Friday, April 4, 2008
Warrant out for man who got early release from Prison
SHAMOKIN— A Shamokin man who was being held in the Northumberland County Prison has been released, not on bail or bond, but by error. Magisterial District Judge John Gembic says 30-year-old Eric Clark was arraigned Thursday, where he faced charges of drug possession, and others. However, prior to his arraignment, Clark was already being held at the prison on a detainer, having been extradited from New Jersey. Gembic sent Clark back to the prison Thursday on $20,000 bail. He says Clark was arraigned at 10:30 a.m. but by 2 p.m., Gembic had learned that Clark was mistakenly released.
Pennsylvania State Constable, Glenn Masser, escorted Clark and says that both he and Judge Gembic did their jobs and followed the proper procedures. Both Gembic and Masser say they have no idea why Clark was released. A warrant for Clark’s arrest has been issued and area and State Police have been notified. At this time, there’s still no word that Clark has been apprehended. (Ali Stevens/Sara Lauver)
Rush hour crash ties up Rte 15 near Winfield
WINFIELD – Route 15 is back to normal in both directions in the Winfield area. Union County Communications says a two-vehicle crash that blocked the southbound lanes and slowed northbound traffic for a time during the Friday afternoon rush hour. Only minor injures reported, but the spot near a popular campground saw backups in both directions for a time after the 4:20 p.m. crash. (Matt Farrand)
Proposed drug treatment center to offer nearly 30 jobs
SELINSGROVE – Snyder County Commissioner Chairman Joe Kantz says it was a wake up call for the county when an affiliate of Williamsport-based company Firetree Ltd. purchased the former Beaver-Adams Elementary School with hopes to put in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Kantz says they now understand that the lack of zoning in the county was poor planning and they must rectify that in the future.
The company had been unsuccessful twice before in putting this type of facility in both Northumberland and Union counties. Kantz says he knows residents don’t want the facility in their community, but at this point there isn’t much local officials can do since the property has already been sold. The facility will employ between 25 and 30 people. He says at the very least, if the treatment center does come to the area, he wants residents to benefit from the jobs that will be created. Kantz was a recent guest on Leaders & Lawmakers, which you can download in full online at wkok.com. (Sara Bartlett)
Shamokin sinkhole a mystery
SHAMOKIN – Shamokin City officials say it’s unclear why, but a 5-foot deep sinkhole is emerging near 3rd and Walnut Streets. It is about 10-feet in diameter, and the area is currently blocked off. DEP, police and Coal Township Joint Sewer Authorities officials are on the scene. Pedestrians and other property are not in danger. It could be sewer related or possibly due to underground mining nearby. Officials say it was covered by plywood earlier, and is expected to take a day or so to fix up. (Matt Farrand)
Well known local banker passes away
MOUNT CARMEL – A well-known man in the community has died. Bob Burd, who worked for a number of years for Susquehanna Bank, died last night of a heart attack. Barry Miller of Susquehanna new Burd well and described him as an icon in the financial community. Those who knew Burd knew he struggled a bit after a serious car accident last year when he hit a deer, but Miller says he never let it get him down and kept his outgoing personality. Burd most recently worked at the Union National Bank of Mount Carmel, helping people get into homes. He died of a heart attack. (Ali Stevens)
PA State Elks honor Montour County Sheriff
DANVILLE – Montour County Sheriff Ray Gerringer will receive a prestigious award from the Pennsylvania State Elks Association Friday evening at the Danville Elks Ballroom. Chairman of the State Elks, Glenn Foster says Gerringer was chosen out of ten nominees in the state to receive the Enrique S. Camarena Award. The award was named after Camarena, who was a drug enforcement officer in 1985 working undercover for the U.S. in Mexico when he was kidnapped and killed.
The Elks received numerous letters of recommendations nominating Gerringer. Foster says the Sheriff represents all of the characteristics of an award winner, including outstanding community involvement, work against drug and the drug trade and an overall outstanding officer of the law. The state winner of the award advances to a national competition, and while Gerringer did not place first, he did place in the top three nationally. Gerringer began his work in Montour County as a part-time communication center dispatcher in 1977. He became chief deputy sheriff in 1983 and was named chief county detective in 1987. (Sara Bartlett)
Pope in NY and DC…local residents to see him
HARRISBURG – Some members of St. Pius X in Selinsgrove and St. Monica’s in Sunbury will be going to see Pope Benedict XVI when he travels to Washington D.C. and New York on April 15th through the 20th. Joe Aponick of the Harrisburg Diocese says this is a great opportunity and the Bishop of Harrisburg, Kevin Rhoades, will be meeting him at four different events. About 500 members of the Diocese of Harrisburg are expected to be celebrating with Pope Benedict at the Mass at Nationals Park at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 17th in DC. The Pope’s final Mass will be at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. This is the current pope’s first Papal visit to the United States. (Ali Stevens)
Students ask panel questions about hazing on college campuses
SELINSGROVE— A panel discussion focusing on hazing on college campuses drew nearly 70 students to Seibert Hall at Susquehanna University last night. Dr. Roy Baker, Director for the Center of fraternity and sorority life at Penn State University, touched on the differences between an organization’s traditions, and what may be considered hazing.
He told the audience that student organizations need to evaluate their traditions and remember that it’s not always about what or when an event happens, but it could be about the “where.” He says that changing one of those factors could differentiate an event between tradition and hazing. Baker also says that it’s not just Greek and athletic organizations that haze, and it exists in almost any group where a member must be selected.
