Monday, July 5, 2010
Local yoga exponent dies at New Berlin studio
NEW BERLIN -- A local yoga master is dead, and a full investigation is underway in New Berlin. Director Swami Sudharman of the Integral Yoga Center reportedly died at his studio and classroom on Market Street.
Travelers through New Berlin late Monday said they saw a large Pennsylvania State Police presence around the center, including what they described as forensic units. State police only confirmed that trooper Matt Burrows would likely issue some information at some point.
One source told us he believed Swami Sudharman, a practitioner of Hatha Yoga had died, perhaps after a fall. He said a friend arrived at the center to teach a class at about 5:00 p.m., and found Sudharman on the floor, seemingly lifeless.
However, the instructor says some things at the scene seemed suspicious. Thus, the extensive investigation ensued once the instructor reported the death to authorities.
Sudharman was 70 years old, and was apparently susceptible to falls. He was also known as Joseph Fenton, and was once associated with the Valley Spiritual Center and School of Healing Arts in Port Trevorton. The center's website says Sudharman went to Cornell University and was practicing yoga for more than 30 years. (Matt Farrand)
Congressman praises Petraeus pick
UNDATED -- General David Petraeus officially took over as commanding general in Afghanistan Sunday, and a local Congressman is commenting on the move. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) says there was no choice but to relieve General Stanley McChrystal of duty following his comments in Rolling Stone magazine. He says there can not even be an impression that the President and a commanding leader are not on the same page.
Carney says having Petraeus now on board is a great move. He says Petraeus holds more sway in the Afghan region and with Hamid Karzai. Carney says it will be difficult, but the U.S. needs to get a definable goal regarding the war.
Carney says above all, it is important to support the men and women fight in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. McChrystal is retiring from the Army and will retire as a general.
Celebrant charged after fireworks fly
MILTON -- A fireworks complaint has led to charges against a White Deer woman. Around 10:20p.m. on the 4th of July 46-year-old Kathleen Peterson was setting off fireworks at a home along White Deer Pike. Police say some of the fireworks flew toward a property owned by James Lloyd and set a small area of grass on fire. Fireworks also struck a vehicle parked in Lloyd's driveway. A citation of criminal mischief has been filed against Peterson. (Sara Bartlett)
Commissioner says results in, treatment courts work
LEWISBURG -- A Union County Commissioner is commended Union and Snyder Counties drug and DUI treatment court as alternatives to incarceration for non-violent, low risk offenders. The first class of drug treatment recipients in the counties recently graduated, as we hear from Preston Boop, who gave an update during the Central PA and Greater Susquehanna Valley Chambers of Commerce joint legislative forum. He says since coming to office in 2004, he watched Union County incarceration numbers spike, but within the last few months, they have been at their lowest levels in 14 years, with 36 people in jail.
Boop says a Community Service Coordinator was recently hired in Union and Snyder Counties to work with local organizations and the judges to help place offenders in community programs, instead of in jail. In addition, Boop says they hope to implement re-entry education, where people that are in jail can get the training they need to get back into the workforce when they are done serving their sentence.
Boop says another option is a day treatment center, and the county is in talks about this idea. He says offenders would come to the center during the day and would leave at night to go back to their homes. Boop says all of these alternatives to incarceration help keep recidivism rates down and jail numbers low. (Sara Bartlett)
Fire closes Danville's Beaver apartments overnight
DANVILLE – A Danville woman remains in critical condition following a fire Beaver Apartments Sunday morning. 37-year-old Kellie English is in critical condition at the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital. The blaze broke out around 8:10a.m. in English's room. The fire itself was quickly put out according to Danville Assistant Fire Chief Chris Dickinson.
State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder told Newsradio 1070 WKOK says the fire was contained to room 311 started in a couch. He did not yet know the exact cause. Neighbors told us English is a smoker and speculated that a cigarette may have started the fire. Fedder said the fire did about $25,000 worth of damage to the apartment.
The fire displaced about 40 residents of the apartment building. All were initially taken to Danville borough building following the fire. Fire chief Brian Witmer told us, their fire drills paid off and aside from a few stragglers, everyone got out okay quickly. Smoke inhalation was apparently a common complaint, and EMS units from areas surrounding Danville were called to help out the overflow of those who showed symptoms.
