Northumberland County Transportation Director will resign

SUNBURY – Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi tells us the county’s Transportation Director will resign on Monday.  Dennis Hepler had a meeting with the commissioners Tuesday after it was discovered that Hepler overcharged the Area Agency on Aging and PennDOT’s Shared-Ride Program for the past several months.  Hepler admitted to the double-charging for transporting senior citizens and claims he did it in an effort to recoup some of the money his department lost during the past year through a contract with a local cab company. 

Hepler claims Clausi encouraged him to enter into the contract with Shamokin Yellow Cab Company, but he says he didn’t budget for it, so he felt he needed to make up the money by double-charging the agency.  The overcharge of $15,000 is not expected to lead to criminal charges.  (Ali Stevens)

Former MLB pitching star to receive an award from Economics Pennsylvania

SELINSGROVE – Economics Pennsylvania has announced that former major league pitching star Mike Mussina will receive the annual “Adam Smith Award For Distinguished Leadership.”  Fritz Heinemann is president and CEO of Economics Pennsylvania and says each year, they choose someone with a strong interest in young people who serves as a role model for their organization. 

Mussina was with the Baltimore Orioles from 1991 to 2000 and then pitched for the New York Yankees from 2001 to 2008.  In 2000, Mussina established the Mike Mussina Foundation to benefit children and children’s charities. 

Former recipients of the Economics Pennsylvania award includes State Representatives Russ Fairchild and Merle Phillips, former Bucknell president Gary Sojka and Selinsgrove Olympian Kelli Smith, just to name a few. Tickets for the February 25^th luncheon featuring Mike Mussina and Pittsburgh Steelers Star Linebacker Andy Russell are $75 each, with the event at Tedd’s on the Hill.  Proceeds from the luncheon support Economics Pennsylvania programs.  (Ali Stevens)

Volunteer firefighter sentenced for arson

BLOOMSBURG – A former volunteer firefighter from Orangeville has been sentenced to up to 42 years behind bars for a series of arson fires last spring.  Colton Barrett was in Columbia County Court Thursday and was also ordered to pay nearly $800,000 in restitution.  One of the fires at a farmhouse in Fishing Creek Township left an elderly couple seriously injured with major burns.  Police say Barrett set the fires using flares, matches or gasoline.  Barrett was also sentenced last year to three years in prison for burglarizing several fire companies in the area.  (Ali Stevens)

Elysburg resident wants to run for the 107^th

ELYSBURG – A Elysburg resident wants to run for state representative of the 107^th district, which is currently held by the retiring Bob Belfanti (D-107^th, Mount Carmel).  59-year-old Ted Yeager is running as a Democrat.  Yeager graduated from Southern Columbia in 1968 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes College and a master’s degree from Elmira College.  Yeager spent 27 years teaching social studies in the Danville School District. 

Yeager is chairman of the Municipal Authority for Ralpho Township and has served on the Ralpho Township Library Board, the Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Authority and the Elysburg Rotary Club.  He will face off against Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis and Coal Township Commissioner George Zalar.  The lone Republican candidate is Northumberland County Commissioner Kurt Masser.  (Ali Stevens)

Local nurse going on medical mission trip to Bolivia

LEWISBURG – A local nurse will head to Bolivia in a few months to help with surgeries for children born with cleft palates and cleft lips.  Vicki Eberhart of Winfield works at SUN Orthopedic and says she has always enjoyed doing mission work, and knows that cleft palates and lips are a big problem in Bolivia.  Eberhart says surgery can repair a child’s mouth, which allows them to eat properly and get the nutrition they need. 

To help with expenses for the April trip, a fundraiser is being held Saturday at the Towne Tavern in Lewisburg.  Guest bartenders at the fundraiser include local doctor Thomas Dominick and retired Major League baseball player Steve Kline.  All are invited to the fundraiser Saturday from 7:00-10:00p.m.

The bright future of the House of Hope Susquehanna Valley on Roundtable this weekend

RIVERSIDE – For most of this century, the House of Hope Susquehanna Valley has been helping teen girls get their lives back on track. The house has been open in the Riverside area for more than 4-years and they were doing non-resident counseling before that.  Over twenty girls have called the house their home for a year or so and have graduated.

