Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Autopsy on Watsontown man shows no foul play
WATSONTOWN -- An autopsy has revealed that 81-year-old William Hill died of natural causes at his home in Watsontown. But, an investigation is still ongoing. The death had been under investigation following suspicious circumstances when police found Hill on the floor of his Vincent Avenue residence Saturday night.
Police say now there were no signs of foul play on the body, but they do suspect that someone was with Hill at the time of his death. Police met with District Attorney Tony Rosini Wednesday, and remain quiet on the investigation, but say they do hope to talk to the person that was with Hill when he died.
According to an affidavit, Hill's body was found Saturday covered by a rug. There was also a broken clothes rack near Hill. A neighbor has reported seeing Hill early Saturday evening and police discovered his body just before 9:00p.m. Watsontown Police continue to ask anyone who may have had contact with Hill Thursday, Friday or Saturday of last week to call them at 538-2773. (Sara Bartlett)
First deputy treasurer hired in Northumberland County
SUNBURY -- A deputy treasurer has been hired in Northumberland County. Kevin Gilroy of Paxinos will begin the position Thursday. The county did not currently have a deputy treasurer, but last week, Treasurer Ron Chamberlain announced that he would resign at the end of the month.
Gilroy would then becoming acting treasurer, and take over that position if approved by Governor Ed Rendell. Chamberlain and the Northumberland County Republican Committee interviewed six candidates for the position. Committee Chairman Beth Kramer says Gilroy is very qualified for the position and has over 30 years of banking experience.
Winfield woman shaken after cement cylinder hits her car
NORTHUMBERLAND -- A Winfield woman's windshield was shattered after a cement cylinder flew off a tractor-trailer in Northumberland. 70-year-old Donald Groff of Winfield was driving a tractor-trailer hauling cement mixing cylinders just before 8:00p.m. One of the cylinders came loose at King and Water Streets and struck a car driven by Angela Keefer of Winfield. Keefer says she saw the tractor-trailer come around the corner and hit the curb. She then says she remembers seeing a big, white cylinder coming toward, and shattering, her windshield.
The cylinder rolled off the truck and hit more vehicles at Duke and Water Streets. Traffic was tied up at both busy intersections for several hours. Police say it was a miracle that no one was injured as the nearly 2-ton device swung into traffic and rolled onto the road.
Groff was driving a truck owned by M. D. Hokenbrough Trucking Incorporated of Mt. Pleasant Mills. Police say Groff may be charged with DUI. Several fire departments and fire police were on hand to clean up and direct traffic after the non-injury accident. (Sara Bartlett)
Celebrity servers to help raise money for the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon
SELINSGROVE – Thursday is a celebrity server night at Applebee’s to raise money for the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon. The event will be held at the Selinsgrove Applebee’s from 5 to 9 p.m. Celebrity waiters include Dave Hess, head football coach for the champion Selinsgrove Seals, Chelsea Pagana, PSU Idol winner and Selinsgrove resident, Jeremy Deebel of WYOU TV, Paul Smith of the music group The Badlees and our own Drew Kelly and Ali Stevens from mornings on 94KX.
For every $10.00 tip that you leave to the celebrity waiters, you will receive a coupon for $6.50 off your next visit to Applebee’s. All proceeds will benefit the 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon, which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center. (Ali Stevens)
Janet Weis Children’s Hospital is always full of sick children that can use your help
DANVILLE – Many don't see the work of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville, until it affects them personally. Dr. Michael Ryan, chairman of the children’s hospital talks, about how full the hospital can be. He says there are 91 beds in the children’s hospital and more than 60 children are currently there, including 30 in the neo-natal intensive care unit for premature babies.
