Friday, June 20, 2008

Family requests life over death for Richard Curran

SUNBURY— Former police Chief, Richard Curran, who was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of his ex-wife Tina will spend life in prison without parole.  In the fifth day of trial, District Attorney, Tony Rosini, says he was prepared to seek the death penalty.  He said it was a unanimous agreement from Tina Curran’s family that Richard Curran not receive the death penalty.

For the first time during the week-long trial, Curran showed emotion and wiped tears from his face after Tina’s mom, Bonnie Smith, took the stand and read a letter from his 10-year-old daughter.  The letter said “You’ve done a very bad thing to my mother.  You’ve become a hateful person to my family.”  It went on to say, “You deserve to go to jail.”

Curran himself had the chance to address the court and President Judge Robert Sacavage.  He said, “I wish August 24^th, 2005 would have been different.  At the time, as a Police Chief, I should have known better.”  Curran went on to say, “This whole thing happened because I got upset over losing my job—it was stupid.  If only I’d used common sense.”

The day began unexpectedly as Curran addressed Judge Sacavage with a file for new counsel.  After a brief conference in the Judge’s chamber, proceedings continued as normal.  (Sara Lauver)

Former Sunbury resident charged with rape

SUNBURY – A warrant has been issued for a former Sunbury man accused of sexually assaulting two young boys in the city.  Sunbury Police say 43-year-old Joseph Gleason assaulted a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy in April.  Gleason is charged with felony counts of rape, along with numerous other charges.  Police say his last known address was in Sunbury.  A warrant for his arrest has been issued and anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Sunbury Police. (Sara Bartlett)  

Local Red Cross volunteers in Iowa to help flood victims

LEWISBURG – Relief efforts continue along flooded waterways in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, and a couple of area volunteers are there.  Roger Wolfe of Lewisburg and John Lewis of Bloomsburg will be on duty offering help to flood victims for the next three weeks.  Director of Disaster Services Anne Smith notes they were sent by the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and they will drive special relief vehicles along the roads of flood-ravaged Iowa. 

Wolfe and Lewis will spend their nights looking for people who need food and other assistance.  They are also trained in disaster assessment.  Monetary donations are the best way to help the Red Cross provide immediate aid for disaster victims, and 524-0400 is the number to call for more information about contributing.   (Matt Farrand)

Mayor of Mifflinburg to step down

MIFFLINBURG – Monday will be Dave Gutelius’ last day as Mifflinburg’s mayor.  The Daily Item says Gutelius will step down a year and a half before his term expires.  He reportedly has threatened to quit many times since he became mayor in 2006.  The biggest issue is the state of Mifflinburg’s borough building.  The building has been the center of controversy after being found structurally deficient.  Gutelius allegedly used borough money to have an engineer examine the borough building without the council’s permission.  He says he asked the borough council to hire an engineer, but they never did.  Gutelius is expected to hand in his resignation Monday. (Sara Bartlett)    

Selinsgrove resident talks about ACL injury, surgery, recovery

SELINSGROVE – ACL injuries have become a topic of discussion after it was announced Tiger Woods tore his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season.  In part two of our two-part series on the topic, we spoke with a Selinsgrove resident, who tore her ACL and is still recovering from the injury.  Tara Badman of Selinsgrove was a Penn State cheerleader in 2005 when she was doing a stunt with her cheer partner.  She says she knew immediately something was wrong because she heard a pop and couldn’t put any weight on her leg. 

Surgery was then done to repair the tear.   Badman says the surgery part wasn’t too difficult, however, the recovery is much longer and hard work with strenuous physical therapy.  It took her 10 full months to be able to be active in cheerleading again and three months just to be able to walk normally. 

She says she has learned how to protect her knee, using a brace, but also being careful not to twist into an awkward position. As we mentioned previously, women are more likely to sustain an ACL tear in sports.  It’s estimated that 350,000 ACL injuries occur annually in the U.S. alone.  More of those injured will still be men, since there are still more men participating in sports.  (Ali Stevens)

FISA amendment heads to US Senate

WASHINGTON – The current round of political debate over the government's terrorism surveillance rules is wrapping up.  The House approved a new Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act today (Friday). Among its provisions, the compromise protects telecommunications companies from being sued for cooperating with government efforts to tap the phones and computer lines of terror suspects.  Congressman Chris Carney (D-10, Dimock) voted in favor of the measure that passed 293-129. The Senate is expected to pass the bill next week.  (Matt Farrand)

