Friday, March 11, 2016

Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of DiGiorno® Pizzas, Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® Products Due to the Potential Presence of Foreign Material

image

Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited number of DiGiorno®, Lean Cuisine®, and Stouffer’s® products due to the potential presence of glass pieces. This voluntary recall covers only specific production codes of the following products:

  • DiGiorno Thin & Crispy Spinach and Garlic Pizza
  • DiGiorno Rising Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
  • DiGiorno pizzeria Thin Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
  • DiGiorno pizzeria Tuscan-style Chicken Pizza
  • Lean Cuisine Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
  • Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli
  • Lean Cuisine Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli
  • Lean Cuisine Spinach, Artichoke & Chicken Panini
  • Lean Cuisine Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli
  • Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna (10 oz., 37 oz. and 96 oz. sizes)
  • Stouffer’s Spinach Soufflé
  • Stouffer’s Chicken Lasagna



The voluntary recall is limited to the production codes listed below. To locate the production code, consumers should look on the side panel of the package. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of DiGiorno, Lean Cuisine or Stouffer’s products are affected by this recall.

No injuries have been reported. We are recalling these products because they may contain small pieces of glass that may cause injury. Although our investigation is ongoing, we believe the source of the glass is spinach that was an ingredient common to the products subject to this recall. Nestlé USA is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after several consumers reported that they had found small pieces of glass in some of these products.

Consumers who may have purchased the products listed above should not consume them but should instead contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-681-1676.

DiGiorno products affected by the recall:

Item
Production Code
UPC
Best Before Date
DiGiorno Thin & Crispy
Spinach and Garlic Pizza
image 
5363525921
5363525922
5364525921
----------
6019525921
6019525922
7192145143
July 2016
----------
Aug. 2016
DiGiorno Rising Crust
Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
image 
6004525932
6005525931
6020855932
6021525931
7192100335
Aug. 2016
DiGiorno pizzeria Thin Crust
Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
image 
6009525952
7192158570
Aug. 2016
DiGiorno pizzeria!
Tuscan-style Chicken Pizza
image 
6017525952
6018525951
7192196236
Aug. 2016

Lean Cuisine products affected by the recall:

Item
Production Code
UPC
Best Before Date
Lean Cuisine Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
image 
5339587814
5340587814
5340587815
6003587814
13800135209
Nov. 2016
Lean Cuisine Spinach, Artichoke & Chicken Panini
image 
5348587814
----------
6011587814
13800553263
July 2016
----------
Aug. 2016
Lean Cuisine Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli
image 
5348587812
5349587812
13800583581
Jan. 2017
Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli
image 
5362587812
5363587812
13800558060
Jan. 2017
Lean Cuisine Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Ravioli
image 
6004595912
6005595912
1380093052
Feb. 2017

Stouffer’s products affected by the recall:

Item
Production Code
UPC
Best Before Date
Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna
Party Size (96oz)
image 
5351595916
5353595915
5353595916
----------
6004595916
13800190024
March 2017
----------
April 2017
Stouffer’s Whole Grain Vegetable Lasagna (10oz)
image 
5353595913
----------
6011595513
13800103239
March 2017
----------
April 2017
Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna
Family Size (37oz)
image 
5349595914
13800555106
Jan. 2017
Stouffer’s Chicken Lasagna Party Size (96oz)
image 
5355595915
13800030528
Jan. 2018
Stouffer’s Spinach Soufflé (12oz)
image 
5353595528
5353595538
13800105851
July 2016
The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience created by this recall. We are working with both the U. S. Food & Drug Administration and the U. S. Department of Agriculture on this voluntary recall and will cooperate with them fully.

Pow Wow – PA Dutch Folk Medicine at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

When:  Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove to learn about Pa Dutch Folk Medicine. Pow wow practitioners served rural folks with ways to heal common maladies. Learn about the history of this practice, discuss techniques and hear of some personal stories from those who were treated. “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District will shed light on the pow wow tradition and its importance to the rural lifestyle. This program is suitable for teens and adults. Fee: $5.00 per person. Please call Susan at 570-624-3018 to pre-register.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Community Sunrise Service at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Everyone is welcome to join at 6:30 a.m., March 27, 2016 for an Easter Sunday sunrise service at the point amphitheater in front of the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. There will be an Easter devotional service led by the pastor of the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church and live music.

A breakfast will be served at no charge following the service. This event is free and open to the public. Call 570-345-8422 for additional information.

