Saturday, August 2, 2008

Numerous police converged on a suspect—and a home in Sunbury 

SUNBURY – Sunbury police made an arrest at a home at 4^th and Race Streets Friday night—and at one point had a half dozen people in custody—and numerous spectators gathered. Guns were drawn as police found and arrested John Jones of Milton; he’s wanted on a felony arrest warrant from Milton police.  Jones may be wanted on drug charges—more information on that will be out later.  

Sunbury police officers had help from Shamokin Dam officers as they arrested Jones and temporarily took into custody the people he was with at the time of his arrest.  Eventually, police released everyone but Jones and he was jailed in lieu of bail.  Officers say, a crowd gathered quickly to watch the police work—and that felony arrest Friday evening in Sunbury.  

A home was damaged by fire this morning in Northumberland County 

TREVORTON – A home along Irish Valley Road in Northumberland County was heavily damaged by fire Saturday morning.  County Communications tell WKOK that everyone got out of the home safely.  The fire was reported around 4a.m. and when volunteers first arrived on scene—flames were reportedly shooting through the roof of the home.

 No injuries were reported and no word on the name of the owner or occupants of that home.  Crews from Shamokin Township, Stonington, Overlook and Elysburg all responded to the scene—and a state police fire marshal will help investigate the cause of that blaze.

 A Sunbury DUI arrest after crash into railroad crossing 

SUNBURY – A truck hit, knocked over and then got hung up on a railroad crossing warning light post in Sunbury Saturday.  Sunbury police say they suspect April McArthur of driving drunk when she hit the pole at 3^rd and Race Streets.  The accident happened around 2:30a.m.  McArthur told police say is staying in the Montandon area but is from Michigan.  No injuries were reported after that accident that knocked down the rail-crossing signal.  Trains were halted for a time, while clean-up was underway at the scene.

 Argument turns physical; two cited for harassment 

MIDDLEBURG – Two Middleburg residents, one a juvenile, are facing harassment charges after police were called to the scene of a domestic dispute in Snyder County’s Franklin Township Sunday afternoon.  State Police in Selinsgrove say a 17-year-old juvenile got into an argument with 52-year-old, Keith James, at a residence around 3:30 p.m.  Police say the argument turned physical and both were cited for harassment in District Court.  (Sara Lauver) 

State Representative Belfanti Jr. heads home after surgery 

HARRISBURG – State Representative, Bob Belfanti Jr., says surgery on his lower spine went well and was successful.  After being postponed twice, the surgery was performed Wednesday at Hershey Medical Center and Belfanti was sent home Friday.  Belfanti says he will be confined to bed rest and limited therapy for the next three to four weeks and full recovery is expected to take between three to four months.   

Belfanti’s surgery was postponed two times before it happened this week; once so he could vote on the state budget and a second time when doctors didn’t like the results of pre-surgery blood work, which showed low blood counts.  He has already had a number of disc-related surgeries and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis several years ago.  (Sara Lauver) 

Kid’s triathlon field full 

LEWISBURG – A kids’ triathlon is proving to be more popular than anyone expected.  The upcoming 2^nd Annual Winans’ Triathlon for Kids involves swimming, cycling and running at the Lewisburg Community Park on St. Mary’s Street.  Race Director Tara Michaels says Dr. Lawrence Winans and others supported the event from the beginning and are watching it grow.  Michaels says the three divisions of the kids’ triathlon are already filled to capacity, though if there are cancellations, there is a waiting list.  She notes the kids’ triathlon is especially popular among parents and relatives, who fill the park in order to watch. 

The Winans’ Triathlon for Kids is planned for Friday, August 15^th at 6:30 p.m. The 3^rd Annual LARA Sprint Triathlon for grown-ups is the following day and still has entry slots available.  Portions of both events use roadways in Lewisburg and surrounding townships, and caution is advised for motorists.  We’ll have more about the Sprint Triathlon as race day approaches.  (Matt Farrand)   

Near-unanimous approval for military spending bill 

WASHINGTON – $24 million dollars to fund a military reserve center in Lewisburg is part of a spending bill that passed the House Friday by a vote of 409 to 4.  Congressman Chris Carney voted for it and calls it step toward providing reservists with modern facilities to train locally.  The bill also spends more than $18 million dollars for a reserve center in Williamsport.  A similar funding measure was passed by the US senate in July, and now awaits presidential approval  (Matt Farrand) 

Utility reports lower quarterly earnings 

ALLENTOWN – Lower earnings at PPL Corp are being attributed rising fuel costs, the sale of the electric delivery business they once owned Latin America, and loss of a one-time tax advantage from a year ago.  The utility reports second quarter earnings of 50 cents per share, compared with 88 cents per share during the same period in 2007.  The loss of earnings from a synthetic fuel business is also noted.  Efficient energy marketing and trading activities offset the negative news somewhat.   

The company that serves several million customers in Pennsylvania announced earnings Friday. (Matt Farrand) 

Roundtable takes an advanced look at National Night Out 

SUNBURY – This weekend on our Roundtable program, we have a preview of next Tuesday’s National Night Out activities.  The Sunbury police department, the Sunbury Crimewatch committee and hundreds of volunteers, donors, businesses and others, converge on Cameron Park, from 6 to 8p.m. for the annual event.

