Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Snyder County man graduates from U.S. Air Force Academy

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – A Penns Creek man, who graduated high school at the Penn View Bible Institute, has graduated from one of the most selective colleges in the nation.  Lt. Andrew Walter received his diploma Wednesday as part of the 50^th graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Walter’s father, Reverend Al Walter, talked with WKOK while he waited for the ceremony to begin in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He says it was an honor for Andrew to be chosen for such a selective program.

About 1,400 cadets are let into the academy each year, and one of the requirements for admission involves a nomination by a U.S. Senator or Representative.  Walter says his son will return to Snyder County for two months after graduation before heading off to Columbus, Mississippi where he will enter pilot training for the Air Force. 

President Bush was the graduation speaker, where he told the class of 2008 that the nation is “learning as we go” in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the country must not “lose its nerve and defeat ourselves.”  The ceremony concluded with the Thunderbirds flying over Falcon Stadium, as the graduating class threw their hats in the air. (Sara Bartlett)

Argument over gasoline promotion leads to charges

SUNBURY – A Northumberland man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly causing a disturbance in Sunbury.  Police were called to Weis Markets where they found 39-year-old Scott Yucha causing a disturbance, reportedly over a gas reward promotion.  Yucha reportedly attempted to break the rules of the contest and refused to leave when asked to by employees.  He also failed to follow directions of officers.  Yucha was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing.  Charges were filed before District Justice Carl Rice. (Sara Bartlett)  

Kelly Township concession stand broken into

LEWISBURG – Police are searching for someone who damaged the Mountain View Midget Baseball Association’s concession stand in Kelly Township, Union County.  Sometime between Saturday and Monday police say an unknown person pried open a shed that sits on the Kelly Township baseball fields along Zeigler Road.  Damage is estimated at $50.00 and anyone with information is asked to call Milton State Police. (Sara Bartlett)   

Scrap metal thefts becoming more prominent in our area

UNDATED – Thefts of scrap metal have increased in our area and throughout the state recently. Sue Mensch is the owner of Mensch Recycling in Sunbury and says people looking to make a few bucks look to steal metals like aluminum, copper, brass, steel and tin, as their prices continue to rise.  Mensch says most of the sellers they see daily are legitimate, but they make sure to get background information on the sellers, including a name and phone number.

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would require scrap metal dealers to conduct more in depth ID tests.  Representative Merle Phillips says this would help both the dealer and law enforcement officials.  The state House passed the legislation in February that requires the ID checks for all scrap metal worth more than $100.  The Senate committee is expected to vote on the bill next month. (Sara Bartlett)

Break-in and theft near Danville

DANVILLE – The investigation continues into a burglary in Derry Township, Montour County.  Police say sometime between Monday and Tuesday an unknown suspect broke into a home along Cameltown Hill Road.  They allegedly stole the homeowner’s purse, which contained money and several credit cards.  Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call Milton State Police. (Sara Bartlett)   

Bucknell SBDC hosts energy expert, offers advice

LEWISBURG – Energy issues top the list of challenges faced by local small business these days.  Pete Roberts is the Director of the Energy Management Institute for “ETAC” and says it’s time for business to pay attention, because higher costs are ahead.  Roberts chaired a workshop Wednesday and is encouraging local small business to get ready for the removal of electric rate caps in 2010.  He notes that solutions for service industries are much different than for manufacturing.

No injuries in a Milton fire

MILTON – Milton and Warrior Run volunteer fire companies were called to a fire that heavily damaged half of a double home in Milton last evening. Milton fire officials tell us, Douglas Wertz of Watsontown owns the home at 583 Mahoning Street. The fire was reported around 7p.m.

