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Saturday, January 30, 2010 PSP: Unidentified teen killed, two injured in high speed crash WHITE DEER TWP – A unidentified teen was killed and two others were injured after a high-speed crash Friday in White Deer Township, Union County. Police say a 17-year-old male was driving around 10:00p.m. along New Columbia Road when he lost control of the vehicle, struck a utility pole and rolled before coming to rest in a cornfield. Troopers have a policy of not disclosing the names of juveniles involved in incidents and accidents. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Life Flight took two severely injured female teens, ages 16 and 17, to Geisinger Medical Center. Police say the driver was driving between 80 and 90 miles an hour. New Columbia Road was closed for several hours while the crash was being investigated. Missing person search prompted after car found in river SELINSGROVE – A Susquehanna University student is facing multiple charges, including DUI, after he drove his car into the Susquehanna River this morning. 21-year-old Kevin Schink of Selinsgrove was driving on the Isle of Que around 1:45a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. The vehicle came to rest in a portion of the river at the southern end of the peninsula. Schink reportedly called a friend to tell them about the accident, and then was not heard from again. Eighteen agencies, including state and local police, fire crews, air crews, K-9 and towing companies assisted in a missing persons search for Schink. He was eventually located around 6:00a.m. sleeping at a residence on the Isle of Que, which he had unlawfully entered. Schink faces charges of DUI, criminal trespass, failure to notify police of a crash and careless driving, among other counts. Volunteers summoned this morning in Shamokin Township SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP – Volunteer firefighters were busy this morning fighting a blaze that destroyed a garage in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County. The blaze broke out around 5:30a.m. at the Badman Hill Road garage owned by Elwood Swank. The garage sustained heavy damage and vehicles were destroyed. Northumberland County dispatchers say they sent Elysburg, Overlook, Stonington, Kulpmont, and other volunteers to the scene. No injuries were reported. Award named for pioneer educator goes to local middle school LEWISBURG – Lewisburg’s middle school is being honored by a foundation that honors a middle school pioneer, and from whom the school itself takes its name. The Don Eichorn “School to Watch” program says the Donald H. Eichorn Middle School offers an environment where students can reach higher academic goals. Principal Tracy Krum says there’s more to the award than just a plaque on the wall. She says they take everything into consideration, including test scores, teaching strategies and the school’s understanding of middle school students. Principal Krum says the award’s fact finders also mostly bypassed the administrator’s office, in favor of talking directly with teachers and students about how things are really going in the classrooms. Some even had lunch with the students and attended meetings of their after school clubs. Both the school on Washington Avenue in the Lewisburg area and the awards program are named for Donald H. Eichorn, an educator who pioneered the format of the middle school in the 1960’s. Middle schools generally house 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders, and are meant to address the learning characteristics of young adolescents. (Matt Farrand) The Milton Cultural Festival—for the first time ever—on Roundtable SUNBURY – The Milton Cultural Festival isn’t a household name, but this year’s inaugural event is going to a party to remember—so says one of the organizers George Venios of Milton. The community activist and historian tells us, the festival, which is the former Fiesta de Mayo, is going to be a celebration of all cultures in the region. The Milton Cultural Festival will take place May 8^th in Milton and has grown from about one square block—to two. Venios and a panel of organizers of the Milton Cultural Festival are on Roundtable this weekend. Organizers talk about the festival and seek support and sponsorship for the event. You can hear Roundtable Sunday on: Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m. 100.9 (100.9FM), The Valley, at 6a.m. Newsradio 1070 WKOK (1070AM) at 9a.m. Talkradio 1380 WMLP (1380AM), 11a.m. 94KX WQKX (94.1FM) at 11p.m. And anytime, at www.wkok.com Geisinger accommodations for cancer patients under new manager DANVILLE – The House of Care at Geisinger Medical Center is a comfortable, home-like setting for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment for serious illness at the hospital. There is a new manager at the House of Care, after many