Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Selinsgrove teen to be charged as an adult

SELINSGROVE – A Selinsgrove teen that allegedly stabbed another teen during a party will be sentenced as an adult.  A lawyer for Fendi Thompson had previously asked for her to be charged as a juvenile because she was 17-years-old when the incident took place, but Snyder County District Attorney Mike Sholley says the now 18-year-old will be sentenced as an adult because of the severity of the situation. 

Thompson plead guilty last week to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with an incident last fall where she stabbed another teen with a box cutter in a Selinsgrove apartment.  Thompson’s sentencing will be held in July, where she could face up to 10 years in jail. (Sara Bartlett)  

Charges filed against vandals who ruined Warrior Run soccer fields

TURBOTVILLE – Three men were charged Wednesday in connection with destroying soccer fields in the Warrior Run School District two months ago.  Milton State Police say 18-year-old Adam Gavitt of Muncy and 21-year-olds Derek Miller and Robert Troutman III, both of Milton, will face institutional vandalism and criminal mischief charges for driving a vehicle through Warrior Run’s AYSO soccer fields at the Northumberland County Sports Complex.  The vehicle left nearly $6,000 worth of damages, cutting up the grass and leaving huge ruts in the field. 

The three vandals were arraigned before District Justice William Kear and they will face criminal prosecution. (Sara Bartlett)

Wolff addresses “On Topic” discussion group

LEWISBURG – These are extraordinary times in agriculture, and for anyone who buys farm products.  So says Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff, during a visit to Lewisburg Wednesday.  High commodity prices mean more money for producers, but also higher retail prices, all of which contribute to agriculture making the front pages of newspapers nationwide.  Wolff says though costs for energy and feed are also higher; most farm sectors are doing well financially. 

Wolff was in Lewisburg as keynote speaker for the second “On Topic” luncheon of 2008.  Topics of discussion included no-till farming, nutrient runoff and antibiotic use in cattle raising.

The Secretary will appear in a recorded segment on WKOK’s Leaders and Lawmakers Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and any time on line at wkok.com.  Wolff is from Millville in Columbia County and was confirmed in May of 2003.  (Matt Farrand)

Danville teen in court for several burglary charges

DANVILLE – A 19-year-old man from Danville faces more than 20 years behind bars when he is sentenced for several burglaries in the Danville area.  Everett Bottesch was in court this week and says his heroin addiction caused him to break into several homes in the Mahoning and Valley Township areas last fall.  He was arrested and sent to prison in February, along with 20-year-old Ty Diehl and 24-year-old Alex Frew. 

District Attorney Bob Buehner says Bottesch will plead guilty to eight burglaries and other charges including criminal trespass and theft.  Dozens of other charges against Bottesch will be dropped as part of a deal.  Diehl and Frew are awaiting sentencing, after pleading guilty to charges against them.  (Ali Stevens)
 

Fire in Shady Nook, Monroe Township undetermined in origin

SELINSGROVE – Fire that destroyed a cabin in the Shady Nook area of Monroe Township on Monday morning has been ruled undetermined in origin.  A state police fire marshal says due to the extent of damage at the home at the end of River Road, they were unable to pinpoint what started the fire.  The home was owned by John Hepner of Mount Carmel and he was not in town at the time of the fire.  The fire was spotted by a motorist on Routes 11 and 15 and when crews arrived, the house was completely engulfed in flames.  A damage estimate is not available, but the fire marshal says the home was a complete loss.  (Ali Stevens)

Will gas incentives help car sales increase?

UNDATED – Car sales nationwide have been sluggish and one car manufacturer is trying to sway otherwise undecided buyers into getting their make of vehicle.  Chrysler has offered a new incentive program for people who buy or lease new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles.  The program will offer buyers gas for no more than $2.99 a gallon for the next three years.  GM of Zimmerman Motors Bob Zimmerman says the promotion plays directly to the consumer’s number one interest: fuel economy.

Of course there are a few exceptions depending on the model of the vehicle that’s purchased.  Ken Reber, GM of BZ Motors, says the promotion is relatively new, but hopefully it will improve sales for dealers.  Many manufactures are offering gas cards or free gas for the summer with purchases of new vehicles; others are focusing on making more fuel-efficient vehicles.  But, it’s certain that all are looking for ways to boost sales despite the $4.00 a gallon mark looking more and more likely in the coming months. (Sara Bartlett) 

Former chairman of the state Republican Party has died

HARRISBURG – The former chairman of the state Republican Party, 80-year-old Clifford Jones, has died at his home outside Harrisburg.  Jones served with six governors as secretary of commerce, labor and industry and environmental resources.  He was also the chair of the Public Utility Commission.  Jones was also president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry for almost a decade.  (Ali Stevens)

Mt Carmel woman a factor in a case against Garrett Reid
 

Shamokin Dam man in fair condition following a crash on Route 147

SUNBURY – A Shamokin Dam man is hospitalized following a motorcycle crash last night in Upper Augusta Township. State police say 27-year-old Nicholas Berger was traveling south on Route 147 around 10:15 last night when he struck an embankment and a large rock with his motorcycle.

