Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

The list of capital project needs in Petersburg’s electric utility is estimated to total eight and a half million dollars but that work can be spread out in the upcoming years and paid for with department reserves. That was the report Monday from Petersburg’s public works director. Some of the improvements are ongoing, some are starting this year and others will have to be scheduled to minimize the impact of power outages.

Two men suing the Petersburg borough, a local police officer, a regional narcotics task force and state law enforcement are trying to broaden the lawsuit into a class action that would allow more plaintiffs to become involved. The suit challenges the secrecy of search warrants for law enforcement investigations that do not result in criminal charges. If it ends up going to trial, the case won’t go before a jury until next year.

The driver in a van crash that left two people dead July 4, 2016 was arraigned Tuesday. 24-year-old Chris Allen is facing murder and manslaughter charges. Prosecutors filed a new charge against Allen, alleging he lied on applications for a driver’s license by not disclosing a history of past seizures. Charging documents say a seizure caused the wreck.

The Petersburg borough has rejected applications for the recall of four borough assembly members. The borough’s attorney has recommended against issuing recall petitions and defended the assembly’s decision to meet in May behind closed doors