Friday, September 26, 2008

Accident could back up traffic

SHAMOKIN DAM – An accident involving a tractor-trailer load of sweet corn could be slowing traffic at the split between Routes 11 & 15.  Snyder County Communications reports there are no hazardous materials involved.  But crews are at the scene near Tedd’s Landing and there appear to be no injuries.  (Matt Farrand)

Stores are ready to open at Monroe Marketplace

SELINSGROVE – Several stores at Monroe Marketplace are getting ready to open their doors.  Manager of the Marketplace, Margie Deppen, says Kohl’s Department Store will be the first to open on Sunday.  Red Robin opens Monday, and is followed by Best Buy on October 2^nd, Giant on the 8^th and Target on the 12^th.  Other stores such as PetSmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Dick’s Sporting Goods will open later in October.  An official grand opening celebration for the Marketplace will be held October 11^th.

Warrant issued for an Allenwood man with a lengthy criminal background

ALLENWOOD – The Union County Sheriff’s Department is on the lookout for an Allenwood man who fled police trying to serve him a criminal warrant.  39-year-old Michael Dearment was in his backyard burning trash when sheriff’s deputies approached him with the warrant.  That’s when Dearment took off on foot into a cornfield off of Route 44 in Allenwood.  Sergeant Scott Hahn tells us according to Dearment’s mother-in-law, he had a large knife on him when he went out to burn trash.  That’s when police reinforcements were called in from State Police at Milton, Watsontown and Milton police, East Buffalo Township police, K-9 dogs and a helicopter. 

Dearment remains on the loose.  Sergeant Hahn says he has an extensive criminal history and has spent time in a state correctional facility.  Hahn did not tell us what the criminal warrant was for.  (Ali Stevens)

Driver cited after bumping cyclist

SHAMOKIN DAM – A cyclist sustained hip and leg injuries Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle on the Route 11 & 15 strip.  State Police say 37-year-old Todd Newcomer of Sunbury was bumped by the vehicle that was attempting to take a left turn from near 16^th Street into southbound traffic.  Troopers say he vehicle was driven by 62 year old Joy Heddesheimer of Middleburg, who was not injured but cited after the 4: 45 p.m. crash.  (Matt Farrand) 

Tours of historical sites and homes set for Saturday

LEWISBURG – Lewisburg’s Slifer House Museum has a benefit tour planned for Saturday.  Its stops will cover a time line that includes homes built in the 19^th Century and renovated homes with “green” features.  Local church sanctuaries, and a self-guided tour of the Lewisburg Cemetery including the Harvest Home display at the chapel are also planned.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Bureau and locations in downtown Lewisburg. 

The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. and goes to 3:00 p.m.  More information at 524-2245.  (Matt Farrand) 

Financial crisis topic of discussion in Lewisburg

LEWISBURG – As federal officials gather in Washington to discuss recent developments in the national financial climate, local business leaders, government officials and school leaders met at the Country Cupboard Friday morning for a Joint Legislative Forum sponsored by the Greater Susquehanna Valley and Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce.  Representative Russ Fairchild served as keynote speaker and fielded questions from the group concerning state budgets and transportation issues.  Fairchild said that state legislators are working hard to develop what is best for Pennsylvania. 

Fairchild stated that meetings are planned for the current general assembly session in the upcoming weeks to discuss what Pennsylvania can do as a state to “survive”.  With the federal economic crisis, Fairchild predicts that the state faces a 1 to 1.5 billion-dollar deficit by the end of the fiscal year but he remains positive that Pennsylvania has a solid and diverse enough infrastructure to “stay alive” during the recession.  (Lura Scott)

United Way fundraising... If you donate, where will your money go?

SUNBURY – Now that fundraising for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way is underway, many residents want to know where there money will go and what they are supporting.  Jill Fecker is co-chair for this year’s campaign and says there are 30 agencies supported, including local libraries, the red cross, women in transition, child care, meals on wheels and more. Fecker was a guest on Leaders and Lawmakers this week along with her co-chair and husband, George Fecker, Nancy Walters and Keri Albright, who all talked about how you can choose where the money will go. They say you can choose one agency to support, a few, or all 30 if you like. 

$2.8 million grant for Riverfront project still intact

SUNBURY – Governor Ed Rendell says he made a promise toward the Riverfront Project in Sunbury and it is his intention to keep that promise. After State Representative Merle Phillips expressed fears that a state grant may expire, Rendell assured him that the city of Sunbury would still get the $2.8 million.

Rendell and Phillips met Tuesday to talk about the project. The money had been given to the city four years ago, and since then no construction on the project has taken place, which was why the grant was in jeopardy. Governor Rendell says he made a promise toward the Riverfront project and it is his intention to keep that promise. (Sara Bartlett)

Planning experts offer answers for Union County

MIFFLINBURG – What will Union County be like in the future? A panel of three community planning specialists brought their expertise to Mifflinburg Thursday for a discussion about just that with more than 70 local citizens.

