Thursday, May 20, 2010

Bus driver accused of indecent assault

NEW BERLIN -- A bus driver in the Midd-West school district has been charged with indecent assault involving four juvenile females.  The victims, two 11 year-olds, a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old, say 56-year-old Harry Miller Jr., of New Berlin, was their bus driver and touched them inappropriately.  The incidents allegedly occurred many times, some of which happened over a period of five years. 

The four victims say they saw Miller touch other children on the bus as well.  Miller was charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors.  He was arraigned before District Judge Willis Savidge and released on $50,000 bail. (Sara Bartlett)

Bus driver suspected of DUI

KULPMONT -- A school bus driver in Kulpmont has been suspected of DUI.  The bus was empty at the time, but had passengers earlier in the day.  Police say they were called to Route 61 around 4:00p.m. Wednesday for reports of a school bus swerving on the road.  The driver, who has not been identified, also struck a road sign.  Police say the woman driver showed signs of impairment and failed a sobriety test.  She was taken into custody for DUI and possession of a controlled substance. 

The investigation continues and a number of charges are pending.  Police say the driver was completing a route for the Mount Carmel Area School District, but is not an employee of the school district.  She is employed by a bus company in Dornsife. (Sara Bartlett)  

One killed in Union County

LEWISBURG – One person was killed in a crash on Route 192 last evening in Lewis Township, Union County.  State police say two pick-up trucks collided along Route 192 near  R.B. Winter State Park, west of Cooper Mill Road. 

Killed in the accident was 44-year-old Robert Fuller of Jersey Shore. Fuller was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say he was not wearing a seat belt.

The other motorist, 26-year-old Nathan Kurtz of Mifflinburg sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital for treatment.  A nursing supervisor this morning says he was treated and released.  Kurtz was wearing a seat belt—according to troopers.

Route 192 was shut down for three hours following that crash around 5:50p.m. Union County Communications tells us, Mifflinburg fire and ambulance volunteers responded to the crash. (Ali Stevens)

Girls on the Run

MIDDLEBURG -- Girls on the Run is a special program that is just for pre-teen girls.  Cheryl Stumpf is a counselor and outreach coordinator for the program, which is held locally at the Middlecreek Area Community Center in Beaver Springs.  It’s a non-profit organization with a mission of empowering girls and teaching them how to be leaders while training them to run.  She says the running is part of the program, but there is so much more too it.

The girls train during the program for a 5K race, which will be held this Saturday at the Middlecreek Area Community Center starting at 9 a.m.  The 5K race is open to women and men of all ages.  Proceeds from the race will provide scholarships to girls who can’t afford to pay the full price of the Girls on the Run program.  For more information, listen to WKOK’s Thursday Leaders and Lawmakers program online at www.wkok.com. 

Local improvement projects get state grant

HARRISBURG -- Two local community improvement projects are getting a boost thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the state.  The money goes toward Pennsylvania Conservation Corps projects.  In Northumberland Borough, $127,000 was given to the 2nd Street Community Center and Police Station.  Corp members will renovate the center, constructing a storage shed and pavilion, installing playground equipment and removing graffiti. 

Montour County was also given $127,000 toward the Montour Area Recreation Commission.  The areas affected include Hess Field, Robbins Trail, Danville Waterfront Park, Danville Area Recreation Center and Susquehanna Greenways Trail.  Corp members will develop a storage facility, improve trails and clear invasive species. 

Bloomsburg woman charged with killing her boyfriend in DUI crash

BLOOMSBURG – A Bloomsburg woman has been charged with felony counts of homicide by vehicle while driving drunk and vehicular homicide for a deadly crash that killed her boyfriend.  56-year-old Bonnie Waters was in court yesterday for the January 8^th accident that left 52-year-old Arthur Beck Jr. of Bloomsburg dead.  The crash happened on Route 487 near Lightstreet and police say Waters had a blood alcohol content of .16 percent, which is twice the legal limit. 

