Local/Regional

Souderton Officials are trying to get a feel of what residents want concerning trash collection in the Borough. Souderton Borough is poised to hire one company to collect trash and recycling. Officials sent out a survey to residents. They have received 800-responses, many replies were positive, but the response was not overwhelming in support of one company. According to Borough officials and supporters of the move, one hauler would cost less and reduce noise, along with easing the wear and tear on Souderton's roadways.  The Borough conducted a similar inquiry 6 six years ago, which showed that residents were content with the current system.

Blasting rock at a quarry has been temporarily halted due to flying rock. The incident that led officials to stop the activity at the M & M Stone Harleysville Materials Quarry on March 19th was due to flying rock. Pieces of rock, some very large, were thrown across Groff Mill Road. Harleysville Materials hired two companies to carry out the blasting. The Department of Environmental Protection has ordered the company to develop a plan by March 29th that will ensure safety.

The Election of Pope Francis 1^st is being felt all over the world and locally. Lansdale Catholic High School Students and Staff watched Pope Francis address the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square. Interim Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, Dan McCarthy believes Pope Francis should immediately deal with the sex scandals that have damaged the church and harmed children.

 “Very important that he takes the time to just put measures in place to protect the youth and protect everyone. The church is in a state right now where there are a lot of people who are distrustful and I don’t blame them for that”

 McCarthy says, He was proud of the students for staying after school and watching Pope Francis address the audience. McCarthy also feels Pope Francis will help bring people back to the church.

Michael Joseph Henry, a 31-year-old Philadelphia man, entered a guilty plea Tuesday in Montgomery County Court to selling the gun that killed Plymouth Township police officer, Brad Fox. The weapon was used by Andrew Charles Thomas to kill Officer Fox during a traffic stop that quickly turned to a chase and stand-off on September 13^th. Thomas took his own life after shooting Officer fox. Henry apologized to the Fox family for his actions. He’s being held on 1-million dollars bail in Montgomery County Prison. Henry faces a potential term of 42 to 84 years in prison when he’s sentenced.