Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Middleburg Police investigate two home invasions

MIDDLEBURG – Police are investigating two home invasions in Snyder County.  The most recent happened Wednesday morning on Main Street in Middleburg.  Around 2:45a.m., police say one man entered the home and confronted a 42-year-old female.  The suspect allegedly threw the woman on the ground, hit her in the face and then cut her face with a knife before fleeing the scene.  The suspect is described as a white male, 5’8” wearing dark colored clothes and a dark colored ski mask. 

The second incident occurred in Beavertown on August 17^th.  Police say unknown suspects entered a home on South Center Street around 1:20a.m.  Once inside, they were noticed by the homeowner and fled the scene.  No description is available for these suspects.  Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Middleburg Police. (Sara Bartlett)

Case against shooting suspect continued on to court

SELINSGROVE – Attempted homicide suspect William “Randy” Ludwig of Selinsgrove was to have appeared Thursday before District Justice John Robinson.  However, the office of the Justice says the charges are being continued and no date has been set for an appearance.  Police say Ludwig fired a handgun at his 81-year-old mother, Sunday inside a home on South Front Street, grazing her arm.  Threats to police and a brief standoff followed. 

Two children inside at the time were safely take from the home on the Isle of Que by their parents.  (Matt Farrand)

Fire started in refrigerator; ruled accidental
 

One person killed in a crash this morning in Northumberland County

SUNBURY – One person was killed early Wednesday morning in a crash in Rockefeller Township, Northumberland County.  State troopers at Stonington tell us, 20-year-old David Rouse of 872 Plum Creek Road died that crash around 3:40a.m.

Northumberland County 9-1-1 told us, the crash happened near the intersection of Plum Creek and Carroll Roads. Troopers say the driver was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, went off the road on a curve, hit a pole and ended up in a field.

David Rouse of rural Sunbury was pronounced dead on the scene by the Northumberland County coroner.  State police investigated and had assistance from Sunbury police, Stonington Fire Company and Sunbury’s Friendship Fire Company. PPL and Verizon were also called in to repair the pole. (Ali Stevens)

Busiest day in history at Knoebel’s over the weekend

ELYSBURG – Saturday set a record for the busiest day ever at Knoebel’s Grove in Elysburg.  The amusement resort has been open for 82 years and approximately 30,000 people visited the park on Saturday, setting an all time record.  Visitors say traffic was backed up for about three miles entering the park and more than 6,000 vehicles filled the parking fields next to the resort.  Knoebel’s co-owner, Dick Knoebel credits recent national publicity and people staying close to home this summer for their spike in attendance.  (Ali Stevens)

How the Susquehanna River Basin Commission monitors safe gas drilling

UNDATED – Natural gas drilling continues in the northeastern portion of the state and it’s part of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s job to make sure that the drilling stays environmentally friendly.  Section Chief for Monitoring and Assessment, Jennifer Hoffman, says the SRBC mainly looks for water withdrawal violations.  She says they make sure companies have the correct permits, and make sure they are withdrawing water in a sustainable way.

Hoffman says they also monitor gas companies’ proper disposal of flow-back water that could be contaminated.  She says they continue to do a lot of data collection.  They collect data to make sure that they are protecting resources in an environmentally correct manner.  The Susquehanna River Basin Commission continues to observe many locations along waterways with 1,500 monitoring stations throughout New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  They also collect data for state and federal partners along with watershed groups. (Sara Bartlett)

Community pulls together to support a family who lost everything in a fire

LEWISBURG – The community is doing what they can to help a family of seven who lost all their belongings in a fire Tuesday morning.  Todd Newcomb is director of the Bison Club at Bucknell University and a friend of Anthony and Elizabeth Cooper.  The Cooper’s home on Furnace Road in East Buffalo Township was heavily damaged, leaving the couple and their five children without most of their belongings.  Newcomb says local residents have stepped up to assist the family in need, dropping off clothes and toiletries.

A fund has been established to assist the Cooper family.  Cash donations are being accepted on behalf of the Coopers at the Swineford National Bank in Lewisburg.  School will get started next week and school supplies and clothing is needed for the children.  (Ali Stevens)

Man remains in critical condition after garbage truck accident

COAL TOWNSHIP – A Coal Township man is in critical condition after being run over by a garbage truck Tuesday morning.  54-year-old James Drumheiser, who works for the garbage company, was reportedly trying to jump onto the passenger side of the truck, when he slipped and fell.  The truck backed over his legs.  Drumheiser was taken to Shamokin Area Community Hospital and then transferred by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. (Sara Bartlett)

Buckling kids in safety seats is important, but how about how adults?