The Skook Recovers Helping Those Overcome the Struggle of Addiction in Schuylkill County

On Tuesday night, as part of North Schuylkill's Community Involvement Series, the District hosted a special program with the purpose of inspiring a more positive and unified consciousness in Schuylkill County.

Travis Snyder, a Tri Valley graduate, athlete, and recovering heroin addict of over 4 years, presented his"Skook Recovers" program by sharing what he has learned from his personal experience growing up, living in, and overcoming the struggle of addiction in Schuylkill County.

Snyder started the "Skook Recovers" project in June of 2015 because he felt the county didn't have a place or example of hope for those fighting addiction.  He has since gathered a following of over 2,500 followers on their Facebook page and has begun speaking in school districts to inspire students with awareness and their personal stories of how addiction affects everyone on a mental, spiritual, and physical level.

During the presentation, one of the group's members, Phil Bennett, who is a recovering addict and also a North Schuylkill Alumni, told his story on how the group has helped give him hope and how it has led him to his current role as a certified recovery specialist in Berks County.

There are many resources available for those with addictions during recovery but what makes "The Skook Recovers" special is their positiveness and their goal to change the stigma on those with addiction and educate the public to not condemn but support those with addictions.

To close the presentation, Snyder showed those in attendance a brief documentary on his recovery and explained how he uses weight training as part of it. 

On Wednesday, the group also attended the Upper Dauphin School District's Drug Day to inspire students with self awareness and better prepare themselves to make positive choices.

To follow more from "The Skook Recovers" through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theskookrecovers or through their web site at http://www.theskookrecovers.com/






Indian Mound Builders of the Mississippi Valley Scheduled for Sweet Arrow Lake

Enjoy a program by noted Indian expert Dave McSurdy on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. Dave’s slide presentation explores the civilization of the Mississippi before Europeans arrived including the huge Monks Mound near St. Louis, the strange Serpent Mound, and Cahokia, the city of 15,000 Indians. This program is free and open to the public and suitable for teens and adults.

Check for Winning Instant Tickets with PA Lottery Mobile App

Middletown, PA – The Pennsylvania Lottery’s official mobile app now allows players to scan instant game tickets to see if they have won a prize.

LCCC to Hold Spring Open House for Prospective Students

Schnecksville, Pa., March 10, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will host an open house for prospective students and their families on Tuesday, April 12, from 6-8 p.m. in the Lisa Scheller-Wayne Woodman Community Services Center, main campus, Schnecksville, Pa.

LCCC Admission and Financial Aid representatives, academic counselors as well as Academic Program coordinators will be on hand to answer your questions. The Open House is an excellent opportunity for prospective students and their parents to tour the campus, learn about scholarship opportunities, and learn how LCCC can pave the way for an exciting and rewarding career.

Interested students should register on our website at openhouse.lccc.edu or by calling the LCCC Admission Office at 610-799-1575.

Family Fun Fishing Event at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Establish a lasting outdoor family bonding at the Family Fun Fishing Event on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. at the clubhouse area or at the PA Fish and Boat access area pavilion. If you pre-register, there is no need to check-in until you need your food voucher. Registration may close early at the boat access but will remain open at the clubhouse until 1:15 p.m. Registration forms are due by April 24, 2016 for this kick-off event. There will be reduced entry fees for all pre-registrations received by April 1, 2016.

Schedule for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs


Schedule for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Girls

Class A

03/12/16
Mahanoy Area vs. Halifax (Martz Hall @ 2:30PM)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Boys

Class A

03/11/16
Shenandoah Valley vs. Constitution (Milton Hershey HS, Hershey @ 6:00PM)

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Big Diamond Mall Show Wraps Ups, First Practice Set

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- The 45th season of racing at Big Diamond Speedway unofficially kicked off last week as the track celebrated another successful week-long mall show at the Schuylkill County Mall in Frackville last Friday night.

New Jersey Man Detained on Berks County Warrants

On Wednesday Shenandoah Police received a complaint of a male selling heroin near the intersection of Main & Lloyd Sts. in the Borough.

PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoff Scores - 03/09/16


PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoff Scores - 03/09/16

Girls

Lebanon - 47
Tri-Valley - 30

Mahanoy Area - 60
North Penn-Mansfield - 44

-------------------------------------------------------------


Boys

Conwell-Egan - 54
Minersville - 51

Tuesday Night's PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoff Scores - 03/08/16


Tuesday Night's PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoff Scores

Girls

Neumann-Goretti - 71
Minersville - 33

Central Dauphin -  74
Pottsville - 45

Boys

Lower Moreland - 52
Pottsville - 47

Shenandoah Valley - 62
Delco Christian - 58


Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/08/16


Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/08/16

Sexting Investigation at Tamaqua Area School District

News broke late Monday that an investigation into sexting is currently being conducted at Tamaqua Area School District.

Overnight Fire Destroys Homes; One Person Suffers Burns

Around 12:30am, Tuesday, fire crews were call to 512 Pine Hill Street, Minersville for a working structure structure fire.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/07/16


Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/07/16

RECALL: Perdue Chicken Nugget Recall

WASHINGTON – Perdue Foods LLC, a Gainesville, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,530 pounds of chicken nugget products (produced for Applegate Farms) that may be contaminated with extraneous plastic materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Sunday.

The Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets were produced on Sept. 28, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Label (PDF Only)]
  • 8-oz. boxed packages containing approximately 18 pieces of “Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets” with Best Before Date 09/27/2016.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-2617” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail distribution centers in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas.

The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of small, solid, clear plastic inside the Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Applegate Consumer Relations, at 1-866-587-5858.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Man Facing Assault Charges After Domestic Incident

Frackville Borough police have filed charges against Dylan Jones of Lost Creek on charges related to domestic incident.

Schedule for Second Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs


Schedule for Second Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Girls

Class A

03/09/16
Tri-Valley vs. Lebanon (Hamburg HS @ 6:00PM)
Mahanoy Area vs. North Penn-Mansfield (Milton Area HS @ 7:00PM)

Class AA

03/08/16
Minersville vs. Neumann-Goretti (Freedom HS, Bethlehem @ 6:00PM)

Class AAAA

03/08/16
Pottsville vs. Central Dauphin (Geigle Complex, Reading @ 6:00PM)

-------------------------------------------------------------


Boys

Class A

03/08/16
Shenandoah Valley vs. Delco Christian (CD East HS, Harrisburg @ 6:00PM)

Class AA

03/09/15
Minersville vs. Conwell-Egan  (Governor Mifflin Intermedia School @ 6:00PM)

Class AAA

03/08/16
Pottsville vs. Lower Moreland (Geigle Complex, Reading @ 7:30PM)

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/06/16


Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/06/16

Luke Bryan to Kick off 2016 Summer Concert Series at Hershey

(Hershey, Pa. – March 4, 2016) — Two-time CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will kick off the 2016 Summer Concert Series in Hershey with his Kill the Lights Tour. He will rock Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. Joining him for the night will be Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. 

Tickets for this show are $32.35, $65.10 and $81.35 (tax and applicable fees apply), and are available at Hersheypark Stadium Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com

Since the debut of his first album in 2007, Luke has placed 14 singles at No. 1 and sold nearly eight million albums with 30 million digital tracks from his five studio albums. He has twice been named Entertainer of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. His fifth studio album, Kill The Lights, debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 (his third to do so) and Top Country Albumscharts and closed 2015 with the best-selling country album of the year, and the 10th biggest selling album on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Year-End list.
For more information please visit www.LukeBryan.com

Hersheypark Event Deal: Hersheypark offers a special discounted admission price of just $42.95* to show-goers when using a Park ticket the day before, day of, or day after a show. Show-goers can present their concert ticket at the Hersheypark Ticketing Services Building on one of the three days to receive the discount.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 03/05/16


Schuylkill County High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 03/05/16
Girls

Tri-Valley - 56
West Catholic - 41

Mahanoy Area - 51
Delco Christian - 31

Boys

Minersville - 42
Wellsboro - 33

Mastery Charter North - 66
Mahanoy Area - 38

Two Women Face Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Two Shenandoah women face drug charges after a traffic stop Friday evening.

According to East Union Township Police Rayna Honsby and Abagail Cooney face charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after they were found with drugs during a traffic stop in Sheppton.