The county is in the midst of finishing a comprehensive plan for land use, the direction of development and considering strategies of how to get it done. The panel included Executive Director James Cowhey of the Lancaster County Planning Commission, Executive Director Bill Fontana of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and John Trant, an attorney and community planner for Cranberry Township near Pittsburgh.

Trant says community planning pays off economically, and cites the decision of the Westinghouse Corp. to move their headquarters to Cranberry Township, Butler County some 15 years after community planners put their ideas into action.

But the session was more than merely about highway use, sewage treatment, and tax allocation, it was a plea to take action on behalf of families that are often scattered when the quality of life in their hometown isn’t up to par.

Union County Planning Director Shawn McLaughlin says his office plans to publish a draft plan in January of 2009, based largely on information gathered from Union County residents. It will be made available for review and public comment, as they develop more specific community goals. (Matt Farrand)

Jack and Jill tournament to raise cancer awareness

SELINSGROVE – The “Jack and Jill” golf tournament is a charitable event that will put two men and two women on a team, in a way to raise awareness for both prostate and breast cancer. Co-founder, Hank Truslow, says he and fellow co-founder, Mel Purdy, came up with the idea and were able to involve both the Arnie’s Army Cancer Foundation and the Breast Cancer Coalition.

Proceeds will be divided between the two organizations. The tournament is being held Monday at the Susquehanna Valley County Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and there will be a shotgun start at noon. For more information you can call the Breast Cancer Coalition at 1-800-377-8828. (Sara Lauver)

Rendell asks PA Congress members to push for infrastructure spending

HARRISBURG – $700 billion dollars is the figure often mentioned as the cost of the federal bailout of the struggling financial industry. Governor Ed Rendell is calling on the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to push for an additional $100 billion for infrastructure improvements.

Rendell says the bailout of the financial industry does not create a single job, but improvements to roads, bridges, railroads and wastewater treatment plants could. The Governor sent a letter to the delegation to encourage the additional spending as part of the bailout. He also wants to include mortgage protection for homeowners on their primary homes, and regulatory reform to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem. (Matt Farrand)

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 the county was able to balance the budget with the additional tax revenue.

Erdman is optimistic the county commissioners won’t need raise taxes in the 2009. He says the county’s debt service fund has a healthy $5million balance. 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)

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 www.wkok.com by clicking on “On the Mark” and selecting Thursday’s program. (Ali Stevens)

Senator Arlen Specter to speak at Susquehanna University

SELINSGROVE – Senator Arlen Specter (R-Sen, Pa.) will be visiting Selinsgrove in two weeks. Specter will hold an open house town hall meeting at Susquehanna University Monday October 6th. 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 6th at 10:45a.m. (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 150th 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 150th 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)

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 25th. (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)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell has nominated a senior adviser to become Pennsylvania's top public health official.  Everette James would succeed Dr. Calvin Johnson as state health secretary if confirmed by the Senate. James will become the department's secretary-designee on Monday.  The 46-year-old James has advised Rendell on public health, insurance and pension matters since March 2007.  James previously practiced health-care and regulatory law and served in the U.S. Commerce as a deputy assistant secretary for service industries and finance in the Clinton administration.  Johnson had been health department secretary since April 2003.  He is leaving the Rendell administration for an executive post at Temple University Health System in Philadelphia.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - This news might strike a gourd with pumpkins lovers.  Pumpkins grown in Pennsylvania are expected to be smaller in size this fall, due to dry, cool weather across the state in late July and August.  Penn State vegetable crops professor Mike Orzolek says the size difference will be especially noticeable in medium-to-large size pumpkins - those that would typically range from 18 to 25 pounds.  Orzolek says the quality of pumpkins, on the other hand, should be good to excellent, with healthy color and shape.  Pennsylvania ranks as the second-largest pumpkin grower in the country, with about 8,000 acres planted.

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

 Daily Number

     0-8-4

 Big 4

     3-1-5-2

 Quinto

     1-3-5-1-3

 Treasure Hunt

     7-13-15-20-24

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

UNDATED (AP) - There's Sarah Palin the candidate -- and Palin Syrah the wine. It's from a small vintner in northern Chile and has nothing to do with the Republican V.P. nominee. But some wine sellers report an increase in sales since the other Palin has selected by John McCain to be his running mate.  However, in strongly Democratic San Francisco, Palin the wine is now a tough sell. But in Houston, one wine store has sold out of Palin Syrah. It goes for $13 a bottle and is described as rich and full-bodied.