The Press Enterprise reports Waters stated in court that her boyfriend was more intoxicated than her, so that’s why she was driving.  Waters vehicle collided nearly head-on with a vehicle driven by Collin Meck, who broke his pelvis and his girlfriend, Sarah Snyder, broke an ankle.  Several open cans of beer were found in Water’s car.  She is free on bail.  (Ali Stevens)

Two men charged with stealing scrap metal and selling it

DANVILLE – Two men are accused of stealing scrap metal and then reselling it.  State police say 25-year-old Jason Madara of Danville and 22-year-old Ty Diehl of Washingtonville are charged with stealing more than 2,000 pounds of scrap metal from a property in Danville.  The metal was then sold for about $240 at an iron and metal business in Paxinos.  They are both charged with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy.  (Ali Stevens)

Woman escapes custody in Sunbury

SUNBURY -- Shortly after being arrested and arraigned for criminal activity Wednesday, a Milton woman bolted from custody and sent police on a chase. 34-year-old Tracy Schramm was being held at a Sunbury Constable's office when she escaped around 2:00p.m.

Earlier in the day, Schramm was arraigned on three felony counts of intimidating a witness who was expected to testify in an upcoming hearing against her. In February of last year, Kulpmont Police arrested Schramm for threatening to burn down the home of Agent Robert Belfanti of the Pennsylvania State Board of Parole.

This month, just weeks before her trial, police say a witness contacted them saying Schramm had met with him on numerous occasions trying to keep him from testifying against her. Schramm was arrested today in her Milton home, arraigned in Sunbury and bail was set at $45,000.

Sunbury Police are still on the lookout for her. She is a Caucasian, 5' 3" tall, about 170 pounds, blond hair, brown eyes and wearing a red top and blue jeans. Anyone with information should call police.

Antonio Michetti ready to face off against Schlegel-Culver

TREVORTON – The attorney from Trevorton who will face off against Lynda Schlegel-Culver in the general election this fall--says he's glad the primary is over and is looking forward to the campaign. 108th district democratic nominee Antonio Michetti talked to us today. He was unopposed in the primary.

He spoke about the selection of Schlegel-Culver in the primary, saying that she was selected and endorsed by Merle Phillips, but says it’s not Merle Phillip’s (R-108th, Sunbury) seat…but the people’s seat. Michetti realizes there are more Republicans in the 108th, but says he is campaigning for government reform and term limits.

He says those issues are not party issues but universal issues that are important to the people of the 108th. Michetti says even though the registration shows more Republican voters, he thinks the people want to see a people’s candidate. (Ali Stevens)

Keynote speaker says success is worth the risk of failure

SELINSGROVE – The Young Americans program is unique in that it is the only secondary school leadership program in the country that is offered by a local chamber of commerce. Wood-Mode is the premier sponsor of the program that also encourages scholarship and citizenship.

Gary Daddario III is a former member, a 2008 graduate of Sunbury Christian Academy, and was the keynote speaker at Wednesday night's Young American banquet and awards ceremony. His topic was the necessity to risk failure before enjoying success.

Meadowbrook Christian School Senior Daniel Shaffer is a 2010 Young American and says meetings he attended opened his eyes to the needs of the region. Shaffer was one of more than 85 Young Americans honored Wednesday night at an awards banquet.

Melanie Lahr of the Meadowbrook Christian School was also among the honorees, and likewise says it helped her see the needs of the Central Susquehanna Valley

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce also presented a first-ever college scholarship to be used during the recipient's sophomore year. The $1,000 grant was raised during the chamber's annual golf tournament and presented to Rebecca Powlus of the Sunbury Christian Academy. (Matt Farrand)

Rededication ceremony for the newly renovated Cameron Park

SUNBURY -- Fresh with renovations, Cameron Park in Sunbury was rededicated Wednesday. The ceremony began with the Shikellamy High School JROTC lowering the flags on the east end of the park. At the end, the American Legion Post 201 Honor Guard raised the flags in their new location at the west end.

Mayor David Persing addressed the crowd saying the park is a focal point of Sunbury. He says the history of the city of Sunbury is Cameron Park. The rededication was to honor the changes in the park. Persing says whether or not people agree with the changes, everything is still in the park and the respect is still there for veterans.

