Monday, April 14, 2008
Stalking charges filed against a Sunbury man
SUNBURY – A Sunbury man has been charged with stalking after he allegedly made hundreds of lewd phone calls to two different residences. Police say 60-year-old Daniel Zimmerman placed over 700 calls to a home in Northumberland and a business in Sunbury. Zimmerman reportedly called the number, asked the person who answered about their genitals, and then hung-up. On April 10th, Sunbury police say Zimmerman called a business in Sunbury using a payphone at Sunbury Community Hospital.
Security at the hospital was notified and police were able to pick him up a short time later. He was taken into custody and arraigned before District Justice Carl Rice and sent to the Northumberland County Prison on $50,000 bail. (Ali Stevens)
Sunbury man in jail after indecently touching 7-year-old
SUNBURY – Charges have been filed against a Sunbury man after he allegedly had indecent contact with a 7-year-old girl. Sunbury Police say 31-year-old Tyrone Moten touch the girl inappropriately twice over the last two months. The girl was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center where she disclosed the abuse. Moten was taken into custody on a probation violation and charged with felony counts of indecent assault and endangering the welfare of children, along with a misdemeanor count of corruption of minors. Moten is locked up in Northumberland County Prison. (Sara Bartlett)
Fundraiser this week benefits Ronald McDonald House of Danville
DANVILLE – When a child is sick and goes to the hospital, their families want to be close by. That’s where the Danville Ronald McDonald House comes in. The non-profit organization offers a place for children and families to stay while their loved one receives treatment at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and other local hospitals.
Ann Blugis helps organize a fundraiser each year, which will take place on Thursday. The 2nd Annual Celebrity Service Night will be at Applebee’s in Selinsgrove Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. All tips received will be given to the Ronald McDonald House and celebrity servers will be serving the guests. Residents are encouraged to dine at Applebee’s in Selinsgrove that evening to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. (Ali Stevens)
Expect Science in Motion to be restored to state budget
LEWISBURG – It’s almost a rite of spring, as the acclaimed Science in Motion program is cut from the proposed state budget. However, its restoration is almost as certain according to House Member Merle Phillips, who says the program that brings college level science equipment to high schools is often used as a negotiating tool. Science in Motion is based locally at Susquehanna University. Phillips says the program is highly valued as most school districts can’t afford to sort of equipment it offers.
The state’s fiscal year runs through the end of June. Last year’s budget impasse saw state services curtailed and some state employees furloughed for a time before the budget was passed into law in July. (Matt Farrand)
Fuel stolen from church valued at $700
PAXINOS – Heating oil prices are at or near a record high, which may be the catalyst for a theft reported Monday. State Police say someone made off with about 200 gallons of fuel belonging to a church along Irish Valley Road near Paxinos. State Police say the fill cap of the church’s storage tank was broken, and the fuel that sells for close to $4.00 per gallon was siphoned off. Troopers believe the theft took place some time between the early part of January and last week, though they offered no scenario of how the product was removed from the site. They estimate the value at $700. (Matt Farrand)
Getting books into the hands of all children
UNDATED – This week is the Week of the Young Child and it’s about putting books in the hands of every family who has children. Many local events are happening in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties this week. Mary Mahoney-Ferster is the Coordinator of the Community Engagement Team in Union and Snyder Counties and says community leaders will be reading to children Pennsylvania’s one book, entitled Up, Down and Around by Katherine Ayres.
In connection with Week of the Young Child, Susquehanna University students will be working with the Union Snyder Community Action Agency for SU Serve Day this Saturday. Family Literacy Director for the Agency, Sharon Leon says children can participate in a number of activities as well as read Pennsylvania’s one book. Food will also be provided. Everyone is invited to the free event which takes place from 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. at the Selinsgrove CareerLink.
Between the three counties, Pennsylvania’s One Book will be given to over 1,500 children and will also be placed in local Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. The Week of the Young Child was the topic of a recent Leaders & Lawmakers program, which you can download online at wkok.com. (Sara Bartlett)
Standoff in Shamokin…wanted man in custody
SHAMOKIN – A man hiding in a basement in Shamokin was taken into custody after a two-hour standoff with police. The News Item reports 32-year-old Lloyd Williamson was captured by Shamokin police around 10:15 Sunday night after he was found hiding in a coal bin in the basement of a home on Franklin Street. Williamson was wanted on a probation violation in Texas for alleged assaulting a peace officer and was charged with flight to avoid apprehension. Authorities received a tip that Williamson was living on the street and when they went to find him, he reportedly hid in a home of a friend. Police used caution because they believed he was armed and dangerous. He has an extensive criminal record with charges such as aggravated assault and burglary filed against him. (Ali Stevens)
Watsontown man in critical condition after crash
DANVILLE – A Watsontown man remains in critical condition after a crash on Saturday. 48-year-old Gary Chestnut was driving on Route 118 in Sugarloaf Township when he crashed into a tree. It happened around 1:00p.m. Saturday, and police say Chestnut was unresponsive, but breathing after the accident. He was taken to and remains at Geisinger Medical Center. (Sara Bartlett)
Bill Clinton stumps for Hillary in Lewisburg
LEWISBURG – Marking the first President to visit the Bucknell campus in over two decades, Bill Clinton stopped in Lewisburg Sunday to speak on behalf of his wife and Democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Speaking to a crowd of nearly 2,500, Clinton said his case for Hillary to be the President is simple.
He says she has the strongest record of leadership among her rivals, and she will work to bring the middle class economy back and restore the future for young people. Clinton explained Hillary’s stance on many issues including a gradual troop withdrawal in Iraq, improving the economy through new jobs and energy efficiency, and radically rewriting ‘No Child Left Behind.’
He also reacted to a recent ad run by Hillary’s Democratic rival Barack Obama, saying that Obama has never taken money from oil companies for his campaign. Clinton says that’s a true statement, but only because it is illegal to take money from oil companies and has been for over 100 years.
Clinton says his wife is the best candidate for President because she will be the best change maker for our country and for our relationships with other counties. Bucknell’s College Democrats sponsored the speech, where Clinton spoke for about an hour. He continued to stump in PA Sunday going to Bloomsburg and Jim Thorpe. (Sara Bartlett)
Student leader: Bucknell attracts ‘incredible’ Bill
LEWISBURG – Some lined up as early as 7:15a.m. at Bucknell University’s Sojka Pavilion Sunday to hear former President Bill Clinton’s speak. Inside, a banner spelling the word HOPE, and reading Hillary Offers Proven Experience hung above the bleachers.
Lewisburg resident Meg O’Connor says she was on the fence before coming to hear the 42nd President speak, but after hearing about Hillary’s experience, she had made up her mind. She says Hillary’s dedication to public service is commendable because it isn’t an easy job.
Jim Williams, of Sunbury, says he is a big Hillary supporter, but unfortunately sees a different outcome for Pennsylvania’s primary election, with Barack Obama winning. Others still have hope that Hillary will win Pennsylvania and go on to beat Obama in the primary. Many were just excited that a President was visiting the area.
Bucknell’s College Democrat President, Kim Reynolds says Bill Clinton’s appearance speaks to the strength of the University in its ability to attract guests of incredible distinction for the benefit of the community. (Sara Bartlett)
Millville man killed in a crash in Columbia County
MILLVILLE – A Millville man was killed in a motorcycle crash last night in Columbia County. State police say Tom Herman was traveling south on Black Bird Road in Greenwood Township when he drove off the road and hit a ditch.
Herman was not wearing a helmet and was thrown from the motorcycle. He was taken to Bloomsburg Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later following that crash around 8:30 last night near Millville. (Ali Stevens)
Investigation continues into a crash in Buffalo Township
MIFFLINBURG – A Mifflinburg man was injured in a crash Sunday morning on Forest Hill Road in West Buffalo Township, Union County. State police say 30-year-old Steven Elsayed drove off the road and traveled into a grassy ditch before striking a culvert.
Elsayed was taken to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries, although Geisinger has no record of him being treated there. State police say the investigation into that crash at 5:45 a.m. will continue. (Ali Stevens)
Man wanted for military desertion was taken into custody in Milton
MILTON – A man wanted by the U.S. Army was taken into custody in Milton Saturday night. State police stopped 18-year-old David Ashton of New Columbia for a traffic violation along Route 405 near Route 642 around 10:20p.m. Troopers learned that Ashton was a fugitive, wanted for military desertion. He was taken into custody and sent to the Northumberland County Prison and will be turned over to military officials. (Ali Stevens)
Lewisburg man arrested after a brief chase with police
MONTANDON – A Lewisburg man was arrested early Sunday morning after a brief chase with police in White Deer Township, Union County. State police tried to stop 30-year-old Shawn Hassenplug, who was traveling at speeds of 80 to 100 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone.
A state trooper tried to stop Hassenplug, who kept going leading police on a chase. He was eventually taken into custody on Crossroads Drive and faces several charges including DUI. (Ali Stevens)
Teams of ‘MS Walk’ers brave rain for a good cause
LEWISBURG— Less than perfect weather conditions didn’t stop teams of walkers from coming out to support the MS Walk in Lewisburg yesterday. Sherry Welshans, coordinator for the event, says that despite rain and cool temperatures, community support was amazing.
She says these are the events that will make a difference and she hopes that “MS” will one day stand for “Mystery Solved.” Welshans says proceeds will go to local chapters of the Multiple Sclerosis society, which helps families in the area. Nearly 225 walkers were expected to take part in the walk that began at the American Legion along Route 15. (Sara Lauver)
Two face charges of simple assault after early morning dispute
RALPHO TWP— Two Shamokin residents are facing charges after an altercation at a gas station in Elysburg Sunday morning. Police in Ralpho Township say 27-year-old, Keith Kulenguski and 23-year-old, Desiree Warner, face charges of simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.
Police say the dispute occurred around 4:30 a.m. Both Kulenguski and Warner were arraigned before District Justice, Carl Rice. They were taken to the Northumberland County Prison after failing to post bail. (Sara Lauver)
Local rally shows support for Obama
SELINSGROVE— A handful of people turned out for Saturday’s Obama rally in Selinsgrove, showing their support for Senator Barack Obama. Less than two weeks away from Pennsylvania’s primary elections, the walk was organized to demonstrate support for Obama, who is vying for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
Participants showed up at the Selinsgrove Elementary School sporting t-shirts, hats and signs. Some even said they changed their party affiliations recently, so that they could take part in the primary election and cast a vote for Obama.
Meanwhile, on Friday, singer Jason Mraz came to the campus of Susquehanna University. Although his tour hasn’t been touting support for Obama, many comments throughout the show marked support for the Illinois Senator. Mraz was joined by special guests Bushwalla and illusionist Justin Kredible. The tour was part of an effort to educate and engage music fans to promote environmental sustainability. (Sara Lauver)
Police search for hit and run driver
SELINSGROVE – Selinsgrove Police are searching for a hit and run driver that ran into a shed on Old Colony Road in Penn Township. Police say it happened Saturday at around 9:00a.m. when a vehicle crossed into the opposite side of the roadway and hit the shed at 203 Old Colony Road. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 374-8145. (Sara Bartlett)
Woman injured in hit and run crash
MILTON – Milton Police say they’re looking for the driver of a tan or burgundy van who reportedly fled the scene of an accident Friday afternoon in the borough. Sargeant Rob Graham says the van failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a vehicle broadside at about 1:40p.m at Garfield Avenue and Lower Market Street.
The vehicle driven by 35-year-old Melanie Trate then careened into a nearby building. Meantime, police say they have no plate number for the suspected burgundy van. It may be a Chrysler product, and it will likely have a substantial amount of front-end damage, as well as blue paint from the vehicle that as hit. Milton police request a call at 742-8757 if you have information. (Matt Farrand)
Early morning departures for papal visit
HARRISBURG – Pope Benedict XVI visits Nationals Park Thursday. It will be an early start if you are one of 500 ticket holders for a bus trip to the papal visit coordinated by the Diocese of Harrisburg. The Diocese says the bus for DC is scheduled to leave the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg at 2:30a.m.
Departures from other locations in the state are likewise planned for early in the morning as busses are scheduled to leave Camp Hill and Lancaster at 3:00am, and Harrisburg, York and Hanover at 3:30a.m. (Matt Farrand)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The union representing nearly 6,000 professors and coaches at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities is getting a new president. Lock Haven University English professor Steve Hicks was elected Saturday as president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties. Hicks will begin his two-year term in June. The election was held by the union's legislative assembly. Hicks won a three-way race that included incumbent president Pat Heilman. Heilman will return to her position as a journalism professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania this fall.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Two statewide nonprofit groups are urging the state to reopen its home heating assistance program for low-income residents for a two-week period ending April 30th. Leaders of the United Way of Pennsylvania and the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania say an extension of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program would help tens of thousands of households. The Department of Public Welfare shut down LIHEAP on March 21st with a 13 million dollar balance remaining. State officials have said they want to ensure that LIHEAP has money to restart when the weather turns colder in November. A department spokeswoman doesn't have any immediate comment on the nonprofit groups' request.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The United Mine Workers says it's not changing its position on mountaintop removal coal mining. Spokesman Phil Smith says mine operators, not the union, decide how coal is mined. As long as UMW members work at surface mines, Smith says the union will continue to support them. The UMW is trying to clarify its position after Smith recently said it ought to be talking about banning the high-efficiency mining method. But Smith says there's been no change in UMW policy. In mountaintop removal mining, rocks and dirt are blasted and scraped away to reveal coal seams. The debris is dumped in valleys and the land is reclaimed after mining finishes. Government records show about 14 percent of the state's 5,400 surface mine employees are represented by unions.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania declined for a third consecutive year in 2007. Figures released Monday by the state Supreme Court put the number of suits at 1,617, a 4.5 percent decline from 2006. Officials say it is also a 40.8 percent drop from an annual average of roughly 2,700 malpractice lawsuits filed from 2000 to 2002. Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille attributes the decline to key changes made several years ago. They include a court requirement that an independent physician or expert certify the viability of a medical malpractice lawsuit. He also cited a law ending the practice of "venue shopping" in which attorneys file cases in the county where a favorable jury verdict is most likely. Those changes were made to help stabilize premiums in response to doctors' complaints that spiraling insurance costs were forcing them to leave Pennsylvania.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the Pennsylvania State Lottery:
MONDAY MIDDAY
Daily Number
7-4-6
Big 4
1-2-3-1
Treasure Hunt
06-07-09-26-29
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)