Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Three juveniles, one adult charged in Sunbury arson
SUNBURY -- Four Sunbury teens have been charged in connection with a Sunbury arson. Sunbury Patrolman Steve Bennick tells us 19-year-old Tyler Hendricks, along with a 13-year-old and two 14-year old boys were involved in trying to set fire to the Dollar General store building on Market Street in Sunbury Monday afternoon. Hendricks is in Northumberland County Prison on $100,000 bail. The three boys were placed in the juvenile court system.
Sunbury Police Chief Steven Mazzeo says the investigation is still open and they are taking it very seriously, as the incident could possibly be linked to prior alleged arsonists in Sunbury. The fire 'never took hold' Monday, and witnesses called police, who caught the four teens before there was heavy damage. The investigation is a joint effort between police and fire personnel. (Sara Bartlett)
Local assistant DA would like to be the next judge in Snyder and Union Counties
LEWISBURG – Following the announced resignation of President Judge Harold Woelfel Jr., a local assistant District Attorney says he would like to be the next judge in Snyder and Union Counties. Attorney Marty Wilson tells WKOK he intends to run for the position.
This after Woelfel announced he will step down as president judge at the end of the year and plans to work as a senior judge. Wilson will need to start circulating a petition in February to obtain the 500 signatures needed to be put on the ballot in the spring primary.
He says he plans to cross-file to be on both the Republican and Democratic ballots, as he has done in the past, when he ran against Mike Sholley in the fall. Sholley will now become the president judge for the two counties. In the meantime, senior judge Louise Knight and judge Harold Woelfel, who is seeking senior judge status, will cover some of the caseload until a new judge is voted in.
Wilson has been the assistant District Attorney in Union County for more than 10 years and an attorney for 31 years. He is a graduate of Lewisburg High School and Bucknell University. He lost by a slim margin to Judge Sholley and says he would be honored to be voted in as judge this time around. (Ali Stevens)
Blaze causes more than $300,000 in damage to Dewart home
DEWART -- The fire that destroyed a Dewart home over the weekend was accidental. Warrior Run Fire Chief Mark Burrows says the investigation will continue into what caused the blaze. Fire broke out around 4:40a.m. Saturday at the Russell and Helen Yordy residence along Route 44 in Delaware Township.
Both had to jump from a second story window to escape the blaze. 79-year-old Helen Yordy was taken to Geisinger Medical Center and is listed in serious condition. 74-year-old Russell Yordy was treated and released from Lehigh Valley Hospital. They are insured for the property, and damage is estimated at more than $300,000. (Sara Bartlett)
Northumberland man charged with sexual assault
SUNBURY -- A Northumberland man is in jail after having sexual contact with a young boy. 27-year-old Jeffery Oberdorf was taken into custody Monday. Police say Oberdorf engaged in sexual acts with an 11-year-old boy Monday, while the boy was sleeping.
Police were notified and Oberdorf was arraigned before District Judge Robert Bolton. He faces charges of indecent assault, corruption of minors, rape and involuntary sexual deviate intercourse. He is in Northumberland County Prison on $100,000 bail. (Sara Bartlett)
Rehab unit an asset to volunteer firefighters
SUNBURY -- For about a year, the Americus Hose Company has been traveling with a Rehab Unit when responding to fires. Robert Hare, Director of Operations for the company, explains that the year-old unit is designed to help firefighters, but not necessarily help with the firefight.
He says the unit provides resources to the firefighters, giving them water, a cooling station and also a chance to check vital signs to make sure they are still able to fight a blaze. Hare says it is important to take good care of the active volunteers who come to a fire scene, and the volunteers appreciate it as well.
