Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunbury man jailed after stabbing
SUNBURY -- A Sunbury man is in jail after stabbing another man in the city early Saturday morning. Police say around 2:40a.m. 24-year-old Tariq McGriff stabbed 29-year-old John Thorne, also of Sunbury, at a home along North 6th Street. Police say the men knew each other and became involved in an argument when McGriff stabbed Thorne in the face and the wrist.
McGriff was arrested shortly after the incident and arraigned before District Judge Hugh Jones. He faces eight charges, including aggravated and simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. He is in Northumberland County Prison on $100,000. Thorne was taken to Geisinger Medical Center. No word on his condition. (Sara Bartlett)
Police search for escapee from Northumberland County Prison
SUNBURY -- An inmate has in-effect, escaped from the Northumberland County Prison, by not showing up after a brief furlough. 56-year-old Danny Hart was allowed to leave the prison Saturday at 2:30p.m. to attend his wife's funeral in Milton. He was expected to return by 5:30p.m. that day, but never did. Hart was serving a sentence of four to fifteen months for filing false reports and resisting arrest.
Police say Hart has family and friends in the Sunbury, Milton, Danville and Washingtonville areas. He also has a sister and ex-wife who live in Massachusetts. Police are searching in these areas and beyond for Hart. He is described as a white male, 5'3", 158 pounds with brown eyes and grey hair. (Sara Bartlett)
Armed home invasion under investigation in Sunbury
SUNBURY -- Sunbury Police say charges may be filed soon after a home invasion in the city over the weekend. Around 12:40p.m. Saturday an armed man entered a home in the 200 block of Pine Street. Police say the man was trying to rob the homeowners and did have a gun.
The man and someone in the home struggled and the gun went off, firing one shot, but hitting nobody. There were no injuries reported. The suspect fled the scene, but police say they do have leads and expect to take that person into custody soon. (Sara Bartlett)
Buehner clarifies his 'carpetbagger' statement
DANVILLE -- Montour County District Attorney Bob Buehner is expanding on his comment that Northumberland County solicitor Tim Bowers was a 'carpetbagger,' moving to Montour County just to run for a public office. Buehner says Bowers does not meet the minimum qualifications for the job.
He says someone seeking office must be a resident of the county for at least a year. Buehner says Bowers does have an office here, but is not a resident. He adds that, even if he doesn't seek reelection, Buehner would challenge Bowers' run because he doesn't meet the residence qualification.
Buehner also says Bowers experience as a defense lawyer and dealing with criminal cases is limited. Bowers will step down as solicitor next month, and plans to move near his office in Montour County. He has not publicly announced if he will seek the DA position. Buehner says any decision whether or not he will seek reelection as the DA is premature, and no real decision has to be made until the beginning of next year. (Sara Bartlett)
One injury after a three vehicle crash on 'the strip'
SELINSGROVE – One injury was reported after three vehicles collided on Routes 11 and 15 near the Susquehanna Valley Mall in Monroe Township, Snyder County. The accident happened Sunday at 3:15 p.m. when 43-year-old Joseph Pitcher of Ontario, New York ran a red light, striking a vehicle driven by 74-year-old Edward Smith of Selinsgrove.
Smith’s vehicle was then pushed into another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Ryan McGuire of Middleburg. Smith sustained a minor injury. No other injuries were reported. Traffic was detoured around the scene for about 45 minutes while crews cleaned up the wreckage. Pitcher was cited for causing the crash. (Ali Stevens)
Bechtel’s Restaurant property appears to be up for sale again
LEWISBURG – It appears the property that housed the former Bechtel’s Restaurant is once again for sale. The Standard Journal reports plans for a Rite-Aid to be built there have apparently fallen through, with a “For Sale” sign posted on the property once again.
Lewisburg Borough Manager Chad Smith said the borough council has not been informed of any decisions made by Benderson Development Company, who purchased the property for $1.25-million in 2008. Rite-Aid Corporation has been on shaky financial ground for a couple of years, but it’s not clear if that’s why they backed out of the deal at the Bechtel’s property. (Ali Stevens)
Kitchen fire overnight near Mifflinburg
MIFFLINBURG – Firefighters from Mifflinburg and New Berlin were called to the scene of a kitchen fire overnight in West Buffalo Township, Union County. Emergency dispatchers say the fire started in a home at 29 Clark Avenue in West Buffalo Township.
The home is located between Mifflinburg and the village of Cowan. The fire started around 1:28 and crews remained on the scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported. The extent of damage is not yet known. (Ali Stevens)
31,000 raised during 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon
SELINSGROVE -- Dr. Michael Ryan, chairman of the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital revealed the total yesterday afternoon for the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon, which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center. During the three-day event, $30,968.26 was raised for the hospital.
