WFMZ-TV 69NEWS: Top Stories

Barack Obama Addresses Large Crowd in Berlin

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:15:32 +0000

Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama called on Europeans and Americans to work together in defeating terrorism just as they conquered communism a generation ago. Obama spoke in Berlin to a crowd of people estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

Restaurant Worker Speaks out About Robbery, Shooting

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:18:10 +0000

An all-out search is on for three men who stormed into a restaurant in northern Berks County and shot a customer before making off with about $900 from the cash register. WFMZ's Joel D. Smith spoke with a worker who found himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun during the robbery.

[ CRIME ALERT BERKS COUNTY: 1-877-373-9913 ]

Man to Stand Trial in Assault on Police Officer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:12:31 +0000

A Northampton County man waived his right to a preliminary hearing today on charges related to the dragging assault of a Hellertown police officer in May. Patrick Delvey, 25, and his brother Kyle, 23, are accused of trying to steal a copper downspout from the First United Church of Christ on Northampton Street in Hellertown.

[ 5/6/08 REPORT: Officer Survives Being Dragged by Car in Northampton Co. ]

Authorities Publicize Unsolved Murder Case Statewide

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:48:20 +0000

Authorities in Berks County are hoping increased awareness about the unsolved murder of grocery store executive Gary Redner will drum up new leads in the case. The Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers organization is now publicizing details of the murder across the state. Redner, 55, was found beaten to death outside his home in Lower Heidelberg Township in March.

   [ 5/2/08 REPORT: Reward Raised to $100,000 in Redner Murder ]
   [ 3/10/08 REPORT: Redner's Executive Found Dead Outside Home ]
   [ 3/11/08 REPORT: Victim's Father Speaks out about Murder ]

   [ CRIME ALERT BERKS COUNTY: 1-877-373-9913 ]

Reading Royals Hire New Head Coach

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0000

The Reading Royals announced today that they have hired Jason Nobili as the team's new head coach and director of hockey operations for the upcoming season. Nobili, 34, is a native of Toronto, Canada. He's served as the associated coach for the ECHL's Florida Everblades for the last four seasons. Nobili is the Royal's fifth coach.

[ WEB LINK: ( Reading Royals ) ] [ NEWS RELEASE ]

Two Men Arrested for Robbery at Computer Shop

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:27:51 +0000

Police say they've caught up with two men who held up a computer shop in Reading last night. Jose Hernandez and David Miranda are charged with taking about $300 from D and S Systems. That's at North 13th and Green streets. Police say the men grabbed the money from the register and took off.

Storm Damages Trees, Knocks Down Power Lines

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:06:50 +0000

A round of severe storms brought heavy rain and strong winds to our region, damaging trees and bringing down power lines. One trouble spot was in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County. Power lines came down on Seidersville Road. Crews closed the road between Old Philadelphia Road and Fire Lane so they could make repairs.

Region Begins to Dry out; Sunshine to Return

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:02:06 +0000

Some areas of our region are still dealing with some showers and a bit of rain, but overall, we will begin to dry out a bit today. An inch or two of rain has fallen in most areas, with some places picking up more than that.

[ 69 NEWS ACCUWEATHER CHANNEL ] [ 69 NEWS WEATHER LINE: 610-841-4141 ]

69 News Sits Down with Senator McCain

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:43:41 +0000

John McCain started his day at a town hall meeting in Wilkes-Barre Wednesday. After that...he made a surprise stop in the Lehigh Valley. WFMZ's Stephanie Espostio caught up with the presidential candidate to discuss the war, the economy, and his faith.

[ RAW VIDEO: McCain Talks to 69 News ]
[ 7/23/08 REPORT: Stephanie Esposito's One-on-One Interview with McCain ]

Labor Department Wants to Shine Some Light on 401(k)s

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:58:27 +0000

The Department of Labor has proposed new regulations aimed at simplifying your retirement plan. You could start seeing the changes as early as next year. WFMZ's Melissa Batulis looks at how you may be affected.