The fire started on the second floor, on the side rented by Dora Gonzalez. That part of the house was the most affected with smoke and water damage on the first floor. A total of five people are displaced by the blaze, there were no injuries. Authorities said children playing with a lighter might

The number of Shad in the Susquehanna River, still very low…

CONOWINGO, Md. (AP) - Researchers are reporting a significant drop in the number of shad migrating up the Susquehanna River. The number counted at the Conowingo Dam has fallen more than 90 percent in seven years. This part of Central Pennsylvania typically has very low shad numbers.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission says the numbers are down all along the East Coast. The numbers have fallen since authorities stepped in to protect a leading predator, the striped bass. But pollution and excessive fishing also considered factors in the shad's decline.

The commission is planning public hearings on whether more restrictions should be imposed on catching American shad. Fishing for shad is banned in Maryland and in some Pennsylvania waters, but not in several nearby states.

Council forms building committee to further research borough building options

MIFFLINBURG— Members of borough council in Mifflinburg have set up a building committee to help in the decision to renovate or replace the historic borough building in the downtown. Council President, Beverly Hackenburg, says the committee includes herself along with fire others.

The committee consists of the Chair of Finance – Mike Snook, Property Committee co-chairs – Donald Bottiger and Gloria Graham, and Mayor – Dave Gutelius. The committee will further evaluate the four options for the building, narrowed down by council. They will also continue to research the costs of each option.

Council members also voted to rescind a motion made in February to renovate the building, allowing a clean slate for decisions to be made. Council member, Ryan Stahl says this decision doesn’t take the option for renovations off the table, but allows council to look at all options without interference from prior decisions. Member, Bob Brouse, voted against the move to rescind.

But, although no final decisions have been made, council members did agree to move forward with plans for stabilization of the building, in order to eliminate any safety concerns. Meetings with the new building committee will be open to the public and dates will be announced at each borough council meeting. (Sara Lauver)

Local outlook on the economy

SELINSGROVE – The 16-year low in consumer confidence reported Tuesday by the Conference Board is mostly based in the cost of food, and gasoline prices at record highs. That’s according to local businessperson Ben Reichley.

He says the highs and lows of commodity markets impact people as few others do, and speculation by traders is partly to blame. Reichley notes a weak US dollar and strong “Euro” are also partly to blame for high commodity prices.

The Conference Board’s Index of Consumer Confidence fell for the fifth straight month, to a level not seen since October of 1992. However, Reichley says real estate prices are remaining stable in the Central Susquehanna region, unlike other parts of the country. Reichley also expects a rebound in the cabinet manufacturing and modular home industries after a slowdown. (Matt Farrand)

911 employees bring up issues with EMA search committee in Snyder County

MIDDLEBURG – Employees of the 911 Center in Snyder County came to county Commissioners Tuesday with concerns about the recent search committee created to find a new EMA Director. Commissioner Joe Kantz says the employees came with issues about who is in the search committee and what duties they will have. The committee has no direct 911 experience.

Kantz says many of the concerns voiced were taken care of, and much of the information was a result of miscommunication. Kantz says the Commissioners assured the employees that the committee will not choose who the new EMA Director will be, they will only assist in the search.

Kantz says given the problems they had with the previous EMA Director, they felt having increased public support and scrutiny is justified for the search. The committee, which was picked last month, includes members of fire and police departments in Snyder County, as well as officials from Susquehanna University. Commissioners say the search for a new EMA Director will take a few months. (Sara Bartlett)

ATV riding looks dangerous after four injuries and a fatality

SELINSGROVE – A Halifax woman was killed, two residents from New Jersey were injured and two residents from Shamokin were injured in ATV crashes this weekend in the Coal Region of Northumberland County. Jim Keister is owner of Extreme Power Sports in Selinsgrove and says ATV riding can be a fun and safe recreational outlet, but you need to know the terrain you are traveling on.

He recommends riding with someone who knows the trails well. Keister says the Coal Region can be very treacherous terrain with mines, large rocks and steep embankments, so those who are familiar with the area are better off driving on the trails.

