Monday, June 16, 2008
Richard Curran’s homicide trial underway
SUNBURY – It’s been nearly three years since the arrest of 33-year-old Richard Curran: a former Berks County Police Chief accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife, Tina Curran, outside Shamokin Hospital in August 2005. In the first day of his trial on homicide charges, six men and six women on the jury heard testimony from almost ten witnesses. Those witnesses included employees of the hospital, others who were on the hospital grounds and heard the gunshots and police officials involved in the investigation.
When entering the courthouse, Curran uttered the words “We all live forever,” and his defense attorney, Karl Rominger, says its part of a delusion. He adds that he plans to present all phases of the case in an effort to determine if the killing was planned. In opening statements for the commonwealth, District Attorney Tony Rosini, said Tina Curran was shot seven times and suffered fatal injuries. Rosini plans to seek the death penalty if Curran is convicted.
Meanwhile, testimonies revealed more details about an encounter between Tina and Richard Curran on the morning of August 24th, the day Tina was killed. Curran had wanted Tina to go to the courthouse and lower his child custody payments for their two daughters. Many of Tina’s family members were present at the trial and more testimonies are expected in front of President Judge Robert Sacavage in Northumberland County court on Tuesday. (Sara Lauver)
Homicide Trial: Testimony
SUNBURY – The homicide trial for 33-year-old Richard Curran of Shamokin is underway in Northumberland County Court. Opening statements were made by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, who said Curran shot and killed his estranged wife on August 24, 2005 outside of Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Three witnesses have been called to the stand.
The first was Tina Curran’s boyfriend at the time of the shooting, Lieutenant Jesse James. James detailed the day of the shooting, including an encounter that happened between Tina and Richard that morning over a dispute of child custody. Mount Carmel Police Chief Brian Shurock was the second to take the stand. He was also called to the Curran home the morning of the shooting, and gave details of their child custody argument. The third witness was Karen Bendas, who testified that Richard Curran had followed her into the hospital parking lot, and that she heard gunshots the day of the shooting.
District Attorney Rosini says Tina Curran suffered seven gunshot wounds and died on the way to Geisinger Medical Center. He plans to seek the death penalty if Curran is convicted.
Man dies in accident at Harmony Mine, near Mt Carmel
MT. CARMEL - The name of a coal miner killed Monday morning at Harmony Mine near Mt. Carmel is now known. Reports say 45-year-old Robert Carey of Shamokin died when the roof of the mine collapsed. Other employees brought him to the surface. The mine was the site of previous fatal accident in 2004. State and federal authorities were called to the scene to investigate the accident that was first reported after 10:00 a.m. (Matt Farrand)
Farmstead applications to be reviewed by NoCo Commissioners
SUNBURY – It’s still unknown why a number of farmstead applications were not processed in Northumberland County. The applications give farmers reductions in property taxes. Commissioner Vinny Clausi says a directive in 2004 led to undercounting in the applications, but now the current board will do everything they can to accurately count each one. So far the reexamination has turned up an additional 311 farmsteads, which will now be included in the certification.
While nearly 22,000 homestead applications were processed in the county, Northumberland was the only county in the state that did not process any farmstead applications. (Sara Bartlett)
Northumberland County apologizes for calling jurors after jury selected
SUNBURY – Northumberland County will still be paying thirty-nine prospective jurors after a mishap Friday. Thirty-nine people were summoned to report for jury duty last week during the jury selection for Richard Curran’s homicide trial. The problem was…jury selection for the trial was complete Thursday evening, but the prospective jurors were not told. Northumberland County Court Administrator Brandy Yasenchak says a 1-800 number that jurors were told to call to see if they needed to show up for duty was disconnected, and because Friday was a holiday, there was nobody at the courthouse to tell them they weren’t needed.
The County will reportedly pay $500 to cover the costs of the mishap. Jurors are paid $9.00 a day for trial and $0.17 per mile for travel costs. (Sara Bartlett)
Successful Relays for Life in Lewisburg, Milton
LEWISBURG – Two Relays for Life over the weekend were hailed big successes.
In Lewisburg, the relay was held at the Pawling Athletic Complex and $92,718 was raised. Organizer Marguerite Santorine says the combination of dedicated sponsors and an outpouring of community support helped them raise the money.
And, in Milton, the relay held at the Milton Alumni Field, raised $106,611. Organizers say when a community works together for a common goal, like they did during this year’s relay, anything is possible.
Two people injured after a vehicle hits two parked vehicles and a store
LEWISBURG – A 78-year-old Lewisburg man was backing out of parking space at the CVS store in Lewisburg when he struck a motorcycle and pickup truck Sunday afternoon. Police say Raymond Lobos apparently panicked, hit the accelerator.