The rehab unit has traveled with Americus Hose Company to fires around our area, and has also assisted in places such as Lewistown and Shenandoah. Hare says a rehab unit was an area not being covered by other fire or ambulance companies in the area. (Sara Bartlett)
Retail thief caught in Lewisburg
LEWISBURG -- A Watsontown woman is accused of theft from a Lewisburg retail store. Police say 25-year-old Joann Miller stole merchandise from the store along AJK Boulevard over a period of three months. Miller was taken into custody for the thefts, and it was found that she was wanted on a warrant in Northumberland County. She was taken to Northumberland County Prison for the warrant. She was arraigned for the theft charges before District Judge Leo Armbruster. (Sara Bartlett)
Jail time for Sunbury teen who broke into storage shed
SUNBURY -- A Sunbury man is in jail after a theft in Northumberland. Police say sometime between July 16th and July 22nd, 19-year-old Damen Summers broke into a storage unit owned by the Sunbury Christian Academy.
No word on if anything was taken, but police say Summers also had an accomplice. Summers was arraigned Monday on charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy. He is in Northumberland County Prison on $60,000 bail. (Sara Bartlett)
Geisinger doc talks about sports and concussions
DANVILLE -- Another school year means sports seasons beginning once again. Dr. Matthew McElroy, sports medicine doctor at Geisinger Medical Center, is getting the word out on how to protect student athletes from concussions.
McElroy says many students return to playing sports after getting a concussion and may get hit again, which could lead to problems. He says it is important to be aware of concussion symptoms, and the first step in getting out of the game or practice is critical.
McElroy says the issue of concussions is getting more and more attention, following numerous college and professional athletes who get them during games. You can hear more about high school sports this weekend on Roundtable. Four retired local football coaches will be on the program Sunday morning at 9:00a.m. on WKOK.
Investigation into convenience store robbery continues
DANVILLE – The investigation continues after an early Monday morning robbery near Danville. The incident was reported at around 4:00 a.m. at the A-Plus Sunoco along Route 54. Danville Police say a man entered the A-Plus store and demanded money from the clerk, without showing a weapon. The man fled with an undetermined amount of cash.
He was last seen turning onto Route 11 heading towards downtown Danville and Bloomsburg. The vehicle was described as a two-door compact car, green in color. The robber was a white male with blue eyes and a stocky build. He was wearing dark pants, dark gloves, a hooded sweatshirt, and a red bandana around his face. Police say he was between 5'8" and 6" feet tall. (Ali Stevens)
Motorist charged for speeding along local road
POINT TOWNSHIP -- A Sunbury motorist is being charged after three separate incidents of reckless driving. Point Township Police say 24-year-old Jacob Mordan sped along Epler Road on three separate dates in July, in order to pass southbound motorists along Route 11, to which it runs parallel.
Mordan faces three counts each of reckless diving, careless driving, speeding, and recklessly endangering another person. He will appear before District Justice Robert Bolton later. Poluce say Mordan drove at a 'very high rate of speed.' (Matt Farrand)
Fireworks planned for Riverstock Triathlon weekend
SUNBURY -- The main boat launching area at Shikellamy State Park will be closed for a time this Sunday to accommodate the Riverstock Triathlon. DCNR officials say the main launching area will be closed through 2:00 p.m. Alternate launch areas are available at the Hanover Street boat launch in Northumberland Borough and the boat launch ramp next to the Northumberland sewer plant.
Pre-race fireworks are also planned for Saturday night, and visitors can view them from the area of the marina. However, the Shikellamy Overlook area will be closed all day Friday and Saturday to prepare for the fireworks.
Cyclists and runners will also be using many roadways in the area of Sunbury, Northumberland and the park. Motorists are advised use caution Sunday morning. The Riverstock Triathlon will be on this week's Leaders & Lawmakers program on WKOK. More info here. (Matt Farrand)
Firefighters called to electrical fire, White Deer Township
WHITE DEER -- A minor electrical fire brought White Deer Township firefighters to 984 Pleasant View Rd. at about 4:55 p.m. Monday. Union County Communications says the initial call was for smoke in the basement. White Deer Township firefighters made quick work of the fire, and were clear of the scene in about an hour. No injuries were reported, nor was an estimate of damages immediately available. (Matt Farrand)
Islam not to blame for terror attacks
DANVILLE – Heated political and religious arguments continue to surround the founding of a mosque and Islamic cultural center near the site of the World Trade Center. Dr. Karl Polm-Faudre, is director of education and outreach at Geisinger Medical Center, and says he hopes those involved look back at the beliefs that helped establish their respective religions.
