Monday, June 30th 2008

Congressional candidate says start drilling for oil

DALLAS – “Drill Now, Drill Here, Pay Less!”.  That’s Congressional candidate Chris Hackett’s motto. Hackett says alternative energy sources including wind and solar are important, but we need to drill in ANWR as soon as possible to expand our oil resources. 

Hackett agrees with Congressman Chris Carney that speculators are driving up the oil costs, but feels drilling is the first step in lowering the price at the pump.  Hackett says it will also lower the price faster than any other plan.  Carney doesn’t agree.  He told us last week that drilling in Alaska will not lower oil prices for at least five years. (Ali Stevens)

Prank caller caught in Mifflinburg

MIFFLINBURG – Mifflinburg Police have arrested a Bellefonte man accused of reporting numerous fake structure fires.  25-year-old Timothy Coble allegedly called 911 on three separate occasions in June claiming that homes and buildings were on fire in the Mifflinburg Borough.  Through an investigation, police tracked down the cell phone used to dial 911.  Coble was arrested Saturday and charged with reporting false alarms and disorderly conduct.  He was arraigned before District Justice Edward Mihalik and is in Union County Prison on $20,000 bail. (Sara Bartlett) 

Representative Phillips comments on tentative budget agreement

HARRISBURG – Last year at this time, a budget stalemate led to the furlough of 25,000 state employees, but that’s not the case this year as a budget agreement was reached Monday morning.  The budget gives $28.2 billion for the fiscal year and is a 3.8 percent increase over last year's spending.  State Representative Merle Phillips says he’s glad both sides have made a tentative agreement.  He says there was no deficit this year, but they also did not have the money anticipated in February when Governor Ed Rendell gave his budget address. 

Phillips says there was an attempt to use the rainy day fund, but it was decided that it would not be tapped into for this budget.  Locally, Phillips says $800 million going toward water and sewer system upgrades will help. The Governor says the budget will also include a compromise on the energy policy and that will result in $350 million to fix about 400 of the state's most dangerous bridges.  The fine print of the budget will be hammered out by legislative staffers in the coming days. (AP/Sara Bartlett)

Safety a big concern for scooter riders

BLOOMSBURG – You can average 90 or more miles per gallon by riding a scooter.  But safety is a concern, as they are harder to see than cars and quieter than large motorbikes.  Jose Ramos represents Vreeland’s Harley Davidson and recommends always wearing a helmet and a reflective vest.  You’ll also need a license and insurance if your are going to use public thoroughfares.   For riders, Ramos also encourages completing the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, which will offer strategies for safer riding, and a break in insurance premiums.  More information on line at www.pamsp.com (Matt Farrand) 

Life Flight safety procedures

DANVILLE – Two medical helicopters that crashed Sunday and killed six people in Arizona is prompting local officials at Geisinger Medical Center to talk about their flight safety procedures.  John Mullen is a Life Flight Nurse at the hospital and says although accidents happen; Geisinger strives to have a culture of safety, which means they take out as many variables as they can to avoid dangerous situations.  It is unknown what caused the crash in Arizona, though reports say the medical center there does not have flight controllers.  Mullen says Geisinger has a communication center that monitors all incoming flights and all flights have constant communication with a grounds crew.

Four feet of water causes electrical problems at Campus Theater

LEWISBURG – Thirty moviegoers were evacuated Sunday night after a water main break that caused electrical problems at the Campus Theater in Lewisburg. Maureen Hoffman was working at the Theater around 5:10p.m. when she says the lights began to flicker and the movie shut off. She says earlier in the day employees had noticed some water in the basement.

Deputy Chief of the William Cameron Fire Company, Mark Corolla, says the Theater’s three basements were filled with water; one of them flooded over four feet. The water was covering electrical wires and a breaker box, which caught fire. The heavy smoke was reported in the basement, as well as the second floor theater area.

Corolla says they had trouble getting to the heavy smoke because of the amount of water and they had to wait for the electric to be shut off before they entered the building. Crews continued to pump water from the basement for a little over five hours.

