Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Closing arguments heard, jury to consider charges against Curran
SUNBURY— In what his attorney says was a last minute decision, homicide suspect Richard Curran did not take the stand during the third day of the trial. Both the prosecution and defense gave their closing arguments and the jury is expected to begin deliberations Thursday. Curran’s attorney, Karl Rominger, told the jury that it’s not about “who did it or what happened, a horrible thing occurred and nothing will replace that loss.” He went on to say that the jury must now decide if Curran had intent to kill Tina Curran on August 24th, 2005.
Rominger noted, “If you’re a trained professional police officer, you don’t go to a public place, let alone a hospital, to shoot somebody if it’s your specific intent to kill.” He then asked the jury to consider third-degree murder over first-degree. But District Attorney, Tony Rosini, told the jury, “When someone shoots 12 times a human being, that gives you evidence of his intent. He intended to kill her.” Tina Curran’s body had sustained seven gunshots wounds, two that were described as “rapidly fatal” by Dr. Samual Land in testimony.
Rosini also told the jury “money is the motive here.” Richard and Tina Curran had a long history of child custody battles, including an argument the morning of August 24th, when the two had disagreed over custody payments. Court will resume Thursday in Sunbury and a jury will be charged with making a decision and will then begin deliberations. (Sara Lauver)
Friends, family hold vigil in memory of double homicide victims
SUNBURY – Five months to the day that Crystal Scholl-Gordon and David Moore of Sunbury were shot to death in a North Fourth Street apartment, friends and family members gathered in Cameron Park to make sure memories of the double homicide victims stay fresh. A friend known as “Matthew” remembers David Moore as a man who never failed to lift the spirits of others. Shirley Mowery is the grandmother to Crystal Scholl Gordon, and prays to a specific star in memory of “Chrissy,” who is never far from her thoughts.
The ceremony was led by pastor Mark Gittens of the Higher Hope Church of Sunbury, who notes that many hope the upcoming trial of 39-year-old suspect Michael Harrell does not turn the focus away from the victims. Harrell’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 18th in Northumberland County Court. He was picked up and held on a parole violation shortly after the January 18th shooting, but not formally charged until two weeks ago. (Matt Farrand)
Montour County Commissioners support four-day workweek
DANVILLE – Berks County has joined Centre County in looking to institute a four-day workweek for its county employees. The cost saving decision is now also being considered by Montour County according to Commissioner Trevor Finn. He says the plan, which is in the preliminary stages, would save on utilities and gas.
The plan would mainly affect clerical staff and Finn says the 911 center and the prison would, of course, continue to operate 24/7, and it may not apply to judges and sheriffs either. Finn says it has to be something where everyone agrees that it would be best for the county and its constituents. He says, “Our constituents are tightening their belts, and we as Commissioners have to do the same thing.”
They plan to consult all elected officials, as well as the public to get their opinions on the four-day workweek. They also plan to look at other counties that have implemented the plan to see if county money has been saved. (Sara Bartlett)
Preliminary accident report issued on a fatal mining accident
UNDATED – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released a preliminary report on a coal mining death in Northumberland County on Monday. The report said the roof that fell on Robert Carey was 30-feet wide by 20-feet long and was about 4 inches to 4 feet in thickness. A spokesman says Carey was seated next to a coal rib at the mine on Route 61 near Mount Carmel. The rib is used to support the roof of the mine. When the roof collapsed, Carey was pinned between the rib and roofing material. He died of multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Northumberland County Coroner. The DEP is also investigating the accident at Harmony Mine and a spokesman says there are no recent or outstanding penalties against the company. (Ali Stevens)
Man charged with firing gun enters a no-contest plea
LEWISBURG – A man accused of firing a gun at a group changing a baby’s diaper at a gas station has entered a plea of no-contest to charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Before the plea, trial was set to begin for 45-year-old Sudhir Kumar of Media, the owner of the gas station where the incident took place in Allenwood two years ago. Kumar reportedly asked the people to stop changing the diaper and leave and when they didn’t, he went inside, got a gun and fired it in their direction, reportedly threatening to kill them. Charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault were dropped. In exchange for the plea, Kumar will serve a year of house arrest and pay a $10,000 fine. (Ali Stevens)
Trial delayed for a former professor charged with possessing child pornography
LEWISBURG – Trial has been delayed until the fall for a former Bucknell University professor charged with possessing child pornography. A defense expert will take the next several months to examine evidence in the trial of Jack Harclerode. The trial was set for Monday, but Judge Louise Knight delayed the start until November so a computer expert can examine Harclerode’s computer hard drive and two thumb drives, which allegedly contain hundreds of pornographic images of young boys. This is the second time Harclerode’s trial has been delayed.
