Monday, September 29, 2008

Pa. House members split on bailout package

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pennsylvania lawmakers were split in their support of a $700 billion emergency rescue plan for the nation's financial system, which has been defeated in the House. Ten House members from the state voted against it Monday and nine supported it.  Only one Republican from Pennsylvania, John Peterson, voted in favor. Three Democrats voted against it. Some House members from the state are in competitive races to save their seats in the Nov. 4 election.  In our area Congressman Chris Carney (D-10^th), Congressman Tim Holden (D-17) and Congressman Bill Shuster (R-9^th) voted against the plan, while Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-11^th) and John Peterson (R-5^th) voted in favor of the plan.

“Defectors” among PA members of Congress

DALLAS – Any bailout of the financial industry will have to be revised, following the rejection of a plan supported by President Bush.  The $700-billion plan was defeated in Congress largely along party lines.  But there were some “defectors” in the Pennsylvania delegation, as retiring Republican John Peterson voted in favor, and Democratic Congressman Chris Carney voted against it.  The Republican challenger for the job now held by Carney also came out in opposition to the plan.

LEWISBURG – The investigation into a homicide in Lewisburg continues.  27-year-old Charity Spickler succumbed to a gunshot wound Monday morning at Geisinger Medical Center.  46-year-old Roderick Sims, of Lewisburg, surrendered to police after a brief standoff late Saturday night.  Lewisburg Police say Sims shot Spickler, who is his described as his estranged fiancé, after breaking into a home at 55 South Water Street.  He was initially arraigned on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and burglary, and remains in Union County Prison on $500,000 bail. (staff)

Jewish New Year begins Monday at sundown

SUNBURY – The Jewish New Year begins Monday night at sundown.  Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the year 5769, and is heralded by the sound of the shofar, or traditional ram’s horn.  Rabbi Nina Mandel of Congregation Beth-El in Sunbury says the start of the New Year also brings a period of reflection on personal and communal goals, and on making amends.  A formal Day of Atonement, Yom Kipper, will be observed in one week.

The rabbi says how Jews observe the New Year varies, but there are some traditions that are maintained almost across the board.  They include serving apples dipped in honey, for the hopes of a sweet new year.  Other practices such as living within walking distance of a temple vary because of practical considerations such as geography.  (Matt Farrand)  

Renovations expected to be done by end of the year for Public Library

LEWISBURG – A $2.5-million expansion and renovation project at the Union County Public Library is still underway.  Library Director, Tracy Carey, says things are a little behind schedule, but they still expect renovations to be complete by the end of the year.  She says the expansion will add 7,000-square feet and the library will then encompass about 20,000 square feet.  Carey adds that the expansion will allow them to add 25 percent more shelf space for books as well. 

The Public Library in Lewisburg will be closed October 19^th through the 21^st while shelving and books are being moved to their expanded area.  For more information you can contact the Library at 523-1172.  (Sara Lauver)

One lane of Rt. 11/15 to be closed Tuesday morning for clean up

SHAMOKIN DAM – A portion of Route 11/15 southbound in Shamokin Dam will be closed Tuesday while crews finish clean up after a fuel spill.  One lane on Route 11/15 southbound at the exit to K-Mart in Shamokin Dam will be closed from 7:00a.m.-11:00a.m.  The diesel fuel spilled after a tractor-trailer full of corn rolled over Friday afternoon. (Sara Bartlett)

Police search for drive-through hit and run

LEWISBURG – Police are searching for a hit and run driver that fled a fast food restaurant in Lewisburg Monday afternoon.  East Buffalo Township Police say around 3:10p.m. a male in a red Dodge Durango drove over parking curbs and ran over the drive-through speaker at the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell restaurant along Route 15.  The driver then reportedly got in the drive-thru line, got his food and fled the scene.  Anyone with information is asked to call police. (Sara Bartlett) 

House fire in Northumberland County last night

MARION HEIGHTS – Several fire crews were called out to a house fire in Marion Heights Sunday night.  The home is owned by 87-year-old Mitch Burach, who lives there with his son Joe. Emergency dispatchers say the fire started around 8:1p.m. at 100 East North Street.  Fire crews from Marion Heights, Atlas, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Shamokin were called to the scene and report an explosion of some kind in the kitchen.  The home was heavily damaged by fire and crews remained there until 11:40p.m.  No injuries were reported and the investigation continues into what caused that fire in Northumberland County.  (Ali Stevens)

Richfield man charged with terroristic threats and simple assault

RICHFIELD – A Richfield man has been charged with making terroristic threats and simple assault for an incident Saturday night in Snyder County.  State police say 43-year-old Robert Baumer II was arguing with a woman at a home on Plaining Mill Road in West Perry Township and reportedly shoved and slapped her. 

