Saturday, January 23, 2010

Russ & Merle I: Who is running for the state house? More names mentioned

UNDATED – More names are emerging as possible candidates for the state house seats being vacated in the 85th and 108th district. In the 85th District, Russ Fairchild’s (R-85th, Lewisburg) replacement list includes these republicans: Union County Commissioner Preston Boop and Betsy Snook—the CEO of the state nurses association. Democrats include previous political candidates Trey Casimir and Steve Connolley.

In the 108th District, Merle Phillips (R-108th, Sunbury) will retire at the end of this term. Folks considering a run include Republican Northumberland County Controller Chuck Erdman and GOP leader Scott Meckley of Milton. Other names being mentioned include Sunbury attorney Rick Shoch and former Northumberland County Commissioner Sam Dietrick.

Russ & Merle II: Merle Phillips talks about his years in service

SUNBURY – Merle Phillips (R-108th, Sunbury) talked about his many years serving as a state representative in the 108th District as a guest on WKOK’s On The Mark program Friday. Phillips announced along with State Representative Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Lewisburg) last week that he will not seek re-election.

Phillips spoke fondly of his working relationship with Russ Fairchild over the years, saying they have always respected one another and worked together to get things done in the Central Susquehanna Valley. Phillips talked about some of his personal successes over the years beginning back in 1980.

He said a success was when he fought to have the Bainbridge Street crossing redone, which eventually became the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. He also was proud to receive a “Legislator of the Year” award from the American Association of the Deaf-Blind.

A disappointment for Phillips was not being able to get a property in Watsontown named as a Keystone Opportunity Zone. He says there were businesses ready to move there, but the Warrior Run School District would not approve the KOZ designation. Dozens of new jobs were lost and the lot is still vacant. You can hear more from Merle Phillips from our Friday On The Mark program online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)

Russ & Merle III: Russ Fairchild talks about his years of service

SUNBURY – Russ Fairchild ((R-85th, Lewisburg) talked about his many years serving as a state representative in the 85th District as a guest on WKOK’s On The Mark program Friday. Russ Fairchild announced along with State Representative Merle Phillips last week that he would not seek re-election.

Fairchild talked about one of his favorite accomplishments as a representative…keeping a hazardous waste incinerator out of the Central Susquehanna Valley. The incinerator was proposed by USPCI, which was backed by powerful political players.

Those players include Drew Lewis and the Lieutenant Governor at the time and the former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. Fairchild says fortunately after many years of enormous hard work by citizens in the area, they were able to put that issue to rest.

Fairchild was also proud of the work done to vindicate Susquehanna University in recent years. It was alleged by a Patriot News Reporter that there was pollution in the area causing a rise in cancer cases. It was proved to be untrue and to this day, Fairchild believes the reporter did a series of articles attempting to win some kind of award.

There were also disappointments along the way including the closing of the Laurelton Center in Union County and the still unfinished Central Susquehanna Thruway Project, which Fairchild worked on for many years. You can hear more from Russ Fairchild from our Friday On The Mark program online at www.wkok.com. You can also hear comments from state representative Merle Phillips in upcoming newscasts on WKOK. (Ali Stevens)

Local newspaper celebrating 120 years

MILTON – Starting Saturday a familiar newspaper will have a new look. The Milton Standard-Journal is celebrating their 120th anniversary. Amy Moyer has been the publisher since 1996. She says they are switching from their broadsheet format. The paper will be a different size, making it easier to read and carry.

Moyer says over the years, the newspaper has tried to stay progressive. Moyer says with Internet popularity rising, The Standard-Journal has a presence on the web, but takes a different approach than other papers. She says they show parts of the local news stories in order to drive customers to buy the newspaper. Moyer says their goal in the years ahead is to remain a good local news source. (Sara Bartlett)

Volunteer fire crews summoned to Juniata County

SELINSGROVE – Some local volunteers headed to a house fire in Juniata County. Snyder County Communications says they sent Mount Pleasant Mills crews to Monroe Township, Juniata County to help with a house fire there. They volunteers were busy from 2a.m. until about 5a.m. No further details from Juniata County yet.

Local crash investigated by troopers

BEAVERTOWN – State troopers say 19-year-old Cody Seler of Beavertown will be cited for careless driving after a crash late Friday morning. Seler was driving along Gross Road in Beaver Township, Snyder County when he lost control of his vehicle.

The vehicle hit an embankment, overturned and traveled on its roof for about 150 feet before coming to rest right side up. Police say Seler was reaching for an item in the passenger seat when he lost control of the vehicle, and sustained minor injuries in the crash at about 10:55 a.m.

Awards to be presented to top local runners, cyclists today

DANVILLE – A local series of running and cycling events is enjoying a growth spurt. River Towns Race Series Director Dave Decoteau says the series is seeing about 20% more participants each year, regardless of economic conditions.

He says a promotional grant from the state Department of Tourism was a big help. Decoteau says the series attracts fitness enthusiasts from outside the area because of the relative low cost of food, accommodations, and the unique characteristics of each event.

