Thursday, December 24, 2009

Investigation of fire near Irondale Inn to proceed

BLOOMSBURG – There’s still no word on what started a fire near a Bloomsburg area B&B, and there won’t be until a State Police fire marshal investigates.  Residents of an apartment building near the Irondale Inn were able to get away from the blaze that started just before 8:00p.m.

No injuries were reported, but nearly a dozen were left homeless.  According to the Press-Enterprise, the structure was 180 years old, and its owner Nathan Roberts hopes to rebuild.  Fire crews from all over Columbia County assisted at the scene. (Matt Farrand)

Safe holiday travel advised

UNDATED – With the threat of freezing rain and some icy conditions Christmas morning, PennDOT official Rick Mason says their crews are ready, to ensure safe holiday travel.  He says if there is a threat of winter weather, maintenance crews will treat the roads in enough time.  PennDOT have been out pre-treating roads with a liquid, which slows the formation of ice on roads.

Mason says during the holidays motorists should take precautions and plan extra time for travels. AccuWeather says there is a chance for freezing rain throughout Christmas morning, but it should change to all rain after 12:00p.m.

Burgess, Mitchell & Seal release new CD

LEWISBURG – Three top-notch local musicians appeared on Tuesday’s “On the Mark” program, discussing the state of local music and introducing their latest CD.  Burgess Mitchell & Seal play jazz and blues and remain a favorite locally and elsewhere.  Keyboard player Greg Burgess says in spite of reports that live, local music is somehow dying, they continue to find work.  The group sometimes performs as many as five times per week. 

Grammy award winning drummer Steve Mitchell credits their continued acceptance to music programs in local schools and educated audiences.  He notes jazz is sometimes an acquired taste, but even a small amount of musical education early in life can create life long jazz fans. 

Burgess Mitchell & Seal continue to enjoy their work, and have just released their 4^th CD together, called “Downriver Some.”  It features 11 tunes written by Greg Burgess.  You can hear the group’s entire appearance from Tuesday’s “On the Mark” program by logging on to www.wkok.com (Matt Farrand)

Rape charges go to court for Montandon man

DANVILLE – A Montandon man, accused of raping a woman at gunpoint, was in court in Montour County Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.  All charges were sent to court for 38-year-old Dwaine Gauger who was living with a Washingtonville woman and her boyfriend in Derry Township when the alleged rape occurred.  Gauger reportedly threatened the woman in September while her boyfriend was away, and then raped her at gunpoint.  The woman had said she didn’t resist or call for help because she didn’t want to wake her sleeping children.  Charges of rape, aggravated, simple and indecent assault will all go to court.  Gauger remains free on bail.

Clausi reacts to lawsuit filed by judge

SUNBURY – A Northumberland County commissioner is offering his thoughts after President Judge Robert Sacavage filed a lawsuit over budget cuts made to the court system.  Commissioner Vinny Clausi says the days of open checkbook government are over at the county level, but concedes it will be up to a court to decide whether the $600,000 cut to the 2010 spending plan will stand. 

The commissioner says the county is prepared to defend its actions concerning the budget.  The county commissioners were apparently notified of the pending lawsuit earlier this week. 

Judge Sacavage says he is already running the county courts using fewer employees than a year ago, and claims the new cuts equal the pay given to about six employees.  Sacavage says additional cuts will not allow him to run the court system properly and will jeopardize the citizens of Northumberland County.  (Matt Farrand)

Sunbury man accused of assaulting a woman in her car

SUNBURY – A Sunbury man is locked up in the Northumberland County Prison charged with trying to assault a woman in her vehicle.  Sunbury police say 38-year-old Michael Angstadt got inside the passenger side of the woman’s car as she was heading to work and tried to sexually assault her. 

The woman struggled with her attacker and he eventually got out of the car.  Police say Angstadt is charged with felony kidnapping, indecent assault and other charges.  He’s locked up on $50,000 cash bail.  (Ali Stevens)

Vacancy in Snyder County Board of Elections

MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk has officially resigned from his position as a member of the county’s Board of Elections so he can run for U.S. House Representative in Pennsylvania’s 10^th District.  President Judge Harold Woelfel will appoint a new member to serve in Derk’s place. 

Anyone interested in serving is asked to submit their name and resume to Woelfel at the Judge’s Chambers in the Snyder County Courthouse no later than December 31^st.