The Montour County Housing Authority owns the apartment complex. The 8am fire saw a response from Danville, Mahoning Township, Valley Township, Liberty Township and Riverside fire crews responded, as did the Columbia County's Rapid Intervention Team.
Injuries after early morning crash
MILTON – Two injuries were reported after a crash on I-80 in Northumberland County this morning. The crash happened around 4:45a.m. on the westbound portion of the highway exit 212 Milton. Union County 911 says one vehicle was involved and two people were taken to the hospital by ambulance. More information as it becomes available today. (Sara Bartlett)
Major fire still under investigation
MILTON – The investigation will continue this week after a devastating fire in downtown Milton. An estimated 12 people are homeless after the blaze on Front Street. A state police fire marshal says he'll return to the scene tomorrow (Tuesday) to further the investigation.
A business celebrating their 85th year was destroyed by a fast moving fire in downtown Milton Friday afternoon. Three buildings were damaged and about a dozen people are homeless because of the blaze. The fire apparently broke out next to the Vogel’s Cleaners building at 140 South Front Street. The Vogel’s building and two adjoining buildings were destroyed.
Marino enjoys freedom to vote, pray and travel
UNDATED -- Republican congressional candidate Tom Marino says Independence Day is among his favorite holidays. The former Lycoming County and federal prosecutor says freedom enjoyed during day-to-day life is the reason, including freedom to travel vote and go to church.
Marino will spend much of the holiday weekend campaigning, but says veterans and current members of the military are in his prayers. He says former and current soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines need to be taken care of. Marino will face incumbent Democrat Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) in the general election. We'll have remarks from Carney in upcoming newscasts. (Matt Farrand)
Congressman says America is the greatest nation
UNDATED -- As we celebrate the 4th of July holiday, a local congressman is taking time to talk about America and Independence Day. U.S. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) calls America the 'greatest nation on the face of the earth.'
Carney says during tough times, it's about Americans working together to make a difference. Carney, a Democrat, is up for reelection this year, and will face off against Republican Tom Marino of Lycoming County to represent the 10th district. (Sara Bartlett)
Upcoming sentences for two involved in Snyder County homicide
MIDDLEBURG – Sentencing is next month for two men who are accomplices in a Snyder County homicide. Snyder County District Attorney Michael Piecuch says 26-year-old Abdul Malik Saeed Walker was found competent to stand trial and will face sentencing August 3rd. He faces third degree homicide charges.
27-year-old Ibrahim Musa Wells, of Mill Hall, will be sentenced August 5th on charges of conspiracy to commit manslaughter and burglary. The two are being charged for the incident in May of last year, when 19-year-old Steven Rodriguez was shot and killed in an apartment in Monroe Township. The shooter, 27-year-old David Cannie Jr. of Philadelphia was sentenced early this month to up to 60 years in prison.
5K run a prelude to Mifflinburg's big Sunday show
MIFFLINBURG-- There was plenty of cheering and applause offered to runners at the 27th Annual Mifflinburg 5K road race Saturday. Supporters and athletes agree that the race serves as an annual reunion of friends, family, and embodies the sprit of the 4th of July holiday. There were 457 registered runners along with countless spectators, both in Mifflinburg's Community Park and along the race route.
Shorter distance children's races also attracted scores of kids and their parents. This 2010 edition of the race was run the day before the Independence Day holiday , as the 4th of July fell on a Sunday this year. There was a full day of activities Sunday including a pet parade, music and fireworks at Mifflinburg's Community Park.
Corn for sale earlier this year
UNDATED -- Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia Counties are under a drought emergency. US Geological Survey officials say their designation lets local officials restrict water use, if necessary. Local farmer, Bill Geise of rural Northumberland says he's concerned, even though they have already started to sell local corn. He says they have been irrigating, but are praying for rain.
Last month, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski, our area had about a two-and-a-half inch rainfall deficit, and so far this year, our area has experienced about a six-inch rainfall deficit. Union County is currently in drought warning status, according to the USGS.
