Thursday, March 20, 2008
Fatal train accident in Milton
MILTON – A man is dead after an accident along the train tracks in Milton Borough. Union County dispatchers tell us an older man riding a scooter was struck by a train at the intersection of Mahoning Street. The call came in around 6:15 Thursday evening. The man’s identity has not been released.Sunbury fire undetermined in origin
SUNBURY – The fire that destroyed a duplex in Sunbury has been listed undetermined in origin. State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire originated in the 2nd floor bathroom of 829 North 5th Street. The majority of the blaze was reportedly located in the ceiling area of the bathroom, where there was an exhaust fan and a light. Fedder says the extent of damage and the location of electrical items in the bathroom made it unable to determine the exact cause.
The home is owned by James and Phyllis Gordon, who were insured. 62-year-old Phyllis Gordon had to be rescued from the roof of the building; she remains at Sunbury Community Hospital in stable condition. The tenant in the other half of the duplex, 34-year-old Tricia Reitz, escaped the blaze, and no other injuries were reported. Damage to the structure and the contents are estimated at $270,000. (Sara Bartlett)
Charges pending after a naked woman driver causes a crash
SHAMOKIN DAM – A Perry County woman is facing charges after police say she was driving in the nude and on the wrong side of the road when she hit an SUV. Shamokin Dam police tell us 64-year-old Susan Shuman of New Buffalo was completely naked driving north in the southbound lane of Routes 11/15, when she struck an SUV driven by Lori Knowlden of Trout Run, who then hit a hummer, driven by Fred Grunsby of Muncy Valley. Knowlden and Shuman were taken to Geisinger Medical Center. Grunsby was taken to Sunbury Community Hospital.
Shamokin Dam police tell us the investigation will continue and charges are pending against Shuman. They were not able to release details on why the woman was naked. The accident happened around 9:00 this morning near the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge overpass. Traffic was heavy in the area for more than an hour following the crash. (Ali Stevens)
Bullets fired at a church in Union County
WHITE DEER TWP – Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly fired bullets at a church in White Deer Township, Union County. On Wednesday around 1:30a.m. an unknown person or persons shot numerous bullets at the Mt. Deliverance Worship Center on Pleasant View Road. No injuries were reported, but the building sustained damage. The investigation continues and anyone with information about incident is asked to call Milton State Police. (Sara Bartlett)
Two alleged heroin dealers taken into custody in Danville
DANVILLE – Danville police have arrested two alleged heroin dealers. Police say 36-year-old Jennifer Hunt and 21-year-old Shawn Ashton sold drugs to a confidential informant on several occasions from an apartment on East Mahoning Street in Danville. Police say they were alerted to the drug activity by complaints from neighbors. Preliminary hearings for both suspects are set for the end of March. Hunt faces nine charges from three alleged drug buys and Ashton faces seven charges. (Ali Stevens)
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Daffodil Days is next week
SUNBURY – March is an important time for the American Cancer Society, with one of their biggest fundraisers and also the recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Daffodil Days are next week in the Central Susquehanna Valley, where daffodils will be distributed to those who purchase them. The daffodil represents hope and renewal and daffodils will be distributed next week to those who contribute.
Also in March, it’s time to recognize the importance of getting regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Karen Maurer of the American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer is the number one cancer killer in America and education is key.
Dr. Joe Gallagher of Central Penn GI Associates says the good news about colon cancer is its preventable and treatable. He says the disease takes a long time to develop. It starts as a polyp, but it takes about 7 to 10 years to develop, so doctors have a window of opportunity to remove the polyp and prevent the cancer from developing.
He adds that you only have to be screened for colon cancer every 10 years if you are healthy. To learn more about colon cancer and other cancers you can go to www.cancer.org. They have a 20-question test online that will help you determine what screenings you may need. (Ali Stevens)Sunbury woman saved; fire destroys home
SUNBURY – James Gordon, of Sunbury, says he got a call from his oldest sister around 6:10 Wednesday evening crying, “mom’s house is burning.” It was the home of 62-year-old Phyllis Gordon, who was rescued from the roof after fire ripped through her 829 North 5th Street home in Sunbury.
