Saturday, May 22, 2010
Selinsgrove man hurt in Union County motorcycle wreck
LEWISBURG – A man from Selinsgrove was injured in a motorcycle accident in Lewisburg Friday morning. Lewisburg police tell us—71-year-old Robert Kramer was riding on Route 15 when he apparently failed to notice a turning car stopped in front of him. After the collision, Kramer was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital, then flown to Geisinger Medical Center. Kramer is in serious condition.
The accident happened on Route 15 near Adams Avenue, not far from the Lewisburg High School. Police did not issue a full report available today which will indicate if Kramer was wearing helmet. Union County Communications tells us that Lewisburg motorcycle accident happened around 11:15 Friday morning.
More info on MontCo greenhouse fire
TURBOTVILLE – We first told you about a greenhouse fire yesterday. The fire caused $30,000 in damage to a greenhouse and shed in Montour County. Police say because of the extensive damage, the cause of the fire is unknown. The blaze broke out at the structure owned by Terry Hummel around 11:30 Thursday evening.
The greenhouse and shed is located near Hummel's home at 66 Hickory Road in Anthony Township, Montour County, just outside of Turbotville. Damage to the structure was $20,000 and damage to the content was $10,000. Crews from Warrior Run and Washingtonville responded to the scene. (Sara Bartlett)
Sure sign of spring: Fresh, local produce available Lewisburg
LEWISBURG – Fresh produce is still available at Hufnagle Park on Fridays, even though most Susquehanna Valley Growers Market vendors have moved to a location outside of Lewisburg. Jesse Mattern of Penns Creek is among those still in Lewisburg. He sells fresh beans and lettuce grown from his organic farm.
Mattern says it makes sense for him to stay in the borough, because his most frequent customers include Lewisburg residents who prefer the convenience of a farmers market downtown. He says local produce is available on a strictly seasonal basis, and encourages buyers to enjoy it while they can.
The market is not limited to food products, according to Sarah Ranes, who makes and sells homemade soaps. She says all-natural homemade soaps fit in with the lifestyles that farm market shoppers often pursue. Ranes started Sweet Sally’s Soaps half a dozen years ago, and Hufnagle Park was the site of her first efforts to sell her products. (Matt Farrand)
Route 235 reopen
BEAVER SPRINGS -- A road closed since May 10th has been reopen near Beaver Springs. Route 235 was closed following a fiery tanker truck crash. The road, between Route 522 and the Juniata County line, reopen Friday afternoon. Hazmat and road crews worked to clean the site, replace pipes and pave the road. The crash, which critically injured the truck's driver, spilled a significant amount of diesel fuel in the area. Timothy Bussard of Maryland today is in stable condition at the Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Concession building to open at marina
NORTHUMBERLAND -- Water and park enthusiasts will enjoy a new concession building this summer at the Shikellamy State Park marina. Lake Augusta Outfitters will be run by Angela Troutman. It will be located at a separate out building at the marina, near the docks. There is a gas pump there so boaters will be able to fill up. The shop will also offer a place for refreshments from drinks to chips to ice cream. In addition, people can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and bikes. The concession shop is expected to open sometime next month and will remain open through the season to the end of September. (Sara Bartlett)
Police look for air conditioning thief
PORT TREVORTON -- Police are searching for the person or persons who stole nearly $600 worth of air conditioners from a motel in Port Trevorton. The incident happened sometime between May 7th and May 21st, when someone broke into the Port Trevorton Motel along Routes 11/15. Police say six of thirteen rooms had doors forcibly opened, and seven air conditioning units were removed from the rooms. Anyone with information is asked to call Selinsgrove State Police. (Sara Bartlett)
Mount Pleasant Mills is critical condition after crash
MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS – A Mount Pleasant Mills man was flown to Geisinger Medical Center early this morning after a crash on Route 104 near Oriental Road in Chapman Township, Snyder County. He is now listed in critical condition.
State police say 39-year-old Michael Gaugler was traveling north on Route 104 around 12:20 this morning when he struck a guide rail and some rocks before the vehicle overturned, landing on its roof in the southbound lane.
Gaugler had to be rescued from his car and was transported by Life Flight to Geisinger with unknown injuries. The crash is under investigation by State Police. Port Trevorton, Liverpool and Middleburg fire and rescue crews assisted at the scene. (Ali Stevens)
Two buildings locked down after a verbal threat
DANVILLE – A man is facing charges after he threatened to harm employees at the Geisinger Health Plan offices in Danville. Mahoning Township police charged 65-year-old William Noble of Tunkhannock with terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and other counts for the incident last Friday.
