LADDER FIRE COMPANY IN PINE GROVE, OR RESIDENTS MAY CALL 1-800-621-FEMA.

PINE GROVE NOW FLOODED WITH BILLS

THE WATER HAS RECEDED, NOW PINE GROVE BOROUGH IS FLOODED WITH BILLS FOR THE CLEANUP WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR. TWO COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK FOR FEMA AND INSURANCE CLAIMS. THE BILLS SO FAR ARE IN EXCESS OF TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT FEMA WILL COVER THE MAJORITY OF THAT AMOUNT. GRANT APPLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE COMPLETED TO HELP PAY FOR WORK TO CLEAN OUT BLOCKED STORM DRAINS IN TOWN, WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE FLOODING.

TAX INCREASE PONDERED IN ORWIGSBURG

INCOME FROM DEVELOPMENT AND NEW HOMES HAS LAGGED BEHIND EXPENSES IN ORWIGSBURG, AND COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING INCREASES IN TAXES AND SEWER FEES TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE. ACCORDING TO A STORY IN TODAY'S REPUBLICAN HERALD, IT HAS BEEN "AT LEAST TEN YEARS" SINCE THERE HAS BEEN A TAX INCREASE IN THE BOROUGH. THE AVERAGE ASSESSED PROPERTY VALUE IN TOWN IS JUST OVER FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND EACH PROPERTY OWNER WOULD SEE AN ANNUAL TAX INCREASE OF ABOUT EIGHT DOLLARS, WITH A SEWER RATE INCREASE OF THREE DOLLARS PER QUARTER. THE RESULT WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR IN REVENUE TO COVER ORWIGSBURG'S EXPENSES. THE 2012 BUDGET WILL UP FOR A VOTE AT COUNCIL'S NOVEMBER 9 MEETING.

HAVEN MAN FACES COURT ON INDECENY CHARGES

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN, ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION AND INDENCY CHARGES, HAS HIS CASE HEADED TO COURT. THIRTY TWO YEAR OLD EDWARD LEYMEISTER APPEARED BEFORE DISTRICT JUDGE FERRIER, CHARGED BY SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLICE WITH HAVING INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL ON AUGUST 27TH. HE REPORTEDLY KISSED AND TOUCHED THE GIRL, TRYING TO FIGHT OFF HIS ADVANCES. LEYMEISTER ADMITTED TO POLICE THAT HE KNEW SHE WAS UNDER AGE. HE'S IN PRISON AWAITING FURTHER COURT ACTION.

SHENANDOAH GETS GRANT FOR BULLETPROOF VESTS

SHENANDOAH'S FOUR FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE RECEIVING BULLETPROOF VESTS TO HELP PROTECT THEM WHILE ON DUTY. THE BOROUGH APPLIED TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR A MATCHING GRANT TO PAY HALF THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PURCHASE OF THE VESTS, AND RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT TWELFTH AND MARKET

POTTSVILLE POLICE REPORT THAT TWO VEHICLES COLLIDED AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWELFTH AND MARKET STREETS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON. POLICE RECORDS SHOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 48 ACCIDENTS AT THAT INTERSECTION SINCE 2005. THE CITY HAS A PLAN IN PLACE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SIGNALS, BUT MUST WAIT FOR APPROVAL FROM PENNDOT SINCE MARKET STREET IS ALSO ROUTE 209.


STATE NEWS TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2011

POLICE INVESTIGATE ADULTS FOUND IN PHILLY BASEMENT

POLICE SAY THEY'VE RECOVERED AS MANY AS 50 FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION AND POWER OF ATTORNEY DOCUMENTS THAT POINT TO A WIDE-RANGING FRAUD SCHEME AFTER FOUR MENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS WERE FOUND LOCKED IN A PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT. THE VICTIMS APPEARED MALNOURISHED AFTER BEING FOUND IN A SUB-BASEMENT BY THE BUILDING'S LANDLORD ON SATURDAY. ONE MAN WAS CHAINED TO THE BOILER.

STATE LAWMAKERS CONSIDER FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS

STATE LAWMAKERS FROM NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HAVE INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO BOOST STATE DISASTER AID FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES HIT BY LAST MONTH'S DEVASTATING FLOODS. TWO OF THE HOUSE BILLS WOULD DIP INTO THE STATE'S SURPLUS TO FUND FLOOD MITIGATION WORK AND TO PROVIDE LOW-INTEREST LOANS FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL AID.

