Monday, August 23, 2010
Construction closes busy intersections in Sunbury
SUNBURY -- Two busy intersections are closed in Sunbury. The intersection of Market and 11th Street is closed as PennDOT upgrades existing curb ramps and installs concrete signal pole foundations. There is a tentative 10-day detour in effect and that section of road will be reopen September 2nd.
Also in Sunbury, Norfolk Southern Railroad has closed Market and 3rd Street. They are planning to rebuild the crossing at Market Street (Route 61). It will remain closed through August 27. Traffic will be detoured.
10th District candidate says conservative views are what the people want
SUNBURY – Republican Candidate for the 10th congressional district, Tom Marino says he is a true conservative. Marino was a guest Monday on WKOK’s On The Mark program and says he differs from his opponent, Democrat and incumbent Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock), who, according to Marino, has voted with Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama 90 percent of the time. Marino says that includes a vote for the health care plan, which Marino says will cost the average middle class family an additional $1,500 a year, according to the latest statistics.
Recently Carney was endorsed locally by the Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and Sheriff Chad Reiner along with the sheriff in Montour County Ray Gerringer and some local police chiefs. However, Marino says that doesn’t mean all law enforcement supports his opponent. He says only two of the District Attorneys in the district support Carney, which is a small amount.
Marino adds that many other law enforcement agencies support him. You can hear more from Tom Marino on the war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration and other topics from our Monday On The Mark program online at www.wkok.com.
Police search for Danville robber
DANVILLE – Police continue to investigate a robbery from early this morning in Mahoning Township, Montour County. The robbery took place around 4 a.m. at the Sunoco gas station along Route 54 in Danville. Police say a man entered the A-Plus store and demanded money from the clerk but no weapon was shown.
The man fled with an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen turning onto Route 11 heading towards Danville. The vehicle was described as a two-door compact car, green in color.
The robber was a white male with blue eyes and a stocky build. He was wearing dark pants, dark gloves, a hooded sweatshirt, and a red bandana around his face. Police say he was average height. No other information is available. Anyone with information should call police. (Ali Stevens)
Bucknell University bookstore grand opening this weekend
LEWISBURG -- A three-day grand opening for the new Bucknell bookstore will take place this week. The campus and public are invited to the Barnes & Noble on Market Street. Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will happen at 1:00p.m., and in the evening, there will be a street fair between Market Street and Cherry Alley, with food, entertainment, sidewalk art, face painting and more.
Dr. Seuss' 'Horton Hears a Who!' will be featured Saturday, with appearance from characters at 1:00p.m. and a free showing of the movie at 2:00p.m. at the Campus Theater. The book will then be read at 4:00p.m. at Barnes & Noble. Throughout the weekend, bookstore discounts and prize giveaways will continue at the new bookstore. (Sara Bartlett)
Neighbors 'get to know' each other in Sunbury
SUNBURY -- Residents of the Hill Neighborhood in Sunbury will get to know one another a little better thanks to an event this week. A neighborhood night out is being planned for Tuesday. Deborah Betz lives in the Hill Neighborhood and says it's a real 'get-to-know-you' event. She says it's important to know who your neighbors are, because then there is more caring and pride in the community.
The event at Kiwanis Playground will have a number activities, food, and entertainment and will be held at Kiwanis Playground. Betz, along with other residents of the Hill Neighborhood and other groups in the city, participated in the first annual cookie and pie baking contest part of the Sunbury River Festival over the weekend. Betz says it's just another way that residents can contribute and get involved in the community. (Sara Bartlett)
Northumberland County Fair gets underway this week in Sunbury
SUNBURY – If you’re looking for something fun to do this week, the Northumberland County Fair will get underway on Thursday. The now decade old event will take place at the Sunbury Armory along Mile Hill Road.
Fair President Kim Clemens, who was on the original board that created the fair, says they switched their name from Northumberland County Expo to Northumberland County Fair since they recently obtained fair status. In addition, she says the event is affordable for families to attend, with free parking, admission and demonstrations.