Corolla says the water company is currently trying to determine where exactly the water main break came from. The Campus Theater remains closed for an indefinite period of time. Corolla says no damage estimate has been determined. Assisting William Cameron at the scene were White Deer Township and Milton Fire crews, along with the William Cameron ambulance. (Sara Bartlett)

Carney says “dark market” energy bill could still be passed

LEWISBURG – Prices for crude oil and petroleum products enter the week at or near record levels. This year’s historic run-up is partially attributed to speculators who operate away from formal markets such as the NYMEX. However, a bill that would limit the action of speculators is unlikely to advice in the US House before the July recess.

“Dark markets” as they are called currently operate away from any federal regulation. US Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th Dimock) says more information is needed regarding oil company interests in speculative trading. His comments followed a presentation at Saturday’s Union County Veteran’s Fourth of July Recognition Ceremony. (Matt Farrand)

Union County parade watchers dampened but plentiful

LEWISBURG – Local high school marching bands and military bands based in Altoona and Hollidaysburg were on hand for Saturday Ceremonies at Bucknell University. Their performances highlighted Union County Fourth of July celebrations. Veterans placed a wreath at a World War I monument in memory of those who sacrificed during the conflict that ended ninety years ago.

Awards presented by committee Chair Graham Showalter went to Northumberland’s Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, navigator of the Enola Gay, and the late Tom Ferby the bombardier on the historic flight that dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima in 1945.

Distinguished citizen awards went to Colonel Phillip K. Fredrick, Disaster Services Coordinator Anne Smith of the Union County chapter of the American Red Cross, and Marine Thomas Reimensnyder, who coordinates the multi-service color guards that are seen at many public events in the area. (Matt Farrand)

Weekend Recap: The weekend’s top stories…

UNDATED – Here is a look back at some of the weekend’s top stories:

+ A Shamokin man has filed a lawsuit against his estranged wife, claiming she stole thousands of dollars in furniture and equipment from his business. Robert Yoncuski had previously spent time in prison after he stole a safe containing jewelry and cash in August of 2004, and then refused to tell police where it was.

+ Rising fuel prices reinforce the need for the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway. That’s the opinion expressed by Northumberland County Commissioner Frank Sawicki, during a Legislative Forum held in Lewisburg. Interstate 80 tolls and the repeal of Act 44 also garnered a lot of talk during that meeting of local officials. New options for administrating justice was another topic.

+ Rain or the threat of rain failed to put a damper on the crowds for the 14th Annual Union County Veterans Fourth of July Parade. Marching bands, and a String Band were among the Participants. And awards were presented to Northumberland’s Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, navigator of the Enola Gay, and the late Tom Ferby the bombardier on the historic flight that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. (Terry Diener)

Gearing Up for the 37th Annual Mifflinburg July 4th Celebration

MIFFLINBURG – It’s a scene that will play out in small towns and large cities across America this week. The U-S celebrates its independence on July 4th. In Union County, it’s the 37th Annual Event. Activities begin at 9a.m.with a tennis tournament.

9a.m. is the 25th Annual 5K run which has attracted some top athletes over the years. Other events throughout the day in Mifflinburg include a horseshoe and quoit pitching Contest, a pet parade, children’s games, along with food and entertainment. It ends with a gigantic fireworks display at 10:15 PM. (Terry Diener)

Union County parade watchers dampened but plentiful

LEWISBURG – Rain or the threat of rain did little to keep good-sized crowds from the 14th Annual Union County Veterans Fourth of July parade. Parade watcher enjoyed marching bands from area high schools, as well units visiting from Baltimore and Philadelphia, including the Fralinger Strong Band.

Awards presented by committee Chair Graham Showalter went to Northumberland’s Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, navigator of the Enola Gay, and the late Tom Ferby the bombardier on the historic flight that dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima in 1945.

Distinguished citizen awards went to Colonel Phillip K. Fredrick, Disaster Services Coordinator Anne Smith of the Union County chapter of the American Red Cross, and Marine Thomas Reimensnyder, who coordinates the multi-service color guards that are seen at many public events in the area. (Matt Farrand)

Route 15 closed for a time due to downed trees, power lines

MONROE TOWNSHIP – Route 15 in Snyder County is open again after storm damage shut down the highway for nearly seven hours overnight. Emergency officials say a storm rolled through the area around 10:20 p.m.

