Officials call for state forest action
HARRISBURG - A controversy over possible natural gas drilling in the Loyalsock State Forest is building as several state lawmakers and environmental groups called this week for Gov. Tom Corbett to take a stronger role in protecting the forest.
Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Havertown, ranking Democrat on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said formal public hearings are needed on the proposal by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. to drill on 25,000 acres in the state forest that cover parts of Lycoming, Sullivan and Bradford counties.
The proposal is drawing statewide interest because the potential drilling area includes the 27-mile Old Logger's Path, the headwaters and portions of the Rock Run exceptional value stream, Pleasant Stream Valley, Sharp Top Vista and the lumber ghost town of Masten.
The forest is a "critical bird nursery," said Paul Zeph, conservation director for Audubon America.
Man charged after police chase
WILKES-BARRE - An Edwardsville man caught driving a stolen car led police on a chase the wrong way on Wilkes-Barre streets and then ran through yards during a pursuit that ended when he got stuck on a fence, according to court records.
Zildjian H. Zablotney, 20, of 393 Lawrence St., is charged with receiving stolen property, fleeing to elude, flight to avoid apprehension, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, failing to stop at a stop sign, driving without a license and driving the wrong way.
Wilkes-Barre police encountered Mr. Zablotney about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, when they saw him driving a blue Chevrolet Monte Carlo that had been reported stolen. When police took Mr. Zablotney into custody, they discovered he had no driver's license and was wanted for criminal trespassing.
Mr. Zablotney remained at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is slated for May 7.