Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Water main break closes roadway in Northumberland
NORTHUMBERLAND – A dozen or more Pennsylvania American Water customers in Northumberland borough were without water after an apparent break in a water line. A portion of Susquehanna Road also remained closed into Tuesday night as crews worked on the problem. Residents say water covered a portion of the street and crews went from door to door alerting residents. (Matt Farrand)
Megan’s Law violator sought by Sunbury PD
SUNBURY – Sunbury Police say former city resident is wanted for allegedly violating Megan’s Law. Officials say a warrant was issued Tuesday for the arrest of 20-year-old Bryan Reed. They say he allegedly failed to register a new address within 48 hours of moving last year. They say he also failed to appear for annual address verification and a photo. He was charged through the office of District Justice Robert Bolton.
Reed is described as 6’ tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes, and weighs about 155 pounds. Sunbury Police request a call to Detective Christopher Blasé if you know of his whereabouts. (Matt Farrand)
One person jailed another sought in a Danville Robbery
DANVILLE – A 38-year-old Philadelphia man was arraigned early Tuesday morning on eight charges, including seven felony counts, after he and a woman, who is still at large, tried to rob Ryan’s Jewelry Store in Downtown Danville Monday evening of more than $160 thousand in jewelry. Eric Smith is being held on one million dollars straight bail in Montour County after being apprehended by police after fleeing the back of the store. Two store employees and a customer were injured by pepper spray, and the employees were also injured by a stun gun.
District Justice Marvin Shrawder set Smith’s preliminary hearing for July 22nd. (Terry Diener)
Sweet corn ready, first of the season
POINT TOWNSHIP – The first sweet corn of the season is ready, and it looks good according to a Point Township man. Bill Geise is in his fifth decade of growing and selling corn from a stand along Route 11. He says he’d be glad to see additional rain, even though it’s fallen in okay amounts so far. Geise and those who work at his stand double-check each ear for quality, and says kernels a top-notch sample are not to big, which would indicate less flavor.
Geise says he’ll continue to sell sweet corn at last year’s price of $5.25 per dozen, in spite of higher costs for seed, fertilizer and diesel fuel. He notes that he hasn’t had to irrigate any cornfields this year, thanks to adequate rainfall. (Matt Farrand)
City council meeting prompts discussion on sexual predators
SUNBURY— A few residents voiced their concern at Monday night’s Sunbury City Council meeting, after a sexual predator was recently reported at a city playground. One resident told the council that there was a woman who was listed on the Megan’s law website that was present at one of the city’s fun activities for kids. She said that police officers responded but said it was the woman’s civil right to be at the playground.
City Solicitor, Michael Apfelbaum, brought up an ordinance that was passed within the past two years, which put restrictions on areas where a registered sexual predator can reside or even loiter within the city limits. Sunbury’s Police Chief, Stephen Mazzeo, says the officers who responded to the incident, did not have enough information at the time, to make an arrest. He says, however, that a follow-up is being conducted as new information is being brought to his attention and a command order will be issued to make sure all of the city’s officers are aware of the ordinance. Mazzeo says his department will also further research state law and if there was a violation of Megan’s Law, an arrest will be made. (Sara Lauver)
What a local group is doing to keep track of mercury in the Susquehanna
SUNBURY – The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies is working on a study to track the amount of mercury in the Susquehanna River. Skip Weider is convener for the group and says mercury is a relatively new focus and they are trying to determine what implications mercury have on the fish population and on the health of humans who consume the fish.
Weider says the Coalition is undertaking a study, hopefully with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, to work with the fisherman on what they catch and what they release. They will do samples on the fish to determine where the mercury “hot-spots” are located in the river. Weider was a guest this week on our sister station, WKOK’s “On the Mark” talk show and you can here the entire program online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)
Part One: Flood control in Sunbury
SUNBURY – Many know that the Sunbury Municipal Authority includes flood control services, but some may not know how complex the system is. Flood Control Manager Greg Wilt says it’s not just what meets the eye. He says when people drive by, they see the wall, levees and pumping stations, that’s just about 1/3rd of what is there. There is also a complex network of piping gates and values channeling throughout the city and they all must work perfectly together.
Wilt says the flood operations have made huge improvements since being deemed the second worst project in a four state district by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1993. They’ve become one of the best after a $6 million rehabilitation project, but Wilt says there is always room to improve. One way they do this is by traveling across the state and throughout the country to learn about other flood operations. He says they are constantly learning more, and most recently from the devastating floods in the Midwest. We’ll continue with more about Sunbury’s flood control in part two, including what’s new with the system and how it maintains itself to be one of the best in the area. (Sara Bartlett)
Part Two: Flood control in Sunbury
SUNBURY – It’s not just during a flood that Sunbury’s Flood Control staff is busy. Year round the team works to maintain an extensive maintenance program, they exercise gates and valves, energize and test pumps and continue routine inspections. This leads to busy days and one of the reasons that the Army Corp of Engineers now lists Sunbury’s project as one of the best in the four-state district. Flood Control Manager Greg Wilt says they have to keep on their toes with the Army Corp, because they do two-day inspections annually.
