Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Man had prior violations against children

LEWISBURG -- Police say they've identified the man who offered five dollars to a 9-year-old girl if she would follow him into a Walmart bathroom.  21-year-old Corie Robbins of Watsontown is facing a number of charges for the June 18th incident in Lewisburg.  Police say video surveillance and the Megan's Law website helped them identify Robbins.  The 9-year-old did not follow Robbins, and reported the incident to employees.

According to the Pennsylvania Megan's Law website, Robbins is classified a sexually violent predator and was convicted in 2008 of trying to lure a young child in a vehicle.

Robbins is in Union County Prison on charges of unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt to interfere with the custody of a child, criminal attempt of indecent assault and criminal attempt of indecent exposure. (Sara Bartlett)

On-time state budget not likely

HARRISBURG -- Although it looks unlikely that the state will pass a budget by the July 1st deadline, State Senator John Gordner (R-27th, Berwick) says the good news is, no matter how long the budget takes, there will be no furloughs thanks to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision.  That means there will be no threats of state office or state park shutdowns this year. 

Gordner says he believes a budget will be passed in July, but there are great challenges as the state faces a substantial budget deficit.  Gordner says they may look at revenue enhancements such as an extraction tax with the Marcellus Shale, but most importantly he says that state must stay within its means. 

At the end of June, the state will have completed a year without meeting any expected monthly revenues.  Gordner says the state will be about $1.4 billion in the red.  Governor Ed Rendell continues to back his $29 billion proposed budget, and encourages legislators to come to agreements. (Sara Bartlett)

Recovery continues for Selinsgrove teens

UNDATED -- Both of the Selinsgrove high school students seriously injured in a crash last month are now in Philadelphia facilities.  17-year-old Alex Mullen was transferred from Geisinger Medical Center last week to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  She suffered traumatic head injuries.  17-year-old Seth Lauver remains at a rehabilitation facility in Philadelphia after being paralyzed.  The two were in a vehicle that crashed into an illegally parked vehicle following the high school's prom.

Residents in the Valley have rallied to raise money for the two's medical expenses.  A recent Walk-a-Thon raised over $10,000 for Seth and Alex.  Tonight, Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation and The Daily Item will host a Splash Hop to benefit the Seth and Alex fund.  All are invited from 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m. at the Sunbury Community Pool for a night of swimming, entertainment and food.  A number of other fundraisers are going on throughout the Valley and for more information you can go to www.wkok.com. (Sara Bartlett)   

Former physician talks about findings regarding chemicals at Pineknotter Park

NORTHUMBERLAND – A former physician at the Selinsgrove Center was a guest on WKOK’s On The Mark program talking about some research he has done regarding the history of the Pineknotter Park site in Northumberland. 

Dr. William Yingling recently spoke with a geologist who is active in determining the existence of what are called 'manufactured gas works'.  Yingling says there was one in Sunbury that began in 1879 and was active into 1944 at 600 Arch Street.  Yingling says the 'gas works' was a place where coal products were changed into gas and oil.  Yingling says the residuals from this process were either dumped on site or at another site.  He believes from speaking with the geologist, Dr. Allen Hathaway, he has no doubt the chemicals were dumped on the site that is now known as Pineknotter Park.  

Dr. Yingling does admit there is no factual evidence of this occurring, but feels it’s important to bring to light.  He says many of the industries might have, or probably did dump at the Northumberland landfill and he thinks it’s just another interesting point about all the industrial companies in the area that might have used this site.  To hear more from Yingling from our Tuesday On The Mark program, listen online at www.wkok.com.

Sunbury man charged with robbing A-Plus store

SUNBURY – A Sunbury man is being charged with an incident at a local convenience store, but denies holding up another about a half hour later. 39-year-old David Holtzapple is being held in lieu of $65,000 bail on a variety of charges after demanding money from the cashier at the Turkey Hill store on North Fourth Street.

Holtzapple was armed with a knife, but was thwarted by the cashier who told him he could not open the register without a purchase. Holtzapple left the store at about 1:30 a.m. Friday without any cash. This incident was never disclosed by police.

Court papers say Holtzapple is also responsible for last Friday’s robbery of the A-Plus store on Route 890 about 30 minutes later. Cashiers at both store provided similar descriptions of Holtzapple, who got away with an undetermined amount of cash from the A-Plus. (Matt Farrand)

DA: Williamsport man killed Abdul Miller in self defense

WILLIAMSPORT – Neither Williamsport Police nor the Lycoming County District Attorney are calling the shooting death of 33-year-old Abdul Miller of Milton a homicide. DA Eric Linhardt says he was satisfied that 29-year-old Neil Felver acted in self defense.