When the woman tried to leave the home, Baumer is accused of getting a 20-gauge shotgun and shotgun shells.  Troopers say the woman ran from the home when she saw the gun and got away safely.  Baumer was arrested and arraigned and released on $15,000 bail.  (Ali Stevens)

Two people seriously injured in crash in Northumberland County

SUNBURY – Two people remain in serious condition following a crash Friday night in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County.  State police say the crash took place on Brush Valley Road off of Route 147 around 11:50 p.m. Troopers say 40-year-old Gregory Gorman of Sunbury drove his pickup truck off the road and struck a tree in a field.  He and his passenger, 36-year-old Michelle Cashdollar of Watsontown, were both taken to Geisinger Medical Center by ambulance.  They are both listed in serious condition today.  (Ali Stevens)

Man charged with stealing from a cash register at work

One person flown to the hospital following a crash in Coal Township

COAL TOWNSHIP – One person was flown by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center following a crash in Coal Township last night. Dispatchers tell us it happened in the 1200 block of East Webster Street. The driver reportedly hit two vehicles and the vehicle flipped onto its side. No other details are available. We’ll update you on this story when more information is available. (Ali Stevens)

Kawneer workers in Columbia County okay new deal

ESPY –Workers at a Columbia County facility have narrowly approved a new three-year contract. According to the Press-Enterprise, Kawneer workers Saturday okayed a contract calling for higher pay and delaying a move to more 12-hour shifts. According to the story, the deal will increase wages $1.52 over three years.

About 300 of the company's 340 unionized employees showed up at the Espy Fire Hall to choose between the offer and a strike. Union officials say the vote was a close one, narrowly approved, by a 10% to 20% margin. Kawneer makes aluminum windows and doors. An earlier contract had been rejected by the workers. (Terry Diener)

Attempted vehicle break ins lead to charges

SNYDER COUNTY – Two people face disorderly conduct charges for allegedly opening or trying to open several vehicles Friday in one part of Snyder County. Selinsgrove State police arrested 19-year-old Jason Secord and a 17-year-old juvenile, both from Shamokin Dam.

Police say there were no reports of damage or theft to any of the vehicles. The 17 year old was also witnessed urinating on one of the vehicles. The incidents occurred along the Susquehanna Trail, in Monroe Township. (Terry Diener)

Harassment charges filed after bride-to-be gets in argument with wedding planner

MT PLEASANT MILLS – Wedding planning can be a tense time, as was witnessed in a violent incident in Snyder County Friday evening. State Police in Selinsgrove say 22-year-old, Brandy Kunkel of Mount Pleasant Mills, and her sister, 25-year-old, Tasha Lightner of McAlisterville, are facing charges after they allegedly hit a woman hired as a wedding planner.

The incident happened at a residence in Perry Township after Kunkel, the bride-to-be, and Lightner got into an argument with the woman over the price of certain wedding materials. Police say that’s when Lightner struck the victim in the face and pulled her hair while Kunkel began hitting her in the back. Both Lightner and Kunkel were charged with harassment. (Sara Lauver)

Lewisburg Lights 5K brightens the night

LEWISBURG – Nearly 140 runners braved drizzle and intermittent rain to take part in a nighttime 5K race in Lewisburg. The Lewisburg Lights 5K was sponsored by and a benefit for the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority. Participant Shelly Heasley of Middleburg was happy to run in the unusual event, in spite of the rain.

Race Director Tara Michaels says borough police did a great job clearing a path for the racers in the dark, and many residents left their porch lights on to supplement Lewisburg’s trademark globe-style street lights. LARA also arranged for extra lighting at the Hufnagle Park staging area. (Matt Farrand)

Stars hidden, but observatory tour proceeds

LEWISBURG – What do star gazers do when it’s cloudy? Associate Professor of Astronomy Ned Ladd of Bucknell University says they continue their studies in other ways. Ladd also led a tour of the observatory during Family Weekend at the University. The tour included a look at new and vintage telescopes in use by students and staff.