The house has a bright future too—according to the guests on this weekend’s Roundtable program. Susan McDowell, the founder of the program, and Alex Poirier, the executive director. They and a student at the house—Emily—from Northumberland, discuss the mortgage burning they had last summer, and the need to serve more girls (and eventually…guys) in The Valley.

Our area has dug out from our foot of snow

UNDATED – The clean up is winding down after the one foot snowfall that hit The Valley this week. Most schools are back on schedule. Many schools delayed the start of their classes Thursday and some schools were closed. Newsradio 1070 WKOK’s Winternet is posted at www.wkok.com. One school district announced a snow ‘make up’ day. Upper Dauphin students will have school Monday. That was going to be a day off.

All roads are clear—many still have a snow pack on them. One local road was closed yesterday because of drifting snow. PennDOT says the closure was in lower Northumberland County on SR 3011 in Upper Mahanoy Township between the Schuylkill County line and the intersection with Schwaben Creek Road. That road is now open.

Sunbury has their snow removal schedule posted. Today crews will remove snow from 11th Street from Wolverton to the city line. Also, snow will be taken from all of Catawissa and Fairmont Avenues today. Tomorrow, all of Second and Walnut Streets will be cleared—in Sunbury.

And speaking of snow, AccuWeather’s Joe Lundberg says another nuisance snowfall is heading our way later Monday afternoon and Monday night. He says it’s too early to say how much snow that will bring—but it should only be a few inches. He adds that this winter, we have had more than 30 inches of snow in our area, which is double the amount we received last winter.

Why the Mid-Atlantic is getting all the snow

Undated – As the Central Susquehanna Valley continues to dig out from a 1-foot snowfall, the question arises—why are we getting more snow than normal. After more than 30 inches of snow this season in Central Pennsylvania, many are left wondering why areas like New England that usually get the most snow, are being spared.

AccuWeather senior expert meteorologist Joe Lundberg says there is no clear answer, but believes it’s just our turn. He says last year, most winter storms tracked to the north, but this year, they are tracking across the middle part of the country.

Fire damage to garage, contents and dwelling estimated at $25,000

GREGG TWP. – A fire in a garage in Gregg Township, Union County is under investigation. Firefighters responded to call that a vehicle inside was on fire at about 4:10 p.m. Thursday. They found the structure at the John Robbins property on South Creek Road fully engulfed when they arrived.

Warrior Run Fire Chief Mark Burrows says crews concentrated their efforts on protecting the house that was about 10 feet from the garage, while additional water was brought to the scene. Damage to the garage, its contents and the house was estimated at $25,000. There were no reported injuries and the property owner was insured. Fire crews from White Deer Township and Washington Township also responded. (Matt Farrand)

Facilities plans on display but draw few comments online

LEWISBURG – More than a dozen Lewisburg Area School District facilities options are now on display, both at the Union County Library, and the gym lobby at the Donald Eichorn Middle School. They are the result of ideas gathered at community input sessions, and will be up through the 26th of the month.

Superintendent Dr. Mark DiRocco says additional public comment is also being collected on scenarios that address expected increases to the school age population in the years ahead.

Public review is also available online at www.dragon.k12.pa.us , but few visitors to date have left their comments. Dr. DiRocco hopes more will visit the site and leave their thoughts in the weeks ahead. Higher taxes are likely as the costs of the scenarios range from $28 million to $56 million dollars, and some of the plans include building a new high school.

A fourth community input session will be held Tuesday March 16th, and additional public hearings will follow. The school board hopes to set a date to vote on a final plan by the end of May. (Matt Farrand)

LASD directors approve Alana Lane tree removal

LEWISBURG – Land owners along Alana Lane in Union County’s Kelly Township are apparently in agreement with a plan to remove a line of trees that are adjacent to their properties. They were given a chance to comment at Thursday night’s Lewisburg Area School District board meeting. However, no property owners were present.