Police believe Miller thought he could find money or drugs at Felver’s Scott Street home. They say that’s why he tried to break in at 2:00 a.m. Monday, June 14th, carrying a 9mm semi automatic handgun.

However, Felver's girlfriend called police and shots were exchanged while she was on the line with the 9-1-1. A gunfight was underway between Miller and Felver, who had a .22 caliber handgun at home.

The Milton man was hit in the chest and shoulder, and later died at Williamsport Hospital. Miller had a record of several felony drug convictions, and was not legally allowed to own a gun.

But Felver also had a felony on his record, thus a warrant was issued for his arrest for firearm possession. Felver is also facing new drug charges as police say they found a quantity of marijuana and packaging material during their investigation of the shooting.

However, Felver will not face a homicide charge. Williamsport Police noted Felver’s cooperation when interviewed, and said he told them he feared for his life, the life of his girlfriend and the lives of his children. (Matt Farrand)

15 months house arrest for Milton man

MILTON -- A Milton man will spend 15 months house arrest after a shooting incident last year. 35-year-old James Bastian was sentenced Monday. In February 2009, Bastian is accused of entering a Turbotville home and shooting seven shots, just missing a man and a woman in the house. He then fled the scene and was captured by the U.S. Marshall's service days later. He entered a guilty plea of aggravated assault in December.

Special patriotic movie shown tonight in Lewisburg

LEWISBURG -- Although the majority of Union County's 4th of July activities begin this weekend, there will be plenty of patriotism tonight (Tuesday) at the Campus Theater in Lewisburg. The film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington will be shown at 6:00p.m. Cost is $1.00 for the movie. There will also be free hot dogs, lemonade and apple pie. All are invited to attend.

Union County's 16th annual 4th of July celebration

LEWISBURG -- It's time again for the 4th of July activities in Lewisburg. Friday at 9:00p.m. will feature fireworks at Wolfe Field. Chairman and President of the 4th of July committee, Graham Showalter, says Saturday at 10:00a.m. is the 16th annual veterans parade.

Showalter says the parade brings people from all areas to Lewisburg, but it isn't just about Union County. There are 239 entries in the parade this year and Showalter says they will appeal to anyone who is patriotic and wants to thank their veterans.

Following the parade, all are welcome to the Bucknell University campus at Loomis Street and University Avenue where there will be a veterans recognition ceremony, a picnic and a full day of musical entertainment. For a full list Union County's 4th of July Celebration events go online to our website www.wkok.com. or www.unioncountyveterans4thofjuly.com. (Sara Bartlett)

15 months house arrest for Milton man

MILTON -- A Milton man will spend 15 months house arrest after a shooting incident last year. 35-year-old James Bastian was sentenced Monday. In February 2009, Bastian is accused of entering a Turbotville home and shooting seven shots, just missing a man and a woman in the house. He then fled the scene and was captured by the U.S. Marshall's service days later. He entered a guilty plea of aggravated assault in December.

Man charged after exposing himself to young girls

MONROE TWP -- Charges have been filed against a Freeburg man after he exposed himself to juveniles. Police say 27-year-old Joshua Mengle was in the parking lot of an area business in Monroe Township, Snyder County June 12th around 9:45p.m.

He allegedly exposed himself to a family, which consisted of two adults and five young girls ages 4-14-years-old. Mengle was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct. (Sara Bartlett)

Police investigate theft near Lewisburg

LEWISBURG -- Police say someone stole at $700 vehicle part from a vehicle in a Lewisburg parking lot. Sometime between noon and 2:00p.m. Saturday someone cut a catalytic converter from a 2000 Toyota Tacoma sitting in a restaurant parking lot along Route 15. The truck was registered to a South Williamsport man. Anyone with information is asked to call Milton State Police.

Police ask public for help after possible child kidnapping

SUNBURY – Did someone try to kidnap a child in Sunbury over the weekend? Police say that is a distinct possibility after an incident Saturday or Sunday. Police aren't saying much about the occurrence along Memorial Drive.

They do say a man in a car tried to lure a girl into his vehicle. He said he knew her parents. She declined and police tell us she offered the following description: An African-American male, of undetermined weight and height, balding or with a clean-shaven head, and driving a white four-door sedan.

Police did not offer a specific time frame of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Sunbury Police at 286-4587, or Northumberland County Communications at 988-4539.