Discount Grocers Cashing in on Slumping Economy

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:09:32 +0000

The recent drop in oil isn't affecting food prices. Many products continue to cost much more than they did a year ago, and families are shopping for some relief. WFMZ's Joel D. Smith has more on one place they're finding that relief.

Easton City Council Votes to Extend Park Ban

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:32:47 +0000

Easton City Council is targeting teenaged gang members. Wednesday night, council members supported Mayor Sal Panto and extended the city's ban on teenagers socializing in two city parks. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack has more on what residents think.

Man Shot in Back During Robbery in Berks County

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:30:33 +0000

An armed robbery in northern Berks County ended with someone being shot in the back Wednesday night. It happened around 9:00 at Mancino's Pizza Restaurant in Tulpehocken Township, near the Bethel Township line. Police are looking for three men armed with guns.

Body of 17-Year-Old Boy Pulled from Lehigh River

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:22:05 +0000

Late night thrill-seeking in Carbon County turns into tragedy. Early Wednesday morning, rescue crews pull the body of a 17-year-old boy from the Lehigh River. WFMZ's Bo Koltnow reports.

Computer Store Robbed in Reading

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:58:58 +0000

Police are searching for a guy who held up a computer shop. At around 6:00, a man, possibly armed with a gun, took about $300 from D&S Systems. That's at North 13th and Green in the city. Police are still investigating.

Berks Co. Man Preparing for 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:08:35 +0000

A Shillington man is ready to hit the hot seat and give his final answers. Robert Whited is heading to New York to tape an episode of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" WFMZ's Melissa Batulis has more on his trivia trip.

Controversy Over Easton Park Ban Continues

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:21:12 +0000

A controversial plan to curb crime in Easton goes under the microscope tonight. City Council will debate the merits of Mayor Sal Panto's temporary executive order to keep kids over the age of 14 from two city parks. The order expires next Monday. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack has the latest.

Babysitter, Child Struck by Lightning in Bucks Co.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:18:59 +0000

Wednesday's severe storms led to two people being struck by lightning in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County. It happened just after 3:00 Wednesday afternoon. A woman was carrying a toddler as a lightning bolt struck a nearby tree before transferring to them. 21-year-old Bridget Gallagher was attempting to carry the 3-year-old boy towards a club building for safety when the lightning struck.

Teacher Suspended for Sexually Assaulting Student

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:51:35 +0000

A teacher who admitted in Northampton County Court earlier this month to sexually assaulting a female student is now expected to plead guilty to similar charges in Warren County, New Jersey. The attorney for Keriann Brekne, 28, is asking for his client to be granted a five-hour furlough from prison on July 31 so that she can go to court.

[ 7/9/08 REPORT: Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Student ]

Suspect Sought in Drug Bust Arrested in N.Y.C.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:28:59 +0000

A man sought in connection with a drug ring busted by police in Easton earlier this month has been arrested in New York City. Police say Donnell "Bebe" Jackson, 44, helped another man deal more than two kilograms of cocaine between April and December 2006.

[ 7/3/08 RAW VIDEO: Six Arrested in Drug Bust in Easton ]

Two Northampton Nursing Homes Evacuated

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:09:00 +0000

Some scary moments for dozens of senior citizens Wednesday. Fire breaks out at two nursing home in Northampton County...within hours of each other. WFMZ's Joscelyn Moes has the latest.

Fire, Smoke Force Partial Evacuation of Nursing Home

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:34:01 +0000

A small fire and heavy smoke forced a partial evacuation of ManorCare's Old Orchard Health Care Center at 4100 Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County late this morning. Multiple fire and paramedic units were called to the scene.

[ WEB LINK: ( ManorCare Old Orchard Health Care Center ) ]

McCain Makes Visit to Wilkes-Barre, Lehigh Valley

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:40:45 +0000

Republican John McCain has brought his presidential campaign back to Pennsylvania. At a town hall meeting in Wilkes-Barre this morning, McCain credited the recent $10-a-barrel drop in the price of oil to President Bush's lifting of a presidential ban on offshore drilling, an action he has been advocating in his presidential campaign.