Noble reportedly made several calls to the health plan office and said he was going to come there and someone would die. Both buildings at the Health Plan offices on Woodbine Lane were locked down following the verbal threat. (Ali Stevens)
Fire at a greenhouse in Montour County
TURBOTVILLE – Fire crews from Union, Montour and Columbia Counties were called to the scene of a greenhouse fire just before midnight in Montour County. Emergency dispatchers tell us the fire started in a greenhouse on Hickory Road in Anthony Township near the Northumberland County line, outside of Turbotville.
Crews from Washingtonville, Warrior Run, Mahoning Township and a tanker from Columbia County were called to the scene. Firefighters remained on the scene until 2 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the greenhouse was destroyed by the fire. (Ali Stevens)
May is motorcycle awareness month
UNDATED -- May is motorcycle awareness month and PennDOT has launched a new safety campaign called Live Free, Ride Alive. Danielle Klinger of PennDOT says they are asking motorcyclists to recognize that their vehicle is small on the roadway, and they may fall in other motorists' blind spots.
A big part of the campaign is a website with documentaries and stories about motorcycle crashes. In addition, the website allows riders to take the 'one less' pledge. Klinger says this means drivers pledge to be safe on the road in order to be one less crash statistic or fatality. You can visit the site at www.livefreeridealive.com.
Two road projects continue in Mount Carmel Township next week
MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP – Two road projects will take place next week in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County.
PennDOT reports work continues on Merrian Mountain Road from Monday through Wednesday of next week. Detours will be in effect on the Locust Summit side, between the cemeteries and Locust Summit. On Wednesday, the closure will be just at the bridge, north of the Route 901 intersection. The project should be complete by the end of Wednesday.
Also, a PennDOT maintenance crew in Northumberland County will replace a cross pipe to improve drainage along Brennan’s Farm Road in Mount Carmel Township. Work will take place on Wednesday and be done during the day from 7 to 4 p.m. Traffic will be detoured using Route 61 south and Route 54 east. (Ali Stevens)
Game Commission warns motorists about white-tail deer on the move
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission is warning motorists to stay alert and slow down because white-tail deer tend to be on the move in the spring. Game Commission executive director Carl Roe says deer congregate on the grassy areas along the state’s busy highways in search of food. Motorists are reminded to watch for deer and drive defensively after dark and before sunrise, when deer are most active.
In the spring, young deer are on the move as does chase them away to prepare to give birth to new fawns. Often times, young deer make the mistakes of crossing roads in the spring, resulting in an increase in accidents with motor vehicles, especially in areas with larger deer populations, such as the Central Susquehanna Valley.
Motorists are reminded not to try and drive around a deer, but slow down and stay on the road. If you do strike a deer, you should call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the animal removed from the road. If the deer is still alive, the Game Commission says you should keep your distance. (Ali Stevens)
Bucknell commencement ceremonies are Sunday
LEWISBURG – The 160th commencement ceremony at Bucknell University is Sunday at 10 a.m. 884 undergraduates will receive their degrees along with 26 graduate degrees and three honorary degrees.
Pediatric neurosurgeon and philanthropist Benjamin Carson Sr. will present the commencement address. He has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his achievements performing high-risk operations and advancing education for all students. (Ali Stevens)
Milton woman has turned herself in after fleeing from police on Wednesday
MILTON – A Milton woman who fled from custody after being sentenced to prison has turned herself in. 34-year-old Tracy Schramm was charged Wednesday with felony counts of intimidating a witness, who was going to testify against her.
That’s when Schramm, who was at District Judge Bob Bolton’s office in Sunbury, took off and escaped out a side door. She was on the loose overnight, but then turned herself in Thursday afternoon.
Police say Schramm was hiding at her father’s unoccupied mobile home in Watsontown after escaping in handcuffs from Bolton’s office. She told police she was afraid to go back to jail. Schramm now faces a felony escape charge and up to seven years in prison if convicted. Bail was set at $60,000, which is $15,000 more than her original bail before she fled the courtroom. (Ali Stevens)
Fire at a greenhouse in Montour County
TURBOTVILLE – Fire crews from Union, Montour and Columbia Counties were called to the scene of a greenhouse fire just before midnight in Montour County. Emergency dispatchers tell us the fire started in a greenhouse on Hickory Road in Anthony Township near the Northumberland County line, outside of Turbotville.
Crews from Washingtonville, Warrior Run, Mahoning Township and a tanker from Columbia County were called to the scene. Firefighters remained on the scene until 2 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the greenhouse was destroyed by the fire. (Ali Stevens)
Mount Pleasant Mills man flown to Geisinger following a crash early this morning
MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS – A Mount Pleasant Mills man was flown to Geisinger Medical Center early this morning after a crash on Route 104 near Oriental Road in Chapman Township, Snyder County.