This is the second suspicious incident lately involving a child. Last Friday at the Lewisburg Wal-Mart, a child reported that a man asked a girl to go into the rest room. She refused and state police say they are still looking for the perpetrator of that incident. (Matt Farrand)

Congressman Chris Carney is spent day in the Gulf of Mexico

UNDATED – Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) spent the day Monday in the Gulf of Mexico assessing the situation after the massive oil spill. WKOK spoke with him Friday about his planned trip.

Carney said from his position as the chairman of the oversight subcommittee for homeland security, it’s important that congress understand how well the federal government is doing, what they can be doing better, what they’ve been successful at and make sure they are doing things the right way.

Carney also spoke about drilling in the Marcellus Shale here in Pennsylvania and the impact it can have on the environment. Carney says they need to make sure they don’t do anything that will cause harm to the environment. Carney says it makes sense that we proceed with caution with the best science available. (Ali Stevens)

Day of Action in the Valley

LEWISBURG -- Nearly 150 volunteers helped out around the Valley during Monday's Day of Action. The national event is sponsored by the United Way and gives the community a chance to see what goes on at the group's member agencies. Tina McDowell is the Executive Director of Union County's United Way and says the day also gives volunteers a chance to give back to the community.

It is also beneficial for the agencies, because they may not have the budget or manpower to get work done. McDowell says volunteers are at about 30 different agencies, from the McEwensville Library, to the AYSO soccer fields in Selinsgrove, to the YMCA in Sunbury.

She says the volunteers are working outside painting and mulching, and inside cleaning and organizing. This is the second year the Union County United Way and the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way have worked together during the Day of Action. (Sara Bartlett)

Partial building collapse at a school building in Coal Township

COAL TOWNSHIP – A building that partially collapsed on Sunday will now be inspected to see if it can be repaired. The second floor of the St. Anthony’s School building at Fifth and Webster Streets in Coal Township collapsed into the first floor. No injuries were reported. It’s not yet known if the building will be usable again. (Ali Stevens)

USDA-chartered plane crashes into Lock Haven home, 3 dead

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration says a plane chartered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has crashed into a residential area in Lock Haven, and that three people are believed dead. FAA spokesman Jim Peters says the Cessna 210 was on final approach to Lock Haven's William T. Piper Memorial Airport when it went down west of the runway at about 1 p.m.

Peters says the plane struck a utility pole, a house and three vehicles, but there are no reports of injuries on the ground. Peters says the plane was owned by a Colorado firm but had been chartered by the USDA. Officials do not yet know where it was coming from or where it was going, or whether more than three people were aboard. Calls to city officials and the county coroner were not immediately returned.

Milton woman to be sentenced this week for kidnapping her children

MILTON – A former Milton woman, who was found guilty last week of kidnapping her children and bringing them to Milton from Spokane, Washington, will be sentenced this week. 48-year-old Jill Haugen was arrested in Milton in December 2009 for a domestic dispute and it was determined that Haugen was wanted for more than 10 years for taking her two children from their father.

Haugen told police she fled with her children because of physical and sexual abuse in the marriage, but the father was never charged. Haugen was found guilty last week of two counts of first-degree custodial interference. She now faces a maximum of 5-years in prison. (Ali Stevens)

Residential burglary investigation in Union County

MILLMONT – State police are investigating a residential burglary that took place Saturday morning in Lewis Township, Union County. Troopers say someone entered an unlocked home along Millmont Road sometime between 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Once inside, a wallet and several pieces of jewelry were stolen from a bedroom, before the burglar fled the scene. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to call state police. (Ali Stevens)

One area resident injured in a motorcycle-car crash Sunday in Juniata County

MCALISTERVILLE – One area man was injured in Sunday morning in Fayette Township, Juniata County. Police say 69-year-old Larry Maurer of Mount Pleasant Mills failed to stop at the intersection on Route 235 and pulled his car into the path of a motorcycle driven by 50-year-old Thomas Bryner of Laurelton.

Bryner was wearing a helmet and sustained moderate injuries in the crash. He was transported by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, where he was treated and released. (Ali Stevens)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A federal investigation of a top Pennsylvania state senator appears to include a deal in which he located his district office in a building he once owned.  An FBI spokesman said Tuesday that agents visited the home of a former aide to Sen. Bob Mellow. The ex-aide, Gabriel Giordano, also owned the Scranton-area office building at one point.  Spokesman J.J. Klaver would only say agents were at Giordano's home for investigative activity. That was Friday, the same day agents executed search warrants at Mellow's Archbald home and Peckville office.   