NFF family struggles after layoffs

SUNBURY — Karen and Arthur Gable are struggling to make ends meet, after being laid off from different area manufacturing jobs within a month of each other.  They are still seeking work two months later, getting by on unemployment compensation and their savings. It’s barely enough to pay the rent, utility bills and buy food.  Arthur says, “We used to live paycheck to paycheck…now, there is no paycheck.” 

Karen Gable said she was scheduled to begin work at a gas-station convenience store in the Sunbury area after the New Year, but even that isn’t a sure thing.  They have one child, who lives out of state, and can’t afford to exchange gifts this year.  The Gables are hoping for some financial assistance, which could help them perhaps acquire new, employable skills.

Each year, The Daily Item, Susquehanna Bank, Salvation Army and The Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation sponsor The Needy Family Fund. Additionally, a $25,000 Degenstein Challenge Grant will be a boost to the fund—if—and only if—the fund reaches the goal of $75,000. 

You are asked to please consider a contribution to the Needy Family Fund. Donations can be directed to any branch of Susquehanna Bank, or mailed to 400 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, 17801. You can get more information at www.wkok.com.

Needy Family Fund over $73,000

SUNBURY – The Needy Family Fund is less than $2,000 from the $75,000 goal.  Today’s total is $73,435.19.  Recent contributions include $500 from Peter Karl Kresl and Lois Svard of Lewisburg, Iddings Quarry Inc. of Mifflinburg and Anne and Thomas Gates of Selinsgrove. 

$300 was donated by the Lewisburg Lodge.  Jack and Barbara Martin of Pasadena, California, as well as Michael Kobus and Sally Kobus of Lewisburg donated $250.  $200 was donated in memory of Dixon Cuff, and $50 was donated by Bill and Connie Hetherington in honor of the Selinsgrove Seals football team.  There was also anonymous donations of $3,156.36.

Each year, The Daily Item, Susquehanna Bank, Salvation Army and The Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation sponsor The Needy Family Fund. Additionally, a $25,000 Degenstein Challenge Grant will be a boost to the fund—if—and only if—the fund reaches the goal of $75,000. 

You are asked to please consider a contribution to the Needy Family Fund. Donations can be directed to any branch of Susquehanna Bank, or mailed to 400 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, 17801. You can get more information at www.wkok.com.

DEP Secretary talks about drilling in Marcellus Shale

DANVILLE – There is a natural gas boom underway in parts of Pennsylvania. It affects the northern tier counties in our region and parts of Lycoming, Clinton and Columbia Counties. It is the drilling in the Marcellus Shale. It is heavily regulated by a state agency, which has recently undergoing significant budget cuts.

DEP Secretary John Hanger says although their agency experienced cuts, an increase in fees for companies drilling in Pennsylvania, helps keep DEP staff. He says in 1984 the fee was $100 and raised about $700,000 a year. Now the fees are based upon how deep drilling goes, and yearly $10 million will be raised. Hanger says every dollar from the fee goes to oil and gas staff.

Hanger says he hopes the state imposes a severance tax for companies drilling in the state, because everyday without one is a windfall to the gas industry. Hanger spoke Monday at Geisinger Medical Center to the Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies. He then went to Mount Carmel to tour the expansion of the town’s sewer plant. (Sara Bartlett)

Space heater caused a fire that destroyed two homes in Shamokin

SHAMOKIN – A state police fire marshal says a malfunctioning space heater triggered a fire that destroyed two homes on North Vine Street in Shamokin Sunday. A mother and three young girls lived in the home at 104 North Vine and were not at home when the fire started.

The Shamokin News Item reports Jamil Chaudry of Shamokin Dam, who is currently in Pakistan, owns the home. Both 104 and 102 Vine Street were destroyed by the fast moving fire. No injuries were reported. (Ali Stevens)

Judge Sacavage sues Northumberland County

SUNBURY – Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage has filed a lawsuit against the Northumberland County Commissioners after they drastically cut his 2010 budget. Attorney Michael Apfelbaum represents Judge Sacavage and a Philadelphia law firm hired by Sacavage filed the lawsuit.

The county commissioners were apparently notified of the pending lawsuit earlier this week. Sacavage, in a written statement, said if the matter isn’t resolved, the dispute will have to be adjudicated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Sacavage threatened to file a suit against the county after the commissioners informed him he would have to cut about $600,000 from his budget, which he says will force him to cut at least six positions.

