Monday, August 11, 2008
$500,000 in vandalism reported at Great Stream Commons construction
GREGG TWP. – Vandals are apparently responsible for $500,000 in environmental damage to the Great Stream Commons construction site and damage to heavy equipment. State Police call it the result of a “joy ride.” They say a water tanker; scrapper pan and roller were taken some time Sunday night or Monday morning. The tanker was driven over an embankment and into a tree, the scrapper pan was driven into a ravine and left running, and the roller was rolled over and totaled.
The site is in Gregg Township, Union County, where construction of a Target Distribution Center has been ongoing since 2007. Troopers say their continues and anyone with information is encouraged to call 524-2662. (Matt Farrand)
State-of-the-art McDonald’s to arise on Shamokin Dam site
SHAMOKIN DAM – The McDonald’s on Routes 11 & 15 in Shamokin Dam, Snyder County is closed for now, and being demolished. However, owner-operator Jim Rippon says a new one will rise on that site. He says customers will be able to enjoy the latest that McDonald’s has to offer. State-of-the-art improvements include an improved Play Place, and a drive-thru that will be reconfigured to accept two vehicles at a time.
Rippon says it’s as good a time as any to build a new building, one which should be ready by the middle of December, in time for the Holiday shopping season. Rippon says the current restaurant closed Sunday, and demolition of the building that’s been in use since 1974 is already underway. (Matt Farrand)
Hit and run pedestrian accident on Routes 11 & 15 investigated
SELINSGROVE – State police are investigating a hit and run pedestrian accident on Routes 11 and 15 Sunday night in Monroe Township, Snyder County. Troopers say 39-year-old Nicholas Yetter of Milroy was working at Nina Drive with the Monroe Marketplace construction crew when he was hit by a silver Dodge pick-up truck. The driver of the truck reportedly drove through several orange cones and then struck Yetter. Troopers say he then stopped to yell at the construction workers and told them that his license plate was bad and could not be traced.
The plate, identified by state police as Pennsylvania YLE-6979, was not traceable. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call troopers in Selinsgrove. (Ali Stevens)
Danville assault puts two in jail
DANVILLE – Two people are in jail after reports of a simple assault Sunday night in Danville. Around 10:00p.m., State Police at Milton say they were called to a home on Bridge Road, where 52-year-old Clarence Tubbs and 37-year-old Sharl Starr were arguing. Starr allegedly struck Tubbs in the head with a glass bottle. He sustained injuries and was treated at Evangelical Community Hospital. Starr was arraigned and sent to Montour County Prison on $5,000 bail. After the incident, State Police say they found Tubbs was also wanted by Northumberland County Court on a bench warrant. He was taken into custody and transported to Northumberland County Prison. (Sara Bartlett)
Fire Marshal to investigate Liberty Township blaze
LIBERTY TWP – Fire that heavily damaged a home over the weekend in Liberty Township, Montour County is not suspicious in nature. A Fire Marshal is expected to examine the scene this week to find out a cause. The blaze broke out at the Stump Road home of Joyce Beaver around 9:00 Saturday night. The fire started in a rear bedroom and reportedly caused heavy damage throughout the living area. Numerous departments, including units from Danville, Pottsgrove, Liberty, Valley and Mahoning Townships, all responded to the scene. (staff)
Sharing the road during the upcoming triathlon
LEWISBURG – Safety is a big part of the LARA Sprint Triathlon, planned for this Saturday. The cycling and running portions of the third annual event use roadways in Lewisburg and surrounding townships. Race Director Tara Michaels credits local agencies for securing some of the intersections on the course. Michaels notes that cyclists will have to yield at unguarded intersections, as they will be open to normal traffic.
The race benefits LARA and starts at 8:00 a.m. with a 300-yard swim in the pool at the Community Park, followed by cycling and running on roadways in Buffalo, East Buffalo and Kelly Townships. The Sprint Triathlon follows the 2nd Annual Winan’s Triathlon for Kids on Friday evening. Motorists are also advised to be cautious during those times.
The Sprint Triathlon also features 2 or 3 person team competition, and is timed using a chip. Team members will need to hand off the timing chip going from leg to leg. (Matt Farrand)
Attack on 7-year-old, woman prompt charges
RICHFIELD – A Snyder County man is charged after attacking family members, a neighbor, and a child last week. State Police at Selinsgrove say the incident occurred in West Perry Township on Thursday afternoon when 18-year-old Kevin Derr picked up a 7-year-old victim by the throat and threw him in a pool. Derr then shoved his mother and struck his neighbor in the face several times knocking her unconscious.
He then allegedly struck his father in the face and back of the head after which he threatened his father with a knife. Derr was arrested and charged with 4 counts of aggravated assault and other violations. Derr was arraigned and bail was set at $75,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for this Friday. (Sheri Rippon)
Plenty new at River Festival
SUNBURY – You don’t have to look far if you’re looking for something fun for the whole family this week. The Sunbury River Festival starts This Thursday at 5 and goes through Saturday at 6 p.m. Some of the things you can enjoy include: 2 stages of free entertainment, games and rides for the kids, train rides, a car Cruise-in, and over 200 crafters.
