Sunday, July 25, 2010
Valley largely spared from storm damage
UNDATED -- More than 1,000 PPL Electric Utilities customers in Lycoming County, along with more than 800 in Columbia County spent much of the night without power. Columbia County Communications says a line of thunderstorms at about 9:30 p.m. knocked limbs off of scores of trees, taking power lines with them.
Crews were making progress to restore power Sunday morning. Snyder, Union, Montour and Northumberland Counties reported few power outages. Roughly 0.5" of rain fell in Selinsgrove. There were no major flash floods reported in Saturday night's storms.
Meantime, the 97 degree record high for the date at the Penn Valley Airport was not broken. Saturday's high temperature was 93 degrees, but humidity in the 60% range made it feel much hotter. Sunday afternoon temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80's. (Matt Farrand)
Arson fires cause thousands in property damage
SUNBURY – The intentionally set fires that damaged a Sunbury garage with a vehicle inside, a boat parked at a fire station, and a brush fire may have done thousands of dollar worth of damage. The fires first reported shortly before 4:00 a.m. Saturday are still being investigated, and damage is still being totaled up.
Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire at 844 Edison Avenue was one of three arson fires reported. The property is owned by Lynette Sheets of Sunbury, and occupied by tenant Patricia Hunter. A vehicle inside the garage was heavily damaged, along with equipment used by a lawn care company.
Another fire was started roughly at the same time in a boat parked at the Rescue Hose Company. A brush fire was also reported in the 900 block of Edison Avenue. (Matt Farrand)
Peacemakers named by Center for Nonviolent Living
MILTON -- Two local residents are being honored for their commitment to non-violence and social justice. Than Mitchell and Therese Miller are being recognized with Peacemaker Awards by The Center for Nonviolent Living.
Mitchell is the long time co-host of WKOK's On The Mark program. Miller is active locally with the Society of Friends, or the Quakers.
Mitchell and Miller are being honored at the 8th Annual Peacemakers Picnic. It is scheduled for (Sunday) afternoon 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the North Picnic Pavilion, at Central Oak Heights in West Milton. (Matt Farrand)
The state of the police department and Crimewatch—on Roundtable
SUNBURY – On WKOK’s Roundtable this weekend, we get a full update on the Sunbury Police Department, the Sunbury Crimewatch program, and a preview of the August 3rd National Night Out. The Roundtable panel discussion features Connie Beegle, the president of the city’s Crimewatch program.
She says the groups hold meetings, learn what to look for and patrol in groups. She said they don’t confront criminals, but rather summon city police when needed. Crimewatch and the police are holding a National Nation Out event in Cameron Park.
You can find out more about Crimewatch and National Night Out in this weekend’s Roundtable. You can hear Roundtable (Sunday) on Eagle 107 (107.3FM) at 6a.m., 100.9 (100.9FM), The Valley, at 6a.m., Newsradio 1070 WKOK (1070AM) at 9a.m., Talkradio 1380 WMLP (1380AM), 11a.m., 94KX WQKX (94.1FM) at 11p.m., and anytime, at www.wkok.com
Governor signs death warrant for Sherwood and Dick
HARRISBURG -- Governor Ed Rendell has signed execution warrants for two people from our area. A warrant was signed for 31-year-old Brentt Sherwood who was convicted of killing his 4-year-old stepdaughter, Marlee Rose Reed, in December 2004. Sherwood was sentenced to death in Northumberland County Court in May 2007. His execution is now scheduled for September 16th.
A warrant was also signed for 46-year-old Anthony Dick, who pleaded guilty to shooting his 19-month-old son and four-year-old stepson while they slept. The incident happened in January 2006 in Columbia County. He is scheduled to be executed September 14th. Both Dick and Sherwood are incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution in Greene County. (Sara Bartlett)
Much to do in Danville during the Iron Heritage Festival
DANVILLE -- The Iron Heritage Festival continues today in Danville. Sunday, the Festival continues with a Fly-In at the Danville/Riverside Airport from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
From noon-2:00p.m., there is a Reading Model Railroad and Antique Market in the Danville Middle School gym. The night will end at 6:30p.m. with a hymn sing at Montgomery Park on Water Street. A complete schedule of the Danville Iron Heritage Festival is online at www.wkok.com.