years. Michelle Smith says the resident’s area all going through similar circumstances, and there are no televisions in the individual rooms. Thus, patients are encouraged to come out and interact with each other. She says the bonds that develop are awesome to watch. Smith lives on the site, and says it gives her a chance to meet and offer emotional support to patients. The House of Care is partly run using volunteer help and interested volunteers should call 271-8600 for more information. Smith notes even a few hours of volunteering per week can be a big help for patients and other staff members. Accepting resumes for Snyder County Commissioner MIDDLEBURG – Richard Bickhart’s resignation took effect yesterday as Snyder County Commissioner. Union/Snyder County judges Harold Woelfel and Mike Sholley will begin accepting resumes for the position. Those interested must be a registered Democrat and resident in Snyder County. The judges will accept resumes through the close of business on February 8^th. They will then review the resumes and begin interviews starting February 17^th. The judges hope to make the appointment shortly after completing the interviews. Last week, the Snyder County Democratic Committee endorsed Steve Hoffman as their choice for the position. All resumes should be sent to The Honorable Harold Woelfel Jr., President Judge, Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. (Sara Bartlett) Pat Toomey says job creation is most important in Pennsylvania UNDATED – Republican Pat Toomey, who is seeking the Senate spot currently held by Senator Arlen Specter (D, Philadelphia), says he was pleased to hear President Barack Obama talk about job growth during his State Of The Union address this week, but he still has some worries. He says he thinks some of Obama’s specific measures won’t work, and is afraid that if there is no change of course in healthcare and cap and trade, jobs could be lost. Toomey was a recent guest on our On The Mark program, and also talked about job growth specifically in Pennsylvania. He says she fears the unemployment rate is getting higher, and we shouldn’t be bailing out failing companies. He says out of control spending must get under control, because resources are being sucked out of the private sector where real viable jobs could be created. Toomey also says Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity with the natural gas of the Marcellus Shale. He calls it a great chance for job creation and diminished reliance on foreign energy. You can hear all of Pat Toomey from our On The Mark program Friday online at www.wkok.com. (Sara Bartlett) Blaze that left six homeless ruled accidental SUNBURY – A Thursday night fire that heavily damaged a Sunbury apartment complex and left six people homeless has been ruled accidental in nature. A state police fire marshal said the blaze at 216-218 Spruce Street originated in a laundry area at the rear of the residence, where there was a space heater with a burnt electric cord. The heater was being used to prevent freezing in the water lines for the washing machine. The blaze then traveled through the walls and to the attic of the four-apartment structure. Firefighters were on the scene for more than two hours fighting the 6:30p.m. blaze. Sunbury fire chief Dean Wenrich told us crews from Sunbury, Shamokin Dam, Northumberland, Selinsgrove and Hummels Wharf fought freezing temperatures and high winds, but were able to stop the blaze from spreading to neighboring structures. The property owner and occupants were not known at the time of the investigation. Damage is estimated at $100,000. Accepting resumes for Snyder County Commissioner MIDDLEBURG – Richard Bickhart’s resignation takes effect today (took effect yesterday) as Snyder County Commissioner. Union/Snyder County judges Harold Woelfel and Mike Sholley will begin accepting resumes for the position. Those interested must be a registered Democrat and resident in Snyder County. The judges will accept resumes through the close of business on February 8^th. They will then review the resumes and begin interviews starting February 17^th. The judges hope to make the appointment shortly after completing the interviews. Last week, the Snyder County Democratic Committee endorsed Steve Hoffman as their choice for the position. All resumes should be sent to The Honorable Harold Woelfel Jr., President Judge, Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. (Sara Bartlett) Berwick woman accused of stealing $750k over 17 years WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) - A former Berwick bank employee is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing $750,000 from her employer over a 17-year period. Investigators say 54-year-old Mary Knecht of Berwick took between $2,000 and $10,000 at a time from First Keystone National Bank between 1992 and 2009. Authorities say Knecht used her authority as an accounting administrator to transfer money out of internal accounts and then falsified records to cover up the scam. A federal grand jury indicted Knecht on charges including theft and embezzlement on Thursday. She faces up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million if convicted. Knecht did not return calls or written messages seeking comment Thursday. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney. Theft at Montour County convenience store VALLEY TWP – Police are searching for a man accused of theft at a convenience store in Valley Township, Montour County. Police say around 11:15p.m. Thursday a man entered the store along McCracken Road and demanded money from the clerk. He then fled on foot in an unknown direction. It’s not known if the man had a weapon or if any money was taken. The man is described as while, about 5’10”, medium build with hazel eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call Milton State Police at 524-2662. Woman charged after trying to set her own home on fire MOUNT CARMEL – A Mount Carmel woman is in jail after she set fire to her own home. The News Item reports 41-year-old Diane Hutko tried to burn many items in her home, and when police arrived Tuesday night the home was filled with smoke. Hutko was found by police at her father’s home. There, she tried to hit officers, flee and resist arrested. Hutko was taken into custody and charged on two counts of arson, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. She is in Northumberland County Prison and has a preliminary hearing next week. Six homeless as firefighters battle flames and cold temperatures SUNBURY – Firefighters from Sunbury and surrounding communities fought temperatures in the 20’s and high winds, as well as the flames coming from a double home Thursday night. A Spruce Street apartment house was heavily damaged. The converted double home has at least three apartments and an estimated six people are homeless. No injuries were reported in the fire at a converted double home at 216-218 Spruce Street. Sunbury’s fire chief Dean Wenrich told us, they were able to stop the fire from spreading to more of the home and neighboring structures, he said the blaze began on the second flood, at the rear of the home, possibly in a laundry room. The 6:30 p.m. fire generated heavy smoke and flames that shot through the roof. The second flood and attic was gutted. The American Red Cross is assisting at least six residents displaced by the blaze. A problem with the oil-fueled space heater is reportedly the cause of the apartment fire. A state police fire marshal will issue an official report. Crews from Shamokin Dam, Northumberland, Selinsgrove and Hummels Wharf also responded. Sunbury’s Streets Department crews spread salt in the area near the fire because of the slippery conditions. (Matt Farrand) Preliminary budget contains .63 mil increase for LASD taxpayers LEWISBURG – The board of the Lewisburg Area School District passed a preliminary version of its next budget without a dissenting vote Thursday night. The plan would spend nearly $27.4 million dollars in 2010-2011 and contains a tax increase of .63 mils. Superintendent Dr. Mark DiRocco says there are still some unknowns the district will have to deal with, such as the amount of education subsidies in the budget proposed by Governor Ed Rendell next month. Initial drafts also contained a deficit of more than $450,000, but that figure is being whittled away as district employees retire. The budget is still subject to final revision and approval by the board, and would only be subject to a vote by taxpayers if the tax increases exceed a cap set by the state. (Matt Farrand) Campaign 2010 I: Industrial operations manager shoots for GOP state house nomination KREAMER – Another Republican says he’d like to fill the spot in the state house currently held by the retiring Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Winfield). Fred Keller of Kreamer says he’s worked on successful campaigns such as Joan Orie Melvin’s state Supreme Court bid, and can bring that experience to his own campaign. Meantime, Keller says Russ Fairchild’s decision to not run again proved to be all the reason he needed to take action. He also says a long lasting interest in politics prompted him to get into the race. Keller recently completed a six-year term as auditor for Snyder County’s Middle Creek Township, and is a long time employee of Conestoga Wood Products in Beavertown. He says economic issues are the top priority of people in the district, meaning the state must do more to attract business to the area. Lewisburg accountant and clothing storeowner Maurice Brubaker announced his decision to seek the GOP nomination for the 85th District state house seat earlier in the week. (Matt Farrand) Campaign 2010 II: Two more join the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th