MCCC Student Nurses, Veterans Participate In White House Tree Selection

PHOTO: Members of the Student Nurses Club (SNC) and Student Veterans Organization (SVO) from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) participated in the selection of the 2015 White House Christmas tree at Bustard’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pa. on Sept. 30. Pictured (from left) Dansel Landingin, SVO, Psychology major, with Trigger; Hector, Figueroa, SVO president, Social Sciences major; Kristin Davies, Nursing instructor; Jay Bustard, Bustard’s Christmas Trees co-owner; Aaron Hull, SVO, Life Sciences major; Courtney Bagwell, SNC, Nursing major; Kathryn Hall, SNC, Nursing major; Joe Long, SVO and Veterans Services assistant, Engineering major; Dr. Linda Roy, Nursing program director; and Michael Brown, Veterans Services coordinator. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Lehighton, Pa.—Members of the Student Nurses Club and Student Veterans Organization from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) traveled to Bustard’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pa. on Sept. 30 for the selection of the 2015 official White House Christmas tree.

During a special press event, White House officials, along with representatives from the National Christmas Tree Association, identified a 19-foot Fraser Fir that will soon be headed to the White House’s Blue Room. Bustard’s was selected as the provider for this year’s tree after being named Grand Champion at the National Christmas Trees Association’s biannual meeting, held this past summer in Illinois.

The Bustard family invited MCCC students to be part of the ceremonial tree selection at its Carbon County farm to recognize the Student Nurses Club’s commitment to the national Trees for Troops program.

Over the past several years, the Student Nurses Club has raised funds and has donated more than 60 trees to Trees for Troops, which provides holiday trees to the families of deployed service men and woman. Each December, MCCC Nursing and Veterans students gather at Bustard’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lansdale to purchase, tag and prepare trees for shipment to military families.

The Nursing program’s participation in Trees for Troops aligns with Joining Forces, a national initiative calling on Americans to rally around service members, veterans and their families and to support them through wellness, education and employment opportunities. To learn more about Joining Forces, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces.

In addition to Trees for Troops, the Student Nurses Club raised over $3,000 for last year’s Hometown Hero Walk in Lansdale, and the group has sponsored donation drives for personal care items that were delivered to military troops stationed abroad and to the Veteran’s Center of Montgomery County.

To learn more about national Trees for Troops program, visit http://www/treesfortroops.org.

Pottsville Residents Complain About Demolition Waste In Alley

When residents complained Tuesday about more than a ton of concrete refuse, which a city contractor dumped at the far end of a Pottsville alley more than a year ago, officials promised action.

“A contractor dumped those there about a year and a half ago. There’s a wall here that borders my yard. And the weight of those, with the snow and the rain, is pushing that wall toward my yard,” Sue Rich, 422 Harrison St., Pottsville, said.

Mark Santai, 426 Harrison St., and Betty Guy, 432 Harrison St., also complained about the load of concrete dropped behind their properties.

“We already talked to that contractor and he said he was going to come out and move that stuff. We’ll contact him again and if he doesn’t get to it in a couple of days, we might have to issue a citation,” Justin D. Trefsger, the city’s code enforcement officer, said Monday.

On Tuesday, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar identified that contractor as Penn Earthworks, Hazleton.

Read more:

http://republicanherald.com/news/pottsville-residents-complain-about-demolition-waste-in-alley-1.1888747

Thousands Turn Out For Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K In Pottsville

The Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K featured thousands of runners and even a marriage proposal Saturday in Pottsville.

This is the third year for the event that had runners from 33 states and the District of Columbia. The race started at 9 a.m. but before then, people were busy getting ready for the event organized by CK Running LLC, Philadelphia.

Cathleen Klassen, 44, of Hummelstown, a Pottsville native, was getting ready to run again this year, her third year doing so.

“I love coming home. I love having a chance to see people I grew up with,” she said.

Read more:

http://republicanherald.com/news/thousands-turn-out-for-yuengling-light-lager-jogger-5k-in-pottsville-1.1862516

Saint Clair Residents Speak Out On Merger, Board Gives Reasoning

SAINT CLAIR, PA — Seven of about 70 borough residents raised their hands in favor of a merger between Saint Clair Area and Pottsville Area school districts at a borough school board meeting Wednesday.

