Wednesday, September 24, 2008

President to discuss bailout in prime time

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush plans to talk to Americans directly about the financial crisis in a prime-time, televised address Wednesday night.  The White House says his speech at 9:01 p.m. EDT will be between 12 and 14 minutes long and will be delivered from the State Floor of the White House residence. Press secretary Dana Perino says Bush wants to tell the American people how the crisis affects them and help them understand the depth of the problem.

This comes as the administration is waging a tough battle to sell a $700 billion rescue plan on Capitol Hill.

Mount Carmel man convicted of numerous drug charges

SUNBURY – A Mount Carmel man will be sentenced in the upcoming months after being found guilty of drug charges Tuesday in Northumberland County Court.  51-year-old Conrad Corley was charged with possession with intent to deliver numerous kinds of drugs including heroin and marijuana.  The charges came after a 2006 incident where police searched Corley’s home and found the drugs, along with a large amount of money.  Corley has an extensive criminal record in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini says the state is seeking a mandatory sentence due to the proximity of a school to Corley’s residence. (Sara Bartlett) 

Lewisburg students part of “See You at the Pole”

LEWISBURG – Twenty students and community members participated in a nationwide event Wednesday morning in Lewisburg.  “See You at The Pole” is a one-day event where high school students gather around their schools’ flagpole to pray and give thanks.  Amanda Chappele is a Youth Leader at Lewisburg Alliance Church and helped coordinate the morning’s event.  She says it’s a chance for students to show that even though they go through tough times, they are not giving up on their faith. 

The event, which is non-denominational, is a student-initiative that started in Texas in 1990, and has since grown throughout the country.  Many other local schools participated Wednesday morning. (Sara Bartlett) 

Four people were injured in a crash on Route 54

ELYSBURG – Four people were injured in a crash on Route 54 in Ralpho Township on Tuesday.  Police tell us 16-year-old Kevin Levan of Elysburg pulled from a stop sign and struck a pick-up truck driven by 35-year-old Michael Holdren of Coal Township.  Levan and his passenger, Michael Levan, were taken to Geisinger Medical Center, where they were both treated and released.  Holdren and his passenger, Robert Kohlenberg of Shamokin, were also taken to Geisinger.  They were both treated and released as well.  (Ali Stevens)

Danville man gets prison sentence for his involvement in a local drug ring

WILLIAMSPORT – A former Danville man has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a local drug ring.  33-year-old Glen Ashton received an 11-year-federal prison sentence in Middle District Court.  Ashton is one of 11 people indicted on charges related to a heroin drug ring uncovered in Northumberland, Snyder, Montour and Columbia Counties between 2001 and 2006.  He plead guilty in 2007 to charges of drug possession and delivery.  (Ali Stevens)

Drivers in a crash on the strip say the lights were both green

SELINSGROVE – Two drivers involved in a crash at Monroe Marketplace yesterday afternoon both claim their light was green.  One driver was coming from the marketplace and one was driving on Routes 11 and 15 and they collided at the light.  Both drivers told state police their light was green at the time.  The traffic signal was determined to be working properly and no driver will be cited for the accident.  Shamokin Dam police assisted at the scene of the crash and no injuries were reported.  (Ali Stevens)  

Fire in a Coal Vein keeps crews busy for several hours

Sunbury Riverfront Project questioned by skeptics, encouraged by supporters

SUNBURY – Experts, consultants and visitors offered their expertise concerning the Sunbury Riverfront Project Tuesday night, during a public forum at Shikellamy High School. Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilella says his city’s project is comparable to the one proposed in Sunbury, and has brought economic growth to a city that needed it.

However, Stan Seiple of Sunbury is a long time critic of part of the plan that would create an opening in the floodwall at Front and Market Street. The opening is a focal point for the project, and could be sealed during times of high water.

Seiple says the numbers work against it remaining as safe as possible. And former Sunbury mayor David Persing is concerned that the price of the project will increase over time and it will tie up block grant money that could be used for something else.

