Domestic incident attracts big police response

SELINSGROVE – A domestic dispute involving a weapon—was the reason state and local police from across the region converged on a Selinsgrove residence Saturday night. The call at about 7:45 p.m. to the Pine Meadows address attracted more than 20 law enforcement units from municipalities that included Selinsgrove, Sunbury and Lewisburg. State troopers were also on hand for the incident that reportedly involved a man with a knife. 

Selinsgrove police say the incident is still under investigation and names are being withheld in the meantime. We don’t have any reports of injuries—but full details are not out yet. (Matt Farrand)

Crash claims life of Milton high swimmer

WHITE DEER TWP – Athletic events were canceled Saturday, and grief counselors were on hand at Milton High School, because of a Friday night highway crash in White Deer Township that took the life of a young motorist. 

17-year-old Alex Moser of Milton died in the one-car accident along New Columbia Road and two passengers were injured.  Moser was a standout on the swim team.  He was reportedly traveling at between 80 and 90 miles per hour, lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole.  Moser was pronounced dead at the scene by Union County Coroner Wanda Walters. 

16-year-old Emily McCaffery of New Columbia and 17-year-old Brittany Bridge of Milton are in fair condition at Geisinger Medical Center after being airlifted there.  New Columbia Road was closed for several hours for the investigation that followed the 10:00 p.m. crash.  (Matt Farrand) 

The Milton Cultural Festival—for the first time ever—on Roundtable

SUNBURY – The Milton Cultural Festival isn’t a household name, but this year’s inaugural event is going to a party to remember—so says one of the organizers George Venios of Milton. The community activist and historian tells us, the festival, which is the former Fiesta de Mayo, is going to be a celebration of all cultures in the region.

The Milton Cultural Festival will take place May 8^th in Milton and has grown from about one square block—to two. Venios and a panel of organizers of the Milton Cultural Festival are on Roundtable this weekend. Organizers talk about the festival and seek support and sponsorship for the event.

You can hear 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

SU student facing charges after driving car into river

SELINSGROVE – A Susquehanna University student is facing multiple charges, including DUI, after he drove his car into the Susquehanna River Saturday morning.  21-year-old Kevin Schink of Selinsgrove (who hails from New Jersey) was driving on the Isle of Que around 1:45a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. 

The vehicle came to rest in a portion of the river at the southern end of the peninsula.  Schink reportedly called a friend to tell them about the accident, and then was not heard from again.

Eighteen agencies, including state and local police, fire crews, air crews, K-9 and towing companies assisted in a missing persons search for Schink.

He was eventually located around 6:00a.m. sleeping at a residence on the Isle of Que, which he had unlawfully entered. Schink faces charges of DUI, criminal trespass, failure to notify police of a crash and careless driving, among other counts.

Shamokin Township fire destroys garage

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP – Volunteer firefighters were kept busy Saturday morning fighting a blaze that destroyed a garage in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County.  The blaze broke out around 5:30a.m. at the Badman Hill Road garage owned by Elwood Swank. 

The garage sustained heavy damage and vehicles were destroyed.  Northumberland County dispatchers say they sent Elysburg, Overlook, Stonington, Kulpmont, and other volunteers to the scene. No injuries were reported.
Award named for pioneer educator goes to local middle school

LEWISBURG – Lewisburg’s middle school is being honored by a foundation that honors a middle school pioneer, and from whom the school itself takes its name.  The Don Eichorn “School to Watch” program says the Donald H. Eichorn Middle School offers an environment where students can reach higher academic goals. 

Principal Tracy Krum says there’s more to the award than just a plaque on the wall.   She says they take everything into consideration, including test scores, teaching strategies and the school’s understanding of middle school students. 

Principal Krum says the award’s fact finders also mostly bypassed the administrator’s office, in favor of talking directly with teachers and students about how things are really going in the classrooms.  Some even had lunch with the students and attended meetings of their after school clubs.