Dr. Polm-Faudre says the fundamental truths of most religions, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution place more value on individuals than ideology. The chaplain also notes that radicals are not exclusive to one sect over another. Dr. Polm-Faudre's comments can be heard in their entirety online at www.wkok.com. He appeared on last Thursday's edition of On The Mark. (Matt Farrand)
Construction closes busy intersections in Sunbury
SUNBURY -- Two busy intersections are closed in Sunbury. The intersection of Market and 11th Street is closed as PennDOT upgrades existing curb ramps and installs concrete signal pole foundations. There is a tentative 10-day detour in effect and that section of road will be reopen September 2nd.
Also in Sunbury, Norfolk Southern Railroad has closed Market and 3rd Street. They are planning to rebuild the crossing at Market Street (Route 61). It will remain closed through August 27. Traffic will be detoured.
10th District candidate says conservative views are what the people want
SUNBURY – Republican Candidate for the 10th congressional district, Tom Marino says he is a true conservative. Marino was a guest Monday on WKOK’s On The Mark program and says he differs from his opponent, Democrat and incumbent Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock), who, according to Marino, has voted with Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama 90 percent of the time.
Marino says that includes a vote for the health care plan, which Marino says will cost the average middle class family an additional $1,500 a year, according to the latest statistics. Recently Carney was endorsed locally by the Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and Sheriff Chad Reiner along with the sheriff in Montour County Ray Gerringer and some local police chiefs.
However, Marino says that doesn’t mean all law enforcement supports his opponent. He says only two of the District Attorneys in the district support Carney, which is a small amount. Marino adds that many other law enforcement agencies support him. You can hear more from Tom Marino on the war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration and other topics from our Monday On The Mark program online at www.wkok.com.
Bucknell University bookstore grand opening this weekend
LEWISBURG -- A three-day grand opening for the new Bucknell bookstore will take place this week. The campus and public are invited to the Barnes & Noble on Market Street. Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will happen at 1:00p.m., and in the evening, there will be a street fair between Market Street and Cherry Alley, with food, entertainment, sidewalk art, face painting and more.
Dr. Seuss' 'Horton Hears a Who!' will be featured Saturday, with appearance from characters at 1:00p.m. and a free showing of the movie at 2:00p.m. at the Campus Theater. The book will then be read at 4:00p.m. at Barnes & Noble. Throughout the weekend, bookstore discounts and prize giveaways will continue at the new bookstore. (Sara Bartlett)
Neighbors 'get to know' each other tonight in Sunbury
SUNBURY -- Residents of the Hill Neighborhood in Sunbury will get to know one another a little better thanks to an event this week. A neighborhood night out is being planned for Tuesday. Deborah Betz lives in the Hill Neighborhood and says it's a real 'get-to-know-you' event. She says it's important to know who your neighbors are, because then there is more caring and pride in the community.
The event at Kiwanis Playground will have a number activities, food, and entertainment and will be held at Kiwanis Playground. Betz, along with other residents of the Hill Neighborhood and other groups in the city, participated in the first annual cookie and pie baking contest part of the Sunbury River Festival over the weekend. Betz says it's just another way that residents can contribute and get involved in the community. (Sara Bartlett)
Northumberland County Fair gets underway this week in Sunbury
SUNBURY – If you’re looking for something fun to do this week, the Northumberland County Fair will get underway on Thursday. The now decade old event will take place at the Sunbury Armory along Mile Hill Road.
Fair President Kim Clemens, who was on the original board that created the fair, says they switched their name from Northumberland County Expo to Northumberland County Fair since they recently obtained fair status.
