Thursday, April 3, 2008
Hundreds turn out to hear Chelsea Clinton at Bucknell
LEWISBURG – Nearly 500 people were in attendance at Bucknell University Thursday to hear former first daughter Chelsea Clinton speak in support of her mother, Hillary Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton says she is a passionate supporter of her mother.
Clinton spoke on numerous topics including her mother’s stance on disabilities in jobs. She says the Americans With Disabilities Act is up for renewal this year and Hillary thinks it should be renewed and extended in order to strengthen non-discrimination aspects of it and strengthen incentive to employers.
A Bucknell student asked why this election affects them and Chelsea
explained that since young people have a profound awareness on
topical issues nowadays, it’s important to have their voices heard.
Chelsea says that she does disagree with her mom on the issue of civil unions. Hillary supports them, while Chelsea says she does not. Clinton took questions for about an hour on the Bucknell campus. From there she moved on to Bloomsburg University and King of Prussia.
What do Bucknell students think of Chelsea Clinton’s visit?
LEWISBURG – The Weis Center for Performing Arts on the Bucknell University campus was packed Thursday for the visit of Chelsea Clinton, but what did students actually think of her? Freshman Kelly Lovallo says Clinton’s talk has taught her a lot about Hillary, and that is now where she will cast her vote on April 22nd. Others, like Senior Rebecca Vehik, weren’t so convinced. Vehik says she respects both candidates, but will vote for Obama because he inspires hope.
This Saturday, Bucknell will welcome Stephan Jenkins, lead singer for the rock group Third Eye Blind, to the Trout Auditorium to talk about and show his support for Clinton rival Barack Obama. In February, University President Brian Mitchell invited all of the presidential candidates to speak on campus.
Snyder County Clerk office to expand
MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County Commissioners agreed Thursday to hire some help for the county’s chief clerk, and coincidentally for themselves. Commissioner Malcolm Derk says an overflow of administrative activity such as signing purchase orders for office supplies is making it tough to advance items such as economic development. Derk says the county’s comprehensive plan needs more attention, for example. Commissioners approved hiring assistance for non-union chief clerk Veda Heintzelman, though commissioner Richard Bickhart initially had reservations.
Bickhart says he doesn’t see the need for an additional full time position. However, Bickhart, Derk and Commissioner Joe Kantz approved a motion to hire a new chief clerk, which would divide the workload with current chief clerk Heintzelman. The current chief clerk will be re-titled assistant chief clerk, but will continue to be paid at her current rate. The new chief clerk will be paid at a slightly higher rate. Kantz notes that Heintzleman’s assignment will be more in line with her areas of professional expertise. (Matt Farrand)
Calling all painters: Help create a mural in Lewisburg
LEWISBURG – A class at Bucknell University is calling on all painters to help create a mural on the wall of the Donald Heiter Community Center. Service Projects Manager for the event and a senior student at Bucknell, Allie Hills, says the assignment in their Management 101 class is to fund a service project. She says they will hold two community days where people can help paint a living art mural, the help of well-known local muralist Michael Pilato from State College. Hills says the mural will depict important people, places and events in Lewisburg.
The first paint day is this Sunday from 1:30-4:30p.m and anyone in the community is welcome. The second paint day is on the 19th from 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. and is geared toward those of all ages with artistic ability. Anyone interested is invited to the Donald Heiter Community center on 100 North 5th Street in Lewisburg. (Sara Bartlett)
Open house planned for a non-profit horse rescue organization
SUNBURY – Harbour Stables outside of Sunbury is holding their 2nd annual Open House this Saturday from 9 to noon. Harbour is a non-profit horse rescue operation and Reenie Miller of Harbour says they have a lot of things going on including refreshments, a petting zoo, and a stagecoach. There will be horses on hand, many of which are waiting to be adopted. Harbour Stables provides services to under-privileged children. Miller says due to soaring fuel costs and other expenses, they continue to struggle financially. The awareness event on Saturday is aimed at letting the public know about the important services offered to Northumberland County. (Ali Stevens)
Making sure Northumberland’s Prison Board utilizes mental health court
SUNBURY – Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage wants to make sure that inmates in the prison who are eligible for the county’s Mental Health court use it as much as possible. At the Prison Board’s meeting this week, Sacavage reiterated that the county has MH/MR resources and numerous grants for the courts, but they aren’t being used if someone is just sitting in jail. Prison Warden Ralph Reish assured the judge that they are informing eligible inmates about the courts. He says as more inmates enter the prison, they are assessed and then made aware of the option of court.
Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini also said that the Warden has been good about reported all mental health issues from the prison to him. Sacavage reminded the board that utilizing the courts would not only be cost efficient, but it would relieve overcrowding in the prison as well. (Sara Bartlett)
Lewisburg man in custody for DUI
LEWISBURG – A Lewisburg man was taken into custody for DUI after crashing his vehicle early this (Thursday) morning. Around 3:00a.m., 32-year-old Steven Clifford Grove II was driving on Route 15 near Hafer Road in Kelly Township when he lost control of his vehicle, skidded across the intersection and ran into a guide rail. Grove was treated for moderate injuries and released from Evangelical Community Hospital. Police say Grove was not wearing a seatbelt. (Sara Bartlett)
Husband and wife died in a crash near Shamokin
COAL TOWNSHIP – A husband and wife from Coal Township were killed in a vehicle accident Wednesday. The Northumberland County Coroner tells us, Leonard and Mary Grove died as a result of a crash around 1 p.m. along Route 61 in Coal Township. Leonard Grove was pronounced dead on the scene, while Mary Grove was flown to Geisinger Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
Husband and wife died in a crash near Shamokin
COAL TOWNSHIP – A husband and wife from Coal Township were killed in a vehicle accident Wednesday. The Northumberland County Coroner tells us, Leonard and Mary Grove died as a result of a crash around 1 p.m. along Route 61 in Coal Township. Leonard Grove was pronounced dead on the scene, while Mary Grove was flown to Geisinger Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
Police say Mary was driving a pick-up truck that was struck broadside by a flatbed tractor-trailer. Route 61 southbound was shut down for about an hour while the wreckage was cleared. The investigation will continue. (Ali Stevens)
Trevorton woman, critically injured in an accident, has died at Geisinger
DANVILLE – An area woman, critically hurt in a traffic accident last Friday in Snyder County, has died at Geisinger Medical Center. 20-year-old Kimberly Buganza of Trevorton, succumbed to her injuries yesterday. She was injured last Friday in a crash on Route 522 when her car hit an oncoming van. Life Flight took her to the hospital after the 4p.m. crash in Middlecreek Township.
Police say Buganza was traveling east along Route 522 when her vehicle crossed the centerline of the roadway and struck another vehicle head-on. 75-year-old Cletus Clotfelter of Middleburg, was the driver of that second vehicle. He was not injured in the crash. (Sara Lauver)
Job fair for rehab facility set for next Wednesday
WILLIAMSPORT – Firetree Ltd. has announced they are holding a job fair for a new drug and alcohol impatient facility that will be located at the former Beaver-Adams Elementary School near Beaver Springs along Route 522.
Despite plenty of opposition from some local officials and residents, Firetree is moving forward with their plans and has planned a job expo for April 9th from noon to 7 p.m. They will be at the site that day to answer questions about opportunities available and to hand out employment applications.
Firetree is a Pennsylvania based organization with headquarters in Williamsport. Their mission statement is to provide necessary recovery tools to those who suffer from the disease of drug addiction and alcoholism. They have tried to locate in Northumberland and Union Counties, but were unsuccessful. (Ali Stevens)
Chelsea campaigns in Lewisburg and Bloomsburg today
LEWISBURG – The former “first daughter” will visit Bucknell and Bloomsburg University today. Chelsea Clinton will make an appearance at 12 noon, the Weis Center for Performing Arts at Bucknell, and at 2p.m. in Kehr Union building on the Bloomsburg University campus.
Talk of consumer goods slump weight on market
NEW YORK – Did remarks issued by Federal Reserve chair Ben Bernanke stating a recession is possible in the US because of lower spending on consumer goods bring down stocks in companies that make them? Among the 30 Dow Industrials, consumer goods producers Johnson & Johnson and Procter and Gamble were down a fraction.
McDonalds was also down a fraction, and Coca Cola was down more than 1.6%. But retailers Wal-Mart, Target and JCP Penny were up. Likewise regional food retailer Weis Markets was up a fraction to 36.29, and food producer Sara Lee gained 0.5% to 14.50. Conagra fell 1.3% to 23.88. Otherwise, local banking stocks ended the day mostly higher.
Sovreign, Susquehanna Bancshares, FNB Corp and MidPenn Bancshares all gained. But M&T Bank was down a fraction to 85.50. Community Health Systems continues to rally, as stock in the health care company with local affiliation gained 0.8% to 35.71. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust gained 1.1% to 26.22, but Utility PPL corp dropped a fraction to 47.15. (Matt Farrand)
Thursday named “Bud Ditton Day”
NORTHUMBERLAND – Today is officially “Bud Ditton Day.” Northumberland Borough Council named it officially at their monthly meeting. Ditton, who had served on borough council for nearly 10 years passed away last month after a battle with cancer. He would have celebrated his 69th birthday today.