Senior student athlete, Brian Savard, says student organizations need to focus on all the good that they do and work hard to diminish the reputations of the even smaller amounts of negative. The panel discussion was entitled, “Hazing on College Campuses: Urban Legend vs. Reality.”
The event was sponsored by the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way. It included representatives from SU, Penn State and Bloomsburg University, who all answered questions from the audience. The Daily Item’s Amanda Keister was the moderator. (Sara Lauver)
Local stocks fail to move in advance of employment figures
NEW YORK – A lackluster day for most stocks, as the market awaits March employment figures to be released this (Friday) morning. Analysts expect non-farm payrolls to decrease by about 50,000 for March, with the consensus unemployment rate to hover at about 5.0% percent nationwide. Data will be released before the market opens. The Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ all enjoyed fractional gains Thursday.
Few stocks of local interest moved much from unchanged. Utility PPL corp dropped a fraction and Chesapeake Energy Corp lost 1.9% to 45.80. Local banks were mixed as Sovreign lost about 2.0% and FNB Corp dropped just a bit.
M&T Bank and Susquehanna Bancshares were slightly higher. Community Health Systems enters the new day up a fraction at 36 dollars per share, and Conagra gained nearly 2.0%. But Sara Lee fell to 14.45 and Weis Markets dropped nearly 3.0% to 35.21. (Matt Farrand)
Commissioners approve help to relieve administrative burden
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 Heintzelman’s assignment will be more in line with her areas of professional expertise. (Matt Farrand)
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. She answered questions on dozens of topics but was not asked about the sensitive ‘Lewinski’ era questions, which have marked some other appearances.
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.
Tomorrow (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.
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 tomorrow (Saturday) from 9a.m. 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)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
BROCKWAY, Pa. (AP) - Investigators are still trying to determine what caused a house fire that killed 10 people in western Pennsylvania. Police say the fire in Brockway early yesterday took the lives of a 40-year-old woman and nine victims under the age of 20. Authorities don't believe it's suspicious. The fire was in Brockway, a rural town of about 2,000 people set among rolling hills and farmland 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The home was on Pershing Avenue, a main drag lined with several other single-family homes.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - An avalanche of registrations by first-time voters is causing some concerns about whether they'll know they need identification in order to cast a ballot. Rep. Babette Josephs, the Philadelphia Democrat who chairs the House State Government Committee, says she's worried that many of those first-timers won't be able to vote as a result. Officials say rookie voters who don't have identification will get the chance to obtain it and return to the polls. If that isn't practical, they'll be given provisional ballots, but will still have to come back later with a form of valid ID, such as a driver's license.
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) - Bill Clinton took a verbal jab at critics of his wife's bid for the Democratic nomination for president. The former president spoke to about 1,900 people at Penn State-Altoona on behalf of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton says some people in the media and the political elite contend that the votes of people in Pennsylvania, Indiana and other states still yet to go to the polls "don't count." He also says critics think it's OK to "disenfranchise" voters in Michigan and Florida, and that they are afraid Hillary Clinton will win. The Democratic Party stripped Florida and Michigan of their delegates to the national convention in Denver because they ignored party rules and moved their primaries to January.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 4-9-7
Big 4 9-3-6-6
Treasure Hunt 2-13-14-23-26
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) - Is that a guitar in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Police are searching for a man accused of shoving an electric guitar in his pants and walking out of a store in Lewiston, Maine. They say the theft occurred last week and they're looking for three men. One of the men allegedly shoved a Fender Stratocaster in his pants and pulled a sweatshirt over the top. The other two acted as lookouts. All three can be seen on footage from video surveillance.
TOTTON, England (AP) - British authorities are harassing Colin Smith. At least that's what he says. He refuses to pay the country's TV tax because he doesn't own a TV. He watches movies on his new DVD projector. But even so, officials have sent him over 80 letters over the years demanding that he buy a TV license, which costs nearly $300 a year. It pays for the BBC to broadcast without commercials. Smith says he ignores the letters, no matter how threatening. Some bills come stamped with the words "payment due immediately." Others say "official warning" or threaten a "full investigation." Another mentions a "potential court appearance," and yet another warns "a prosecution has serious consequences." Smith, who works for a local legislator, doesn't care but says his postman must think "Crikey, this guy's in trouble."
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Toddlers can no longer marry in Arkansas. Governor Mike Beebe has signed legislation repealing a poorly worded law that had the effect of letting anybody get married as long as they had the permission of a parent. When the measure was approved last year, the intent was to set 17 as the minimum marriage age for boys and 16 for girls. The only exception would be girls who are pregnant, and they would need permission. But the final version has an extraneous word, "not." It read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage." That would be anybody. Governor Beebe rejected calls for a special session last year to make a fix. He said the chances of children getting married under the law were slim.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - It's hard enough for the "American Idol" contestants to hold it together while they await the news of who's going home. Apparently that's true for the audience, as well. Ramiele Malubay says she and Kristy Lee Cook were waiting to find out who was leaving Wednesday when the show went to break -- and a woman passed out in front of them. Malubay says the woman was taken to a hospital and seems to be okay, and the woman was taken out by the time the show came back from break. She says she and Cook looked at each other like, "What just happened?" Malubay was the one sent packing. She says she was like everyone's little sister on the show -- and she does mean "little." She's four-foot-eleven. She says David Archuleta is younger than her but he would pat her on the head all the time.