The storms knocked down high voltage lines, and damaging trees on Route 15 in Monroe Township, just north of the split with Route 11. Following cleanup and repairs, both north and southbound lanes were reopened to traffic at about 5:30 a.m.. (Terry Diener)

Theft of ATVs reported in Snyder County

BEAVER SPRINGS – Two All Terrain Vehicles were stolen in Snyder County this past week. State Police at Selinsgrove say sometime between June 24th and 27th, someone entered a property along Route 522 in Beaver Springs and took them. Two Arctic Cat ATVs, one black, and the other green were stolen. Police say they are valued at $10 thousand. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police. (Terry Diener)

Lewisburg woman hurt in Saturday crash

LEWISBURG – A Lewisburg woman sustained moderate injuries in a crash Saturday morning in Union County. State police at Milton say 55-year-old Barbara Ginsberg was traveling west on Route 192 in Buffalo Township around 9a.m.

Her car left the highway and struck a cement driveway marker. Ginsberg was wearing a seat belt. She was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital for treatment. Police say a traffic citation is pending. (Terry Diener)

Crash on Route 44 sends three people to hospital

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP – Three people were taken to Geisinger Medical Center following a crash on Route 44 in Delaware Township Northumberland County. State Police at Milton say it occurred Saturday morning when 18-year-old Britton Beaver of Allenwood was attempting to make a three point turn on Route 44.

Police say Weaver pulled her car into the path of a second vehicle operated by 82-year-old Faith Ranck also of Allenwood. Beaver’s car spun several times after the accident. Both drivers, along with a passenger in the second vehicle, 83-year-old Arthur Ranck, were all taken by ambulance to Geisinger after the 11:20a.m. accident. (Terry Diener)

West End Crash in Union County injures 18-year-old driver

HARTLEY TOWNSHIP – A teenage driver received minor injuries in a Saturday morning accident in western Union County. State police say 18-year-old Ryan Shallenberger of Mifflinburg was traveling west on Route 235, when he apparently fell asleep at the wheel.

His SUV ran off the road and struck a utility pole. Shallenberger, who was wearing a seat belt, received minor injuries in that crash shortly after 6 AM Saturday. Investigators say charges are pending. (Terry Diener)

Legislative breakfast tackles energy topics.

LEWISBURG —The rising price of fuel is just another reason to build the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway. Northumberland County Commissioner chairman Frank Sawicki, reinforced the idea at the Legislative Forum on Friday morning.

Commissioner Sawicki says the throughway’s relatively flat terrain would be more fuel-efficient and could potentially save truck drivers 4 gallons of gasoline on a trip from Harrisburg to the 81 junctions in Hazelton. I - 80 toll proposals continue to be a hot topic, as reflected by talk at the Legislative Forum on Friday morning.

Sawicki says the toll is not necessary, as the Interstate is in good shape and the state already gets federal money to fund repairs. He reminded the people at the meeting, that the portion of Act 44 that calls for the toll—has not yet been repealed.

Union County Commissioner Preston Boop is also encouraging local citizens to speak out against the toll law. Small cuts can make a big difference. That’s the thinking of the Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz, who spoke about one of the small ways the county is cutting costs at the Legislative Forum on Friday morning.

He says they’ve been able to cut about $7,200 pr month on county issued cell phones. The county is also researching ways to cut printing costs, particularly on cartridges, which currently cost over $10,000 annually. Attention to the cuts comes in response to rising electricity and gas prices. (Lindsey Bingaman)

Local congressman says they are working to get gas prices down

UNDATED – As oil futures climbed briefly to a new record above $142 a barrel—a local congressman says he is working to get gasoline prices to come down. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) says there is work being done to address the high gas prices such as taking resources from the petroleum reserve if its full, and put them towards gas.

However, Carney says there is not a gas shortage, just speculation that make it seem that way. Carney says if there weren’t speculators and we were actually pricing oil based on supply and demand, oil would be about $60 to $65.00 a barrel. Oil futures rose today on expectations that the weakening dollar may extend its decline, adding to interest in oil. (Ali Stevens)

Justice issues are a big topic at legislative forum

LEWISBURG – New options for justice administration was a big topic at the joint legislative forum in Lewisburg Friday morning. Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz spoke alongside Northumberland County Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Union County Commissioners Preston Boop.

Kantz said his county is beginning drug court because it saves on incarceration costs and makes offenders a contribution to society. Snyder County will join with Union County’s drug court starting July 1st. The two counties are also looking into a joint regional prison that would cut costs for both counties.

