Friday, June 27, 2008
Local congressman says they are working to get gas prices down
UNDATED – As oil futures climbed briefly to a new record above $142 a barrel today, a local congressman says he is working to get gasoline prices to come down. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) says there is work being done to address the high gas prices such as taking resources from the petroleum reserve if its full, and put them towards gas. However, Carney says there is not a gas shortage, just speculation that make it seem that way.
Carney says if there weren’t speculators and we were actually pricing oil based on supply and demand, oil would be about $60 to $65.00 a barrel. Oil futures rose today on expectations that the weakening dollar may extend its decline, adding to interest in oil. (Ali Stevens)
Budget talks drag toward deadline
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Legislators are grumbling over the prospect of working through the weekend - even though leaders say they're making progress toward a budget agreement three days before the end of the fiscal year. Without an agreement by Monday, Governor Ed Rendell could order a partial government shutdown as early as 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, idling state parks and driver license centers and sending thousands of government employees home without pay.
Negotiators on both sides say they're narrowing numerous differences over the level of spending and how to plug a hole left by this year's smaller-than-expected surplus. But legislators have already weathered a rare five-day workweek. They're not ecstatic about plans for sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday - at least. Senator Wayne Fontana, a Democrat from Allegheny County, says he doesn't know what he'd do without colleagues to pass the time and go out to dinner. Reporters won't appear right away at court hearing
Justice issues are a big topic at legislative forum
LEWISBURG – New options for justice administration was a big topic at the joint legislative forum in Lewisburg on Friday morning. Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz spoke alongside Commissioners Sawicki and Boop; he says the county is beginning drug court because it saves on incarceration costs and makes offenders a contribution to society. Snyder County will join with Union County’s drug court starting July 1st. The two counties are also looking into a joint regional prison that would cut costs for both counties.
Other issues at the forum include Northumberland County’s renegotiated Center St. leases, and Union County’s energy audit to evaluate county energy use. Union County Commissioner Preston Boop closed the meeting with his concerns over a possible Rt. 80 toll and encouraged all local resident express their concerns over Act 44, which would implement the toll. (Lindsey Bingaman)
Roundtable looks at Autism and dentistry this weekend
SUNBURY – Roundtable this weekend looks at the nuances of dentistry, when it comes to treating a child with Autism. The enlightening program also focuses on holistic dentistry. One of the guests is Kathleen Dunkelberger, an RN who is the mother of a child affected by Autism. She founded the 'Always Question Authority Conference. This year the conference is October 24th. She is also on the Governor’s task for people with disabilities. The dentist is Dr. Pentti Nupponen of Halifax. We discussed the difference between modern tooth fillings and ‘old school’ fillings. You can hear Roundtable (Sunday) on:
Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m.
100.9, The Valley, at 6a.m.
WKOK at 9a.m.
Talkradio 1380 WMLP, 11a.m.
94KX at 11p.m.
And anytime, at www.wkok.com
Tips you can follow to save gas during expensive times
WILLIAMSPORT – If you want to save gas, there are tips you can follow to make a difference in your tank. While there are a lot of little things you can do, the biggest by far is to drive like a person and not “an escapee from NASCAR.” That word comes from Penn College automotive technology assistant professor Dale Jaenke who says driving the speed limit can save plenty in gas.
Jaenke also says keeping your windows up when possible makes your car more aerodynamically efficient, but turning on the air conditioner almost always uses more fuel. Air pressure in the tires and regular maintenance checks can also help conserve gas. But the best way to save gas is to slow down. (WPGM).
Local women’s center working to keep kids safe this summer
DANVILLE – The Women’s Center for Columbia and Montour Counties is working hard this summer to help keep kids safe during their break from school. Robin Hampton of the center says they are offering a lot of programs on a number of topics, including stranger danger and Internet safety, which is quite popular. Hampton says they can talk to any group, including summer camps or bible schools. They also have programs on bullies and proper touches. Whether you are dealing with pre-schoolers or high schoolers, Hampton says their programs can be tailored to that specific demographic. To learn more, you can call 784-6632. (Ali Stevens)
Mine accident back in the news
MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. (AP) - Federal and state investigators say a coal miner killed last week by falling debris at a Mount Carmel mine was working in an unprotected area. Investigators could not immediately say why Robert Carey was in a section of the mine that lacked ceiling supports.