The school board welcomed feedback from borough residents about the possible school merge after a public meeting Monday describing details from the feasibility study.

Many points and questions were brought up by residents, including what would happen to the school if they didn’t merge.

Various school board officials including Jason Bendle, acting superintendent, Michael Holobetz, board president, and Michael O’Pake, board solicitor, explained that the school would eventually be taken over by the state and go into receivership. The school board would still exist, but an assigned recovery officer would have the ultimate say in decisions.

Read more:

http://republicanherald.com/news/saint-clair-residents-speak-out-on-merger-board-gives-reasoning-1.1846958

Kmart To Close At Schuylkill Mall

FRACKVILLE, PA — Kmart at the Schuylkill Mall will close later this year.

Howard Riefs, director of corporate communications for Sears Holdings, said in an email today the Kmart store will close.

Employees were notified this morning of the closure, he said.

“We did not renew the lease for the Kmart store in the Schuylkill Mall and the store will close to the public in mid-October. Until then, the store will remain open for customers,” Riefs said.

A liquidation sale will begin July 19.

Read more:  http://standardspeaker.com/news/kmart-to-close-at-schuylkill-mall-1.1834328

Ashland Christmas Tree Returns After Two Years

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ASHLAND, PA — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Ashland with the return of the borough tree during the weekend.

The tree was not placed for the past two holidays due to safety concerns after high wind caused two trees to fall — fortunately, without injuries.

The tree placement is sponsored by the Ashland Rotary Club.

The Christmas tree is a major part of the holiday décor of the downtown, joining the many lighted decorations and Christmas banners placed by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Christmas tree project, along with the annual Santa Claus visit and parade, was a long-standing tradition of the Ashland Kiwanis Club. When the Kiwanis disbanded in 2007, the Rotary club picked up the tree and parade projects.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/ashland-christmas-tree-returns-after-two-years-1.1792596

Judges Affirm Rejection Of Hazleton Area International Cargo Airport

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Commonwealth Court panel dealt another blow Thursday to a proposed international cargo airport in the Hazleton area, as it upheld Schuylkill County Court’s rejection of a special exception for the facility.

In a 19-page opinion, the panel affirmed county Judge James P. Goodman’s determination that Gladstone Partners LLC, Pittsburgh, had not satisfied the necessary conditions for a special exception.

“The application as submitted did not meet the objective requirements of … (the county zoning ordinance),” President Judge Dan Pellegrini wrote in the panel’s opinion.

As a result, barring a successful appeal by Gladstone Partners to the full Commonwealth Court or the state Supreme Court, plans for the airport have ground to a halt.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/judges-affirm-rejection-of-airport-1.1776451

Three Birdsboro Residents Arrested In Drug Ring Investigation

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

HARRISBURG, PA — A joint investigation between state and local officials uncovered a large-scale drug ring that spanned three counties.

The results of the year-long “Operation Tourniquet” lead to the arrests of “48 mid- and street-level drug dealers,” a press release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said.

The dealers, the release said, “were part of two organizations, who were loosely tied and responsible for distributing drugs throughout at least three counties including Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill.”

Three Birdsboro residents where among the alleged “street-level” dealers who were arrested.

Read more: http://www.dailylocal.com/general-news/20140624/three-birdsboro-residents-arrested-in-drug-ring-investigation

20 Face Charges In Drug Sweep In Tamaqua

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

TAMAQUA, PA – Arrest papers and pictures of suspects in hand, officers knocked on doors in the Tamaqua area Monday morning, taking more than a dozen people into custody on drug charges.

At least one defendant was arrested for drug possession, while most of the defendants are accused of actually selling drugs, according to Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, who along with Tamaqua police Chief Rick Weaver and members of the county drug task force orchestrated the effort.

In total, 17 warrants were served, though 20 are facing charges. The arrests came after months of police investigations involving undercover and controlled drug purchases of narcotics, some of which involved video-recorded purchases for the sale of methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana.