Other issues at the forum include Northumberland County’s renegotiated Center St. leases, and Union County’s energy audit to evaluate county energy use. Union County Commissioner Preston Boop closed the meeting with his concerns over a possible Interstate 80 Toll and encouraged all local resident express their concerns over Act 44, which would implement the toll. (Lindsey Bingaman)

Roundtable looked at Autism and dentistry

SUNBURY – Roundtable over the weekend looked at the nuances of dentistry, when it comes to treating a child with Autism. The enlightening program also focused on holistic dentistry. One of the guests was Kathleen Dunkelberger, an RN who is the mother of a child affected by Autism. She founded the 'Always Question Authority Conference. This year the conference is October 24th.

She is also on the Governor’s task for people with disabilities. The dentist is Dr. Pentti Nupponen of Halifax. We discussed the difference between modern tooth fillings and ‘old school’ fillings. You can hear Roundtable at www.wkok.com.

Tips you can follow to save gas during expensive times

WILLIAMSPORT – If you want to save gas, there are tips you can follow to make a difference in your tank. While there are a lot of little things you can do, the biggest by far is to drive like a person and not “an escapee from NASCAR.” That word comes from Penn College automotive technology assistant professor Dale Jaenke who says driving the speed limit can save plenty in gas.

Jaenke also says keeping your windows up when possible makes your car more aerodynamically efficient, but turning on the air conditioner almost always uses more fuel. Air pressure in the tires and regular maintenance checks can also help conserve gas. But the best way to save gas is to slow down. (Deanna Force/Matt Bowen)

Local women’s center working to keep kids safe this summer

DANVILLE – The Women’s Center for Columbia and Montour Counties is working hard this summer to help keep kids safe during their break from school. Robin Hampton of the center says they are offering a lot of programs on a number of topics, including stranger danger and Internet safety, which is quite popular.

Hampton says they can talk to any group, including summer camps or bible schools. They also have programs on bullies and proper touches. Whether you are dealing with pre-schoolers or high schoolers, Hampton says their programs can be tailored to that specific demographic. To learn more, you can call 784-6632. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Legislation to improve safety in the state's approximately 200 bituminous coal mines is poised to pass both the state House and Senate after years of negotiations.  The bill was six years in the making since nine miners were rescued from the flooded Quecreek Mine in western Pennsylvania. It received endorsements Monday from both the coal companies and United Mine Workers of America.  Gov. Ed Rendell sat for several hours Thursday with legislators, union negotiators and coal company executives to try to resolve the last disagreements.  Final details were hammered out Friday.  Spokesman Phil Smith said the union urged both the House and Senate to pass the bill.  The bill was expected to come up for a vote Monday in the Senate before going to the House.

SAYRE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say state police shot and killed an armed man at his home near Sayre.  Police had gone to the Ridgebury Township home to check on the welfare of 44-year-old Norman Fuller around 3:20 a.m. Sunday.  Bradford County District Attorney Daniel Barrett says Fuller had told an acquaintance he might harm himself.  Police say that they were met by Fuller, who was armed with a rifle. Barrett says he does not know if Fuller shot at police. But he says the shooting appeared to be justified. Authorities say the chain of events started when Fuller had an altercation with his sister.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A judge in Harrisburg has begun trying to determine whether a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate violations of grand jury secrecy.  Several sheriff's deputies and current and former Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board employees were among witnesses called to testify at Monday's closed-to-the-public hearing before Dauphin County Judge Todd Hoover.  Hoover is examining allegations of leaks in the investigation that led to perjury charges against casino owner Louis DeNaples earlier this year.  The witnesses so far include David Kwait, the gaming board's director of investigations and enforcement, and Michael Schwoyer, the board's former chief enforcement lawyer. Neither they nor their attorney would comment after leaving Hoover's chambers.  Hoover has said that 15 journalists who have been subpoenaed by DeNaples' legal team didn't have to appear Monday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell has nominated five people to fill vacancies on county courts around the state.  They are Joseph Williams of Allegheny County, Maureen Beirne of Bradford County, Wallace Bateman of Bucks County, Joseph Musto of Luzerne County and Andrew Cantor of Montgomery County.  The nominees Rendell announced Monday are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

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

Daily Number 7-7-9

Big 4 3-1-0-0

Treasure Hunt  16-20-23-24-26

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