In addition, she says the event is affordable for families to attend, with free parking, admission and demonstrations. There will be plenty of food, free entertainment, animals and more. The fair is open Thursday and Friday evening and all day Saturday. More info at www.northumberlandcountyexpo.com/
Homeowners say someone broke into their Sunbury home
SUNBURY -- Police say someone broke into a Sunbury home last week. The incident happened sometime between last Wednesday and Thursday along Boyles Run Road. A Sunbury couple told police that someone entered their home when they were not there.
The homeowners returned to the home and noticed that a piece of furniture was lodged against the main entrance door. No damages were reported and nothing was reported stolen. Police continue the investigation. (Sara Bartlett)
Truck stolen, crashed in Northumberland County
UPPER AUGUSTA TWP -- Police are searching for someone who they stole a vehicle and wrecked it. It happened sometime between August 15th and the 19th at the Nikomahs Camp Ground in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County.
Someone stole a pickup truck belonging to a Shamokin man. The truck was crashed, causing damage, and then returned to its original location. Anyone with information is asked to call police. (Sara Bartlett)
Latest Pennsylvania news, business and entertainment
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell says he's "very disappointed" that Pennsylvania lost out in the second and final round of the federal "Race to the Top" educational grant competition. Rendell said Tuesday that Pennsylvania finished in 18th place as the U.S. Education Department doled out $3.4 billion in funding to nine states and Washington, D.C. Tennessee and Delaware obtained grants in the competition's first round. The governor says Pennsylvania's application was hurt by the lack of an alternative certification process that would let mid-career people become teachers without going back to school for two years. He says another problem was opposition by teacher unions to linking salaries and tenure to performance measures.
BETHEL PARK, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's oldest resident has died at the age of 110. Agnes Wetzel died Saturday. She lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park with her daughter. Wetzel was the oldest person in Pennsylvania and the 56th oldest person in the world according to the age-tracking Gerontology Research Group in Los Angeles. Wetzel was remembered by family and friends as a kind woman and a good cook. She was a former Sunday school teacher and longtime member of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Wetzel's husband of more than 50 years died 34 years ago. She was also preceded in death by a son.
STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - The public transit system serving much of the Pocono Mountain region is discontinuing Sunday service and raising fares. The Monroe County Transit Authority will stop Sunday service on September 5. Route changes and the addition of transfers for two routes will take effect two days later. Transit authority officials say the changes include afternoon pauses in service that will allow buses to run later on two other routes. About 355,000 riders have used the transit authority's service in the last 12 months, the highest in its 30-year history.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Duck boats could return to the water in Philadelphia soon after investigators issue a preliminary report on the fatal collision involving one of the tourist boats. The National Transportation Safety board is expected to release a preliminary report by the end of August on the collision that killed two Hungarian students. Managing director Richard Negrin on Monday said city officials will use that report to determine whether to allow the amphibious tour crafts to return to service. The attorney for the victims' families says that's too soon. Robert Mongeluzzi wants the city to wait for the final report. Twenty-year-old Szabolcs Prem and 16-year-old Dora Schwendtner drowned July 7 after a barge struck the duck boat during a tour of the Delaware River.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel - a Republican - is throwing his support behind Democrat Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race. Hagel tells The Associated Press that Sestak has demonstrated during his two terms in Congress that he puts what's best for the country before the interests of his party. He says Sestak's courage and integrity as a legislator are qualities the nation needs more of. He refused to comment on the candidacy of Sestak's opponent, Republican Pat Toomey, a former congressman. Sestak and Toomey are seeking the seat long held by Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican-turned-Democrat whom Sestak beat in the primary. Hagel plans to announce his endorsement today at news conferences with Sestak in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey says Democratic hopeful Joe Sestak shares the blame for the nation's continuing economic problems. Toomey spoke yesterday at a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon in Harrisburg, The former congressman charged that liberal Democratic policies, which Sestak supports, are obstructing, instead of helping, the economic recovery. He said he would reduce taxes, federal spending, and the role of the federal government instead. Toomey also kicked off a four-day bus tour yesterday with stops throughout northeastern and central parts of the state. The bus tour is expected to cover most of the state except the southeastern corner, which includes heavily Democratic Philadelphia and its suburbs.