Both the school on Washington Avenue in the Lewisburg area and the awards program are named for Donald H. Eichorn, an educator who pioneered the format of the middle school in the 1960’s.  Middle schools generally house 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders, and are meant to address the learning characteristics of young adolescents.  (Matt Farrand)

Geisinger accommodations for cancer patients under new manager

DANVILLE – The House of Care at Geisinger Medical Center is a comfortable, home-like setting for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment for serious illness at the hospital.  There is a new manager at the House of Care, after many years.  Michelle Smith says the resident’s area all going through similar circumstances, and there are no televisions in the individual rooms.  Thus, patients are encouraged to come out and interact with each other.  She says the bonds that develop are awesome to watch.

Smith lives on the site, and says it gives her a chance to meet and offer emotional support to patients.  The House of Care is partly run using volunteer help and interested volunteers should call 271-8600 for more information.  Smith notes even a few hours of volunteering per week can be a big help for patients and other staff members. 

Accepting resumes for Snyder County Commissioner

MIDDLEBURG – Richard Bickhart’s resignation took effect yesterday as Snyder County Commissioner.  Union/Snyder County judges Harold Woelfel and Mike Sholley will begin accepting resumes for the position.  Those interested must be a registered Democrat and resident in Snyder County. 

The judges will accept resumes through the close of business on February 8^th.  They will then review the resumes and begin interviews starting February 17^th.  The judges hope to make the appointment shortly after completing the interviews.  Last week, the Snyder County Democratic Committee endorsed Steve Hoffman as their choice for the position.

All resumes should be sent to The Honorable Harold Woelfel Jr., President Judge, Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. (Sara Bartlett)

Pat Toomey says job creation is most important in Pennsylvania

UNDATED – Republican Pat Toomey, who is seeking the Senate spot currently held by Senator Arlen Specter (D, Philadelphia), says he was pleased to hear President Barack Obama talk about job growth during his State Of The Union address this week, but he still has some worries.  He says he thinks some of Obama’s specific measures won’t work, and is afraid that if there is no change of course in healthcare and cap and trade, jobs could be lost.

Toomey was a recent guest on our On The Mark program, and also talked about job growth specifically in Pennsylvania.  He says she fears the unemployment rate is getting higher, and we shouldn’t be bailing out failing companies.  He says out of control spending must get under control, because resources are being sucked out of the private sector where real viable jobs could be created.

Blaze that left six homeless ruled accidental

SUNBURY – A Thursday night fire that heavily damaged a Sunbury apartment complex and left six people homeless has been ruled accidental in nature.  A state police fire marshal said the blaze at 216-218 Spruce Street originated in a laundry area at the rear of the residence, where there was a space heater with a burnt electric cord.  The heater was being used to prevent freezing in the water lines for the washing machine.  The blaze then traveled through the walls and to the attic of the four-apartment structure. 

Firefighters were on the scene for more than two hours fighting the 6:30p.m. blaze.  Sunbury fire chief Dean Wenrich told us crews from Sunbury, Shamokin Dam, Northumberland, Selinsgrove and Hummels Wharf fought freezing temperatures and high winds, but were able to stop the blaze from spreading to neighboring structures.  

The property owner and occupants were not known at the time of the investigation.  Damage is estimated at $100,000.

Accepting resumes for Snyder County Commissioner

MIDDLEBURG – Richard Bickhart’s resignation takes effect took effect Friday as Snyder County Commissioner.  Union/Snyder County judges Harold Woelfel and Mike Sholley will begin accepting resumes for the position.  Those interested must be a registered Democrat and resident in Snyder County. 

The judges will accept resumes through the close of business on February 8^th.  They will then review the resumes and begin interviews starting February 17^th.  The judges hope to make the appointment shortly after completing the interviews.  Last week, the Snyder County Democratic Committee endorsed Steve Hoffman as their choice for the position.

All resumes should be sent to The Honorable Harold Woelfel Jr., President Judge, Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. (Sara Bartlett)

Berwick woman accused of stealing $750k over 17 years

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) - A former Berwick bank employee is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing $750,000 from her employer over a 17-year period.  Investigators say 54-year-old Mary Knecht of Berwick took between $2,000 and $10,000 at a time from First Keystone National Bank between 1992 and 2009.   Authorities say Knecht used her authority as an accounting administrator to transfer money out of internal accounts and then falsified records to cover up the scam. 

