Local News-Saturday, December 3, 2011

PIAA PLAYOFFS

Class AAA

Allentown Central Catholic 56

Shamokin 14

Class A

Southern Columbia 55

Pius X 25

Today’s Schedule

Class AA

Lancaster Catholic vs Mt Carmel, from Kemp Memorial Stadium in Shamokin-Noon ON T102

Congressional Redistricting

The 2010 Census not only counted how many people live in the United States, it also forces legislators to change the legislative districts and those who represent us in Congress. At stake is the possible split up of the 17^th Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman Tim Holden. State Senate Bill 1249 and House Bill 5 are being moved through Harrisburg to split Schuylkill County into anywhere from 2 to 4 Congressional Districts. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is spearheading a campaign for residents to support keeping Schuylkill County in one legislative districts. There are several ways for county residents to make their voices heard. Online, people can respond by logging onto schuylkillchamber dot com. Or via phone, by calling the Chamber office at 622-1942 or 800-755-1942. The bills are expected to move through the Legislature early next week, so time is of the essence. Responders are asked to only vote their intentions once.

Man Charged In Burglary

Police have charged a Frackville man in connection with a Thursday night burglary in Frackville. Reports indicate 35 year old Brian Bernotas is charged with burglary and related offenses after he tried to enter an apartment building on South Fourth Street in Frackville. Bernotas was found hiding outside the building after an alarm went off. Nothing apparently was taken. Bernotas is in Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post bail.

Pa. receives $349 million in disaster aid so far

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency say nearly $349 million in disaster aid has been approved so far for Pennsylvania residents affected by two recent storms. According to updated figures released by FEMA on Friday, almost 93,000 people have sought help in repairing damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. FEMA says it has approved more than $130 million in individual assistance grants. Also, the National Flood Insurance Program has settled $142 million in insurance claims. In addition, the Small Business Administration has given out more than $75 million in low-interest disaster loans. The deadline to apply for help is Dec. 14. To register by phone, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or, using a TTY, 1-800-462-7585. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or, for tablet or smartphone users, m.fema.gov.

Get Your Flu Shot

The State Department of Health and Aging are holding a series of events during National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4^th thru 10^th. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established the week’s events to promote getting a flu shot no matter their age. State officials say that 50 Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 died last year from flu complications. That’s the most vulnerable age group according to authorities.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - An attorney for a man who says he was abused by ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky is taking aim at the accused molester's lawyer for questioning alleged victims. Lawyer Howard Janet says his client was invited to Sandusky's home four months before Sandusky was charged with molesting children. He says the client told police about the invite and a claim by Sandusky's lawyer that the meeting indicates the former coach remained friendly with several accusers is "grotesque."

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Authorities say they've found 19 containers of cremated human remains in an abandoned funeral home in Pittsburgh. Police and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office searched the Sauvageot Funeral Home yesterday morning. Neighbors say owner Mark Sauvageot vanished a few years ago, leaving many people wondering about the remains of their loved ones and pets. The state also revoked Sauvageot's license.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Commonwealth Court judge has approved Governor Tom Corbett's appointment of a municipal bond attorney to lead the state's takeover of Pennsylvania's financially troubled capital. Senior Judge James Kelley approved the appointment of David Unkovic yesterday, a day after three Harrisburg residents filed a lawsuit to prevent the state from taking over the city's finances.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency say nearly $349 million in disaster aid has been approved so far for Pennsylvania residents affected by two recent storms. According to updated figures released by FEMA on Friday, almost 93,000 people have sought help in repairing damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.