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell and his transportation secretary are pressing lawmakers to provide a massive infusion of new money for roads, bridges, and mass transit before the two-year legislative session ends. The Democratic governor and Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler outlined a proposal yesterday to tax oil companies and increase motorists fees to raise about $1 billion a year. Some of the fees haven't been increased in decades, and the oil companies use a loophole to avoid the state's corporate net income tax. It's unclear whether the Legislature will act before the Nov. 2 election. Rendell leaves office in January.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A hearing is over in Harrisburg about a natural-gas pipeline company's request to become a public utility, a legal status that could enable it to obtain property through eminent domain. The proceeding before Public Utility Commission Administrative Law Judge Susan Colwell ended yesterday with the parties having to file a "non-unanimous settlement" in a few weeks. Laser Northeast Gathering LLC wants to build and operate the Pennsylvania portion of a roughly 30-mile pipeline to link Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in northeastern Pennsylvania and a pipeline in Broome County, N.Y. PUC spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher says those who favor the settlement will file statements in support, while opponents will file briefs on whatever issues remain. A final decision is expected sometime next year.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The new head of Pennsylvania's prison system is the first woman to hold that position in state history. Gov. Ed Rendell says Shirley Moore Smeal became acting corrections secretary on Friday, when Jeffrey Beard retired. Moore Smeal has most recently served as the prison system's second-ranking administrator behind Beard. She's been with the department since 1987, when she was hired as a clerk-typist. She's worked at the Smithfield, Albion and Camp Hill state prisons, and was superintendent at Muncy state prison, which houses women inmates. She's a native of Mount Union and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Moore Smeal has a bachelor's degree in business from Edinboro University.
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) - First lady Michelle Obama and her predecessor, Laura Bush, will take part next month in an event marking the ninth anniversary of the plane crash in western Pennsylvania during the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Mrs. Obama confirmed her participation Monday as she and her family vacationed on Martha's Vineyard. Construction of a permanent memorial to the Flight 93 victims is under way at the site in Shanksville, Pa., and is expected to be complete in time for next year's 10th anniversary.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Updates on the latest in business:
Dow: 10,040.45, down -133.96
S&P 500: 1,051.87, down -15.49
NASDAQ: 2,123.76, down -35.87
NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are falling on escalating worries about the economy. The Dow has been down more than 100 points at midday.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of previously occupied homes plunged last month to the lowest level in 15 years. The decline of more than 27 percent is the biggest on records going back to 1968.
NEW YORK (AP) - Interest rates have dropped again in the Treasury market. The yield on the two-year note has sunk to another record low. And the yield on the 10-year note continued to hover near levels not seen since March 2009.
CLEVELAND (AP) - House Republican leader John Boehner says President Barack Obama should fire his top economic team leaders. Boehner also called on Obama to work with the GOP to renew soon-to-expire tax cuts enacted under President George W. Bush. Congress will tackle the issue when it returns next month.
TOKYO (AP) - Japan's Toshiba is developing technology for a 3-D television that won't require special glasses. A spokeswoman confirmed the effort, but declined to comment on a published report that the Tokyo-based company plans to start selling the new TVs by the end of the year.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Tuesday:
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $115 million
Midday Big 4
6-5-8-0
Midday Number
8-9-6
Midday Quinto
0-1-8-9-2
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $20 million
Treasure Hunt
09-17-21-24-25
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Trump and Lohan
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Donald Trump would like to see Lindsay Lohan on "Celebrity Apprentice." But he tells "Extra" that he'd want to make sure Lohan was healthy first. Trump says Lohan's people have spoken with him about the possibility of her competing on the show after she gets out of rehab.
Exhibition looks at Jimi Hendrix's London years
LONDON (AP) - The London home of composer George Frideric Handel is holding an exhibition about its other famous resident - Jimi Hendrix. The groundbreaking guitarist lived during the late 1960s in an apartment in the city's Mayfair area, honing his sound and building his reputation through incendiary live shows. Handel lived next door in the 18th century, and Hendrix's former home is now part of the Handel House Museum. The museum is holding a preview Tuesday for an exhibition devoted to Hendrix's London years, which includes clothing, film clips, recordings and handwritten lyrics. Hendrix died in London on Sept. 18, 1970. To mark the 40th anniversary, next month visitors will be able to tour the rooms where Hendrix lived, which are not usually open to the public.