Father not charged after fatal farming accident

RUSH TOWNSHIP – A farmer who struck and killed his son with a grain truck in April will not be charged.  The Daily Item reports 34-year-old Dennis Lehman will not face charges for the death of his 19-month old son, Jeffrey Lehman, who was killed April 10^th after chasing his father and trying to hitch a ride on the grain truck.  The boy became caught under the wheel of the truck.  Nine days later, the farmer’s 5-year-old son Trenis, was injured after falling from a tractor driven by his father along Boyd Station Road in Rush Township.  The boy was in critical condition at Geisinger, but has since recovered.  A third Lehman child, age 3, was also on the tractor, but was not injured.  (Ali Stevens)

Local Red Cross director clarifies appeal for flood aid
 

Your chance to help troops by donating food, dry goods

LEWISBURG – Middleswarth Potato Chips are a favorite of local troops serving overseas. They’re among provisions to be collected and sent to Afghanistan through a group known as Americans Supporting Americans. Lewisburg Borough Council member John Baker recommends easy-to-carry items, rather than bulky packages.

Baker says the drive to collect items to ship to the Lewisburg based Third 103rd Armory will continue through July 2nd. Baker notes chocolate is also a favorite, and usually arrives in good shape. Snack foods, DVD’s, canned goods, hygiene items and unscented wipes are among items needed.

“Wet Ones” are used to clean weapons. The group has the support of Lewisburg Borough Council and contributions can be dropped off at Coles Hardware in Lewisburg, the William Cameron Fire Company, the Kratzer-Dull American Legion Post and all branches of the West Milton State Bank. (Matt Farrand)

Valley leaders celebrate graduation

LEWISBURG—Learning to lead. That’s what the 27 Leadership Susquehanna Valley students celebrated at their graduation ceremony on Thursday night. Class representative, Joe Kantz, says he benefited most from the program by getting to know more people and expanding his network of people and experiences to draw from.

The graduation was held at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn where the class of 2008 presented their class service projects, and heard a message from guest speaker, Angela Hummel of Evangelical Hospital. The Leadership Susquehanna Valley program runs over 9 months and aims to “strengthen the Susquehanna Valley by preparing tomorrow’s leaders”. More information is available at www.gsvcc.org. (Lindsey Bingaman)

Curran guilty of first-degree murder

SUNBURY – A jury found former police officer Richard Curran, guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of his ex-wife, Tina Curran. It took nearly three years for a trial to take place, and Tina’s mom, Bonnie Smith says she’s happy with their decision, and she’s glad it’s over.

Smith says the difficult part is explaining it all to Tina’s children. Tina’s boyfriend at the time of the shooting, Jesse James, says he waited a long time for this day. He says it was difficult to sit through the trial while all the evidence was being displayed. James says, “It’s finally over and now we’ll have some peace.”

The jury in Northumberland County Court took less than two hours to reach its verdict. Richard Curran is eligible for the death penalty, and District Attorney Tony Rosini says he will seek it. The penalty phase is scheduled for today. (Sara Lauver)

Sunbury man among 181 picked up by Federal Marshals

SCRANTON – Fugitives with local ties are in custody after what US Marshals call Operation Falcon 2008. Among them, 41-year-old Daniel Hunt of Sunbury. He was initially convicted of indecent sexual assault and corruption of a minor in 2003, and wanted on a parole violation issued at the end of May.

Federal Marshals say more than a dozen others from Northumberland County and three from Union Counties were picked up. Most were wanted on parole or probation violations or drug charges. The 7-day operation netted more than 180 fugitives in the 33 county Middle District, including a man found hiding in a hollowed-out box spring in a Scranton apartment. (Matt Farrand)

Tiger Woods’ ACL injury: Could it happen to you?

LEWISBURG – Famous athletes, Donovan McNabb and Tiger Woods have both torn their ACL, taking them out of their sports for a season. What is an ACL tear and can it happen to you? Dr. John Furia of Sun Orthopedic Group in Lewisburg says the ACL is the major ligament in the knee that provides front and back stability to the knee.

The tear happens due to a twisting maneuver, usually when an athlete is fatigued. Dr. Furia says torn ACL’s is one of the more common sports injuries, particularly in young athletic women. The incidents of ACL tears in women is approximately 4 to 5 times higher than it is in males.