Kathryn's Kloset gives to those in need
SHAMOKIN DAM -- A Shamokin Dam church is doing their part for the community by giving out goods to those in need. Kathryn's Kloset is a program originally based in Baltimore, and is a program of Diakon Lutheran Ministries. Last year, St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Shamokin Dam became a partner and now runs a local branch of the program.
Lisa Yeager is the coordinator and says she is personally committed to the program. Yeager, who is disabled, was injured on the job over a dozen years ago. She says since then, she has had an outpour of community support and helping hands, and she wanted to do her part to help and give back. She says Kathryn's Kloset is her chance to do just that.
Laundry detergent and softener, cleaning supplies, and books are among the items that are collected and given out to local churches, food pantries, nursing homes, women's shelters, homeless shelters and more. Yeager says she hopes Kathryn's Kloset continues to grow, so they can help more and more people.
Every few months, volunteers from St. Matthews go to Baltimore to get the items. Yeager says volunteers are always needed to help drive or unload the truck. For more information about Kathryn's Kloset e-mail jmlvay@ptd.net. (Sara Bartlett)
Professor explains underemployment rate
SUNBURY – Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is currently 9.5%, and is included in what’s known as the underemployment rate. Bucknell University Professor of Economics and International Relations Steven Stamos says the underemployment rate also includes people working part time looking for full time work.
He says it also includes people working full time but earning less than poverty level income, and a variety of people who’ve dropped out of the labor force. Stamos says the underemployment rate is now at about 16%.
He believes most who receive unemployment compensation really want to find work, though some may find it more practical to continue to receive benefits, if all they can find are minimum wage jobs. Professor Stamos’ entire comments can be heard online at www.wkok.com in Thursday’s edition of our On The Mark program. (Matt Farrand)
DiRocco gets huge raise as contract is renewed
LEWISBURG – Directors of the Lewisburg Area School District like what they see from Superintendent Dr. Mark DiRocco, so he has received a contract extension and a big raise. The board moved to retain the services of Dr. DiRocco for an additional five years as superintendent and CEO of the district.
Starting next year, his salary will increase over $30,000 to $154,000 annually. He currently earns about $ 123,000. The new agreement is a five year extension.
Dr. DiRocco has been a proponent of a series of long-term academic goals for the district, called Vision 20-20, and more recently began guiding the district through a facilities renovation project, which could conclude in a major facelift for Lewisburg area public schools. (Matt Farrand)
Drug bust in the Shamokin area, 14 people charged
SHAMOKIN – Ten people were arrested and the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force has charged four others following a drug bust in the Shamokin area. The drug bust took place yesterday morning and is being called “Phase 3” of an effort to stop drugs from entering the Shamokin area from surrounding cities.
Those arrested in the sweep include:
29-year-old Boyd Lahr, a current inmate at the Northumberland County Prison
24-year-old Jeffrey Trice of Coal Township
27-year-old Jonathan Scott, a current inmate at the Union County Prison
38-year-old Heidi Rugh of Shamokin
21-year-old William Whispell Sr. of Shamokin
19-year-old Nicole Aikey of Shamokin
36-year-old Alba Wehr of Coal Township
21-year-old Rodney Cossari of Kulpmont
24-year-old Jonathan Gregory of Coal Township
22-year-old Christina Hepner of Shamokin
The defendants were arraigned before District Judge John Gembic of Shamokin with several of them detained in the Northumberland County Prison.
Mifflinburg man charged with having sex with a 14-year-old girl
MIFFLINBURG -- A Mifflinburg man is charged with having sex with a 14-year-old girl. The incident happened in Mifflinburg in June according to police. They tell us, 20-year-old Cord Knouse reportedly had sex with the girl in his bedroom.
He claims he found out the next day that she was 15. However, Knouse later admitted to police that he knew the girl was 14 before they had sex. Knouse is charged with two second-degree felonies including statutory sexual assault. (Ali Stevens)
Luzerne County teen injured in a crash on Interstate 80 in Northumberland County
TURBOTVILLE -- A teen from Luzerne County was injured in a crash Friday morning on Interstate 80 in Turbot Township, Northumberland County. State police say the 15-year-old girl was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 51-year-old Bonnie Gemmell of Drums.