This was the 10th year for the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon. One major part of the Radiothon is Ashley’s Auction, which this year raised more than $13,000 towards the total. Also a princess and pirate party was held yesterday at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, which raised more than $500. All of the more than $30,000 raised during this event will benefit children being treated at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. (Ali Stevens)
Mifflinburg man charged with raping a woman in Union County
MIFFLINBURG – A Mifflinburg man is behind bars in the Union County Prison, charged with raping a woman from Lewisburg. State police say the 23-year-old woman was visiting 47-year-old William Crist Jr. at his home on Bobcat Drive in West Buffalo Township Saturday.
After the woman went to sleep in the home, Crist reportedly entered her room and raped her. Crist was arrested and taken into custody at his home. A preliminary hearing is set for August 10th. (Ali Stevens)
Local counties maintain bans on outdoor burning
SELINSGROVE -- Bans on outdoor burning remain in effect in Union, Snyder and Northumberland Counties, as a Selinsgrove man found out on Saturday. State troopers say 49-year-old Robert Keefer of Clifford Road is being cited for violating the ban after burning a large pile of trash in his back yard. Burn bans were imposed during the hot and dry month of July.
Local counties joined Schuylkill and Adams Counties as the only five counties in the state with burn bans in effect. No drought advisories or restrictions are in effect, but a four-week dry spell prompted local leaders to take action. Since then, rainfall amounts have returned to normal and the state forestry department says the fire risk is ‘low.’ (Matt Farrand)
Coal Township Police investigating fatal motorcycle crash
ELYSBURG -- Another motorcycle rider is dead after a crash. Coal Township Police say 23-year-old Geoffrey Michalesko of Kingston, in Luzerne County, died in the wreck. He lost control of his motorcycle heading west on Route 54 toward Elysburg at about 7:35 p.m. Saturday. The Northumberland County Coroner says Michalesko died of blunt force trauma. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
His vehicle collided with, and snapped of the mirror off an oncoming car driven by 32-year-old Dustin Tolbert of Greencastle. Neither Tolbert nor his passengers were injured. This crash is the latest among several fatal crashes involving motorcycle riders in the Valley. Newsradio 1070 WKOK has posted at www.wkok.com, a series of stories about motorcycle safety. (Matt Farrand)
Accusations exchanged between undeclared DA hopefuls
SUNBURY – Northumberland County's outgoing solicitor is to move to Montour County and run for District Attorney. Long before the election, allegations are already flying between attorney Tim Bowers and incumbent Montour County District Attorney Bob Buehner.
Bowers is resigning as Northumberland County solicitor effective September 3rd, and Buehner believes his move to Montour County is being done strictly for political gain. Bowers reacted to Buehner’s charge of "carpet bagging" Saturday on the WKOK newsline and says he is surprised by the allegations.
Bowers maintains he has had a long time association with the Danville area, and accused Buehner of name calling, a practice he associates with politics in Northumberland County. Bowers was appointed Northumberland County solicitor in April of this year and replaced Vincent Rovito. Meantime, Buehner is considering running for another term as District Attorney. (Matt Farrand)
Route 405 crash sends two to the hospital
MONTANDON – “Mums” the word from state police as they continue to withhold details of a bad crash Friday afternoon. They do say details investigation are expected soon. Two drivers who crashed Friday taken to Geisinger Medical Center. The accident happened around 1:45p.m. on Route 405 south of Montandon.
One vehicle crossed over the centerline and hit another vehicle head-on. One driver was taken to the hospital by Life Flight, the other by ambulance. Fire and rescue crews from Lewisburg, Milton and Evangelical Community Hospital responded to the crash scene. (Sara Bartlett)
Beavertown residents advised to boil water
BEAVERTOWN -- A boil water advisory is once again in effect in Beavertown Borough, for customers on or along the area of North Kern Street, Old Orchard Drive and Jonna Drive. The advisory is due to a break in a water main. Repair work is underway, and the boil water advisory will stay in effect until further notice. Beavertown's water system is subject to frequent problems. (Matt Farrand)
Empire Hotel patron assaulted by man with knife
FREEBURG -- A Selinsgrove man is being charged after an early Sunday incident at the Empire Hotel in Freeburg. State troopers say 41-year-old Stephen Reichold engaged in a fight and pulled a knife on a patron at the hotel. There were no reported injuries in the 2:00 a.m. fight, but Reichold faces an aggravated assault charge. (Matt Farrand)
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.
