Rosie's Leveled in Blast

     The once popular Hummelstown restaurant, Rosie's East End, was reduced to rubble following a blast, Wednesday, May 21, around 1:30 p.m.  I was one of the first to arrive on the scene, and for the first time in my life my journalism instincts were superseded by my concern for those who may have been injured.  Sun editor Dave Buffington rushed to an over turned van to see if anyone was trapped inside.  "Is anyone in there," he yelled.  Thankfully no one was inside.  I fumbled to turn on my camera as my hands and fingers trembled,  and the heat from the fire grew increasingly hotter.  Minutes later, a second less severe blast, caused the flames to shoot higher, and the smoke turned darker.  A lone Hummelstown fire truck, which was first to arrive at the scene, made his way over to the flaming rubble and began dousing it with water.  Sun photographer Nathan Merkel took this photograph of me during the blaze.  - Drew Weidman

The Sun Takes To the Sky

For our photo special this week, The Sun took a trip in a Cessna Airplane, courtesy of Reigle Airport in Campbelltown.  While we did capture many historical and well known land marks in the Hershey area, we plan to take another trip to capture some more of Sun country.  If you have any good ideas for our next aerial photo special, let me know.  If you would like to see a video of our take off, click on "The Sun airplane ride" link to the right!

Growth in the Hanovers

In the April 9 edition of The Sun, reporter Peter Durantine explored the population trends of South, East and West Hanover townships.  As the numbers have indicated, these townships are growing, and will likely continue to grow.  As a resident in the Sun Community, what are your thoughts on the development of these townships?  Will the Hollywood Casino in East Hanover Twp., prompt more residential growth or more business growth in the area?  Is there a “growth limit” in any of these townships?

Hotel Appeals Case Ruling

On Dec. 18, Judge Kleinfelter ruled in favor of the appellants, when he ordered that a new hearing be held to present the hotel plans.  During that hearing, in which Judge Kleinfelter will preside, Jules Patt will again have to prove why five variances should be granted in order for him to build a hotel.  What are some of your thoughts after reading the Jan. 2 issue of The Sun?  Was  Judge Kleinfelter's ruling justified?

*For background on this story, see previous blog post.