Berger was thrown from the bike. He was wearing a helmet. He was transported to Geisinger Medical Center with multiple injuries and is listed in fair condition today. (Ali Stevens)

State devotes more money to research mystery bee ailment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's Agriculture Department is devoting more money to research what's behind the mysterious ailment plaguing honeybees. Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff says another $20,000 will pay for a study that will investigate the illness called "Colony Collapse Disorder."

Scientists are trying to find out what's behind the problem, in which bees abandon their hives. Pennsylvania beekeepers in 2006 began reporting losses of 30 percent to 90 percent of their colonies. The Agriculture Dept. says it has earmarked more than $800,000 total to bee research. http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/index.html

Clausi addresses contractor complaint

SUNBURY – Michelle Boone-Freeman has a grievance against Northumberland County. She is the president of Valley Rehabilitation Services, a company that provides physical and speech therapy at the Mountain View Manor Nursing Home.

She says the county never told her of economic issues with her bid for a new contract, and she expressed her disappointment to commissioners Tuesday. She says she was trying to get commissioners to understand her company provided additional services not necessarily rehab oriented.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi maintains they did not bring enough money to the county from Medicare, and a new contractor could deliver the county an additional half-a-million dollars. Though their contract expired at the end of April, Valley Rehab will continue to provide care at Mountain View until a new contract with a different company is secured. (Matt Farrand)

Sara Lee earnings lower than expected

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Chicago area based corporation (which owns Butter Krust) posted quarterly earnings Monday. Sara Lee reports net sales for the quarter climbed 10.5%, aided by a weak dollar, higher retail prices and a 2.4% increase in unit volume. That helped offset soaring commodity prices. However, earnings of 30 cents per share for the quarter came in below estimates. Sara Lee stock dropped 6.0% to 13.86.

Conagra settled Tuesday 0.6.% higher at 23.44. Retailer Weis Markets gained a fraction. Utility PPL Corp gained 0.7% to 47.69, and pipeline operator Sunoco Logistics finished less than one percent ahead. Banking and financial stocks of local interest enter the new day mixed.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust gained 0.5% to 26.33, Susquehanna Bancshares, M&T Bank and Sovereign Bancorp also advanced. FNB Corp lost a fraction and Fulton Financial fell 0.5% to 13.34. Community Health Systems dropped more than 2.5% to 35.19. (Matt Farrand)

Family displaced after fire destroys Snyder County home

PORT ANN – The investigation continues into what caused the fire that destroyed a home in Port Ann, Snyder County Tuesday morning. Beaver Springs Assistant Fire Chief Mat Wenrich says the house along Troxelville Road is a complete loss after the 9:15a.m. blaze, so they have not determined an exact cause.

The home is owned Roger Moyer, but was being rented by Frank and Aimee Benfer. The Benfers have five children, none of whom were home at the time. No injuries were reported. An explosion was heard from the house just before the fire broke out.

Wenrich says a State Police Fire Marshal will be in to investigate the cause, although it does not seem suspicious. Two sheds near the house were also destroyed. In addition to Beaver Springs, crews from Middleburg, Beavertown, Union County and Penns Creek were on the scene for nearly four hours battling the blaze. (Sara Bartlett)

Students crowd Shik Overlook for annual Envirothon

UNION TWP – Busloads of high schoolers were tested on environmental knowledge Tuesday at the Shikellamy State Park Overlook. It was part of the annual Susquehanna Valley Envirothon, during which young students were quizzed on a variety of topics, all related to the ecosystem.

Co-advisor Van Wagner brought teams from Lewisburg High School and calls the Shikellamy Overlook sight perfect for a discussion of recreational land and the impact of human use. Forestry, wildlife, and soil sciences were also among topics for testing.

More than 250 students from Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Montour and Colombia counties were on hand. The highest scoring teams advanced to state and potentially national Envirothon competition. Envirothons are held for middle school and high school students. (Matt Farrand)

After decades of Seals football under Coach Bill Scott…a new era begins

SELINSGROVE – For more than two decades, Dave Hess was an assistant coach of Selinsgrove High School Football. Now he is the head coach, taking over for the legendary Bill Scott. Dave Hess has known Bill Scott for several years, starting when he was a high school tackle on Scott’s first championship team. He then went to Lock Haven University and after graduation, started coaching for Bill Scott right away.

After more than 20 years coaching as Bill Scott’s assistant, he will now take over as head coach since Scott is retiring. The school board voted Monday night 7 to 2 to give Hess the job and he is honored to take over, saying he has the greatest respect for Coach Scott and hopes to do well for the program in the future.

Hess is a native Selinsgrove resident and a special education teacher for the district in a program called Seals Den. He is married to Cindy and has a daughter Lacey, who graduated from Selinsgrove High School also. He also has a 5-month old grandson named Noah. (Ali Stevens)

Danville “Main St” Program, new executive director in place July 1st

DANVILLE – The Danville Business Alliance has its first-ever Executive Director. James D. Wilson will assume the new duties July 1st, which will be the same day that the consortium meant to promote local business, starts to receive “Main Street” funding from the state.