A federal grand jury indicted Knecht on charges including theft and embezzlement on Thursday. She faces up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million if convicted.  Knecht did not return calls or written messages seeking comment Thursday. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney.

Theft at Montour County convenience store

VALLEY TWP – Police are searching for a man accused of theft at a convenience store in Valley Township, Montour County.  Police say around 11:15p.m. Thursday a man entered the store along McCracken Road and demanded money from the clerk.  He then fled on foot in an unknown direction.  It’s not known if the man had a weapon or if any money was taken.  The man is described as while, about 5’10”, medium build with hazel eyes.  Anyone with information is asked to call Milton State Police at 524-2662.

Woman charged after trying to set her own home on fire
 

Six homeless as firefighters battle flames and cold temperatures

SUNBURY – Firefighters from Sunbury and surrounding communities fought temperatures in the 20’s and high winds, as well as the flames coming from a double home Thursday night. A Spruce Street apartment house was heavily damaged. The converted double home has at least three apartments and an estimated six people are homeless.

No injuries were reported in the fire at a converted double home at 216-218 Spruce Street. Sunbury’s fire chief Dean Wenrich told us, they were able to stop the fire from spreading to more of the home and neighboring structures, he said the blaze began on the second flood, at the rear of the home, possibly in a laundry room.

The 6:30 p.m. fire generated heavy smoke and flames that shot through the roof. The second flood and attic was gutted. The American Red Cross is assisting at least six residents displaced by the blaze. A problem with the oil-fueled space heater is reportedly the cause of the apartment fire.

A state police fire marshal will issue an official report. Crews from Shamokin Dam, Northumberland, Selinsgrove and Hummels Wharf also responded. Sunbury’s Streets Department crews spread salt in the area near the fire because of the slippery conditions. (Matt Farrand)

Preliminary budget contains .63 mil increase for LASD taxpayers

LEWISBURG – The board of the Lewisburg Area School District passed a preliminary version of its next budget without a dissenting vote Thursday night. The plan would spend nearly $27.4 million dollars in 2010-2011 and contains a tax increase of .63 mils.

Superintendent Dr. Mark DiRocco says there are still some unknowns the district will have to deal with, such as the amount of education subsidies in the budget proposed by Governor Ed Rendell next month.

Initial drafts also contained a deficit of more than $450,000, but that figure is being whittled away as district employees retire. The budget is still subject to final revision and approval by the board, and would only be subject to a vote by taxpayers if the tax increases exceed a cap set by the state. (Matt Farrand)

Campaign 2010 I: Industrial operations manager shoots for GOP state house nomination

KREAMER – Another Republican says he’d like to fill the spot in the state house currently held by the retiring Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Winfield). Fred Keller of Kreamer says he’s worked on successful campaigns such as Joan Orie Melvin’s state Supreme Court bid, and can bring that experience to his own campaign. Meantime, Keller says Russ Fairchild’s decision to not run again proved to be all the reason he needed to take action.

He also says a long lasting interest in politics prompted him to get into the race. Keller recently completed a six-year term as auditor for Snyder County’s Middle Creek Township, and is a long time employee of Conestoga Wood Products in Beavertown.

He says economic issues are the top priority of people in the district, meaning the state must do more to attract business to the area. Lewisburg accountant and clothing storeowner Maurice Brubaker announced his decision to seek the GOP nomination for the 85th District state house seat earlier in the week. (Matt Farrand)

Campaign 2010 II: Two more join the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th district seat

UNDATED – Two additional Republicans have announced their intentions to run for the 10th District Congressional seat now held by Democratic Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock).

David Maderia of Dallas announced that he will make a run for the position. Maderia is a former chiropractor. He plans to make a formal announcement next month.

Ted Yale, of Pike County, has also launched a campaign for the 10th District seat. According to his Facebook page, Yale holds an undergraduate from Princeton University, and considers himself a conservative.

The two join Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk and former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino, who are both seeking the nomination

A statement released on behalf of Chris Carney says, “There will be plenty of time for politics down the road. Right now, Congressman Carney is concentrating on creating jobs in our region and listening to the people from all 14 counties. He is fighting for tax cuts for small businesses and the middle class and working to get area projects the funding they so badly need.”