Holman, who sat through all of Monday’s arraignments, personally asked that each person be held on high bail, stating over and over again that her office and law enforcement are taking a tough stance on drugs in the county and considers those dealing to be a danger to the community.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/20-face-charges-in-drug-sweep-in-tamaqua-1.1704236

Women Admit To Meth Production In Pottsville, Police Say

View of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two women were in jail Tuesday on charges they were producing methamphetamine in a Pottsville home.

Margaret Ney, 61, of 218 N. 12th St., Pottsville, was arraigned on felony charges of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, risking a catastrophe and liquefied ammonia gas-precursors and chemicals, along with misdemeanor offenses of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Jada McClure, 28, of 626 Wyoming St., Box 142, Tuscarora, was arraigned on felony charges of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and liquefied ammonia gas-precursors and chemicals; and misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Pottsville police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the arrests result from an active investigation officers were involved in, both criminal and for city code violations, including no electricity and no running water, at Ney’s home

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/women-admit-to-meth-production-in-pottsville-police-say-1.1686377

Pottsville Mayor Describes City’s Challenge To Fix Streets

View of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While giving his first State of the City address Thursday night, Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney deviated from his 11-page speech only once.

Before giving the crowd of more than 75 in council chambers an update on streets and public improvements, Muldowney, 56, said: “My wife told me I should ad lib a little bit. So, God bless you, Ron. And you too, Dan.”

He was referring to Councilman Ronald J. Moser, who heads up the city’s streets and public improvements department, and the challenge Moser and city officials, including Superintendent of Streets Daniel E. Kelly, will face as a result of the wicked winter.

“Dan Kelly and the men that work in this department have the skills and determination to help our residents brave the worst of weather,” Muldowney said.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/mayor-describes-city-s-challenge-to-fix-streets-1.1638282

Known For Its Beer, Yuengling Brings Back Its … Ice Cream

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

People have been screaming for the ice cream, and Yuengling‘s Ice Cream listened.

On Thursday, the ice cream with the same name as the Pottsville-based brewery began its first run of batches after a 29-year hiatus. The company, based in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, originally intended to start production in March, but it moved up the date in response to strong demand from retailers that wanted to get it on shelves sooner.

“I think we have one of the most popular nonexistent products on the market,” said David Yuengling, 51, president of the company and second cousin of brewery owner Dick Yuengling.

The 1-quart containers of Yuengling’s Ice Cream are being produced at Leiby’s Dairy Inc. in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, and they are expected to be on shelves by mid-Feburary at Weis Markets, Acme Markets and select independent grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.

Read more: http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_24933307/known-its-beer-yuengling-brings-back-its-ice

Termination Hearing For YouTubing Gilberton Police Chief Continued After Gun Falls From Supporter’s Holster

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GILBERTON, PA – The termination hearing of Gilberton police Chief Mark Kessler, whose curse-riddled YouTube videos about gun rights have gone viral, was stopped Thursday after a loaded handgun fell from a bystander’s holster onto the concrete floor.

The gun did not go off, but Kessler’s attorney, Joseph Nahas, directed that person to leave the room packed with 40 people. After a short private meeting, officials announced that the hearing would be reconvened at a later date at a larger room at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

“We’re in a very small room. It’s made of concrete. If a gun were to be chambered and land on concrete, like it just did, someone can be injured,” Nahas said.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-gilberton-pa-police-chief-guns-termination-20131010,0,4249276.story#ixzz2hRDYfE6A
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Schuylkill County Police Chief’s Suspension Extended

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GILBERTON, PA – The suspension of a Schuylkill County police chief was extended indefinitely Friday.  Gilberton Chief Mark Kessler is accused of posting online videos in which he fired borough-owned automatic weapons while shouting obscenities.

The Gilberton Borough Council had been scheduled to hold a disciplinary hearing but had to postpone it because of a scheduling conflict, Kessler’s attorney said.

Attorney Joseph Nahas said Kessler’s disciplinary hearing will most likely be held next week.  The indefinite suspension is expected to remain in place until both sides can meet.

Nahas and Kessler himself have both said they expect the chief to be fired.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=505474

Unions Call For Yuengling Boycott After Owner’s Support Of Right-To-Work Law

English: Finished bottles of Traditional Lager being placed into cases at Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville, PA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In response to a statement made Monday by the head of D.G. Yuengling and Son Inc. calling for a “right-to-work” law, a local labor union leader is calling for a Yuengling boycott.