district seat UNDATED – Two additional Republicans have announced their intentions to run for the 10th District Congressional seat now held by Democratic Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock). David Maderia of Dallas announced that he will make a run for the position. Maderia is a former chiropractor. He plans to make a formal announcement next month. Ted Yale, of Pike County, has also launched a campaign for the 10th District seat. According to his Facebook page, Yale holds an undergraduate from Princeton University, and considers himself a conservative. The two join Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk and former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino, who are both seeking the nomination A statement released on behalf of Chris Carney says, “There will be plenty of time for politics down the road. Right now, Congressman Carney is concentrating on creating jobs in our region and listening to the people from all 14 counties. He is fighting for tax cuts for small businesses and the middle class and working to get area projects the funding they so badly need.” He said, “Congressman Carney is proud of his bipartisan record in Congress and was flattered to have recently been approached by Sen. John McCain and other Republican leaders about switching parties. He believes, however, that his job is not about a political party. It is about doing the right thing every day for the people he represents.” Campaign 2010 III: Lewisburg man makes run for Russ Fairchild’s seat LEWISBURG – Lewisburg Public Accountant Maurice Brubaker thinks he can make a difference, and that’s the basis for his decision to run for the 85th district house seat. The Republican made his official announcement Wednesday to seek the seat being vacated by Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Winfield). Brubaker says he wants to continue with many of the positive changes Fairchild has made to the district and also has important ideas of his own, including bringing jobs to the region, working to get the CSVT built and keeping I-80 toll free. Brubaker has been a public accountant for 15 years, he is co-owner of Brubaker’s Clothier in Lewisburg, is the president of the Central Keystone Council of Government Board and is the treasurer of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership. Snyder County resident and Conestoga Wood plant operations manager Fred Keller is the only other person so far who has announced plans to run for this seat. (Sara Bartlett) Campaign 2010 IV: Former U.S. Attorney making a run for 10th Congressional District WILLIAMSPORT – Former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino says this isn’t the first time he has thought about a run for 10th Congressional District, but in today’s economy it’s necessary to get someone in Washington that can produce results. Marino made the announcement Wednesday to seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Representative Chris Carney (R-10th, Dimock). The 57-year-old Williamsport native is a former district attorney in Lycoming County and served as the top federal prosecutor for central and northeastern Pennsylvania between 2002 and 2007. Marino says there is far too much spending in Washington. Another important issue to him is taking a stand on healthcare, and not letting the government make his healthcare decisions. Marino says if elected, he will spend as little time in Washington as possible, and much of his time in the 10th Congressional District, because that’s where his constituents are best served. Several Republicans are expected to enter the race to challenge Carney. Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk has already announced his intentions to run. (Sara Bartlett) Sentencing in drug distribution organization WILLIAMSPORT – A former Milton man was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a crack cocaine trafficking ring distributing drugs to the Northumberland and Sunbury areas. 23-year-old Corey Crabb was sentenced in U.S. District Court, and was also ordered four years supervised release. Crabb was among nine others involved in drug distribution and criminal conspiracy. They were indicted in December 2007, for the incidents that happened earlier that year. The majority of the nine others, some who had local residences in our area for a time, have also been sentenced. They include: Zabula Knuckes, 120 months in prison, distribution crack cocaine Renita Morris, 18 months in prison, facilitating drug felonies Angela Walter, 48 months in prison, facilitating drug felonies Hasson Lindsey, sentencing in March 2010 Jessica Walter, 12-24 months in prison, possession with intent to deliver cocaine Jarae Lindsey, 24 months in prison, possession with intent to deliver cocaine Eric Lindsey, 48 months in prison facilitating drug felonies Alma Lindsey, 152 months in prison, distributing crack cocaine, fraud Merle Zeigler Jr., died pending trial Kids and germs…Evan holds kids health fair this weekend LEWISBURG – Hip Hip Hooray to Super Health is the theme for Evangelical Community Hospital’s 21st annual children’s health fair. Deana Carson, with community health education at Evan, says they are welcoming many vendors at the Susquehanna Valley Mall Saturday. She says the Germ City will return., where kids put fake glow in the dark germs on their hands, wash their hands and see when the germs remain. There will also be free ear and eye screenings, a puppet show, story time, fingerprint kits and children are encouraged to bring in a stuffed animal or doll to get a ‘check-up.’ The free children’s health fair will be held Saturday from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. For more information call 522-2693. (Sara Bartlett) Local Toyota dealer talks about a massive recall due to a faulty gas pedal SELINSGROVE – Toyota's massive recall over gas pedal problems now reaches all the way to Europe. Toyota says it's extending a car recall across the Atlantic, but is still checking how many vehicles use the parts involved in the U.S. recall. The world's largest carmaker has suspended U.S. sales of eight models to fix faulty gas pedals that could stick and cause acceleration without warning. Millions of cars are being recalled. John Broome, manager of Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Hummels Wharf says things are going well at their dealership. He says they are fortunate in that they do have vehicles to sell on the lot, including the popular Camry. And he says this is an historic recall because Toyota has always been an exceptional product. Broome says that’s where all the shock comes from, because this is something uncharacteristic of Toyota and not something the company is used to dealing with. The initial recall covered U.S. sales of models including the Corolla, Camry, Matrix and Tundra. That's now been expanded to include another 1.09 million vehicles in the U.S. The five models affected included the Highlander, Venza and the Pontiac Vibe. (Ali Stevens/AP) Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's first gubernatorial debate is over - after two hours of discussion on a long list of topics. The four Democratic candidates offered conflicting positions on such hot-button issues as abortion, same-sex marriage and the fairness of state taxes. But Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, state Auditor General Jack Wagner, former congressman Joe Hoeffel and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty agreed they would retain the system of selling liquor and wine through state stores. About 300 people turned out for the first Pennsylvania Progressive Summit at a hotel on the outskirts of Harrisburg. Its sponsors included labor unions and citizen activist groups. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Hundreds of thousands of poor, elderly and disabled Pennsylvanians will be getting a little less in their monthly Supplemental Security Income checks. Pennsylvania's state budget signed by Gov. Ed Rendell in October cut Supplemental Security Income by about $10 million, or about 6 percent. That means more than 300,000 people who benefit each year from the program will see monthly checks shrink by about $5 beginning Monday. Aides to the governor and top legislators say it is unlikely that the money will be restored to the program this spring. Ray Landis of the AARP says the cut doesn't sound like a lot of money to many people. But he says $5 makes a difference to people who are unable to work and who are living below the poverty line. TOWANDA, Pa. (AP) - Police in northern Pennsylvania say they discovered a natural gas well-drilling service truck that was more than 41 tons over the weight limit for the road it was on. Cpl. Roger Stipcak said it is the latest of numerous examples of state troopers finding overweight natural gas trucks inflicting damage on area roads. Drilling crews are flocking to Pennsylvania as they rush to extract natural gas from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation. Police say they found the truck Tuesday. It was parked illegally and without a valid permit for its oversize load on a Bradford County road posted with a 10-ton weight limit. It is owned by a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corp. of Oklahoma City. The driver drew traffic citations worth more than $25,000. ANNVILLE, Pa. (AP) - More than 20 Pennsylvania National Guard members will begin their deployments to Iraq this weekend. The members of the 528th Finance Detachment will leave Saturday from Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville. The soldiers will train for one month at Fort Dix, N.J., before deploying to Iraq. Their unit, which is based in Lebanon, Pa., will be responsible for paying service members