Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunbury police deal with several disturbances
SUNBURY – The Sunbury police department was busy overnight with several incidents including at least one fight. The details aren’t out yet, but we know several neighboring police departments assisted Sunbury officers and several people are in custody today. More information on the incidents and arrests may be out later. There are no reports of major injuries after the busy night for Sunbury police.
272 area code could come to our area
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Most of our area is getting a new area code. The state Public Utility Commission announced Friday that the new designation will be used after available phone numbers in the 570 area code have been exhausted. The region is expected to run out of 570 numbers in 2011. When that happens, phone users will be assigned numbers with the 272 code, even though they live in the same region.
Callers will have to dial all 10 digits of a local number, instead of the current seven, when the 272 area code is implemented. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator assigned the number 272. The agency is the neutral third-party area code relief planner for Pennsylvania.
Crash sends two to the hospital
MONTANDON – Two people were hurt Friday afternoon in a crash in the Montandon area. Limited information is available this morning, but police say two vehicles collided along Route 405. Life Flight took one person to a hospital and one person was taken to a hospital by ambulance. More information could be released today.
Tim Bowers resigns as the attorney for Northumberland County, plans ‘D-A’ run
SUNBURY – Looks like the Montour County D-A could have some competition next year. Attorney Tim Bowers, currently the Northumberland County solicitor, announced his resignation from that job and said he plans to seek public office in Montour County.
Bowers lives in Sunbury but has—or will soon—move to Montour County. He declined to elaborate on what public office he may seek, but he is widely rumored as a candidate for District Attorney next year. Bowers would only say in his letter, that there is significant interest in having me pursue a public opportunity. Asked if he was running for D-A, Bowers would not comment.
Bowers was appointed Northumberland County solicitor in April of this year and replaced Vincent Rovito. Bowers resignation is effective September 3rd. Robert Buehner, the Montour County District Attorney, is considering seeking reelection.
Mental exercises help reverse senior memory loss
DANVILLE – Mental exercises can slow down the rate of memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Sister Marcine Klocko of Danville’s Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community says it works much like exercising the body to maintain muscle tone.
Klocko says Maria Joseph’s Nazareth Memory Care Center is again offering exercise classes meant to keep the minds of seniors as sharp as possible. The classes are based on a program originally designed by Misericordia and Bloomsburg Universities, and range from tasks as simple as doing a crossword puzzle to exercises using a computer.
Sister Klocko says today, there are far fewer stigmas surrounding Alzheimer’s than there used to be. All members of the public are invited to the eight-week series of classes starting Monday. There is more information at 275-4221, and online at www.mariajosephccc.org (Matt Farrand)
Danville woman busted with pot
DANVILLE -- A Danville woman is facing drug charges after a DUI stop earlier this week. 34-year-old Angela Dobson-Feno was stopped around 2:30a.m. Wednesday along Route 11 for suspected DUI. Police say Feno was driving on the shoulder of the roadway and speeding.
She was arrested for DUI, and police also found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her vehicle. In addition to DUI, Feno is charged with possession of drugs and careless driving. (Sara Bartlett)
Color is important at community pool
SUNBURY -- Running a community pool isn't always fun and games. Operators have to try and keep up with big water parks. Ron Pratt became director of Sunbury Community Pool in 2004 and says he did an analysis when he took over, and decided there needed to be more to do.
In addition to two slides, they have installed basketball hoops in the pool, and have game tables surrounding the pool. They also installed the climbing walls in the pool, the only one in a community pool in Pennsylvania. The first thing many see when turning onto Memorial Drive, where the pool is located, is the big multicolored fish. Pratt says the color scheme is a very important part of attracting people to the pool.
He says they worked around the blue and red slides to make the pool more attractive. For the past two years, the pool has picked a time in the summer to accept other pool's passes for free admission. Pratt says it's just one of many marketing initiatives they've undertaken.
The Sunbury Community Pool has had a record-breaking year, and Pratt credits that to excellent patrons and an excellent staff. He says in just in the month of July, they have had 5,000 people come to the pool. (Sara Bartlett)
Three oceanographers are on Roundtable this weekend
SUNBURY – Roundtable interviews three oceanographers this weekend. We talk about the Gulf of Mexico with three people who know about the scale of the Gulf oil spill and the catastrophic and subtle impacts. The guests are professors Cynthia Venn and Thomas Klinger, both of Bloomsburg University, along with Julie Ambler of Millersville University.
They discuss the scale of the disaster—as one of the largest spills in world history—and they talk about the unintended consequences of the efforts to reduce the impact of the spill. We also look at the long-term remediation efforts, which will be necessary. All are working professors who have active research projects involving the Gulf and we discuss the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.