Millmont man dies in Friday night crash
MIFFLINBURG – State troopers say 51-year-old Wayne Pierson of Millmont died in a Friday night one-vehicle crash, which also injured his passenger, 48-year-old Lisa Pierson of Millmont. Troopers say Pierson was driving at a high rate of speed, just before 8:00 p.m. on Paddy Mountain Road near Laurelton.
He apparently lost control of the car, which then hit an embankment, broke a utility pole, and rolled onto its roof. Pierson was not using a seatbelt, although his passenger was. Lisa Pierson was released Saturday from Geisinger Medical Center after being airlifted there Friday night. (Matt Farrand)
Nearly 40 arrests made during Sunbury saturation patrol
SUNBURY -- A saturation patrol by the Northumberland-Montour County Drug Task Force took place Friday night. The patrol took place in the greater Sunbury area and officers were in contact with over 100 people.
Among the arrests include four illegal drug violations, where nearly thirty grams of both cocaine and marijuana were seized, five probation violations, sending four of them to Northumberland County Prison, three disorderly conducts and nine traffic violations.
In addition, there were two foot pursuits with both individuals now in custody, one wanted person placed in Northumberland County Prison, one illegal immigration violation and one prohibited weapon violation. There were nearly forty arrests in all. Officers from Sunbury, Northumberland, Point Township, Ralpho Township, Mount Carmel, as well as the Northumberland County Adult Probation assisted with the patrol. (Sara Bartlett)
Latest Pennsylvania news, business, lottery and entertainment
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A 70-year-old party-goer is dead after he fell from a Lancaster County bridge that was closed for repairs. Police say Robert Smith of Quarryville fell into the Conestoga River as he walked on the bridge connecting Manor and Conestoga Townships. Manor Township Police Officer Brian Liddick says the bridge has been taken down to bare steel beams. Police say Smith may have been trying to walk home from a nearby party on Saturday night. They say attempts to resuscitate him failed.
PALMYRA, Pa. (AP) - Two people remain hospitalized after a fireworks accident injured 11 people gathered for a borough fireworks display near Harrisburg. Palmyra Borough police say a firework misfired, causing an explosion that sent firework material into the nearby crowd at Palmyra Middle School. They say the accident also propelled other fireworks material across the football field. Authorities say the victims suffered burns, contusions and abrasions. They include four minors between 11 and 17 and one fireworks employee. The Fourth of July celebration was also commemorating Palmyra's 250th anniversary. One adult and one minor remain hospitalized at Hershey Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - An Allentown kayaker has some detective work in store after finding a cache of military grave markers in the Lehigh River. Joe Brozowski says he found 46 of the small markers in shallow water near a Catasauqua bridge last month. Veterans groups and local governments usually place the markers to honor military service. But in recent years they have become an all-too common target for thieves eyeing the value of their metal. Brozowski hopes to return the markers to their rightful place. But his task is complicated by the fact they do not bear the names of individual soldiers. He says some appear to honor service dating back to the Civil War. There are no signs of corrosion, suggesting they were dumped recently.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania lawmakers are finished passing the set of bills that make up the new $28 billion state government budget. The budget work wrapped up Saturday in a rare weekend session, three days into the new fiscal year. The final votes included a promise to work on a Marcellus Shale natural gas tax and a fiscal office and $600 million in capital projects borrowing. Gov. Ed Rendell's office says he plans to sign the budget bills on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the Harrisburg area and at other locations across the state.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania parole board is hoping a computer program will help more accurately predict which inmates can be safely released. The board is hoping to avert such crimes as last week's stabbing deaths of four people in eastern Pennsylvania, for which a man on parole at a halfway house has been charged. University of Pennsylvania professor Richard Berk's system is already in use in Philadelphia and Baltimore to more closely supervise potential killers. But the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole plans to be the first to use it to help it decide whether an inmate should be released. The board has given Berk a $228,000 grant to build his system, pilot it next year and have it in place by 2011. The board has been under fire over violence by parolees, but spokesman Leo Dunn says less than 1 percent of the roughly 10,000 inmates paroled each year go on to commit a violent crime while on parole.