Friday, July 18, 2008

CSVT in holding status; what now for properties affected

SELINSGROVE – Property owners who would be affected by the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Project are reacting to the news that the project has been put into hibernation. It was announced that 47 right-of-way properties were already acquired, while offers were made to 20 more, and 50 have been left idle. Debbie Acor, of Selinsgrove, says she is one of those 50 “left hanging.” Acor says her house was considered a total buyout in the project and that two of her neighbors have already moved. She says she has been waiting for the past 8 years to find out when she would need to give up her home. Acor says “no one wants to lose their home to a road project,” and she had planned to live in her house with her husband for the rest of their lives. However, she says she believes that the region needs the Thruway project and she had come to terms with losing her home. Acor adds that she just needs some direction on to what to do now.

Meanwhile, other residents like Peggy Gelnett of Point Township, want answers about a portion of Route 147 near Montandon. Gelnett says PennDOT set the speed limit on the highway portion of the roadway to 65 miles per hour. Route 147 then slows to 45 miles per hour in two lanes and Gelnett says it’s dangerous because cars and tractor-trailer trucks do not slow down. She says PennDOT told her a few years ago, that the Thruway project would fix the problem. Gelnett says she wants to know how the problem will be fixed now that the project has been put on hold.

Local leaders, including state house member Russ Fairchild vehemently protest the 'short sighted' position and said it’s an example of poor public policy. Numerous other elected, private and business leaders then held an impromptu inquisition and chastised PennDOT for the decision that all but kills the project for the foreseeable future.

PennDOT says the hibernation phase means the project can be reactivated at a later time and rising inflation and the transportation-funding crisis contributed to the decision. (Sara Lauver)

Sex offender captured in Sunbury with the help of a resident

SUNBURY – Sunbury police have arrested a sex offender in Sunbury, who failed to comply with Megan’s Law requirements. Police say 49-year-old Neil Alters failed to notify state police on an address change within 48 hours of moving, as required by law. Alters also reportedly failed to appear for his annual photographing and registering for the past two years. Police received information that Alters was living in the 400 block of North Eighth Street from a local resident, who saw Alters name listed as a sex offender in a recent Daily Item article, which stated he lived at a different address. The resident contacted police to Alters actual whereabouts and an arrest was made. (Ali Stevens)

An update on the future of the Marina building at the Shikellamy State Park

SUNBURY – The plan is to turn the Shikellamy Marina building into an environmental research and education center, however, what exactly will the project entail? The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies is moving forward with plans for the marina building. Skip Wieder is convener for the group and says the building will be expanded from the back toward the parking lot side of the building. This will allow for exhibit space, research space and also classrooms.

The project has the backing and involvement of several groups, including the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Foundation, six local colleges and universities, Trout Unlimited and other local watershed organizations. Wieder was a guest this week on our sister station, WKOK’s live talk show, “On the Mark”. You can listen to the program online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)

Two suspects charged in string on strong-armed robberies face trial

MOUNT CARMEL – Two men from Allentown, charged in a series of strong-armed robberies in the Mount Carmel area, will face trial. The News Item reports 19-year-old Marcos Guerrero and 20-year-old Jose Acosta were in court this week for a preliminary hearing and all charges against them were bound to court. They are both charged with aggravated assault and robbery, receiving stolen property, theft and other counts for a June 3^rd robbery at a car wash in Mount Carmel Township and two other incidents on streets in the area. A handgun was reportedly used in the incidents. (Ali Stevens)

Parts from farm equipment stolen in Union County

MIFFLINBURG – State Police are investigating an incident where someone stole parts from tractors and other farm equipment located at a home in Union County. State Police in Milton say just after midnight on Thursday, a person or persons broke into a barn along Rand Road in Buffalo Township, and used keys found in the barn to access the equipment, where they dismantled and removed wiring systems, oil gauges and several other components. State Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact them. (Sara Lauver)

Blueberry and Bluegrass Festival tonight

MIFFLINBURG – The word of the day in Mifflinburg is “blueberry.” Tonight is the night for the annual Blueberry and Bluegrass Festival. Main Street Manager Becky Hagenbaugh says much of the food available maintains the blueberry theme. Blueberry pies and ice cream will be available, of course. The region’s famous “blue” birch beer will also be on tap.