and managing payments for reconstruction projects in Iraq. (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) Updates on the latest in business NEW YORK (AP) - Wall Street is ending a disappointing January with more disappointment. Stocks closed down today leaving investors to question the economy's ability to sustain a big fourth-quarter growth rate. The Dow ended the month with a loss of3.4 percent. It ended the day down 53 at 10,067. The S&P fell nearly 1 percent to 1,073. Nasdaq dropped 1.5 percent to 2,147. DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) - President Barack Obama's top economic adviser is welcoming the latest figures showing strong economic growth in the U.S., but he says don't pop any champagne corks yet. Larry Summers says the 5.7 percent increase in growth that came under Obama's economic policies has helped move "the economy back from the brink of depression." NEW YORK (AP) - A jump in U.S. gross domestic product wasn't enough to ease concerns about falling energy consumption. Oil prices dropped below $73 a barrel today. Oil has tumbled nearly $10 a barrel in the first month of 2010. At the pump, retail gasoline prices continued to slide to a new national average of $2.68 a gallon. NEW YORK (AP) - The head of Chevron says the nation's second-largest oil company will shift to a "simpler and less costly organization." John Watson told investors today that Chevron would cut spending by $1 billion this year. This after reporting its fourth-quarter profit fell 37 percent. BALTIMORE (AP) - President Barack Obama is accusing Republicans of portraying health care overhaul legislation as a "Bolshevik plot." Speaking to House Republicans, the president criticized the GOP for its attacks and said the party's strategy doesn't leave any room to negotiate. (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The winning numbers in Friday evening's drawing of the Pennsylvania Lottery Quinto 2-7-2-4-7 Big 4 7-7-6-5 Cash 5 13-21-25-32-40 Daily Number 2-3-2 HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Friday: Midday Big 4 1-7-8-2 Midday Number 2-5-0 Midday Quinto 4-1-3-7-6 Treasure Hunt 01-09-10-19-30 HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Thursday: Big 4 7-6-5-7 Cash 5 09-24-35-39-40 Daily Number 0-6-8 Evening Quinto 4-9-0-3-5 Midday Big 4 2-7-1-7 Midday Number 8-8-6 Midday Quinto 9-5-8-9-6 Mix and Match 15-13-10-12-17 Treasure Hunt 12-17-19-20-29 (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) 53 beauty queens vie for Miss America cr LAS VEGAS (AP) - A group of 53 beauty queens from around the country are set to smile, strut and talk their way to the 2010 Miss America Pageant crown. The young women from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico planned to cap a week of preliminary competition Saturday evening with the crowning of a winner in Las Vegas. The winner gets a $50,000 scholarship and embarks on a yearlong run as Miss America. The 89-year-old pageant to be televised live on cable network TLC is hosted by actor and "Extra" host Mario Lopez. He'll be helped by Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not to Wear." Scores based on a week of preliminary competitions will be added to Saturday swimsuit, talent, evening gown and interview competitions to determine a winner. Roy Orbison gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star LOS ANGELES (AP) - Late rock 'n' roll pioneer Roy Orbison has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Orbison's widow Barbara accepted the star in front of the Capitol Records building on his behalf on Friday. Orbison died in 1988 at the age of 52, in the midst of a comeback with The Traveling Wilburys, a whimsical supergroup that included Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Lynne attended the ceremony, as did Eric Idle, Chris Isaak, Joe Walsh and Dwight Yoakam. Orbison was famous for the wide range of his distinctive and emotional voice, especially in his songs about unrequited love like "Only the Lonely," "Crying," "In Dreams" and "Oh, Pretty Woman." Actor Dan Aykroyd says Orbison was a great balladeer and a great rock 'n' roller who could be both gentle and vicious. Idaho ski resort owned by Bruce Willis reopens FAIRFIELD, Idaho (AP) - An Idaho ski resort owned by Bruce Willis has reopened, almost a year after the resort's lodge was destroyed by fire. Soldier Mountain Ski Resort celebrated opening day Thursday. Workers scrambled over the last four weeks to complete the lodge, in some cases using tables and kitchen equipment from The Mint, a former restaurant and bar in nearby Hailey that is also owned by Willis. The opening comes late in the ski season, but features a new lodge to replace the original structure that was destroyed in the March 30 fire. Investigators determined the blaze was accidental. The ski area in central Idaho is about 60 miles from the better-known resort towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Willis, the star of "Pulp Fiction" and the "Die Hard" series of action movies, is a part-time resident of the region. Grammys LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Grammys will open with a number that might have fans wondering who was wearing the more bizarre costume. Lady Gaga will sing a song backed by Elton John. It's one of several numbers with electric pairings that you'll see throughout the evening. Only about ten awards will be handed out. Nearly 100 are awarded just before the telecast. It could be another big night for Taylor Swift, who's won just about every award except the Oscar and the Grammy. She's up for eight Grammys, two fewer than Beyonce. Swift, Beyonce and Lady Gaga are all competing the for the top awards of album, record and song of the year. Sunday's show will also include a fundraiser for Haiti and a 3D video starring Michael Jackson. Edwards' attorneys: Ex-aide seeking financial gain HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (AP) - Attorneys for former presidential candidate John Edwards say an ex-aide who is releasing a tell-all book about his affair is "primarily motivated by financial gain." A statement released Friday urges "extreme caution" about Andrew Young's book. The lawyers, Wade M. Smith and James P. Cooney, said they haven't been able to read the book but contend that it appears to include "many allegations which are simply false." Young's book, "The Politician," is due out this weekend. It chronicles Edwards' affair with mistress Rielle Hunter, the lengths he went to cover it up and the marital mess it brought. Edwards is now separated from his wife and faces a federal investigation. An attorney for the former North Carolina senator says he is confident Edwards didn't violate campaign laws. X-games hugs ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - Dagny McKinley has a busy morning – of hugs. She hopes to set a new Guinness world record for the most hugs in 24 hours. Her time will be up at 8:30 this morning in Aspen, Colo. She's been hugging just about everyone in sight at the Winter X Games. Yesterday, she set up a booth near the bottom of the snowboard superpipe. Most people were willing to give her a hug and sign a sheet documenting the embrace. She's gunning for hugging 5,001 people to set the new record. Catholic charity: Dramatic increase in poverty ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - Catholic Charities USA says a survey of its agencies shows the financial crisis facing the nation has created "a deepening grim reality of poverty." The agencies' 4th Quarter 2009 Snapshot Survey revealed a dramatic increase nationwide in requests for life-sustaining emergency services across the country. Agencies responding to the survey reported an 83 percent increase in the working poor seeking assistance. There was a 70 percent increase in families seeking assistance. Homeless seeking assistance increased 57 percent. And middle class seeking assistance increased 51 percent. Agencies also say former donors to Catholic Charities are now in need of help. CCUSA president Rev. Larry Snyder says he supports the president's focus on job creation, but is concerned that a proposed freeze in federal spending could hamper efforts to meet critical needs. Snyder says the needs being addressed by his agency are the most pressing since the Great Depression. Still, he says Americans with the ability to share are not walking away. NO SEX-DIVORCE ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - No sex -- no marriage. At least that's what a Maryland lawmaker wants. Delegate Luiz Simmons is proposing legislation that would allow courts to grant divorces to couples after they go a year without having sex. Current state law requires many couples to live separately for a year before they can receive an uncontested divorce. But Simmons says the requirement puts a financial burden on many couples, especially if they have children. The measure would allow couples to remain in the same house as long as they're not having sex during the yearlong waiting period. Brown says he can beat the president - at hoops BURBANK, Calif. (AP) - Barely a week after his knockout win in the Massachusetts Senate race, Scott Brown is boasting that he can beat President Barack Obama. At basketball. In an appearance on "The Jay Leno Show" Thursday, the Republican says he challenged the Democratic president to a two-on-two showdown when they talked on election night. Brown says he'd team up with his daughter, who plays guard at Boston College. He predicted a tough match but "We'd have the upper hand." The once little-known state legislator jolted the national political landscape by capturing the Senate seat long held by late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy. (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)