Drug Arrests: Two Shenandoah woman now face drug charges after a traffic stop this evening in Sheppton. Rayna Honsby & Abagail Cooney face charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia
Posted by East Union Township Police on Friday, March 4, 2016

Tamaqua Chamber Accepting Nominations for Business Person of the Year and Citizen of the Year

The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for Business Person of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Do you know a business owner or citizen who deserves recognition for good deeds in the community? If so, the chamber would like to hear from you. Nomination forms are available at the chamber office at 114 West Broad St., by email at chamber@tamaqua.net, or at the following links:

http://www.tamaqua.net/Business_Nomination.pdf

http://www.tamaqua.net/Citizen_Nomination.pdf

Nominees are voted on by a committee of people from the community, including representatives from the school district, faith community, service organizations, and the general public.

Nomination forms are due no later than Friday, March 11 at noon. Please call the office at 570.668.1880 for more information. Drop off the forms any time at the chamber office. A mail slot is available after hours. Forms can also be faxed to the chamber office at 570.668.0826 or emailed to chamber@tamaqua.net.

One Injured in Equipment Fire Friday

A man was injured Friday after the equipment he was operating caught fire.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 03/04/16


Schuylkill County High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 03/04/16

Girls

Imhotep - 60
Pine Grove - 36

Minersville - 59
Wellsboro - 30

Pottsville - 36 (3OT)
Lower Dauphin - 35

Boys
Shenandoah Valley - 70
St. John Neumann - 59

Lewisburg - 72
Blue Mountain - 58

Pottsville - 43
West Scranton - 27

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/04/16


Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/04/16

Police Looking to Identify Man Who Reportedly Exposed Himself

The Rush Township Police Department is attempting to identify the male pictured above. The male was involved in an incident on 2/26/16 at Walmart in Hometown where he exposed himself to two females. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rush Township Police at 570-668-4242.

Link to Department Facebook Page

Pottsville's 37th Annual Grand Irish Party

It's that time of year of again to celebrate Pottsville's favorite Saint. Come to the 37th Annual Grand Irish Party at the Humane Fire Company, Pottsville's pre-eminent St. Patrick's Day destination. There will be friends, family, and folly accompanied by live music, all you can eat, drink, and of course dance.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/03/16


Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/03/16

Hershey Lodge Announces New Indoor Pool Complex

(Hershey, PA – March 3, 2016) – Hershey Lodge is pleased to announce that it will open “Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge,” an innovative indoor pool complex. Slated to open Memorial Day 2016, the new complex will include two indoor pools, a fitness center, game room, food and beverage offerings including a full bar and wait staff, event space, whirlpool and bathrooms.

The theming of the facility will include Hershey’s Product Characters and elements reflecting The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Features of the aquatic facility include:
  • Two zero entry pools
  • Twizzlers Twists Slides
  • Reese’s Water Walk
  • Water play structure
  • Outdoor splash pad
The entire new complex will measure 30,000 square feet, with the aquatic facility measuring 20,000 square feet. The capacity of the complex is 781 people.

“Our team is thrilled to announce the construction of Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge,” said Frank Gilbert, general manager of Hershey Lodge. “We take guest feedback very seriously and are excited to offer an upgraded indoor pool experience. With the new fitness facility and game room, we are confident our guests will enjoy the complex year-round.”

Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge will replace the current indoor and lower outdoor pools. The upper outdoor pool will continue its existing operation from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During construction, the fitness center will be relocated to an alternate location on property for Hershey Lodge guests. Aquatic facilities will not be available for guests until its anticipated opening date of Memorial Day 2016.

Hershey Lodge is partnering with Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. and Water Tech for design and architecture. Pyramid Construction is the building contractor. The estimated cost for the project is $13 million.

Hershey Lodge welcomes guests with 665 guest rooms, four unique dining options, recreation, activities and more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space. An official resort of Hersheypark, all Hershey Lodge guests enjoy the benefits of the Hershey Resorts Advantage including the best price on Park tickets, complimentary shuttle service to and from the Park, early Park admission and more. For additional information, visitwww.HersheyLodge.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HersheyLodge.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Family Looking For Missing Teen

Family members of a teen reported missing is looking for the public's help in locating him.

Argall Finds Ally in Aging Secretary on Property Tax Elimination Effort During State Budget Hearings

HARRISBURG – During the second week of Senate Appropriations Committee review of the state budget, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) focused on two lines contained in the opening statement of Secretary Osborne’s testimony on behalf of the Department of Aging.

Woman Charged for Alleged Stabbing

(03/02/16) A Mahanoy City woman was charged after an alleged stabbing.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/02/16


Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/02/16

ENTERTAINMENT: Brand New Finding Dory Trailer Released


On Wednesday morning, the first full length trailer for Disney/Pixar sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, was released.  You can see it below.

