Local News

At the Venture Group's meeting that was held Wednesday morning the group's charter members voted against proceeding with the Slate Heritage Trail Christmas lights project.

"Let's put it (the Christmas light project) on the back burner right now and focus on the building. Once we get some financial backing, we can look at it again," Gary Fedorcha said.

State Sen. Raphael "Ray" Musto (D-Luzerne/Carbon/Monroe) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election and will retire from the Senate at the end of his current term.

"After nearly 40 years of public service to the citizens of the northeast and seven terms serving the 14th Senatorial District, it is time to retire from the Senate," Musto said. "I have been fortunate and blessed, and I am grateful for all the kindness that has been extended to me over the years."

"It has been a privilege and an honor to serve."

The entire community is invited to join Access Services for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newly relocated thrift store, LIFE's 2nd Hand Treasures.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the store's new location on 217 S. Center Street in Tamaqua. The store previous occupied the former El-Jay Jewelers shop on West Broad Street.

Jan. 28, 1960

A Lehighton miner, "scaling" a mine roof to make it safe for others to work, was killed last night, as a large rock fell at the Friedensville zinc workings.

Steward Dorward, 25, was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem. George Diehl, 22, Centre Valley, who was working with Dorward, escaped with a slight scratch.

Other miners had blasted at the end of yesterday's shift, as was the usual practice, and Dorward and Diehl, working the second shift, were knocking down rock loosened by the blast.