Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Sunbury movie postponed

SUNBURY – The Sunbury Celebration Committee has postponed the showing of the movie "The Princess Bride," because of the threat of showers and thunderstorms tonight.  The movie has been rescheduled for Monday, July 14 at the Oppenheimer Pleasure Grounds. The gates will open at 8p.m. and the movie will start at dusk.  Children are encouraged to dress up in a Princess Bride costume.

On going Families on the Margin series hears from a public housing critic

DANVILLE – Our Families on the Margin series continues with another look at the topic of publicly funded housing available to those who struggle economically.  Detractors say public housing attracts crime and other problems, but Families on the Margin sometimes need the lower or flexible rent it offers, especially at a time when everything is costing more.  Even critic Bob Buehner supports public housing in certain circumstances.  But the Montour County District Attorney says government run programs offered to low-income families or individuals also represent potential trouble. 

Buehner says inexpensive housing sometimes attracts criminal elements from larger cities by deceiving public hosing officials by hiding their criminal records.  He adds that the number of abuses in his jurisdiction are small, measured in the dozens, but a relatively high number for a small county.  Buehner hopes local administrators would pay more attention to their tenants, as a safer community is at stake. (Matt Farrand) 

Local banks are victims of recent email scams

HARRISBURG – Area residents should be on the lookout for yet another email scam that has been circulating throughout the Valley.  A number of mass emails involving local banks are being sent to area residents and are encouraging people to give out personal information.  Susquehanna Bank is one of the victims, and Director of Communications, Alison VanHarskamp, says they are part of a phishing scam.  She says the emails will ask for confidential or personal information to be sent back either by email or by phone.  VanHarskamp this should be a red flag that should alert residents to a fraudulent email. 

VanHarskamp adds that the bank does not give out or sell email addresses, but rather, the scammers gather them through online viruses, address lists online or from programs that actually scan the internet looking for email addresses.  She says the email scammers are very sophisticated and will take legitimate logos off of a company’s website and use them in the scams.  She says many people are fooled because they will see a familiar company’s logo and believe the email is coming directly from them.  VanHarskamp says that banks would never ask for identifying information, such as a debit card or bank account numbers, through email.

If you have given account information in one of these scams, you should contact your bank as soon as possible.  (Ali Stevens)

“City side” reconstruction of Riverfront Project to begin this fall

SUNBURY – Construction on the “city side” part of the Riverfront Project in Sunbury is slated to begin in October.  Consultant for the project, Tom Deans, says they met with the design team this week, and discussed what they are calling “phase one” of the project.  The city side of the project includes improvements to Front Street and Cameron Park, along with the installation of walking trails, trees, lights and crosswalks.  Deans says final plans for “phase one” will be submitted to PennDOT and DCNR within two months, and construction will begin in the fall. 

As for the riverside part of the project, Deans says that’s a different story.  He says it’s a more involved process for reviewing and getting the Army Corp of Engineers to approve this part of the project, which includes the marina, floodwall and amphitheater.  Dean says they hope to have construction start on the riverside of the project by the fall of next year.  He says between now and then there will be plenty of time to review the project and also get public input. (Sara Bartlett)

Man charged with rape worked for the Mifflinburg Area School District

MIFFLINBURG – A man charged last week with raping a 15-year-old boy had worked for the Mifflinburg Area School District as a security guard.  The Daily Item reports 59-year-old Jerry Haines of the Mifflinburg area no longer works for the district according the school superintendent.  Haines was charged last week with statutory sexual assault, rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.  Police say he assaulted the boy in February of 2006 in the boy’s room.  (Ali Stevens)

Police on the lookout for a man using a stolen credit card
 

Both lanes of I-80 west open again

LIMESTONEVILLE –  Both lanes of Interstate 80 westbound are open again at Limestoneville (Exit 215) , following the rollover of a garbage hauling tractor-trailer.  Motorists needed to follow a detour via local roads as the cleanup proved to be extensive, though much of the refuse stayed in the trailer.  Troopers say the Philadelphia based driver sustained minor injuries in the 3:40 a.m. crash.  The highway was not fully opened again until 12:30p.m. (Matt Farrand)

Disagreements continue over pharmaceutical contract in NorCo

SUNBURY – A Northumberland County pharmaceutical contract was recently revised to include a 60-day cancellation clause, but County Commissioner Vinny Clausi and Solicitor Hugh Jones still say that contract is a done deal.  Jones says the no out clause was originally included in the contract because they used the same draft that had been in place for many years.  The contract secures a five-year agreement with the county and three Coal Township area pharmacies.  CEO of Synergy Systems, Amanda Kessler, again took issue with the Commissioners asking Clausi in particular why their company got no chance to put out a bid.