He said, “Congressman Carney is proud of his bipartisan record in Congress and was flattered to have recently been approached by Sen. John McCain and other Republican leaders about switching parties. He believes, however, that his job is not about a political party. It is about doing the right thing every day for the people he represents.”

Campaign 2010 III: Lewisburg man makes run for Russ Fairchild’s seat

LEWISBURG – Lewisburg Public Accountant Maurice Brubaker thinks he can make a difference, and that’s the basis for his decision to run for the 85th district house seat. The Republican made his official announcement Wednesday to seek the seat being vacated by Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Winfield).

Brubaker says he wants to continue with many of the positive changes Fairchild has made to the district and also has important ideas of his own, including bringing jobs to the region, working to get the CSVT built and keeping I-80 toll free.

Brubaker has been a public accountant for 15 years, he is co-owner of Brubaker’s Clothier in Lewisburg, is the president of the Central Keystone Council of Government Board and is the treasurer of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership. Snyder County resident and Conestoga Wood plant operations manager Fred Keller is the only other person so far who has announced plans to run for this seat. (Sara Bartlett)

Campaign 2010 IV: Former U.S. Attorney making a run for 10th Congressional District

WILLIAMSPORT – Former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino says this isn’t the first time he has thought about a run for 10th Congressional District, but in today’s economy it’s necessary to get someone in Washington that can produce results. Marino made the announcement Wednesday to seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Representative Chris Carney (R-10th, Dimock).

The 57-year-old Williamsport native is a former district attorney in Lycoming County and served as the top federal prosecutor for central and northeastern Pennsylvania between 2002 and 2007. Marino says there is far too much spending in Washington. Another important issue to him is taking a stand on healthcare, and not letting the government make his healthcare decisions.

Marino says if elected, he will spend as little time in Washington as possible, and much of his time in the 10th Congressional District, because that’s where his constituents are best served. Several Republicans are expected to enter the race to challenge Carney. Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk has already announced his intentions to run. (Sara Bartlett)

Sentencing in drug distribution organization

WILLIAMSPORT – A former Milton man was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a crack cocaine trafficking ring distributing drugs to the Northumberland and Sunbury areas. 23-year-old Corey Crabb was sentenced in U.S. District Court, and was also ordered four years supervised release.

Crabb was among nine others involved in drug distribution and criminal conspiracy. They were indicted in December 2007, for the incidents that happened earlier that year. The majority of the nine others, some who had local residences in our area for a time, have also been sentenced. They include:

Zabula Knuckes, 120 months in prison, distribution crack cocaine Renita Morris, 18 months in prison, facilitating drug felonies Angela Walter, 48 months in prison, facilitating drug felonies

Hasson Lindsey, sentencing in March 2010 Jessica Walter, 12-24 months in prison, possession with intent to deliver cocaine Jarae Lindsey, 24 months in prison, possession with intent to deliver cocaine

Eric Lindsey, 48 months in prison facilitating drug felonies Alma Lindsey, 152 months in prison, distributing crack cocaine, fraud Merle Zeigler Jr., died pending trial

Kids and germs…Evan holds kids health fair this weekend

LEWISBURG – Hip Hip Hooray to Super Health is the theme for Evangelical Community Hospital’s 21st annual children’s health fair. Deana Carson, with community health education at Evan, says they are welcoming many vendors at the Susquehanna Valley Mall Saturday. She says the Germ City will return., where kids put fake glow in the dark germs on their hands, wash their hands and see when the germs remain.

There will also be free ear and eye screenings, a puppet show, story time, fingerprint kits and children are encouraged to bring in a stuffed animal or doll to get a ‘check-up.’ The free children’s health fair will be held Saturday from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. For more information call 522-2693. (Sara Bartlett)

Local Toyota dealer talks about a massive recall due to a faulty gas pedal

SELINSGROVE – Toyota's massive recall over gas pedal problems now reaches all the way to Europe. Toyota says it's extending a car recall across the Atlantic, but is still checking how many vehicles use the parts involved in the U.S. recall. The world's largest carmaker has suspended U.S. sales of eight models to fix faulty gas pedals that could stick and cause acceleration without warning. Millions of cars are being recalled.