Sunbury Fire Chief Chad Betts says his crew arrived on the scene around 6:10p.m, and saw flames and heavy black smoke, and then he heard neighbors say someone might be trapped inside. Betts says he then got a ladder to make sure she was securely down.
Phyllis Gordon, who has lived with her husband Jim in the home for over forty years, was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, as well as cuts and bruises. There were no other injuries reported, but two dogs and two cats reportedly did not survive the blaze.
The fire reportedly started in the basement, but quickly spread to the rest of house, completely burning the staircase, and forcing fire crews to enter though the 2nd floor window. A shortage of water also hindered the firefight, but officials say they quickly rectified that problem by moving to a different hydrant.
Initial reports say the home is a complete loss. Surrounding homes at 825 and 831 North 5th Street sustained smoke and water damage. The investigation into what caused the blaze continues. Shamokin Dam, Hummels Wharf and Upper Augusta fire crews assisted Sunbury at the scene. (Sara Bartlett)
John Resnick comes to SU for “Legends Live” interview
SELINSGROVE— John Resnick, host of the syndicated weekly radio program, Legends of Success, was on the campus of Susquehanna University last night. Nearly 70 students came out to hear the “Legends Live” interview with George Parmer, founder of Residential Warranty Company and Fine Line Homes Inc.
Resnick asked Parmer about the personal journey he had to go through to get to the top and how he handled those tough times. Parmer says he was determined to find a way to get business back up again after interests rates spiked to nearly 20% in the 1970’s.
He says he took a chance and invested in a program through the Federal Housing Agency that would lower interest rates. Parmer said it was one of the biggest business risks he’s ever taken, but it worked out for the best.
Fine Line Homes covers everything in the home building side of the business while RWC has risen to the largest such company in America. Parmer has since had the opportunity to sell his business to a Fortune 500 company but it continues to be privately owned. Legends of Success can be heard every Tuesday at 11 a.m. on WKOK. (Sara Lauver)
Will the commodities “bubble” burst soon?
NEW YORK – Speculation that the slump of the US dollar will not last forever prompted a sell off in the commodity markets Wednesday. Most local stocks are also lower, including Weis Markets, down more than 3.0% to 33.78, and Sara Lee is down more than 2.0 percent to 12.98. Financials of local interest also gave back some of the gains of the prior day, as Sovreign Bancorp is off nearly 4.0% to 9.75.
M&T Bank, FNB Corp, Omega Financial and the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust are also all lower. Only PPL Utilities and Conagra Foods are higher this morning. Both the utility and the food producer are up a fraction.
Analysts say a dip in commodity prices indicate that the troubles facing the US currency may not last forever. Thus, commodities may not prove to be a reliable hedge or alternative if the Fed slows down the frequency of interest rate cuts.
April crude on the NYMEX dropped nearly five dollars a barrel to 103.25, and gold prices sustained their largest single day drop since 2006. The Dow Industrials open the new day at just under 12,100, off nearly 300 points. (Matt Farrand)
Meuser, Hackett comments draw reaction from Carney
WASHINGTON – Statements issued by GOP challengers during a debate broadcast live on NewsRadio 1070 WKOK and Eagle 107 Monday night is drawing the attention of the legislator they hope to unseat. Republican Dan Meuser says he is “180 degrees” different, when was asked by moderator Mark Lawrence to compare himself with Democrat Chris Carney.
The 10th District incumbent spoke on the WKOK News Line Wednesday afternoon, and says Meuser must favor “I-80 tolling and be against the Susquehanna Valley thruway.” Carney says Chris Hackett’s implication that he does not vote independently is equally without merit.
The Democrat who beat Republican Don Sherwood in 2006 cites a National Journal that calls Carney’s voting record largely independent of party politics. Monday night’s debate is available anytime at www.wkok.com. (Matt Farrand)
Fire guts a home in East Buffalo Township
EAST BUFFALO TWP – An unoccupied single-family home in East Buffalo Township went up in flames this (Wednesday) afternoon and is now gutted. The home in the 900 block of Washington Avenue off of Stein Lane was under renovation. Owner of the home, Phillip Hart of Lancaster, says he was on his way to the house when he the saw smoke as he was driving on Route 15. Hart says he was on the final stages of renovating the home.