Sunbury’s police chief Steven Mazzeo told us he would like to see the Crimewatch expand, and get more people involved. He said there are numerous cases where Crimewatch patrols discovered suspicious activity and event helped contribute to major drug busts.  

Engine trouble disables powerboat on river 

UPPER AUGUSTA TWP – Emergency crews had to tow a powerboat back to shore Friday.  Northumberland County Communications reports the engine in the craft blew shortly before 5:00 p.m. near the Shikellamy State Park Marina.  They were unable to tow the boat to the Marina, and had to pull it over near the Barry King Bridge instead.  Officials did not supply the name of the boater, but note that no injuries were reported in the incident.   (Matt Farrand)   

Consumers being alerted to latest phone scam involving area grocery stores

CARLISLE – Giant Food Stores is warning customers about a scam involving phone calls to residents’ homes, where individuals are claiming to be Giant associates conducting a survey.  Giant Spokeswoman, Tracy Pawelski, says the scammers have been calling homes and asking for personal information.  According to several reports, the caller requests information such as name, address, buying habits, social security number, time in residence and other personal or family information.  Pawelski says, in return for their participation, customers are being promised cash or a coupon for their next shopping visit to Giant Stores. 

Pawelski wants customers to know that Giant does not conduct surveys in this fashion and residents should be aware of this scam.  Giant is working with local law enforcement agencies and an investigation in underway.  Customers can visit their local Giant store or ask for the store manager if they believe they may have received such a call or have been a part of this scam.  (Sara Lauver) 

Representative talks about what needs to be done now that PennDOT delayed the CSVT project 

SUNBURY – Several officials and residents are outraged that PennDOT announced that the CSVT project is on-hold for now.  However, what needs to be done now to keep the project going?  We spoke with State Representative Russ Fairchild, who says its time to brainstorm in a group on the next steps to take.  He says getting everyone together again will be helpful.  He adds that everyone involved knows that the success of this project depends directly on the amount of federal funds allocated. 

 United Way again offers education guide 

LEWISBURG – A newly released report card measures the quality and availability of early childhood services in our region.  Coordinator Karen Ulp of the Northumberland Early Care and Education Commission says the 7^th Annual Early Childhood Resource Guide is being distributed via school districts, doctors’ offices and at other spots.  Ulp says it is a handy resource for parents.  The guide gives special recognition to programs that meet educational standards as measured by the statewide Keystone Stars program.   

Ulp says quality early childhood education pays off long term, as young students become more productive citizens later in life.  The 16-page guide is also available through the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and at the Penn State Cooperative Extension of Union and Snyder Counties.  Call 966-8194 for more information.  (Matt Farrand)   

Montour County man accused of fondling a 14-year-old and providing alcohol to teen girls

 DANVILLE – A Mahoning Township man is charged with corruption of minors, indecent assault and furnishing alcohol to minors.  Police say 64-year-old Terry Heimbach admitted to inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl in August of 2007.  Heimbach reported invited the girl and others, ages 13 to 15, to his home, and supplied them with alcohol.  The girls reportedly were at his home numerous times between last August and May of this year.  (Ali Stevens)  

Woman injured in a crash on Route 54 in Danville 

DANVILLE – A Danville woman was injured in a crash on Route 54 in Danville Thursday afternoon.  Police say Tina Buck was taken to the hospital after her husband, 38-year-old Paul Buck, accidentally turned in front of a minivan from Route 54 onto Ferry Street.  Buck complained of back and knee pain.  A baby in a safety seat was not injured.  The other driver, 71-year-old Sandra Ikeler of Danville was taken to the hospital as a precaution.  Buck will be cited for causing the accident.  (Ali Stevens)  

Former school security guard will go to trial charged with rape 

MIFFLINBURG – A former security guard in the Mifflinburg School District will go to trial on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent exposure.  District Justice Leo Armbruster bound all charges to court on Thursday following a preliminary hearing for 59-year-old Jerry Haines of Mifflinburg.  Police say Haines raped a 14-year-old boy twice in February of 2006 at a home in the borough.  District Justice Jeffrey Mensch recused himself from the case because he knows Haines through church and other area events.  Haines is free on bail and faces formal arraignment on August 18^th.  (Ali Stevens)

Hit and run driver causes a two truck crash on Route 15 in East Buffalo Township

LEWISBURG – Police want to know who was driving a small silver vehicle that caused two tractor- trailers to collide on Route 15 near Beagle Club Road in East Buffalo Township around 12:30 Thursday afternoon.  Police say the car swerved around one of the trucks and then cut in front of the other, causing a chain reaction crash between the two rigs.  The driver of the car then turned onto Beagle Club Road and kept going.  The right lane of Route 15 was closed while the trucks were removed.  Police say the driver of the car was a woman and anyone who may have witnessed the accident should contact them.  (Ali Stevens)  