John Broome, manager of Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Hummels Wharf says things are going well at their dealership. He says they are fortunate in that they do have vehicles to sell on the lot, including the popular Camry.

And he says this is an historic recall because Toyota has always been an exceptional product. Broome says that’s where all the shock comes from, because this is something uncharacteristic of Toyota and not something the company is used to dealing with.

The initial recall covered U.S. sales of models including the Corolla, Camry, Matrix and Tundra. That's now been expanded to include another 1.09 million vehicles in the U.S. The five models affected included the Highlander, Venza and the Pontiac Vibe. (Ali Stevens/AP)

Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment:

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - The state Supreme Court says a judicial board must turn over a confidential misconduct complaint against a former northeastern Pennsylvania judge to a panel investigating a corruption scandal.  The high court rejected the Judicial Conduct Board's argument that the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice should not get the complaint about ex-judge Michael Conahan because it has no law enforcement or prosecutorial authority.  The high court says the report must only be shared only with the commission, not with the public.  Attorneys for both bodies did not return messages left by the AP seeking comment Friday.  Conahan and ex-judge Mark Ciavarella Jr. are awaiting trial on racketeering charges. They are accused of taking $2.8 million in kickbacks to place youth offenders in for-profit detention facilities.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's first special court for nonviolent criminal defendants who also happen to be military veterans got up and running in Pittsburgh last fall on the Marine Corps' birthday.  Since then, veterans' courts also have begun operating in Scranton and Philadelphia. Next week in Harrisburg, a statewide task force will hold its first meeting with the goal of expanding the effort to courthouses across the state. Delaware, Chester, Bucks, York and Erie counties are also looking at the issue. The "problem-solving courts" approach is not new, having been used in Pennsylvania and many other states to deal with mental illness, domestic violence and substance abuse by addressing underlying causes of defendants' misbehavior. About three years ago a judge in Buffalo, N.Y., set up the nation's first veterans' treatment court, and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs is helping other states adopt similar procedures.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's first gubernatorial debate is over - after two hours of discussion on a long list of topics.  The four Democratic candidates offered conflicting positions on such hot-button issues as abortion, same-sex marriage and the fairness of state taxes.  But Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, state Auditor General Jack Wagner, former congressman Joe Hoeffel and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty agreed they would retain the system of selling liquor and wine through state stores.  About 300 people turned out for the first Pennsylvania Progressive Summit at a hotel on the outskirts of Harrisburg. Its sponsors included labor unions and citizen activist groups.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Hundreds of thousands of poor, elderly and disabled Pennsylvanians will be getting a little less in their monthly Supplemental Security Income checks.  Pennsylvania's state budget signed by Gov. Ed Rendell in October cut Supplemental Security Income by about $10 million, or about 6 percent.  That means more than 300,000 people who benefit each year from the program will see monthly checks shrink by about $5 beginning Monday.  Aides to the governor and top legislators say it is unlikely that the money will be restored to the program this spring.  Ray Landis of the AARP says the cut doesn't sound like a lot of money to many people. But he says $5 makes a difference to people who are unable to work and who are living below the poverty line.

TOWANDA, Pa. (AP) - Police in northern Pennsylvania say they discovered a natural gas well-drilling service truck that was more than 41 tons over the weight limit for the road it was on.  Cpl. Roger Stipcak said it is the latest of numerous examples of state troopers finding overweight natural gas trucks inflicting damage on area roads.  Drilling crews are flocking to Pennsylvania as they rush to extract natural gas from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation.  Police say they found the truck Tuesday. It was parked illegally and without a valid permit for its oversize load on a Bradford County road posted with a 10-ton weight limit.  It is owned by a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corp. of Oklahoma City. The driver drew traffic citations worth more than $25,000.