There will be plenty of food, free entertainment, animals and more. The fair is open Thursday and Friday evening and all day Saturday.
Homeowners say someone broke into their Sunbury home
SUNBURY -- Police say someone broke into a Sunbury home last week. The incident happened sometime between last Wednesday and Thursday along Boyles Run Road. A Sunbury couple told police that someone entered their home when they were not there.
The homeowners returned to the home and noticed that a piece of furniture was lodged against the main entrance door. No damages were reported and nothing was reported stolen. Police continue the investigation. (Sara Bartlett)
Truck stolen, crashed in Northumberland County
UPPER AUGUSTA TWP -- Police are searching for someone who they stole a vehicle and wrecked it. It happened sometime between August 15th and the 19th at the Nikomahs Camp Ground in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County.
Someone stole a pickup truck belonging to a Shamokin man. The truck was crashed, causing damage, and then returned to its original location. Anyone with information is asked to call police. (Sara Bartlett)
Man accused of sexual assault in Allenwood
ALLENWOOD -- An Allenwood man was arrested following charges of sexually assaulting of a teen. Police say 36-year-old Keith Pertusio engaged in numerous sexual acts with a 15-year-old male over a year period at his Gregg Township home.
The incidents took place between July 2009 and July of this year. Pertusio faces a number of charges and was arraigned before District Judge Leo Armbruster. The investigation into the incident will continue. (Sara Bartlett)
Three teens injured in Columbia County crash
DANVILLE -- Three teenage girls are in Geisinger Medical Center after a crash Saturday in Cleveland Township, Columbia County. Just after 11:00p.m., 17-year-old Brooke Reed of Shamokin was driving on Campbell Road when she lost control of the vehicle, which then rolled down an embankment.
Two passengers in the car, 16-year-old Samantha Zielinskie of Shamokin and Jensen Goodrich, were both injured as well. All three were taken to Geisinger Medical Center and are listed in fair condition. Police say the girls were leaving work at Knoebels Amusement Resort, and no one in the car was wearing a seatbelt. (Sara Bartlett)
Sunbury man improving after Wednesday morning crash
POINT TOWNSHIP – A Sunbury man has been upgraded to serious condition following a crash last Wednesday morning in Point Township. 56-year-old Mark Hagy remains at Geisinger Medical Center, and was in critical condition when first admitted.
Police say Hagy crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 11, and side-swiped a pickup truck on Route 11 at Redman Acres Road just after 11:30 Wednesday morning. The other motorist, 27-year-old Skyler Ashley of Sunbury, was not seriously injured. (Ali Stevens)
4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta draws 300 to river
SUNBURY -- Several hundred spectators lined the banks of the Susquehanna at Shikellamy State Park for the fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Participants were asked to build watercraft out of cardboard, and then race them along a 300-yard course.
The competition is growing in popularity, as Meeghan and Sally Scott drove from near Washington DC to paddle Waterbug 2, which was constructed by a relative. Over a dozen cardboard boats were entered in youth, adult, mixed and corporate categories.
There were are also prizes for fastest times, most spirited, best sinking and best design. The event is part of the Sunbury River Festival and benefits the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association. (Matt Farrand)
Fire rips through Dewart home
DEWART- A Dewart woman remains in critical condition after a house fire Saturday morning in Northumberland County's Delaware Township. 79-year-old Helen Yordy is at Geisinger Medical Center with cracked ribs. Her husband, 74-year-old Russell Yordy, sustained a back fracture and suffered from smoke inhalation, but was released from Lehigh Valley Hospital Sunday.
The couple jumped from the second story of their home to escape the blaze, which broke out just after 4:40a.m. near Routes 405 and 44 in Dewart.