Clausi responded by saying that he may have made a mistake when signing the contract, but now the issue is over and he will not answer any more questions.  He then turned to Kessler and asked if Synergy had made any political contributions to the Deitrick / Masser campaign.  After she said ‘yes,’ Clausi committed to not voting for any bidding company that has given more than $100 in political contributions, something Kessler said was a diversion to the real issue.  Commissioner Kurt Masser also took issue with Clausi’s statement, saying that just because someone is a donor to a campaign, does not mean that company will work with the county.

Kessler again asked the Commissioners to consider canceling the contract, putting it out for bid and letting all interested pharmacies in the county have a chance.  Clausi said this was end of the discussion, and if she wanted to bring the matter up to Commissioner Frank Sawicki at the next meeting she could talk with him.  Sawicki was absent from this meeting because of a personal matter. (Sara Bartlett) 

Gas truck crashes with car; no propane released

VALLEY TWP— A Muncy woman was taken to the hospital with an arm injury after her vehicle collided with a propane truck in Montour County.  State Police in Milton say 21-year-old, Sarah Ramsey, was driving along Route 54 in Valley Township, when she attempted to make a turn and her vehicle struck the bumper of a propane truck.  Police say no propane was released in that crash and Heller’s Gas of Berwick owned the truck, which was driven by 38-year-old Randy Boston of Berwick.  He was not injured.  The crash happened at the intersection of Route 54 and McCracken Road just after 12 p.m. Tuesday.  (Sara Lauver) 

Sunbury wetlands on Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond

SUNBURY – It’s often overlooked and maybe some don’t even know about the wetlands in Sunbury near Race and 6^th Streets.  And, that is what we’re talking about on today’s segment of Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond.  Ben Hayes is the Susquehanna River Coordinator at the Bucknell University Environmental Center.  He says it is a naturally occurring wetland, with the town of Sunbury built around it.  But, it has suffered from urban neglect including much pollution in and around it.

Recently, the water was drained from the wetlands, and the outlet that ponded back groundwater and surface water, which maintained amphibians and plants, disappeared.  This caused concern among many and also prompted the Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition and other local groups to begin maintaining and restoring it.  Hayes says students have begun to do research on the water.  Also, if the wetlands were restored it could create a great community outreach for Sunbury, according to Hayes. 

The wetlands were purchased by Sunbury architect Stan Seiple, who also started the Sunbury Wetlands Association.  We’ll learn more about the wetlands as we continue our Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond series, and you can hear more from Ben Hayes on our Roundtable program Sunday at 9:00a.m. (Sara Bartlett)

Hegins pigeon shoot is still legal, but there are bills to try and stop it

HARRISBURG – As Labor Day approaches once again, the Pennsylvania Humane Society is working to keep the Hegins Pigeon Shoot from taking place on that day.  The director of the humane society, Sarah Speed, recently spoke with Mark Lawrence on our live talk show “On the Mark”.  Speed says the actual shooting may not be the draw, but the gambling that takes place at these types of events. 

Speed says there are steps being taken to prevent this year’s shoot from taking place or any other pigeon shoots, however the two bills introduced to the house and senate will not be signed during this legislative session.  So they are trying a new tactic by amending the pigeon shoot language in two separate bills to try and outlaw the pigeon shoots in another way. 

The pigeon shoots are organized events in which people pay entry fees and compete for prizes by shooting live pigeons as the birds are catapulted out of small cages. Although some states prohibit killing captured animals for entertainment, Pennsylvania allows some events, including pigeon shoots. (Ali Stevens)

State to spend $350 million dollars on highway bridge repair

MONTOURSVILLE – Between now and 2010, the state will spend more than $350 million dollars to rebuild highway bridges.  Locally, the “Transportation Infrastructure Investment’ program includes repairs on three structures.  They include spans of  Middle Creek and Mahantango Creek in Snyder County, and a bridge over a tributary of Bull Run Creek in Union County.  PennDOT spokesman Rick Mason says that though some are structurally deficient, motorists need not worry. 

Mason says all state highway bridges in the region are checked regularly, and if they become unsafe before repairs are made, their use will be restricted or they will be closed.  He notes that some bids on work are already out and work could start this summer.  Other projects are unlikely to be completed before 2010.  (Matt Farrand)  

Danville area man found safe after a missing persons report was filed

DANVILLE – A Danville area man has been found safe after wandering off and spending the night outside.  87-year-old Lester Thomas has Alzheimer’s and wandered from his home near Routes 642 and 45 on Sunday afternoon.  He was reported missing Sunday evening and about 50 volunteers searched the area until he was located Monday.  Thomas was found sitting along a creek and aside from dehydration, was in good shape.  The Montour County Commissioners all joined in the search along with a helicopter and dogs.  Commissioner Trevor Finn says people from out of the area also helped, with volunteers coming in from Milton, Riverside and even Centre County.  The commissioner says they were thrilled with the happy ending and all of the willingness of volunteers.  (Ali Stevens)  