State police say 39-year-old Michael Gaugler was traveling north on Route 104 around 12:20 this morning when he struck a guide rail and some rocks before the vehicle overturned, landing on its roof in the southbound lane.
Gaugler had to be rescued from his car and was transported by Life Flight to Geisinger with unknown injuries. His condition is not yet known. The crash is under investigation by State Police and Port Trevorton, Liverpool and Middleburg fire and rescue crews assisted at the scene. (Ali Stevens)
Northumberland County Commissioner Frank Sawicki on Leaders & Lawmakers
SUNBURY – Northumberland County Commissioner Frank Sawicki says there’s been progress, but county government still needs to shrink. Appearing on WKOK’s Leaders & Lawmakers program, he says cutting the size of the local bureaucracy is a long term process.
The Commissioner Chair also admits that changing routines and cutting position can have a major impact on the lives of county employees. However, Sawicki says more efficient operations are emerging, with more yet to be unveiled. He cites refinancing of county debt at lower interest rates and divesting the Mountain View Manor nursing facility among the positive moves his board has made.
Sawicki reiterated that the county is interested in buying Sunbury City Hall, as the county courthouse is virtually obsolete because of new security mandates. Sawicki was on WKOK’s Leaders & Lawmakers program this week. You can hear Leaders & Lawmakers anytime online at www.wkok.com (Matt Farrand)
Mahoning Street closed for firefight
MILTON – Contractors working in the vacant H. Warshow and Sons warehouse in Milton may have started a two alarm fire Thursday. Union County Communications says the initial call to the Mahoning Street site came in shortly before noon.
The street was shut down for a few hours, as firefighters from Northumberland, Union, Lycoming and Snyder Counties battled the smoke-producing fire. There were no reported injuries or medical calls to the former warehouse. Crews were clear from the fire scene at about 1:35 p.m. (Matt Farrand)
Rail conference attendees take train to Norry
NORTHUMBERLAND – Local train buffs enjoyed a treat Thursday, as a Norfolk Southern owned business train was used for a passenger excursion that rode area rails. Several dozen riders traveled from a conference of freight railroad executives in Harrisburg to a banquet style dinner at Front Street Station in Northumberland.
While dinner was served, the train continued via Montandon and Milton to Linden, where it was turned around for the return trip. The train was made up of four 1950’s style diesel units, coaches, a full-length dome car, and an observation car with gallery style seating for track inspection. (Matt Farrand)
Grand Opening of new Fort Augusta Room
SUNBURY -- After years of hard work by volunteers, the new Fort Augusta Room at the Hunter House in Sunbury is ready for visitors. Cindy Inkrote, Director of the Northumberland County Historical Society, says the room now looks a lot less like a museum, and the artifacts are closer to visitors so they can see details.
She says of the artifacts remain from the prior exhibit, but they are enhanced. There are murals, typical dress and uniforms, and a new fort model. Saturday will be the grand opening and dedication of the room.
All are invited on Saturday for an open hour from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. There is a dedication ceremony at 1:00p.m, with a reception to follow. The Hunter House is located on North Front Street. (Sara Bartlett)
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)
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.
Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania employers added 34,000 jobs in April, the highest monthly number since 1996, although unemployment remained at its highest rate in more than a quarter century. The state Labor and Industry Department said Friday that many of the jobs added were in professional and business services, tourism, manufacturing and the trade, transportation and utilities category. Gov. Ed Rendell calls it "really good news for Pennsylvania," although he acknowledges that the effects of the recession aren't over. Jobs increased in April nationally and in 37 other states as well. Despite the jump in nonfarm jobs to a seasonally adjusted level of 5.6 million, the unemployment rate remained at 9 percent as more people start or resume looking for work. That's below the national rate of 9.9 percent.
LEBANON, Pa. (AP) - A 61-year-old woman is out of the hospital after
suffering minor injuries from a shotgun blast fired through a window
at a central Pennsylvania nursing home. The ManorCare Nursing and
Rehab Center in North Cornwall Township says it has stepped up
security and the investigation is continuing. Police say the shot
came from a large field behind the building around 11:15 p.m.
Thursday. Police say they don't have a suspect or a motive.
Officials say the injured woman was taken to a hospital and treated
for head injuries. She has been released, but is not back at the
nursing home. Two other residents were in the room with the woman
at the time of the shooting, but they were not hurt.
CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - Fire officials in suburban Philadelphia say a young child has died in a house fire. The blaze broke out around 8 p.m. Friday at a home in Chester, Pa., just outside Philadelphia. Authorities say firefighters found the child, whose age wasn't known, on the second floor of the home. The fire was declared under control around 8:45 p.m. The cause is unknown.
LANDISVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a tractor-trailer caught fire while it was parked at a loading dock at a central Pennsylvania candy factory. Officials say the driver is OK and no injuries have been reported. Officials say the trailer was parked at a dock at the Y&S Candies building in East Hempfield Township when it caught fire shortly before noon Friday. Dispatchers say more than a dozen pieces of firefighting equipment responded to control the fire. There's no word on the cause.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania employers added 34,000 jobs in April, the highest monthly number since 1996, although unemployment remained at its highest rate in more than a quarter century. The state Labor and Industry Department said Friday that many of the jobs added were in professional and business services, tourism, manufacturing and the trade, transportation and utilities category. Gov. Ed Rendell calls it "really good news for Pennsylvania," although he acknowledges that the effects of the recession aren't over. Jobs increased in April nationally and in 37 other states as well. Despite the jump in nonfarm jobs to a seasonally adjusted level of 5.6 million, the unemployment rate remained at 9 percent as more people start or resume looking for work. That's below the national rate of 9.9 percent.
MANSFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The town of Mansfield is losing a bit of its sweetness. A landmark chocolate factory whose founder played a pivotal role in the social and economic history of the town is shutting down. A company spokesman says the century-old ADM Cocoa factory, originally known as Lowney's Chocolates, will move operations to a modern facility in Hazleton, Pa., by the fall. The spokesman for Archer Daniels Midland Co. tells The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro that the factory's 83 workers will either get jobs at the new location or be offered severance packages and employment assistance. Company founder Walter Lowney was responsible for hiring the Italian immigrants whose descendants still define the town's character. He helped develop the town's water and sewer and system and donated park land.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Police are investigating the source of the powder-filled balloon that forced the evacuation of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia. Spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore said Friday that city police questioned whether it was linked to the taping of a TV program. But a Food Network statement says no balloons were used in the Thursday morning taping of "Chef vs. City." A guard discovered the stray balloon outside the Liberty Bell entrance that afternoon, leading authorities to shut down the area. The FBI says tests show the powder was not hazardous; the National Park Service says it was flour. Meanwhile, police say powder found on a letter sent to a municipal office building near City Hall that prompted a limited evacuation Friday was not hazardous.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A former Pennsylvania House Democratic staffer convicted in the legislative corruption investigation is sentenced to 21 months to five years in state prison. Dauphin County Judge Richard Lewis on Friday sentenced Brett Cott for felony theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy related to his role in diverting state resources to wage political campaigns. Prosecutors argued that Cott showed contempted for the judicial process and failed to show remorse for his actions. Sentencing is scheduled for next month for the two co-defendants also found guilty, former Rep. Mike Veon of Beaver County and former Veon district aide Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Republican Pat Toomey hardly waited to begin spending money to defeat Democrat Joe Sestak in the race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. His campaign debuted a statewide ad Thursday that draws a contrast between their positions on the Wall Street bailout, the national health care debate and terrorist trials. In a statement, Sestak questioned Toomey's accountability, saying his votes for bank deregulation and former President George Bush's budgets led to the national recession and debt. Sestak is a congressman and former Navy admiral from suburban Philadelphia who beat five-term Sen. Arlen Specter in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Toomey easily won the Republican nomination over a little-known opponent. Toomey is a former congressman from the Allentown area. The election is Nov. 2.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says it's not worried about four consecutive losses by Democratic candidates President Barack Obama had supported. The latest defeat came Tuesday when Sen. Arlen Specter lost to Rep. Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs gave a simple, one-word answer when asked Thursday if Obama or his political team are concerned about the 0-4 losing streak. "No," Gibbs said. The other three losing Democratic candidates were gubernatorial hopefuls Creigh Deeds of Virginia and Jon Corzine of New Jersey, and Senate candidate Martha Coakley of Massachusetts. Coakley had hoped to succeed the late Edward M. Kennedy.
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.
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) - Construction has begun on a three-megawatt solar farm at Pocono Raceway in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Escondido, California-based energy company enXco says it will design and build the project and then turn it over to the raceway. The project is expected to generate clean electricity for the track by this summer, becoming its primary electric energy source. Officials say it also will benefit the local power grid. The $17 million project will see nearly 40,000 solar panels spread over approximately 25 acres of land formerly used as parking lots. The track, located within 90 miles of New York and Philadelphia, hosts two Cup races annually.