The Yordy's dog died in the fire, and at least two classic cars were heavily damaged. About 75 firefighters from three counties responded. A fire official says that it took about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. (Matt Farrand)
River Festival wrap-up I: Neighborhood bakers compete at River Festival
SUNBURY – Festival goers ate the monster at the 2010 Sunbury River Festival Saturday. The festival featured a cookie and pie baking contest, to benefit the neighborhood groups that assist in projects around the city. The goal was to see which neighborhood bakes the best cookies and pies.
The Hill Neighborhood resident Cheryl Casson won the cookie division, and baked what she described as a "monster cookie" from a family recipe. Debbie Betz of The Hill was the runner up in the pie division, and says it's all about what residents can contribute to the quality of life in their city.
Light cloud cover kept the temperatures manageable, as thousands came to Sunbury for the annual festival. Major sponsors of the Sunbury River Festival include the Daily Item and the stations of the Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation. (Matt Farrand)
River Festival wrap up II: 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta draws 300 to river
SUNBURY -- Several hundred spectators lined the banks of the Susquehanna at Shikellamy State Park for the fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Participants were asked to build watercraft out of cardboard, and then race them along a 300-yard course.
The competition is growing in popularity, as Meeghan and Sally Scott drove from near Washington DC to paddle Waterbug 2, which was constructed by a relative. Over a dozen cardboard boats were entered in youth, adult, mixed and corporate categories.
There were also prizes for fastest times, most spirited, epic sinking and best design. The event is part of the Sunbury River Festival and benefits the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association. (Matt Farrand)
Fire at Montgomery business diverts LLWS traffic
MONTGOMERY – Route 15 at Montgomery was closed for hours Saturday morning, as a fire destroyed a business near the busy road. BJ's Garden Center sustained major damage in the fire reported shortly after 6:00 a.m.
Flames were reportedly shooting from the roof when firefighters arrived, but there were no reported injuries, nor was a cause for the fire immediately known. Early morning traffic heading for the Little League World Series in South Williamsport was detoured. (Matt Farrand)
Part two in a series of Roundtable interviews…this weekend
SUNBURY – Our Roundtable program goes on the road this weekend for part two of our series of interviews on the Geisinger REAL program. The program involves intensive education, treatment and contact with a family that has one or more children with obesity.
There are three guests in the interview, Dr. Margaret Rukstalis—a clinical investigator, Dr. William Cochran—the vice chair of the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, and Nicole Quinlan, a pediatric psychologist. They discuss the preventable disease, which stem from obesity including many social and mental health issues.
The REAL program is underway at Geisinger and works with families to change behaviors. It also works with the entire family to make them aware of their role in children’s health. You can hear the Part one of our series at www.wkok.com. You can hear this weekend’s Roundtable Sunday on: Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m. 100.9 (100.9FM), The Valley, at 6a.m., Newsradio 1070 WKOK (1070AM) at 9a.m., Talkradio 1380 WMLP (1380AM), 11a.m., 94KX WQKX (94.1FM) at 11p.m. And anytime, at www.wkok.com
Seven Points Road crash investigated
SUNBURY – State police continue to investigate a crash early Saturday morning in Rockefeller Township, Northumberland County. Troopers say 28-year-old James Fisher lost control of his SUV on Seven Points Road around 4:20 a.m. The vehicle traveled off the road and onto a lawn, striking a birdbath and flower garden. No injuries were reported. The investigation will continue into what caused the accident. (Ali Stevens)
Gubernatorial candidate tours Selinsgrove company
SELINSGROVE – Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett visited Lewisburg and Selinsgrove Friday to talk about the importance of creating and keeping well-paying jobs in Pennsylvania. He toured Playworld Systems in Lewisburg before stopping in Selinsgrove to tour L/B Water Service.
Corbett said it’s time for businesses like L/B Water Service to have someone on their side in Harrisburg. He says for far too long, state government has been an adversary to job growth. Corbett says if elected, his administration will focus on three tried and true principles that include fiscal discipline, limited government and free enterprise.