The 45-year-old Carey was killed June 16 by falling rocks or coal inside the Harmony Mine near Mount Carmel. He was an assistant foreman from Shamokin with nine years of experience. DEP says a joint investigation was conducted.
The Bureau of Mine Safety and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration found that roof supports were in place as required in other parts of the mine. Officials have given the mine's owner, Mount Carmel-based UAE Coal Corp. Associates, permission to resume normal production. Carey's death was the third fatal mining accident in Pennsylvania this year.
Some local stocks at or near 52-week lows
NEW YORK – Local stocks followed the Dow Industrials downward Thursday. Several are at or near 52-week lows, including banks FNB Corp, Susquehanna Bancshares and Conagra. The food producer dropped more than 5.5% to finish the day at under 21 dollars per share.
Fleetwood Enterprises also lost nearly 6.0% and hit a 52-week low of less than three dollars per share. Stock in the RV builder was over 11 dollars in mid-July of last year. Sovereign Bancorp lost more than 5.5% to settle at 7.95.
Other stocks of local interest fared somewhat better, including Sara Lee, which only fell about 2.5%, M&T Bank, which dropped 2.1% and Weis Markets, which lost only 1.1% to close at 33.07. Record high oil prices, more discouraging news from the credit markets and an expectation that corporate profits will continue to erode weighed on the market. (Matt Farrand)
Environmental organization rallying support against Rt. 11 Ethanol tanks
ALLENWOOD – An Allenwood environmental group is joining forces with Point Township residents and are now asking for support in opposing ethanol tanks along Route 11. Charles Sackrey is the Co-Chair of the Organizations United for the Environment and says they are providing information on the affects of these tanks.
Sackrey says they are starting with outline the hazards of increased truck traffic. In April, the Point Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a permit for Lyco 1 to build three tanks that would store nine million gallons of ethanol.
OUE is now appealing to the public for funds and volunteer time to help fight the building of the tanks. The OUE will help by meeting with groups who are fighting against polluters and also possibly providing them with seed money. For more information on this project you can go to www.ouenews.org. (Sara Bartlett)
Carney calls court decision victory for responsible gun owners
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers are reacting to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense or hunting. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th Dimock) calls it, “A victory for responsible gun owners everywhere.”
But fellow Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California says the people of the country will be less safe because of the ruling. The decision strikes down the District of Columbia's 32-year-old ban on handguns, leaving licensing of guns intact. Challenges to existing laws based on Thursday’s decision are expected in San Francisco, Chicago and other locations (Matt Farrand)
Local officers react to a Supreme Court decision on owning guns
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court says Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, the justices' first major pronouncement on gun rights in U.S. history. The court's 5-4 ruling strikes down the District of Columbia's 32-year-old ban on handguns as incompatible with gun rights under the Second Amendment.
Chief Stephen Mazzeo of Sunbury Police is pleased with the ruling, saying it’s an affirmation of the American system of government that the government is of the people, by the people and for the people. Chief Kurt Brown of Point Township Police says a human being should certainly have the right to defend themselves if they meet the criteria that is set forth by the federal and state government to own a firearm.
The Supreme Court decision goes further than even the Bush administration wanted, but probably leaves most firearms laws intact. The basic issue for the justices was whether the amendment protects an individual's right to own guns no matter what, or whether that right is somehow tied to service in a state militia. (Ali Stevens/AP)
Job cuts at Geisinger Wilkes Barre facility
WILKES-BARRE – Four hundred employees at a Geisinger Health Systems facility in Wilkes-Barre will soon lose their jobs. Geisinger South is being converted to a short-stay hospital, as part of a local reorganization of services. The facility will still offer emergency room and urgent care services, but cuts will include nursing positions.