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The state auditor general says the Pennsylvania State Police could be doing a better job informing citizens about convicted sex offenders in their communities.  Auditor General Jack Wagner on Tuesday released a new report that gave the Megan's Law website a grade of "C-minus" in comparison to other states.  Among other things, the report cites poor quality photographs of the convicts, a search engine that sometimes fails to produce complete offender lists and the lack of e-mail notifications to neighbors whenever an offender moves in.  State police responded in a letter that they are working to enhance the mapping capabilities of the website and are considering e-mail notifications. They said new website enhancements are tentatively slated to be unveiled in December. 

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - An auxiliary bishop from Philadelphia is the new head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg.  Pope Benedict XVI has named Joseph McFadden the tenth bishop of Harrisburg. McFadden is scheduled to be introduced at a news conference Tuesday morning.  McFadden follows Bishop Kevin Rhoades, who was named bishop of South Bend-Fort Wayne, Indiana last year.  McFadden was ordained in 1981 in Philadelphia and has served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2004.  A Mass of Installation is scheduled for August 18.  The Harrisburg diocese is home to about 230,000 Catholics in 89 parishes.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) - A small plane chartered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture crashed into a central Pennsylvania neighborhood Monday, killing three people aboard, according to preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration. The Cessna 210 was on final approach to Lock Haven's William T. Piper Memorial Airport when it went down west of the runway at about 1 p.m. Monday, FAA spokesman Jim Peters said. The plane struck a utility pole, a house and three vehicles, but there are no reports of injuries on the ground, he said. The plane was owned by a Colorado firm and had been chartered by the USDA, Peters said. Officials did not yet know where it was coming from, its final destination or whether more than three people were aboard, he said. Calls to the Lock Haven fire administrator and the Clinton County coroner were not immediately returned. The registered owner, Wings and Wheels 2LLC of the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo., did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - With just 10 days until the new fiscal year begins, the state Legislature is back in Harrisburg and is at odds with Gov. Ed Rendell over his proposed $29 billion budget. Rendell pressed his case yesterday, appearing at a rally with public school advocates who back his call to boost spending on instruction and operations by more than $350 million. Spending decisions will be difficult with Pennsylvania facing a $1 billion-plus shortfall in tax collections in the almost-finished fiscal year. Rendell wants to fill the gap with tobacco settlement money and increased taxes on sales of tobacco products and the extraction of natural gas. Legislative leaders are working behind closed doors to balance the budget with program cuts that Rendell warns will lead to state employee layoffs.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's tax amnesty program is adding about $261 million to state coffers, far exceeding projections. Gov. Ed Rendell announced the total collections yesterday, saying about 60,000 delinquents participated in the program. Participants are getting their penalties waived and are only having to pay half the interest due. Officials had expected the 54-day amnesty period to bring in $190 million. Final figures aren't expected to be announced for a few weeks, and a complete report to the Legislature is due in December.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Even summer school is out for summer in Harrisburg. School district officials have canceled remedial summer classes because of budget concerns. Acting Superintendent Audrey Utley says enrollments didn't meet new minimum class size requirements. District officials said at least 25 students would have to be signed up for a class in order to make it cost-effective to offer it in the summer. Assistant Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney says the district doesn't have the revenue to supplement the cost of summer classes. Parents of affected students were referred to Dauphin County Technical School, which runs a summer program. A grant-funded summer program for elementary and middle school students is unaffected.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Updates on the latest in business:

Dow: 10,336.37, down -106.04

S&P 500: 1,100.66, down -12.54

NASDAQ: 2,272.55, down -16.54

NEW YORK (AP) - Stock prices have been bouncing around as investors await the outcome of a two-day Federal Reserve meeting. The key averages have failed to mount a sustained rally so far today.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says it will immediately appeal a federal judge's ruling against a moratorium on new deepwater drilling. A New Orleans judge blocked the six-month ban imposed in the wake of the Gulf oil spill, saying the Interior Department had failed to provide adequate reasons for it.

LONDON (AP) - BP shares have sunk to their lowest point in 13 years. This, as CEO Tony Hayward handed over control of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response to managing director Bob Dudley.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A trade group says sales of previously occupied homes fell more than 2 percent in May. Nearly a third of last month's sales were from foreclosures or other distressed properties.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) - Apple says it has sold 3 million iPads less than three months after the new device went on sale. Apple plans to expand sales of the device in nine more countries in July.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Tuesday:

 Mega Millions

     Estimated jackpot: $26 million

 Midday Big 4

     4-4-4-4

Midday Number

     8-5-0

Midday Quinto

     2-6-4-3-4

Powerball

     Estimated jackpot: $97 million

 Treasure Hunt

     01-02-06-22-27

     (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

D.C.'s real housewives

UNDATED (AP) - One of the women on the upcoming series "Real Housewives of D.C." has a lock on her clothes closet that can be opened only by her fingerprint. Guess who she's trying to keep out? Her own daughter. Mary Schmidt Amons says, "When you have a daughter who shares your same size and your same style, you have to take measures into your own hands." However, the most famous housewife on the show is Michaele Salahi. She's the one who crashed a White House party with her husband. "Real Housewives of D.C." premieres in August.