Corbett told a crowd of about 50 supporters in Selinsgrove that one of the central problems in Harrisburg isn’t a revenue problem but a spending problem. He believes now is the time for a governor who puts the interests of all Pennsylvanians ahead of Harrisburg special interests.
He has three primary points to improve the economic and business climate including tax reform and reducing the corporate net income tax, regulatory reform and cutting through red tape inhibiting growth, and legal reform by limiting excessive and frivolous lawsuits. (Ali Stevens)
Arrest in 2008 vehicle theft
SHAMOKIN -- A stolen vehicle case has been solved, more than two and half years since the theft was first reported. State troopers say Alfons Keefer of Shamokin faces charges, after towing and storing a "4X4" dual wheel silver truck because of a conflict with Shamokin Police. Troopers say the vehicle was stored at a towing company since February of 2008.
The victim was described as a resident of Beaver Valley Avenue, Shamokin. Keefer faces a number of charges, including felony theft and receiving stolen property a felony. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 17th. State troopers they worked closely with Shamokin Police to crack the case, and countless interviews were involved. (Matt Farrand)
Shamokin native expected to named NorCo solicitor
SUNBURY – An attorney and Shamokin native is expected to get the job of solicitor in Northumberland County. The News Item reports Commissioner Vinny Clausi said Thursday that he will put Frank Garrigan Jr.’s name up for nomination at the August 31st meeting.
Garrigan, who recently returned to the area after working for 10 years as an attorney in the Chicago area, is expected to start the new job on September 1st. If approved, Garrigan will be the fourth county solicitor in a 12-month span.
Hugh Jones resigned before being appointed as a district judge in September of 2009. Vincent Rovito then took over the office, but resigned in April to dedicate himself to his private practice. Attorney Tim Bowers of Danville resigned on July 29th after only two months on the job, saying he was going to run for office in Montour County. His resignation is effective September 3rd. (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, business, lottery and entertainment
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler briefed lawmakers Monday on Gov. Ed Rendell's proposals for ending the state's transportation funding crisis. Biehler and the Governor are pressing lawmakers to provide a massive infusion of new money for roads, bridges and mass transit before the two-year legislative session ends. The state lost out on $472 million in hoped-for annual revenue when the federal government denied a proposal to add tolls to Interstate 80. Rendell has offered a number of ideas for filling the gap, including taxing oil company profits and increasing the gas tax. He's also voiced support for increasing vehicle registration and driver's license fees. It's unclear whether the Legislature will act before the Nov. 2 election. Rendell leaves office in January.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A petition challenge has ended the candidacy of another independent candidate in Pennsylvania. Tom Lingenfelter conceded Friday that the challenge left him shy of the 3,958 signatures that he needed to run in the 8th Congressional District in the Philadelphia suburbs. A state judge ordered his name removed from the Nov. 2 ballot. The action leaves only two candidates in the race - Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy and Republican Mike Fitzpatrick Lingenfelter has run for the seat for at least a decade. Since 2000, he's run twice as a Republican, once as a Democrat and once before as an independent.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Police have arrested a third man in the beating and stabbing death of a homeless man. Harrisburg police on Friday said 20-year-old Alberto Velez took part in the August 3 robbery and slaying of 40-year-old Ty Depew. Velez and two other men allegedly attacked Depew at a bus transfer plaza in Harrisburg. Police say Depew was able to tell police that he was approached by men who asked for cigarettes before they robbed him. He later slipped into a coma and died several days after the attack. Velez was arrested at Dauphin County Prison. Forty-two-year-old Mark Glacken and 45-year-old Michael Sims were arrested last week. All three men face charges including murder and robbery. It was unclear if Velez had an attorney.