Hagenbaugh says all who plan to attend the performance by Earl Pickens and his Band Called Thunder in Community Park should plan to bring a chair and enjoy the music. The festival is on from 6:00 to 9:00 pm tonight. (Matt Farrand)

PennDOT kills CSVT, local leaders disappointed, distraught and displeased

SELINSGROVE – You can cross the CSVT ribbon cutting off your future calendars…the project is being put on hold. The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway project is going into a state of “hibernation”. PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration announced their decision at a meeting at Susquehanna University Thursday afternoon.

Local leaders, including state house member Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Lewisburg) vehemently protest the 'short sighted' position and said its an example of poor public policy. Numerous other elected, private and business leaders then held an impromptu inquisition and chastised PennDOT for the decision that all but kills the project for the foreseeable future. This decision, and the heated backlash, will be the topic of discussion today on On The Mark, the WKOK live telephone talkshow.

PennDOT Public Information Officer, Rick Mason, explains that hibernation means the project will be alive but inactive. The project design will be brought to a logical completion and then set aside until further funds are identified. Rising inflation and the transportation-funding crisis contributed to the decision.

The alternatives to hibernation were stopping the project all together or redirecting all SEDA-COG allocated funds to the throughway. Existing offers to property owners affected by the throughway will stand but no new offers will be made until the project resumes. We contacted US Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) and not yet received a response. (Lindsey Bingaman)

SELINSGROVE – Dozens of applicants in search of positions with Target are keeping the PA CareerLink office in Selinsgrove a busy place. Over 1,100 sales, food service and office personnel positions could be offered as the corporation staffs stores in Hummel’s Wharf and Muncy.

Fittingly, the office was decked out in red, the company color, for the first day of the Target job fair. CareerLink is being used to accept applications, conduct interviews and give prospective employees a preview of what the company all about.

One of dozens of applicants describes the process as starting with paperwork and continuing with as many as two interviews. Management prospects will get the word in about a week. Other staff will need to apply in August.

Target is looking to open their Snyder County store in October, and a store in Muncy later this month. Construction on the Target Distribution Center in Gregg Township is expected to resume later this year. The job fair at CareerLink continues Friday and Saturday. (Matt Farrand)

SELINSGROVE – A Selinsgrove man is jailed after breaking into a home and threatening to kill the couple inside. State Police say 20-year-old Christopher Allen Biddinger also caused property damage in the early Wednesday morning incident. The residents escaped to a neighbor and called Troopers.

State Police say Biddinger is now in the Snyder County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail after being picked up late in the morning Thursday. He faces burglary, assault, harassment and terroristic threat charges and was arraigned before District Magistrate John Robinson. (Matt Farrand)

NORTHUMBERLAND – The building that used to house both Gubin’s Clothing Store and a neighboring building has been sold. The two buildings are under contract according to Ann Moyer and a closing is set for the end of the month. Moyer could not disclose the buyer. The current owner is Joann Snyder of Sunbury and the listing price for the buildings is $70,000.

The building that housed the Gubin’s store was built in 1897 to house Gubin’s men’s clothing and later expanded to women’s wear and shoes. The store closed for business in March of this year after Snyder’s husband, Charles Snyder, passed away in September of 2007. He started working at Gubin’s in 1958 as a stock-boy and then ran the store from the early 1980’s until his death. (Ali Stevens)

SUNBURY – Sunbury’s Police Chief, Stephen Mazzeo, says his department will enforce an ordinance in the city that prohibits registered sex offenders from living or loitering within 1,000 feet of areas where children gather.

However, Mazzeo says taking action against convicted sex offenders, can be tricky. He says that the Megan’s state Law has been modified so many times, that he is not sure if modifications are needed in the ordinance. But, he says his department will continue to utilize the ordinance at this time.

Mazzeo was informed of the ordinance after some citizens complained at this week’s city council meeting that a convicted sex offender was seen at a city playground. He says one arrest has been made and another is being investigated.

A warrant was issued this week for the arrest of 20-year old, Bryan Reed, for failing to register a new address within 48 hours of moving last year. Mazzeo says it is vital for citizens to participate and be active members of their community, by reporting any information they may have on any crime. He says together, they can ensure a safer community. (Sara Lauver)

WATSONTOWN— An area fugitive is in custody after a national warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this year. Police in Watsontown say 29-year-old, Shannon Faircloth of New Columbia, was taken into custody by the Union County Sheriff’s Office early Thursday morning.