However, Dr. Ryan says the numbers are down in the summer, so the hospital can be much fuller. All of the equipment and services provided at the hospital is paid for through the Children’s Miracle Network. The 94KX Cares for Kids Radiothon is at the end of the month, to raise money for CMN and the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Michael Ryan is a guest on WKOK’s Leaders and Lawmakers program today at 3:30 p.m. You can also listen online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)
Selinsgrove man accused of raping a child has a preliminary hearing postponed
SELINSGROVE – A Selinsgrove man charged with raping a child was due in court yesterday for a preliminary hearing, but it was postponed. 21-year-old David Miller Jr. has requested a public defender and remains behind bars on $100,000 bail. Police say Miller raped a 9-year-old girl on five occasions between February 10th and June 28th. He was arrested on Thursday. Miller is also being investigated for the sexual assaults of two other girls, ages 10 and 11, in Schuylkill County. No new hearing date has been set. (Ali Stevens)
Mount Carmel gets grant for wastewater project
MOUNT CARMEL -- The Mount Carmel Municipal Authority has received a hefty grant that will help sewage from flowing into waterways. $1.4 million was given to replace a storm water box culvert that is creating a public safety hazard. It will eliminate sewer overflow that discharges untreated sewage into Butternut Creek. The grant is one of many awarded throughout the state by Governor Ed Rendell. The money is provided by PENNVEST and helps local communities make improvements to wastewater projects.
Danville man headed to court for shooting another hunter
DANVILLE – A Danville man has waived two felony charges to court for shooting another hunter on Memorial Day. 44-year-old Michael Kelly was a convicted felon when he shot 52-year-old Jeff Blue in the head, neck and shoulder while Blue was hunting on Bald Top Road on Montour Ridge in Mahoning Township.
Kelly was in court yesterday and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, sending his charges on to court. Kelly has reportedly apologized to Blue for the incident.
Kelly was returned to prison on $25,000 bail. He is accused of fleeing the scene after the shooting and his uncle, 75-year-old Samuel Kelly, is charged with tampering with evidence after hiding the gun on his property and failure to render assistance. He also waived his right to a preliminary hearing and is free on bail. (Ali Stevens)
Bridge preservation project over Penns Creek to begin next week in Snyder County
SELINSGROVE – A more than $320-thousand bridge preservation project will get underway next week in Penn and Monroe Townships in Snyder County. PennDOT says the work will take place at the Camelback Bridge over Penns Creek along Mill Road and will start Monday. Work will include replacement of concrete, expansion work and new overlay. Two lanes on the bridge will be maintained, but they won’t be as wide. Motorists are reminded to be alert in the work zone. The project should be finished by the end of September. (Ali Stevens)
Man charged with stealing a woman’s debit card and using it
BEAVER SPRINGS – A Beavertown man is charged with stealing a woman’s debit card and using it at a convenience store in Beaver Springs. State police say 33-year-old Martin Lynn was caught using the stolen card on store surveillance cameras during the Memorial Day weekend. Troopers say Lynn took more than $400 on the card, owned by a 29-year-old Beaver Springs woman. The investigation continues. (Ali Stevens)
Northumberland Borough Council gets earful from CPA
NORTHUMBERLAND -- Certified Public Accountant Patricia Young of Milton says Northumberland Borough comes up short in internal controls, which could in turn hurt, their ability to record and report financial data.
Among the recommendations made Tuesday night to borough council, Young says the borough needs to circulate detailed invoices of items purchased from vendors. The CPA says borough council also needs to set a dollar limit for credit card purchases made without prior authorization, continuously review accounts, and see bank statements to make sure policies are being followed. (Matt Farrand)
Rules committee to look at sidewalk ordinance
NORTHUMBERLAND -- Northumberland Borough's much maligned sidewalk ordinance will be among the topics at tonight's (Wednesday's) meeting of the rules committee. Borough council and committee member Bob Long doubts the rules passed in 2001 will be revised immediately, but confirmed it would be discussed.
Terrain and foot traffic frequency are among the factors considered before borough homeowners are required to build sidewalks. Interpretation and enforcement of the ordinance is a continuing complaint of citizens at borough council meetings. The rules committee meeting is planned for 7:00 p.m. at the Borough Building on 2nd Street. (Matt Farrand)
Northumberland County antes up for water slide
NORTHUMBERLAND -- Northumberland County will reportedly contribute $40,000 toward completion of a water slide at Liberty Splashland. Northumberland Borough Council President Greg Carl says the money will help complete the slide, which is expected to draw families from throughout the region.
Carl expects Northumberland County Commissioners to agree next week to send county money to the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, which in turn will make it available to Northumberland Borough.