Gemmell was heading west on I-80 around 6:45 a.m. when the vehicle spun out of control and struck a guide rail and a concrete bridge. Gemmell and her 18-year-old front seat passenger, Lindy Gemmell, were not injured in the crash. The 15-year-old girl was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. No other vehicles were involved in that crash. (Ali Stevens)
Selinsgrove woman facing assault charges
MIFFLINBURG -- A Selinsgrove woman is facing assault charges after hitting a Montgomery man with her vehicle. Around 3:30p.m. Wednesday, 41-year-old Denise Klapp and 42-year-old Steven Klapp were involved in an argument along Mile Run Road in West Buffalo Township, Union County. Denise Klapp struck Steven Klapp several times.
She then entered her vehicle and ran into Steven Klapp's motorcycle, where he was sitting. Steven Klapp sustained minor face, arm and leg injuries. Denise Klapp fled the scene. Police are continuing the investigation. (Sara Bartlett)
Fishing expert talks about the smallmouth bass population in the Susquehanna
SUNBURY – A local fishing expert says the smallmouth bass population is dwindling and more needs to be done to find out why. Ken Maurer is a professional guide on the Susquehanna River, owns Southside Bait and Tackle in Sunbury and is a columnist in The Daily Item.
Maurer says there is still a good population of 'smallies' and some big ones, but there’s not as many fish as there were 10 to 15 years ago. And he says the quality of the river and lack of studies has an impact on the population. Maurer says studies on the river should have been done 5 to 10 years ago that they are just now starting.
He believes pharmaceuticals making their way into the river, has impacted the small-mouth population. Maurer says male smallmouth are being found with eggs, which is called fish inter-sexing. He says this happens because things like birth control pills make their way into the water.
You can learn more about the decline of the small mouth population and the status of the Susquehanna River with Ken Maurer, who was a recent guest on WKOK’s On The Mark program. Listen online to Thursday On The Mark at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)
Latest Pennsylvania news, business and entertainment
STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A judge has halted the planned demolition of a historic eastern Pennsylvania train depot. Judge Jerome Cheslock issued the emergency injunction pending a hearing on the fate of the Dansbury Depot after a resident sought a 30-day delay Friday. The judge said the 1864 building had historical significance in Monroe County, and a month was not too much to ask. The depot is on the National Register of Historic Places. An October fire destroyed much of the depot, which had been converted into a restaurant. Developer Troy Nauman had planned to raze the structure and build a three- or four-story mixed-use building in its place.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia's sweltering weather has broken the record high temperature for the day. The National Weather Service says the mercury hit 97 degrees on Saturday, breaking the old mark of 95 for the day set in 1987. The 96 degrees recorded in Reading, Pa., was also a degree higher than the record set in 1987.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State officials say the new federal extension of unemployment checks will help nearly 200,000 Pennsylvanians who lost the benefit in the past seven weeks, or were about to lose it next week. Labor & Industry Secretary Sandi Vito says everyone who is eligible for the extension will be notified by mail shortly. The federal law is retroactive, meaning that everyone who is eligible can be paid for each week they were unemployed after the previous law expired June 5. Vito says people who continued to file their biweekly claims will get the payment next week. Those who didn't can file now, preferably online to ensure quick processing. The law authorizes the continuation of the 99-week benefit through Nov. 27. Normally, benefits are limited to 26 weeks.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A landmark restaurant in Philadelphia is closing. Georges Perrier of Le Bec-Fin tells The Philadelphia Inquirer he plans to close his world-renowned French restaurant by spring. The 66-year-old Perrier says he's ready for a change after four decades at the helm of the downtown landmark. Le Bec-Fin is famous for elaborate meals and elegant decor. Perrier has put Le Bec-Fin's art deco building on the market for $3.9 million. The business itself is priced separately at $600,000, including the liquor license. Perrier says he is developing three new restaurants that will open next year.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - An unidentified man can be heard yelling for a boat to watch out on recordings of radio communications from a fatal duck boat crash in Philadelphia. The audio released Friday was taken from the emergency channel recorded by the Coast Guard on July 7 when a duck boat carrying 37 people became disabled in the Delaware River and was struck by a barge being pushed by a tug. The duck boat capsized and sank, killing two Hungarian tourists. A few minutes after the crash, the tugboat is heard telling the Coast Guard: "We are the ones that, I guess, capsized the duck boat. We're on scene, but we do have a barge along side so there's not too, too much we can do." The Coast Guard then told the tug's crew to throw lifejackets to survivors. The investigation into the accident continues.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Update on the latest in business:
Documents detail $4.3B in Goldman Sachs payouts
WASHINGTON -- A new document discloses the list of banks and hedge funds that received $4.3 billion from Goldman Sachs after the government's bailout of AIG - money that ultimately came from taxpayers. The money was to cover bets that went bad because of the housing bust. According to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, American International Group owed the money to Goldman, and Goldman owed the money to the banks and hedge funds. Grassley released the documents, which were supplied by Goldman, showing the payments late Friday. They include $1.18 billion to DZ Bank AG in Germany and $484 million to Banco Santander Central Hispano SA of Spain. The payments have been controversial because of concerns that the banks should have taken greater losses on their investments rather than be made whole with money that ultimately came from taxpayers.