Also, asking informed question, WKOK intern Katie Kirchner, a senior at Selinsgrove Area High School. You can hear Roundtable (Sunday) on Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m., 100.9 (100.9FM), The Valley, at 6a.m., Newsradio 1070 WKOK (1070AM) at 9a.m., Talkradio 1380 WMLP (1380AM), 11a.m., 94KX WQKX (94.1FM) at 11p.m. and anytime, at www.wkok.com.
Delays continue at Route 11/54 signal, more repairs coming
DANVILLE -- The traffic signal at the Route 54 and Route 11 intersection in Danville may look like it is functioning properly, but those who travel through it frequently may notice a delay. Wednesday, a contractor doing work at the intersection accidentally cut the main line to the traffic signals.
It caused backups and police were in the road directing traffic much of the day. Danville Police Chief Eric Gill tells us the whole system has to be rewired. PennDOT doesn't allow temporary replacement of traffic signals. The rewiring work will be done in the upcoming weeks.
Gill says at that time, police would again have to direct traffic, but they hope to do that later in the evening. For now, the signal is working, but Gill says there may be a one to two minute delay, as the lights in each direction are set to change after the maximum time regardless of how many vehicles are waiting. (Sara Bartlett)
Solicitor says Mahoning Township sewer project is by the books
DANVILLE -- The Mahoning Township solicitor is responding to claims by eight property owners that they overcharged for a recent sewer project. Attorney Rick Shoch says when a new sewer line was installed along Red Lane, there were three other simultaneous projects happening in the township.
He said the engineering firm involved combined the costs of all three projects the first time a bill was issued. Residents never saw that bill, and the authority asked that the projects' costs be broken down. Shoch says the firm did then send a breakdown.
Last week, Red Lane resident Bob Bomboy told us Red Lane residents were being overcharged. He said they were being made to pay for the other projects. Shoch says the residents were told in advance that the costs would be high and they have worked out an agreement with Bomboy and others. The township did offer a long term payment plan for residents who couldn’t foot the cost of the sewer connections.
In addition, he adds that the Mahoning Township Municipal Authority has footed the bill for nearly $10,000 in additional work that was never passed along to Red Lane residents. (Sara Bartlett)
River enthusiasts encouraged to join paddle
UNDATED -- A 12-mile paddle down the Susquehanna River is coming up soon in the Valley. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts are invited to paddle from Milton State Park to Shikellamy State Park. Mark Cox is the coordinator of the second annual paddle between the parks. He says experienced boaters and first timers are both welcome.
Last year, there were 60 kayakers and canoeists that took part, and Cox says they came from all over Pennsylvania. Friends of Milton State Park and Friends of Shikellamy State Park sponsor the paddle. When finished, participants can enjoy lunch at Shikellamy State Park.
The paddle will begin at 8:00a.m. Saturday, August 7th. It is $25 for individuals over 18, and $15 for those under 18. To register for paddle between the parks you can e-mail shikstatepark@verizon.net, or call 286-4974. (Sara Bartlett)
Penn State has the annual ‘quarterback question’
HUMMELS WHARF – The Penn State Nittany Lions are now practicing for the fall season and as is occasionally the much talked about question: Who will be the starting quarterback for the Lions? Steve Jones, the ‘voice of the Nittany Lions,’ the broadcast announcer on the Penn State Radio Network, told WKOK, the race is down to four hopefuls.
They are Robert Bolden, Kevin Newsome, Paul Jones and Matt McGloin. Jones said the quarterback decision is completely up in the air and he said a wise coach wouldn’t even hint at a starter until the first game is a week away. Jones appeared at the annual Penn State Kick-off meet and greet for the sponsors who support all of the Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation sports broadcasts.
Jones said Penn State has a chance to have a great year, but will have a tough time on the road at Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio State. Newsradio 1070 WKOK has its first Penn State game of the season five weeks from now, on Saturday, September 4th with Youngstown State visiting Happy Valley.
National Night Out around the Valley
UNDATED -- Local law enforcement is gearing up for Tuesday's National Night Out. Many communities in the Valley are holding evening events. The night is aimed to heighten awareness of crime and drug abuse, generate support of local anti-crime programs and strengthen the police-community partnership.
- In Lewisburg, from 5:00p.m. -8:00p.m. in Lewisburg Area Recreation Park on St. Mary Street there will be free swimming and food, pony rides, petting zoo, sports for kids, skate demonstrations, and a range of police, fire and emergency service personnel will be in attendance.