The arrest stems from an incident in early January, when Faircloth allegedly broke into his girlfriend’s apartment and destroyed her furniture and other belongings. He had been on the run since that incident and is facing felony charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Police continue to investigate and additional charges may be filed against those who were harboring Faircloth at the time of his capture. (Sara Lauver)

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican challenger to Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania has raised more money than the incumbent in recent months, but also has more debt and has raised less overall. William Russell is a former Army lieutenant colonel who relocated to Murtha's district to run against him. He raised nearly $670,000 in the fundraising quarter that ended June 30. Murtha, a Democrat, raised more than $119,000. But overall for the campaign, Murtha has raised more than $1.6 million. Russell has raised more than $918,000.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Sean Ramaley's path to becoming the youngest member of the state Senate seemed paved already. Bright and well spoken, the lawyer and two-term state representative from Beaver County won the Democratic nomination to run for the 47th Senate district. But the 33-year-old Ramaley is now ensnared in the state's biggest political corruption scandal in years. The state Attorney General's Office accused Ramaley last week of using a taxpayer-funded job and resources to aid his 2004 House campaign. Ramaley isn't speaking publicly, but his lawyer indicated that Ramaley plans to continue running. Democratic party officials, at least publicly, are choosing their words carefully, and won't say whether they think Ramaley should stay in the race.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Tuition will increase 3.5 percent at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities for the 2008-09 school year. The State System of Higher Education's governing board voted Thursday for the increase during its quarterly meeting in Harrisburg. Under the new rate, full-time undergraduate students who are Pennsylvania residents would pay $5,358 for the year, an increase of $181. The state system schools are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - Two men are under arrest after authorities say they were connected to a $2 million cocaine and heroin ring in central Pennsylvania. State Attorney General Tom Corbett says 27-year-old Kalen Shaffer of Jersey Shore and 31-year-old Matthew Anderson of Mill Hall were connected to a ring that brought drugs from New York City to Lycoming, Clinton and Centre counties. A third suspect who lives in Florida was still at large. Corbett says the latest arrests are connected to the arrests of 15 people in January 2007 who were later convicted. Among those taken into custody was an alleged member of the Latin Kings street gang. Police made the latest arrests following a grand jury investigation.

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) - Blame it on the pot – the flowerpot. Minnesota fire investigators say a home was destroyed when a flowerpot spontaneously caught fire. Authorities in Mendota Heights say spontaneous combustion can happen in pots with the right mixture of soil, moisture and heat. The flowerpot had been on the deck in the high summertime temperatures. Homeowner Dan Stoven says it's hard to believe. But he's just glad his 17-year-old daughter was able to escape with the help of some passers-by.

SEATTLE (AP) - You soon could be sitting pretty -- on one of Seattle's pricey public potties. The city is selling five high-tech, but problem-plagued public toilets. The City Council decided to flush their toilet troubles away, by auctioning them on eBay. Bidding starts at 89-grand apiece for the multimillion-dollar self-cleaning toilet stalls. Officials say instead of tourists looking for relief, the public toilets attracted hookers and drug users.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Christian Bale says the Batsuit got an upgrade in "The Dark Knight" from when he wore it a few years ago in "Batman Begins." It was heavier this time around, but he says it was much more comfortable because the suit was made out of 110 parts compared to only three parts in the original one. That made it easier for him to do the fight scenes because he could move his head and he could breathe. The suit was also designed to be compatible with the style of martial arts that Batman uses. "The Dark Knight" opens today.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A measure seeking to commemorate President Bush's years in office by slapping his name on a San Francisco sewage plant has qualified for the November ballot. The measure certified yesterday would rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W. Bush Sewage Plant. Supporters say the idea is to commemorate the mess they claim Bush has left behind by actions such as the war in Iraq. Local Republicans say the plan stinks and they will oppose it.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Al Gore is setting the bar high for the next president, with a goal of 100-percent alternative energy to generate electricity. Like President Kennedy's goal of sending a man to the moon, the Nobel Prize-winning former vice president is challenging the nation to produce every kilowatt from wind, sun and other Earth-friendly energy sources within 10 years. Gore says without dramatic changes to reduce global warming pollution within the next decade, then -- as he put it -- "our ability to ever recover from this environmental crisis" may be lost. Speaking in Washington, Gore said some of the nation's biggest success stories have come from making commitments to goals well beyond the next election. Gore cited the Marshall Plan for rebuilding Europe, Social Security, interstate highways and the moon landing.

