Sunday, May 23, 2010
Officers converge on Sunbury, search for gunman
SUNBURY -- Reports of a man with a gun drew a big police response to Sunbury on Saturday night. Sunbury Police were helped out by state troopers and officers from more than half a dozen communities after an 8:50 p.m. report that a man showed a gun during a fight with another man in the area of 1115 Miller Street.
The circumstances of the argument were unclear, but the man's girlfriend was reportedly being sought. The man with the gun was described as being in his 20's or 30's, and was driving a black Ford Bronco. Armed officers entered 1115 Miller Street at about 11:00 p.m., and determined it was unoccupied. No charges have been filed, but the investigation is on going.
Response to the incident may have slowed down a medical call. A woman living nearby reportedly collapsed and an ambulance had to park farther than expected from her house. Whether the medical call was related to the initial report of a man with a gun was not immediately known. (Matt Farrand)
CSIU, accounting firm looked for lost funds
MONTANDON -- The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit spent $28,000 on an internal investigation into losses of $80,000 at a unit that helps teachers maintain their certification. The Press-Enterprise quotes former CSIU board member Charles Porter, who claims the probe was covered up to maintain the image of the board at the public level.
A Williamsport accounting firm was also called to assist in the investigation of transactions that went back to 2005. It found that an employee who has since quit was not recording credit card and check receipts. The report says about $50,000 has been recovered, but the remainder is unaccounted for. (Matt Farrand)
Crash near construction zone injures two
KRATZERVILLE -- Three vehicles were involved in a Saturday night crash that injured two Winfield teens. State troopers say the male driver and female passenger were driving along Penns Drive near the Kratzerville Bridge and collided with a vehicle that was parked while a tire was being changed. The parked vehicle hit a third vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Tiffany Sechrist of Selinsgrove, who was parked and helping at the scene. She was not injured, but the teens from Winfield sustained what were described as major injuries. Their car left the roadway, rolled and came to rest against a tree.
Snyder County Communications reports roads around the Kratzerville Bridge in Monroe Township were closed into Sunday morning, after the 10:30 p.m. crash. The bridge and the area around it are under construction, and most traffic is subject to a detour. Kratzerville, Selinsgrove and Hummels Wharf fire personnel responded, as did ambulance crews from Hummels Wharf and Selinsgrove. Citations against all three divers are pending. (Matt Farrand)
Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond resumes on Roundtable
SUNBURY – Newsradio 1070 WKOK’s award winning news series Boroughs to the Bay and Beyond continues this summer with a new series of interviews and some new issues. New is a project that has turned out to be a big success—it is the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance’s acid rain remediation project in Union County.
The project was finished last year and it is working—it is lowering the acidic P-H. Dave Pearson is the current president of the alliance and he says he hopes other people get involved in their activities. He says volunteers can do like he is doing; working streamside, measuring P-H, water flow, turbidity etc.
He says anyone can be taught to help with their monitoring project. Pearson, along with five other guests on are on our Roundtable this weekend talking about the local issues facing the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, as well as global environmental problems.
You can hear Roundtable Sunday on: Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m., 100.9 (100.9FM), The Valley, at 6a.m., Newsradio 1070 WKOK (1070AM) at 9a.m., Talkradio 1380 WMLP (1380AM), 11a.m., 94KX WQKX (94.1FM) at 11p.m., anytime, at www.wkok.com
Former Evan doc supports improved testing for breast cancer
SUNBURY – Treatment and survival for the one-in-eight women who get breast cancer depends on accurate testing. New test guidelines have been issued by two medical societies, and endorsed by the former chief of pathology at Evangelical Community Hospital.
Dr. Arthur McTighe is now affiliated with a Baltimore area hospital and says figuring out the exact type of cancer can determine the most appropriate course of treatment. He says the estrogen receptor pathways of some cancers are more receptive to hormone treatment such as Tamoxifen than others.