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.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A teenager has sued a northeastern Pennsylvania school district after her principal confiscated her cell phone, found nude images on it and turned the phone over to prosecutors. The federal suit says Tunkhannock Area High School Principal Gregory Ellsworth illegally searched the 17-year-old student's cell phone after the device was confiscated by a teacher in January 2009. The phone contained racy images that the plaintiff had taken of herself. The suit says Ellsworth turned the phone over to the Wyoming County district attorney, who allegedly threatened to file felony charges against the teen unless she took a class on sexual violence. The student seeks damages against Ellsworth, the school district, prosecutors and a detective. The suit was filed Thursday.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Updates on the latest in business
Stocks rebound...Sprouts recalled...Chrysler workers added
NEW YORK (AP) - A late surge gave the Dow a triple-digit rebound, gaining 125 points to 10,193. The S&P was up 16 and the Nasdaq rose 25 points.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Oregon officials have announced a nationwide recall of alfalfa sprouts, which may have sickened 23 people in 10 states. The sprouts were produced by Caldwell Fresh Foods, sold in 18 states under several different label names.
UNDATED (AP) - Oil prices fell again today. Benchmark crude fell 76 cents to settle at $70.04 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices at the gas pump are now a dime a gallon below the 18-month high reached earlier this month.
BOSTON (AP) - Law enforcement officials say a JetBlue pilot who threatened to "harm himself in spectacular fashion" surrendered a gun to authorities. They confronted him just before a flight from Boston's Logan International Airport. He's since been hospitalized.
DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler Group is giving a much needed boost to the Michigan economy. It has announced addition of about 1,100 workers to help build the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 14 percent.
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Friday:
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $54 million
Midday Big 4
2-2-6-9
Midday Number
5-9-4
Midday Quinto
0-8-9-1-7
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $170 million
Treasure Hunt
05-09-10-14-27
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Thursday:
Big 4
9-0-6-3
Cash 5
02-03-06-19-25
Daily Number
7-6-7
Evening Quinto
9-7-2-7-9
Midday Big 4
4-0-5-1
Midday Number
7-2-6
Midday Quinto
8-3-8-9-8
Mix and Match
15-19-02-10-11
Treasure Hunt
06-17-24-25-28
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
"LOST" FINALE - KEEPING THE SECRET
WASHINGTON (AP) -- We're about to learn Hollywood's best kept secret: what happens in the final episode of "Lost." Greg Grunberg has known the answer for months, even before the cast,
because he's been friends with the show's creator, J.J. Abrams since they were kids. Grunberg says it wasn't hard to keep the secret. He says "if you want to keep your friendship with your best friend you've gotta keep it a secret." Grunberg promises that fans will find the ending very satisfying.
JESSE JAMES ADMITS HE THREW HIS LIFE AWAY
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jesse James figures he's the most "hated man in the world" right now for cheating on Sandra Bullock. He tells "Nightline" that he "took an amazing life" and "threw it away." James' first TV interview since the breakup of his marriage airs Tuesday night.
BONO SURGERY
BERLIN (AP) -- Bono has had emergency back surgery. He was hurt in Germany while getting ready for U-2's tour. The band has had to postpone their concert in Salt Lake City that was scheduled for June third.
RONALD McDONALD TO STAY
CHICAGO (AP) - Ronald McDonald won't be hanging up his ruby red wig and oversized shoes any time soon. The CEO of Mickey D's says the answer to those who want to see the fast-food chain do away with its longtime mascot is a simple "no." Jim Skinner says Ronald McDonald "is a force for good" - serving as an ambassador for the restaurant chain as well as for its Ronald McDonald House Charities. Some critics of McDonald's say the cartoonish character promotes unhealthy eating - and should be shelved along with icons for cigarette companies like Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man. Skinner made his comments before a room full of shareholders at the company's headquarters in Chicago yesterday. The shareholders applauded Skinner for his remarks in support of Ronald.
MIX-UP LED TO BUS DRIVER TAKING KIDS TO AMUSEMENT PARK, INSTEAD OF SCHOOL
LITTLE FERRY, N.J. (AP) - It wasn't a trick. But it sure wasn't a treat for a group of New Jersey students who found themselves on a school bus headed off to an amusement park, instead of school. Officials say about 30 students from Ridgefield Park High school got on their bus Wednesday, thinking it was the one that takes them to school every day. But the driver had really come to pick up some seventh- and eighth- graders and take them to Six Flags Great Adventure. The students knew something was wrong when the bus got on the New Jersey Turnpike. Some called their parents and the school. School officials got police to stop the bus - and an officer rode back to school with the wayward bus.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)