Monroeville Council Suspends Top Official

Map of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In a municipality already reeling from a controversy involving its police department, Monroeville‘s municipal manager was placed on administrative leave with pay Tuesday evening and could be completely removed from her position Jan. 6.

At a special council meeting, a four-member quorum voted to suspend longtime employee Lynette McKinney. Joe Sedlak was appointed acting manager.

Of those present, councilmen Steve Duncan, Nick Gresock and Jim Johns voted for her suspension, with member Bernhard Erb abstaining. Mr. Johns said he made the motion to slow Ms. McKinney’s spending.

Solicitor Bruce Dice said the process to legally remove the manager is intricate, though her duties ceased Tuesday night.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2013/11/27/Monroeville-council-suspends-top-official/stories/201311270151#ixzz2lrOWhtYc

Storm Causes Big Problems; 1 Dead In Crash

English: This is my own work, Public Domain Photograph, not copyrighted Ed Yakovich http://www.flickr.com/photos/10396190@N04 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The large storm that blew through overnight – churning up high winds and causing local flooding – is causing major traffic problems early on throughout the Philadelphia regions on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

A string of crashes, one deadly, were reported through the night and into the early morning. Airports have also begun reporting delays and canceling flights due to the weather.

One person was killed in a crash shortly before 5 a.m. on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) at West Girard Ave., severely impacting traffic. It was not clear if weather was the main factor, but flooding was reported on the roadway prior to the crash.

Indeed, the expressway was closed eastbound and westbound at Montgomery Drive because of flooding. Police were being asked to prevent motorists from getting on at the nearby entrance ramps.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Noreasters_winds_rain_impacting_commute.html#mBMC5O16HHDpHVKp.99

Judge: Pottstown Merchant Peddled ‘Death’ When He Sold K2

NORRISTOWN — Saying a Pottstown merchant peddled death when he sold synthetic marijuana from his downtown convenience store, a judge sent the man to state prison.

Rafie L. Ali, 35, who previously lived in an apartment above the Achi Store he operated at 315 E. High Street between February and May 2012, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court on Tuesday to seven to 14 years in a state correctional facility.

“He’s no different than a drug dealer, pure and simple,” said Judge Steven T. O’Neill, referring to Ali’s decision to sell the dangerous substance in a community that has waged a battle against drug dealers and addiction. “The nature of what was sold in that store destroys the fabric of a community. You engaged in danger in a community that doesn’t need it, doesn’t need any more drug dealers.”

Ali, who apologized for his conduct before learning his fate, remained solemn as the punishment was imposed.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20131126/judge-pottstown-merchant-peddled-death-when-he-sold-k2

43rd Annual Belsnickel Craft Show Set For This Weekend At Boyertown Senior High School

Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The 43rd annual Belsnickel Craft Show, presenting approximately 140 local and regional juried artisans, will be held on Friday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. All crafts for sale are handmade by artisans in the show and are not commercially manufactured or imported.

Among the traditional crafts on display will be woodworking and woodcarving, pottery, baskets, tin, papier-mache folk art, dolls and doll clothing, women’s and children’s clothing, silver and gold jewelry, quilts and quilted items, dried flowers, tole painting, weaving, scherenschnitte (paper cutting), clay sculpture, fraktur, Santas, stained glass, punched-tin art, wooden toys and Christmas items.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/lifestyle/20131126/43rd-annual-belsnickel-craft-show-set-for-this-weekend-at-boyertown-senior-high-school

Kelly Picks Nick To Be Philadelphia Eagles’ No. 1 Quarterback

PHILADELPHIA – When the moment arrived, it was neither dramatic nor surprising.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly met separately with quarterbacks Nick Foles and Michael Vick and made obvious what had been apparent for some time by naming Foles his starter for the rest of the season Tuesday.

“Chip’s a simple guy,” said Foles. “I just went in there and he told me the situation, that I was the one and Mike was the two, and let’s go. I mean, it’s not drawn out. I know like in movies it’s a big thing. You sit down, there’s tears. He just told me the situation and I was ready to go. Mike’s ready to go.”

“I just wanted it to be a smooth transition, and it was,” said Vick. “When we sat down, he didn’t have to say much. We’re all on the same page.”

Reading School Board Fires Its Superintendent

Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States Public School Districts (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editor’s note:  Who didn’t see this coming?  “Indefinite sick leave…”  What a hot mess.

The short but rocky relationship between the Reading School Board and superintendent Dr. Carlinda Purcell has come to an end.

The board voted Tuesday night to fire Purcell, effective today. Substitute superintendent Karen B. Gokay will take over as acting superintendent.

Purcell is in the second year of a five-year contract. She was paid $175,000 annually.

The board ousted Purcell by a 6-3 vote. Rebecca Acosta, Isamac-Torres Figueroa and Robert Heebner voted no.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=520360