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)
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)
River enthusiasts encouraged to join 'Paddle between the Parks'
UNDATED -- A 12-mile paddle down the Susquehanna River is coming up Saturday 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. this 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)
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, lottery, business and entertainment
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Court records indicate a lawyer shot to death at a gun range last month may have been killed so members of a group bent on overthrowing the U.S. government could use his assault rifle. A police affidavit says 64-year-old state prison guard Raymond Franklin Peake III told detectives he and 34-year-old co-defendant Thomas Frankin Tuso are members of the extremist group Peake refused to name. The affidavit says Peake told police he found 42-year-old lawyer Todd Getgen already dead at the range near Carlisle and took Getgen's AR-15. Peake faces charges including homicide, robbery and conspiracy. Tuso is accused of theft and other crimes. Both were suspended without pay by Camp Hill state prison on Friday. Court officials say neither defendant has a lawyer on record.
JONESTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Police say a central Pennsylvania woman whose car rolled down an embankment was trapped in her car for six hours before a searching family member found her. State police say 46-year-old Kathryn Reed was found trapped in her car Sunday at the bottom of a 30-foot embankment in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County. Authorities say Reed's car struck several trees after rounding a curve then rolled down the hill. The Tower City woman's family reported her missing and began retracing her route after she failed to show up for an appointment. Reed was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of what police called minor injuries.
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) - The federal Environmental Protection Agency is proposing fines ranging from $22,000 to $32,000 for five central Pennsylvania sewage treatment plants that allegedly failed to conduct sampling to determine new pollution limits for industrial users. The EPA is proposing fines at two Altoona Water Authority plants, and at plants in Tyrone, Huntingdon and one operated by Centre County's University Area Joint Authority. The EPA says in a press release that the proposed fines are part of a strategy to improve local water supplies at the watershed that supplies the Chesapeake Bay. Officials in Tyrone say they were surprised by the announcement because they've been working with the EPA to comply with sewage limits for industrial users.
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. (AP) - A central Pennsylvania man is being held on charges he took inappropriate photos of customers inside a store after police used the man's grocery store rewards card to track him down. Investigators say 48-year-old Earl Long used his cell phone to covertly take photographs or videos up the skirts of two female customers. The incident happened in mid-July at a grocery store in Middletown, near Harrisburg. Police say Long was identified through his store rewards card. Long was arrested Friday and charged with invasion of privacy. The Manheim man is being held on $5,000 bail at the Dauphin County Prison. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The 18-story tower across from the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg is where millions of records from centuries of commonwealth history are kept to keep them safe for future generations. But it's running out of room. Officials say the archive can take more for another year or maybe two, and the building must either be renovated or expanded or the archives must move somewhere else. The boxes that fill almost every level from floor to ceiling contain everything from state documents and some corporate records to mortgages and estate papers. There are also photographic prints and negatives, maps, postcards, audio recordings, and motion-picture films. The documents include the 1681 charter from King Charles II granting William Penn the colony of Pennsylvania and the state's 1780 act abolishing slavery.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Updates on the latest in business:
Dow: 10,669.08, up 203.14
S&P 500: 1,124.75, up 23.15
NASDAQ: 2,294.89, up 40.19
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Treasury Department has further trimmed its estimates of the amount of borrowing it will need to do this year as an improving economy has boosted tax revenues and cut spending needs more than previously expected. Treasury says that it now expects to borrow $1.438 trillion this year, still the second-highest amount in history. But that is down by 19.5 percent from last year's all-time record in borrowing of $1.786 trillion. Late last month, the Obama administration lowered its estimate for the overall deficit for this budget year to $1.471 trillion. That would be the highest deficit in history, surpassing last year's $1.41 trillion deficit but is an improvement from the amount the administration had estimated in February.
