Thursday, September 25, 2008

County Controller Chuck Erdman talks about the state of finances in NorCo

SUNBURY – Northumberland County Controller Chuck Erdman says the outlook for finances in the county is a lot better than three or four years ago. He says things have stabilized since a dramatic tax increase in 2004.  Since then, revenues have not kept up with expenditures, but they were able to balance the budget with the additional tax revenue. 

Erdman is optimistic about no tax increases for 2009. He says things are good with regards to Northumberland County’s debt service fund.  That account pays for all of the county’s outstanding debt.  Erdman says sizable excess has been built up in that account and that would allow for a modest tax decrease on debt service. 

However, he says on the general fund side, things are tighter and the commissioners will need to go through things with a fine-tooth comb and evaluate if that much money needs to be spent in all the areas currently funded. 

Chuck Erdman also spoke about personnel costs in the county.  He believes job cuts can be made in all departments to save money in the county.  Erdman made cuts in his own department when he started on the job and wants other departments to see where they can trim employee costs.  You can hear all of Erdman’s remarks online at www.wkok.com and click on Thursday’s “On the Mark” program.  (Ali Stevens)                       

Senator Arlen Specter to speak at Susquehanna University

SELINSGROVE – Senator Arlen Specter will be visiting Selinsgrove in two weeks.  Specter will hold an open house town hall meeting at Susquehanna University Monday October 6^th.  He’ll be discussing issues important to the region, state and nation, and will be answering question from the public.  The public is invited to the meeting in Isaac’s Auditorium October 6^th at 10:45a.m.  The Senator plans to hold town hall meetings all over the state throughout the fall recess. (Sara Bartlett) 

Enjoy SU’s birthday cake this Saturday

SELINSGROVE – It took a team effort to bake and assemble the 300-pound birthday cake that will be served Saturday at the Market Street Festival in Selinsgrove.  It’s being presented by Susquehanna University as part of its 150^th anniversary.  Food Service Director Bob Ginader of ARAMARK says many hours were spent planning the project.  It began with sketches then proceeded to assembly using 6,000 eggs, 300 pounds of flour and 32.5 cups of vanilla. 

The 4 foot by 7 foot cake will be sculpted and topped with icing in the shape of familiar campus landmarks, as they appear on the University’s 150^th anniversary logo.  SU’s sesquicentennial birthday cake will be served Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m., part of the Market Street Festival in Selinsgrove.  (Matt Farrand)

Convenience store theft in Snyder County

BEAVER SPRINGS – The investigation into a Beaver Springs convenience store burglary continues.  State Police in Selinsgrove say someone broke into Chardon’s Convenience Store along Route 522 sometime overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.  The unknown suspect allegedly pried open the back door and stole nine cartons of cigarettes, two dozen lighters and a number of candy bars.  They then fled through the woods, reportedly leaving a trail of cigarettes and candy bars.  Police say they are investigating several leads, and anyone with information is asked to call 374-8145. (Sara Bartlett)     

Local republican committee member talks about McCain

SUNBURY – Local republican committee member and Northumberland County Controller Chuck Erdman was a guest on WKOK’s “On the Mark” program, talking politics and other topics. 

Now that McCain has made a decision to stop campaigning until a bailout plan is crafted, Barack Obama is countering that a president should be able to handle both tasks at the same time.  Than Mitchell and Mark Lawrence of On the Mark asked Chuck Erdman’s take on the decision. Erdman says McCain is showing some real leadership on this issue by going to Washington and working with the president. 

Erdman was also asked about the decision by John McCain to “not debate”. Erdman says he hasn’t said he won’t debate.  He just wants to postpone the debate and focus on the task at hand, which is passing a bailout plan. 

Chuck Erdman also spoke about a number of local topics and you can hear his comments online on our website wkok.com by clicking on “On the Mark” and selecting Thursday’s program.  (Ali Stevens)

Vinny Clausi talks about the Industrial Development Authority

SUNBURY – Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi has given the Industrial Development Authority 30 days to come up with financial records for what they have done over the last couple of years.  Clausi was a guest on WKOK’s Leaders and Lawmakers Thursday and said he uncovered some irresponsible spending by the authority. He now wants all spending records and says he has tried to contact the authority through letters, but wasn’t able to attend IDA meetings. Clausi has called for resignations, but says he doesn’t have a personal vendetta against the authority. You can hear all of Vinny Clausi’s comments online at www.wkok.com and click on Leaders and Lawmakers for September 25^th. (Ali Stevens)

Republicans open campaign headquarters in Lewisburg

LEWISBURG – The Union County Republican Headquarters will open its doors Monday in Lewisburg.  Chair of the Union County Republicans, Yvonne Morgan, says the owners of the Pineapple Inn in Lewisburg are loaning the property at 18 North 5th Street to them until the end of the election.  The location has been designated as the regional headquarters, representing Union, Snyder, Northumberland and Montour counties.