Thus, Dr. McTighe believes survival and test results are directly related. He is also a member of the College of American Pathologists. The guidelines are in the current editions of medical journals published by the CAP and American Society of Clinical Oncology. (Matt Farrand)
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
WAKEFIELD, Va. (AP) - State police have identified the pilot of a homebuilt aircraft who died in a crash in southeastern Virginia. Sgt. Michelle Cotton says 80-year-old Herbert Rutter of Hollidaysburg, Penn., died Friday afternoon while trying to land at Wakefield Municipal Airport. Police identified the aircraft as a Long-EZ, a fuel-efficient, long-range plane. Rutter was the only one in the plane.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Thirsty for new sources of cash, health-conscious lawmakers in cities and states across the country are reaching for the refrigerator, proposing taxes on sports drinks, teas and soda. Politicians say the taxes will help curb rates of obesity and diabetes and can pay for health programs. But retailers and the beverage industry say the taxes are unpopular, unfair and simply won't work. Last year, federal lawmakers dropped a proposal to use a penny per ounce drink tax - an extra $1.44 for a 12-pack of soda - to help pay for health care reform legislation. In the year since, however, lawmakers in more than a dozen states and a handful of cities have become the new cola crusaders, proposing similar taxes either to plug budget gaps or fund new programs. Next week, the issue may be back in Washington. The city's governing body, the District of Columbia Council, is mulling extending the city's 6 percent sales tax to sodas and other sugary drinks, which are currently exempt, as part of budget negotiations. The Philadelphia City Council last week rejected Mayor Michael Nutter's plan for a new tax on sugary beverages to help fill a budget gap.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - If Pennsylvania's Democratic voters are to be believed, the anti-incumbent wave supposedly sweeping the country didn't doom U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter in last week's Democratic primary. Neither did the lousy economy, a dim view of Washington's polarized partisan politics or even the rain that drenched Pennsylvania's primary day voters. Voters interviewed by The Associated Press say campaign missteps, long voter memories and Specter's inability to change minds over his party switch should take the blame for his loss. Specter, a fixture in American politics for decades, couldn't shake the perception among Pennsylvania's Democratic voters that he was a Republican at heart and that he switched his party registration last year for his own political gain. Sestak won, 54 percent to 46 percent, and will face Republican Pat Toomey in the Nov. 2 general election.
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:
BP to continue using dispersant on spill
COVINGTON, La. (AP) - BP PLC says it's going to stick with the main chemical dispersant it's been using to fight the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, despite directions from the Environmental Protection Agency to use a less toxic agent. BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles says the chemical dispersant, called Corexit 9500, remains "the best option for subsea application." He says that tests show Corexit was among the most effective agents at dispersing the oil. And he said Corexit was the only dispersant available immediately and at great enough quantities to be used on the spill. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, members of Congress and environmental groups have raised questions about the dispersants, which are being shot into the oil plume thousands of feet beneath the sea. The EPA didn't immediately respond to e-mails seeking further comment Saturday.
Clinton headed to Beijing for economic talks
SHANGHAI (AP) - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is heading to Beijing for high-level economic and strategic talks with Chinese leaders that will be dominated by efforts to win China's support to punish North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship. Clinton, who will co-chair the talks with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, said Sunday that she would also be pushing the Chinese for a "more balanced economic relationship" with the U.S. Clinton spoke before flying to Beijing from Shanghai where she visited the U.S. and Chinese pavilions at the World Expo and stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries in solving world crises.
4 plans compete to provide LA-Vegas train service
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Competition to provide passenger train service between Southern California and Las Vegas is heating up, even though the last effort was derailed by a lack of customers. For years, backers of a proposed magnetically levitating train running from Disneyland to Las Vegas have traded barbs with a rival that would take tourists from the California desert town of Victorville to the Strip on a high-speed train dubbed DesertXpress. Recently, two new companies have proposed party trains running on existing track. But they're fighting over who came up with the idea first. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, economics professor Mary Riddel says there's demand for another form of transportation because of congestion in airline and highway travel.
Pennsylvania Lottery
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Saturday:
Big 4
9-0-0-4
Cash 5
06-24-29-32-38
Estimated jackpot: $225,000
Daily Number
4-6-7
Evening Quinto
8-7-7-8-4
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $64 million
Midday Big 4
2-8-9-7
Midday Number
9-4-1
Midday Quinto
0-1-7-3-0
Powerball
19-20-40-47-57, Powerball: 29, Power Play: 2
Estimated jackpot: $170 million
Treasure Hunt
10-17-21-22-30
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Drew Carey to share ideas with Cleveland council
CLEVELAND (AP) - Comedian Drew Carey plans to visit his hometown of Cleveland to discuss with City Council members his ideas to help revitalize the city. "The Price is Right" host is expected to meet with council members Thursday after accepting an invitation from Council President Martin Sweeney. Last month, Carey argued for less government, more competition, less taxes and changes to schools in 10-minute segments about Cleveland on the website reason.tv. The site is affiliated with the Reason Foundation, a libertarian-leaning organization for which Carey is a board member. In inviting Carey, Sweeney wrote "Clevelanders sometimes bristle at criticism from outsiders, but you are one of us ... as one of our Favorite Sons, your thoughts and ideas are most welcome."
Sept. 11 statue in Md. fails to sell on eBay
EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP) - A 40-foot bronze statue in Maryland dedicated to the heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks has failed to sell on eBay. A court-appointed receiver tried to sell the sculpture of New York City firefighters to recoup money for victims of an alleged Ponzi scheme. But the 10-day auction ended Saturday with no bids. The buyer's name would have been inscribed on a bronze plaque, but the statue would have stayed in Maryland. The auction sought at least $500,000. Federal authorities have said the sculpture was financed through investor fraud. The statue was commissioned by Coadum Advisors Inc. and donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Emmitsburg. The court took control of the statue after Coadum was accused of bilking investors.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)