Supporters envision the project key as a component to the revival of the city, and a major part of it is an amphitheatre at the river’s edge. Sunbury Mayor Jesse Woodring notes that House Member Merle Phillips plans to meet with Governor Ed Rendell Wednesday to secure money for the multi-million dollar project that might be lost unless actual work proceeds. (Matt Farrand)

$192,000 saved thru lower interest payments

SUNBURY – Lower tax bills could be in the future for taxpayers in Northumberland County. Commissioner Chair Frank Sawicki credits refinancing of a series of bonds announced Tuesday. Sawicki says the “2001-A” bonds are a compilation of other financing, originally cost the county more than 6.6% percent and are now at less then 4% percent. He notes it is not an extension of the debt, but a true refinance at a lower rate, representing about $192,000 less in debt service. (Matt Farrand)

Still a chance to sign the CSVT petition

UNDATED – The nearly 5,000 signatures on a local petition in favor of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation project is certainly a sign that residents of the Valley want this road built. The project seems even more likely if the Appalachian Regional Commission allows a re-designation of unused state funds to be earmarked for the CSVT.

Senior Program Analyst at SEDA-COG, Ryan Unger, says the decision to allocate just 13 miles for the CSVT ultimately lies in the hands of Governor Ed Rendell. Unger says there are some projects in the state that are allocated money but will realistically never happen, so the funds could be given to the CSVT, which is ready to happen and has broad community support.

The Appalachian Regional Commission provides Pennsylvania with more than $100-million annually for state transportation initiatives, which would be enough to complete the $350 million CSVT project.

Meanwhile, residents are urged to continue contacting the Governor, and if anyone is interested in signing the petition, they can call Sunbury Rotary President Ned Clark at 473-7997, or visit the Rotary booth this Saturday at the Selinsgrove Market Street Festival. (Sara Bartlett)

Partisan clothing okay at polls

SUNBURY – Voters will be able to wear clothing and accessories supporting their favorite candidates at the polls in November. That includes hats, buttons, t-shirts and other items. The American Civil Liberties Union is reminding counties statewide of this, which was acknowledged by Northumberland County Commissioners Tuesday.

The ACLU says its okay to wear campaign items, as long voters make no attempt to actively influence a vote within 10 feet of a polling place. They claim there were complaints during the April primary that a number of voters near Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and York were prevented from voting because of what they wore. Poll workers are still prevented from wearing partisan items. (Matt Farrand)

County to get accounting help for IDA

SUNBURY – Northumberland County IDA Director James King will apparently get the clerical and accounting help he needs to produce financial statements required by the Commonwealth, but was subjected to intense scrutiny in the process of getting it.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi maintains he will still take legal action if statements aren’t produced in 30 days, and berated King when he appeared before Commissioners. At issue is $95 million dollars in bonding debt issued through the IDA for projects that include the expansion of Northwestern Academy in coal Township.

The IDA has repeatedly called for help without success until today, and has attributed their lax record production to that lack of help. Mr. King says he’s hopeful things can get straightened out. Commissioner Clausi remains skeptical of how many jobs are being produced by the IDA’s actions. (Matt Farrand)

United Way fall campaign is underway following an exciting relay event

SELINSGROVE – The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way has officially kicked off their fall fundraising campaign. And they did it in a very unique fashion. The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way held an Olympic relay event at Susquehanna University on Monday.

All of the agencies supported by the United Way were showcased in the opening ceremonies and took to the SU track carrying flags. Once the agencies flags were displayed, United Way volunteers, disguised as Olympic athletes, were brought onto the track for a four-person relay event. Chris Markle from Susquehanna University finished in first for his relay team.

Fundraising for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way will continue through the fall and all money raised will support the United Way’s 30 member agencies. The goal for this year’s campaign is $765,000. (Ali Stevens)

Wood-Mode raises $45,000 for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way

KREAMER – Employee cuts and pay cuts have trimmed the workforce at Wood-Mode in Kreamer, however, the employees continue to give back to the community and to the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way. The employees raised more than $45,000 in payroll deductions during their United Way campaign on Tuesday.

Chairman and CEO of Wood Mode, Bob Gronlund, says he’s amazed with the generosity the employees continue to show, despite the economic setbacks. Wood-Mode has scaled back their workforce by about 300 workers, but were still able to raise a substantial amount of money for the United Way campaign.