Keister says riding an ATV is like riding a car…it’s only as safe as the operator. If the operator doesn’t know what they are doing or where they are going, that’s not the fault of the machine. He says safety courses are offered, helmets are advisable and protective clothing is a good idea. (Ali Stevens)

Wanted: Union County Photographers

LEWISBURG – Union County is looking for photographers of all ages and skill levels. The county planning commission is holding a photography contest in connection with the Cultivating Community initiative. Community Planner, John DelVecchio, says they are looking for images that reflect what a photographer defines as “My Union County.”

The photos can be of familiar landmarks and events, or something that may not be as known in the county. DelVecchio says the photos will also be used when the Cultivating Community project is complete. They will put them in the final documents of the plan.

The photos will be for visual representation of what the residents think is important. The contest is open until October and the top five photos will receive $50. For entry forms, photo ideas and details log on to www.cultivatingcommunity.net. (Sara Bartlett)

Police are looking for an intruder, who broke into a home near Danville

DANVILLE – Police in Mahoning Township are looking for a man who broke into a home overnight. Officers say the intruder entered a house in the 900 block of Bloom Road just after 3:30 this morning. The suspect tried to assault the owner according to police.

The homeowner fought him off however and now police are seeking that suspect. He's a white male, about 5'5 to 5'8 feet tall and weighs between 180 and 200 pounds. Anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual in that area this morning is asked to contact Mahoning Township police at 275-5611. (Deanna Force)

Vehicle stop on Rt. 11/15 leads to drug arrests

UNION TWP – Four people from Rochester, New York were arrested Monday night after a traffic stop on Rt. 11/15 in Union Township, Snyder County. State Police at Selinsgrove say 39-year-old Alex Murphy was stopped for speeding around 7:30p.m.

Police suspected drugs in the car, which was also carrying three other passengers. After a search, police found marijuana in the vehicle. The car was impounded where another search was made and 10 more bags of the drug were found, along with over $2,500 in cash. All four will be charged in the upcoming days. (Sara Bartlett)

Courthouse to offer access to law library, possibly online

MIDDLEBURG – Each courthouse in the state is required to offer access to a law library. However, Snyder County’s currently does not. Commissioner Joe Kantz says a prior administration got rid of the county’s collection of law books. Commissioners are now considering an online law library, using a terminal and access to an advanced website.

There is a system already in use by a number of court employees, which could be adapted for use by the public. It would cost as much as $16,000 annually, but feature firewalls to ensure privacy. The terminal could be installed later this year. (Christian Cochrane)

Rivertown Race Series underway

UNDATED – The Rivertowns Race Series is underway in our area and there’s plenty more races to come. Director of the Series, Dave Decoteau, says almost every weekend this summer you can find a race including a 5K run, bike races, sprints and even a 2-day race.

This Saturday will be the first Rivertowns Marathon, which will run through Danville, Bloomsburg and Catawissa. Decoteau says anyone can sign up for the 26.2-mile marathon this week and they are also reserving a few spots for day-of signups. There is also a half-marathon available and the race is a fundraiser for the Montour Area Recreation Commission.

To register and to see the racecourse go online to www.rivertownrace.com. There you can also see the schedule of all 18 races, which take place through November. Decoteau says the races bring in tourists and runners to the area and are also exciting for those who live in the Central Susquehanna Valley. Decoteau was a guest on On The Mark Tuesday. You can download the entire program online at wkok.com. (Sara Bartlett)

Placing flags and plaques on veterans’ graves in Union County

LEWISBURG – A volunteer group in Union County is making sure that all of the county’s deceased veterans’ graves are marked with plaques and flags. They are also making sure the gravestones are in good shape and if not, they repair them. Volunteers have put in numerous hours combing the cemeteries to make sure all veterans are remembered.

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Veterans Affairs, JD Kerstetter, says they strive to put the adornments on each of the veterans’ graves that served during the time of war. A new bill that will be signed by the Governor may also require a flag on graves of veterans who also served during peacetime. During the Union County Commissioner’s meeting Tuesday, the group was thanked for all of their hard work.