Fred Scheller, chairman of the festival, says the proceeds from will go to the Sunbury Revitalization Committee. For more information check out their website at www.sunburyriverfestival.com or you can listen to a Leaders & Lawmakers about River Festival, at www.wkok.com. . (Sheri Rippon)
Woman temporarily displaced by Montour County fire
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Several fire companies fought a fire Saturday night that left one woman temporarily homeless in Liberty Township, Montour County. The blaze broke out at the home of Joyce Beaver at 165 Stump Road around 9p.m.
There’s no word on what started the blaze, but no injuries were reported. Units from Danville, along with Pottsgrove, Liberty, Valley and Mahoning Townships all responded to the alarm. The home sustained heavy damage and a damage estimate is expected this week. (Terry Diener)
Two men charged in a campground altercation
UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP – Two men face charges after they allegedly struck another man during an altercation at a campground in Northumberland County Friday night. State Police at Stonington say 45-year-old Thomas Hayden and 44-year-old Christopher Webster, both from Liverpool, face charges of harassment.
According to police, Hayden became involved in a physical altercation fight with 33-year-old Michael Gelnett of Liverpool at the Airport Campgrounds in Upper Augusta Township. Investigators say Webster held Gelnett as Hayden struck the victim several times in the face. Webster and Hayden were both charged with Harassment stemming from that incident around 11p.m. Friday in Northumberland County. (Terry Diener)
2008 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon beats 2007 total
SUNBURY – A young woman from Selinsgrove raised more than $10,000 on Saturday to push the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon total to more than $37,000, which is $200 more than last year. Ashley Brubaker held her silent auction in the Susquehanna Valley Mall on Saturday and raised $10,800. Add that to listener’s pledges and business contributions and the total was well over $37,600.
The Sunbury Bar Crawl raised more than $1,000. National Beef contributed $1,000 along with Jeff’s Auto Body and Collision. Boscov’s raised more than $700 and contributions from companies such as the Bowen Agency, McDonald’s and McCann School of Business added to the total.
$1,000 was raised on Thursday as part of the annual 94KX request-a-thon. And this year, a princess and pirate party was held for the kids at the mall on Saturday, which brought in $500. All of the money raised will go the Children’s Miracle Network, supporting the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center. (Ali Stevens)
Northumberland Corn Festival raises money for a good cause
NORTHUMBERLAND – Corn lovers of the Valley, unite. Northumberland’s King Street Park played host to live music, kids’ crafts, a dunk tank and corn of all kinds this Saturday. The event benefits History Day. Committee member Michele Fink told us that History Day can become a very costly event, as the committee brings historians to the area to highlight local history.
The Corn Festival is their biggest fundraiser. While the funds might go to history, the fun goes to the kids. Sarah and Janie spent the day making bracelets and visors, dunking people in the dunk tank, and of course, eating corn.
This year marked the first year for the dunk tank at the event. It was also the first year that the Northumberland Police Department participated with a corn dog stand. The all-volunteer festival also welcomed the Townside Garden Café and the Number 1’s Fire Company, who brought sandwiches. Why not corn? They were watching out for kids like Alice, whose braces limited her to sandwiches and popcorn. (Nicole Garman)
Jordan Twp house fire started by lightning
HERNDON – Lightning is now confirmed as the cause of a fire that did more than $350,000 in damage to a Northumberland County home a week ago. State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire at the Zimmerman residence on Mountain Top Road was triggered by a lighting strike outside the home.
He says the charge entered the home via the well water system. The owner is reportedly insured to cover the losses. The Pillow Fire Department and other companies responded to that fire reported Saturday morning a week ago. (Matt Farrand)
Snyder County shed fire undetermined in origin
PENNS CREEK – State Police say a fire that caused $6,500 worth of damage to a shed in Snyder County is undermined in origin. Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire was reported early Wednesday morning at an address in Centre Township.
It is owned by Chris Keister of Centreville Road, but used for storage by William Kerstetter, who lives nearby. Fedder notes that the property owner had insurance for the structure, but the man who was using it did not. Penns Creek firefighters and others responded to that blaze. (Matt Farrand)
Some scholarship students bring a rich mix to Roundtable
SUNBURY – Roundtable this weekend focuses on some unusual scholarship students at Bucknell. The students are from diverse and adverse backgrounds, they are academically strong and all say they are lucky to be studying at Bucknell. Three of the students are African-American and talk about our region’s ‘hesitant welcome.’ Another student says the community was welcoming, but you must be assertive.