NY pastor still in critical condition at GMC

DANVILLE – The pastor of a Brooklyn, New York church injured in I-80 crash that killed three remains in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center.  The Reverend Timothy Wright was taken there after the accident that claimed the life of his wife Betty, grandson D.J. and a motorist who drove the wrong way on the Interstate.  44-year-old John Pick of Lewisburg also died in the crash after driving west on the eastbound lanes, colliding with Reverend Wright’s car and another vehicle.  The Wrights were returning to New York Friday night following a religious convention in Detroit.  The investigation into the crash will continue and State Police say toxicology tests will be done on Pick to determine if alcohol or drugs were involved.  The tests could take two to three weeks to be completed.   (Matt Farrand)  

Shamokin woman charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

SHAMOKIN – A Shamokin woman, arrested over the weekend, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.  Police charged 23-year-old Tia Bogetti following a domestic incident early Saturday morning in Shamokin.  Police say a 19-year-old Mount Carmel man had his finger cut off by his girlfriend during an argument.  Bogetti was reportedly intoxicated when she got a 12-inch kitchen knife and attacked the man.  When the man reportedly tried to protect his face, his finger was severed.  Bogetti was found running on Dewart Street and taken into custody.  She was arraigned and sent to the Northumberland County Prison on $50,000 bail. (Ali Stevens)  

A Shamokin man and a teenager arrested for stealing from vehicles 

SHAMOKIN – An 18-year-old Shamokin man was sent to prison after police arrested him and a 16-year-old for stealing from parked cars.  The News Item reports Shane Picarella was seen carrying a bag on Saturday near one of the vehicles on Academy Street. When he was stopped for questioning, he know longer had the bag, but it was later located, filled with electronics, including cell phone chargers.  The 16-year-old was reportedly found in possession of a satellite radio, a CD player, credit cards and money orders.  The two were charged with theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.  Picarella was arraigned and sent to the Northumberland County Prison.  The teen was charged in Northumberland County Juvenile Court.  (Ali Stevens)  

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

LEWISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The mother of a 2-year-old girl who died in January after being injured in the family's home has been arrested a day after the child's stepfather was charged with criminal homicide.  Ashleigh Jumper was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.  Authorities say Gianna Page died of blunt force trauma to the head on Jan. 24, two days after her stepfather took her to a hospital emergency room.  James Jumper told police that Gianna fell down a flight of stairs at their home in Belleville. But according to court documents, the girl's doctor says Gianna had several injuries "consistent with child abuse." Authorities say Jumper has denied hitting his stepdaughter. Ashleigh Jumper's attorney, Donald Zagurski, says she was at work at the time of Gianna's fall. He says she is innocent of the endangerment charge.

LEWISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the death of a 1-year-old boy after he was dropped off at a Lewistown day care facility.  The Mifflin County coroner says in a statement that Zayden Scott Reeves was unresponsive a half-hour after being dropped off by his mother Monday at the day care. The toddler was later pronounced dead at Lewistown Hospital.  The Lewistown Sentinel reports that an autopsy has yet to be performed.  Mifflin County Regional Police Chief William Herkert tells The Associated Press the death is considered suspicious and declined further comment.  A woman who answered a phone number listed for the woman who operates the day care declined to comment.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's student-loan agency says a larger-than-expected state funding increase will mean smaller cuts in state grant awards to college students.  The state budget increased funding for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants by 5.5 percent, to $407 million.  Gov. Ed Rendell had originally proposed a 3 percent increase.  PHEAA says this year it can't supplement the state funding with its own money because troubled credit markets have hurt its student-loan earnings.  PHEAA will provide an average state grant award of $2,738 annually, with a maximum of $4,120 for students who attend the most expensive schools. Last year's maximum grant award was $4,700, and the average award was $3,190.  About 163,000 students are expected to receive grants this year.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State gambling regulators are being tested by two would-be western Pennsylvania casino owners who say drum-tight credit markets are creating problems for them.  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will meet Thursday in Harrisburg and hear from the owners of the planned Majestic Star Casino in Pittsburgh and Valley View Downs racetrack and casino in Lawrence County.  Valley View's owner, Centaur Inc., wants a slot-machine gambling license right away. Otherwise, it says it could lose a financial commitment of at least $425 million.  Majestic Star's owner, Don Barden, will provide details about a new financing plan.  His initial lender pulled out and major work on the project has stopped because he could not pay the bills.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the Pennsylvania State Lottery: