Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sunbury Community Hospital CEO to step down
SUNBURY – Staff at Sunbury Community Hospital have been informed that hospital CEO Cliff Park is leaving. Park, originally from Wyoming, is moving to Utah where he has family. A leader in the Mormon community, Park was appointed president of the Williamsport Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last spring. No date has been announced for when Park will step down. (Sara Bartlett)
Charges to go to court for man accused in deadly Snyder County shooting
MIDDLEBURG – All charges are bound over to court for the Richfield man accused in the shooting death of 46-year-old Jeffrey Stock. 26-year-old Travis Graham had a preliminary hearing Thursday in front of District Judge Willis Savidge in Middleburg. Graham is charged with an open count of homicide after admitting to shooting Stock on March 26th at his Richfield home.
Mifflin County Coroner Daniel Lynch testified at the prelim, regarding his examination of Stock the evening of his death. State Trooper Rob Reeves also testified, saying that Graham admitted to him that he fired the gun that killed Stock. A hearing date for Graham will be established by the court in the upcoming weeks. (Sara Bartlett)
Change in data gathering method the reason for spike in hospital infections
LEWISBURG – A state study recently released shows that more than 30,000 patients who were hospitalized in Pennsylvania in 2006 contracted infections from their hospital stay. The number is up from 19,000 patients in 2005, but Infection Control Technician at Evangelical Community Hospital, Tamara Persing, says the 60% rise is due to a difference in data collection between the years. She says starting in 2006, hospitals were required to report all hospital acquired infections, not just ones that were high risk, to the Center For Disease Control. Assistant CNO at Sunbury Community Hospital, Elizabeth Bendas, says they have seen a rise in infections due to collecting data with the new method.
Both hospitals say they continue to provide education programs to nurses and patients to help prevent infections. The hospital inquired infection data was published in a report from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, which is an independent state agency that focuses on addressing health costs as well as quality and access of health care. (Sara Bartlett)
GOP candidates trade accusations prior to primary
SCRANTON – Republican Dan Meuser says fellow GOP’er Chris Hackett is running a smear campaign in the race for the 10th congressional district nomination. Hackett, however says he’s just upset that the voters know he supported Hillary Clinton and Governor Ed Rendell. Meuser denies giving money to Hillary Clinton, however Hackett says he’s lying. He also says it’s a bad choice to support people like Rendell, who supports tolling Interstate 80.
Hackett is also accused of giving 80 percent of his money to the Democrats in recent Meuser ad. Hackett admits to supporting a candidate for Luzerne County Commissioner that was a Democrat, but says Meuser’s figure is off base.
Chris Hackett will be a guest on our On the Mark program next week. Meuser was on the program last week. His comments are online here. (Ali Stevens)
Hundreds preparing for Days of Caring
SELINSGROVE – The annual tradition of volunteers from area businesses giving their time to help United Way Agencies continues. Days of Caring is set for April 18th and 19th in the Central Susquehanna Valley. Randy Shroyer of Playworld Systems in Lewisburg helps organize the event each year and says its an opportunity for people who want to get involved without a long-term commitment or committee meetings to attend.
This year, there are 300 volunteers participating in businesses from Snyder, Northumberland, Union and Montour Counties. They will do projects including outdoor lawn care, indoor cleaning, painting and organizing. The volunteers will receive breakfast and lunch and a long sleeved t-shirt for their efforts. If you would like to volunteer, you can contact the United Way at 988-0993. (Ali Stevens)
Prison time for a man charges with sexually assaulting a teenager
SUNBURY – A Sunbury man already serving time in state prison for a sexual assault has received additional jail time for an assault in Northumberland County. 40-year-old Richard Daddario was sentenced to 25 years in 2006 for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl from Snyder County in 2004. Now Daddario was sentenced to 2 ½ to 5 years in prison for assaulting a 12-year-old girl in July of 2004 in Upper Augusta Township. Daddario pleaded no contest to aggravated indecent assault, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault in Northumberland County court. This comes after a jury found Daddario guilty of sexually assaulting the 15-year-old in Monroe Township, Snyder County. (Ali Stevens)
Kane’s Tavern, Sunbury denied liquor license renewal
SUNBURY – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has denied the renewal of a liquor license for Kane’s Tavern of Sunbury. Kane’s was closed in July of 2006 for liquor law violations and in September of 2007, the tavern obtained temporary approval to re-open the bar, pending a hearing on the renewal of a liquor license. District Attorney Tony Rosini says he filed objections to the renewal of the license, based on police reports and numerous complaints regarding the operation of the bar. A hearing was held in January of this year and several police officers testified against the renewal of the liquor license. A petition to close the bar was filed due to documented drug activity at the bar, where drugs were allegedly being sold. Rosini thanked the Attorney General for helping in the process of getting the bar closed. (Ali Stevens)
Route 11 paving next week in Northumberland Borough
NORTHUMBERLAND – Paving work will be done on Route 11 in Northumberland next week. The work will take place on Water and Front Streets and traffic will be restricted through the work zone during daylight hours. Flaggers will be on the scene to help direct traffic and delays are expected. The project is expected to take about two days. (Ali Stevens)
PPL rate hike plan put on hold
ALLENTOWN – A plan by a major electric utility to phase-in the effect of rate cap removals will not be considered by the State’s Public Utility Commission. The PUC is postponing indefinitely a vote on a request by PPL Electric Utilities to raise rates in anticipation of market forces taking effect in 2010, and what is generally expected to be much higher rates.
PPL Media Relations supervisor George Lewis is surprised in that things had seemingly gone well prior to Wednesday’s decision. Lewis says the Commissions Adminstrative Law Judge had recommended the plan for approval. PPL had proposed generally higher rates to take effect in July, but needs the approval of the PUC to start charging them. Their indefinite postponement was issued without additional comment. (Matt Farrand)
Sunbury area fire—claims a life
SUNBURY – A fatal fire in the Sunbury area has been ruled accidental in nature. The blaze started around 4:30 Wednesday morning at 136 Black Mill Road in Upper Augusta Township. 34-year-old Shawn Michaels was found on a couch in the home; he was taken to Sunbury Community Hospital and died a short time later from smoke inhalation.
Michaels lived with his father, Richard Michaels, although the father was at work at the time of the blaze. State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire originated near an electric wall heater in a hallway leading to the kitchen and basement area of the home.
The fire quickly spread into the kitchen and when crews arrived on the scene the home was fully involved with flames. Upper Augusta Township, Sunbury and Stonington volunteer fire departments all responded. No other injuries were reported. (Sara Bartlett)
Firetree in Snyder Co. I: Rehab patients likely to be local
BEAVER SPRINGS – A Firetree job fair at the former Beaver-Adams Elementary School had some residents waiting outside with resumes, while others picketed with signs in opposition. Firetree’s Director of Administration, Scott Snyder, says people should not be afraid of this type of facility.
He says all of Firetree’s facilities are highly rated and they don’t expect to have any problems in this area. Snyder says the facility will be a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and most of the people that will be brought into the facility will be from the Central Pennsylvania area.
He notes that the center is contracted with other agencies that may bring people to the facility as well. Some residents on hand held signs that read “Tell the Truth Firetree” and “Say No to Firetree.” Others said they were willing to learn more about the facility and wanted to take advantage of the facility’s job opportunities. The drug and rehab center is slated to open this summer and employ around 30 people. (Sara Lauver)
Firetree in Snyder Co. II: It’s not all protestors
BEAVER SPRINGS – Despite some who are protesting, many residents in and around Beaver Springs say they are willing to learn more about the company who is bringing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center to the area.
Firetree is holding a job fair today at the former Beaver-Springs Elementary School, and many people say they want to take advantage of the job opportunity. Firetree’s Director of Administration, Scott Snyder, says residents have no reason to be afraid of this type of facility coming to the area. He says all of Firetree’s facilities are highly rated and they don’t expect to have any problems in this area.
Snyder says while Firetree does have contracts with other agencies who may bring people to the facility, most people at the rehab center would be from central Pennsylvania. The facility is slated to open this summer and employ around 30 people.
Local publisher rolls out business edition
LEWISBURG – A local lifestyle publication is moving into a new niche, and hopes to devote attention to the business ethic exhibited by many local companies. Susquehanna Life founder and publisher Erica Shames says Susquehanna Business Life will feature stories about companies that pay attention to things in addition to the bottom line.
Shames says the community service demonstrated by business in the area is unique and, “really enviable.” Susquehanna Business Life was rolled out today (Wednesday) in Lewisburg. Shames says it will be printed twice a year for the first two years, then become a quarterly publication. (Matt Farrand)
Stocks of local interest mostly lower
NEW YORK – Stocks enter the new day broadly lower, after record high energy prices and concerns over corporate earnings continue to take a toll. UPS reported that shipments are slowing, and crude oil traded at a record high price. There is also concern about consumer spending, and lower earnings. Thus Target, Wal-Mart and JC Penny all ended the day lower.
Locally, food producer Conagra was up a fraction, but almost everything else retreated. Housing builder Fleetwood Enterprises lost 7.0% to 4.21. PPL Corp is down a fraction to 48.45, Sara Lee is off a fraction to 14.11. and Weis Markets was off less than one percent. FNB Corp lost more than 4.0% to 15.23, Sovreign Bancorp, M&T Bank, Susquehanna Bancshares and MidPenn Bancorp all lost. And, Community Health Systems dropped nearly 2.5% to settle at 36.53. (Matt Farrand)
Crews called to a fire in a mobile home
RIVERSIDE – An electrical fire destroyed a mobile home near Riverside early Wednesday morning. Southside Fire Chief Nicholas Fowler says they received a call around 3:15a.m. from a neighbor who reportedly heard a loud explosion.
When crews arrived to 311 Pine Swamp Hollow Road in Rush Township, the structure was fully involved in flames. The home, owned by Nancy Taylor of Bloomsburg, was vacant and appeared to be used only as a summer home or a hunting camp.
Crews from Danville, Mahoning Township, Elysburg, and Upper Augusta Township assisted Southside with the firefight. Danville Ambulance was also on the scene. A State Police Fire Marshal will investigate Thursday. Initial damages are estimated at $25,000. No injuries were reported in the blaze. (Sara Bartlett)
New member of the Danville School Board is selected
DANVILLE – A new member of the Danville School Board has been selected to replace the departing Carol Bisordi. Jennifer Henning was one of eight candidates vying for the empty seat on the board. Henning is the mother of two children and is president of the Riverside Home and School Association.
Discussion on the consolidation of school buildings in the Danville School District continued at last night’s meeting. The Montour County Commissioners and the Danville Borough Council would both like to see the Danville Elementary School kept open. The board members have been asked to have a tentative report ready for the meeting on April 22nd on what the best option will be. (WPGM)
Union County Solicitor resigns
LEWISBURG – Union County Solicitor Andrew Lyons has resigned. The announcement was made at yesterday’s Commissioner’s meeting. Lyons stated the increase amount of time invested into his private practice as one reasoning for stepping down. Lyons has been on the job for ten years.
Last spring, he unsuccessfully ran against incumbent Pete Johnson as Union County District Attorney. The Commissioners unanimously approved former Snyder County Solicitor Tom Clark as the interim solicitor, and they are currently accepting resumes for the position.
Former Snyder County employee hired as chief clerk
MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County Commissioners hired a familiar face as full-time chief clerk. Commissioners voted yesterday to put Lee Knepp in the position. Knepp worked as the county’s chief clerk for over 30 years. He resigned in 2006. Commissioner Joe Kantz and Malcolm Derk voted unanimously to put Knepp into the position. Commissioner Richard Bickhart was not present at the meeting.
Last week, Bickhart said he didn’t see the need for an additional full-time chief clerk position, but eventually approved the motion to hire one. Current chief clerk Veda Heintzelman will move to an assistant position with a salary of $41,000. Knepp will be making $55,000. His position is effective Monday.
Prisoner released in error now back behind bars
SUNBURY – An inmate who was erroneously released from the Northumberland County Prison last week is now back behind bars. Eric Clark of Shamokin was taken into custody on Monday night in Linglestown after being released Thursday afternoon.
