Thursday, May 8, 2008
Preliminary hearing for retired Bucknell professor to be continued
LEWISBURG – Retired Bucknell professor Jack Harclerode was back in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing on charges that he allegedly molested a young boy over a three-year period in his on-campus office. The incidents reportedly happened between 1992 and 1995, starting when the boy was 12-years-old. The now 28-year-old alleged victim testified that he met Harclerode at a 5th grade summer camp and would take fishing trips with the professor. Those trips would then lead to Harclerode’s office where he would allegedly touch the boy sexually.
Harclerode’s attorney, Pete Campana says a statute of limitations prior to 2002 says there is five years to report an incident after a victim’s 18th birthday, so the time has run out for this case to be heard. However, Union County District Attorney Pete Johnson says after 2002, the statute of limitation changed to twelve years after a child victim has turned 18, so the crime occurred within a time period and can still be reported. District Justice Armbruster said he would continue the hearing so that he can be provided of the statutes in order to look over them.
For this incident, Harclerode is being charged with six counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. He also faces additional charges in Union County in connection with hundreds of pornographic images of children allegedly found on his computer, and in Columbia County he is charged with molesting a young boy at a campground. Hearings and sentencing for these incidents are in the coming months. (Sara Bartlett)
A psychiatrist employed by Northumberland Co Prison resigns
SUNBURY – A psychiatrist employed at the Northumberland County Prison has resigned after being named earlier this year as a third-party defendant in a lawsuit. The suit was filed by Ryan Francis’ estate in federal court. Ryan Francis hung himself in his jail cell in March of 2006 after being arrested for disorderly conduct at his girlfriend’s funeral. She was among five people killed in a fire in Trevorton in February of 2006, along with Francis’s mother and half-brother. Francis was not able to post bail and committed suicide two-days after his arrest.
Dr. Frederick Maue, the Psychiatrist who evaluated Francis at the prison, says county prison officials ignored his recommendation that Francis be placed on suicide watch. He wants a judgment in his favor and to be awarded court costs. However county officials filed a complaint against Maue, alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death. Maue was hired by the prison in 1997. Controller Chuck Erdman says the Warden will now have to interview for another psychiatrist. The prison board is also considering hiring a part-time nurse. (Ali Stevens)
Monroe Marketplace management applies for state funding
SHAMOKIN DAM— What kind of impact will the Monroe Marketplace have on the Susquehanna Valley? Well, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed Emily White, a consultant with Duane Morris Government Affairs, to their monthly meeting this week. White says that PREIT, the developer of the Marketplace, approached them for help in applying for state funding through the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program. She says the funding would help reimburse costs that the Marketplace will incur, primarily from doing highway infrastructure improvements to Routes 11 and 15 and the nearby access roads.
As a condition for the project to move forward, Monroe Township required these highway improvements be made. White says the application has been filed and they expect to hear about the funding sometime this fall. She says the Marketplace can still continue with its development, even without the funding.
She adds that the complex is estimated to bring nearly 261 full-time jobs and 1,100 part-time jobs. She says the impact on state sales tax, earned income taxes and real estate taxes will also be significant and benefit the entire region. (Sara Lauver)
Sunbury man accused of returning a stolen gun to the owner
SUNBURY – A Sunbury man faces a felony firearms possession charge after police say he returned a stolen shotgun. 30-year-old Marcus Lynch allegedly returned a 20-guage shotgun to a home on North Fourth Street. He told the owner that he purchased the gun from a man in front of a bar in the city, saying he paid $60 for the gun. Lynch told the homeowner that he believed it may have been stolen and was returning it for him. The homeowner called police and told them one of his guns, which were stolen in early April, had been returned. However, Lynch was then charged because he is not allowed to possess weapons, since he is a convicted felon. (Ali Stevens)
Learning more about the Latino community
MILTON – It’s an event to familiarize people with the Latino culture and a chance for the community to embrace their neighbors. The first Fiesta De Mayo will be held in Milton this Saturday. It’s hosted by the Standard Journal and the Congregacion Menonita Shalom. Pastor Joe Rosa of the Congregacion says the day is also aimed at dispelling myths about Latino culture. He says the majority Latinos in the area are legal, law-abiding citizens, who are doing good for the community.
The event will feature all types of authentic Mexican, Puerto Rican and Dominican Republic foods, as well as traditional dancers, Caribbean drums and a Mariachi band. And don’t forget about the food. Rosa says it’s not just tacos and enchiladas (although they will have those!), they will also have a variety of authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican Republic foods.
Rosa says he is overwhelmed a grateful with the help and donations he’s received to get the first Fiesta De Mayo underway, and he’s hopeful the event that will continue annually. The party kicks off at 9:30a.m. Saturday along Broadway and Bound Avenues in Milton. Listen to Pastor Joe Rosa’s full interview on Leaders & Lawmakers. (Sara Bartlett)
Danville borough workers hope to leave earlier on Friday’s in the summer
DANVILLE – Workers in the Danville borough want to leave 90 minutes earlier on Fridays during the summer months. The Press Enterprise reports borough council discussed the new hours during an executive personnel discussion. The workers hope to be able to leave at 3:30 on Fridays until late September, but will take shorter lunch breaks three days a week to make up for the lost time. Workers claim traffic in the office on Friday afternoon is at a lower level. Normal office hours are until 5 p.m. No decision on the idea has been made. (Ali Stevens)
What's the future of the Mifflinburg Borough Building
MIFFLINBURG – A public hearing is set for Tuesday, May 20th for residents to learn more about the future of the borough building, which recently was deemed uninhabitable. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Mifflinburg High School Cafeteria on the 20th. Becky Hagenbaugh, Mifflinburg’s Main Street Manager, says the building was recently examined by Union County Keystone Council of Governments and was condemned, due to cracks in the walls and other problems.