LEWISBURG – You’ve heard about the importance of buckling a child safely in a car or car seat, but how about adults?  Evangelical Community Hospital has teamed up with several agencies to provide Pennsylvania’s first “Carfit” program.  The Carfit program shows older adults the proper way to buckle up and ride safely in their vehicles. 

In a recent evaluation of senior citizens, more than 37 percent had at least one critical driver safety issue needing addressed and 10 percent were seated too close to the steering wheel.  The Carfit event will be held on Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the former Swineford Bank Parking lot in front of Evangelical Community Hospital.  It is a drive-thru event that takes about 20 minutes to complete and adults are encouraged to register by calling Community Health Education at 522-2693.  (Ali Stevens)

Kids learn emergency preparedness

LEWISBURG – “Hurricane Andrea” hit Lewisburg this week.  The simulated disaster was a drill to teach kids at the Donald Heiter Community Center what to do in emergency situations.  Red Cross Disaster Services Coordinator Anne Smith says the kids are doing exactly what adults do when they learn emergency preparedness.  The kids have been taking classes throughout the summer including babysitting, CPR, first aid and animal rescue. 

They used these skills to set up and run the shelter, helping younger children after the simulated Hurricane.  The kids also prepared meals for the pretend victims and served them from the Red Cross’ Emergency Response Vehicle.  Smith says this is something they would like to do again next year with a different group of children, as a way to teach them proper skills for dealing with emergencies.  The drill ran as a preparation for National Disaster Month, which is in September. (Sara Bartlett) 

Captains courageous crew cardboard craft

SUNBURY –More than 200 were on hand for the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Shikellamy State Park, and saw watercraft made mostly of cardboard and tape race nearly to the middle of the river and back.  Many succeeded and others did not, as noted by Captain Ryan Portocarrero of the “White Pearl,” a boat based on the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.  Portocarerro notes The “Pearl” took on water almost from the moment it was launched.  He takes credit for the boat’s design. 

Portocarerro and crewmember Callum Gasteiger won the award for Best Sinking.  Saturday’s fastest crews were in the youth division.  The cardboard boats were part of a two-day event sponsored by the Central PA Rowing Association.  Sunday’s racing included competitive rowing in a number of classes, and attracted serious local rowers and clubs from surrounding states. The events were part of the Sunbury River Festival. (Matt Farrand)

Republican Congressional candidate Chris Hackett on the throughway project

NORTHUMBERLAND – Republican Congressional candidate Chris Hackett attended the Northumberland Borough Council meeting Tuesday night. The Central Susquehanna Transportation Project was the main topic of conversation. Hackett said he could not guarantee funding for the project but would work with area legislator and PennDOT to find additional funding for the throughway.

Hackett spoke out against tolling Interstate 80 because of its harmful economic impact. He also said, if elected, two of his major priorities would be to control irresponsible spending in Congress and to find practical energy solutions that would not draw from the food supply. Hackett and his wife will be touring through the district on bike next week. He’s trying to unseat democrat Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) (Lindsey Bingaman)

Sunbury’s river front project was discussed at the NorCo commissioner’s meeting

SUNBURY—Northumberland County commissioner Vinni Clausi would like the county to get a slice of Sunbury’s $1 million Growing Greener grant. The grant is earmarked for the rip-rap (or large stones), which will be used to help stabilize Sunbury’s riverbank.

Clausi complained at the commissioners meeting Tuesday that the county should dip into Sunbury’s grant and give some money to Milton and other riverside communities. Clausi argued, the project is controversial said the money could have been better spent in other communities.

But Commissioner Chair Frank Sawicki said the county is just a ‘pass-through’ agency and the county can’t stake a claim in the money. He also said Sunbury qualifies as a Northumberland County community, and the riverbank which will be preserved is also in Northumberland County. The decision to regarding the grant was made by a previous commissioners board—that Clausi was not part of.

Garage fire heavily damages East Buffalo Township home

EAST BUFFALO TWP – It’s been less than a year that Elizabeth and Anthony Cooper and their five children have lived at 2337 Furnace Road in East Buffalo Township. The home was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday morning around 11:30. Elizabeth Cooper says she was in her kitchen with four of her children, ages 8, 11, 13 and 15, when she heard scratching noises coming from the attached garage.

When she opened the garage door she saw flames and immediately yelled fire. She, the four children, and a kitten all escaped the home without injury. She then dialed 911 from outside. Tony Cooper, who is the Executive Director of Riverwoods, was out of the home with the couple’s 17-year-old son at the time of the blaze.

William Cameron Fire Captain Steve Leauber was first on the scene, and says crews stayed into the afternoon hours dousing the home with water. Elizabeth Cooper says they are insured, but worries more about keepsakes and pictures in the home. She also says she is thankful no one was injured and that it didn’t happen at night.