Former Sunbury Mayor Jesse Wooding was one of the many who was instrumental in overseeing the new renovations. He says with the new benches and game tables, the park more user friendly.

Also speaking at Wednesday's ceremony was Cindy Inkrote, the Director of the Northumberland County Historical Society and Dr. Caru Bowns, a Penn State professor whose students worked on the revitalization of the park and the city of Sunbury. Renovations to the park are wrapping up, and the famous fountain will be returned soon, according to Mayor Persing. (Sara Bartlett)

Derk says campaign was great learning experience

MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk did not win the GOP nomination in the 10th Congressional District, but is still glad that he decided to run for the office. He says he has no regrets and is glad they were able to get their message out to the people.

Derk says he called his opponent Tom Marino to congratulate him on his victory and let him know he has his support in the general election. Derk says he enjoys serving as Snyder County Commissioner and looks forward to focusing on helping to improve the county. He says he enjoyed all the people that he met during his journey through the 10th District. (Ali Stevens)

Erdman says endorsement helped Schlegel-Culver claim victory

SUNBURY – Northumberland County Controller Chuck Erdman believes that Merle Phillips (R-108th, Sunbury) endorsing Lynda Schlegel-Culver in the primary election for the 108th legislative district lead her to victory. However, he is proud of his efforts, even though he didn’t win.

Erdman says they ran a great campaign, but didn’t have the endorsement, so they came up a bit short. He says reform-minded voters were needed to make the difference in the primary. Erdman says he will continue to enjoy working for Northumberland County and is pleased that Tom Corbett could be the next governor of Pennsylvania after a successful primary. (Ali Stevens)

Outraged taxpayers address the Milton School Board

MILTON – Only six community members were allowed to address the school board, but about 100 turned out to voice their concerns in the Milton School District regarding a proposed 19.6 % tax increase for property owners in Union County. The board approved a preliminary budget last week with a 19.6 percent increase for Union County property owners and a 1.9% decrease for Northumberland County property owners.

Interim superintendent Brian Snyder says the dramatic swing in taxes is due to an increase in market value in Union County, as determined by the state. The Standard Journal reports despite Snyder’s explanations, Union County residents were outraged and suggested the board needed to go back and reassess the tentative budget. (Ali Stevens)

Hearing set for two fired deputies

BLOOMSBURG – A hearing will be held in June for two Northumberland County deputy sheriffs that were fired for violating the department’s computer policy by leaving their computers logged in. The case management hearing is pertaining to a lawsuit filed by Michael Boris and Joe Jones against Commissioner Vinny Clausi and Northumberland County.

The suit was recently amended to include Sheriff Chad Reiner because Boris and Jones believe Reiner and Clausi conspired to have them terminated without cause.

The News Item reports the hearing will be held in Columbia County on June 8th to avoid a conflict of interest. Clausi accused the sheriff’s department employees of viewing pornographic websites on their computers. Boris and Jones filed a defamation suit, saying that someone else could have looked at the websites from their computers. (Ali Stevens)

SEDA-COG hosts energy management summit

LEWISBURG -- Public officials, contractors, educators and manufacturers gathered Wednesday for an energy management summit hosted by SEDA-COG. Stacy Richards, Director of the Energy Resource Center at SEDA-COG says the daylong event of speakers and information focused on how to create 'green' jobs in the region and improve the businesses' bottom line.

Speakers talked about the ability of existing manufacturing companies making the move to creating products for the renewable energy market. Steve Wolf, the Director of the Center for Green Careers, was another speaker. He talked about the $6 million grant received from the Department of Labor to do 'green' job training in Pennsylvania.