Sacavage says he already made dramatic cuts from his budget last year, laying off several people in the process. He says the additional cuts will not allow him to run the court system properly and will jeopardize the citizens of Northumberland County. (Ali Stevens)

Geisinger satellite clinic damaged by fire

DALLAS – Geisinger Health Systems says patients of their clinic in the Luzerne County community of Dallas will be seen at their clinic at Kingston. A fire damaged the clinic at the Dallas Shopping Center Monday night, and it is shut down for now. The facility is largely intact, but there is roof damage, and there is no power.

A release from Geisinger Health Systems says vaccines and other refrigerated medications were taken from the damaged building to the clinic in Kingston, and patients should simply go to the alternate site at their original appointment times. There is no need to call and confirm. Geisinger says the closure of their Dallas clinic is temporary. (Matt Farrand)

NFF Family: Tough times at the holiday for today’s NFF family

SUNBURY – The head of today’s Need Family Fund family finds things especially tough during the holiday season. 52-year-old Mary Jane Soto of Sunbury hopes to have a nice Christmas dinner, but there’s not much else on her plate.

Donations from a local church will take care of dinner on Friday, but within the last six months, she’s had a stroke and lost her job, run behind on the rent and close to everything else. She’s also bothered by not being able to get her daughter much for Christmas, as the 12-year-old needs a new wardrobe for school, and in Mary Jane’s words deserves better.

The family was threatened with eviction and would have no place to go other than relatives in Harrisburg. Mary Jane is asking for financial assistance from the Needy Family Fund to pay off some bills, and hopes to someday be in a position to help others the way she’s been helped.

Each year, The Daily Item, Susquehanna Bank, Salvation Army and The Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation sponsor The Needy Family Fund. Additionally, a $25,000 Degenstein Challenge Grant will be a boost to the fund—if—and only if—the fund reaches the goal of $75,000.

You are asked to please consider a contribution to the Needy Family Fund. Donations can be directed to any branch of Susquehanna Bank, or mailed to 400 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, 17801. You can get more information at www.wkok.com.

NFF $: Big boosts this week for Needy Family Fund

SUNBURY – A big boost to the Needy Family Fund this week, and today’s total is $63,328.83. Recent contributions include $2,500 from the employees of Metos Minerals Industrials Inc. of Danville, and a $1,500 donation from both Statewide Tax Recovery of Sunbury and Central Credit Audit of Sunbury. In addition, Joe and Linda Reid of Northumberland donated $500 and Chris, Craig and Bill Purdy of Sunbury donated $415.

Lamont and Cynthia Smith of Mifflinburg donated $300, as did Moyer’s Gas Service of Freeburg. Also, $100 was donated from Robert and Helen Underhill pf Middleburg in memory of Kevin Underhill, and Helen Lahr of Sunbury gave $50 in memory of her daughter Judy. In addition, there was $1,083.13 in anonymous donations.

Each year, The Daily Item, Susquehanna Bank, Salvation Army and The Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation sponsor The Needy Family Fund. Additionally, a $25,000 Degenstein Challenge Grant will be a boost to the fund—if—and only if—the fund reaches the goal of $75,000.

You are asked to please consider a contribution to the Needy Family Fund. Donations can be directed to any branch of Susquehanna Bank, or mailed to 400 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, 17801. You can get more information at www.wkok.com.

Two projects in our area getting help with ‘green’ grants

UNDATED – Two projects in our area will benefit following an announcement by Governor Ed Rendell. Pennsylvania is investing $5 million in federal recovery money in alternative energy projects that use biological materials, such as sewage, animal and food processing to generate waste, which will generate energy to power more than 80,000 homes.

In Northumberland, $850,000 was given to Furmano Foods to expand the company’s wastewater treatment plant to use methane gas. In Snyder County, Ideal Family Farms LLC got over $430,000 to install equipment that will to capture biogas and produce electricity. These are just two of the commonwealth’s eight projects funding by this grant.

Bucknell prof in trouble in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - An associate professor of economics at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., is among five people sentenced to death by an Ethiopian court. He is Berhanu Nega, an exiled opposition leader who was elected mayor of Addis Ababa in 2005. He dismisses the legitimacy of the court and its sentence, saying it's the government's way to terrorize the population.