And, what is their newest project? Wilt says they are working to replace a deteriorating wooden stop log closure structure on East Market Street. They received a $250,000 grant from PEMA to do so. Wilt says bids for the project are expected to go within the next six to eight weeks. Meanwhile, the staff continues to maintain the system, learn about and technology and work on ways to be even more efficient than they already are. (Sara Bartlett)
National recognition for Susquehanna River Trail
HARRISBURG – A portion of the Susquehanna River has recently joined the prestigious ranks of the National Recreation Trails Network. A special event was held Tuesday in Harrisburg to recognize the accomplishment. David Lange, Northeast regional manager for the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program says the middle section of the Susquehanna River Trail flows from Sunbury through Harrisburg and it was one of three that were added to the list from Pennsylvania. He says the resources of the river are tremendous and it’s probably one of the finest rivers in the state.
Lange says characteristics such as the way the river cuts through the water gaps, its bass fishing and its extensive network of islands that have been created over time, all combine to make for a wonderful outdoor experience. Lange says there are only a handful of other rivers throughout the country that have water trails, which have received such unique recognition. Secretary of Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, made the announcement in the spirit of the 40th anniversary of the National Trails System and to celebrate National Trails Day.
The Susquehanna River Water Trail was one of 24 trails, which were designated throughout 16 states to the network. You can hear more about the Susquehanna River and how it affects our region as we continue our Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond Series. For a look at past features, go to wkok.com. (Sara Lauver)
Lantern Tours again Apart of Danville’s Iron Heritage
DANVILLE – Montour County celebrates its Iron Heritage this week with numerous activities. For the tenth year, some of that county’s most noted citizens come alive during the popular cemetery tours. Jean Knouse coordinates the popular event. She says over those ten years, more than sixty people who have made their mark on the community, have been portrayed in the tours.
She says the best of the best will come alive to tell their stories. This year the lantern tours are being held on Wednesday and Thursday nights beginning at. 8:30 p.m. Tickets are necessary for that event, and more information is available on all the Iron Heritage Festival Activities at their web site at www.ironheritagefestival.net. (Terry Diener)
Window shattered by stray bullet
SUNBURY – State Police are investigating an incident in which a bullet apparently broke a window in a home in Lower Augusta Township, Northumberland County. Stonington State police say it happened around just before 6p.m. Sunday at a along East Ridge Road, near Sunbury.
Police say they don’t know the caliber of the bullet, which came from an area west of the residence. Investigators call it an act of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief and are asking anyone with information to contact Stonington State Police. (Terry Diener)
Statistics support strong local real estate market
DANVILLE – Local homes for sale are spending less time on the market this year than last. That’s among the messages issued by a board of realtors, which surveys the five-county area. In fact, Vice President Richard Coup of the Central Susquehanna Valley Analysts Service says the same amount of time that elapses between the date a home is listed and the date that the seller gets a check.
He encourages sellers to consult their realtors if their properties have been on the market too long, and adjust the price. The board is among those who say headlines touting an historic slump in real estate usually concern national trends or markets far from the Central Susquehanna Valley. (Matt Farrand)
Dr. DeBakey remembered locally
DANVILLE – The late Dr. Michael DeBakey is being remembered locally. The pioneering heart surgeon treated some. Others remember being inspired by his work, including Dr. Charles Benoit of Geisinger Medical Center who says the 1950’s and 60’s saw heart surgery turn from theory to a fact of medical life.
Dr. Benoit calls the early days of open-heart surgery exciting times, as doctors worked constantly and shared discoveries with each together. Dr. DeBakey lectured at Geisinger in 1974 and a plaque at the medical center calls attention to his achievements. (Matt Farrand)
In the 1940’s, dozens of local tuberculosis patients found out about Dr. DeBakey’s expertise. The physician lived in Texas at the time, but would visit Central Pennsylvania occasionally, to treat tuberculosis patients here.
At the time, the Devitt Camp in Allenwood was set up as an inpatient facility for people with contagious TB. DeBakey would deliberately collapse the patient’s lung—which was an effect method to treat the disease. If that didn’t work, DeBakey would perform surgery. These treatments preceded the development of effective medicines for TB.
Dozens of local residents were referred to the camp, staying there for months, and received care from a number of doctors, including Dr. DeBakey. That camp facility later became the campus of the White Deer Run drug and alcohol treatment center.