Starting Monday, the headquarters will offer campaign materials and also reach out to anyone who would like to volunteer throughout the campaign season and on Election Day.  The Union County Republicans also plan to set up booths at events around the Central Susquehanna Valley this fall. (Sara Bartlett)

Something for everyone at the Bloomsburg Fair

BLOOMSBURG – The Bloomsburg Fair is well underway and continues throughout the weekend.  Fairgoers wait in long lines for popular food vendors, but Tuesday night, Nescopeck native Pat Steckley’s stand was empty, not because her food is bad, but perhaps because her homemade pierogies are too good.  She ran out nearly four hours before the fair ended for the day.  She says she makes them to order, so when they’re, they’re gone.  Steckley runs Rakaczewski’s stand, which also makes potatoes and halushki. 

Of course it’s not just the food people come out for, it’s also the entertainment.  Like Joey Belcher, a self proclaimed Elvis lover, who came out to see Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton, and dressed up in a unicorn costume to get his attention.  She says the embarrassment was worth it, after Elvis brought her on stage and held her hand.

The fair continues through Saturday with entertainment on the free stage and at the Grandstand stage, as well as numerous exhibits, livestock and games.  You can see a list of all the vendors and events online at www.bloomsburgfair.com. (Sara Bartlett)

Sugarland cancels Fair show

Classic movie house bounces back after fire, flood

LEWISBURG – Lewisburg’s Campus Theater is just about ready for tonight’s reopening celebration. The Market Street landmark is open again after a fire, flood and closure of nearly two months. Executive Director Mary Bannon says the event is a way to officially announce that they are back in business.

She notes that many felt the temporary loss of the local cinema, and community members from all walks of life came forward to support the theater. Bannon notes that they found some antique radiators in the basement after the flood in late June, and replaced an oil fired heating system with one powered by natural gas.

The party starts tonight at 6:00 p.m., and the exclusive area screening of “Burn After Reading” starts at 8:00 p.m. The grand reopening the Campus features wine tasting and gourmet food donated by many area restaurants. (Matt Farrand)

Target, Kohl’s, Dick’s bring corporate history to Monroe Marketplace

UNDATED – Openings by three major publicly held retailers at Snyder County’s Monroe Marketplace are expected in the weeks ahead. The site on the strip may be new, but Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s and Target each bring a bit of history with them. Target goes back more than 100 years to a Minneapolis dry goods company founded by George Dayton. The first Target store was opened in 1962.

Target lost money until 1966, but is now the fifth largest retailer by sales in the US. The Target name was intended to distinguished the discount retailer from its parent company at the time. Meantime, Kohl’s is the 23rd largest retailer in the country, and operates more than 950 stores. Their growth spurt started in the 1980’s when it acquired a Chicago based retailer and went public. Kohl’s mission is to be value oriented and family focused.

Dicks Sporting Goods has more than 350 stores in 38 states, has headquarters in Pittsburgh, and was founded by Dick Stack near Binghamton, NY. He used a $300 gift from his grandmother to start a bait and tackle shop, after his employer laughed when he suggested they sell fishing equipment.

Target stock closed Wednesday down a fraction at 49.26, Kohl’s is up a fraction at 46.76, and Dick's Sporting Goods enters the new day down 0.5% at 21.01 (Matt Farrand)

Local businessman calls Buffet’s move a good sign amidst financial crisis

SELINSGROVE – Investor Warren Buffett’s $5 billion bet on brokerage Goldman Sachs could be a sign that the worst of the financial industry crisis is over. So says a member of the local business community. Ben Reichley of Selinsgrove says Buffett has a history of making deals that help all parties involved. Reichley notes there is a lot of money on the sidelines of the market, and the move could bring investors back in.

Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway company plans to buy $5 billion dollars of common stock in the brokerage. The crisis that started with risky lending practices has already forced the bankruptcy of one big brokerage and the buyout of another.

Meantime, Reichley says both Senators John McCain and Barack Obama need to concentrate on the bailout of the financial system rather than campaign for the White House. He calls McCain’s request to postpone Friday night’s scheduled debate a prudent move. Obama’s campaign is reportedly inclined to go forward with the debate. (Matt Farrand)

Carney legislation against child pornography passes in the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A piece of legislation that would help to prosecute child pornographers passed the U.S. Senate this week. Congressman Chris Carney (D-10th, Dimock) helped to write the piece, that is part of the Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act.

He says it goes after the producers and the consumers of child pornography and allows law enforcement authorities to monitor websites that have displayed child pornography in the past. He says it allows them to see who visits the websites and stays on for a long period of time.

Carney says, that as a father of five, he believes this type of legislation is needed to help keep children safe. The legislation now heads to the House for final vote before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law. (Sara Lauver)

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 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 pleaded guilty in 2007 to charges of drug possession and delivery. (Ali Stevens)

Drivers collide at new Monroe Marketplace lights

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)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A Delaware bankruptcy court hearing on the proposed the sale of Boscov's department store chain has been postponed until next week.  The court had been scheduled to consider the proposed bid procedures, but the matter was rescheduled for Oct. 1. Bosvo's, based in Reading, Pa., filed for Chapter 11 protection in August and announced that it would close 10 of its 49 stores.  Philadelphia-based Versa Capital Management has emerged as the lead bidder.  Versa has offered to pay $11 million in cash and assume Boscov's debt. But the U.S. trustee has filed an objection, saying Boscov's seems to be impermissibly favoring Versa over other bidders.  Among other things, the trustee notes that Versa has not been required to post a good-faith deposit. The trustee also says the firm is getting information about competing bids, but that there is no provision for the other bidders to receive the same information.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell is calling on Congress to match the financial industry bailout with an additional $100 billion to improve roads, bridges, dams and other parts of the nation's infrastructure.  At a news conference Thursday a half-hour after Democrats and Republicans in Washington announced an agreement in principle on a $700 billion bailout plan, Rendell released a letter he sent to members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation.  The Democrat said his infrastructure initiative would help recharge the American economy and create nearly 5 million good-paying jobs.  Rendell also urged a prompt overhaul of the regulations governing the financial sector to avoid similar crises in the future.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that a newspaper reporter can keep confidential the identity of a source used in a story about a grand jury investigation into alleged prison brutality.  The high court's decision released Thursday  upholds a lower court ruling that sided with Jennifer Henn and her former employer, the Times-Tribune of Scranton.  Two former Lackawanna County commissioners sued the Times-Tribune and Henn over a January 2004 story that said they were not cooperative in their appearances before the grand jury in the brutality case.  The Supreme Court says reporters cannot be forced to identify confidential sources - a protection granted by the state's Shield Law.

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

 Daily Number

     1-7-6

 Big 4

     7-4-5-0

 Quinto

     4-8-7-2-9

 Treasure Hunt

     8-16-17-22-23

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

TEL AVIV, Israel - Paul McCartney performed his first concert in Israel for some 40,000 fans, kicking it off with the familiar Beatles' song "Hello, Goodbye."  McCartney billed Thursday's concert as "Friendship First," saying he's on a mission of peace for Israel and the Palestinians.  The crowd cheered as the 66-year-old singer performed in Tel Aviv's outdoor Yarkon Park. Some wore T-shirts with the slogan, "I love Paul."  While singing "Give Peace a Chance," McCartney stopped and let the audience sing the chorus alone. Hundreds of police and private security guards were deployed but a police spokesman said there were no concrete threats against McCartney, and no extraordinary security precautions were taken.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A YouTube video shows Sarah Palin being blessed in her church three years ago by a Kenyan pastor who prayed for her protection from witchcraft as she prepared to seek higher office.  The video shows Palin standing before Bishop Thomas Muthee in Wasilla Assembly of God with her head bowed as he asks God "in the name of Jesus" to "save her from Satan" and "use her to turn this nation."  The date of the sermon listed on the church Web site is October 16th, 2005. Palin announced her gubernatorial bid two days later and was elected the next year. The Republican vice presidential nominee was baptized at the church, but stopped attending regularly in 2002.

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