Petrochemical factory blast kills 4 in Iran
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)- Iran's official news agency says an explosion at a petrochemical factory on Iran's largest oil terminal has killed four people. The Sunday report said high pressure in the central boiler of the factory led to an explosion and fire at the facility on Kharg island in the Persian Gulf. So far the bodies of three of the victims have been found and the blaze is under control. Several other workers were injured. Kharg Island, some 750 miles (1200 kilometers) south of Tehran, hosts Iran's biggest oil terminal in the Persian Gulf. Iran is OPEC's second largest oil exporter, producing around 4.2 million barrels of oil per day.
Pennsylvania Lottery Numbers:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn Saturday:
Big 4
0-0-2-4
Daily Number
7-3-1
Evening Quinto
7-7-9-3-6
Midday Big 4
7-8-4-7
Midday Number
8-3-7
Midday Quinto
3-5-7-7-2
Powerball
20-30-38-46-59, Powerball: 27, Power Play: 2
Treasure Hunt
04-06-19-23-29
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Death toll from German music festival rises to 19
BERLIN (AP) - Police say the death toll has risen to 19 from the stampede that occurred at a German music festival and that 342 were injured. Germans are shocked that the mass panic at the annual Love Parade festival turned so deadly at a street party meant to celebrate love and peace in Duisburg city. Authorities are certain to face tough questions over why there was only one entrance through a tunnel to grounds for what is billed as the world's largest techno party. Hundreds of thousands of people were there Saturday. The panic began after police closed the parade grounds because they were overcrowded. They told revelers over loudspeakers to turn around and walk back in the other direction. When the panic began, people got trampled to death in the tunnel.
Zsa Zsa Gabor has transfusion, remains critical
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband says the actress remains in critical condition after receiving a blood transfusion. Prince Frederic von Anhalt said Saturday that doctors are hopeful new medication will help the 93-year-old actress recover. She received the transfusion Friday night. Von Anhalt says his wife is conscious and was able to squeeze his hand and whisper a few words Saturday morning. Gabor broke her hip after she fell out of bed last weekend at her Bel-Air home. She had hip replacement surgery Monday. The Hungarian-born sexpot of the 1950s and 1960s has had to use a wheelchair after being partially paralyzed in a 2002 car accident.
Fans see 'Green Lantern' footage at 'Comic Con'
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Ryan Reynolds says he took the title role in "Green Lantern" to play a hero that can "throw a punch, tell a joke and kiss a girl." The actor, along with castmates Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard and Mark Strong and director Martin Campbell, presented a clip from the film at Comic-Con Saturday for some 6,000 ecstatic fans, many of whom camped out overnight for a chance to see the presentation. Campbell says the 3-D movie blends realistic action with humor and an otherworldly trip to the planet Oa, home of the Green Lanterns. He added that while the hero's costume is "a work in progress," his cinematic story is set: The superhero is joined by his fellow Green Lanterns for a face-off against Parallax.