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

Update on the latest in business:

AP Sources: Govt clears Toyota gas pedal fix

DETROIT (AP) - Three people briefed on the matter say Toyota Motor Corp. has received clearance from federal regulators on a fix or the company's sticky gas pedals. Two dealers said Saturday that Toyota plans to make the announcement Monday morning. One says that dealers could get parts as early as Thursday or Friday. A Department of Transportation official confirmed that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not object to Toyota's repair plans. Technically NHTSA's approval is not required, but Toyota would be reluctant to proceed if the government raised objections.  All three people asked not to be identified because the announcement had not been made.    Telephone messages left by AP with Toyota spokesmen were not immediately returned.   Toyota has recalled 4.2 million vehicles worldwide because the gas pedal systems can stick.

Davos forum considers world economy on last day

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) - The state of the world's economy, and keeping it on a course of recovery, is the focus of the last day of the World Economic Forum.  The five-day conference, which draws to a close Sunday, has seen much spirited debate on whether more regulation is needed for the financial industry, boosting sagging global employment and finding ways to ensure the nascent recovery is kept on course through 2010. Keeping that idea in the forefront of the conference Sunday are Deutsche Bank chief Executive Josef Ackermann and Wipro Chairman Azim Premji who will examine what industry and government can do to increase job growth this year before the forum's annual meeting is declared closed.

Books pulled from Amazon.com in pricing dispute

NEW YORK (AP) - Books published by Macmillan are unavailable on Amazon.com, apparently the biggest rift yet in the ongoing dispute over e-book prices.  Macmillan CEO John Sargent says he was told Friday that its books would be removed from Amazon.com, as would e-books for Amazon's Kindle e-reader.  Sargent had met with Amazon officials Thursday to discuss the publisher's new pricing model for e-books. He writes in a letter to Macmillan authors and literary agents that the plan would allow Amazon to make more money selling Macmillan books and that Macmillan would make less. Publishers have criticized Amazon for charging $9.99 for best-selling e-books. They say the price is too low and could hurt hardcover sales.  Amazon did not immediately return AP’s messages seeking comment Saturday.

Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers:

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

Big 4

     7-1-7-1

Cash 5

     08-09-11-16-35

Daily Number

     3-8-8

Evening Quinto

     5-2-9-8-7

Midday Big 4

     5-3-1-3

Midday Number

     3-3-2

Midday Quinto

     3-9-3-0-5

Powerball

     06-26-35-47-48, Powerball: 21, Power Play: 3

Treasure Hunt

     14-16-17-19-26

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

The suspense is building for tonight's Grammy awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) - There were weekend celebrations all over Los Angeles leading up to tonight's marquis event, the Grammys at the Staples Center.  Singer Ke$ha is presenting the best new artist category tonight. Her debut album was released this month, and she says she hopes next year she'll be at the Grammys for a different reason. Elton John, James Taylor, Dave Matthews and more than a dozen other artists honored Neil Young as the MusiCares Person of the Year yesterday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The singer-songwriter said he'd "forgotten how many songs I'd written."  Album of the Year nominee Taylor Swift did some rehearsing. Other Album nominees include Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and the Dave Matthews Band.

Thousands attend 'Lost' sneak preview

HONOLULU (AP) - More than 10,000 fans greeted the cast of "Lost" on Waikiki Beach and were treated to a special screening of upcoming season premiere.  Fans started lining up 12 hours before the Saturday night's event in hopes of getting a glimpse of the actors. Sitting on beach towels and lawn chairs, they watched the episode that airs Tuesday night on ABC and kicks off the sixth and final season of the castaway drama.  Among the stars that made an island-style, red-carpet arrival were Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim and Michael Emerson.  Actor Daniel Dae Kim called the event "humbling, outrageous and

a lot of fun." 

Rip Torn charged with breaking into Conn. Bank

SALISBURY, Conn. (AP) - Actor Elmore "Rip" Torn has been charged with breaking into a Connecticut bank and carrying a loaded handgun while intoxicated.  State police say the 78-year-old Salisbury resident was arrested Friday night after police found him inside the Litchfield Bancorp with a loaded revolver.  The "Men in Black" actor has been taken into custody and booked on charges including burglary and possession of firearm without a permit. He is being held on $100,000 bond and is scheduled for a Monday appearance in Bantam Superior Court last year, Torn was given probation in a Connecticut drunken driving case and granted permission to enter an alcohol education program. He also has two previous drunken driving arrests in New York.

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