LEHMAN, Pa. (AP) - Activists and artists gathered in northeastern Pennsylvania over the weekend to air their concerns about natural gas drilling at a concert and rally they billed as "Gas Stock." Nine artists performed at Saturday's event at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in front of a banner imitating the famous Woodstock logo of a dove and a guitar - but with a drilling rig instead of the guitar. Some performers played activist anthems while others offered original songs opposing gas drilling. The free concert was sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Citizens in Action Group. Organizers said they hoped to educate citizens about the risks of natural gas drilling, which they contend will cause pollution.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State transportation officials say investments to improve the rail trip between Philadelphia and Harrisburg have brought record numbers of riders - and more improvements are on the way. Ridership on Amtrak's Keystone Service line has risen every year since 2006, and it's up about 40 percent since that time. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says the 104-mile line saw a record 1.28 million trips, a 4 percent increase, during the last fiscal year. Spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick says the increases are due to efforts to make the service faster and smoother. It now offers 90-minute express service at 110 mph between Harrisburg, Lancaster and Philadelphia 158 times a week as well as a direct link to New York City.
Updates on the latest in business:
Dow: - 39.21 (10,174.41)
S&P 500: - 4.33 (1,067.36)
NASDAQ: - 20.13 (2,159.63)
Wheat gains on questions about Russia's fall crop
CHICAGO (AP) - Wheat prices are rising amid concerns about whether Russian farmers will be able to plant a normal fall crop. Wheat for December delivery rose 13.25 cents Monday to settle at $7.2525 a bushel. A devastating drought destroyed about a third of Russia's spring wheat crop, prompting the country to ban exports. Although temperatures have fallen recently, the region still needs significant rainfall. The situation means more international buyers will be looking to the United States for wheat
Judge approves Countrywide ID theft settlement
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A federal judge has granted final approval to a settlement between Countrywide Financial Corp. and millions of customers left at high risk for identity theft because of a security breach. Countrywide, now owned by Bank of America, will provide free credit monitoring for up to 17 million people whose financial information was exposed, according to the settlement approved Monday. That group includes anyone who obtained a mortgage and anyone who used Countrywide to service a mortgage before July 1, 2008. People could be reimbursed up to $50,000 for each time their identity was stolen. They would have to prove they lost something of value, weren't already reimbursed and that the theft stemmed from the Countrywide breach.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Monday:
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $115 million
Midday Big 4
5-8-3-2
Midday Number
9-8-2
Midday Quinto
3-4-3-1-7
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $80 million
Treasure Hunt
02-08-09-11-27
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Ring donation
WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) - This diamond isn't forever. A ring was dropped into a firefighter's boot during a charity fundraiser in West Bend. It looks like a diamond. However, a jeweler who examined the ring for authorities says it is a fake. The ring had been found during the Fill-the-Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Officials tracked down the owner yesterday. A local TV station (WDJT) reports the woman says the ring was floating around with lose change in her car. She says she did not mean to drop it in the boot.
Seeking the title
LAS VEGAS (AP) - A set of 83 beauty queens plan to show off swimsuits, evening gowns, and quick-thinking interview skills in hopes of impressing a panel of celebrity judges and winning the 2010 Miss Universe crown. From Albania to Zambia, contestants from six continents were expected to strut across a stage Monday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The winner will replace Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, who gave Venezuela a second consecutive win by taking the title at age 18 last year. Fernandez says it's clear in her mind who's contending in this year's contest - but she won't giver her picks until after the telecast. The pageant hosted by rocker Bret Michaels and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales will air live on NBC and Telemundo.
Food carver
MAPLE CITY, Mich. (AP) - Pat Harrison is quite a cutup -- when it comes to vegetables. The Maple City, Mich., man is a whiz at fall pumpkin carvings. But the rest of the year he specializes in carving completely edible meals. He transforms a zucchini squash into the shape of a fish and scooped out to hold dip. Or a Hubbard squash becomes a turkey and baked with stuffing. He tells the Traverse City Record-Eagle that his business is named Lord of the Gourd.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)