But he says once the surgery is done and the patient has recovered, they can get back to the sport they are passionate about. He adds that the technology in 2008 offers a number of ways to do the surgery including minimally invasive procedures. (Ali Stevens)

Danville area man charged with aggravated assault by motor vehicle

DANVILLE -- A Danville area man has been charged with aggravated assault by motor vehicle for a DUI crash that seriously injured his girlfriend. 22-year-old Zachery Bachman is also charged with DUI and several other counts for the accident in April on McCracken Road. Police say Bachman lost control of his truck, which veered off the road, went down a 20-foot embankment and flipped twice.

The Press Enterprise reports 20-year-old Ashley Vanhorn of Danville was the passenger in the truck and suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs and had to have a kidney and her spleen removed. She was reportedly thrown from the truck as it rolled and was pinned beneath part of it. Bachman admitted to police that he had about three drinks. His blood alcohol shortly after the crash was .111. (Ali Stevens)

Networking for young professionals in the Valley

SUNBURY – Young professionals that are in engaged in their community will stay in the community. That’s the mindset of the Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals, a group that provides networking to people between the ages of 21 and 40, who want to be more connected with their community.

Ryan Unger is the Co-Chair of the group and says it is a way to get young professionals involved and learn more about the Central Susquehanna Valley. Brianne Croteau, who recently moved to the area and got a job at Bucknell University, attended the group’s welcome event recently in Sunbury. She says she joined out of curiosity, to meet new people, and to see what professionals do in the area.

In addition to networking events, the group also takes part in educational initiatives, connecting with local high school and college students, attends seminars and works with non-profits throughout the region. If you are interested in joining the Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals, send an e-mail to info@svyp.org. (Sara Bartlett)

Celebrating the summer solstice at Shikellamy Overlook

SUNBURY – Saturday marks the first full day of summer and Friends of the Shikellamy State Park are inviting everyone to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Co-Chair of the Friends group, Julie Marano says some of the activities going on at the Overlook include yoga, drum circles and storytelling.

In addition, local singers and songwriters will perform and there will also be poetry readings. Food and drinks will be provided as well. The Summer Solstice Celebration is Saturday from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. For more information on this and other events go to www.friendsofshikellamystatepark.org. (Sara Bartlett)

State police warn about a paving scam

SELINSGROVE – State police are alerting the public about a possible paving scam in Snyder County. A group of individuals asked a local businessman if they could put a small patch of asphalt on his parking lot for him to inspect.

Instead, the pavers put down a larger section of asphalt and tried to charge the businessman $7,000. Troopers warn to be cautious of anyone going door-to-door attempting to secure paving jobs in driveways and parking lots. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania National Guard plans to offer free guided tours of a rare butterfly colony at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.  The guard says the fort is the home of the only viable colony of Regal Fritillary butterflies in the eastern United States.  The tours are to begin at 9 a.m. on July 4, 5, 14 and 21, and at 1 p.m. on July 13. No reservations are required for the tours, which should last about 2 1/2 hours. People can just show up at the Fort Indiantown Gap Community Club at Fisher and Clement avenues, Annville.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell's chief of staff says a new law to help Pennsylvania consumers cope with sticker shock once electric-rate caps expire in the coming years may be worked out by negotiators as part of a state budget deal.  Greg Fajt, a lead budget negotiator for the Democratic governor, says lawmakers are interested in phasing in the higher rates, rather than let them hit all at once.  Rate caps are scheduled to expire for 85 percent of Pennsylvania's electric customers in 2010 and 2011.  It's a looming problem that's drawn the attention of state lawmakers. Fajt says the administration is leaving negotiations over the fine points to the General Assembly.  Speaking with reporters Friday, Fajt said he remains optimistic that a budget deal can be struck before the state's fiscal year ends June 30.

READING, Pa. (AP) - The Berks County commissioners have postponed a vote on a proposal to try a four-day, 10-hour per day work week.  The proposal could affect as many as 500 county employees.  Officials say the idea is simple: to cut back on commuting costs in the face of rising gasoline prices.  The commissioners said on Thursday they want to have department managers and union leaders review the plan further before they vote on it.  They say there are concerns the flexible scheduling will have a negative impact on workers' productivity.  The voluntary program would last for six weeks. Those employees who work 24-hour shifts and workers in the court system would be exempt from taking part.  The commissioners are also looking at ways to encourage employees to car pool.

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

Daily Number 0-9-1

Big 4 8-2-3-7

Treasure Hunt 6-16-22-26-30

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