	Here is the latest from Newsradio 1070 WKOK

Friday, July 18, 2008 CSVT in holding status; what now for properties affected SELINSGROVE – Property owners who would be affected by the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Project are reacting to the news that the project has been put into hibernation. It was announced that 47 right-of-way properties were already acquired, while offers were made to 20 more, and 50 have been left idle. Debbie Acor, of Selinsgrove, says she is one of those 50 “left hanging.” Acor says her house was considered a total buyout in the project and that two of her neighbors have already moved. She says she has been waiting for the past 8 years to find out when she would need to give up her home. Acor says “no one wants to lose their home to a road project,” and she had planned to live in her house with her husband for the rest of their lives. However, she says she believes that the region needs the Thruway project and she had come to terms with losing her home. Acor adds that she just needs some direction on to what to do now. Meanwhile, other residents like Peggy Gelnett of Point Township, want answers about a portion of Route 147 near Montandon. Gelnett says PennDOT set the speed limit on the highway portion of the roadway to 65 miles per hour. Route 147 then slows to 45 miles per hour in two lanes and Gelnett says it’s dangerous because cars and tractor-trailer trucks do not slow down. She says PennDOT told her a few years ago, that the Thruway project would fix the problem. Gelnett says she wants to know how the problem will be fixed now that the project has been put on hold. Local leaders, including state house member Russ Fairchild vehemently protest the 'short sighted' position and said it’s an example of poor public policy. Numerous other elected, private and business leaders then held an impromptu inquisition and chastised PennDOT for the decision that all but kills the project for the foreseeable future. PennDOT says the hibernation phase means the project can be reactivated at a later time and rising inflation and the transportation-funding crisis contributed to the decision. (Sara Lauver) Sex offender captured in Sunbury with the help of a resident SUNBURY – Sunbury police have arrested a sex offender in Sunbury, who failed to comply with Megan’s Law requirements. Police say 49-year-old Neil Alters failed to notify state police on an address change within 48 hours of moving, as required by law. Alters also reportedly failed to appear for his annual photographing and registering for the past two years. Police received information that Alters was living in the 400 block of North Eighth Street from a local resident, who saw Alters name listed as a sex offender in a recent Daily Item article, which stated he lived at a different address. The resident contacted police to Alters actual whereabouts and an arrest was made. (Ali Stevens) An update on the future of the Marina building at the Shikellamy State Park SUNBURY – The plan is to turn the Shikellamy Marina building into an environmental research and education center, however, what exactly will the project entail? The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies is moving forward with plans for the marina building. Skip Wieder is convener for the group and says the building will be expanded from the back toward the parking lot side of the building. This will allow for exhibit space, research space and also classrooms. The project has the backing and involvement of several groups, including the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Foundation, six local colleges and universities, Trout Unlimited and other local watershed organizations. Wieder was a guest this week on our sister station, WKOK’s live talk show, “On the Mark”. You can listen to the program online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens) Two suspects charged in string on strong-armed robberies face trial MOUNT CARMEL – Two men from Allentown, charged in a series of strong-armed robberies in the Mount Carmel area, will face trial. The News Item reports 19-year-old Marcos Guerrero and 20-year-old Jose Acosta were in court this week for a preliminary hearing and all charges against them were bound to court. They are both charged with aggravated assault and robbery, receiving stolen property, theft and other counts for a June 3^rd robbery at a car wash in Mount Carmel Township and two other incidents on streets in the area. A handgun was reportedly used in the incidents. (Ali Stevens) Parts from farm equipment stolen in Union County MIFFLINBURG – State Police are investigating an incident where someone stole parts from tractors and other farm equipment located at a home in Union County. State Police in Milton say just after midnight on Thursday, a person or persons broke into a barn along Rand Road in Buffalo Township, and used keys found in the barn to access the equipment, where they dismantled and removed wiring systems, oil gauges and several other components. State Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact them. (Sara Lauver) Blueberry and Bluegrass Festival tonight MIFFLINBURG – The word of the day in Mifflinburg is “blueberry.” Tonight is the night for the annual Blueberry and Bluegrass Festival. Main Street Manager Becky Hagenbaugh says much of the food available maintains the blueberry theme. Blueberry pies and ice cream will be available, of course. The region’s famous “blue” birch beer will also be on tap. Hagenbaugh says all who plan to attend the performance by Earl Pickens and his Band Called Thunder in Community Park should plan to bring a chair and enjoy the music. The festival is on from 6:00 to 9:00 pm tonight. (Matt Farrand) PennDOT kills CSVT, local leaders disappointed, distraught and displeased SELINSGROVE – You can cross the CSVT ribbon cutting off your future calendars…the