MOLD CLOSES CENTRAL PA. FIRE STATION

A CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FIRE STATION HAS BEEN CLOSED DUE TO MOLD PROBLEMS FROM FLOODING LAST MONTH WHILE A SECOND HAS FOUNDATION PROBLEMS BEING BLAMED ON A SMALL EARTHQUAKE OVER THE SUMMER. YORK FIRE CHIEF STEVEN BUFFINGTON SAYS THE MOLD CLOSES THE DEPARTMENT'S LINCOLN STATION LAST WEEK. MOLD WAS FOUND GROWING ON THE WALLS OF THE STATION'S BASEMENT DURING A RECENT TRAINING SESSION. BUFFINGTON SAYS THE MOLD FORCED THE DEPARTMENT TO MOVE PERSONNEL TO A DOWNTOWN STATION WITH ROOM TO HOUSE ITS TRUCK. HE SAYS HE EXPECTS IT TO COST MORE THAN $100,000 TO CLEAN UP THE MOLD. BUFFINGTON IS ALSO BLAMING MOTHER NATURE FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM. HE TELLS THE YORK DISPATCH A SMALL EARTHQUAKE IN AUGUST MAY HAVE WORSENED FOUNDATION CRACKS AT ANOTHER STATION. AN ENGINEER IS EVALUATING THE STRUCTURE.

BANKRUPTCY JUDGE SETS ARGUMENTS FOR NOVEMBER

LAWYERS DEBATING WHETHER PENNSYLVANIA'S CASH-STRAPPED CAPITAL CAN SEEK BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION WILL LAY OUT THEIR ARGUMENTS BEFORE A FEDERAL JUDGE NEXT MONTH. ON MONDAY, U.S. BANKRUPTCY JUDGE MARY D. FRANCE SET NOV. 23 AS THE FIRST DATE TO HEAR FROM ATTORNEYS FOR HARRISBURG'S CITY COUNCIL, WHICH FILED THE CHAPTER 9 PETITION LAST WEEK, ALONG WITH MAYOR LINDA THOMPSON AND THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOTH OF WHOM OPPOSE IT. THOMPSON IS FIGHTING THE 4-3 VOTE BY THE COUNCIL THAT RESULTED IN THE BANKRUPTCY FILING. LAWMAKERS ARE PUSHING A BILL THAT WOULD LET THE GOVERNOR DECLARE A STATE OF FISCAL EMERGENCY AND INSTALL SOMEONE TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT SERVICES AND SPENDING. THE CITY OF 50,000 IS SADDLED WITH HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DEBT RELATED TO AN AGING TRASH INCINERATOR.

TODAY'S NEWS MON. OCTOBER 17, 2011

LOCAL NEWS MONDAY OCTOBER 17, 2011

COUNTY MAY GET BIODIESEL PLANT

NAGSCO AND LIBERTY OIL ARE WORKING ON A PROPOSAL TO OPERATE A BIODIESEL PLANT IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. IF NECESSARY PERMITS ARE RECEIVED, THE FACILITY WILL BE LOCATED IN PORT CARBON. BIODIESEL IS MADE FROM THINGS LIKE USED OIL FROM RESTAURANTS. THE OIL IS TREATED WITH CHEMICALS THAT CONVERT THE VEGETABLE OILS INTO FUEL FOR DIESEL ENGINES. PORT CARBON BOROUGH COUNCIL, AND THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ARE INVESTIGATING THE POSSIBLE IMPACT THE PLANT COULD HAVE IN THE COMMUNITY BEFORE ISSUING PERMITS.

THREE HUNDRED ATTEND FATHER CISZEK DAY MASS

SAINT CASIMIR ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH WAS THE SITE FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF FATHER WALTER J. CISZEK DAY MASS ON SUNDAY. NINE PRIESTS, INCLUDING THREE CLERICS FROM THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RITE, CONDUCTED THE SERVICE WITH OVER THREE HUNDRED MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE. FATHER CISZEK, WHOSE CAUSE FOR CANONIZATION IS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE VATICAN, WAS BORN IN SHENANDOAH, AND SPENT 23 YEARS AS A PRISONER IN THE SOVIET UNION BEFORE HIS RETURN TO PENNSYLVANIA.

SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY MAKING PROGRESS TOWARD GOAL

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KELLY MALONE REPORTED LAST WEEK THAT THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY HAS RAISED $485,000.00 SO FAR THIS YEAR. THAT IS ALMOST HALF OF THEIR GOAL OF JUST OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S REPUBLICAN HERALD, THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, WITH THE THEME “CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CARING”, WILL CONCLUDE WITH AN APPRECIATION BREAKFAST AT PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL CAMPUS ON NOVEMBER 18TH. THE SCHUYLKILL UNITED WAY HAS FIFTEEN PARTNER AGENCIES WHO PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO MORE THAN 85,000 COUNTY RESIDENTS DURING 2010.