LCCC Offering Certification for Retired Law Enforcement Officers

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 26, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is offering nationwide certification and recertification for retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Slipknot Coming to the Giant Center

(Hershey, Pa. – March 1, 2016) — Slipknot will bring their massive summer headline tour with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice & Men to Giant Center on Sunday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for this show are $32.35, $47.85 and $62.35 (tax and applicable fees apply), and are available at Giant Center Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com orwww.TicketMaster.com

Slipknot’s shows are unrivaled in jaw-dropping excitement and intensity, and this summer’s stage show will push even greater limits. Slipknot’s raw and poignant new single “Goodbye” is currently impacting Rock Radio outlets nationwide and following the success of the band’s Top 10 hit “Killpop.” Earlier this year Slipknot released their official music video for “Killpop” which was directed by the band’s own Shawn “Clown” Crahan and has since amassed over 23 million views streaming on Slipknot’sofficial YouTube channel. “Killpop” marked the band’s second Top 10 radio hit from their acclaimed new album .5: The Gray Chapter, the other being the blockbuster first single “The Devil In I,” which proved a multi-format rock radio smash. 

.5: The Gray Chapter, Slipknot’s fifth studio album for Roadrunner Records and first since 2008’s RIAA platinum certified chart-topper, All Hope Is Gone made a stunning chart debut upon its arrival in October of 2014, entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200chart at #1 with sales in excess of 131,000 albums – the highest debut for a hard rock record in 2014. 

Slipknot emerged at the tail end of the Twentieth Century and quickly established itself as the most enigmatic, provocative, and aggressive collective of the modern era. 1999’s SLIPKNOT stands as a true milestone, named by Metal Hammer as the “Best Debut of the Last 25 Years.” The album fast earned 2x RIAA platinum certification, with each of Slipknot’s following releases – including 4 video albums – all receiving additional platinum certifications in the US and around the globe. All told, the band has 11 platinum and 39 gold record certifications worldwide.
For more information please visit www.Slipknot1.com

The wristband policy will be in effect for this concert. Fans are permitted on the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex property beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 4. Two hours prior to the on-sale, fans will be directed in front of Giant Center Box Office, where they will be issued a numbered wristband. Wristbands are available for one hour, and at the conclusion of that hour, a selected fan will randomly choose a wristband that will determine the line order. For example: If 1,000 wristbands are issued during that hour and the number 500 is selected, the person wearing wristband 500 will be the first person in line. Numbers 501 to 1,000 will proceed in line behind, followed by numbers 1 through 499. Once the line is in place, fans arriving after the wristbands were issued will be escorted to the end of the numbered line.

Funding Available for Home Repairs through USDA Rural Development 504 Loans

Harrisburg, PA- Homeowners in rural areas who need repairs to their homes but can’t afford regular loans may be eligible for participation in USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, aims to provide loans for very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. A 504 loan can reach a maximum of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 1%. The 504 Program also provides grants, which can be worth a maximum of $7,500 and may only be issued to eligible seniors aged 62 and older, and may only be used for the removal of health and safety hazards.

In order to qualify for a 504 loan, an applicant must be the homeowner and occupy the house, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a family income below 50% of the area’s median income. For grants, the only qualification is that an applicant must be 62 years of age or older and must be unable to repay a repair loan.

Applications for this program are taken year-round. For more information on the 504 Home Repair Program call (717) 237-2266. For more information on the other programs Rural Development has to offer in Pennsylvania visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/pa.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/01/16


Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/01/16

PA News: State Representative from Allegheny County Charged in Connection with Illegal Gambling Ring

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office today announced the filing of criminal charges against Marc J. Gergely, a state representative from Allegheny County accused of using his position as an elected official to assist the illegal gambling enterprise of a longtime friend.

The charges filed against Gergely, 46, were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police.

The charges were recommended by a statewide investigating grand jury. The grand jury reviewed testimony and evidence that Gergely allegedly agreed to assist in the illegal gambling enterprise headed by Ronald "Porky" Melocchi, a man Gergely allegedly knew for more than 20 years.

"This is an unfortunate case in which the players traded political capital and favors to advance their own agendas and illicit business," Attorney General Kane said. "The evidence clearly shows that Mr. Melocchi relied heavily on his relationships — including with Mr. Gergely — to conduct his illegal business."