'The Bachelor' star Pavelka splits with fiancee

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "The Bachelor" is flying solo again.  Jake Pavelka and Vienna Giraldi, the lovey- dovey couple who met and became engaged in front of millions of viewers on the 14th season of the ABC dating series, have called off their engagement, according to Pavelka's spokeswoman.  Janice Lee said "Jake and Vienna have split. They appreciate the respect for their privacy at this time." No additional details were provided.  After choosing 23-year-old marketing representative Giraldi on "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love," 32-year-old pilot Pavelka competed on the 10th season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and was eliminated fifth from the competition.  Only four of the 13 previous couples who met on "The Bachelor" are still together.

Baby's named

NEW YORK (AP) - Meet Tira and Misu. They're not dessert, but a treat for visitors at New York'sProspect Park Zoo. The baby tamarin monkeys were  born in April. Zoo visitors helped to choose their names. Zoo officials say the new names are fitting for the sweet little creatures. Zoo keepers don't know yet if the twins are boys or girls, or one of each. Tira and Misu's parents are Napoleon and Cannoli. Right now the little monkeys are 6 inches long. They can grow up to 9 inches, with a foot-long tail.

White House defends Obama's fun time during crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) - A White House spokesman says the whole country benefits when President Barack Obama takes time to go golfing and "clear his mind." Obama spokesman Bill Burton on Monday defended Obama's leisure activities amid some Republican criticism that Obama should not be scheduling fun time during the Gulf oil spill crisis. The president went golfing on Saturday afternoon after attending a baseball game Friday night. Burton said the people of the country stand by the notion that "their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind." He said Obama relaxed after a week in which he got help for victims of the oil spill and traveled to Ohio to speak on the economy, among other work. Burton said that having time to himself "probably does us all good."

NYC to plunk down pianos throughout city

NEW YORK (AP) - Starting today, the streets of New York could be filled with music. Some 60 pianos will be set up throughout the city, for anyone to play, for free. It's part of an art installation that's touring the world. For two weeks the public will have access to pianos at landmarks such as Lincoln Center, the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island ferry terminal and Central Park's bandshell. Each piano will have its own attendant who'll unlock the keyboard every day at 9 a.m. and remove the protective tarp. The pianos were donated and painted and decorated by artists. The concept was devised by British artist Luke Jerram, who since 2008 has put more than 130 pianos in parks, squares and bus stations in cities like London, Sydney and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Jerram says the piano is actually "a blank canvas for everyone's creativity."

Miley Cyrus says her 'tamed' act...isn't.

NEW YORK (AP) - Miley Cyrus doesn't think "Can't Be Tamed" is "too provocative or too mature" for her younger fans. She's talking about the song and not necessarily about the video. She says her younger fans "might not be able to relate to it as much as a fan" who's the same age she is: 17. But, she says just "because they don't feel these things but it doesn't mean they don't like to dance or listen to music." But, Cyrus says last year's hit, "The Climb" is "the best thing that's ever happened" to her. She says fans of all ages have come up to her and say this song is song is their anthem.

Gay scout plans to explore new territory

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A gay Life Scout ousted from the Boy Scouts of America in Philadelphia says he never sought to become the poster child for gays in scouting. Greg Lattera says scouting meant the world to him and he still supports the organization. But the 25-year-old Lattera says he has no regrets that he appeared on TV in his uniform to applaud the local chapter's anti-discrimination policy in 2003. The Cradle of Liberty Council soon rescinded the policy amid pressure from national Boy Scout leaders in Texas, who ban gays. The jury must decide whether the city can rescind the Boy Scouts' $1-a-year lease on their city-owned headquarters building if they don't comply with city anti-discrimination laws. Lattera was the last witness before closing arguments Tuesday.

Summer Snowballs

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The patrons carrying small coolers and plastic bags into Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center weren't bringing their lunch. They were packing snowballs. Monday marked the first day of summer and the science museum's annual Snowball Day. Visitors are encouraged every year to save a snowball from the winter in their freezer and then take it to the science center on the first day of summer. Those who do get to name their own price to get into the museum for the day. But the most fun comes when they get to throw their snowballs into the Ohio River from the deck of a submarine that is docked outside the museum.