Grand opening for a non-profit recycling center
MILTON – After only several months of business, the Hand-Up Recycling Center in Milton is a great success. Tim Brouse of the Hand-Up Foundation says they are a non-profit; Christian based organization that provides an important recycling opportunity for residents in Milton and surrounding communities.
Brouse says they will host a grand opening at their recycling center on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring an electronic recycling event. Computers and other electronic items will be taken along with appliances, including ones with Freon.
Residents in the area are encouraged to take part in the Electronic Recycling event on Saturday. Other items being accepted include plastic bottles, tin, aluminum, cardboard, newspaper, glass, hard and softback books, old phone books, clothing and shoes. (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
CLAYSBURG, Pa. (AP) - The $46 million-dollar Sheetz Bros. Kitchen is open for business in Claysburg, Blair County. The Altoona-based Sheetz chain plans to start shipping food from the kitchen to some 350 of its starting July 28. The company plans to make 27 million doughnuts, 20 million cookies, 11 million cinnamon rolls, 20 million sandwich rolls, and millions of sandwiches, wraps and parfaits at the kitchen each year. About 150 people work at the kitchen and as many as 300 more could be hired if the operation grows as expected.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Wachovia Spectrum in South Philadelphia is to be demolished next year. Owner Comcast-Spectacor has plans to replace the sports arena it with a complex of retail space, bars, restaurants and a hotel. The 42-year-old arena, slated to shut down next spring, had been used for Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers games until the adjacent Wachovia Center was built and opened in l996. The Spectrum is currently home to a minor league hockey team, the Philadelphia Phantoms; an Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul; and an indoor soccer team, the Philadelphia Kixx.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Pennsylvania-based lobbyist has been charged with destroying evidence related to an FBI investigation into former Congressman Curt Weldon. According to court documents, Cecilia Grimes received grand jury subpoenas for documents related to Weldon and quickly threw out the documents. FBI agents found the documents in her garbage cans. Authorities say she also threw out her Blackberry at a fast-food restaurant to keep the FBI from retrieving her e-mail. In the documents, Weldon is identified only as "Representative A." The documents filed Tuesday are known as a criminal information and are typically filed as part of a plea deal.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania prosecutors meeting in Erie this week are expected to urge state lawmakers to close a loophole that allowed a defense lawyer to get cell phone records of law enforcement officials involved in a casino owner's prosecution. The Philadelphia Inquirer says veteran lawyers said they were shocked to learn that Sprint-Nextel turned over 18 months of cell-phone records without telling the officials. The company was responding to a subpoena from the lawyer for a Catholic priest charged with perjury along with Louis DeNaples, who owns the Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos. Sprint-Nextel spokesman Matthew Sullivan says the company adheres to state and federal laws. Pennsylvania's law does not require notification in such situations. Kathleen McDonnell of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association says the loophole could expose certain people, like victims of domestic abuse, to danger if such information is disclosed without their knowledge.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania turnpike officials say tolls on Interstate 80 would generate about $250 million a year for work on the highway, its bridges and other projects. The commission's plan is part of a revised application for permission to toll I-80 that is expected to be submitted to federal regulators next month. If approved, the commission expects tolls to be in place in late summer 2010. Officials say the $250 million annual figure is about four times what the state now spends for work on the 311-mile highway that stretches across Pennsylvania between Ohio and New Jersey. An assessment of the interstate showed that more than half its length has not been repaved since it was built some 40 years ago. Also, the assessment revealed that 16 bridges are structurally deficient and 69 are functionally obsolete. Over the first decade, the commission plans to rebuild or rehabilitate 105 miles of I-80. It will also replace 62 bridges, including all four with less than 15 feet of clearance, and complete a $179 million connection to Interstate 99 outside State College.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Arlen Specter has completed his last scheduled round of chemotherapy but will undergo additional tests. The 78-year-old Republican received the 12th and final dose at a Philadelphia hospital. He describes the treatments as "tough but tolerable" but says they sometimes left him tired and lethargic. But he worked all day despite Monday's dose, as he has throughout the three months of treatment. The senator learned in April he had an early recurrence of Hodgkin's disease, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was treated for the same type of cancer in 2005. In a book published earlier this year, "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate," Specter credits hard work with getting him through the six months of chemotherapy.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State forestry officials say they will take bids from oil and gas companies interested in drilling on 74,000 acres in three state forests in northcentral Pennsylvania. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ended a five-year moratorium on new drilling earlier this year. Eighteen different tracts are involved. To win, a bidder must submit the highest money offer on the first year's land rental. Successful bidders will be able to take a shot at a deep gas reservoir, the Marcellus Shale formation, some 6,000 to 8,000 feet underground. The Marcellus formation is thought to contain large quantities of natural gas and is drawing the interest of exploration companies from Texas to Canada.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 6-4-2
Big 4 1-0-7-2
Treasure Hunt 7-14-21-27-29
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)