Wilson holds law degrees from Georgetown and LSU, and is a veteran of the US Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps. “Main Street” funding will make more than quarter-of-a-million dollars available over the next four years for the revitalization of downtown Danville. Other funding programs could raise that amount to nearly a million dollars. (Matt Farrand)

Route 147 delays expected today and tomorrow

NORTHUMBERLAND – Maintenance will get underway on Route 147 in Northumberland this week. PennDOT tells us base repairs will be done on 147 from Ninth Street through Northumberland into Point Township and on to the intersection with Route 405 in West Chillisquaque Township in both directions.

PennDOT spokesman Rick Mason says work will begin at about 7a.m. each day and continue into the evening hours. Lane restrictions will be in place and motorists can expect delays and may wish to take an alternate route. Long delays are expected. (Ali Stevens)

Find the best chili in Sunbury!

SUNBURY – Think you make a good bowl of chili? Test your skills at the 2nd annual Chili Chicken Cook-off Saturday in Sunbury. The event, sponsored by neighborhood group, Old Towne Sunbury, will take place in Central Park from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. President of Old Towne Sunbury, Whitney Anderson, says they are still accepting applications for cooking competitors.

In addition to the chili judging, there will be entertainment, children’s activities and a cake wheel. Chicken dinners will also be for sale. This is the group’s biggest fundraiser and the money raised will go toward beautification projects throughout historic Sunbury. If you are interested in being a contestant, contact Whitney at 286-5757. WKOK’s Mark Lawrence will be a judge. (Sara Bartlett)

Acorn Little League will have their hit, pitch and run with a new healthy twist

NORTHUMBERLAND – A Health and Safety Fair will be held in Northumberland on Saturday as part of the annual Acorn Little League hit, pitch and run competition. Michael DeFeo, is safety officer for the little league organization and says the kids will be competing for prizes including a bike, a YMCA membership and savings bonds from local banks.

DeFeo says the Health and Safety Fair will also be part of the day featuring bicycle safety, seatbelt safety, hygiene tips and healthy food tips. The event is to teach the kids to find ways to stay safe and healthy in their everyday activities. The public is invited the Acorn Little League field in Northumberland from 10 to 1 p.m. on Saturday to watch the hit, pitch and run competition and take part in the Health and Safety Fair. (Ali Stevens)

Mock car crash teaches students importance of safe driving

SELINSGROVE – A mock car crash held at Selinsgrove High School Tuesday afternoon. Sponsored by the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decision group, the demonstration was aimed at bringing awareness and showing the reality of serious and fatal crashes caused by bad decisions. Selinsgrove students and members of SADD participated as the actors in the crash.

Milton State Police Trooper Matt Burrows also spoke with the students in an effort to enforce better driving skills. Police, ambulance, fire crews and the coroner from Selinsgrove all participated in the mock crash, as did a Life Flight helicopter. Also addressing the students was Nancy Harris who shared the story of her daughter, who was killed two years ago in a car accident. (Sara Bartlett)

Barnyard theme for this year’s Celebrate Communicate Day

MONTANDON – Students from surrounding school districts are getting a little break from school today (Wednesday) to celebrate communication at the CSIU in Montandon. Special Education Consultant at CSIU, John Deppen, says the fun event is geared toward students with communication impairments and will be a day for them to communicate through their assisted technology devices.

He says it’s a good chance for students to see that they aren’t the only ones who use these devices to help them. Deppen says it’s also important to emphasize that just because the particular students can’t communicate like most others, doesn’t mean they don’t have something important or interesting to say.

The celebration has a barnyard theme and will include clog dancers, a hayride and square dancing. This is the 12th Celebrate Communicate Day that CSIU has held and Deppen says they will continue to hold the day, which gives special needs students the chance to interact and have fun. (Sara Bartlett)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter is among those questioning the speedy confirmation process for Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Helene White.  She was chosen by President Bush last month as part of a compromise to address several judicial vacancies.  Specter says holding a hearing only weeks after White's nomination "does not conform with the practices of the committee and is an unusual rush to judgment."  Specter and other Republicans say they haven't been able to thoroughly review her record. They note that the American Bar Association had not had enough time to rate her qualifications. An FBI report and White's questionnaire were only completed late last month.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Humane Society of the United States has released new video of sick and injured livestock the group says were mistreated on their way to being slaughtered.  The group says the videos were taken of livestock auctions and stockyards in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas.  A graphic videotape made inside a California slaughterhouse released by the same group in January led to the nation's largest beef recall.

HAZLETON, Pa. (AP) - A 20-year-old Hazleton man is accused of dangling his girlfriend's 5-month-old daughter from a second-floor window of the apartment where they and the girlfriend's young son and mother lived.  Police say a neighbor called police after seeing Michael Waldron dangling the baby from the window about 7:30 p.m. Monday.  Police say the baby was not hurt and is now in the custody of Luzerne County Children and Youth Services.  Police arrested Waldron about 1 a.m. Tuesday and charged him with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person, as well as aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault because of the girlfriend's age. He is being held on $10,000 bail.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:

Daily Number

     3-9-6

Big 4

     7-8-5-5

Treasure Hunt

     6-24-26-28-29

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)