“We’re against anyone who’s for a right-to-work law in this state,” Gary Martin, Pottsville, vice president of Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, said Thursday.

Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling, president and owner of the Pottsville-based brewery, made the statement Monday at a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon at the Harrisburg Hilton, according to The Associated Press.

Yuengling said Monday the state would attract more business if it adopted a right-to-work policy that would make it more difficult for unions to organize, according to the AP.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-yuengling-boycott-unions-right-to-work-20130830,0,113793.story#ixzz2dTUro2mu
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Blaze Destroys Mahanoy City Firetruck, Guts Fire Station

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A fire that broke out this morning in Mahanoy City destroyed an aerial truck and gutted the historic fire station, hours before a parade of 485 vehicles was to commence in celebration of the community’s 150th anniversary and annual firefighters convention.

The fire broke out at about 4:35 a.m. at Washington Hook and Ladder Co., producing heavy, black smoke and extensive damage to the brick structure in Schuylkill County.  The aerial truck, which The Pottsville Republican Herald reports cost $249,500 in 2011, also was destroyed.

Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene, fire officials said Saturday morning.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-mahanoy-city-fire-truck-blaze-20130824,0,7659768.story#ixzz2ctxxU37N 
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Gilberton Suspends Police Chief Kessler For 30 Days Over YouTube Video

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GILBERTON, Schuylkill County — If Mark Kessler wants to make any more bombastic YouTube videos, he has time to work on them.

Thirty days, to be exact.

That’s how long he’ll be off the job as Gilberton police chief for using the tiny coal town’s guns in a profanity-laced video that went viral after he posted it on the Web.

With people outside carrying semiautomatic guns and heckling one another over gun rights, Borough Council voted Wednesday night to suspend Kessler without pay.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-gilberton-police-chief-council-20130731,0,4092001.story#ixzz2agR6Yg3L
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North Schuylkill Distances Itself From Gilberton Police Chief Over YouTube Videos

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The North Schuylkill Board of Education issued a statement late Thursday it does not “condone or agree” with the YouTube video of board member and Gilberton Police Chief Mark Kessler shooting restricted guns in a profanity-laced tirade.

“His thoughts and feelings portrayed in the content of the videos are not shared by any other member of this Board, the North Schuylkill School District, its administration and faculty and are his and his alone,” the statement said.

The one-paragraph statement, emailed by Board President Charles Hepler, indicated the board or district will not make any more comments and referred questions to Kessler and his attorney.

Kessler could not be reached for comment.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-gilberton-police-chief-north-schuylkill-respons-20130726,0,6158934.story

87 People Paddle Down The Schuylkill River For The Annual Sojourn

Location of Pottstown in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

POTTSTOWN — Nearly 90 people dragged their kayaks and canoes into the Schuylkill River around 9 a.m. Wednesday as they started the fifth day of the 15th Schuylkill River Sojourn.

The group camped out Tuesday night at Riverfront Park in the borough before paddling 17.8 miles to Mont Clare on Wednesday.

The 112-mile guided kayak and canoe trip started in 1999 after the Schuylkill River was named River of the Year buy the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

According to the group’s website, it takes seven days to reach the Philadelphia Boathouse Row from their launch site in Schuylkill Haven. The canoeists and kayakers paddle between 14 and 18 miles a day, stopping for lunch, then camping overnight.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130606/NEWS01/130609563/87-people-paddle-down-the-schuylkill-river-for-the-annual-sojourn#full_story

4 Kids, 2 Adults Die In Pottsville House Fire

View of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Six people are dead after flames tore through a single home in Pottsville around midnight Sunday.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Joseph Pothering identified those killed as Eric Brown, 30, and his children Joy Brown, 8; Jeremiah Brown, 7; Emily Brown, 3; and, Elijah Brown, 2.

Also killed was Christina Thomas, 26, the children’s aunt and sister-in-law of Eric Brown.

Read more:  http://citizensvoice.com/news/4-kids-2-adults-die-in-pottsville-house-fire-1.1488375