Thursday, May 29, 2008

United Way focusing on underlying issues in the community

SUNBURY – An initiative by the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way will focus on solving some of the underlying issues throughout the community, in addition to funding member agencies.  President and CEO, Keri Albright, says “Priorities For Impact” is an effort to stop the cycle of issues such as abuse, lack of public transportation and drug and alcohol use among all age groups.  Albright says the work of member agencies is important and relieves immediate symptoms of the problems, but she says a separate stream of money is going to be dedicated to the long-term needs of the community.  Albright says the needs and the request for money increases by the United Way member agencies everyday.  She says the problems are not going away and the underlying problems of the issues on a day-to-day basis are not decreasing. 

Albright says any person or group who may be interested in working on these “Priorities For Impact” can contact the United Way office.  Applications are due by July 8^th and a meeting is being held July 16^th from 7 to 8p.m. at Tedd’s on the hill.  (Sara Lauver)

Dinosaur Skeleton in Sunbury Barn

SUNBURY – Dairy barns in Pennsylvania are a common sight but usually they house livestock or hay, not a fully assembled skeleton of a prehistoric dinosaur. In the barn of Barry and April James of Sunbury, though, that’s just what you will find.  The 85% real bone skeleton of the Apatasaurus, more commonly known as a Brontosaurus, is so long that it sticks out of the front of the barn.  Barry James who, along with his wife, owns Prehistoric Journeys has prepared 155 skeletons of dinosaurs and extinct mammals for numerous museums, national parks, entertainment and culture centers, movie studios and major corporations.

The couple welcomed the public into their barn Thursday afternoon along with Representative Merle Phillips who will issue a proclamation to the House next week recognizing the efforts of the many community members involved in the process of moving, building and creating this dinosaur.

The ten thousand pound, 76 foot long skeleton will be crated and shipped to Europe in the coming weeks.  (Tiffany Raker-Brosious)

Charges filed against two people accused of beating a 7-year-old boy

SUNBURY – Two people from Sunbury have been charged with beating a 7-year-old boy.  Police say 41-year-old Christopher McLaurin and 35-year-old Tara Lehman have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and McLaurin was charged with simple assault.  McLaurin is accused of beating the boy with a belt an apartment on Market Street and Lehman reportedly witnessed the beating and did nothing to stop it.  Police say the boy had multiple bruises on his legs.  Charges were filed with District Justice Carl Rice.  (Ali Stevens)

Bucknell University celebrates reunion weekend

LEWISBURG – It’s reunion weekend at Bucknell University this weekend with thousands of alumni expected to return to campus.  Kristen Stetler is Associate Director of Alumni Marketing and Communications at Bucknell and says about 2,000 people coming to Lewisburg has quite an impact on the area.  She says all of the hotels are filled and many of the stores will see an increase of foot traffic.  Stetler adds that along the Route 15 corridor, many businesses will have welcome signs posted for the alumni and their families. 

From today through Sunday, plenty of activities are planned including class dinners, slide shows, trivia contests, an alumni golf tournament on Friday, a tour of the environmental center, a presentation on the campus master plan, athletic events and a Reunion Rally, where awards will be presented to outstanding alumni.  Saturday evening is a large tent party with fireworks that night.  (Ali Stevens)

Lewisburg magazine publisher honored

LEWISBURG – A local publisher has been honored with a business award.  Founder and Publisher of Susquehanna Life and Susquehanna Business Life magazines, Erica Shames, was named one of Pennsylvania’s Best Women in Business in 2008.  Governor Ed Rendell announced the award, which honors 50 women in the state based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement and advocacy for women in business.  All of the recipients were honored at a reception in Harrisburg and got a tour of the Governor’s mansion.

Susquehanna Life magazine recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary, while the Business Life magazine was introduced earlier this month. (Sara Bartlett)    

Group looks to bring more people to Shikellamy State Park

SUNBURY – This is the second year a volunteer group is working to promote the summer activities in Shikellamy State Park.  The Friends of the Shikellamy State Park are holding more events to make people aware of the underused park. Co-Chair Julie Marano and PR Committee Rep, Stuart Shrawder were on Leaders & Lawmakers Thursday morning talking about the effort to get more people to come to the park.

The first Sunday brunch of the season will be held this weekend at the park from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.  A jazz and blues ensemble will be featured and Emma’s Food for Life of Selinsgrove will provide the brunch.  Other June events include wine and cheese tasting, yoga, drum circles and storytelling.  For a list of the events, to join the group or to donate you can visit their website at www.friendsofshikellamystatepark.org. (Sara Bartlett) 

Controller Chuck Erdman and Commissioner Vinny Clausi: “a difference in style”

SUNBURY – At a recent Northumberland County public meeting, Commissioner Vinny Clausi and Controller Chuck Erdman were heard arguing strongly over proposed cuts at Mountain View Manor.  However, Erdman says the two of them were arguing for the benefit of the people of Northumberland County because they both want what’s best for the taxpayers.  He says they just have a different approach and style, but get along just fine. 

Erdman was a guest on WKOK’s Leaders and Lawmakers program and talked about how he has also made cuts to his own department, with three positions cut in the past 10 years.