William Cameron Fire Chief Barry Catherman says most of the fire started in the center and rear of the home, which is destroyed. The other parts have smoke damage. He says the fire was well involved when crews arrived to the scene, with smoke pouring out of the windows and doors. Volunteers from the William Cameron Engine Company and Mifflinburg Hose Company made quick work of the blaze. A kerosene heater was running inside of the home, but the investigation will continue into the cause of the blaze. (Sara Bartlett)Roofer faces theft charges for not delivering
WATSONTOWN – A Watsontown man faces theft charges after accepting money for a roofing job, then never following through with the work. In July 2007, 36-year-old John Badman was paid $2,500 by a Watsontown woman to replace the roof on her home.
Badman allegedly never did the work or refund the money to the victim. He was arraigned Tuesday in front of District Justice William Kear on deceptive business practices and theft by deception. Badman is in Northumberland County Prison on $7,500 bail. (Sara Bartlett)
SUNCART equipment access regained
MIDDLEBURG – There is mixed news for SUNCART. The Snyder, Union, Northumberland County Animal Rescue Team now has renewed access to their equipment, but they’ll have to pay rent. We first told you Monday that the regional animal rescue and response team was being denied access to their computers, copiers and other training equipment.
The storage building they were using, which is rented by Snyder County, was sealed while the county 9-1-1 investigation is continuing. Commissioner chairman Joe Kantz told us SUNCART can now access their equipment, but the free storage will have to change. He said some rent or utility sharing is necessary, since the county has to pay for the building, and free rent isn’t something they can offer other emergency responders.
The storage building and all EMA oriented buildings were locked down because they contained hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, which was associated with the former director Dave Nichols investigation. For example, Kantz said 20 laptop computers, which were in storage for two years, are now deployed and will allow county employees to have a portable back up of their stationary computers.
South Harrison St., Shamokin fire called electrical
SHAMOKIN – Fire that gutted a home in Shamokin yesterday has been ruled electrical in nature. The blaze that destroyed the row home at 303 South Harrison Street was reportedly caused by a malfunction in a baseboard heater. Neighbors say they saw smoke coming from the structure around 12:15p.m., called 911 and then alerted 40-year-old Brenda Schweitzer who was in the home at the time.
Shamokin Fire Chief Robert Wolfe says they had a great response by crews from Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg and Kulpmont, and were able to get the fire under control in about a half-hour. Some surrounded homes sustained minor damage. 303 South Harrison is said to be a complete loss.
Detours during Route 522 Bridge replacement, Middleburg
MIDDLEBURG – Contractors are preparing to replace the 75-year-old Route 522 bridge that spans across a tributary of Middle Creek in Middleburg. Eastern Industries contractors will install temporary utility poles and traffic signals on April 1st. Traffic on Route 522 will initially be restricted to a single lane and a temporary traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Paxtonville Road and Route 104.
Then in June, a signed detour will be posted and contractors will then begin to remove the existing single-span steel bridge. It will be replaced with a pre-cast concrete bridge. There will also be drainage improvements, curbing and sidewalk and new blacktop included in the construction. The over $1,080,000 project is expected to be complete in August. (Sara Bartlett)
Burglar scared off by alarm at Upper Augusta Township business
SUNBURY – State Police are investigating a burglary at the Kratzer Oil Company. The incident took place around 3:30a.m. Wednesday morning. Police say the burglar gained entry to the Upper Augusta Township business by smashing a window, entering through the front of the building and into an office.
An alarm was activated once the burglar was inside at which time they ran away. Police say it appears that nothing was stolen. Damage to the business is $250, and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Milton State Police. (Sara Bartlett)
Preliminary hearing for man charged with sex assault
MIFFLINBURG – A 40-year-old Mifflinburg man faces numerous charges after having sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl. David Clay allegedly had sexual intercourse with the girl numerous times in Union County, New Columbia and State College over a two-year period.