Meantime, Council agreed Tuesday night to offer a contract to a New Berlin based engineering firm, to design the foundation and other details of the theme park styled water slide. Coukart & Associates will get $11,880 for their work. (Matt Farrand)
107th district candidate talks about state and personal issues on L&L
SUNBURY -- Republican Kurt Masser's campaign is well underway for state representative in the 107th district. The Northumberland County Commissioner is on our Leaders & Lawmakers program Thursday commenting on a number of topics. Masser says he isn't happy with the spending problem he sees in Harrisburg. He says the state cannot sustain the spending growth, and we need to rethink the way government acts.
Earlier this month, Masser revealed more about a protection from abuse order issued against him by his ex-wife 20 years ago. She was at his side during the announcement and Masser says he did it in an effort to clear the air, but his opponents continue to dwell on the issue. He says he has apologized to the public, and most importantly to his family, and if opponents continue to bring it up, it means they can't stand "toe to toe" with him on the real state issues.
Democrat George Zalar will face Masser in the general election. Zalar will be an upcoming guest on our Leaders & Lawmakers program. Hear more from Masser talking about jobs, severance tax on Marcellus Shale drilling, and gambling in Pennsylvania on Leaders & Lawmakers Thursday at 3:00p.m. on WKOK and online at www.wkok.com. (WKOK)
Increased motorcycle crashes
NEW BERLIN – Summer means more motorcycles are on the road and unfortunately, this summer, it also means an increase in motorcycle crashes. There have been a series of crashes recently, with five people killed on area roads since June 1st and several others seriously injured. Riding a motorcycle is a fun pastime for many and an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.
However, Danielle Klinger of PennDOT’s safety administration says motorists need to pay better attention to motorcyclists. She says people should think of a motorcycle as a car and respect it the same way. Also don’t follow too closely and give a motorcycle space.
Since the beginning of June, several people have been killed in motorcycle crashes including Raymond Kressler in Columbia County, Edward Eichner Jr. of Sunbury, killed in a Sullivan County crash, Brett Paulhamus of Milton and Beverly Latshaw of Montgomery County, who was killed in a crash near Elysburg.
Others have been seriously injured, including Clinton Mettler of Watsontown, who was seriously injured in a crash in Lewisburg on June 29th. The American Legion Riders will be holding a benefit ride for Mettler, who is a Purple Heart recipient for injuries he sustained while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Mettler was paralyzed in the motorcycle crash and is being treated at a rehabilitation center in Philadelphia. Marty Russell, commander of the New Berlin American Legion, says the benefit ride is August 14th starting at 9 a.m. in New Berlin. Donations are still being collected to help with Mettler’s medical expenses and equipment needed.
Other people injured in motorcycle crashes this summer include Shawn Richendrfer of Columbia County who was critically injured and Thomas Bryner of Laurelton, who was injured in a McAlisterville crash on June 20th. (Ali Stevens)
Man admits to setting fire
NORTHUMBERLAND – A Northumberland man has admitted to police that he set fire to his brother’s garage in Point Township on Sunday morning. Point Township police say Timmy Young admitted to setting fire to a large rag on a workbench inside the garage at 279 14th Street.
The fire destroyed the garage and two vehicles inside, with damages estimated at more than $25,000. Young told police he was drinking in Freeburg before he set the fire. Young and his wife were apparently living with his brother, Wells Young, at the home on 14th Street.
Police say Timmy Young woke his wife to tell her the garage was on fire. Police say they were immediately suspicious of Timmy Young and Fire Marshal Norman Fedder found a spot in the garage where it appeared accelerants were used to start the fire. Young was sent to the Northumberland County Prison on $25,000 bail. He is charged with two counts of arson, causing a catastrophe and criminal mischief. (Ali Stevens)
Restoration work continues on Northumberland log house
NORTHUMBERLAND -- Restoration work continues on a log house in Northumberland. The 1700-era home now sits on the property owned by Gretchen and Mark Walberg of Sunbury. The house was being torn down two years ago on Queen Street when Gretchen noticed it. She says they didn't want the piece of history to be destroyed.
Frank Stroik is the restoration carpenter working on the project and estimates the home to have been built in 1772, and attributes that to looking at the handmade nails used and other clues in the original framework. Though he isn't sure who lived in the home, Stroik says it is built as a more refined townhouse for the time, most likely owned by a businessman.
The home was originally a one-and-a-half story, with what looks like a winding stairway and large cooking fireplace. Stroik says his job is to preserve the house as an architectural artifact of the era. The work is expected to take a few more months, and those interested in the restoration process are welcome to visit the site on King Street during construction. Pictures are also available online at www.sunburypa.com.
Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania regulators are lifting their hold on some drilling permits filed by a natural gas company they blame for contaminating the drinking water of 14 homes in Dimock. The state Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday it is taking the steps to reward Houston-based Cabot Oil & Gas for plugging three problem wells and repairing a fourth. Cabot was ordered to take the action in April. Officials continue to hold up Cabot's drilling permits in the affected area, which is in Susquehanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania. Cabot is still working to permanently fix the polluted water wells. A resident's well exploded on New Year's Day 2009, prompting a state investigation that found Cabot had allowed combustible gas to escape into the region's groundwater supplies.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell is trying to drive home the dire condition of Pennsylvania's highways, bridges and mass transit systems. The governor testified today before the state Senate Transportation Committee, and blitzed committee members with photos of deteriorating bridges and highways in their districts. He warned them that those problems will not get fixed without new money, and said that failure to act in the next couple months would mean missing next summer's construction season, too. The governor is presenting lawmakers with a variety of ideas about how to raise more money, including an increase in the gas tax. He also says he will undertake a cross-state bus trip in August to illustrate the problem.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - A new report done for the American Petroleum Institute says the vast Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves are worth at least $2 trillion to industry and billions in potential tax revenues to states. The report Wednesday by Timothy Considine of Wyoming's Natural Resource Economics Inc. says the value of the reserves could be even greater. It comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prepares for hearings in Canonsburg, Pa., on Thursday and August 12 in Binghamton, N.Y., on issues related to a drilling process now regulated by the states but not the federal government. The oil and gas industry opposes having the process, hydraulic fracturing, governed by the Safe Drinking Water Act and regulated by the EPA.
ENOLA, Pa. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett is shrugging at reports that Congress is likely to approve a Democratic bill to extend unemployment compensation benefits. Corbett answered questions yesterday from about 75 students at Central Pennsylvania College near Harrisburg, as senators in Washington cleared the way for final action on the measure. Corbett has taken heat for saying recently that jobs are available in Pennsylvania, but that some people would rather collect unemployment checks than go back to work. The state attorney general has said he favored an extension of federal benefits if the cost was offset by spending cuts, but he declined to pass judgment on the borrowing that the Democratic bill requires. He said it's time to move on and build an economy with enough jobs to make unemployment compensation unnecessary.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing this week for a third round of hearings - this time in Canonsburg, Pa. - on the controversial natural gas drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." A wealth of natural gas is locked into the Marcellus Shale deep beneath Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Ohio. Some geologists estimate it's enough to supply the entire East Coast for 50 years but there are fears fracking could pollute water above and below ground and deplete aquifers. The process is currently exempt from federal regulation. The oil and gas industry says it's been safe for many years and is needed to keep the nation on a path to energy independence.
WASHINGTON DC (AP) - Senate roll call on unemployment benefits. The 60-40 roll call Tuesday by which the Senate cleared the way for a vote on final passage of legislation to restore extended unemployment benefits to the long-term jobless. A "yes" vote is a vote to limit debate. Voting yes were 56 Democrats, 2 Republicans and 2 independents. Voting no were 1 Democrat and 39 Republicans. Casey (D), Yes; Specter (D), Yes.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Updates on the latest in business:
Dow: 10,130.53, down -109.43
S&P 500: 1,069.59, down -13.89
NASDAQ: 2,187.33, down -35.16
NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are down sharply after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress that the economic outlook remains "unusually uncertain." He says the Fed is ready to take new steps to keep the recovery alive, if necessary. With about 90 minutes of trading left, the Dow industrials were down about 113 points at just under 11,160.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The financial industry will now have to find other ways of doing business. President Barack Obama has signed the sweeping financial reform bill which he says contains "the strongest consumer protections in history." Among other things, it would allow the break-up of companies that threaten the economy.
NEW YORK (AP) - With mortgage rates dipping to record levels, mortgage applications are up. The Mortgage Bankers Association says overall applications rose nearly 7.6 percent from a week earlier. Applications to refinance home loans climbed 8.6 percent.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A special inspector-general says the multibillion dollar program to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure has had little impact. Neil Barofsky says the program has not "put an appreciable dent in foreclosure filings." Recent data suggest it has helped about 400,000 households.