Bethlehem Cop Arrested for Stalking, Violating Restraining Order

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:43:37 +0000

A Bethlehem police officer is in some big trouble. Police say Charles Weigold Jr. is facing an indirect contempt of court order. The 47-year-old and his wife, Donna Weigold, had temporary Protection-From-Abuse orders against each other. Court documents show Officer Weigold broke the restraining order after he called his son 23 times on Tuesday. This could land him a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.

Meat Cleaver, Shotgun Used in Domestic Dispute

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:30:05 +0000

Three family members are charged in a domestic dispute in Easton that involved a shotgun and a meat cleaver. It happened around midnight inside a home in the 100 block of South Sixth Street. Police say Carlton Cash attacked his nephew Matthew Cash with a meat cleaver.

IMAX Theater Sign in Place; Screen Goes up

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:44:50 +0000

Workers using a towering crane carefully lifted a large sign into place on the outside of the new IMAX theater in Reading's Entertainment Square this morning. Later today, the nearly 3,000 square-foot screen will be raised into position. The new Reading Movies 11 IMAX Theatre at 2nd and Washington streets is set to open to the public on August 8.

   [ WEB LINKS: ( RC Theatres )    ( IMAX ) ]
   [ 7/18/08 REPORT: Sneak Peek inside New IMAX Theater ]
   [ 5/14/07 REPORT: Ground Broken on New Theater Complex ]

Coroner Identifies Teenager Found in Lehigh River

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:16:13 +0000

The coroner has identified the body pulled from the Lehigh River in Carbon County this morning as Carl Smith, 17, of Hazleton. He says the boy drowned. Rescue crews had been searching for the missing swimmer who officials say was one of four teenagers who jumped from a bridge near Glen Onoko overnight.

Police Seek Gun-toting Robber Caught on Camera

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:25:42 +0000

Police in Berks County are on the lookout for an armed robber. It happened at the Redner's convenience store at Routes 222 and 73 in Maidencreek Township shortly before midnight last night. Police say the robber, holding a handgun, demanded money.

[ CRIME ALERT BERKS COUNTY: 1-877-373-9913 ]

Study Shows Texting While Driving is Rampant in N.J.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:43:43 +0000

If you're a young driver in New Jersey, chances are you recently broke a law carrying a major penalty. According to a new study, half of all drivers under age 30 say they text and drive. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack has more.

Local Family, Foundation Fighting for 'Kimberlee's Law'

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:14:13 +0000

It's been nearly six years since an Emmaus, Lehigh County woman named Kimberlee was killed at the hands of her husband. She left behind a one-year-old daughter. Now Kimberlee's family and the "Beginning Over Foundation" are fighting to change state law relating to child custody and domestic violence. WFMZ's Joscelyn Moes has the story.

Grocery Stores Down-Sizing Your Food to Cut Costs

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:46:57 +0000

Companies trying to cut costs are cutting down the size of what you buy. But smart shoppers can avoid paying more for less in their grocery cart. WFMZ's Melissa Batulis shows us how.

Local Task Unit Trying to Combat Rise in Gang Activity

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:49:31 +0000

Allentown's Anti-Gang Unit is starting its second year on the streets...And some might say it has its work cut out for it. A growing number of crimes in the area are connected to gang activity. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack explains the new challenges to the unit's mission.

Police: Driver Causes Two Accidents Within Moments in Reading

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:10:15 +0000

A driver trying to get away after hitting one car crashes into a second...then slams into a house. Police in Reading say a man driving with a suspended license ran a stop sign and caused a crash on Mulberry Street. They say he took off from that scene, hit a second car, then hit a house at 11th and Oley streets.

First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Montgomery County

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:50:05 +0000

State health officials say a woman in Montgomery County is recovering from a case of West Nile Virus. They say the 27-year-old is out of the hospital, and is expected to recover. She's the first person in Pennsylvania to contract the virus this year. West Nile is an infection that can cause inflammation of the brain.