A car parked next to the home was also destroyed. Assisting William Cameron at the scene were Mifflinburg, New Berlin, Milton, New Columbia and Winfield fire crews, along with local police and the Red Cross. No word yet on what started the fire, and a State Police Fire Marshal will continue the investigation. (Sara Bartlett)

Home invasion reported in Watsontown

WATSONTOWN – Watsontown Police are searching for two males involved in a home invasion early Tuesday morning in the city. Around 4:45a.m., police say two males entered a home on Main Street, woke up four occupants and demanded money.

The suspects had two knives and a handgun, and one suspect reportedly “pistol whipped” a male occupant. The victim was treated and released for minor injuries at Evangelical Community Hospital. The suspects then allegedly held a knife to a 17-year-old female’s throat. She was not injured. The occupants say they gave the two men money before they left the home.

The first suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, in his 20’s with short dark hair. The second suspect is described as a white male, in his 20’s wearing a ball cap and a red bandana over his face. Watsontown Police were assisted by Milton and State Police with the incident. They ask anyone with information to call 538-2773. (Sara Bartlett)

Hearing set for a man charged with shooting a gun in his home near his mother

SELINSGROVE – A preliminary hearing has been set for tomorrow (Thursday) for William Ludwig, the man accused of shooting a gun in his Selinsgrove home, grazing the arm of his 81-year-old mother. The 61-year-old Ludwig is scheduled to be in court before District Justice John Robinson on charges including attempted homicide, aggravated and simple assault and terroristic threats.

Ludwig was reportedly drinking in excess Sunday and when his mother confronted him about it, Ludwig fired a .357 magnum revolver in her direction. Two children were inside the home at the time, but were not injured. Ludwig is jailed on $150,000 bail. (Ali Stevens)

More discussion on the CSVT project’s “hibernation” status

SELINSGROVE – PennDOT is providing more answers on their decision to place the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation project into hibernation status. PennDOT spokesman Rick Mason says PennDOT is facing a “financial perfect storm.”

Mason says they are looking at runaway inflation that they’ve never seen before and a bridge crisis, with 6,000 identified as structurally deficient, more than any other state in the country. Mason says they would have to identify about $400 million to build CSVT, which is not feasible at this time and they don’t want to promise something they can’t provide.

He did offer a suggestion for getting federal funding for the project. Mason says our best home is to continue to work with the legislators to get the CSVT corridor into the Appalachian Development Highway System. Mason says other area projects have been supported that way including Route 15 north of Williamsport.

However, others who are already part of the Appalachian Development Highway System may not be happy about giving away $400 million to another project. Mason says Pennsylvania is already allocated a certain amount of funds, so it shouldn’t bother other states. It may however bother other municipalities in the state. (Ali Stevens)

A matching grant can be obtained by Economics Pennsylvania…with your help

SELINSGROVE – When you think of Economics Pennsylvania, many people think of the “Stock Market Game,” however there are many other programs provided by the organization. Economics Pennsylvania is looking to raise $50,000 to pay for these important programs, which will soon get underway once again when school begins.

Almost all of the programs provided by Economics Pennsylvania are free to the teachers and the students. President and CEO, Fritz Heinemann says currently, $45,000 has been raised, with only $5,000 left to raise. As an incentive for taking part in the fundraiser, you will receive a ticket to win an autographed Pittsburgh Steelers helmet by Andy Russell, Jack Ham and Jack Lambert. To find out more about Economics Pennsylvania, you can go to www.economicspa.org. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - More Pennsylvania troops are headed to the Middle East.  One-hundred-seventy-six members of the 320th Military Police Battalion, headquartered in Ashley, will depart on Wednesday for mobilization and then a 12-month deployment to Iraq.  The soldiers got a send-off Tuesday as some 600 friends, relatives, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at Genetti's Hotel and Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre for an official departure ceremony.  The commander, Lt. Col. G. Scott Carlson, says the 320^th Military Police Battalion provides command and control to military theaters.  Once in Iraq, Carlson says, the soldiers will be joined by nine other military police battalions from across the United States, with nearly 1,400 soldiers serving altogether.

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - A new study says the Amish are expanding their presence in states far beyond Pennsylvania Dutch country as they search for affordable farmland.  They're moving in part to accommodate a population that's nearly doubled in the past 16 years.  Elizabethtown College researchers say the Amish now number an estimated 227-thousand nationwide, up from 123-thousand in 1992.  Over the same period, Amish settlements have been established in seven new states, putting them in at least 28 states from coast to coast.  Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana continue to be the geographic center for the Amish, accounting for about two-thirds of the faith's population. They also made up more than half the total population gain.  But eight states with at least a thousand Amish residents had higher rates of growth, led by Kentucky, which saw its population jump 200 percent.

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

Daily Number 8-2-1

Big 4 1-9-5-1

Treasure Hunt 1-9-22-27-30

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