project is being put on hold. The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway project is going into a state of “hibernation”. PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration announced their decision at a meeting at Susquehanna University Thursday afternoon. Local leaders, including state house member Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Lewisburg) vehemently protest the 'short sighted' position and said its an example of poor public policy. Numerous other elected, private and business leaders then held an impromptu inquisition and chastised PennDOT for the decision that all but kills the project for the foreseeable future. This decision, and the heated backlash, will be the topic of discussion today on On The Mark, the WKOK live telephone talkshow. PennDOT Public Information Officer, Rick Mason, explains that hibernation means the project will be alive but inactive. The project design will be brought to a logical completion and then set aside until further funds are identified. Rising inflation and the transportation-funding crisis contributed to the decision. The alternatives to hibernation were stopping the project all together or redirecting all SEDA-COG allocated funds to the throughway. Existing offers to property owners affected by the throughway will stand but no new offers will be made until the project resumes. We contacted US Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) and not yet received a response. (Lindsey Bingaman) Job fair on Target in SnyCo SELINSGROVE – Dozens of applicants in search of positions with Target are keeping the PA CareerLink office in Selinsgrove a busy place. Over 1,100 sales, food service and office personnel positions could be offered as the corporation staffs stores in Hummel’s Wharf and Muncy. Fittingly, the office was decked out in red, the company color, for the first day of the Target job fair. CareerLink is being used to accept applications, conduct interviews and give prospective employees a preview of what the company all about. One of dozens of applicants describes the process as starting with paperwork and continuing with as many as two interviews. Management prospects will get the word in about a week. Other staff will need to apply in August. Target is looking to open their Snyder County store in October, and a store in Muncy later this month. Construction on the Target Distribution Center in Gregg Township is expected to resume later this year. The job fair at CareerLink continues Friday and Saturday. (Matt Farrand) Man charged with threatening Penn Township couple at home SELINSGROVE – A Selinsgrove man is jailed after breaking into a home and threatening to kill the couple inside. State Police say 20-year-old Christopher Allen Biddinger also caused property damage in the early Wednesday morning incident. The residents escaped to a neighbor and called Troopers. State Police say Biddinger is now in the Snyder County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail after being picked up late in the morning Thursday. He faces burglary, assault, harassment and terroristic threat charges and was arraigned before District Magistrate John Robinson. (Matt Farrand) Northumberland site of Gubin’s sold NORTHUMBERLAND – The building that used to house both Gubin’s Clothing Store and a neighboring building has been sold. The two buildings are under contract according to Ann Moyer and a closing is set for the end of the month. Moyer could not disclose the buyer. The current owner is Joann Snyder of Sunbury and the listing price for the buildings is $70,000. The building that housed the Gubin’s store was built in 1897 to house Gubin’s men’s clothing and later expanded to women’s wear and shoes. The store closed for business in March of this year after Snyder’s husband, Charles Snyder, passed away in September of 2007. He started working at Gubin’s in 1958 as a stock-boy and then ran the store from the early 1980’s until his death. (Ali Stevens) Sunbury PD to enforce sex offender ordinance SUNBURY – Sunbury’s Police Chief, Stephen Mazzeo, says his department will enforce an ordinance in the city that prohibits registered sex offenders from living or loitering within 1,000 feet of areas where children gather. However, Mazzeo says taking action against convicted sex offenders, can be tricky. He says that the Megan’s state Law has been modified so many times, that he is not sure if modifications are needed in the ordinance. But, he says his department will continue to utilize the ordinance at this time. Mazzeo was informed of the ordinance after some citizens complained at this week’s city council meeting that a convicted sex offender was seen at a city playground. He says one arrest has been made and another is being investigated. A warrant was issued this week for the arrest of 20-year old, Bryan Reed, for failing to register a new address within 48 hours of moving last year. Mazzeo says it is vital for citizens to participate and be active members of their community, by reporting any information they may have on any crime. He says together, they can ensure a safer community. (Sara Lauver) Man on the run since January captured WATSONTOWN— An area fugitive is in custody after a national warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this year. Police in Watsontown say 29-year-old, Shannon Faircloth of New Columbia, was taken into custody by the Union County Sheriff’s Office early Thursday morning. The arrest stems from an incident in early January, when Faircloth allegedly broke into his girlfriend’s apartment and destroyed her furniture and other belongings. He had been on the run since that incident and is facing felony charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Police continue to investigate and additional charges may be filed against those who were harboring Faircloth at the time of his capture. (Sara Lauver) Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment: WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican challenger to Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania has raised more money than the incumbent in recent months, but also has more debt and has raised less overall. William Russell is a former Army lieutenant colonel who relocated to Murtha's district to run against him. He raised nearly $670,000 in the fundraising quarter that ended June 30. Murtha, a Democrat, raised more than $119,000. But overall for the campaign, Murtha has raised more than $1.6 million. Russell has raised more than $918,000. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Sean Ramaley's path to becoming the youngest member of the state Senate seemed paved already. Bright and well spoken, the lawyer and two-term state representative from Beaver County won the Democratic nomination to run for the 47th Senate district. But the 33-year-old Ramaley is now ensnared in the state's biggest political corruption scandal in years. The state Attorney General's Office accused Ramaley last week of using a taxpayer-funded job and resources to aid his 2004 House campaign. Ramaley isn't speaking publicly, but his lawyer indicated that Ramaley plans to continue running. Democratic party officials, at least publicly, are choosing their words carefully, and won't say whether they think Ramaley should stay in the race. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Tuition will increase 3.5 percent at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities for the 2008-09 school year. The State System of Higher Education's governing board voted Thursday for the increase during its quarterly meeting in Harrisburg. Under the new rate, full-time undergraduate students who are Pennsylvania residents would pay $5,358 for the year, an increase of $181. The state system schools are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities. LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - Two men are under arrest after authorities say they were connected to a $2 million cocaine and heroin ring in central Pennsylvania. State Attorney General Tom Corbett says 27-year-old Kalen Shaffer of Jersey Shore and 31-year-old Matthew Anderson of Mill Hall were connected to a ring that brought drugs from New York City to Lycoming, Clinton and Centre counties. A third suspect who lives in Florida was still at large. Corbett says the latest arrests are connected to the arrests of 15 people in January 2007 who were later convicted. Among those taken into custody was an alleged member of the Latin Kings street gang. Police made the latest arrests following a grand jury investigation. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing: Daily Number 9-0-4 Big 4 4-4-5-5 Treasure Hunt 5-13-21-23-24 (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) FLOWERPOT FIRE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) - Blame it on the pot – the flowerpot. Minnesota fire investigators say a home was destroyed when a flowerpot spontaneously caught fire. Authorities in Mendota Heights say spontaneous combustion can happen in pots with the right mixture of soil, moisture and heat. The flowerpot had been on the deck in the high summertime temperatures. Homeowner Dan Stoven says it's hard to believe. But he's just glad his 17-year-old daughter was able to escape with the help of some passers-by. SEATTLE TOILETS SEATTLE (AP) - You soon could be sitting pretty -- on one of Seattle's pricey public potties. The city is selling five high-tech, but problem-plagued public toilets. The City Council decided to flush their toilet troubles away, by auctioning them on eBay. Bidding starts at 89-grand apiece for the multimillion-dollar self-cleaning toilet stalls. Officials say instead of tourists looking for relief, the public toilets attracted hookers and drug users. "THE DARK KNIGHT" - CHRISTIAN BALE LOS ANGELES (AP) - Christian Bale says the Batsuit got an upgrade in "The Dark Knight" from when he wore it a few years ago in "Batman Begins." It was heavier this time around, but he says it was much more comfortable because the suit was made out of 110 parts compared to only three parts in the original one. That made it easier for him to do the fight scenes because he could move his head and he could breathe. The suit was also designed to be compatible with the style of martial arts that Batman uses. "The Dark Knight" opens today. Presidential Putdown SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A measure seeking to commemorate President Bush's years in office by slapping his name on a San Francisco sewage plant has qualified for the November ballot. The measure certified yesterday would rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W. Bush Sewage Plant. Supporters say the idea is to commemorate the mess they claim Bush has left behind by actions such as the war in Iraq. Local Republicans say the plan stinks and they will oppose it. Gore-Electricity WASHINGTON (AP) - Al Gore is setting the bar high for the next president, with a goal of 100-percent alternative energy to generate electricity. Like President Kennedy's goal of sending a man to the moon, the Nobel Prize-winning former vice president is challenging the nation to produce every kilowatt from wind, sun and other Earth-friendly energy sources within 10 years. Gore says without dramatic changes to reduce global warming pollution within the next decade, then -- as he put it -- "our ability to ever recover from this environmental crisis" may be lost. Speaking in Washington, Gore said some of the nation's biggest success stories have come from making commitments to goals well beyond the next election. Gore cited the Marshall Plan for rebuilding Europe, Social Security, interstate highways and the moon landing. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)