Last year with more workers, Wood Mode raised about $60,000, so they aren’t too far off of their usual donation. Keri Albright, CEO of the United Way, says the difference is the employees are giving more and more each year. (Ali Stevens)

DA: Missing prosecutor's hard drive yields no data

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) - The latest attempt to analyze a hard drive believed to be from missing central Pennsylvania prosecutor Ray Gricar's computer has yielded no new information. Gricar's successor, Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira, says he sent the hard drive to Kroll Ontrack after earlier analyses failed to recover any data.

An FBI lab in Philadelphia and one in California previously examined the hard drive found in the Susquehanna River following Gricar's disappearance in 2005. Kroll Ontrack is known for having recovered data from hard drives from the destroyed space shuttle Columbia. But Madiera said Monday they've been unable to retrieve anything from Gricar's hard drive. He says he'll make an official announcement and have more details when he receives a full report.

Shamokin fire considered suspicious

SHAMOKIN – The investigation into a Shamokin fire that destroyed a vacant building early Monday morning continues, and it is considered suspicious. Shamokin Fire Chief William Milbrand says they have determined the fire started outside of the building in the sidewalk area, but the cause is still unknown.

The blaze destroyed the three-story apartment building at 421 and 423 Rock Street, which Milbrand says is owned by Good Faith Ministries. A neighboring home, owned by William Karpiski and also occupied by Donald Hughes, sustained minor damages. There were no injuries reported. Coal and Ralpho Townships, along with Mount Carmel fire crews assisted Shamokin at the scene. (Sara Bartlett)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) - An airport authority in north-central Pennsylvania has agreed that it wants US Airways to continue service to Williamsport.  US Airways had been serving Williamsport with flights to Philadelphia with no subsidy, but recently said it couldn't keep doing so.  US Airways and Northwest Airlines both proposed serving Williamsport with a subsidy. The Williamsport Regional Airport Authority voted unanimously to recommend to the U.S. Department of Transportation that US Airways' proposal be accepted.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Stumping for military votes in battleground Pennsylvania, Michelle Obama says her husband would provide more support to families whose loved ones are fighting overseas.  The wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama says military families are bearing an inordinate amount of the burden as the Iraq war stretches into its sixth year.  Obama received a standing ovation at Cedar Crest College when she said the Illinois senator will "responsibly end the war in Iraq."  More than 1 million veterans live in Pennsylvania, which is a key battleground state in the November election. The Obama campaign has been trying to make inroads with families of soldiers  who have faced multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Republican nominee John McCain, who spent five-and-a-half years as a Vietnam POW after being shot down in 1967, has also promised to improve services for military families. He has proposed helping veterans find civilian employment, increasing military pay and expanding access to health care.

NEW YORK (AP) - A former Pennsylvania radio host has pleaded guilty to victimizing the Federal Communications Commission, Bard College and others in a $4.3 million forged check scheme.  Bruce Bond pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree grand larceny, identity theft and possession of forgery devices. He'll be sentenced Oct. 8 to two and one-third to seven years in prison.  The Allentown native sent bogus checks drawn on  corporate accounts to work-at-home job seekers who had replied to Craigslist ads. Prosecutors say recipients cashed the checks, kept 10 percent, and sent the rest to Bond's accomplices in Europe and Nigeria. The overseas accomplices then sent Bond his cut. The former host at WNNK radio in Harrisburg was arrested May 20 at his Wall Street apartment.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:

 Daily Number

     1-8-9

 Big 4

     5-8-0-7

 Quinto

     8-6-0-7-6

 Treasure Hunt

     3-10-13-18-27

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - It sounds like a reach -- but police say an elderly woman chased off a robber with a reacher. That's one of those gadgets with a claw-like device used grab things. Officers in Anne Arundel County say a man broke into a home shared by two elderly women. He demanded money, but they said they did have any.  According to police, as the man started to go through a purse, one of the women grabbed the reacher. Officers say she used it to chase him off, but he got away with a handbag.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) - Paul McCartney says his planned concert in Israel will carry a message of peace for Israelis and Palestinians.  The former Beatle has toured the West Bank town of Bethlehem and visited the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus.  McCartney says the visit shows he isn't playing favorites on the trip. He says he's there to highlight the Mideast situation. He adds that a "two-state solution" is needed to solve the conflict.     McCartney is slated to perform tomorrow in Tel Aviv's largest park.  The Israeli government banned a planned Beatles concert 40 years ago amid fears that the group's show could corrupt the morals of Israeli youth.

 (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)