The court says the professor is a member of a terror group who conspired to assassinate government officials. Berhanu and more than 100 other opposition politicians were arrested after the 2005 election and put on trial for treason. Berhanu and others were pardoned and freed after 20 months, but the government revoked Berhanu's pardon last week. In addition to the five sentenced to death, another 33 have been sentenced to life in prison.

Two waitresses at the Country Cupboard Restaurant accused of stealing

LEWISBURG – Two former waitresses at the Country Cupboard Restaurant in Lewisburg are now facing felony charges after state police say they stole more than $25,000. 22-year-old Aeron Fox of Mifflinburg and 45-year-old Kathy Clayton of Watsontown are accused of manipulating the computer system at the restaurant by transferring merchandise from a check several times and then pocket the extra cash.

Troopers say anti-theft software was recently installed and that identified the suspicious transactions made by Fox and Clayton from October of last year to October of this year. Fox is accused of stealing more than $21,000 while Clayton is charged with taking more than $5,800.

Fox reportedly admitted to the scam, but Clayton told police the transfers were for legitimate purposes. Fox and Clayton were charged with felony counts of theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and unlawful use of a computer. (Ali Stevens)

The holidays may put a strain on relationships in divorced families

UNDATED – The holidays can often be a stressful time for divorced parents trying to juggle schedules with their children visiting relatives. Dr. Tony Butto is a psychologist with the Courtyard Counseling Center in Shamokin Dam and says Christmas, for example, can be a busy time, which takes away from the joy of the holiday.

He says often times children are going to each parents house for the holidays and have multiple celebrations. Butto says parents should discuss and decide who will get which gifts for the child and Dr. Butto says divorced parents need to work together and not against each other. Dr. Butto says sometimes parents become competitive when it comes to gift giving and they do it out of their own fear that the child doesn’t love them enough or doesn’t see them as the best parent.

Dr. Butto recommends not putting too many expectations on the holiday and trying to work together as parents to make your children happy this holiday season. You can listen to more from Dr’s Butto and Jacobson on a recent roundtable program, which is online at www.wkok.com. The program will also air on Christmas Day at 6 p.m. on WKOK. (Ali Stevens)

Another non-profit organization is struggling to survive in the tough economy

MOUNT CARMEL – WKOK is taking time to look at non-profit organizations in need of assistance with unmet needs and high operational costs. Today, we look at the Winnie the Pooh Day Care in Mount Carmel, which serves about 100 families in the area. Cheryl Latorre owns the daycare with her husband and says they are able to get by, but are struggling since their heat and electric bill has tripled in the last year.

They also have a number of unmet needs at their facility. However, Latorre says early childhood education is crucial for a child to have a successful future. Latorre says if a child can read, by the time they are in third grade, they will be successful. If you miss those years, she says it’s very difficult to get a child back on track.

Latorre spoke about some of the daycare’s unmet needs, which include a new fence, a before and after school classroom, more computers, new furniture and carpeting, a new range and some electronics. Latorre says they take it a day at a time and hope their needs will be met over the course of time. She credits her staff for helping them stay on track with the budget. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett is looking into the constitutionality of a provision in a federal health care reform bill that lightens Nebraska's funding burden.  Spokesman Kevin Harley said Thursday that Corbett and seven other Republican state attorneys general are discussing the matter.  The provision in question would require the federal government to pick up Nebraska's full tab for an expansion of Medicaid, a health care program for the poor and disabled.  Corbett says all other states, including Pennsylvania, are required to pay those expenses, and it would be unfair for them to foot the cost of Nebraska's Medicaid recipients.  The bill passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday morning.  Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson secured the special provision. He voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