The conversion is expected to be complete by mid-2009, as long-term patients will be treated at another Geisinger facility. A statement issued Thursday by Geisinger President and CEO Dr. Glenn Steele notes hospital use patterns are changing, thanks largely to improved technology. The layoffs take effect in September. (Matt Farrand)
Mount Carmel man’s aggravated assault charges will go to court
POTTSVILLE – Charges against a Mount Carmel man accused of kidnapping his mother will go to court. 58-year-old Robert Netchel faces charges of aggravated assault and other counts after he allegedly took his mother, Ruth Ann Netchel, from a Schuylkill County Nursing Home in April without her consent. Police found the two at Robert Netchel’s home in Mount Carmel. His mother died a day later. Netchel is free on $50,000 bail. (Sara Bartlett)
Millville woman left three children alone in a vehicle, pleads guilty
MILLVILLE – A Millville woman pleaded guilty to leaving three young children alone in her vehicle while she shopped in a store for about 20 minutes. 26-year-old Sara Wolfe was fined $750 for the incident in a Buckhorn shopping center parking lot on May 31st.
Police say Wolfe left her children, ages 5, 2 and 6-months, alone in her van. A group of people shopping at the store noticed the children alone and contacted authorities. Wolfe pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and leaving children unattended. (Ali Stevens)
Northumberland County man’s son killed in Iraq
HARRISBURG – A Harrisburg area man with ties to Northumberland County has been killed in Iraq. A roadside bomb killed 25-year-old Army Private First Class James Yohn Tuesday. Yohn’s father lives in Coal Township. His mother says an Army chaplain and another officer delivered the news as she was preparing to go to work Wednesday morning. Yohn’s wife is expecting their first child in just few weeks. (AP/SB)
Obama speaks in Pittsburgh, McCain plans a trip to Wilkes-Barre
PITTSBURGH – As Barack Obama sees it; politics can sometimes get in the way of solving problems. He told business leaders Thursday at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh that there isn't much disagreement about what needs to be done to keep America competitive in the global economy.
This was Obama’s first appearance in Western PA since the April primary; it’s also the same venue where Republican rival John McCain chose to share his economic views earlier this year. McCain, meanwhile, has reportedly announced that he will be coming to Wilkes-Barre on July 23rd as part of his campaign stop. No other details have been released about the visit. (AP/SB)
A Special Camp for Special Kids in Millville
MILLVILLE – This is 13-year-old Hunter Steinitz’s last year at Camp Horizon, a camp for kids with skin disorders. Steinitz, who lives in Pittsburgh, has Harlequin Ichthyosis, which makes the skin shed every three to four days.
She has found a special place in her life at Camp Horizon, which is just one of over 20 camps that are hosted at the 125-acre Camp Victory facilities in Millville. There, kids with special needs can spend the week swimming, climbing, fishing, playing sports, singing, playing in the newly built tree house and having fun. Steinitz says best of all, you can spend time talking to your friends.
Camp Victory began hosting camps in 1987, after PA Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff and his wife Lois donated 35 acres of land. At that time, Wolff’s son, Nick, was diagnosed with liver disease. Board of Directors at Victory recently announced a $2 million fundraiser that will help keep the facility operational for many years to come. (Sara Bartlett)
About 250 workers expected to leave PHEAA
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - About 250 employees of Pennsylvania's student-loan agency are expected to take voluntary buyouts as part of the agency's cost-cutting efforts. A Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency spokesman said Friday the number of buyouts accepted by nonunion workers won't become final until early next week. PHEAA spokesman Mike Reiber says workers who are still trying to make up their minds have until Monday to make a final decision. Sen. Sean Logan, vice chairman of PHEAA's board, says the buyouts could save the agency about $15 million a year in personnel costs.
About 1,100 of PHEAA's 2,500 employees were eligible for the buyouts. They were announced in April as a way to help ease financial problems PHEAA has blamed on strained credit markets.
Judge nominees endorsed by Senate panel
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Senate committee has endorsed Gov. Ed Rendell's nominees to fill four temporary vacancies on Pennsylvania's appellate courts. If confirmed by the Senate, the nominees will serve until 2010, when the judges elected next year will be sworn in for 10-year terms. All four have agreed not to run for a full term. The nominees Include Philadelphia Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan, who was tapped to fill an opening on the state Supreme Court. There are two Superior Court nominees, both currently county president judges - John Cleland of McKean County and Robert Freedberg of Northampton County. Former state labor commissioner Johnny Butler is nominated for a seat on the Commonwealth Court.