One injury after a crash this morning on the Susquehanna Trail in Northumberland County

LEWIS TOWNSHIP – One person was injured in a crash early this morning in Lewis Township, Northumberland County.  State police say 46-year-old Edward Vining was traveling south near Route 54, when for unknown reasons he drove off the road and struck a cement culvert.  Minor injuries were reported in the accident that happened just before 3 a.m. and charges are pending against Vining.  (Ali Stevens)

Intruder discovered in EBT home 

EAST BUFFALO TWP – East Buffalo Township Police say an Abbey Lane woman encountered a suspicious intruder in her bedroom Thursday afternoon at about 2:20 p.m.  The female is described as a small, heavy-set woman in her 40’s or 50’s, possibly of Indian origin.  Police say the unexpected guest faked illness and walked outside the house, where she was picked up by a man driving an older model gold Astro van.  Neighbors say the van went the wrong way on a one way street and was driven by a man with thinning hair.   

The pair fled south on Route 15.  Whether anything was taken is not known.  East Buffalo Township Police request a call to 524-2943 if you have information.  (Matt Farrand)   

Belfanti warns of magazine sales scam  

HARRISBURG – A local State House member is warning of a magazine sales scam.  The office of Bob Belfanti says homes in the area are reportedly being visited by young representatives of a Texas-based company called “Always Helping People LLC.”  They often ask for subscription payment in cash or checks made out to “FNT Inc.”  However, Belfanti says the Better Business Bureau can not locate the company in its home state and the post office box they were using no longer exists.   

Belfanti notes that residents who believe they are victims of a scam or unfair business practice should contact the state Attorney General’s office.  (Matt Farrand)  

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment: 

WASHINGTON (AP) - A compact to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes has passed the U.S. Senate and awaits action in the House. President Bush has said he'll sign the measure into law and both major presidential candidates support it. The agreement was negotiated by eight Great Lakes states including Pennsylvania. It prevents countries or remote states from tapping into the lakes from their natural drainage basin with rare exceptions. In addition, states would be required to regulate their own large-scale water uses and promote conservation. The National Wildlife Federation called on the House to quickly follow the Senate's lead, but that will have to wait until next month, when Congress returns from its August recess.    

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's largest wind power project has the go-ahead from the state, although one county's approval is being challenged in court. The state Department of Environment Protection this week said it approved plans by AES Corp. to protect creeks, streams and residential properties on  Armenia Mountain in Northcentral Pennsylvania. The Arlington, Va.-based company wants to erect more than 120 wind turbines north of Canton on the Tioga-Bradford county border. But the Tioga Preservation Group is challenging a conditional approval from the county's planning commission. State officials said the turbines will provide 150 megawatts, enough power for 47,000 homes.    

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

FRIDAY NIGHT

 Daily Number
     1-0-4    

 Big 4
     3-8-2-6

FRIDAY MIDDAY

 Daily Number
     2-7-5    

 Big 4
     6-7-8-2    

 Treasure Hunt
     2-3-18-25-28   

The winning numbers drawn Friday in the "Pennsylvania Cash 5" game were:     
03-14-27-29-32    

The winning numbers drawn Friday in the "Pennsylvania Match 6 Lotto" game were:   
03-07-12-30-32-40    

     (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Lohan chastises LA's top cop for "gay" remark 

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Lindsay Lohan is steamed about a comment by Los Angeles' police chief. William Bratton says the paparazzi have become less of a problem partly because Lohan has evidently "gone gay." There's been tabloid speculation for months that Lohan is dating a female DJ. Lohan is telling Los Angeles police that it's "inappropriate" for them to "get involved in everyone else's business when it comes to their personal life." She made the statement in a video shot by paparazzi and posted on TMZ.com. Bratton commented later that his sister is gay, and he's a proponent of gay rights. 

Brangelina baby fetches big photo deal 

NEW YORK (AP) - A person involved in the negotiations for pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's newborn twins says the rights have fetched $14 million. The person asked not to be named because he was not authorized to release the figure. People magazine scored the photos in a joint deal with the London-based Hello! magazine, and the two will split the bill. People will feature Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon in an

issue to hit newsstands Monday, spokeswoman Nancy Valentino said Friday. The money will go to a foundation created by Pitt and Jolie that largely focuses on helping children around the world. The $14 million more than doubles the $6 million People paid to feature Jennifer Lopez and her newborn twins on a March cover, according to Forbes.  

Celebs urge legal curbs on aggressive paparazzi 

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Three celebrities have met with Los Angeles-area elected officials in a marathon complaint session to discuss ways to regulate paparazzi. A Los Angeles city councilman is considering proposing ordinances. Singer-songwriter John Mayer says he believes freelance photographers should be licensed, taxed and credentialed with a big, white letter "P" affixed to their car license plates. Actors Eric Roberts and Milo Ventimiglia say they frequently feel their privacy is violated. But Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton says he doesn't think much of the effort, calling it a "waste of time." He says there are already enough laws on the books to take care of any problem. And he added that with Britney Spears behaving herself and Paris Hilton out of town things are pretty quiet anyway.

      (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)