Clark, a current prisoner, was taken to District Justice John Gembic’s office last Thursday for arraignment on another set of charges and Gembic sent him back to the prison on $20,000 cash bail. However, instead of being sent back to his cell, Clark was mistakenly released.
Prison officials have not commented on the incident and Gembic isn’t sure why the prisoner was released. A warrant was immediately issued for Clark’s arrest as soon as the District Justice learned he was at large. County Detective Francis Bower is now investigating the incident. (Ali Stevens)
Kulpmont’s police chief resigns
KULPMONT – After 14-years on the job, Kulpmont’s Chief of Police has resigned. The News Item reports Ed Grego submitted his letter of resignation to borough council and Mayor Robert Slaby on Sunday and the resignation was accepted at the Tuesday night meeting.
Grego’s last day on the job will be April 23rd. Grego has taken a new position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He took time at the meeting to thank all of the people he has worked with over the years and all of the support he received. (Ali Stevens)
Commissioners vote to alert fed govt, attract $$$
SUNBURY – More than $1.5 billion federal dollars are being spent statewide to reclaim or fix-up land used for coal mining. Northumberland County Commissioners want the county to claim its fair share of it. Commissioner chair Frank Sawicki says much of the 20,000 local acres are still owned by coal companies, and some are unlikely to participate as there is still coal to mine when the price makes it worthwhile.
Coal mining areas not reclaimed feed acidic rainwater into local waterways, making them virtually unable to sustain aquatic life. Sawicki says the money comes from a fee charged coal companies of about 30 cents per ton of coal extracted.
Commissioners voted to contact congressman Chris Carney with a request that the abandoned mine relocation funds be used in land reclamation, water supply restoration, and other activities to prepare formerly mined lands for future economic development. Sawicki notes that it is a long-term project, as there is still a great deal of available coal in the county. (Matt Farrand)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A new private study says Pennsylvania should make wholesale changes to its proposal to add tolls to Interstate 80 and should pursue a private lease for the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The turnpike, however, says the study is using incorrect expense numbers. The Reason Foundation policy brief says a better approach would be to use the toll income to rebuild the interstate. It also says truck-only lanes should be added to let longer and heavier tractor-trailers use the roadway. A House Democratic study last month criticized leasing the turnpike. But the foundation says that study was flawed because it didn't factor in a private company's ability to operate the roadway more efficiently. It calls the turnpike one of the country's least efficient toll roads.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - Two former Luzerne County employees have been sentenced for stealing nearly $400,000 from the Recorder of Deeds office. Carl Salitis, a clerk, and Robert Pritchard, a former bookkeeper, were sentenced on Thursday to house arrest. Authorities say Salitis took more than $100,000 in taxpayer funds from the office, starting in 1998. He will have to pay it all back. He also gave up his $65,000 pension, along with his vacation and sick days. Assistant District Attorney Jarrett Ferentino says as part of the conditions of house arrest, Salitis will be allowed to leave home to work and go to church and doctor visits. Pritchard will also serve his time at home and must reimburse the county. Sentencing guidelines called for a minimum of nine months' jail time.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says it is taking steps to make its licensing process as transparent as possible. The agency on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a regulation that it says would allow the disclosure of as much information as possible under the law during public licensing hearings. The gaming board has been stung by criticism that the process to award 11 slot-machine gambling licenses in 2006 was too secretive. Under the new regulation, gaming control board members would be permitted to ask applicants questions at public hearings about matters otherwise considered confidential. The applicant would then have the option to either answer the question in public, or request that the matter be aired at a confidential hearing.
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) - A vacant church in Williamsport has been sold and portions of it will soon be developed into luxury apartments. Mayor Gabriel Campana and real estate developer George Hutchinson announced on Thursday that there will be 16 one- or two-bedroom apartments at the vacant Calvary United Methodist Church on West Fourth Street. The $1.2 million site will be the first gated living complex in the city. The church was built in 1925 and Hutchinson says the sanctuary area will be maintained. He says the apartments will rent from $870 to $1,240 per month. Renovations are expected to begin within two months and be completed by late fall 2008. Campana notes that the development will put the property back on the city tax rolls.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Thursday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number
2-8-4
Big 4
6-8-9-5
Treasure Hunt
4-6-7-19-29
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)