The trees on district-owned land near Newman Road were at risk of being uprooted in high wind, possibly injuring residents or causing property damage. The trees could also damage a fiber optic line used by the district, and are on land that is among the sites being considered for a new high school. The board approved bid for the removal of the trees for $7,500 by the Willow Tree Company. (Matt Farrand)

Published salary report called unfair, inaccurate

LEWISBURG – A member of the Lewisburg school board is defending the $284,000 annual salary earned by Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit Executive Director Robert Witten. Dr. Michael Payne is also on the board of the CSIU and says a recent report critical of Witten’s salary, his pension, and health care benefits he could receive upon retirement, is unfair.

The Press-Enterprise article compares the salary of the 15-year leader of the CSIU to the $197,000 earned by first-year Bloomsburg University President David Soltz, and the $174,000 earned by Governor Ed Rendell. Though Witten is the highest paid intermediate unit director in the state, Dr. Payne says he had no second thoughts about approving his latest contract, and calls him one of the finest educators in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Payne addressed the topic at Thursday night’s board meeting of the Lewisburg Area School District. The CSIU coordinates programs in 17 local school districts, and has an annual budget of more than $74 million dollars. (Matt Farrand)

ATV thefts in Selinsgrove

SELINSGROVE – Selinsgrove State Police are asking the public’s help to locate two stolen Polaris Ranger ATVs from a local business. Sometime overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday an unknown person or persons broke in to R.E. Davidson & Son in Selinsgrove.

A gold full size ATV was stolen. The owner of the business says this CE type of ATV is rare. Also a smaller Youth 170 red ATV was taken. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call police at 374-8145.

Candidacy I: Former county commissioner vies for the 108th District

SUNBURY – Former Northumberland County Commissioner Sam Deitrick has formally announced his candidacy for the 108th state house seat currently held by Merle Phillips (R-108th, Sunbury).

Deitrick is a Sunbury native and says he has a passion for this community and the people who live here. Deitrick is pledging to continue the outstanding record of constituent service that Representative Merle Phillips has provided.

Deitrick attended Shikellamy High School and graduated from George Washington University. He was elected Northumberland County Commissioner in 1992 and served for 12 years and as chairman for 3 years. He currently serves as a Northumberland County jury commissioner. Deitrick is one of just two declared candidates so far.

He will have to face off against fellow Republican Chuck Erdman, Northumberland County Controller. Erdman and Deitrick have served on many local boards together. After hearing Deitrick’s announcement, Erdman says, “he looks forward to a spirited primary campaign and in the end, I am confident they will decide I am their best choice.” (Ali Stevens)

Candidacy II: PA Nurses Association CEO running for 85th District

LEWISBURG – Another candidate has come forward in the race for the 85th Legislative District. Betsy Snook of Lewisburg has announced her intentions, hoping to replace the retiring Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Winfield).

Snook is the CEO of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and says this gives her an important perspective. She says she’s watched too many people break their word and cut out of deals.

However, she’s also seen good members of the house, both Republican and Democrat, that have made good decisions and says those are the people she admires. Snook believes Russ Fairchild was one of those good people and she wants to follow his leadership.

Snook is also pro-life, believes in lowering taxes, and wants local control for school districts. You can visit her website for more information at www.joinbetsy.com. She is the third Republican to enter the race, which includes Maurice Brubaker and Fred Keller. There is only one declared Democratic candidate. That is Trey Casimir of Lewisburg. (Ali Stevens)

Candidacy III: Kulpmont Mayor to run for 107th District

KULPMONT – There are now three candidates in the race for the 107th District, being vacated by retiring state representative Bob Belfanti (D-107th, Mount Carmel). Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis announced that he will be seeking the office.

He joins fellow Democrat George Zalar, a Coal Township Commissioner who has been endorsed by Bob Belfanti. Mayor Turlis is the owner of Turlis Sewer and Drain Cleaning in Kulpmont and was sworn in as mayor in January. He is also a former council member.