The students are in our community thanks to Jack Kent Cook and Passi scholarships. Each of these have different criteria, but select students who might otherwise be overlooked by conventional funding. The students served in internships at area businesses and organizations. The wide ranging interview and their insightful answers, are on Roundtable (Sunday) on anytime, at www.wkok.com
‘Happy Valley’ gets adventurous designation
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - The September issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine is calling State College an "adventure town." It's the only place in Pennsylvania to make the magazine's list of the 50 next great adventure towns.
A magazine spokesman said the editors looked for innovative towns that "aren't just prime relocation spots now, but also smart choices for the future." The areas chosen are varied, taking into account outdoor activities and urban settings with job variety, cultural activities and green space. The magazine is slated to hit newsstands Tuesday.
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A computer technician accused of illegally destroying years' worth of state Senate computer records is slated to plead guilty Monday - the first plea in the corruption case against Sen. Vincent Fumo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Zauzmer says Leonard Luchko will plead guilty at a hearing Monday in Philadelphia. He declined to specify terms of the plea agreement. Luchko is charged in 29 obstruction or conspiracy counts in alleged efforts to delete e-mails or computer records during the FBI investigation. Fumo is stepping down after 30 years in office to prepare for his Sept. 8 trial. The powerful Philadelphia Democrat is charged with misusing more than $1 million in state resources and another $1 million from a seaport museum and the nonprofit.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Scientists are turning to modern technology to give art experts better tools to answer an expensive and age-old question: Is it an original Vincent van Gogh painting or a fake? A unique collaboration of artists and scientists forged by Cornell University professor C. Richard Johnson uses computer screens as canvases. Penn State information sciences professor James Wang and statistics professor Jia Li compiled the findings into an online system. They found that copies tend to have more brush strokes. Johnson says someone trying to imitate van Gogh needs to use multiple brush strokes to imitate the genuine article.
STRASBURG, Pa. (AP) - A 95-year-old train car that once hauled railroad tycoons in luxury is rolling again. Reading Car 10 hadn't moved for decades at its home in Strasburg, Lancaster County. The Strasburg Rail Road has completed a $150,000 renovation of what's also called the President's Car. Its plush furnishings include ornate woodwork and elegant staterooms. The car was built in 1913 for Philadelphia & Reading Railroad President George Baer. It's believed to have carried President Truman on part of his 1948 whistle stop tour. It holds up to 18 people and will be coupled to regularly scheduled Strasburg trains several times daily through Labor Day. The Strasburg Rail Road is a 4 1/2-mile railroad that runs excursion trains powered by steam locomotives.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh wants to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to get around. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says the city is looking at traffic and infrastructure improvements and will enforce traffic laws to protect cyclists and pedestrians. It will also reinvest in the many steps and stairways that link neighborhoods along the city's hilly terrain. A cycling advocacy group's director welcomed Monday's announcements. Bike Pittsburgh's Scott Bricker says the initiatives will make Pittsburgh's streets more welcoming to cyclists. The city recently named its first bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. Ravenstahl says the its the first full-time such position of any city in the state.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State officials say work is expected to begin this week on repairs to fix leaks in the Pennsylvania Capitol's 102-year-old dome. The leaks have soaked the interior brick walls along the dome's lower section, leaving white salt deposits behind. They've also damaged a plaster wall near one of the Rotunda's murals. The Department of General Services has set aside $6 million for the project, which could take as long as a year. Cornelius Rusnov of the department tells The Patriot-News of Harrisburg the project is considered to be a "100-year fix" for the problem. Rusnov says the project will require work crews to apply a careful hand to prevent any architectural damage to the dome.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 0-3-1
Big 4 0-3-4-9
Treasure Hunt 1-9-12-15-24
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.CRUISER DRUGS
BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island man got more than he bargained for when he bought a used police cruiser at auction. Kevin Blais bought the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria in an online auction from the Hartford, Connecticut, public works department. He was cleaning it last week when he noticed a cracked area on the one-piece molded seat assembly. When he removed the seat assembly to clean the floor, he found a plastic bag full of cocaine. Blais thinks that a suspect stuffed the drugs through the crack to prevent police from finding them. Hartford police were apologetic when he told them of the discovery
Invisibility Cloak
WASHINGTON (AP) - Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible. Researchers have demonstrated for the first time they were able to cloak three-dimensional objects using artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects. Previously, they only have been able to cloak very thin two-dimensional objects. The findings, by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, are to be released later this week in the journals Nature and Science. The new work moves scientists a step closer to hiding people and objects from visible light, which could have broad applications, including military ones.
President extols religious freedoms
BEIJING (AP) - President Bush took time Sunday in Beijing to attend a church service. Bush is in Beijing for the Olympics. After the service he gathered for photos with parishioners on the front steps. He said the church demonstrates "that God is universal." He also said, "No state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion" - a reference to China's tight control of churches. China allows worship only in officially approved churches such as the one Bush visited Sunday with first lady Laura Bush, so millions of people pray privately in house churches to avoid detection.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)