Friday, March 7, 2008

Foot pursuit in Sunbury

SUNBURY – Sunbury Police say the chase for a suspect Friday turned into a foot pursuit in the area of South 4^th and Spruce Streets.   Initial reports began just before 2p.m.  The name and age of the suspect or why police were chasing him are not yet available, but police say they stopped the male that they suspected of a crime and the suspect took off on foot. 

Reports say at one point in the chase, police were able to grab him, but the suspect slipped out of his shirt and got away.  He also lost his shoes on the way, and eventually eluded police.  Police say they know who the suspect is and do not consider him dangerous.

Rains dampened some of the search efforts but police in the area will continue to search for the suspect.  Northumberland, Point Township and State Police all assisted Sunbury Police in the chase.  The State Police helicopter and K-9 units were also involved.  (staff)

Belfanti reacts to anti-smoking ad

COAL TWP – State House member Bob Belfanti is reacting to a print ad run in local newspapers this week by the Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.  The group is targeting members of a House committee that’s working on a compromise bill that would restrict tobacco-smoking statewide.  Belfanti says he’s not surprised to be on the receiving end of the campaign, and notes there could be a lot of money spent to influence a decision.  The half page ad shows a photo of the 107^th district Democrat with a notice in the style of the Surgeon General’s warning on a pack of cigarettes. 

The boxed text of the ad claims “This Representative’s Decisions May be Hazardous to Your Health.”  The campaign is appearing in the districts of three Republicans and two Democrats, including House member Ron Miller, Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, Minority Leader Sam Smith, Minority Leader Robert Mellow and State Senator Chuck Mcllhinney.  The Tobacco Free Kids fund often works with groups such as Common Cause, and favors banning smoking from all workplaces, including restaurants, bars and casinos.  Hearings will be conducted next week to arrive at a compromise between House and Senate anti-smoking bills.   (Matt Farrand)

Registration deadline approaches this month for voters

MIDDLEBURG— This year’s upcoming primary election in the state of Pennsylvania is getting a lot of attention and Director of Elections in Snyder County, Pat Nace, says a strong democracy relies on residents using their votes.  She says Pennsylvania has a permanent registration that only becomes purged if an individual does not respond to a number of mailings after a few years.  But if you aren’t registered, she says the deadline to do so is March 24^th.   The upcoming Pennsylvania primary election is set for April 22^nd. (Sara Lauver)

Man in critical condition following a crash in Coal Township

COAL TOWNSHIP – A Coal Township man was seriously injured in a crash Thursday morning.  The News Item reports 60-year-old Donald Faust was driving north on Sherman Street when his truck slid on a patch of ice and crashed into a utility pole around 5 a.m.  Faust was flown by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.  (Ali Stevens)

Sunbury man charged after beating up man for heroin

LEWISBURG – A Sunbury man faces charges after allegedly robbing and beating up another man on Tuesday in Lewisburg.  29-year-old Steven Anderson broke into a home on Saint Anthony Street and beat up William Green, of Lewisburg, around 12:40a.m.  Anderson knew Green, and was apparently going to get heroin from him, but instead of the transaction, Anderson reportedly assaulted him and held a knife to his neck.  He also took Green’s wallet and a cane that was reportedly filled with heroin.  Anderson is charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and robbery, as well as a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. (Sara Bartlett)

OSHA investigates a deadly accident at a construction site

HUMMELS WHARF – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now investigating a deadly accident at the Monroe Marketplace construction site in Hummels Wharf.  The Daily Item reports OSHA investigators were at the Target construction site on Thursday.  38-year-old Ronald Collins of Mount Union was killed Wednesday morning when a 33,000-pound forklift ran over his head.  OSHA is looking to see if there were any violations of federal regulations, which could take up to six months.  The contractor being investigated is Harrisburg-based S & R Enterprises LLC.  They could be fined up to $70,000 for the accident.  (Ali Stevens)