On the Republican side, Northumberland County Commissioner Kurt Masser is hoping to win the seat that has been held by a Democrat for decades. Belfanti started in office in 1981. He cited health concerns as his reason for not seeking re-election. (Ali Stevens)

Fire early Thursday in Columbia County

ORANGEVILLE – The investigation continues into what caused a fire early Thursday morning at a home in Orange Township, Columbia County. The fire was called in just after 3 a.m. at the Beers Residence at 3 Nyehart Road. The owner of the home called in the fire and was able to get out safely. Crews found a working fire when they arrived on scene. No injuries were reported. A damage estimate is not yet available. (Ali Stevens)

Susquehanna University held Haiti candlelight vigil

SELINSGROVE – Susquehanna University held a candlelight vigil last night to commemorate the one-month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. The SU Haiti Relief Fund Committee helped host the event. Blue ribbons and wristbands were available for a $1.00 donation. All funds raised will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. The vigil will took place at the fountain in front of SU’s Degenstein Campus Center.

Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment

MERCERSBURG, Pa. (AP) - The double-barreled blast of snow that hit the Middle Atlantic region couldn't have come at a better time for area ski resorts. Operators said  Friday the three-day Presidents Day weekend can make or break their season - and this year, they've got it made.  The Whitetail resort near Mercersburg, Pa., had to close Thursday so road crews could safely clear the road that winds up the mountain. But a spokesman says he's not complaining, because the road work smoothed the way for the crush of customers that arrived Friday.  The Wisp resort in far western Maryland says business this week is 26 percent above a year ago.  And the West Virginia's Snowshoe Mountain resort says its 100 percent booked for long weekend.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A published report says the wife of the late congressman John Murtha is being urged to run for the House seat that he held for nearly four decades. Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in a story published Friday that many people have called his office to suggest that Joyce Murtha would be the perfect successor to her husband.  Several other potential candidates for Murtha's seat in western Pennsylvania's coal and steel country have surfaced even before Gov. Ed Rendell sets a date for a special election.  If Joyce Murtha decides to run, she would be following the footsteps of 46 other women who have served in the U.S. House or Senate as the direct successors to their late husbands.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Friday will be a third straight day off for students in Philadelphia's public and parochial schools. The city, its suburbs and other parts of the state are still digging out from this week's back-to-back snowstorms. About 40,000 PECO customers remain without power in the Philadelphia area and fresh outages are still being reported as snow and ice bring down tree branches and wires. In southwestern Pennsylvania, about 18,000 Allegheny Energy customers and 400 Duquesne Light customers are also still without power. Governor Ed Rendell says about 400 members of the National Guard are starting patrols in the parts of southeastern Pennsylvania where people remain without power - and may not have it back until Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Authorities say the death of a man found in a western Pennsylvania snow bank wasn't storm-related. The Indiana County coroner says 61-year-old Barry Carns, of Center Township, died of natural causes and that his death wasn't storm-related. The storm has claimed at least four lives in Pennsylvania. In south central Pennsylvania, York County authorities say a motorist was killed when he was struck by another vehicle after he had run off the road in Franklin Township on Wednesday. Another man was killed and 18 were injured in a massive pileup on Interstate 81. Police have identified two snowmobilers killed when they struck a car in Lancaster on Wednesday; they are 60-year-old Gary Funk and 47-year-old Donna Aber-Uram.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The one-time chief of staff to a former Pennsylvania lawmaker says state employees looked for minor legislative duties back in the home district so they could get reimbursed for expenses while campaigning. Jeff Foreman testified for a second day Thursday in the criminal trial of former House Democratic whip Mike Veon and three of his former aides. They're facing theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest charges. Foreman says employee trips around the time of the May 2005 primary were primarily campaign-related, even though he wrote a letter at the time justifying the costs as legitimate legislative expenses. Foreman is among seven people connected to the House Democratic caucus who pleaded guilty last month and are cooperating with prosecutors.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says it's performed the nation's second double hand transplant and first forearm replacement and that the 41-year-old Harrisburg man is recovering. UPMC says a team performed the 12-hour surgery on Chris Pollock on Friday. Pollock lost his hands and right forearm in a farming accident about 18 months ago. Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee says Pollock is recovering well. The hospital performed a single hand transplant in March and the double-hand transplant in May. Lee says those recipients have regained significant function and feeling. UPMC's transplant program aims to reduce the amount of toxic anti-rejection medications that patients need. Lee says the goal is to make transplants an alternative to prosthetics.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Scranton mayor and gubernatorial candidate Chris Doherty is considering whether to run for state Senate instead. Doherty's spokesman said Thursday that Doherty has been approached about running for a newly open Senate seat and that he is listening. Spokesman Mark Nevins says Doherty is trying to decide whether he can achieve goals such as job creation from the Senate. On Tuesday, Sen. Robert Mellow of Lackawanna County announced that he will not seek re-election this year. Doherty, a Democrat, has been Scranton's mayor since 2002. He is in office through 2013. His fundraising in the gubernatorial campaign is trailing well behind the other three candidates.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Updates on the latest in business