Kerstetter says over 1,800 veterans are dying nationally each day in 2008. He says they have put over 3,300 flags on the graves, including four confederate veterans’ graves within the county, since the beginning of the year. (Peter Meloni)

Celebration Weekend 2008 to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network

DANVILLE – This weekend in Danville is Celebration Weekend 2008 to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, supporting the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger and to celebrate, plenty of activities are planned, including the annual telethon on WYOU TV. The broadcast begins on Saturday night and continues through Sunday evening. Also on Saturday is an outdoor run and walk.

Bonnie Tharp of CMN says they will host their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday morning from 7 to 11 and then it’s time for the 23rd annual Motorcycle Miracle Tour, which starts at Geisinger and finishes at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. Following the tour, there will be food, demonstrations and live entertainment.

Also on Sunday is the celebrity auction at 12:30 and Miracle Fest 2008 for kids from 10 to 4, which is a free event featuring numerous fun kids activities and live entertainment. All proceeds from all the events go to the grand total raised during the telethon weekend to support children treated at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. (Ali Stevens)

Keynote speech includes names of local casualties

SUNBURY – Memorial Day ceremonies at Cameron Park in Sunbury served to remember the most recent military casualties from the area. Keynote speaker Merle Phillips read the names of local servicemen killed in the War on Terror. They include Army Captain Robert Scheetz, who Phillips knew as a youngster. Phillips notes he was a friend to the family and remembers both the day of Scheetz’s birth and when he enlisted in the service.

Scheetz was a 1990 graduate of Shamokin High School, and was killed in a roadside bomb blast in Iraq, May 30th, 2004. Other local casualties include Army Specialist Zachariah Long of Milton, Specialist Matthew Sandri of Shamokin, Sargeant Dale Lloyd of Watsontown, Sargeant Brett Swank of Northumberland and PFC Justin Dreese of Freeburg. (Matt Farrand)

Illegal immigrants captured in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL – Six illegal immigrants were taken into custody in Mount Carmel on Sunday. Police pulled over a pick-up truck around 10 p.m. on Route 54 after the truck was seen exiting private property. The driver of the truck and five passengers were determined to be in the country illegally from Costa Rica. All six were taken into federal custody pending a deportation hearing. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The chairman of the Senate State Government Committee is seeking a ban on gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and other state officials.  But Sen. Jeffrey Piccola acknowledges such a ban - or even just making the reporting requirement more stringent - will be a hard sell to his fellow members of the General Assembly.  The Dauphin County Republican presided over a hearing Wednesday to get input on legislation he's writing to crack down on the sometimes cozy relationship between legislators and lawmakers.  Lobbyists doled out about $914,000 on gifts and hospitality for state officials over the first half of 2007, according to an Associated Press analysis.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Texas-based company is hoping to expand its natural gas distribution system by adding 33 miles of pipeline in south-central Pennsylvania by 2010.  Spectra Energy proposes building an underground pipeline from Marietta, in Lancaster County, to a compressor station owned by Transco in Peach Bottom Township, York County.  It's part of a $500 million plan to bring nearly 400 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Rocky Mountains to Ohio to central Pennsylvania.  Spectra Vice President Bill Yardley says the company is exploring routes to try to find the least invasive. Yardley says some 270 landowners could be affected in York and Lancaster counties.  Yardley says Spectra will seek permission to survey those properties.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - There's a shake-up in Luzerne County's juvenile court.  President Judge Mark Ciavarella will no longer preside over juvenile cases. He faced intense criticism recently, including claims that he failed to tell juveniles they had the right to a lawyer.  Luzerne County Judge David Lupas will take over juvenile court matters starting Wednesday.  The Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based advocacy group, asked the state Supreme Court to intervene last month. In a rare move, the state Department of Public Welfare joined in that effort.  Ciavarella told The Associated Press earlier this month that the juveniles and their families are advised several times in the process of their right to a lawyer. He said he cannot force families to hire counsel.

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

Daily Number  7-3-9

Big 4 3-7-1-4

Treasure Hunt 2-12-13-15-20

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