In a separate case, Harclerode will soon go to trial in Union County, charged with sexually assaulting a boy in his office at Bucknell University between 1992 and 1995.
He is also charged with assaulting a 10-year-old boy at a Columbia County campground in 2006 and a hearing on that case is set for Thursday, after Harclerode withdrew a guilty plea. (Ali Stevens)
State Senate votes out GOP's $27.9B budget bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Republican-penned budget bill has cleared the state Senate and on its way to the House, despite drawing opposition from Democrats. Republican senators describe the $27.9 billion spending bill as a responsible step forward in ongoing budget negotiations. It passed on a party line vote, 29-21. The measure slashes Gov. Ed Rendell's budget proposal by about $400 million, which Republicans say is necessary because the economy and state revenue collections are slowing. Democrats say the cuts go too far.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A plan to sell 1,100 acres of land outside Rockview State Prison to Penn State University has cleared a major hurdle. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to authorize the sale and the conveyance of another parcel to a Centre County township for parkland. Penn State is paying just over $1 million for the land. The university has agreed to devote the property to agricultural education and to let hunters and anglers use it. The bill was amended after it passed the state Senate, so it's being sent back to the Senate for its consideration.
NorCo makes U-turn, dumps cost saving methods
SUNBURY – After a prolonged confrontation yesterday, the Northumberland County Commissioners seemingly abandoned their ‘save the county money no matter what’ and adopted a series of costlier pharmaceutical contracts. The commissioners, on a two to one vote, with Kurt Masser voting ‘no,’ chose Community Pharmacy in Mt. Carmel, the Medicine Shoppe and Tom Olcese Pharmacy.
They rejected impassioned pleas from another provider, Synergy Systems Incorporated of Northumberland, who said they wanted a chance to be considered in the no-bid process. Our reporter talked to Amanda Kessler of Synergy Systems after the meeting, she said she could do what the other pharmacies are doing, less expensively.
Commissioners aren’t required to, and chose not to, put the hundreds of thousands of dollars in pharmaceuticals out to bid. Kessler argued that she could save the county about $100,000 per year, but the commissioners chief clerk said these ongoing contract with local pharmacies are ‘the way it was done last time, and they do it again this time.
Kessler said her please for months have been ignored, her phone calls unreturned and her letters, unanswered. Commissioners said they can, but aren’t required to, bid medically oriented professional services. Northumberland County chairman Frank Sawicki said the county could bid out the services in the years ahead.
Online resources to cost $836 per month
MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County will pay more than $800 per month for an on-line law library. Each county in the state is required to offer citizens access to law books, Snyder County’s originals were apparently discarded several years ago. Commissioners agreed to a three-year contract with Westlaw, a major publisher of legal information. They are still undecided on the exact location of a terminal for use by the public. (Christian Cochrane)
Day Two, Richard Curran homicide trial
SUNBURY— Fourteen witnesses testified Tuesday in court in the homicide trial of Richard Curran. One witness, Kenneth Lauderman, says he and Curran had been friends for many years and Curran talked to him about feelings of wanting to kill his ex-wife Tina and her then-boyfriend, Lt. Jesse James.
Lauderman says one of the conversations happened only two days before the actual shooting occurred outside of Shamokin Hospital. He says Curran told him that he would never act upon the feelings and Lauderman wanted to believe his friend. He says he hopes for a fair trial and a fair sentence and he feels for the victim’s family most of all.
Other witnesses included healthcare officials who worked on Tina Curran after the shooting in August 2005. A nurse with Life Flight, Charles Kiessling Jr., said Tina had already suffered massive blood loss and was in cardiac arrest before she was transported to Geisinger Medical Center from Shamokin.