- Milton's National Night Out will take place in Brown Avenue Park from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. There will be free food, as well as free swimming. The search and rescue dogs will be there, along with police personnel. Something new this year is the DUI course, where participants can simulate driving drunk to show how dangerous and deadly it can be. There will also be raffles and giveaways.
- In Montour County, Danville Police will host the night at Sunnybrook Park starting at 5:00p.m. Swimming will be free all day, and at night there will be games and prizes. Also, at the Exchange Pool swimming will also be free and there will be a number of activities also starting at 5:00p.m.
- In Sunbury, National Night Out events will take place in Cameron Park from 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Free food and drink will be available and National Guard members, firefighters and police will all be on hand.
Latest Pennsylvania news, business, lottery, entertainment and sports
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is contributing his consulting services to an organization that consists of many of the businesses involved in drilling for natural gas in the massive Marcellus Shale formation. The Marcellus Shale Coalition announced yesterday that the two-term Republican governor and former U.S. Homeland Security secretary had agreed to serve as strategic adviser. A coalition spokesman says Ridge's communications and policy groups will be paid $75,000 a month for help in such areas as public outreach, education and coalition building.
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - A central Pennsylvania woman will serve time for lying about her role in what authorities call a drunken boating accident that killed a 12-year-old girl. Forty-one-year-old Barbara Hummer was sentenced yesterday in Clinton County court to 21 months to four years in prison. Hummer lied to police when she told them she was operating the boat that crashed into another vessel in July 2009 on the Susquehanna River near Lock Haven. Authorities say John Englert II was operating the boat, and that he was drunk at the time. Twelve-year-old Valerie Heidt of Howard died in the crash. Hummer pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy and obstruction charges. Englert was sentenced Thursday to five to 11 years.
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) - Pocono Raceway has the flipped the switch on a solar energy system that leaders say will make the NASCAR track the world's largest solar-powered sports facility. It will be partially up and running this weekend and provide power to the raceway for Sunday's Pennsylvania 500. It would be the first track to run on solar energy. Track leaders say the 25-acre installation is so large that it's visible from space. Track president Brandon Igdalsky says the roughly $16 million project will provide enough power for more than 1,000 homes beyond what's needed for the raceway. Igdalsky says the system should be finished in the next week.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Good July...Miramax deal...Delta paying fine
NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks ended a choppy session little changed. The Dow fell 1 point to 10,466. The S&P was flat and the Nasdaq gained 3 points. The Dow rose 7 in July, the best monthly showing in a year.
DETROIT (AP) - President Barack Obama is hailing the recent resurgence for U.S. automakers. Traveling to Michigan today, he said thousands of new jobs show the administration was right to bailout the industry.
NEW YORK (AP) - Disney is selling Miramax Films to a group of investors for $660 million. The deal announced today ends speculation that founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein could regain control of the studio they launched more than three decades ago. The studio was behind such Oscar winners as "Shakespeare in Love," "Chicago" and "No Country for Old Men."
UNDATED (AP) - Delta Air Lines will pay $38 million to settle criminal accusations that the cargo unit of Northwest Airlines fixed prices. The Justice Department announced the guilty plea by Northwest Airlines. Delta bought Northwest in 2008, and the two carriers have since been combined.
UNDATED (AP) - A bit of an increase for crude prices. Benchmark crude for September delivery was up 59 cents to settle at $78.95 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Friday:
Big 4
2-7-2-9
Cash 5
17-33-36-39-41
Daily Number
1-3-3
Evening Quinto
1-3-9-3-8
Mega Millions
11-30-40-48-52, Mega Ball: 42
Megaplier
4
Midday Big 4
4-5-4-9
Midday Number
3-9-4
Midday Quinto
2-1-3-0-2
Treasure Hunt
14-17-19-24-30
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Source: J-Lo close to deal for 'American Idol'
NEW YORK (AP) - Ellen DeGeneres is dancing off "American Idol" after one season and Jennifer Lopez is poised to step in. A person familiar with negotiations for Lopez said she's close to signing a deal to join Fox TV's hit singing contest as a judge. The person, who was not authorized to comment publicly, spoke Thursday night on condition of anonymity. DeGeneres announced earlier Thursday she is leaving the show after one season, following fellow judge Simon Cowell out the door. Fox has yet to announce a replacement for Cowell. Actor-singer-dancer Lopez, whose films include "Selena" and "The Back-Up Plan," has appeared as a mentor on "American Idol." Fox declined comment. Phone and e-mail messages for Lopez's representatives were not immediately returned.