Pa. welfare dept. posting care-home info online
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The head of Pennsylvania's public welfare department says her agency plans to make more information available online about personal care homes. Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman says a new searchable online personal care home directory includes information such as
copies of violation reports. The agency plans to add other information between now and December, such as the number of homes that have received annual inspections and the number that have been closed.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A judge has given 15 journalists at least a temporary reprieve from having to testify at a hearing to determine whether a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate alleged violations of the secrecy of a grand jury investigation. Dauphin County Judge Todd Hoover says the reporters will not have to appear in court Monday, the scheduled start of a hearing stemming from allegations of leaks in the investigation that led to perjury charges against casino owner Louis DeNaples.
Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo is spending the night in a hospital after becoming dizzy and falling down during a voting session in the chamber. Fellow senators rushed to the aid of the Philadelphia Democrat when he collapsed around 5 p.m. Thursday. Paramedics connected Fumo to an oxygen tube and wheeled the pale-looking senator out of the chamber in a wheelchair. Fumo's spokesman Gary Tuma says the senator told paramedics that he never lost consciousness and did not have any chest pains. Tuma says Fumo was to remain overnight at Harrisburg Hospital as a precaution although doctors said he appeared to be having no heart trouble. Sixty-five-year-old Fumo underwent emergency surgery for a heart attack in March. Fumo, a 30-year lawmaker, has said he will not seek re-election this year because of federal corruption charges against him. His trial is scheduled for September.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials are expected to appear Friday before a state House committee considering the proposed 75-year lease of the turnpike. But the House Transportation Committee chairman says he still thinks the idea is "insufficient to achieve what the goal is here." Members of the team that submitted the highest bid of $12.8 billion say it would subsidize the state's roads, bridges and mass transit agencies. At the same time, they say, it would assume some of the long-term risks the state currently faces, such as potential vehicle-count decreases. But two finance professors say its value compares unfavorably to leaving in place the transportation law passed last summer – even if tolls on Interstate 80 are never built. Gary J. Gray, visiting professor of finance at Penn State University, says he thinks predictions that the state could reap 12 percent returns by investing the upfront payment are overly optimistic. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials are expected to appear before the committee Friday.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:
Daily Number 5-4-5
Big 4 9-3-9-4
Treasure Hunt 5-21-25-26-30
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
HYDROGEN STATION
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Fill 'er up -- with hydrogen. What some call the fuel of the future is now on sale in Los Angeles. California's first retail hydrogen station opened yesterday. L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is one of the first customers. He drives an experimental hydrogen fuel cell-powered Chevy Equinox SUV. Rosendahl says it's time to get rid of gasoline. The bright blue hydrogen pump is part of a regular Shell station. But don't expect a clean energy bargain. Shell says the non-polluting hydrogen fuel will be priced competitively with premium gas.
HORSE COMMUTE
ARLINGTON, Wash. (AP) - Dr. Keith Leonard is turning to horsepower in the face of rising gas prices. The Washington state dentist and his staff are riding to work on horseback. Leonard says more than half his dental assistants and office staff own horses, so Wednesday they saddled up and rode to work. Two others rode their bikes. Leonard says they can't control how much the oil companies charge. But he adds for a day at least, they weren't buying.
Stealth Advertising
WASHINGTON (AP) - When you see a TV character reach for an Oreo cookie -- would you like to know if Nabisco paid for that to happen? The Federal Communications Commission thinks it might be a good idea to tell viewers when they're watching a commercial hidden inside the plot of their favorite TV program. The FCC says it'll consider new rules that would make it clear to viewers when brand-name products appear in shows in exchange for money. It's something that's happening more often. Advertisers are trying to reach consumers who may just fast-forward past the real commercials with their digital video recorders. Product placement -- using brand-name items as props – is nothing new. But now, the products are being written into actual plot lines -- something known as embedded advertising or "product integration." On the family-oriented show "7th Heaven," there were plot lines involving Oreo cookies. There was a "CSI" show in which characters promote the features of a GM vehicle. A "Smallville" episode included the line "Acuvue to the rescue" -- a reference to the contact-lens maker.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)