The borough then hired architects RAL Associates of Lewisburg to complete a feasibility study on whether the building should be torn down or restored, and if restored, what the different financial decisions will be. They will complete the study in time for the public meeting and the public can then help the borough decide what to do. Currently, the borough employees are working out of leased space in the former Yorktowne building in Mifflinburg. (Ali Stevens)
Normal schedules at all other Warrior Run schools
TURBOTVILLE – Work on a water main is prompting the closure of the Turbotville Elementary School. Officials say the school on Pine Street say that building will be closed today, as emergency water main work proceeds.
Only the Turbotville Elementary School is affected, and all other Warrior Run School District buildings will be open for normal classes today. Turbotville Elementary school students will have class tomorrow (Friday). (Matt Farrand)
Middleburg borough issues boil water advisory
MIDDLEBURG – Middleburg officials are issuing a boil water advisory for borough water customers on North Main Street. A break in a water main is the source of the problem, and customers may experience dirty water or low water pressure once service is restored. (Matt Farrand)
Local stocks mostly follow the market lower
NEW YORK – Talk of new disclosure requirements for investment banks and brokerages, and record high oil prices pulled stocks lower Wednesday. Stocks of local interest were not immune, as Susquehanna Bancshares fell 5.0%, FNB Corp dropped more than 4.5% and M&T Bank fell nearly 2.5% to 92.23. Sovereign Bancorp was down 3.0%, and Fulton Financial lost 1.6% to 13.12.
Food producers of local interest were each down a fraction as Conagra retreats to 23 dollars per share and Sara Lee enters the new day at 13.76. Retailer Weis Markets was down a fraction to 31.12. Community Health Systems, Sunoco Logistics and PPL Corp each lost a fraction. Former Cherokee plant owner Merck was up about 0.4% to just over 39 dollars per share. (Matt Farrand)
Danville’s Sunnybrook Park enters its 9th decade
DANVILLE – A Danville area swimming pool named in memory of a murder victim is celebrating an anniversary this weekend. Sunnybrook Park Association member Darla Gill says the park was first opened in 1927, but the current pool named for the late Dorothy Bonawitz was not opened until much later.
Bonawitz spearheaded the plan that built and financed the pool as secretary for the Association. She was murdered in 1976, and the rebuilt pool was named in her memory. All are invited to the fundraising events at the pool, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday , with the rain date 24 hours later. They include a canal presentation, music and a look at iron mining history. (W. P. Gem)
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 nature of the crime.
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.
They 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.
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. John Hepner of Mount Carmel owned the home and he was not in town at the time of the fire.
A motorist on Routes 11 and 15 spotted the fire 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 car dealers 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
NORRISTOWN – A son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid is heading to state prison after admitting he smuggled narcotics into the Montgomery County Jail. 25-year-old Garrett Reid pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges Wednesday. Police found that he had smuggled the drugs after being sent to jail for a heroin-fueled car crash which seriously injured a Mount Carmel woman.
Reid could face up to two years for the new charges, but may also be eligible for a drug-treatment program that could reduce his time. This isn’t the Eagles’ coach only family struggles, Andy Reid’s 23-year-old son, Britt Reid, is in a county drug-court program after pleading guilty to separate drug and gun charges. (Ali Stevens/AP)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A religious student group claims Shippensburg University has violated its free-speech rights by threatening to shut it down because it requires members to be Christians and its president to be a man. A lawyer for Christian Fellowship of Shippensburg University says the group was expelled from the state-owned university in February amid a dispute over its membership and leadership requirements. Lawyer Steven Aden of the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom says the group was later told it could resume operating as a student organization, but members still worry about the prospect of further sanctions. Aden's organization filed a federal lawsuit against the university on Wednesday. A university spokesman says school officials haven't seen the lawsuit but are reviewing the allegations.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senator Dianne Feinstein of California is urging the Agriculture Department to conduct an investigation to assess the degree of animal cruelty in the livestock industry. The call comes after the Humane Society released video Wednesday of sick and injured livestock that the group says were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards. The footage shot during April and May shows two downed cows at a site in Hereford, Texas; a downed cow left overnight outside an auction facility's barn in Westminster, Md.; two downed cows in at a site Clovis, N.M.; and a downed calf in Greencastle, Pa. A video was posted on the group's Web site. Downed cattle may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease because they typically wallow in feces and their immune systems are often weak. The Humane Society's president and chief executive, Wayne Pacelle, says there's no indication the downed cows his group filmed entered the food supply.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Thursday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number
5-6-8
Big 4
0-1-4-9
Treasure Hunt
17-18-21-28-29
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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