CARBONDALE, Pa. (AP) - Nine people at a northeastern Pennsylvania YMCA have been taken to hospitals with possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Emergency workers responded to the YMCA in Carbondale around 10 a.m. Thursday after people there started reporting feeling nauseous and lightheaded.  Lackawanna County's emergency management director, Robert Flanagan, says nine people were then taken to area hospitals.  Their conditions have not been released, but Flanagan says the injuries are not believed to be serious.  He says the fire department; the gas company and contractors are trying to determine the source of the fumes.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is calling the health care bill approved by the U.S. Senate "a good bill," but one that can be improved.  The 79-year-old cancer survivor, who switched to the Democratic party earlier this year, said Thursday he would have preferred that a public option was included.  But Specter told reporters at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station that he's pleased the bill would cover 31 million more Americans and includes reforms such as a ban on denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions.  He says he hopes an expansion of Medicare coverage down to people age 55 will be added in conference as a "middle ground" if the public option cannot be included.  Specter says it took several tries before important civil rights legislation was approved in 1965.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Top Pennsylvania legislators apparently have resolved a key disagreement holding up casino gambling expansion. Two people briefed on a telephone conversation Wednesday among legislative leaders say the group agreed on a provision that would allow new applicants for Pennsylvania's last remaining resort casino license. The agreement also would possibly create another license in 2017.  The legislation would also legalize table games at slot-machine casinos in an effort to raise revenue for the cash-strapped state. Otherwise, Gov. Ed Rendell is warning that he will lay off state employees beginning Jan. 11. The bill still must pass the Legislature. But House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Dante Santoni says the deal is designed to get the bill passed before layoffs happen.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell will press for another increase in public school funding and a tax on natural gas production when he presents his last state budget in February. But the Democrat wouldn't say Wednesday whether he will use his final year in office to try to head off a fiscal "tsunami" that he warns is headed toward Pennsylvania after his term ends. After he leaves office, he estimates the state will need to close a revenue gap of $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion, or more than 15 percent of this year's approved budget. That's to replace the temporary federal stimulus dollars distributed to help states through the recession and to meet an anticipated increase in public employee pension obligations.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania officials are temporarily closing a second cafeteria and five snack bars in the state government complex in Harrisburg in a precautionary move prompted by the discovery of rodent droppings in the Capitol's main cafeteria. Department of General Services spokesman Ed Myslewicz said Wednesday the cafeteria in the Keystone office building next to the Capitol and snack bars operated by the Bureau of Blind and Visual Services in five other buildings will remain closed until at least Jan. 5. Myslewicz says the additional closures were not prompted by the discovery of any problems like the excessive rodent droppings found scattered throughout the Capitol cafeteria's equipment and cabinets. Philadelphia-based Aramark Corp. runs the Capitol cafeteria and is working with state workers to clean it up.

BOSTON (AP) - Teresa Heinz says she is being treated for breast cancer discovered through a mammogram and wants younger women to keep undergoing the tests despite a federal panel's recent recommendation to reduce their frequency.  The 71-year-old wife of 2004 Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, of Massachusetts, tells The Associated Press the cost of mammography is less than the pain women face if their cancer goes undetected early and they have to be treated with chemotherapy.  Heinz says her cancer was discovered through an annual mammogram. Doctors initially thought it was confined to her left breast but later determined it was in her right breast also.  Heinz has had two lumpectomies since October and will undergo a new form of radiation treatment next month.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Grand jury witnesses say Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Todd Eachus directed campaign activities by legislative employees and raised campaign funds from inside the state Capitol. Transcripts obtained by The Associated Press allege conduct similar to that for which 25 others have been charged criminally in a state probe of the Legislature. Eachus hasn't been charged. The allegations date to before Eachus was elected Democratic floor leader a year ago. Former aide John Paul Jones says Eachus brought him onto the state payroll with legislative work as a cover. Another former aide, Rachel Manzo, tells grand jurors that Eachus knew staffers were involved in politics as part of their daily work. Eachus isn't commenting.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - A judge has denied bail for two Pennsylvania teens charged with a hate crime in the death of a Mexican immigrant. Eighteen-year-old Brandon Piekarsky and 19-year-old Derrick Donchak pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court in Wilkes-Barre. They were arraigned on charges stemming from the July 2008 beating death of 25-year-old Luis Ramirez in the town of Shenandoah. Judge Malchy Mannion has denied them bail and said they are dangers to the community. A jury previously acquitted the teens of the most serious state charges, angering Hispanic leaders and civil-rights groups. Gov. Ed Rendell asked the Justice Department to pursue civil rights charges. Three police officers were charged last week with obstructing the investigation into Ramirez's death.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell says he no longer is confident that legislators will finish a casino-expansion bill that can deliver more revenue to the cash-strapped state. Rendell made the statement Tuesday after speaking with top legislators last week. And he repeated his warning that he will have to cut spending again if he doesn't get a bill by Jan. 8. He says that will mean laying off at least 1,000 state government employees while closing state parks and cutting grants to museums, universities and hospitals. The bill to legalize table games is supposed to rake in enough new tax revenue from gambling to prevent the layoffs. But legislators have been stuck on disagreements in the bill for several months and Rendell says he needs to ensure the budget is balanced.