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Electronic signs along Pennsylvania highways that warn drivers of accidents, traffic jams and construction could be pitching them products if state officials get their way. Pennsylvania has joined California and Florida in asking the federal government to allow the sale of advertising on electronic highway signs to generate money to fix roads and bridges. The Patriot-News of Harrisburg says it has obtained an application indicating that states would contract with private companies to upgrade and maintain the electronic signs. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says the advertising could generate $150 million annually for each state. But traffic safety advocates argue that the ads could distract drivers and pose a road hazard.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Update on the latest in business
Dow: 9,686.48
S&P 500: 1,022.48
NASDAQ: 2,091.79
US markets closed for Independence Day holiday, quotes from Friday, July 2, 2010
BP bills Anadarko for part of spill cleanup
BP has billed Anadarko Petroleum for more than a quarter billion dollars so far to help the British oil giant plug its blown-out well and clean up the spill. As a 25-percent stakeholder in the operation, Anadarko is contractually obligated to help cover the costs. BP also reportedly has billed its 10-percent partner, Japan's Mitsui, for $111 million. BP's cash calls are expected to continue. Its costs for the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill climbed nearly half a billion dollars in the past week, raising the oil giant's tab to just over $3 billion. Anadarko says it is reviewing the $272.2 million bill and "assessing our contractual remedies." Anadarko CEO Jim Hackett argued last month that his company should be excluded from paying for the spill due to BP's "reckless decisions and actions."
Relief well is last best hope for gulf spill
HOUSTON (AP) - The relief well being drilled in the seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico is BP's confident hope for a solution to stop the gusher fouling the region. But what if it doesn't work? At the very least, oil would continue to spill while workers try something else. The British company says it is developing "backups for the backups," but they're short on details. The relief well is on track to be completed in August, but it's a complicated task. They have to tap into a target the size of a dinner plate thousands of feet below the ocean floor. A second relief will be a backup. All the while, the threat of a hurricane disrupting the work remains.
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Monday:
Midday Big 4
2-1-4-3
Midday Number
2-2-9
Midday Quinto
1-5-1-2-8
Treasure Hunt
05-08-11-28-30
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Israeli troops filmed dancing on duty in West Bank
JERUSALEM (AP) - Some Israeli soldiers may have to face the music for a viral video of them dancing on duty. A video of the soldiers stopping a patrol in the West Bank to dance to American electro-pop singer Kesha's hit "Tick Tock" has been removed from YouTube. But Israeli TV stations picked it up and showed it repeatedly Monday. The YouTube user who posted it identified the dancers as Israeli infantrymen in the tense Palestinian city of Hebron. The video shows six soldiers patrolling as a Muslim call to prayer is heard. Then the music changes, and they break into a Macarena-like dance. The military called the video a "stunt" and said the troops' commanders have been informed.
'Eclipse' rises to $82.5M over holiday weekend
LOS ANGELES (AP) - "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" has risen to an $82.5 million haul over the long Fourth of July weekend and has lifted its total to $175.3 million after just six days. The vampire romance from Summit Entertainment finished at No. 1 over the four-day weekend, despite a steep drop in its daily take after a $68.5 million start last Wednesday, the second biggest opening day ever. Coming in second for the weekend with $70.5 million was Paramount's action fantasy "The Last Airbender." "Toy Story 3" was third with $42.2 million, raising its domestic total to $301.1 million. It passed last year's "Up" at $293 million to become the No. 2 hit for Pixar Animation, behind only "Finding Nemo" at $339.7 million.
Queen wraps up Canadian visit
WATERLOO, Ontario (AP) - Queen Elizabeth II will tour the headquarters of BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion and will have a state dinner with the prime minister on the last full day of her one-day visit to Canada. The queen on Tuesday heads to New York. There she will visit the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and also address the United Nations General Assembly. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty on Monday is expected to present the queen and Prince Philip with personalized BlackBerries with messages from him. The queen visited Canada to celebrate the country's 143rd birthday and to mark the Canadian navy's centennial. The queen is the symbolic head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)