Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Should higher gasoline tax fund road repairs?

COLUMBIA CO. -- Pennsylvania motorists could face an increase in fuel taxes or licensing fees if governor Ed Rendell successfully sells a revenue generating plan to finance road and bridge maintenance statewide.  The governor met reporters Wednesday at a 'structurally deficient' bridge along Route 42 between Numidia and Aristes in Columbia County. 

The governor says higher fuel taxes, along with increased drivers license and vehicle registration fees are needed to make up for money lost when the federal government rejected a plan to put tolls on Interstate 80.  Rendell concedes the time remaining in his final term in office is short, and encouraged citizens to put pressure on legislators to put together a plan like the one he outlined.  The governor's full comments are posted online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)

Two doctors from Geisinger are excited about a new medical clinic coming to Selinsgrove

SELINSGROVE – Geisinger new medical facility in Selinsgrove will be opening soon. The office is along University Avenue, across from Susquehanna University. Geisinger has partnered with Susquehanna to turn the former St. Pius X Church on University Avenue into a new health clinic for the students at the University and for the general public. 

Dr. Michael Ryan, chairman of the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger says the project has been in the works for quite a while, but just recently came together. And Dr. Ryan says they will soon be seeing patients at the clinic.  He says they have hired five pediatricians to staff the facility, which is open seven days a week.

They hope to start seeing patients somewhere around the 27th of September. The St. Pius building became available a couple of years ago, when the church built a new location nearby.  The University purchased the building and then transformed it into the new student health center and Geisinger clinic.  (Ali Stevens)

The state’s natural gas drillers could be harming the environment

HARRISBURG – An environmental group says the state’s natural gas drillers could be harming the environment.  The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is out with a list of over 1,400 violations committed by Marcellus shale drillers in Pennsylvania.  The DEP citations were issued over the last 2.5 years.

The association says 952 of these violations are potentially harmful to the environment. Executive Director of The Pennsylvania Land Association, Andy Loza says all these violations are fairly serious and have serious consequences. He says that whether it’s going to harm fish in the stream, potentially cause a blowout, or cause contamination of groundwater, they are all serious kinds of errors.

Out of the 43 Pennsylvania companies currently drilling for natural gas in the state, some are in trouble more often—for example, one company has only 8 violations while another has 138. Loza says the industry should be able to set a goal of zero tolerance for violations. Loza is on this week’s Leaders & Lawmakers program. The show airs tomorrow at 3pm, or listen to it on our website at www.wkok.com. (Stephanie Klock)

Life Flight in Point Township last night....but there was no emergency

POINT TOWNSHIP -- Point Township was one of the many National Night Out events last evening. The Life Flight helicopter was at the event and pilot Wayne O'Connor told us, its part of their outreach and good for the public to see them close-up.  He says people always see them flying over their houses, but never have seen the inside of the aircraft. 

One 5th grader at the event last night, Hannah Grenell was fascinated by the Life Flight helicopter and told us, she had seen the chopper in use once before, when her sister was taken to the hospital. National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August to bring the police department and the community together in a relaxed setting.  (Mark Lawrence)

American Legion Riders have a fundraiser in Selinsgrove this weekend

SELINSGROVE – The American Legion Riders will host a car wash Saturday at Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Hummels Wharf, beginning at 10 a.m. All money raised will support the veterans.  Also, raffle tickets are being sold for a donated car from Aubrey Alexander, which will be given away on August 28th.  Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the American Legion Post 25 in Selinsgrove.  Residents are encouraged to attend the car wash Saturday and support your local veterans.  (Ali Stevens)

Congressman Carney reports for active duty in Virginia

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) has reported for active duty at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.  Carney, one of four members of the U.S. House of Representatives actively serving in the military, will be on duty through August 8th. 