SUCCESSFUL FIRST ANNUAL BREWFEST

AN EVENT HELD OVER THE WEEKEND IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CELEBRATED THE CRAFT OF BREWING. THE FIRST ANNUAL SCHUYLKILL BREWFEST WAS A SUCCESS AND THE START OF A NEW TRADITION IN THE COUNTY. THE EVENT WAS HELD AT THE AMPHITHEATER AT GEN. GEORGE A. JOULWAN PARK.

8TH ANNUAL APPLEFEST

THE TOWN OF ASHLAND HELD ITS’ 8TH ANNUAL APPLEFEST SATURDAY. THE EVENT HELD DOWNTOWN FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT, GAMES AND OF COURSE FOOD. APPLE DUMPLINGS, APPLE CIDER AND EVEN AN APPLE PIE CONTEST WERE ALL PART OF THE APPLE THEMED EVENT. APPLEFEST WAS FIRST CREATED BY ASHLAND DOWNTOWN INC.

THREE INJURED IN WEEKEND CRASH

A TWO-VEHICLE CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON SENT TWO PEOPLE TO TRAUMA CENTERS VIA HELICOPTER. THE CRASH AT ROUTE 54 AND THE FRACKVILLE-MOREA HIGHWAY SENT 19-YEAR-OLD KYLE GREGOR TO ST. LUKES MINERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. 19-YEAR-OLD JESSICA STEVICK AND 18-YEAR-OLD JULIA SMITH WERE FLOWN TO GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER FOR THEIR INJURIES. THE ROOF OF THAT CAR HAD TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO FREE A BACK SEAT PASSENGER. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND HER TWO 6-YEAR-OLD PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED.

BUDDY WALK

THE THIRD ANNUAL BUDDY WALK WAS HELD SUNDAY IN FOUNTAIN SPRINGS. ABOUT 500 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE WALK WHICH BENEFITS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS. THE EVENT WAS HELD AT GHOSH ORTHODONTICS FIELD AT SPARTAN STADIUM AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS REPORTED THAT MORE THAN 400,000 PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE DOWN SYNDROME.

AUTOPSY TODAY FOR HAZLETON BOY

AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY FOR A HAZLETON BOY WHO DIED SATURDAY NIGHT ON CLUB 40 ROAD. THE FIERY WRECK CLAIMED THE LIFE OF PAUL DENOIA AFTER HIS CAR SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AROUND 8:30PM. NEIGHBORS SAY PEOPLE ARE CONSTANTLY GOING INTO DITCHES AND INTO TREES BECAUSE OF POTHOLES COVERING THE ROAD.

TORNADOES BRING BACK PLAYERS AFTER SUSPENSION

THREE MEMBERS OF THE MOUNT CARMEL AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM RECENTLY CHARGED WITH UNDERAGE DRINKING RETURNED TO THE FIELD SUNDAY WHEN THE TORNADOES AND THE NORTH SCHUYLKILL SPARTANS FACED OFF. THE SEPTEMBER 29TH INCIDENT RESULTED IN THE DISTRICT TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING PLAYERS MEYRICK LAMB, JACOB KLEMAN AND JEFFREY COONEY. TWO OF THE THREE ARE ALSO FACING DRUG CHARGES.

WOMAN COMBINED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

NEW DETAILS HAVE SURFACED OVER THE WEEKEND ABOUT THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO A WOMAN'S DEATH IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.THE BODY OF 22-YEAR-OLD KORTNI KENENITZ WAS FOUND IN THE BACK SEAT OF A CAR IN KULPMONT. NOW, AUTHORITIES HAVE MORE INFORMATION THAT MAY EXPLAIN HOW SHE DIED.ACCORDING TO COURT PAPERS, KENENITZ WAS COMBINING PRESCRIPTION PAIN KILLERS AND ALCOHOL THE NIGHT BEFORE SHE WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE BACK SEAT OF HER CAR, BUT POLICE ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND OUT WHEN AND HOW KENENITZ ENDED UP THERE. THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY CORONER IS WAITING ON TOXICOLOGY TESTS BEFORE RULING ON THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH, BUT HE TOLD US THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF TRAUMA ON KENENITZ'S BODY.


STATE NEWS:

THREE CHARGED WITH ABUSE IN PHILADELPHIA

POLICE SAY THREE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CHARGED AFTER FOUR MALNOURISHED MENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS WERE FOUND CHAINED TO A BOILER IN A LOCKED PHILADELPHIA BASEMENT. ACCORDING TO THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE SUSPECTS WERE TRYING TO MAKE MONEY THROUGH ACCESS TO THE VICTIMS' SOCIAL SECURITY OR DISABILITY CHECKS.

HARRISBURG BANKRUPTCY CASE MOVES FORWARD

A FEDERAL JUDGE IS SET TO DECIDE WHETHER PENNSYLVANIA'S CASH-STRAPPED CAPITAL CAN MOVE AHEAD WITH A BANKRUPTCY PETITION. U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT JUDGE MARY FRANCE WILL HEAR ARGUMENTS THIS MORNING IN HARRISBURG ON THE FILING. SHE WILL
DECIDE WHETHER THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE LAWYER THEY HIRED HAD THE AUTHORITY TO FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY LAST WEEK.