NBC to air live episode of Tina Fey's '30 Rock'
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - NBC says "30 Rock" is going live this fall. The network said Friday a live episode of the comedy will air Oct. 14 and will be performed twice so that both East and West Coast viewers get to see it that way. NBC executives told the Television Critics Association that "30 Rock" executive producers Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels were approached about a live episode and were up for the challenge. Fey, the show's star and creator, is familiar with live TV from her "Saturday Night Live" days. Michaels created and produces the show. NBC has aired other live episodes, but this will be the first for the Emmy-winning "30 Rock," which is produced in New York.
Rosie and Sarah agree: No ‘View’ for Obama
UNDATED (AP) -- Rosie O'Donnell and Sarah Palin agree on one thing: they don't think President Obama should've appeared on "The View." O'Donnell told her Sirius-XM radio listeners that she doesn't think sitting presidents should do "fluffy daytime TV shows." She says Oprah might've been more appropriate. Palin tweeted that Obama had "lotso time to chat on 'The View,"' but no time to visit what she called the "porous US/Mexican border" to help those she says are "risking life to secure us."
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Sports
Craig Stammen carried a shutout into the seventh inning and the Washington Nationals roughed up Roy Oswalt in his Philadelphia debut, halting the Phillies' eight-game winning streak with an 8-1 victory last night. Oswalt (6-13) allowed five runs - four earned - and seven hits in six innings. He walked two, struck out four and hit two batters.
Brendan Ryan's broken-bat infield hit in the 10th inning drove in the game's lone run and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 last night. Chris Carpenter allowed five hits over eight innings for the Cardinals, who have won eight of nine at home and regained first place in the NL Central by a half-game over Cincinnati.
A baseball executive familiar with the discussions says the Astros have agreed to send Lance Berkman to the Yankees for a pair of prospects. Berkman has full no-trade rights but said Friday he wouldn't get in the way of a deal that would benefit the Astros. The Yankees worked out another deal Friday, getting outfielder Austin Kearns from the Indians for a player to be named or cash.
Friday's Games
Toronto 8, Cleveland 1
Detroit 6, Boston 5
Tampa Bay 3, N.Y. Yankees 2
Kansas City 7, Baltimore 5
Chicago White Sox 6, Oakland 1
Minnesota 5, Seattle 3
L.A. Angels 9, Texas 7
Friday's Games
Arizona 9, N.Y. Mets 6
Atlanta 6, Cincinnati 4, 10 innings
Houston 5, Milwaukee 0
Colorado 17, Chicago Cubs 2
Florida 4, San Diego 2
San Francisco 6, L.A. Dodgers 5
The Atlanta Braves have traded minor league outfielder Mitch Jones to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash. The 32-year-old outfielder is batting .250 for Triple-A Gwinnett with 18 homers and 45 RBIs in 89 games. He will go to Pittsburgh's Triple-A team in Indianapolis.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is trying to reshape his battered image. He arrived at training camp in a subcompact car rather than an oversized SUV or a loaded-up truck. He acknowledges he's glad to be putting his troubled off-season behind him and is looking forward to the season. Practice begins today.
First-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey has agreed to a five-year contract with the Steelers and isn't expected to miss any training camp practices. Pouncey played center at Florida and is likely to spend most of his Steelers career at that position. But he is expected to compete at right guard.
Eagle’s fans who gather to watch the team's first practice in full pads this morning might need a program to figure out who is on the field. Donovan McNabb is with a new team. Brian Westbrook is job-hunting, and Sheldon Brown and other veterans are gone, too.
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded linebacker Joe Mays to the Denver Broncos for running back J.J. Arrington or a 2012 conditional draft choice. The deal was announced yesterday. Originally a second-round pick of Arizona in 2005, Arrington played with the Arizona Cardinals from 2005-08, compiling 1,347 career yards from while also averaging 23.6 yards on 114 kickoff returns, including two returned for touchdowns.
Quarterback Sam Bradford has reached agreement on his first NFL contract. The first player taken in this year's draft has accepted a six-year, $78 million contract with the St. Louis Rams, with a record $50 million in guaranteed money. Bradford concluded negotiations in time for the first full-squad workout set for today.
Tony Stewart had a lap yesterday at 171.393 mph to qualify for the pole for Sunday's Pennsylvania 500. Juan Pablo Montoya will start second. Denny Hamlin will start third as he tries to sweep both Pocono races.
Temple is the preseason choice to win the East division in the Mid-America Conference. Temple received 17 first-place votes in a poll of 20 members of the league's media contingent. Northern Illinois is the pick to win the West division.
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