He is charged on a number of counts including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors. He will face a preliminary hearing in front of District Justice Jeffrey Mensch on March 25th. (Sara Bartlett)
Electrical fire destroys a home in Shamokin
SHAMOKIN – Fire gutted a rowhouse in Shamokin Tuesday afternoon. The fire started at 303 South Harrison Street around 12:15p.m. Fire Chief Robert Wolfe says they arrived to a working structure fire in the two-story town-home.
“Tabitha” lives next door and saw smoke and flames coming from the rear of the home and called 911. She banged on two neighboring homes to make sure the residents got out safely. The first home is 301 South Harrison and minor damage was reported to that home.
Brenda Schwietzer lives at 303 South Harrison and is now staying elsewhere since her home is destroyed. The investigation continues into what caused the fire. Crews from Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg and Kulpmont were able to bring the fire under control in about a half-hour, but remained on scene through the early afternoon, dousing hot spots and cleaning up. (Ali Stevens)
What are the most critical habitat issues in the world as some species decline?
ALLENWOOD – You hear about the polar bears facing extinction from climate change and we recently told you about frogs struggling to survive due to changes in their environment. We asked Chad Peeling of Reptiland in Allenwood to talk about the most critical habitat issues facing the world.
He says the number one problem is habitat loss or destruction, which is making habitat unusable for animals used to living there. The other problem is invasive species, which is releasing exotic plants and animals in places where they don’t belong.
Yet another issue is pollution, whether its global climate change or dumping chemicals into our waterways, Peeling says we are fouling the environment. However, Peeling says there is some good news out of this, because people want to help and care about the things making headlines.
He says they will probably be able to save something that is hurting the environment, but for some problems, it’s already too late. Peeling also spoke extensively about other endangered species, including bats and an amphibian known as a skink. You can hear all of Chad Peelings comments about the environment and what we can do to help in an upcoming Leaders and Lawmakers program. (Ali Stevens)
Monopoly tournament coming up at the Susquehanna Valley Mall
SELINSGROVE – If you grew up playing monopoly with your friends and family, you may want to take part in an upcoming tournament. The 5th Annual Monopoly Tournament, hosted by Clinical Outcomes Group is coming up on April 13th at the Susquehanna Valley Mall in Selinsgrove and the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville.
Megan Will of Clinical Outcomes says the tournament is for anyone age 8 and older and will start at 1 p.m. on April 13th at both malls. Entry fee is $10 and the proceeds will support tobacco free programs organized by Clinical Outcomes and also the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
If you would like to take part in the tournament, you are asked to call 473-1290, or you can just show up at the mall the day of the event. Clinical Outcomes is also looking for volunteers to serve as bankers at each of the tournament tables. The top three players from each mall tournament will move on to compete for $200 on April 27th.
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A northeastern Pennsylvania businessman charged with lying to get his casino license has given the contents of his FBI file to state gambling regulators. That's according to a spokesman for Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesman Doug Harbach wouldn't confirm that. DeNaples' attorneys received the documents after filing a freedom-of-information request with the FBI. But DeNaples' spokesman, Kevin Feeley, disputed suggestions in the grand jury report that DeNaples withheld the information from gaming board agents before he won the license in December 2006. Feeley said the FBI had not sent all the information to DeNaples before then. He would not say what was in the file.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State officials have taken down a Web site that allowed Pennsylvanians to fill out voter registration forms from their computers. People who want to register can still print out the forms and fill them out by hand. Either way, the forms must be manually signed and filed. Officials took down the site Tuesday night, after learning it was possible to tamper with the coding and use the site to view other people's registration information, including voters' driver's license numbers or the last four digits of Social Security numbers. They say they don't know how many forms may have been viewed this way, but are trying to find out.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The interim chief executive of Pennsylvania's embattled student-loan agency has been hired to fill the job. The board of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency voted unanimously at its Thursday meeting to make James Preston the President and CEO. He had been serving in an interim capacity since October. He replaces Dick Willey, who resigned in the wake of a state auditor's report on bonuses and perks that the agency gave to employees -- after PHEAA executives had pledged to curb unnecessary spending. Preston joined PHEAA in 2003 as the executive vice president of client relations and loan operations.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Thursday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number
1-9-5
Big 4
9-1-1-7
Treasure Hunt
15-16-21-29-30
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)