Decoteau says there will be about 20 events on the River Towns Race Series calendar this year, with events for both children and adults planned. They range in difficulty from 5K races on local roads to triathlons and a two-day adventure race.

Organizers and participants in the River Towns Race Series will celebrate their year of running and cycling on Saturday at 12:00 noon at Danville High School. They’ll also be awarding $5,000 in cash prizes to local athletes who earned points for their performances during the 2009 edition of the series. More information online at www.RivertownRace.com (Matt Farrand)

Beer distributor not worried about Weis Markets competition

LEWISBURG – Weis Markets in Lewisburg starting selling six-pack and single bottles and cans of beer this week and local beer distributor says he doesn’t think it will affect his business. Harold Bansickle is the manager of the Beer Barn in Lewisburg and says Weis isn’t in the beer business, they are in the restaurant business.

Bansickle says buying a case, which is how the beer distributor sells the beverage, is cheaper, but understands that some customers like to buy in smaller quantities. He says he is disappointed in the family business bringing beer into their stores. Lewisburg’s location is the seventh Weis Markets in Pennsylvania to sell beer in their store. The stores are required to have an in-store café that sits at least 30 people. (Sara Bartlett)

Snyder County Democratic Committee to endorse Steve Hoffman for commissioner

MIDDLEBURG – The Snyder County Democratic Committee had their monthly meeting last night and voted to endorse Steve Hoffman as their choice for Snyder County Commissioner. Democratic Commissioner Bud Bickhart resigned effective January 29th.

The committee will give their recommendation to Judge Harold Woelfel and Judge Michael Sholley, however the judges can still choose someone other than the recommended candidate. The judges say they will not accept resumes and letters of interest until after Bickhart is off the job.

Another candidate interested in the job, Peggy Chamberlain-Roup of Selinsgrove was present at the meeting and was interviewed by the committee, but was not selected. Hoffman was chosen by a 7 to 4 vote. The county judges say the process will take about a month once interviews get underway, so a new commissioner should be chosen by the end of February or early March. (Ali Stevens)

Geisinger Doctor will be featured on the Discovery Channel on Saturday

DANVILLE – The director of Geisinger’s Women’s Heart and Vascular Health Program will be featured on the Discovery Channel Saturday morning. Dr. Kimberly Skelding, an interventional cardiologist will be on the Discovery Channel’s continuing Medical Education series.

The show entitled “Bariatric Surgery: Patient Referral and Follow Up” is at 8 a.m. on Saturday. It features a discussion of common barriers to bariatric-surgery referral and also provides specific strategies to help patients achieve long-term weight loss. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Millionaire Tom Knox is dropping out of the Democratic nomination race for Pennsylvania governor and throwing his support behind Dan Onorato. The Philadelphia businessman disclosed his decision Friday in a conference call with reporters. Knox says he's quitting mainly because his wife doesn't want him to run. He says he believes he could win if he stayed in the race. He says he will urge the other three Democrats to also withdraw and endorse Onorato, who's the Allegheny County executive. He says he shares Onorato's goals and is vowing to make sure that he has enough money to win the governor's race. Knox's withdrawal leaves Onorato and three others vying for the nomination. They are Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and state Auditor General Jack Wagner.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Prosecutors in the corruption case against former Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Veon and three aides say they're not sure what's on a hard drive that a defense lawyer has produced. A judge held a closed-door meeting Friday with lawyers concerning the hard drive that defendant Stephen Keefer's lawyer recently provided to the attorney general's office. Prosecutors say they were told the hard drive includes e-mails and that it's a copy Keefer made the day he was fired as a House Democratic caucus employee. Senior Deputy Attorney General Marc Costanzo says he doesn't think evidence on the drive will be a game changer in the upcoming theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest trial. Defense lawyers didn't comment after the meeting. Opening statements in the case are expected Feb. 1.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Penn State president Graham Spanier says the university faces financial uncertainty in the coming years that threatens an already tight budget. Spanier says rising health care costs and a looming crisis with funding the State Employees Retirement System could force the university to come up with tens of millions of dollars annually to make up for shortfalls. That outlook comes with the school's budget already tight because of shrinking state appropriations. Spanier did tell university trustees Friday that the school has been able to avert a midyear tuition increase. Penn State on Friday also received a long-delayed portion of its state funding for this academic year. A total of $334 million in subsidies had been stuck in legislative gridlock.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Penn State has frozen 2010 ticket prices for football season-ticket holders. It will cost $55 per game for season-ticket holders, the same as last year. The seven-game 2010 schedule will cost $385. Students will also pay the same as last year - about $29. President Graham Spanier made the announcement Friday at a meeting of university trustees. It comes as the school prepares to implement new season-ticket pricing guidelines in 2011 to account for where people sit in Beaver Stadium. While the cost of a ticket may not change, seat location could change according to new criteria for giving levels to the booster club. The number of tickets and parking are also factors. The price of a single-game football tickets is increasing by $3 in 2010 to $67.