Carney will be involved with the Predator Missions in Afghanistan while on active duty.  He was activated for Operations Southern Watch, Nobel Eagle and Enduring Freedom.  The congressman is required to report for multiple weeks of Reserve duty each year. (Ali Stevens)

Milton man injured in motorcycle accident

MILTON -- The latest in a series of motorcycle crashes this summer took place on Monday night in West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County.  State police say 44-year-old Craig Wheeland of Milton was traveling north on Noaker Road, just south of Route 45 when he lost control of his motorcycle on a curve.

 The motorcycle struck a driveway and then slid across the road.  Wheeland was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  He was not wearing a helmet and his condition is not known.  (Ali Stevens)

Milton police quell armed stand-off

MILTON -- More information has been released about an armed stand-off in Milton last night. Milton police tell us they were called to 455 Brown Avenue for a suicide threat around 7 last evening.  when they arrived, they learned that a man, who has not been identified,  had already fired a gun into a television inside his home. 

Police say when they arrived, the man had already fled the scene on foot.  Police were able to make contact with him by telephone and he gave police his location and was taken into custody without incident.  The man was taken to Geisinger Medical Center for evaluation.  No injuries were reported. 

Assisting Milton police at the scene were police from Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, East Buffalo Township, Watsontown, Sunbury and Point Township.  State police were also called in along with the Northumberland and Union County Sheriff's Departments and the Susquehanna Valley Swat Team.   (Ali Stevens)

Unit 1 at the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant is back in service

BERWICK -- Unit 1 at Susquehanna's Nuclear Power Plant near Berwick is back in service following a shut down of the reactor on July 16th.  Unit 1 was shut down after river water entered the turbine building basement from hatches that provide access to the unit's condenser.  The condenser uses river water to cool the steam leaving the turbine. 

PPL officials say while the unit was shut down, repairs were made to the circulating water system and the equipment was assessed in the basement.  All of the water removed from the turbine building was processed and the unit is now ready to run normally.  The unit was put back in service Wednesday morning.  (Ali Stevens)

National Night Out events held last night in The Valley

POINT TOWNSHIP – National Night Out events were held across the Central Susquehanna Valley last evening to help introduce the public to their local law enforcement agencies. One event was at the Point Township Recreation Park along Ridge Road.

Point Township Police Chief Joshua VanKirk says a number of groups got together to meet with the community last night, including Children and Youth, the Game Commission, the local fire departments and the Fish and Boat Commission. He says the environment is relaxed for a comfortable interaction with the public.

VanKirk says this is the first year Point Township and Northumberland Police Departments have worked together to put this event together. He says the public can interact with the police officers and bring up concerns with them that they may not feel comfortable doing in a more formal setting. (Ali Stevens)

A-bomb victims remembered by peace group

LEWISBURG — August 6th, 1945 is remembered as the day 70,000 residents of Hiroshima, Japan died instantly as the first atomic bomb used in warfare exploded over their city. Joe Manzi of the Center For Non Violent Living says his group is planning a silent walk through Lewisburg Friday to remember the victims and work for elimination of nuclear weapons.

The silent walk is planned for 6:40 pm Friday starting at the Soldier’s Park on North Water and Market Streets in Lewisburg. A memorial ceremony will follow at 7 pm at Hufnagle Park and 7th and Market Streets. (Matt Farrand)

Congressman's wife undergoes surgery for breast cancer

DIMOCK -- The wife of Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) is recovering after surgery for breast cancer. A release issued by Carney's office says the cancer was caught early and the prognosis is excellent for Jennifer, who wanted to keep news of her illness as private as possible until after her surgery.

Because of the procedure on Friday, Carney returned home prior to the start of the Congressional recess, and was not present for votes and other legislative business on Thursday and Friday. (Matt Farrand)

Inmate turns himself in after extended furlough

SUNBURY -- A Northumberland County Prison inmate who failed to return after being given a Saturday afternoon furlough is back in custody. 56-year-old Danny Hart turned himself in at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Warden Roy Johnson.