Canine lifeguards
CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy (AP) - Italy's specially trained lifeguards leap from helicopters or speeding boats. But they don't get paid. A pat on the head or a dog biscuit is all the reward they need. The "lifedogs" wear a harness or tow a float that victims can grab. Officials with Italy's Coast Guard say 300 dogs are fully trained for beach duty. Lifeguard Monia Luciani says the rescue dogs will bring anything back to shore, from a fish to a swimmer in trouble. She says to the dogs, it's all a game, not work.
Tree behind Anne Frank House falls over
AMSTERDAM (AP) - The Anne Frank Museum says the monumental chestnut tree that cheered the teenage diarist while she was in hiding from the Nazis has toppled over. The diseased tree made headlines around the world in 2007 when Amsterdam officials ordered it cut down for safety's sake. Supporters who saw the tree as a symbol of freedom protested and it was granted a last-minute reprieve. The 27-ton tree was encased in a steel support system, but that failed under windy weather conditions Monday. Museum spokesperson Maatje Mostart said the tree's trunk snapped about one meter (3 feet) from the ground and it fell into neighboring gardens, damaging several sheds. No one was hurt. Many clones of the tree have been taken. Frank wrote about it several times in her diary.
Muslim hostess won't wear Disney's headscarf alternative
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - A woman who accused the Disney Co. of discrimination for refusing to let her wear a Muslim head scarf at work says she won't wear a specially designed hat instead. Imane Boudlal, who's a restaurant hostess at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, says Disney's suggested hat-and-bonnet is embarrassing and makes a joke of her religion. Boudlal has gone home without pay seven times rather than remove her hijab or accept jobs away from customers. Last week, she filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown says the head covering accommodates both Boudlal's beliefs and Disney costuming guidelines. She says it was one of several options Disney made after Boudlal requested alterations to her approved apparel.
Killer pot found in tombstone
CINCINNATI (AP) - It may not be killer pot -- but it was found hidden inside a tombstone. U.S Customs officials say they seized more than 50 pounds of marijuana stashed in a grave marker. The tombstone was being shipped from Jamaica to England through Cincinnati. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say a drug sniffing dog helped make the discovery. An X-ray ALSO showed a metal box inside the tombstone. Part of the inscription on the pot-bearing tombstone reads "your place no one can fill." Authorities say they don't have any suspects.
NY gov, archbishop to discuss mosque near WTC site
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. David Paterson says he'll meet with Archbishop Timothy Dolan to discuss a mosque and Islamic community center planned two blocks from ground zero. The private meeting will be held Tuesday at the governor's Manhattan office. Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook wouldn't detail the agenda of the meeting, but Paterson and Dolan have sought to offer an alternative site because of the tensions surrounding the current plan. Opponents and protesters say the mosque should be moved farther away from where Islamic extremists destroyed the World Trade Center in 2001. Supporters say religious freedom should be protected. Paterson has renewed his offer of state assistance to the project's developers if they want to move, but Hook said no meeting has been scheduled between them and the governor.
Somalis want new mosque in western Ky.
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) - A group of Somali natives is petitioning to open a new mosque in a western Kentucky town where the opposition isn't religious -- it's parking based. The Paducah Sun reports the 150 Muslims want the mosque in a neighborhood where four Christian churches are located within six blocks of the proposed site in Mayfield. The city board of adjustment will vote on the petition after a review Tuesday at city hall. One of the people pushing the mosque, 22-year-old Abdi Mohamed, says it would be part of a proposed Somali Community Center that would teach English to Somalis and help them adjust to Mayfield's culture. But business owner Dick Conner does not want the mosque next to his flower shop. He says the proposed mosque has only six parking spaces, with about 300 people expected to attend its services.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)