He says at Green Careers, they hope to develop relationships with industries to see what sort of training is needed. The grant money will be awarded to businesses, colleges and other workforce development groups who applied. It will assist in training for 'green' jobs involving renewable and alternative energy, energy conservation, wastewater management, industrialized weatherization and more. (Sara Bartlett)

Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union is helping two people who have posted Internet writings critical of Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett fight a subpoena seeking their identities.  ACLU attorney Vic Walczak said Thursday he would file a motion to quash the subpoena if an agreement with the attorney general's office can't be worked out.  Walczak says using courts to unmask  political critics is unconstitutional retaliation.  Corbett is the Republican nominee for governor.  The subpoena issued to Twitter Inc. May 6 by a statewide investigative grand jury seeks information about Twitter users "bfbarbie" and "CasablancaPA." Both users have been critical of the investigation by Corbett's office into the use of public resources to run political campaigns.   A Twitter attorney says it discloses user information only in "limited circumstances."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Want journalism with depth? The Philadelphia Inquirer is going 3-D.  The paper will publish a special section next month featuring full-page 3-D pictures and advertisements. Publisher Brian Tierney says the section will come with clear-lens 3-D glasses for viewing. The section will appear on  newsstands on Sunday, June 13 and be available on the philly.com the following day.  Tierney says the paper wants to push the experience readers can get from newspapers.  Three-dimensional effects have been growing in popularity recently, including the successful 3-D release of Avatar and Playboy's decision to publish a 3-D centerfold in its June issue.  The Inquirer and its sister publication, the Philadelphia Daily News, were sold to a group of creditors last month during a bankruptcy auction.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. (AP) - A central Pennsylvania solider was among those killed in an attack on NATO forces in Afghanistan earlier this week.  Defense officials say 28-year-old Staff Sgt. Richard James Tieman, of Waynesboro, died Tuesday in Kabul. Tieman was one of five American troops killed by a car bomb. A Canadian soldier and 12 Afghan civilians were also killed.  Tieman's father, Richard, says his son took pridein serving his country and followed in his footsteps as a soldier.  Tieman had served two tours of duty in Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan. His family says he was two months away from completing a deployment that began in August.  Tieman's family says he was married last month. He planned a large wedding for December when he and his wife, a soldier assigned to Fort Riley, Kan., were both in the states.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats are welcoming Mark Critz to their ranks after he dashed Republican hopes of capturing a Pennsylvania House seat seen as a possible bellwether for the midterms.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., swore in Critz Thursday after he won a special election to fill the final months of the late Rep. John Murtha's term. The longtime Murtha aide beat Republican Tim Burns on Tuesday. Both candidates will meet again this fall.  Murtha had held the seat for 36 years, but Republicans were counting on opposition to congressional Democrats and tea party-driven discontent to carry them to victory.  Critz stressed his ties to his old boss, who as chairman of a House Appropriations panel steered millions of federal dollars to his district.  Murtha died in February.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's newly selected gubernatorial nominees - Democrat Dan Onorato and Republican Tom Corbett - basked in the afterglow of their decisive victories today while the race to determine Onorato's running mate remains too close to call. Onorato, Allegheny County's elected chief executive, was nominated with about 45 percent of the vote in a four-way race. Corbett, the state attorney general, attracted 69 percent of the vote in a two-man contest. In the three-way Democratic race for lieutenant governor, state Rep. H. Scott Conklin of Centre County leads former Philadelphia city controller Jonathan Saidel by fewer than 5,000 votes, out of 895,000 cast. Conklin and Saidel each claimed about 35 percent of the vote, while retired Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Smith-Ribner trailed with 30 percent. If the votes still to be counted shrink the margin between Conklin and Saidel to within 0.5 percent of the total votes cast, it could trigger an automatic recount under state law. But first, county officials must count and verify the returns - a weeklong process. Secretary of State Pedro Cortes has until May 27 to order a recount

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Philadelphia newspaper says Hershey school for disadvantaged children has paid compensation to former students for alleged sexual abuse. The Philadelphia Inquirer cited sources, including a high-ranking official at the century-old school, as saying the Milton Hershey School paid $3 million earlier this year to five former students. The school on Wednesday confirmed making payments but would not disclose the number of recipients or the amount. School spokeswoman Connie McNamara said officials believed the allegations and called them "devastating." The paper said the payment was discussed in February and finalized at about the same time 40-year-old Charles Koons II of Middletown pleaded guilty in Dauphin County Court in March to molesting 17 boys in the area over the past decade, including one Hershey School student. He was sentenced to 35 to 100 years.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's chief elections official is leaving the Rendell administration for a job in the private sector. Secretary of State Pedro Cortes announced yesterday he will be taking a job with San Diego-based Everyone Counts, a company involved in helping soldiers, overseas residents and the disabled vote. He's been a member of Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's Cabinet since 2003. Cortes says he'll be helping the company develop its Latin American business, and will remain based in Harrisburg. His last day is June 11. A successor hasn't been named. The Department of State oversees elections, investigates fraud within charitable organizations and licenses about 800,000 professionals.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Updates on the latest in business:

Dow: 10,215.30, down -229.07

S&P 500: 1,092.80, down -22.25

NASDAQ: 2,243.83, down -54.57

NEW YORK (AP) - Another bout of high volatility has meant another sharp drop for stocks. The key stock market averages were down about 3 percent at midday.

BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is urging the world's economic powers to send a "signal of strength" by agreeing to stronger global financial regulation. Her call comes as markets retrench on doubts about whether European leaders have a handle on the debt crisis.

WASHINGTON (AP) - New unemployment claims rose last week by the largest amount in three months. The Labor Department says new claims surged by 25,000 to 471,000. That's the highest total since April 10.

NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices have plunged nearly 8 percent today, to the lowest level in 10 months. Crude was recently trading below $65 per barrel.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google believes it has come up with the technology to unite Web surfing with television channel surfing. It has joined forces with Sony, Intel and Logitech International, unveiling a plan for a "smart" TV. The new sets are expected to become available this fall.

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks ended lower in the latest session. The Dow fell 67 points to 10,444. The S&P was down almost 6 and the Nasdaq lost 19 points.

SINGAPORE (AP) - Asian stock markets were lower today, but European shares rebounded as investors mulled the impact of financial upheaval in Europe amid concern the continent may be unable to quickly resolve its debt crisis.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Labor Department releases new jobless claims this morning, a weekly look at the job market. Also due, the Conference Board's index of leading indicators.

SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices rose above $70 a barrel today in Asia, recovering from an eight-month low after the European debt crisis battered crude this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) - It looks like the Senate will vote again today on the massive financial regulation overhaul bill. Democrats appear within reach of the 60 votes they need to move the bill toward passage. Senate Republicans delayed final action on the measure yesterday, raising a last-minute obstacle to the legislation as it approached the home stretch.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers

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

 Mega Millions

     Estimated jackpot: $54 million

 Midday Big 4

     4-0-5-1

Midday Number

     7-2-6

Midday Quinto

     8-3-8-9-8

Powerball

     Estimated jackpot: $170 million

 Treasure Hunt

     06-17-24-25-28

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

Big 4

5-8-8-7

Cash 5

03-19-28-36-39

Daily Number

6-9-5

Evening Quinto

6-4-7-8-7

Midday Big 4

4-7-8-8

Midday Number

6-0-7

Midday Quinto

7-5-8-9-7

Powerball

02-07-29-55-58, Powerball: 27, Power Play: 3

Treasure Hunt

01-18-21-23-27

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Judge issues warrant for Lindsay Lohan's arrest

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - A judge has issued a warrant for Lindsay Lohan's arrest after the actress missed a mandatory hearing Thursday. Bail was set at $100,000.  The 23-year-old actress was due in court for a progress report on her probation stemming from two arrests in 2007. Her attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said Lohan's passport was stolen while she was at the Cannes Film Festival and was unable to return to Los Angeles in time for Thursday's hearing.  Holley said Lohan would be back in the United States by Friday evening.  Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel revoked Lohan's probation, issued the arrest warrant and imposed several conditions should Lohan make bail. She will be prohibited from drinking any alcohol, required to wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet and submit to random weekly drug testing.

Google teams with Sony, Intel on 'smart' Web TV

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google believes it has come up with the technology to unite Web surfing with channel surfing on televisions.  To reach the long-elusive goal, Google has joined forces with Sony, Intel and Logitech. The companies were unveiling their much-anticipated plan for a "smart" TV on Thursday during a Google conference for about 5,000 software programmers.  The TVs are expected to go on sale in the fall. Pricing wasn't immediately announced.  Sony will make the TVs, which will rely on an Intel microprocessor. Google will provide the software, including its Android operating system and Chrome Web browser. Logitech will supply a special remote control and wireless keyboard.  Other companies have tried to turn televisions into Internet gateways with little success during the past decade.