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

WKOK Sports

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Danville 41, Warrior Run 22
East Juniata 51, Newport 32
Greenwood 52, Juniata 48
Halifax 57, Line Mountain 55
Loyalsock 62, Central Columbia 57
Millersburg 37, Upper Dauphin 34
Montoursville 38, Jersey Shore 20
Mount Carmel 55, Lewisburg 51
Muncy 67, Benton 22
Shamokin 51, Mifflinburg 45
Shikellamy 51, Midd-West 14
South Williamsport 57, Montgomery 12

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Bellwood-Antis 66, Juniata Valley 62
Central Columbia 48, Warrior Run 23
Crestwood 64, Berwick 38
Loyalsock 67, Selinsgrove 41
Shamokin 52, Jersey Shore 49
South Williamsport 54, Millville 50

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Line Mountain 65, Upper Dauphin 10

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Susquehanna 92, Drew 66

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Susquehanna 66, Drew 55

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

Local sports activities and broadcasts

SUNBURY – Today: Pittsburgh Steelers 7 time pro-bowler Andy Russell is at the Susquehanna Valley Mall from 11 to 3 as part of our Big Boys Big Toys Expo. He’ll be signing books and giving out autographs. More information on BBBTE at www.wkok.com.

Today on Newsradio 1070 WKOK, we have a double header with Shikellamy boy’s basketball on the radio…Shikellamy travels to Danville. That will be at 2:05p.m. On www.wkok.com, we’ll have the Shikellamy wrestling match. The grapplers take on State College, at 2:30 on www.wkok.com.

Bucknell Men’s Basketball is on the radio on Eagle 107. They take on Colgate at 2pm. Don’t forget the Bucknell Women’s basketball team is hosting another fun event today at Sojka Pavilion. They’ll have the USA Jump Rope team performing at halftime. That game tips off at 7p.m.

AP- BusinessMinute

Down week for stocks...Obama jobs bill...Union membership down

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks suffered another leg down Friday. The Dow fell 217 to 10,173. The S&P dropped 25 and the Nasdaq shed 60 points. It was the worst week for the Dow since hitting a 12-year low in March.

ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) - Taking an increasingly populist stance, President Barack Obama spoke in Ohio where he urged Congress to pass a new job-creation bill. He said a jobs bill must include tax breaks for small business hiring and for people trying to make their homes more energy efficient.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is facing increasing Senate opposition for another four-year term as head of the U.S. central bank. Sen. Barbara Boxer is the latest Democrat to announce that she's against his reappointment.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government says the number of union workers employed by the government for the first time outnumbered union ranks in the private sector last year. That's the result of layoffs that plunged the rate of private sector union membership to a record low.

NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices fell again. Benchmark crude for March delivery lost $1.54 to settle at $74.54 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

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

Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers

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

Big 4 8-8-8-3

Cash 5 07-09-33-36-40

Daily Number 8-1-5

Evening Quinto 5-8-8-6-6

Midday Big 4 4-8-7-9

Midday Number 7-6-9

Midday Quinto 2-7-1-4-0

Super 7 01-05-08-09-17-19-27-34-35-53-74

Treasure Hunt 02-11-19-20-27

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

Balloon boy mom's interviews contradict husband

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - The mother of the 6-year-old boy purported to be in a runaway balloon in Colorado repeatedly told authorities it was all a publicity stunt, contradicting what her husband told media before he reported to jail. The video interviews obtained by the Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper show Mayumi Heene telling sheriff's officials that the Oct. 15 event was a hoax that she and her husband orchestrated. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to filing a false report, and her husband, Richard Heene, pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant. He began serving a 30-day jail sentence Jan. 11. His wife will serve a 20-day sentence after him. Richard Heene told The Associated Press before reporting to jail that he truly believed his son was in the balloon but pleaded guilty to prevent his wife from being deported to Japan.

Stars unite to help Haiti in telethon

NEW YORK (AP) - Alicia Keys' somber "Prelude to a Kiss" opened tonight's all-star "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon. George Clooney, who helped organize the two-hour telecast, asked for help for the Haitian people, saying "They need to know that we still care." After an impassioned plea from Halle Berry, Bruce Springsteen dedicated his rendition of "We Shall Overcome" to Haiti. More than 200,000 people died in the Jan. 12 earthquake. The entertainment world has responded with an outpouring of charity, from million dollar donations to songs aimed at raising money for relief. The biggest names from film, music, sports and even politics, have banded together for tonight's telethon, which is being broadcast from New York, London, Los Angeles and Haiti. MTV says Haitians will be able to listen on Radio One Haiti.

O'Brien thanks fans, NBC on final 'Tonight' show

NEW YORK (AP) - Conan O'Brien said on his final "Tonight" show that walking away is the hardest thing he's ever had to do. He ended his tenure on the storied late-night show Friday, seven months after he started. He is set to be replaced by the man he initially took over for - Jay Leno. Before ending his show, O'Brien thanked his fans, the viewers and even NBC. He worked at the network for two decades before leaving in lieu of accepting a demotion. Despite his sense of loss, O'Brien says the end should be a happy moment. O'Brien says "every comedian dreams of hosting the 'Tonight' show and, for seven months, I got to. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second." He says, "If our next gig is doing a show in a 7-Eleven parking lot, we'll find a way to make it fun."