Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Powerful storms knock down utility lines, trees
UNDATED – The first of at least three lines of powerful thunderstorm hit the valley at about 4:45 p.m., moving quickly through Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam and Sunbury, then to the northeast. Other well-organized storms came through starting at about 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., hitting Snyder County and moving through eastern Union County and northern Northumberland. A third, less powerful line came through later
But police, fire and utilities crews were kept busy due to power lines downed by the storms and some fires reported due to lightning strikes. Scores of PPL Electric customers lost power early in the evening, notably in Northumberland Borough, and their communications center was said to be swamped. Some Citizen Electric customers in Union County also lost power for a time.
Downed trees also proved to be a problem in Danville, as one nearly took out a parked car at Bloom and “A” Streets near Memorial Park. AccuWeather says today’s condition should be more pleasant as the storms at least took some of that oppressive humidity out of the air. (Matt Farrand)
Early start to project snarls traffic in Sunbury, Norry
UPPER AUGUSTA TWP – Traffic around and between the City of Sunbury and Borough of Northumberland is slow because of normal midday volume and a road project on Packer’s Island. Turns out, contractor HRI Inc. started the project a day earlier than expected. PennDOT spokesman Rick Mason says it’s not uncommon for a contractor to start early as schedules can change for a number of reasons. Mason is offering apologies to the driving public and hops the early start means an early finish.
Observers tell us traffic from the project on the island was not being diverted onto neighborhood roads. Northbound Route 147 was reportedly backed up from the island into the city itself, on Front Street and others nearby. There was also heavy traffic reported on Route 11 northbound from near the intersection with Route 15 to the Borough of Northumberland. (Matt Farrand)
Five jurors seated to hear Curran homicide
SUNBURY – A jury to hear the homicide case against 34-year-old Richard Curran is still being selected. Five jurors are on the panel, after proceedings began Monday in Northumberland County Court. Curran is accused of shooting and killing his estranged wife in the parking lot of Shamokin Hospital on August 24th, 2005. He was picked up that night attempting to cross into Canada from Niagara Falls, NY.
Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini says he will seek the death penalty if the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder. Richard Curran was a part time police chief in Berks County at the time; Tina Curran was employed at the hospital were the shooting allegedly took place. Testimony is scheduled to begin June 16th. (Matt Farrand)
Illegal alien captured in Northumberland County
MILTON – An illegal alien living in Connecticut for the past four years was captured in Northumberland County on Sunday morning. State police say 23-year-old Victor Romano got a flat tire while driving on the westbound side of Interstate 80 in Turbot Township. He was pulled off on the side of the road and when police approached him, he was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Troopers took Romano to Evangelical Community Hospital. They determined that he was in the country illegally, under the influence, and driving without a license or a vehicle registration. Charges were filed in Milton and deportation proceedings are underway. (Ali Stevens)
Trial date for alleged arsonist to be set
DANVILLE – 52-year-old Chester Cyphers is in the Montour County Jail, and will be tried for allegedly setting nearly a dozen fires in three area counties. The Whitehall man waived charges of arson, aggravated assault, and others onto Montour County Court Monday. A trial date will be scheduled. Cyphers was arrested in April after a month-long investigation. A Turbotville firefighter was paralyzed responding to one of the fires.
Wayne Hawley was struck by part of a barn in Anthony Township and is now home after several months of rehabilitation. (Matt Farrand)
Part of a building collapsed in Mt. Carmel last evening
MT. CARMEL – A building condemned in the early 1990’s, partially collapsed last evening in Mt. Carmel. The building at 5th and Oak Streets was the scene of a fire more than a decade ago and was not in use. A portion of the rear of the building collapsed. That led to the temporary closure of South Oak Street and a business on that street.
The 7:15a.m. incident did not result in injuries. The Mt. Carmel fire department responded. A code officer is expected to examine the remaining portion of the building today. The building has been the subject of some debate in Mt. Carmel in recent weeks, with concerns about its stability being voiced by neighbors.
One more day of hot weather, then some strong storms
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Forecasters say relief is predicted after today from the blistering temperatures of the last few days, with clouds and showers cooling most of the state before a cold front moves in. Locally, we reached 95 yesterday in Lewisburg, and 97 in Selinsgrove. The 97-degree mark in Selinsgrove broke a record set in 1933.
Northwestern counties will see high temperatures slide into the upper 70s, thanks to the rain. In the central and southeastern part of the state, temperatures are likely to hit the 90s for the fourth straight day before dropping as storms move in later. An excessive heat warning for the Philadelphia area remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight (Tuesday). Philadelphia public schools plan to close following lunch for the second straight day.
The extreme temperatures also forced some schools in Berks, Hunterdon, Northampton, Warren, Bucks and Bradford counties to dismiss students early in the afternoon. Lehigh Valley commuters caught a break when an Ozone Action Day was declared, making the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority buses free to ride.
Mayor and Police Chief working together to resolve issues
SUNBURY— Concerned residents voiced their opinions at last night’s Sunbury city council meeting, on the notion that only one police officer could be on duty at any given time. That notion came about after Sunbury’s Mayor, Jesse Woodring, made cuts in the Police Department’s overtime.
Some residents inquired about the overtime reimbursement monies that District Attorney, Tony Rosini, offered the city for the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force. But Woodring says, there have been some misunderstandings on these issues. He says there was no intention to stop that program and he thinks he can resolve the issue and the city would absorb the difference in actual costs and what they are paid.
However, Woodring says cuts in the Police Department’s overtime were necessary and he and Police Chief, Stephen Mazzeo, are working together to try to resolve the problem. He says the overtime budget has already been exceeded by almost $10,000 and it’s only halfway through the year. Woodring adds that the issue has to be addressed in a long-term manner or it’s going to get worse every year, not better.
Councilman, Mark Walberg and Police Officer, Brad Hare, also went back and forth in discussions over the lack of communication between council and police. Woodring says he thinks it was good dialogue to have and he hopes it will help with the resolution of problems in the future. (Sara Lauver)
Point Township residents allegedly harassed by NY juvenile
POINT TWP – A juvenile from New York is being accused after allegedly making death threats to several adults and children Point Township Police also claim the 15-year-old lit the stream from an aerosol can after being confronted by adults, and pointed the flames in their direction. He will appear in Northumberland Juvenile Court to face terrorist threat and harassment charges stemming from the incident last Wednesday. (Matt Farrand)
Elysburg man killed in crash on Route 61
ELYSBURG – One man was killed in a crash on Route 61 at the border with Coal Township and Kulpmont Monday morning. State police say 24-year-old Travis Hoopengardner of Elysburg swerved to miss a deer and drove across the highway, striking an embankment, a sign and a guardrail.
The vehicle went down a large embankment, throwing Hoopengardner from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene just before 5 a.m. Life Flight, Kulpmont East End Fire Company and Ambulance and Americus Hose Company assisted at the scene. (Ali Stevens)
I-80 toll opponents gather on capitol steps
HARRISBURG -- It was a big event on a hot day in Harrisburg. More than 30 legislators, advocates and business leaders gathered on the steps of the state capitol building to call for the repeal of a portion of a bill known as Act 44. It was passed nearly a year ago and calls for tolls to be imposed on users of Interstate highway 80.
Toll opponents include Watsontown Trucking President and CEO Steve Patton, who said he was appearing on behalf of his business and his employees, noting the difficulties of continuing to do business under tax and user fee conditions that would only get worse if tolls were imposed. Congressman John Peterson (R-5th, Pleasantville) also spoke.
He is a member of the US House from the 5th district, and also a former state representative who challenged its current members to repeat Act 44 by the scheduled start of summer recess at the end of June. State Representative Russ Fairchild (R-85th, Lewisburg), Merle Phillips (R-85th, Sunbury) and Union County Commissioner Preston Boop were also on hand. All are known opponents to the measure. (Matt Farrand)
Tomatoes pulled from shelves due to a reported salmonella outbreak
UNDATED – Investigators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are trying to determine the cause of a salmonella outbreak from tomatoes in 16 states, including Pennsylvania. As a precaution, some area stores are pulling tomatoes off their shelves and menus. An advisory was issued on certain raw tomatoes by the Food and Drug Administration.
Giant Food Stores have removed certain tomatoes from their produce section as a precaution, according to Tracy Pawelski. She says Roma tomatoes and certain organic tomatoes have been removed. Other types of tomatoes will remain, including ones on the salad bar. They were not part of the advisory. Anyone having tomatoes in the advisory can return them to Giant for a refund.
Some local Subway Restaurants are not putting tomatoes on their sandwiches, removing them from the veggies offered for their subs. And McDonald’s Restaurants of Lewisburg and Mifflinburg say they are not serving tomatoes on their sandwiches as a precaution. (Ali Stevens)
Over $4,000 worth of cement blocks stolen from Monroe Marketplace
MONROE TWP – State Police are looking for someone who stole thousands of dollars worth of cement blocks from the construction site of Monroe Marketplace on Routes 11/15. An unknown person or persons allegedly took over 1,000 cement blocks from a masonry contractor that was working on one of the new buildings at the site. The value of the blocks is $4,633. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police. (Sara Bartlett)
State-endangered bird found locally
NORTHUMBERLAND – Just a few decades ago there were no peregrine falcons east of the Mississippi River due to a pesticide that had wiped them out. Today though, there are 25 nests of the falcons in Pennsylvania and President of the Seven Mountains Audubon in Lewisburg, Allen Schweinsberg, is credited with finding one at Shikellamy Overlook.
Schweinsberg says there are only three pairs in Pennsylvania that have nested in their proper place. He says many nest on bridges or tall buildings, but it is best for them to be on cliff ledges.
The ban of the pesticide, DDT, with the passing of the Endangered Species Act in the early 1970’s, is a main reason for the resurgence of the peregrine falcons. Schweinsberg says it also had a positive affect on Bald Eagles. Pennsylvania’s other two known cliff nests of peregrines are located in Luzerne and Lycoming counties. (Sara Bartlett)
Priestley-Forsyth kicks off summer reading program
NORTHUMBERLAND – It’s all about bugs at the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library. They launched their summer reading program Monday with a magician. Kim King, Youth Service Coordinator and Assistant Director at the library, says they will have many speakers throughout their summer series and some creepy-crawly guests as well.
King says there are activities for all ages. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays usually include activities for elementary aged children, Wednesdays are for infants and toddlers and there are also many night programs for teens. For more information on all of the library’s summer programs, log onto www.priestleyforsyth.org. (Sara Bartlett)
Spraying for mosquitoes in Union County
WHITE DEER TWP – Spraying for mosquitoes will be done tonight in White Deer Township Union County. It will take place from 8:30 - 9:15p.m. along Judy Road and Crossroads Drive, and will be done by the Union County West Nile Virus staff. Fore more information you can call them at 966-8194. (Sara Bartlett)
Police look for MACC burglar
BEAVER SPRINGS – State Police are searching for someone who broke into the Middlecreek Area Community Center. It happened sometime overnight between June 1st and 2nd. Someone allegedly forced their way into the center and took cash from the cash register. Anyone with information is asked to call Selinsgrove State Police, and a reward will be offered for information leading to an arrest. (Sara Bartlett)
Commissioner responds to recent rumors
MIDDLEBURG – In recent weeks, rumors have been circulating about the majority commissioners in Snyder County on a number of topics. We spoke with Commissioner Chair Joe Kantz about some of the things being said. Regarding the new commissioners having a “hit-list”, Kantz says his response to that has changed since he denied having a hit list.
He now says he does have a “Hit-List” and that includes anyone who is not doing their job. Kantz says there are a lot of good people working for Snyder County, but those not doing what they are supposed to be doing, will be on the so called “Hit-List”.
Some are also saying the majority commissioners wanted minority commissioner Bud Bickhart’s cell phone records, because they believed he was talking with former EMA director, Dave Nichols and giving him information.
Nichols was fired recently, but Joe Kantz says there were no demands made for the cell phone records and that they are already reviewed regularly by Malcolm Derk. He says a resident made the original request for the phone records and they relayed that information to Bickhart. (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Some state lawmakers are trying to block a proposal to require new state graduation tests for Pennsylvania high school students. The Senate Education Committee voted 10-1 yesterday (Monday) to approve a measure that would give the Legislature the sole authority to impose any new statewide graduation requirements. Members say they want more legislative input before money is spent on exams. But Gov. Ed Rendell's administration insists that the testing program is essential to establishing uniform graduation requirements for the state's 501 school districts. A separate House bill was introduced in April to require the state to consult with the General Assembly before implementing or spending state tax dollars on new graduation tests. It is awaiting a vote by the House Education Committee. Either bill would effectively halt the State Board of Education's effort to create 10 final exams covering math, science, English and social studies. Schools could substitute local exams, but only if the tests are approved by companies that evaluate educational tests.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State House members have approved and sent to the Senate a bill to limit the use of independent contractors by Pennsylvania builders. The House voted 122 to 76 yesterday (Monday) in favor of the Construction Industry Independent Contractor Act. It includes criminal penalties for builders who intentionally misclassify employees as independent contractors. Supporters of the bill say the practice is helping builders avoid worker's compensation fees and other costs. It would establish standards for properly classifying independent contractors, including proof they're free from an employer's direction and control.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Two supermarket chains in Pennsylvania have removed several kinds of tomatoes from their shelves after a salmonella outbreak in several other states. Giant Food Stores says it removed organic and Roma tomatoes grown in areas being investigated for possible connection to the outbreak. The tomatoes are also being removed from Martin's Food Markets, also owned by Giant. Giant Eagle in the Pittsburgh area says it removed green, yellow, Roma and organic tomatoes on Sunday morning, but will continue selling cherry and grape tomatoes. The grocers all say the tomatoes were removed as a precaution. There have been no reports of anyone in Pennsylvania getting sick. Investigators with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are trying to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. In all, the outbreak is affecting 16 states.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 6-5-3
Big 4 0-1-4-4
Treasure Hunt 2-3-7-10-28
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
OBAMA DOLL
BERLIN (AP) - Barack Obama hasn't just clinched the Democratic presidential nomination -- he's also a real doll. German dollmaker Marcel Offermann is offering a 14-inch tall Obama figure, complete with black suit, a sky-blue tie and Stars & Stripes lapel pin. They go for about $220 each. Offerman says he produced a limited run of 999 Obama dolls and first 45 were sold in a matter of hours yesterday. The Obama figure joins the doll-makers roster of mini-celebs that include Princess Diana and Pope Benedict.
90-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE
DETROIT (AP) - At age 90, John Lawrence has finally gotten to wear his cap and gown. The World War II veteran has received an honorary diploma and was honored last night during Detroit Southwestern High School's commencement. He was escorted from the stage by a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Lawrence says he almost fainted when he found out the school was going to recognize him. He says he had to drop out during the Great Depression to help support his family. During the war, he served in the Pacific. Lawrence says graduating from high school after all these years is "overwhelming."
Exercise and Addiction
WASHINGTON (AP) - Studies in both humans and animals suggest that exercise may help prevent drug or alcohol addiction. The government is pumping more money into research to find out. The underlying question is whether regular physical activity spurs changes in the brain involving neurochemicals that sense and reinforce pleasure. In a Brown University study, women in a smoking-cessation program were twice as likely to kick the habit if they also exercised three times a week. They also gained only half as much weight. Similar results were found in a study of teens and tweens. Those who said they exercise daily were half as likely to smoke, and 40 percent less likely to experiment with marijuana. The possible connection between exercise and less addiction becomes important as kids become more sedentary.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)