Teen Killed by Tractor Trailer in Exeter Township

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:43:06 +0000

Police in Exeter Township are not sure why a teenager was close enough to the road to be struck by a tractor trailer Monday night. The coroner pronounced 16-year-old Ian Kanegawa of Rockland Township dead at the scene...and police are still investigating that accident. WFMZ's Melissa Batulis has the latest.

Retired NFL Players Get Much-Needed Healthcare Assistance

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:25:32 +0000

Retirement isn't always kind to former gridiron greats. Many end up with battered bodies once their football days are done. But now a Lehigh County medical office is going the "extra yard" to help them get the health care they need. WFMZ's Bo Koltnow reports.

Witness: Man's Beating Death was Racially-Motivated

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:24:46 +0000

The family and friends of a man who was beaten to death in Schuylkill County nearly two weeks ago say the attack happened because the man was Hispanic. The coroner ruled the beating death of Luis Ramirez a homicide. Shenandoah Police will not confirm the beating was racially motivated, but at least one eye witness says she believes it was.

Judge Prepares Attorneys for Trial of Accused Cop Killer

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:45:22 +0000

A Berks County judge has issued some rulings on what attorneys will and will not be allowed to present as evidence in next month's murder trial of Cletus Rivera. He's the man accused of killing Reading police officer Scott Wertz nearly two years ago.

[ WEB LINK: ( Ofc. Scott Wertz Memorial Page ) ]
[ WEB LINK: ( Ofc. Scott Wertz Memorial Ride ) ]

Economy Forcing Morning Call to Make Cutbacks

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:25:41 +0000

Rough times for the U.S. economy make for some tough cuts at "The Morning Call." In an article Tuesday the newspaper states two bureaus will be closed, and its Northampton County offices will be consolidated. The paper's five zoned daily editions will be cut back to two.

Connect With Kids: Decline in Teen Smoking Comes to Halt

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:06:12 +0000

Convincing teenagers to stay away from cigarettes can be a constant challenge. For awhile, it looked like parents were winning that battle. But new numbers tell a different story. Nancy Werteen has more in this Connect with Kids.

[ WEB LINK: ( Connect with Kids ) ]

Social Security Unveils New Earnings Calculator

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:52:51 +0000

A new tool is making it easier to keep track of your Social Security benefits. All you have to do is type in some personal information and within a few minutes you'll have an updated look at your benefits. A new online application for benefits will also be available this fall.

[ WEB LINK: ( Benefits Estimator ) ]

Judge Allows Accused Serial Robber to Withdraw Guilty Plea

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:32:50 +0000

A man accused of committing a series of robberies in Lehigh County has been allowed to withdraw his guilty plea. Victor Detres is charged with robbing 12 Lehigh County businesses between September 2005 and May 2006.

Fire Destroys House, Leads to Boil Water Advisory

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:37:59 +0000

A fire destroyed a house on Schappell Road in Windsor Township, Berks County early this morning. We're told it started around 4:30. Officials say efforts to fight the fire led to a ruptured water line between a fire hydrant near the scene and another one in neighboring Hamburg.

Eagles Land at Lehigh; Training Camp Underway

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:33:24 +0000

The Eagles have landed and Lehigh University will once again be the team's home base for the next three weeks. Training camp started this morning. And besides the players and coaches, thousands of fans from all over will be there. WFMZ's Eve Tannery reports.

[ Eve Tannery's 6PM Report ]

[ WEB LINKS: ( Practice Schedule ) ( Autograph Schedule ) ( Directions ) ]

69 News wants to know your take on the Eagles and their chances this season. Do you think they have what it takes to make it to the Super Bowl? And what impact do you think Donovan McNabb will have on the field? CLICK HERE to share your thoughts with us. Please be sure to include your first name and hometown.

Overturned Truck Hauling Hay Snarls AM Traffic on 22

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:50:48 +0000

A tractor trailer hauling hay overturned on the ramp from Route 145 / MacArthur Road to Route 22 West in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County around 7:30 this morning. The ramp reopened around 10:30. For awhile, PennDOT traffic cameras on WFMZ.com [ CLICK HERE ] showed westbound traffic on 22 backed up beyond the Airport Road exit to Route 378 in Bethlehem.