PENNSYLVANIA FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS HONORED

THE NAMES OF SEVEN FALLEN PENNSYLVANIA FIREFIGHTERS ARE AMONG THE 89 WHO WERE ADDED SUNDAY TO A NATIONAL MEMORIAL IN EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND. THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORED 72 FIREFIGHTERS WHO DIED IN THE LINE
OF DUTY LAST YEAR PLUS 17 FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.

WATER TABLE STILL CONTAMINATED WITH METHANE

RESIDENTS OF A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA VILLAGE WHERE A NATURAL GAS DRILLER WAS BLAMED FOR CONTAMINATING 18 WATER WELLS WITH METHANE ARE STILL GETTING WATER DELIVERED TO THEIR HOMES, THREE YEARS AFTER THEY FIRST NOTICED THEIR GROUNDWATER WAS POLLUTED. HOUSTON-BASED CABOT OIL & GAS CORP. SAYS IT HAS MET THE STATE'S OCT. 17 DEADLINE TO FIX THE WATER SUPPLY IN DIMOCK. BUT SOME RESIDENTS DISAGREE, SAYING THEIR WATER IS STILL TAINTED AND UNUSABLE. CABOT WANTS TO RESUME DRILLING IN A 9-SQUARE-MILE AREA OF DIMOCK THAT IS OFF-LIMITS UNTIL IT REPAIRS THE DAMAGE. IF REGULATORS SIGN OFF, IT WILL ALSO STOP PAYING FOR WATER DELIVERIES TO RESIDENTS WHOSE WELLS WERE TAINTED WITH METHANE AND POSSIBLY, TOXIC CHEMICALS. RECENT TEST RESULTS CONFIRM THAT GAS STILL LURKS IN DIMOCK'S AQUIFER.

NATIONAL NEWS:

JACKSON, MISS. (AP) - VOTERS IN MISSISSIPPI ARE BEING ASKED TO AMEND THEIR CONSTITUTION TO DECLARE THAT LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. THE STATE ALREADY HAS SOME OF THE TOUGHEST ABORTION REGULATIONS IN THE COUNTY AND ONLY ONE ABORTION CLINIC. SUPPORTERS SAY THEIR GOAL IS TO PROVOKE A COURT FIGHT THAT COULD OVERTURN THE ROE V. WADE DECISION.

WASHINGTON (AP) - WITH HIS JOBS BILL BLOCKED, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS TAKING TO THE ROAD TODAY TO TRY TO PRESSURE CONGRESS TO PASS INDIVIDUAL PIECES OF THE BILL. THE THREE-DAY BUS TOUR WILL TAKE OBAMA FROM ASHEVILLE, N.C. THROUGH VIRGINIA -- TWO STATES HE WON IN THE 2008 ELECTION AND LIKELY WILL NEED AGAIN.

BOSTON (AP) - MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN EARLY MORNING FIRE AT AN APARTMENT BUILDING IN BOSTON'S ROXBURY NEIGHBORHOOD. FIREFIGHTERS RESCUED ABOUT 15PEOPLE, INCLUDING A 6-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WAS DROPPED FROM THE THIRD-FLOOR INTO THE ARMS
OF A FIREFIGHTER. A MAN WHO SHOWED UP AT A HOSPITAL TOLD OFFICIALS THAT HE HAD TRIED TO BLOW UP A BUILDING.

ATHENS, GREECE (AP) - GREEK LAWMAKERS ARE SCHEDULED TO VOTE LATER THIS WEEK ON A NEW ROUND OF AUSTERITY MEASURES THAT INTERNATIONAL LENDERS ARE DEMANDING IN EXCHANGE FOR BAILOUT LOANS. GREEK CIVIL SERVANTS ARE MAKING THEIR UNHAPPINESS WITH THE MEASURES CLEAR. THERE ARE CONTINUING OCCUPATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND LABOR MINISTRIES TODAY.

LONDON (AP) - A HANDWRITTEN LETTER FROM PAUL MCCARTNEY OFFERING AN AUDITION TO AN UNNAMED DRUMMER HAS BEEN FOUND FOLDED UP IN A BOOK. THE LETTER IS DATED AUG. 12, 1960AND SAYS THE DRUMMER MUST BE WILLING TO TRAVEL TO HAMBURG, GERMANY WITH THE BEATLES FOR A TWO-MONTH GIG. PETE BEST WAS THE BEATLE'S DRUMMER AT THE TIME. CHRISTIE'S PLANS TO AUCTION THE LETTER NEXT MONTH.