Ditton’s seat was recently filled when Bob Long was appointed to the council. Long says one of his ideas is to bring more activities to the borough for people in their 20’s and 30’s. Long is married to former council member Noelle Long. They are both very active in Northumberland’s 2nd Street Playground Project. (Sara Bartlett)
Military officials looking to build a combined reserve center in Montour County
DANVILLE – The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is looking to build a combined National Guard and Army Reserve Center along Route 642 in Valley Township, Montour County. Todd Hornback, public affairs director of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says they are currently looking at a potential site, but nothing is official.
The center would be the first of its kind in the county and would consolidate armories in Lewisburg, Sunbury and Berwick along with reserve units in Lewisburg and Bloomsburg. He says they will also get public input on the project to determine that the residents in the area would support or oppose the plans.
The Army Corp of Engineers will handle the construction of the facility, which they hope to have open by spring of 2011. No agreement has been reached yet for a 36 acres parcel of land being considered and a zoning variance will be needed. (Ali Stevens)
Belfanti on panel in search of smoking compromise
HARRISBURG – Critics say a revised state anti-smoking bill would fail to protect workers at businesses where smoking would still be permitted. But it looks like such a bill is advancing. The Patriot-News reports the plan being developed by a panel of lawmakers offers an option for casinos, bars, restaurants and private clubs that cater to smoking customers.
House member Bob Belfanti (D-107th, Mt. Carmel) is on the panel and is considered an advocate for smoker’s rights. The six-member panel is charged with reconciling competing bills that have been approved by the state House and Senate. The legislative panel took no action Tuesday, in part because Belfanti and Republican Ron Miller say they more time to refine the air-testing requirements and other parts of the proposal.
The latest revision allows businesses to let customers smoke, provided the businesses don't serve children, and submit to air-quality tests. The law would give those businesses the option of deciding whether or not they want to go smoke free. (Matt Farrand)
Response to Northumberland County Prison lawsuit to be made this month
SUNBURY – Northumberland County is taking action to defend themselves in a lawsuit brought against the Prison Board by the Lewisburg Prison Project. The suit was filed last month by the non-profit group on behalf of several inmates who allege unsafe conditions, overcrowding and poor medical and mental health treatment at the facility.
Prison Board Solicitor Todd Kerstetter says they hired Attorney Robert Hanna from Harrisburg, who specializes in these types of cases. Hanna also comes on high regard from Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini.
Kerstetter has previously refuted the allegations of the Lewisburg Prison Project, and Prison Warden Ralph Reish denied any indecent treatment of inmates.
Reish also commented on the overcrowding issue, saying that the female population of the prison has been reduced to a more manageable level. Currently the Prison houses 206 inmates: 182 male and 24 female. The new Attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit, which will be filed in the upcoming weeks. (Sara Bartlett)
Danville School Board starts interviewing process on a strange note!
DANVILLE – It was a strange way to start the interview process for school board in the Danville School District. The first of eight candidates to be interviewed showed up more than 20 minutes late for her appointment with the school board. The Press Enterprise reports after Dianne Stonier was questioned as to why she was tardy, she tried to give a few excuses before getting angry and storming out of the cafeteria.
The school board is looking to fill a two-year vacancy. The interviews are being conducted publicly, so the media and others interested are welcome to attend. School Director Megan Raup announced after the incident, “I make a motion that she’s out of here.” (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
BROCKWAY, Pa. (AP) - State police say 10 people are confirmed dead in a western Pennsylvania house fire. Police say the overnight house fire in Brockway took the lives of a 40-year-old woman and nine victims under the age of 20. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities don't believe it's suspicious.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is letting a Lebanon County state representative stay on the ballot. An order issued Thursday upholds a lower court's rejection of a challenge to Rep. Mauree Gingrich's nominating petitions. Russ Diamond, a candidate in the April 22 Republican Primary, had launched the court challenge. Diamond's lawyer Lawrence Otter says he's disappointed by the decision and feels Diamond never got a chance to fully present his evidence. The Republican primary in that district also includes a third candidate, Bruce Kreider.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell has asked New York City to release more water from its three reservoirs in the Catskills. Rendell says the move could help mitigate potential flooding downstream. He says forecasts are calling for substantial rain to continue through April and reservoirs are already full. Major flooding in 2004, 2005 and 2006 caused several deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage along the Delaware. New York City officials say they're evaluating Rendell's request.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Thursday in the Pennsylvania State Lottery:
THURSDAY MIDDAY
Daily Number
1-1-3
Big 4
1-0-2-2
Treasure Hunt
07-08-09-10-21