BOSTON (AP) - A bill that supporters say would allow Massachusetts consumers to get vehicles fixed at a wider range of repair shops has failed to gain approval. The legislation, called the "Right to Repair" bill, was passed by the Massachusetts Senate in July, but it never came up for a House vote before the legislative session ended Saturday. The bill would have required auto dealerships to sell codes, tools and information needed to repair cars to independent auto dealerships and vehicle owners. Independent repair shops says they need the information to repair many cars. Opponents argue that the proprietary information would end up in the hands of companies that make generic parts. Massachusetts would have become the first state to pass such a measure.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. are trying to stop competitors from offering lower e-book prices. Blumenthal announced Monday that his office is investigating agreements made by the two companies that deter publishers from giving discounts to other e-book providers. Blumenthal says the agreements hurt competition. He says he hopes to meet with representatives from both companies to discuss them. Telephone messages left for and e-mails sent to Amazon and Apple representatives on Monday were not immediately returned
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Monday:
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $42 million
Midday Big 4
9-0-5-2
Midday Number
0-3-1
Midday Quinto
9-5-9-9-6
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $20 million
Treasure Hunt
05-09-19-23-27
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Sunday:
Big 4
2-0-6-9
Cash 5
07-09-25-26-40
Daily Number
5-1-3
Evening Quinto
7-8-7-3-5
Midday Big 4
9-0-8-2
Midday Number
2-1-8
Midday Quinto
6-5-6-5-6
Treasure Hunt
09-12-20-21-24
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Oldest mail carrier
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The nation's oldest mail carrier is hanging up his bag. The U.S. Postal Service says 91-year-old Mancel Prince is retiring. He's driven more than 1.1 million miles delivering the mail in rural Tennessee. His route covered nearly 100 miles, and earned him a Million-Mile Safe Driving award for 35 accident-free years. Prince served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam before retiring from the military. After his return to the states, he started working for the post office.
Mitch Miller dies
NEW YORK (AP) -- Back in the 50s and 60s it was cool to sing along with Mitch. Mitch Miller was an orchestra leader who asked his audiences to sing along with the songs he played. He released a series of "Sing Along With Mitch" records, and then turned the bit into a TV show. He was also known for his goatee and the stiff way he conducted his orchestra. Miller has now died. He was 99.
Let it B-flat: piano played by Beatles for sale
LONDON (AP) - These ivories have history. A British auction house is offering for sale a piano from London's Abbey Road Studios that featured on tracks by The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Auctioneer Bonhams said Monday that the battered Challen upright, scarred by coffee stains and cigarette burns, is expected to fetch between 100,000 pounds and 150,000 pounds ($157,000 and $230,000). The piano resided at Abbey Road's Studio Three between 1964 and the 1980s, and was used on tracks including The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "Paperback Writer." Pink Floyd later recorded part of Dark Side of the Moon" in Studio Three and used the piano. It is part of an Aug. 15 memorabilia auction at the Goodwood Vintage Festival in Chichester, southern England.
Police: Wendy's robber complains about skimpy haul
ATLANTA (AP) - Police say a man who robbed a fast-food restaurant with a gun was so mad about the amount of loot that he called back twice to complain. The man walked up to the drive-through window of an Atlanta Wendy's late Saturday night, wearing a ski mask and holding a gun. He demanded the cash drawer, grabbed it and ran away. But police say he later called the fast food restaurant to complain about the amount of cash. Police say in one call he said that "next time there better be more than $586." He called again with a similar complaint.
Lindsay Lohan released from jail, now due in rehab
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Lindsay Lohan has been released from jail, but she's not a free woman yet. The 24-year-old actress was discharged from a suburban Los Angeles jail about 1:35 a.m. Monday. She served 14 days of a 90-day jail sentence for violating her probation for a 2007 drug case. The "Mean Girls" star's release doesn't end her legal saga though. She now must go to an inpatient rehab program. Lohan had been in a sequestered unit of the women's jail since July 20. The facility has also housed stars such as Paris Hilton and Michelle Rodriguez. A judge in Beverly Hills determined Lohan violated her probation by missing seven weekly alcohol education classes since December.
Online prayer group rejects link to Democratic Party ads
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - An online group that prays for the president, other national leaders and U.S. troops wants members to know that it's not linked to the Democratic National Committee. Jim Bolthouse, executive director of the Presidential Prayer Team, says hundreds of its members have quit recently because of DNC advertising links that were attached to its e-mail prayer updates. A DNC spokesman says the ads automatically attach to e-mails that contain certain key words and are not specifically aimed at the Christian group, which claims to reach nearly 1.5 million households. But Bolthouse says the Democratic links have given some members the mistaken impression that the Presidential Prayer Team supports President Obama's party and policies. He insists the prayer group is politically neutral, but adds, "We would like to see our government return to one that respects the Bible as its standard."
Schmuck controversy begins
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- Paul Rudd is surprised that some people are upset with the title of his movie "Dinner for Schmucks." Rudd says his grandfather used to call him "schmuck" all the time. He always thought it meant idiot. Until he found out it was Yiddish for penis. Same goes for the word "putz." He thought that meant jerk. Until he found out it was also Yiddish for penis. Rudd asks "what's up with all the words, by the way, for penis?" But he still never thought in a million years anyone would be offended by the title of the movie.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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