Selinsgrove man seriously injured in a crash on Route 104 in Snyder County

SELINSGROVE – State police are investigating a crash on Route 104 at Route 35 in Perry Township, Snyder County on Wednesday morning.  Troopers say Andrew Benfer drove into a puddle of water, causing his truck to go off the road and flip onto the roof.  Benfer was taken to Geisinger Medical Center with serious injuries, however Geisinger has no record of him being treated there.  No other vehicles were involved.  (Ali Stevens)

Prison time for a drunk driver involved in a fatal crash

NEWPORT – A Middleburg man was sentenced to prison for a DUI crash that left a Newport man dead in February of 2006.  53-year-old Rickey Zechman was sentenced in Perry County Court to 3 to 6 years in state prison for the incident that left 92-year-old William Reisinger dead.  Police say Zechman was driving at a high rate of speed on Routes 11 and 15 in Liverpool Township when he hit the rear of Reisinger’s vehicle, causing it to flip over.  It was determined that Zechman’s blood alcohol was .139 percent at the time of the crash.  Reisinger spent a month at a hospital in Hershey before dying from his injuries.  He was not insured and Zechman was ordered to pay $190,000 to cover medical expenses.  (Ali Stevens)

Hit and run accident investigated in Snyder County

SELINSGROVE – State police are looking for more information about a hit and run accident on Routes 11 and 15 in Monroe Township Thursday morning.  Troopers say 39-year-old Matthew Buck of Selinsgrove was driving north on Routes 11 and 15 when he was struck in the rear tire by another vehicle.  Troopers say after the impact, the hit and run driver took off on the Old Trail.  The accident happened around 1:10 a.m. on Thursday and Buck’s vehicle was disabled.  Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call state police.  (Ali Stevens)

A message of hope and courage from nationally known radio journalist

SELINSGROVE – When you get knocked down, get back up.  That was the message to a group of local business professionals from nationally known radio journalist and motivational speaker Nelson Lauver.  He was the keynote speaker Thursday at The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.  Lauver, who grew up in Juniata County, says he loves to tell stories of those who never gave up.

Shik I: Money…Shikellamy school district to save money

SUNBURY - Shikellamy School Officials say that they are in the process of re-financing their bonds. Re-financing at this time will save the school nearly $350,000 next year. “You have a window every now and then when the rates get good enough to re-finance,” said Superintendent Dr. Alan Lonoconus. He said, with the money that is saved, the district will be able to update technology, especially computers.

Lonoconus says many of the computers in the various classrooms are wearing out, but are becoming more and more of a necessity every day. By purchasing new systems with the money saved through the re-financing process, these items won’t need to be added to the budget at a later time.

Other items in the district are of concern as well. Some of the vehicles that the district uses, such as vans and maintenance trucks need to be replaced. Lonoconus also says he recognizes the need for a new soccer field, and would like to see some of the money go towards that as well. (Clayton Gessner)

Shik II: Honors…Shikellamy Key Club brings home seven awards

SUNBURY – The Shikellamy School Board recognized members of the school’s Key Club Thursday night. 15-year-old Juli Ross, 17-year-old Janelle Ross, 17-year-old Jayme Bingaman, and 18-year-old Chelsea Kerstetter talked with school board officials about their recent success at the annual Key Club Convention. The Shikellamy students received seven awards at this year’s convention, held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The group was awarded for its various commitments, with included nearly 1200 hours of community service. The club also raised over $1800 dollars for needy children. Of the seven awards received, the Key Club is most proud of its scrapbook. It will be entered into a contest at the International Key Club Convention in Denver, Colorado. (Clayton Gessner)

Telemedicine options made available to veterans

WASHINGTON – Federally supported medical help for veterans could soon be a few steps closer. A Community Based Outpatient clinic could soon be built in either Snyder or Northumberland Counties. The proposal is being issued by the Veteran’s Affairs Center in Wilkes-Barre, and would be under their auspices.