Hart was granted temporary release to attend his wife's funeral in Milton on Saturday. He was expected to return Saturday evening, but did not. Hart was serving four to 15 months in prison for filing false reports and resisting arrest for an incident on March 19th. (Ali Stevens)

Murder accomplice faces prison time

MIDDLEBURG – The accomplice in the May 2009 shooting death of Steven Rodriguez was sentenced to 10-20 years in state prison today. Abdul Malik Saeed Walker will also serve 2 years of consecutive probation. Walker entered a no-contest plea to third-degree homicide and burglary after a shooting inside a Monroe Township apartment, during an argument over stolen marijuana.

The admitted shooter, Walker’s cousin, David Cannie Jr. of Philadelphia, was sentenced by Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr. to a 21-60 year prison sentence in March. District Attorney Michael Piecuch felt the sentencing for Walker was appropriate given his role in the incident.

Judge Woelfel made it clear that even though Walker was not the shooter, he facilitated the disagreement, which prompted the shooting. Piecuch says Walker indicated in court today that he plans to withdraw his plea, which he can do within 10 days of sentencing.

Ibrahim Musa Wells of Mill Hall, a third accomplice in the murder case, was scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday for felony criminal conspiracy to commit manslaughter and burglary charges, however that sentencing will likely be delayed until the Walker case is resolved in court. (Ali Stevens)

Governor Rendell to visit Columbia County today

BLOOMSBURG -- Governor Ed Rendell will be visiting Columbia County on Wednesday to discuss the state's transportation funding crisis. The governor will visit the Roaring Creek Bridge on Route 42 in Columbia County Wednesday afternoon at 1:45 p.m.

The Governor is touring the area to stress the urgent need to solve the state transportation crisis, saying the General Assembly needs to act immediately on funding state transportation projects. He will also visit Bellefonte in Centre County, Plains in Luzerne County and Scranton in Lackawanna County. (Ali Stevens)

Community Food Giveaway

SELINSGROVE – A community food giveaway will be held on Saturday August 7th from 12 noon to 1 pm, along with a free noon meal at the local church of Christ building at 200 Roosevelt Ave. in Selinsgrove.

It is located behind the Susquehanna Valley Mall on the corner of Mill and Roosevelt. Supplies are limited, but groceries will be given to as many people in need as possible and will be given out on a first come first serve basis. You can call 743-1533 for more information about this event.

Animal adoption at Danville Adoption Center

DANVILLE – The no-kill Danville Adoption Center of the Pennsylvania SPCA is offering special pricing on animal adoptions. Cats and kittens are “pick your price” or any price $1 or more and dogs six-months and older can be adopted for $20. The adoption goal of the month for the SPCA center in Danville for the month of August is 75 animals.

Cats and dogs 2-years and older are free to people 60-years and older. Cats can be adopted from PetSmart at Monroe Marketplace, near Selinsgrove. The shelter receives no funding and is entirely nonprofit. You can reach the center at 275-0340. (Shea Williams)

Lights Camera Flash, a Photo Contest for the Susquehanna River Valley

LEWISBURG-- “This is a perfect opportunity for locals to show us what they love about the Susquehanna River Valley.” Lisa Leighton, Marketing Director for the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau says about their 3rd Annual “Every Turn a Treasure” Susquehanna River Valley Photo Contest that starts today.

Images must be taken in Susquehanna River Valley of Snyder, Union, and Northumberland County. The grand prize is $200. You can view the rules of the contest and submit photos online until January 1st at www.visitcentralpa.org/photocontest. (Stephanie Klock).

If you have a digital camera and an eye for the beauty of the Susquehanna River Valley you could be $200 richer by entering the 3rd Annual “Every Turn a Treasure” Susquehanna River Valley Photo Contest that starts today.

Lisa Leighton, Marketing Director for the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau says, “This is a perfect opportunity for locals to show us what they love about the Susquehanna River Valley.” Images must be taken in Susquehanna River Valley of Snyder, Union, and Northumberland County.