BOSTON (AP) - Teresa Heinz says she is being treated for breast cancer discovered through a mammogram and wants younger women to keep undergoing the tests despite a federal panel's recent recommendation to reduce their frequency. The 71-year-old wife of 2004 Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, of Massachusetts, tells The Associated Press the cost of mammography is less than the pain women face if their cancer goes undetected early and they have to be treated with chemotherapy. Heinz says her cancer was discovered through an annual mammogram. Doctors initially thought it was confined to her left breast but later determined it was in her right breast also. Heinz has had two lumpectomies since October and will undergo a new form of radiation treatment next month.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Update on the latest in business:

Dow: + 53.66 (10,520.10)

S&P 500: + 5.89 (1,126.48)

NASDAQ: + 16.05 (2,285.69)

Gov't lifts bailout cap for Fannie and Freddie

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration says it is removing the $400 billion financial cap it will provide to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to keep the mortgage giants from failing.  Treasury Department officials said the cap will be replaced with a flexible formula to ensure the companies will have all the government support needed to stand behind the billions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities they sell to investors.  Since the financial crisis hit last year, the Fannie and Freddie have received $111 billion in government infusions. While most analysts believe that the companies are unlikely to use the full $400 billion, the administration decided to remove the cap to eliminate any uncertainty about the government's commitments.

Prisons: Madoff had dizziness, high blood pressure

BUTNER, N.C. (AP) - The federal Bureau of Prisons says Bernard Madoff is being treated at a prison medical center for dizziness and hypertension.  Spokeswoman Traci Billingsley says Madoff is being treated at a hospital at the Butner federal prison in North Carolina. The 71-year-old disgraced financier was moved there Friday.  Lawyer Ira Sorkin says Madoff has "had some dizzy spells and some high blood pressure."  Billingsley said Thursday that Madoff was not assaulted at the prison.  Duke University Medical Center earlier said Madoff had been treated there. But spokeswoman Debbe Geiger says the hospital had never had a patient by that name.  Madoff has been imprisoned since March after pleading guilty to fraud and admitting cheating thousands of investors out of billions of dollars.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Thursday:

Midday Big 4

     8-1-5-8

Midday Number

     2-1-5

Midday Quinto

     0-4-0-6-1

Treasure Hunt

     03-06-07-12-30

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Singer Feliciano protests 'Feliz Navidad' parody

NEW YORK (AP) - Grammy-winner Jose Feliciano is outraged that the theme from his holiday song "Feliz Navidad" was used for a musical spoof about undocumented immigrants.  Feliciano released a statement Wednesday saying that he was "revolted beyond words" and that the song was created to be a bridge between cultures and "never as a vehicle for a political platform of racism and hate."  The parody, titled "The Illegal Alien Christmas Song," was produced for radio by Matt Fox and A.J. Rice of the show "The Fox and Rice Experience" and posted on the conservative Web site HumanEvents.com.  Human Events Editor Jed Babbin apologized for posting the song and said it would be removed from the site.  The Puerto Rican-born Feliciano composed "Feliz Navidad" in both English and Spanish.

Michael Moore, Jeff Garlin announce MI comedy fest

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - Filmmaker Michael Moore started a summer film festival five years ago in his adopted hometown of Traverse City, Mich. Now he's teaming with Emmy winner Jeff Garlin to organize a mid-winter comedic counterpart.  The inaugural Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival will be held Feb. 19-21. It will feature star performers, along with talented up-and-comers. The lineup will be revealed next month.  Moore is a Flint native who now lives in Traverse City. The Lake Michigan resort community is about 250 miles northwest of Detroit.  He and Garlin say they want to boost a state where the economy was sinking long before the nationwide downturn.  In addition to stand-up performances by established artists, there will be acts featuring improvisational groups and premieres of comedy movies - plus a show for children.

Small, private funeral for Brittany Murphy

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A spokesman for Brittany Murphy's husband and family says the actress will be laid to rest at a small, private funeral on Christmas Eve.  Alex Ben Block says the funeral Thursday will be by invitation only at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills cemetery.  He says a larger memorial service may be held for the "Clueless" and "Girl, Interrupted" actress early next year.  The 32-year-old actress died after collapsing at her Hollywood Hills home on Sunday. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death.