Erdman adds that he also didn’t fill a position when starting on the job more than 10 years ago in an effort to cut costs and make his department work more efficiently.  You can hear all his comments online here.  (Ali Stevens)

Cracking down on abandoned vehicles in Shamokin

SHAMOKIN – Police are cracking down on abandoned vehicles in Shamokin.  The News Item reports there have been 120 tow stickers placed on vehicles since the beginning of the year.  Most are for expired registration or inspection stickers or are inoperable. Police say after placing the tow stickers on the vehicles, more than 100 of them were moved without a citation needed.  The remaining vehicles were cited and towed.  This is part of a clean up initiative by the city of Shamokin. Residents are encouraged to report abandoned vehicles to police.  (Ali Stevens)

Toys for Tots Golf Classic brings in big money for kids

HUMMELS WHARF – Over $40,000 was raised for children during the annual Toys for Tots Golf Classic held last week at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club.  Golf Tournament Chairman of the Marine Corp League, Rachael Rice, presented Representative Merle Phillips with the check of $41,222.  All of the money raised benefits the approximately 4,500 needy children in the surrounding five counties in our area.  Last year, the Marine Corp League provided over 27,000 gifts for children through the golf tournament. (Sara Bartlett)

Several DUI arrests during the holiday weekend
 

A Point Township crash injured several people

NORTHUMBERLAND – There were several injuries and some very long traffic lines after an accident near Northumberland Wednesday. The crash around 3:45p.m. happened on Route 11 in Point Township, about a half-mile north of Northumberland.

Police say 72-year-old Lloyd Lenker of Millersburg pulled from a parking lot and drove in front of the car of 28-year-old Kimberly Burkholder of Millerstown. Lenker and a passenger, 72-year-old Marie Lenker were taken to Geisinger, as were 53-year-old Erma Graybill and 14-year-old Jalil Brown of McAlisterville. All were treated and released.

Burkholder and her two children, ages 1 and 3 were not injured. Northumberland police and fire department and the Point Township fire department assisted Point Township police at the scene. All of the vehicles involved had to be towed from the scene.

Five years in prison for convicted Beavertown bank robber

WILLIAMSPORT – A Lewistown man convicted of robbing the Susquehanna Bank branch in Beavertown is getting the maximum. 34-year-old Kenneth Harpster is to spend five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Prosecutors had sought a 41-month term, however US Middle District Senior Judge Malcolm Muir rejected it on Tuesday. Harpster and Shawn Shimp of Lewistown took more than $5,400 from the branch in November of 2005. A pistol and a sawed off shotgun were reportedly displayed during the robbery. Harpster surrendered voluntarily nearly three weeks ago. (Matt Farrand)

Bucknell SBDC host’s 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.

The Energy Management Workshop at Bucknell University also outlined the value of energy assessments, and how to apply for grants to help fund projects that will make a business more energy efficient. The workshop was co-sponsored by “ETAC,” the Electrotechnology Applications Center of Bethlehem and the Small Business Development Center based at Bucknell. (Matt Farrand)

The new precious metals: Scrap metal thefts becoming more common

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)

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 50th 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.

The President 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)

Local concert band plays for holiday gathering

SUNBURY – The familiar Colonel Bogey March is just one of the tunes performed by the Sunbury City Band at Memorial Day ceremonies this year at Cameron Park. Band Director Kevin Styer says the turnout was good thanks in part to the weather, and that new members are always needed.

Styer says free time is also needed for rehearsals and performances, but it is time well spent. He notes that joining the band is a handy way to revive your interest in music, whether you play brass, woodwinds or percussion.

Styer notes that the ideal new member played a musical instrument in high school, as the band cannot provide instruction for true beginners. The Sunbury City Band has other performances lined up for the summer and concerts planned for later in the year during the holiday season. (Matt Farrand)

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)

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)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The executive director of the board that regulates slot machine gambling in Pennsylvania says she's stepping down for personal and family reasons.  Anne LaCour Neeb made the announcement Thursday during a meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in Harrisburg.  Neeb is a New Orleans native who was hired as the agency's first executive director in July 2005. Her salary is $180,000 a year.  She was previously executive director of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - A former state trooper charged with raping an acquaintance in Clinton County was sentenced to 10 years probation after pleading guilty to lesser charges including simple assault.  The court administrator's office says 40-year-old Richard Keener of Bellefonte also pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint, indecent assault and disorderly conduct. He must pay a $1,000 fine.  The plea allowed Keener to avoid a trial which would have started Thursday.  Keener was a trooper when he was charged last year with rape and sexual assault for an encounter with the woman in May 2006.  Keener in court apologized to the woman. He said he has filed for bankruptcy and has lost his job.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Military officials have broken ground for a Guided Missile Maintenance Facility at the Letterkenny Army Depot near Chambersburg.  The building will house the depot's missile certification and repair capability for Patriot PAC 2 and HAWK missiles.  Franklin County Commissioner Bob Thomas says the facility will mean 100 new jobs, with 50 percent of them coming from Texas.  Col. Steven Shapiro says the facility will go a long way toward solidifying Letterkenny's position as the depot of choice for missile maintenance and storage.  Officials say construction will begin this spring with a completion date set for the fall of 2009.  Also Wednesday, a new Training and Education Center was dedicated that will allow students to take college courses through Wilson College.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Lawsuits that allege price fixing among chocolate manufacturers have been consolidated in Harrisburg federal court, 12 miles from the headquarters of The Hershey Co.  A U.S. district judge plans to begin the process of sorting out how to handle the multiple lawsuits during a case management hearing on Thursday.  Cases filed throughout the country were consolidated in Harrisburg last month through an administrative order.  The defendants are Hershey, Mars Inc., Nestle SA, and Cadbury Schweppes PLC.  Investigations into price-fixing allegations in the chocolate industry have been launched by U.S., Canadian and European authorities.

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

 Daily Number

     4-8-3

 Big 4

     9-3-9-4

 Treasure Hunt

     1-2-9-19-23