The grand prize is $200 and the winning images will also be used by the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau. You can view the rules of the contest and submit photos online until January 1st at www.visitcentralpa.org/photocontest. (Stephanie Klock).

American Red Cross Blood Drive holds a August Netbook Giveaway

DANVILLE-- The American Red Cross is gives blood drives an extra boost of "Ram" this month with their August Netbook Giveaway. They will be giving away an Acer Netbook laptop every week this month to lucky blood donors. In order to enter to win, all you have to do is come out and donate.

Today (Wednesday) there are two blood drives including one at the Christ Lutheran Church in Milton at 1125 Mahoning Street between 12am and 6pm and another at Geisinger Medical Center-Woodbine in Danville from 10am to 4pm.

Or come out Thursday for your last chance this week at Geisinger Mill Street in Danville from 8am to 12pm. For more information and other dates for you to donate please call Sue Norton at 418-2988. (Stephanie Klock).

Latest Pennsylvania news, business, lottery and entertainment

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The president of an eastern Pennsylvania amusement company has yanked a carnival game in which players shot foam darts at a likeness of what appeared to be President Barack Obama.  Irvin Good pulled the target-shooting game after receiving a complaint from a patron attending a fair in Roseto, about 65 miles north of Philadelphia. Good said Wednesday that his company, Hellertown-based Goodtime Amusements, will not offer the game again.  The game featured a large painted image of a black man wearing a belt buckle with the presidential seal and holding a scroll labeled "Health Bill." Players could win prizes by hitting targets on the image's head and heart.  Good called the game a "big, big mistake in judgment." He said it wasn't meant to encourage violence against the president, adding he voted for Obama.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania woman accused of illegally accepting workers' compensation payments while working as a stripper will face trial next month.  Forty-three-year-old Christina Gamble waived a preliminary hearing scheduled for Tuesday.  Prosecutors say the Quakertown woman claimed she hurt her back while working as a waitress and couldn't work. A judge granted her $360 per week in benefits in October 2008.  But private investigators working for the restaurant chain's insurance company say they taped her dancing at C.R. Fanny's Gentlemen's Club and Sports Bar in December.  Gamble is charged with two counts of workers' compensation fraud and one count of theft. Her trial date is September 9.  Gamble's phone number is unlisted.    

MONACA, Pa. (AP) - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board says a column used to distill zinc in a western Pennsylvania plant had failed before an explosion killed two workers on July 22.  The federal board is investigating the explosion at the Horsehead Corp. plant in Potter Township, about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The company, its union and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also investigating.  The chemical board doesn't issue fines, but is empowered to make safety recommendations. On Tuesday, the board says it determined that the five-story brick distillation column suffered a "loss of containment" before the explosion.  When operating normally, natural gas and carbon monoxide are used to oxidize molten zinc as it flows through the column.  Horsehead spokesman Ali Alavi says "it's too early to speculate" on the board's findings.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell says Pennsylvania's state and local governments will be forced to lay off a combined 12,500 public employees if Congress doesn't send more recession-related budget aid. The Democratic governor spoke with reporters yesterday in an effort to encourage Republican senators to support the bill. Previously, Rendell has warned that an estimated 20,000 would be laid off if the bill doesn't pass. A key vote on the $26 billion spending bill is scheduled today. Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is "very optimistic" about securing the 60 votes necessary to ensure it passes. Republicans oppose the measure, saying the price tag would add to the nation's growing debt. Rendell expects the state to get about $600 million and school districts to share about $380 million. Even if it passes, Rendell says layoffs will be necessary.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A report from a Pennsylvania environmental group says companies drilling for natural gas in the lucrative Marcellus shale have tallied more than 1,400 violations of state rules since January 2008. Monday's report from the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association says 952 violations had environmental implications. According to the report, the state Department of Environmental Protection has recorded 100 violations of Pennsylvania's Clean Stream Law, 268 violations related to waste water reservoirs and 154 violations for discharging industrial waste. The report is based on a right-to-know request filed by the group for DEP enforcement records. Drilling advocates say the report shows state oversight of the industry is working. The Marcellus shale region underlies New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A former NFL lineman who pleaded guilty to accepting a payoff while working as a county commissioner is asking a judge to reduce his possible prison sentence because he is a single father with three children. Former Luzerne County commissioner Greg Skrepenak is scheduled to be sentenced Friday. He faces 33 to 41 months under federal guidelines for accepting $5,000 in gifts from a developer seeking public financing of a town house project. In a motion filed yesterday in federal court, defense attorney Peter Moses says 40-year-old Skrepenak is the sole caregiver and the "only individual ready, willing, and able to care for his children." Skrepenak played six seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman for the Raiders and Panthers.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Asked a question related to his health, Penn State coach Joe Paterno tried to quote Mark Twain. Paterno said Monday, "The rumor of my death has been over exaggerated or something, I forget." After canceling three alumni appearances around Pennsylvania and bowing out from Big Ten meetings in the off-season because of intestinal ailments, the Hall of Fame coach held court this week with reporters for the first time in three months during conference preseason media days in Chicago. The 83-year-old Paterno says his illness was nothing serious, and that he didn't miss time preparing in the off-season. Paterno says he's looking forward to his record 45th year on the sideline.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Update on the latest in business:

Dow: 10,680.43, up 44.05

S&P 500: 1,127.25, up 6.79

NASDAQ: 2,303.57, up 20.05

NEW YORK (AP) - Stock prices have been pressing higher today. Investors have been nudging the market higher after some economic data indicated that the recovery is proceeding at a modest pace.

NEW YORK (AP) - A closely-watched report from a trade group finds growth in the nation's service sector accelerated a bit last month. The Institute for Supply Management index rose to 54.3, up from 53.8 in June. A number above 50 indicates growth.      

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama talked up the importance of the mid-term election in a speech to labor leaders. He also took aim at the two-term administration of predecessor George W. Bush, saying that for eight years the government held "a profound animosity towards the notion of unions."

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. Senate Democrats have overcome Republican opposition, clearing the way for a $26 billion measure to help states ease their severe budget problems. Moderate Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins cast the key votes to break GOP delaying tactics.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Federal Trade Commission is hailing its settlement with Intel as a victory for consumers who have overpaid for computer chips for a decade. The deal represents the end to the harshest antitrust lawsuit Intel has faced yet from government regulators, and it imposes strict changes on the way Intel does business.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Wednesday:

 Mega Millions

     Estimated jackpot: $53 million

 Midday Big 4

     0-6-2-6

Midday Number

     8-8-6

Midday Quinto

     8-9-8-8-9

Powerball

     Estimated jackpot: $20 million

 Treasure Hunt

     02-06-10-21-30

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn

Tuesday:

Big 4

4-5-5-4

Cash 5

07-14-28-31-32

Daily Number

7-5-5

Evening Quinto

4-8-2-7-1

Mega Millions

04-13-20-22-56, Mega Ball: 32

Megaplier

2

Midday Big 4

7-2-1-8

Midday Number

2-7-6

Midday Quinto

4-5-1-7-2

Treasure Hunt

14-18-22-27-29

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Munster match: '60s TV star falls for patient fan

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - Forty-five years after a Pennsylvania woman sent a fan letter to her favorite TV star, they're a couple.  Donna McCall says she had childhood crush on Butch Patrick, who played the boy werewolf Eddie Munster in the mid-60s sitcom "The Munsters." She was 10 when she wrote to her favorite Munster, and he responded.  Fast-forward to this past spring, when the 55-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader read something online that reminded her of her crush. She found an e-mail address for Patrick, and a correspondence began.  The pair decided to meet in May at a horror convention in western Pennsylvania called DraculaCon. Fifty-seven-year-old Patrick has left his homes in Los Angeles and Florida to be with McCall in West Chester.  They volunteer for an arts group near their home.