McDonald's says no way Ronald will retire

CHICAGO (AP) - Retire Ronald McDonald? No way. That's the message McDonald's Corp. CEO gave to the red-haired clown's critics on Thursday.  Jim Skinner calls Ronald McDonald an ambassador for the restaurant and its Ronald McDonald House Charities. And he says the character is "a force for good." Skinner's comments came during the fast food chain's shareholder meeting after critics pressed him to retire the famous icon. They say the clown encourages children to eat unhealthy food.  Retired Chicago physician Alfred David Klinger says Ronald McDonald sends an "insidious message to young people" and should be retired.  People in the crowd gathered at the company's headquarters in suburban Chicago booed the idea.

MILEY CYRUS JEWELRY FOUND TO CONTAIN CADMIUM

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Wal-Mart has pulled its line of Miley Cyrus jewelry after an Associated Press investigation found it contained cadmium. The Associated Press tested two lines of jewelry purchased at Wal-Mart, one of them the Miley Cyrus brand. A chemist at Ashland University in Ohio found 59 of 61 samples contained at least 5 percent cadmium, with 53 of them having 10 percent or more. Cadmium is a known carcinogen that can also hinder brain development in the very young. Cadmium jewelry that is simply worn is not known to be dangerous, but it can be if youngsters bite or suck on it. Wal-Mart has removed the jewelry from shelves while it investigates.

French Cabinet moves to ban Muslim veils

PARIS (AP) - France is moving to ban face-covering Muslim veils in public. On Wednesday, the French Justice Minister presented a draft law to the Cabinet that calls for $185 fines and, in some cases, citizenship classes for women who run afoul of the law. The measure also would make it illegal to force a woman to wear a face-covering veil, with violators subject to up to a year in prison and a fine of more than $18,000. President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has called the veils oppressive, told his Cabinet that French "citizenship should be experienced with an uncovered face." But Amnesty International says the ban could violate Muslim women's freedom of religion.

HMELESS MAN INTERRUPTS MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAME BY WANDERING ON FIELD

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) - Nothing slows down a baseball game more than a walk or two. Especially if the walk is done by a fan who strolls along the outfield, trying to find a concession stand. That's hat happened the other night at a minor league game in Altoona, Pa. Authorities say a homeless man ended up walking onto the field during the bottom of the ninth inning of a game between the Altoona Curve and the Akron Aeros. Ballpark security let the man stroll along the outfield warning track and nabbed him as he left near the right field line. The man claims he was looking for the fastest route to a concession stand. Apparently he had enjoyed at least one type of "concession" before making his way on the field. He's charged with public drunkenness - as well as criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

PLAYGROUND FOR OLDER FOLKS OPENS IN LONDON

LONDON (AP) - When you think playground, you usually think of young kids, frolicking on grassy slopes or padded surfaces. The users of this London park are long past their frolicking days - but they're getting a park, anyway. The city has opened its first exercise playground for older people, with specially designed fitness equipment to help keep aging baby boomers fit. Organizers say people lined up at Hyde Park early yesterday to be among the first to "play" in the park. No jungle gyms or sliding boards here - the area is outfitted with a sit-up bench, a cross-trainer and a stationary bicycle. The playground is aimed at those over 60 - but can also work for younger people who are trying to recover from surgery.

WORKERS NEAR ATLANTA ASKED TO RETURN OVERPAID BONUSES

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - What first looked like a bonus has turned into a bone of contention for about 180 employees of Gwinnett County, near Atlanta. The workers are being told they now have to repay money they got in their paychecks way back in 1994. Authorities say the overpayments were the result of a glitch created when the county adjusted its payroll cycles. In all, more than $39,000 was overpaid. Employees who got the extra cash 16 years ago are being asked to either write a check to the county - or have the windfall applied to their vacation leave.