He says that under normal circumstances, a patient in her condition would not have been transported. Doctor, Timothy Vollmer, was part of the staff in the Emergency Room when Tina arrived at Geisinger. He says she showed no signs of life upon arrival and was pronounced dead nearly one hour after the shooting.
Officials involved in the Currans’ custody battle also presented details of their ‘back and forth’ actions regarding both custody and custody payments. Case officer, Tara Fulmer, says there were times when Tina was not receiving any payments because Richard had moved or failed to report his employment situation. More testimony is expected in court Wednesday at 1p.m. (Sara Lauver)
Young at Heart Expo Saturday
SUNBURY – The Young at Heart Expo this weekend offers plenty of activities at the Sunbury YMCA. Associate Executive Director at the Y, Joy Hoke, says it’s important for people who are “young at heart” to participate and keep a healthy and active lifestyle. Massages, water aerobics and crafts are just a few of the events going on.
Participants at the Expo can register to win a two-night stay at a bed & breakfast in Watkins Glen, New York. They will also have a chance to hear WNEP-TV’s Mike Stevens talk about travel across Pennsylvania. The Young at Heart Expo is Saturday from 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. It is sponsored by the Daily Item, Danville News and the stations of Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation. (Sara Bartlett)
5k Run, 1-mile walk to learn more about disease that prevents the growth of hair
MIDDLEBURG – 19-year-old Rebecca Hibbs of Middleburg suffers from a disease called alopecia, which prevents the growth of hair. Hibbs says it takes a lot of explaining and education to help people understand why she has no hair.
Hibbs is heading up her first fundraiser for alopecia research. She is organizing a one-mile walk and 5K run on Saturday, June 28th. The walk will be held at Hummel’s United Methodist Church in Middleburg. To find out more information about the walk and run, you can contact Rebecca at 837-2692. (WPGM)
Bloomsburg motorcycle ride benefit
BLOOMSBURG – A motorcycle ride to help people financially deal with tragedies will take place this weekend in Bloomsburg. The fund started in 2004 when Marylyn Shaffer’s son, Tim, died of cancer, and they weren’t prepared for the burial costs.
The fund now helps others facing difficult situations. It also provides scholarships to students at Columbia-Montour VoTech. The ride this Sunday starts at TPC Power on Rt. 11 in Bloomsburg. Registration is at 10:00a.m. Cost is $20.00 for riders and $5.00 for passengers and a buffet lunch is including.
For Sale: A piece of Watsontown history
WATSONTOWN – The historic Watson theatre is up for sale after the owner’s decided 14 years was enough. Deb Whistler, her husband and son have owned the Watson Theatre for more than a decade, but feel now is the time to sell. She says the community hasn’t shown much interest in the theatre and would like a fresh owner with a fresh perspective to keep it running and open.
Whistler says she will miss making people smile with the family films they played over the years and hopes someone with a passion for history and theatre will purchase the historic building. The theatre is now on the market, listed at $249,000. (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell says he will make state operations greener, reducing energy use in state buildings by 10 percent and fuel use by state vehicles by 5 percent. Rendell said Tuesday some of the changes may cost the state more upfront, but that the state will see lower fuel and energy bills over time. Under his new directives, the state will increase the proportion of electricity it gets from alternative sources like wind, solar and landfill methane to 50 percent, up from 30 percent. Office thermostats will go up one degree this summer to 75 degrees, while incandescent lightbulbs that burn out will be replaced with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs. The state will look to buy smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, while Rendell said he will encourage carpooling and conference calls to reduce travel miles.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Public school funding is emerging as a friction point in budget negotiations in Harrisburg. A Senate Republican budget bill that is primed for floor debate Wednesday would slash the $28.3 billion spending plan proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell by about $400 million. It also would reduce the basic education subsidy suggested by Rendell by about $120 million, a move Rendell criticized as "hugely bad policy." Rendell says he'd rather use some of the state's approximately $750 million budget reserve to fill in any cuts to his school funding proposal. In the past, lawmakers have been wary of cutting a governor's proposed education budget out of concern they'll be blamed for local property tax increases that might result.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A state court is allowing a sportsmen's group to continue with its lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Game Commission over its deer management plan. The Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania contends the agency has mismanaged the state's deer herd in recent years. It wants doe hunting curtailed. The Game Commission wanted the case dismissed, saying the group rehashed claims in two previous unsuccessful suits. But a three-judge Commonwealth Court panel allowed the case to continue Monday. It said the Game Commission didn't offer a specific administrative remedy for the group to challenge its plan. Executive Director Carl Roe says the commission is ready to defend itself and recognizes not everyone agrees with its policies.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The state Department of Public Welfare encouraging private nursing homes serving Medicaid patients to more programs for elderly Pennsylvanians who want to live more independently. Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman says her agency is seeking federal approval for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates and other incentives that would go to nursing homes that voluntarily reduce or eliminate the number of beds they have. She says the homes could spend the money they save on independent living units, outpatient rehabilitation therapy, and other community services. Richman tells the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee that nursing-home amenities are becoming increasingly diversified in response to consumers' desires to maintain their independence as they age.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Pittsburgh radio station has suspended a reporter who was caught with a loaded handgun in his briefcase as he entered the Allegheny County courthouse to cover a trial. KDKA-TV is reporting that 53-year-old KDKA Radio general assignment reporter Rob Milford will be off the job while the radio station conducts an internal investigation. Milford was charged Monday with possession of a firearm in a court facility and carrying a firearm without a license. He was carrying a .38-caliber revolver. County Sheriff William Mullen says Milford told authorities he didn't realize the gun was in his briefcase. KDKA-TV and KDKA Radio are CBS affiliates.
NAZARETH, Pa. (AP) - The 2008 Miss Pennsylvania pageant will feature a larger field of contestants than in past years. Twenty-seven young women will vie for a spot in the Miss America pageant when this year's Miss Pennsylvania contest opens next month. The pageant did away with two of the local contests – Miss Brockway and Miss Franklin County. And it added four new local winners - Miss Northeast, Miss Northwest, Miss Richland Area and Miss Southeastern Pennsylvania. The contestants will face two days of preliminary rounds before the winner is crowned following the finals on July 12. The winner will receive a $7,000 scholarship and earn a place in the Miss America pageant in January. Last year's winner was Rachel Marie Brooks.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 5-0-6
Big 4 9-5-6-7
Treasure Hunt 4-5-6-26-29
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Tree-Sitter Standoff
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - Tree-sitters at the University of California, Berkeley, are continuing to protest campus plans for a new sports center. The plan would mean cutting down the oak grove where protesters have been perching for months. School officials say one female tree-sitter allegedly bit an arborist and was taken into custody by police. Authorities say they won't try to yank protesters out of the trees, but they've begun sending in teams to cut supply lines and dismantle some living structures. A campus spokesman says "the university has been tolerant and that tolerance is coming to an end," adding "we're really hoping that at some point there'll be an outbreak of common sense."
Aquarium Mural
ATLANTA (AP) - The world's largest aquarium has its very own Michelangelo. An Italian artist is near completion of an aquatic mural on the expansive ceiling at the entrance to the Georgia Aquarium. The 3,000-square-foot mural is an ocean scene with many of the creatures visitors can find at the aquarium, a whale shark, a beluga whale, schools of fish and a sea turtle. The painting even features dolphins, which the aquarium is adding to its roster in 2010. The artist has been working on the mural after hours for the last few weeks. He's scheduled to complete the painting this month.
Unhappy gay marriage issues arise
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - California's county clerks are being urged to exempt employees who have religious objections to same-sex marriage from taking part in them. That appeal is in a letter signed by leaders of Advocates for Faith and Freedom and the Seventh-day Adventist Church State Council. Council president Alan Reinach says same-sex marriages can be provided in California without trampling on the religious rights of county employees. The letter says forcing those with religious objections to participate in same-sex marriages would "send a message of official state hostility toward religion."
Celtics drain the Lakers
BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Celtics cruised to their 17th NBA title by routing the L.A. Lakers 131-92 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each scored 26 while Paul Pierce, the final member of Boston's Big Three, added 17 points. The Celtics' victory completes the greatest one-season turnaround in NBA history. Boston won just 24 games last season.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)