While traveling in reverse and smashed through the front glass doors at the CVS store. Two people on the motorcycle, Louis and Joann Wehye, were taken to Evangelical Community Hospital, where they were treated and released. Lobos was not injured. (Ali Stevens)
A missing woman—has been found
SELINSGROVE – State police at Selinsgrove said the missing woman—has been found. Troopers say 77-year-old Nora Mae Ramer of Selinsgrove is okay, she was found at a home near her home. She is in good health—according to troopers. A relative had last seen her on Friday around 7p.m. at her home along the Old Trail.
The search involved members of the State Police at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania State Police Aviation, Dauntless Hook and Ladder, Hummels Wharf and Shamokin Dam Fire Departments, Northeast Search and Rescue and the Selinsgrove police department. Troopers thanked everyone involved in that search. (Sheri Rippon)
Successful Relay for Life in Lewisburg
LEWISBURG – Relay for Life in Lewisburg has been hailed a big success. More than $92,000 was raised at this year’s relay, which was held at the Pawling Athletic Complex on Friday and Saturday. Organizer Marguerite Santorine says a combination of dedicated sponsors and an outpouring of community support helped them raise $92,718.
Santorine said, “I am so proud to be a part of such an exciting event, and part of such a caring community. I look forward to continue being a part of Relay For Life 2009, as Jodi Batman and Amy Gronlund continue with the Relay Spirit in Lewisburg. (Ali Stevens)
Early morning crash with injuries in Snyder County
MIDDLEBURG – One injury is reported in a crash early Sunday morning. State Police at Selinsgrove say the one vehicle accident happened at about 3 this morning on New Berlin Highway at Mountain View Road in Jackson Township.
Troopers say 20-year-old Bethany Hostetler was traveling south, when for unknown reasons, drove off the road and struck a utility pole. Hostetler was taken by ambulance to Evangelical Community Hospital and then flown to Geisinger Medical Center. Her condition is not known. (Ali Stevens)
22nd Annual Race for Sunbury YMCA held in humid conditions
SUNBURY – Uncomfortable humidity did little to slow a Milton man and a Coal Township woman Saturday morning. 35-year-old Steve Templin of Milton and 22-year-old Joelle Reed of Coal Township were the top finishers at the 22nd Annual 5K run for the Sunbury YMCA. Templin was the first overall (17:20).
Reed was the first woman (19:54). Dan Kirk of Danville (18:11) and Al Fox of Lewisburg were the 2nd and 3rd place men. Amy Smith of Danville (20:30) and Cathleen Garrigan of Philadelphia (20:40) were the 2nd and 3rd place women. More than 120 runners finished the 3.1 mile course in humid conditions Saturday morning. (Matt Farrand)
Community gives back to help others
SUNBURY – Community organizations and people came out in support of the Love n Care Street Fair in Sunbury Saturday. Coming to the fair, you can find food like perogies, hot sausages and funnel cakes and drinks. Face painting and bungee jumping is just some of the activities for the kids.
Phyllis Webb a member of the Mary Derr Rockefeller Auxiliary, said that the proceeds from the fair benefit a local foundation that provide scholarships for anyone interested going into the medical field. Webb also said that the theme for this year’s Street Fair is “Go For the Gold,” in honor of this year’s Summers Olympics.
The turnout of the community at this year’s Street Fair was tremendous. John Deppen of Northumberland, said that it is a family tradition for his family that they have been coming to the fair for a number of years. And not only do they enjoy the food and festivities of the fair, but they also enjoy running into the people of Sunbury.
Not only was there food and fun on hand, but there was also lots of different entertainment as well. Like Moyer’s School of Dance, the Sunbury City Band and Billy D and Rosie. The fair was held in Cameron Park on Saturday. (Peter Meloni)
Riverside man in fair condition after accident
RIVERSIDE – A Riverside man was injured after he fell into a truck trailer Friday as it was being loaded with grain. Around 1:30p.m. Brian Whitenight was at his home standing near a silo above the trailer when he fell. After being treated by medics at the scene, he was taken to Geisinger Medical Center and remains in fair condition. Danville fire departments and ambulance assisted Riverside fire departments at the scene. (Sara Bartlett)
Fleetwood Motor Homes announces job cuts
PAXINOS – Nearly 130 employees who worked at Fleetwood Motor Homes are without jobs today. The company announced the job cuts from their Paxinos plant Friday. The mobile and manufactured housing builder recently employed as many as 800 at the Ralpho Township facility.
Decreased demand for motor homes is reportedly the reason behind the cuts. Stock in Fleetwood Enterprise last traded at slightly more than $4 dollars per share, and was worth more than $11 per share about a year ago. (Sara Bartlett)
Tom Brokaw to host special edition of Meet the Press
WASHINGTON – The accolades have been pouring in following the death of highly respected newsman Tim Russert. NBC's longtime political pundit and bulldog reporter died on the job yesterday from a heart attack. He was 58-years-old. Russert, who was the network's Washington bureau chief and host of Meet the Press, was most recently in our area last September speaking at Bucknell University.
His speech was entitled “The View From Washington,” where he touched on many topics including politics and the media. NBC says Tom Brokaw will host a special edition of Meet the Press Sunday. It will be dedicated to Russert. You can hear the program at www.msnbc.com.
Sunbury man charged with careless driving
SUNBURY – A Sunbury man sustained major injuries after a crash late Tuesday night. 19-year-old David Fultz was driving on Larch Street in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County around 11:45p.m when he crossed the road and hit a mailbox and a utility pole. Life Flight took Fultz to Geisinger Medical Center and a nursing supervisor says he was discharged. Police say Fultz will be charged with careless driving. (Sara Bartlett)
Man takes cross-country ride on horseback
SHAMOKIN DAM – It’s not high gasoline prices, but disrespectful language on television and in the movies that prompted Mick Thompson to start riding his horse from the Oregon coast, arriving in Portland, Maine in July or August.
The Laramie, Wyoming native rode along the Routes 11 & 15 strip Friday afternoon, where we caught up with him on his journey east. Thompson obliged curious photo takers atop a 10-year-old paint named “Hawkeye,” accompanied by “Yogi,” a collie-mix work dog. (Matt Farrand)
Information session to be held on “Priorities for Impact”
SUNBURY – There are struggling families all over our region, but how can the root cause of these problems be dealt with? This is a question the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way is trying to tackle, with the help of the community. A meeting on this is set for tonight and you can attend.
The group has determined problems such as drug and alcohol use, poverty and lack of public transportation, quality childcare and social opportunities as leading issues in the area. Board member of the United Way, Steve Connolley says these are things “Priorities for Impact” will look at on a local and neighborhood-to-neighborhood level.
The United Way will continue to provide funding for non-profit agencies, but President and CEO Keri Albright says they also have grant money available for this new project. An informational meeting about the new program will be held at Tedd’s on the Hill Monday from 7:00-8:00p.m. Members of the United Way will be in attendance to answer questions. For more information call 988-0993. (Sara Bartlett)
Executive Director hopes Greenway will attract tourism, promote healthy living
SHAMOKIN DAM – The Susquehanna Greenway projects are closer to being completed. Executive Director Gary Bloss says the public and privately funded series will encourage increased use of the river and local natural features while also maintain a high quality of life.
Bloss says projects such as the North Branch Canal along the river in Columbia and Montour Counties could improve the health of the community if used widely for exercise. He says the era of the “one tank vacation” will make the region more attractive to visitors from New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia area
The Sunbury Riverfront Project is also among Greenway projects, and is considered an important part of revitalizing the city. Other Greenway projects include the Susquehanna Riverwalk in Williamsport and restoring Duncannon to its original appearance as a river town. (Matt Farrand)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania state senators approved a $240 million tax-cutting package as negotiators prepare to hash out a budget for the next fiscal year. The four bills that passed Monday are a Republican plan to deliver relief to businesses and low-income taxpayers and to jump-start a sluggish economy. But Democrats argued against the bills, saying now isn't the time to cut taxes, when the state is scrounging for money for existing programs. Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell has proposed a $28 billion-plus budget for the budget year that begins July 1. One of the Senate bills would lift the forgiveness limit on the state's personal income tax for the state's lowest-income workers. Another would raise the cap on the losses that a business could carry forward to offset taxes on future profits.
SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A federal trial is beginning for two Dunmore men accused of extorting more than $300,000 from a Clarks Summit company. A grand jury in January indicted Charles Costanzo and Philip Forgione on charges of aiding and abetting interference with commerce by threats of violence, money laundering and conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that the two men threatened an official at Alicon Environmental Inc. and Alicon made payments to Costanzo and Forgione from December 2004 to April 2006. Alicon was paid $1.8 million for cleaning up lead paint and pigeon dung at the Lackawanna County Courthouse in 2004. Costanzo faces charges in a separate case that he stole $407,000 from county by paying himself far more than allowed as the county's former workers' compensation fund administrator.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 4-1-8
Big 4 7-8-8-4
Treasure Hunt 8-11-12-21-24
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)