Study: TV king in US, Asians rely on mobile video

NEW YORK (AP) - People in China watch half as much television each day as Americans, but they are more likely to catch video on computer or mobile phones.  That's among the findings in a study of technology habits issued Monday by the Nielsen Co. Nielsen surveyed some 27,000 online consumers in 55 countries in March.  Cell phone video viewing is much more common in Asian and Pacific countries than it is in the United States or Europe. Nielsen executive Matt O'Grady suggested it's primarily because fewer citizens in these Asian countries have access to a large number of cable channels.  The typical American watched more than five hours of TV each day in March. The average Chinese resident watched two hours, 36 minutes daily.

NY library to honor Steve Martin for gift of ideas

NEW YORK (AP) - Steve Martin has been recognized in New York as a literary lion.  The actor-author-playwright was among five Library Lions announced Wednesday by the New York Public Library. Also cited were actor-author Ethan Hawke, authors Malcolm Gladwell and Zadie Smith and New York Public Library President Paul LeClerc.  The winners were chosen based on "their contributions to the world of ideas." They will be honored Nov. 1 at a black-tie gala.  No cash prize is given.

Obama turns 49 with Mrs. Obama, kids out of town

WASHINGTON (AP) - Home alone, President Barack Obama turned 49 on Wednesday. First lady Michelle Obama has taken their youngest daughter, Sasha, to Spain. Their other daughter, Malia, is away at summer camp. The president hasn't shied away from talking about his birthday, noting that his hair is getting grayer and his metabolism is slowing down. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says that while there's no doubt the presidency comes with enormous physical and mental strain, Obama "greatly enjoys" the job. Obama is heading home to Chicago Wednesday evening for a birthday celebration dinner with friends. He'll spend the night in his own house in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood. He'll tour a Chicago automobile plant and attend fundraisers Thursday.

Panel's landmark denial frees NYC mosque site

NEW YORK (AP) - A New York city commission has denied landmark status to a building near ground zero, freeing a group to convert the property into an Islamic community center and mosque. National and New York politicians and some Jewish and Christian groups have opposed plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of Sept. 11 victims. But Mayor Michael Bloomberg has defended the project. The Rev. Robert Chase, founding director of an interfaith group called Intersections, also supports the proposed mosque and calls it a "positive example of how we can move forward from 9/11."

Woman puts billboard ad up

ATLANTA (AP) - An Atlanta woman hopes advertising works -- to help find a job. Lorraine Ankarstran is paying for billboards to promote her services as a paralegal. She says she's been looking for work for several months, but hasn't had any luck. The electronic billboards flash her picture and e-mail address. The ads are around Atlanta. She won't say how much she's paying. But Lamar Advertising says a single billboard goes for about three-grand.

Quiet town, not so quiet...

SEQUIM, Wash. (AP) - The Washington state town of Sequim isn't so "quiet" after all. For the past century people have assumed that Sequim translated to "quiet waters." But tribal linguist Timothy Montler says a more accurate translation is a "place for going to shoot." That's a reference to the area's once great hunting. Montler is an expert in dying American Indian languages. He says the "quiet waters" translation is probably something someone just made up.

Blight-Online Shaming

READING, Pa. (AP) - Property owners neglecting their homes in one eastern Pennsylvania city are getting an online shaming. Reading Mayor Tom McMahon on Monday announced a new online "Wall of Shame" featuring blighted properties. McMahon says the property owners' names will be posted along with pictures and addresses. He says he's serving notice to property owners who fail to take action on eyesore properties. Ten properties are already facing designation as blighted, which could lead to them being torn down. Fifty other properties are listed on the site, and McMahon says they're being targeted for blighted status by the city.