UNDATED (AP) - If the sale of new jetliners is any guide, the economy is on the way up. American Airlines is among the carriers putting in orders for new planes, ordering 35 from Boeing. At an air show in England, plane makers have pocketed more than $28 billion in orders in three days.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Wednesday:
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $16 million
Midday Big 4
3-8-3-7
Midday Number
3-1-2
Midday Quinto
9-0-3-1-8
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $37 million
Treasure Hunt
07-13-14-15-29
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Tuesday:
Big 4
6-5-1-2
Cash 5
09-21-25-36-43
Daily Number
4-1-5
Evening Quinto
7-5-8-5-7
Mega Millions
12-18-28-36-43, Mega Ball: 19
Megaplier
3
Midday Big 4
8-5-5-4
Midday Number
5-6-6
Midday Quinto
4-8-2-7-5
Treasure Hunt
04-12-13-21-25
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Elvis auction
CHICAGO (AP) -- You say you're Elvis' biggest fan. But how big are you? Big enough to want the things used in his autopsy and when he was embalmed? The funeral home in Memphis that prepared Elvis' body is selling the stuff that was saved by the senior embalmer. They include rubber gloves, forceps, a comb, eye liner, the coffin invoice, the hanger used to hold his burial suit and the "John Doe" toe tag that was used after the original one was stolen at the hospital. The auction starts August 12.
Judge pursuing women
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Hitting on women in court isn't very judge-like behavior. Now, a district judge in Pennsylvania is being suspended without pay for two months. Judge Gerard Alonge is also being placed on probation until his current term expires at the end of next year. The Court of Judicial Discipline says Alonge called female lawyers repeatedly and even went to their homes uninvited. His lawyer says Alonge is just socially inept and doesn't know how to meet women. Alonge, himself, calls his behavior "bizarre and weird."
La. bishops: No guns in Catholic churches
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Concealed handguns won't be allowed in Roman Catholic churches in Louisiana, despite a new state law allowing them. Danny Loar, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, says they've decided to let pastors know that "this would not be permissible." The law allows concealed handguns in churches, synagogues or mosques for those with a valid permit and training. But it also says those with authority over a church have the final say in their church. The lawmaker who sponsored the legislation in the Louisiana House says it offers church leaders a new option if security concerns warrant it.
LINDSAY LOHAN - ONE NIGHT DOWN
LYNWOOD, Calif. (AP) - One night down for Lindsay Lohan. And, maybe, only 13 or so to go. Her 90-day jail sentence could shrink to much, much less than originally thought. Sheriff's officials say Lohan will end up serving only about two weeks behind bars because of jail overcrowding and credits for good behavior if she follows the rules. Lohan was booked into the jail mid-morning yesterday. And, a sheriff's department spokesman describes her as "extremely cooperative." That seems to be extending to her new jail mug shot. It shows the tiniest hint of a smile.
Soup Nazi
NEW YORK (AP) - The bisque is back. The soup stand that inspired the Soup Nazi episode on "Seinfeld" reopened in New York City on Tuesday, six years after its famously brusque owner shut it down and licensed his recipes to a franchising company. More than 100 people were waiting in line for the noon reopening of the tiny storefront where soup chef Al Yeganeh once ladled broth and imposed discipline. Yeganeh no longer owns or operates the store, but company officials say he remains deeply involved in the business. He even has a webcam that allows him to check in on the place at any time. The new operators say customers won't have to worry about being banished if they don't place orders promptly.
Glenn Beck: Doctor says eye disease could blind me
NEW YORK (AP) - Fox News Channel's Glenn Beck says he's been diagnosed with an eye disease that could eventually blind him. The conservative commentator told an audience attending his "American Revival" tour over the weekend in Salt Lake City that a doctor told him he has the degenerative disease macular dystrophy. Beck says he went to a doctor for testing because he had trouble focusing with his eyes. "He said, 'You have macular dystrophy. ... You could go blind in the next year. Or, you might not." Beck said he replied: "Did you just charge me a thousand dollars for knowing what I knew my whole life?" The disease generally makes itself known by a decrease in vision in 20- to 40-year-olds. Beck is 46. The WebMD website says eyesight deteriorates as the disease progresses.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)