It would provide a variety of VA services, including primary health care, preventative services. Other services could be offered by contract with existing health care centers. The next step will be to have the proposal approved by the regional VA office in Pittsburgh. (Matt Farrand)

Here is the partial text of the news release from US Congressman Carney’s office:

The proposal, issued by the Wilkes Barre Veterans Affairs Center, indicates that this CBOC would provide primary health care services to veterans, including: primary health care, preventive health services, patient education, immunizations, lab, EKG, chest, abdominal and skeletal radiographs, emergency medically necessary prescriptions, telemedicine and mental health services.

If approved, the preferred option at this point would be to provide these services via a contract to an existing health care center. This is good news, since there will not be a delay in services offered due to construction. Congressman Carney met with officials from the VA multiple times to express his support for this project to facilitate its creation, even hand-delivering petitions from local veterans who would be affected by this.

The next step will be to have this proposal approved by the regional VA office, based out of Pittsburgh. Vietnam veteran, Frank J. Sawicki, a Northumberland County Commissioner said “The news, for a Community Based Outreach Clinic, is welcomed. I thank Congressman Carney for his work in addressing the needs of our veterans!

Medical facilities, that are reasonably close, help all veterans and their families cope with service-connected disabilities. This medical facility is one of the cornerstones that the late Dusty Rhoades, a Past Commander of the Sunbury American Legion wanted for area veterans.”

UGI Utilities to buy PPL gas businesses

ALLENTOWN – Looks like PPL Corp will focus on the electric power portion of its business. The company says they’ve signed a definitive agreement to sell PPL Gas Utilities to UGI Utilities. The deal includes PPL’s propane subsidiary. It reportedly involves $268 million in cash plus working capital.

PPL Gas Utilities serves about 76,000 customers state wide, owns about 3,800 miles of pipeline and storage facilities in the north central part of the state. The transaction depends on regulatory approval by Public Service Commissions in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, and by the FTC. PPL stock is down 2.3% before the opening bell Friday.

Other stocks of local interest also enter the new day on a down note: The Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust is down more than 6.5%. Weis Markets hit a 52-week low and closed at 31.83. Conagra is down more than 2.2% and Community Health Systems fell a fraction to 31.83.

Banking stocks of local interest also begin trading lower, Sovereign Bank and Omega Financial lost more than 4.3% apiece, FNB Bank is off more than 2.0% to 13.29 and M&T Banks dropped 3.4% to 75.92. (Matt Farrand)

Will the Democratic candidates for president visit Central Pennsylvania?

LEWISBURG – Now that Pennsylvania is such an important primary in the race for president, will the Democratic candidates visit the Central Susquehanna Valley? Jim Buck of Lewisburg is the representative for the state democratic committee in Union County and says he expects to at least see representatives from both the Clinton and Obama campaigns in the region, but would hope for more.

The candidates have been invited to a Spring Democratic Dinner on Saturday April 5th in Lewisburg and a Democratic breakfast on April 19th. Whether or not they attend, Buck says it’s a good time to be a Democrat.

Buck isn’t sure which candidate he will vote for, but says either will make a good contender for president. He spoke recently to Congressman Chris Carney, who is a super delegate and Carney maintains that he will wait to endorse a candidate until after the primary on April 22nd.

Harrell parole hearing continued to June

SUNBURY – The man suspected of killing another man and a woman in Sunbury in January remains in custody awaiting a parole hearing. 39-year-old Michael Harrell is being granted a continuance until June for an alleged parole violation, in a decision Thursday by Northumberland County judge Charles Saylor. Harrell pleaded guilty to a simple assault in 2006. To date, he has not been charged with the double homicide.

District Attorney Tony Rosini says the investigation into the shooting deaths is continuing. The bodies of 24-year-old Crystal Scholl-Gordon and 25-year-old David Moore were found in a North Fourth Street apartment January 18th. (Matt Farrand)

Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce hands out annual awards

SELINSGROVE – The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce honored businesses and volunteers during their 2007 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet Thursday. Baylor-Hamm Companies was named the Business of the Year. They run Lewisburg companies The Country Cupboard, Best Western Inn, Country Inn and Suites, Damon’s Grille, Brookpark Associates and Limestone Run Associates.