Dow: 10,099.14, down –45.05

S&P 500: 1,075.51, down 2.96

NASDAQ: 2,183.53, up 6.12

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks have been under pressure after China said for the second time in a month it would force its banks to reduce their lending. Investors worry a slowdown in China could hinder the U.S. recovery by putting a dent in demand for U.S.-made products.

ATLANTA (AP) - Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights today with snow flying across the South. Several inches of snow are possible in Atlanta, home to the world's busiest airport.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Better-than-expected January retail sales reported by the government is giving some hope that the consumer is faring better. Helping to pace the 0.5 percent gain was a surge at general merchandise stores, like Wal-Mart.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Friday:

 Midday Big 4

     5-7-0-3

 Midday Number

     5-8-8

 Midday Quinto

     4-9-8-2-1

 Treasure Hunt

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Thursday:

Big 4 9-8-6-9

Cash 5 08-34-36-40-42

Daily Number 9-7-8

Evening Quinto 6-2-6-3-9

Midday Big 4 2-5-1-4

Midday Number 5-4-7

Midday Quinto 9-6-6-2-6

Mix and Match 07-19-12-13-06

Treasure Hunt 03-04-16-17-21

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

New ‘We Are The World’ premieres

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The updated version of "We Are The World" airs tonight during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremony of the Olympics. And if you look closely, you'll see Michael Jackson singing his original part. His sister Janet sings with him. Quincy Jones says Jackson's mother asked them to leave Michael in the new version. Quincy Jones says it turned out "perfect." A total of 80 stars sing the song that will raise money for Haiti.

Love banner stolen

 CINCINNATI (AP) - Love is missing in a Cincinnati suburb.  Someone has swiped an eight-foot-long church banner that reads: "Standing on the Side of Love!" The Rev. Bruce Russell-Jayne says the sign was donated to his Northern Hills Fellowship church in Springfield Township three weeks ago. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports it's worth about $350. The pastor says he can't understand why anyone would steal a message of love. The congregation is buying a replacement.

Swiss won't extradite Polanski until US case is done

FLORIDA SNOW

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - How bad is the weather? Well, even Florida school kids are getting a snow day today. Schools in Pensacola and other parts of the Panhandle are getting a rare day off because of winter weather. The University of West Florida is also canceling classes. Forecasters are predicting the first snow accumulation in the area since 1993. The kids could have enough snow on the ground for snowball fights or a snowman. But sleds might be hard to find in the Sunshine State.

Obama to meet with Dalai Lama next week

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama will meet with the Dalai Lama at the White House next week. The long-anticipated meeting set for Feb. 18 is likely to enflame tensions between China and the United States. China accuses the Dalai Lama of pushing for Tibetan independence, an accusation he denies. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs referred to the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader as "His Holiness" and "an internationally respected religious leader and spokesman for Tibetan rights." Obama has been under pressure to meet with the Dalai Lama after putting off a meeting in October. U.S. officials said at the time that Tibet could be better addressed in a November summit between Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao if Chinese leaders weren't furious over a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and Obama.

Palmer, Nicklaus, Player in charity event

GRUNDY, Va. (AP) - Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player are getting together for a charity event in June expected to raise more than $12 million for a school that helps needy children. The golfing greats known as the "Big Three" will compete as a team in a scramble format over 19 holes against a three-man team of amateurs on each hole at The Olde Farm Golf Club. The PGA Tour says the event is to raise money for Mountain Mission School, which has housed and educated some 20,000 needy children over the last 87 years. The Big Three for the Mountain Mission Kids is to be played June 8, two days after the Memorial Tournament that Nicklaus hosts at Muirfield Village.