Melocchi and 15 other individuals were criminally charged in September 2013 by the Attorney General's office. Those charges stemmed from the installation and maintenance of illegal video gambling devices in bars, restaurants and other businesses in the McKeesport area. Law enforcement officials seized more than 330 video gambling machines during the investigation. Illegal lotteries and sports betting also were part of the evidence that investigators uncovered.

A court-approved wiretap was part of the Melocchi investigation and confirmed he used a phone to run and promote his illegal business interests. The wiretap also intercepted phone calls that show Gergely allegedly assisted Melocchi's attempts to place illegal gambling machines in McKeesport-area businesses.

Melocchi came to refer to Gergely as part of his "Super PAC," and used his connection to Gergely in efforts to convince business owners to place illegal gambling devices within their establishments, a grand jury presentment alleges.

The grand jury also reviewed evidence concerning a letter that law enforcement investigators drafted in an undercover capacity and delivered to Gergely's state office. The letter describes a woman whose husband has a gambling addiction. The husband allegedly spent the couple's money on gambling machines that were part of Melocchi's illegal enterprise, the letter drafted by investigators claimed, according to the grand jury.

An intercepted phone call played for the grand jury showed Gergely tipped off Melocchi about the letter, the grand jury presentment states. Gergely allegedly failed to turn over the letter to the authorities.

Further evidence presented to the grand jury alleged Gergely collected a campaign contribution from Melocchi and later wrote a check to a colleague’s political campaign during a chain of events that resulted in a relative of Melocchi being hired by the McKeesport Area School District.

Gergely, 1943 Dearborn Drive, White Oak, Allegheny County, represents the 35th legislative district, which includes McKeesport and various other municipalities in Allegheny County. He is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, criminal attempt/gambling devices, criminal conspiracy and violation of state election code prohibiting cash or anonymous contributions.

Gergely is expected to appear tomorrow for his preliminary arraignment.

Attorney General Kane stressed this is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected. She thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for its diligent work on the investigation.

Gergely's case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Mark A. Serge of the Office of Attorney General's Organized Crime Section.

Zac Brown Band Returns to Hersheypark Stadium this Summer

(Hershey, Pa. – March 1, 2016) — Zac Brown Band will kick off their sixth headlining US concert tour Black Out The Sun, and will include a stop at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. Special guests for the evening will be Drake White & The Big Fire. 

Tickets for this show are $34.10, $49.00, $69.00 and $79.00 (tax and applicable fees apply), and are available at Giant Center Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com orwww.TicketMaster.com

Released this past April, ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, earning the Grammy Award-winning band its third consecutive #1, and is officially certified gold by the RIAA. Zac Brown Band also recently earned a 2016 ACM nomination for “Vocal Group of the Year.”
Zac Brown Band consists of: Zac Brown (vocals/guitar), Jimmy De Martini (vocals/violin/guitar), John Driskell Hopkins (vocals/guitar/banjo/ukulele), Coy Bowles (vocals/keys/guitar), Clay Cook (vocals/guitar/keys), Chris Fryar (drums), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion) and Matt Mangano (bass). 

For more information please visit www.ZacBrownBand.com.

The wristband policy will be in effect for this concert. Fans are permitted on the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex property beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 4. Two hours prior to the on-sale, fans will be directed in front of Giant Center Box Office, where they will be issued a numbered wristband. Wristbands are available for one hour, and at the conclusion of that hour, a selected fan will randomly choose a wristband that will determine the line order. For example: If 1,000 wristbands are issued during that hour and the number 500 is selected, the person wearing wristband 500 will be the first person in line. Numbers 501 to 1,000 will proceed in line behind, followed by numbers 1 through 499. Once the line is in place, fans arriving after the wristbands were issued will be escorted to the end of the numbered line.

PA News: Hundreds of Children Sexually Abused by Priests in Altoona-Johnstown Diocese

ALTOONA — A statewide investigating grand jury has determined that hundreds of children were sexually abused over a period of at least 40 years by priests or religious leaders assigned to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office announced today.

Schuylkill County Treasurer Reminds Dog Owners that 2016 Dog Licenses are Now Past Due

Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County dog owners that 2016 dog licenses are now past due. March is Dog Awareness Month. State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by January 1. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog may be issued.