The award for Small Business of the Year was handed out to Kreamer Feed, which is a family run agricultural company for over 60 years. Community leader and volunteer Ted Silker was awarded the Karen Hackman Star of Excellence Award. Past Chamber Board member Rue Rothermel was given the Dan Foss Heritage Award.

All the awards were handed out during a luncheon at Susquehanna University. The keynote speaker for the event was Nelson Lauver, a nationally syndicated journalist and host of The American Storyteller Radio Journal. (Sara Bartlett)

Flood kayaker rescued

SUNBURY – A man had to be rescued from an island in Shamokin Creek after trying to use a kayak in floodwaters. Northumberland County Communications says 18-year-old Nick Stahl of Sunbury alerted passing motorists of his plight by waving to them. The incident was in Upper Augusta Township along Snydertown Road about one-half mile from Sunbury Community Hospital. (Matt Farrand)

UGI Utilities to buy PPL gas businesses

ALLENTOWN -- PPL Corporation’s natural gas business will be under new ownership, possibly by the end of this year. PPL says they’ve signed a definitive agreement to sell PPL Gas Utilities to UGI Utilities. The deal reportedly involves $268 million in cash plus working capital.

PPL Gas Utilities serves about 76,000 customers state wide, and the gas business represents about 1.0% percent of their overall earnings. The transaction depends on regulatory approval by Public Service Commissions in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, and by the FTC. PPL stock is down about 1.4% percent in midday trading. (Matt Farrand)

Fire that damaged a home in Union County has been ruled accidental

COWAN – Fire that damaged a home near the village of Cowan in Union County has been ruled accidental in nature. State police fire marshal Norman Fedder says the fire started at a home on Centennial Road in West Buffalo Township on Tuesday.

The fire started in the living room and was set off by a heater. Damage is estimated at $60,000. The home is owned by 39-year-old James Bender and was occupied by 28-year-old Amanda Laraby. There were no injuries reported. (Ali Stevens)

Three injuries reported after a crash in Northumberland County

PAXINOS – Three injuries were reported after a crash Wednesday evening in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County. State police say 25-year-old Sean Gould of Shamokin was driving south on Badman Hill Road around 6:45 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle, striking a stonewall and a mailbox on the side of the road.

The vehicle flipped over and three passengers were injured. 27-year-old Kelly Merlino of Shamokin and 27-year-old Megan Holohan of Shamokin were taken by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center. A 3-year-old boy was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. Gould will be cited by state police for causing the accident. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The state House of Representatives expects to debate next week whether to expand state-subsidized health insurance for uninsured adults – more  than a year after Governor Ed Rendell introduced a plan intended to accomplish that goal. Representative Todd Eachus says he's putting the finishing touches on legislation to provide low-cost health insurance to roughly 800,000 uninsured adults and small businesses that cannot afford to cover their employees.  The Luzerne County Democrat says rank-and-file lawmakers are expected to receive the details on Monday.  Rendell's plan was unveiled in January 2007. It has been opposed by lawmakers who do not want the new taxes required to help finance it.  The governor has abandoned a business payroll tax that was originally part of his proposal. But he still wants lawmakers to raise the state's cigarette tax by 10 cents and impose a first-of-its-kind tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars.   

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - A Luzerne County judge has issued what is believed to be the first sentence in Pennsylvania for possession of a drug commonly used in parts of Africa and the Middle East.  Judge Chester Muroski gave a Michigan man 4 1/2 to 12 months in jail for possession of khat.  Khat is a plant grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.  It's a legal stimulant in many countries but is illegal in the U.S. Users chew the leaves and young shoots of the plant, giving them a sense of euphoria.  Shafi Mrmaji was caught with more than 50 pounds of khat during a traffic stop along Interstate 80. Mrmaji is a U.S. citizen originally from Ethiopia. He says he didn't know he drug was illegal.

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

 Daily Number

     6-8-0

 Big 4

     0-4-1-5

 Treasure Hunt

     4-5-6-22-25

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