They included a 19th Century model donated by the university’s namesake, William Bucknell. Though no stars in the night sky were visible Friday night, Associate Professor Ladd offered a brief talk about the planet Jupiter. About 30 students and their families toured the on-campus observatory Friday night. (Matt Farrand)

Partnership between GMC, genomics company to research obesity link

DANVILLE – Genetics could be the key for obese persons who wish to lose weight. That is the idea behind a partnership between Geisinger Health Systems and a Massachusetts genomics company. Vice-President and partner of Geisinger Ventures Jim Peters says they will develop a series of genetic tests.

The tests could help explain why different people achieve differing weight loss results using the same techniques. Geisinger Health Systems announced the partnership with Interleukin Genetics this week. The company develops personalized treatment systems based on genetic predisposition for a given disorder. (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 today, and is followed by Best Buy on October 2nd, Giant on the 8th and Target on the 12th.

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 8th.

Warrant issued for an Allenwood man on the loose 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)

United Way fundraising is underway. 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 American Red Cross, Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition, childcare, Meals on Wheels and more.

Fecker was a guest on Leaders & 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.

Albright also said there will be no fee for your choice and they have very low administrative costs at the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, so almost all the money raised goes directly to the supported agencies. The goal for this year’s campaign is $765,000, and despite the slow economy, committee members say they are confident they will reach that goal due to the community support they have seen over the years. (Ali Stevens)

Three-day news recap

UNDATED – Here are three of the top stories over the weekend:

26 tons of sweet corn were spilled onto Routes 11 & 15 in Snyder County Friday afternoon, delaying traffic for several hours. The accident near Ted’s Landing in Shamokin Dam occurred when the driver, from Harrisburg, tried to make a turn, but rolled the truck, spilling his cargo. No one was hurt, but traffic was snarled while crews cleaned up the mess.

Workers were putting the finishing touches on merchandise and displays last week in preparation for store openings at the Monroe Marketplace. Kohl’s department Store planned to open Sunday, the Red Robin restaurant Monday, and the Best Buy on October 2nd. Giant is slated to open October 8th and Target will welcome shoppers October 12th. Several other stores will open in late October. A grand opening celebration for the Marketplace is scheduled October 8th.

Some 140 runners braved the rain in a nighttime 5K race in Lewisburg Friday. It was sponsored by the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority and many residents left their porch lights on to supplement Lewisburg’s trademark globe style street lights. (Terry Diener)

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she thinks running mate Sen. John McCain helped ensure that the mortgage bailout agreement protects taxpayers. The Republican vice presidential candidate says she thinks McCain's voice has been heard in the newly negotiated $700 billion deal to bail out the financial industry. Palin and her 14-year-old daughter, Willow, met with a group of military mothers at an upscale Philadelphia deli on Sunday. Palin's son, Track, is deploying for service in Iraq. The candidate is on the third day of a visit to Philadelphia. She stopped by a downtown bar on Friday night and went to a cheesesteak shop on Saturday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Control of the Pennsylvania House is at stake in the fall legislative campaign. The House swung to the Democrats by a single seat two years ago amid outrage over the legislative pay raise. That was the election that sent 24 incumbent lawmakers home in defeat. The balance of power in the state Senate is not likely to see significant change. Right now, it's 29-21 in favor of the Republicans. Ninety-one representatives and four senators have no fall opponent; 25 senators do not face voters this year. Twenty-two House seats and seven in the Senate are opening up due to retirement or defeat. That leaves 90 representatives and 14 senators with opposition in the Nov. 4 election. In a few cases the opponents are third-party longshots.

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

Pennsylvania Lottery numbers

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

SUNDAY NIGHT Daily Number 9-8-5

Big 4 5-8-0-0

Quinto 6-0-9-2-7

SUNDAY MIDDAY Daily Number 4-4-8

Big 4 5-0-3-2

Quinto 7-9-2-7-7

Treasure Hunt 4-7-10-19-20

The winning numbers drawn Sunday in the "Pennsylvania Cash 5" game were: 05-17-19-29-40.

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

The Boss to play Super Bowl halftime

NEW YORK (AP) - Take one Super Bowl, add a healthy dollop of "The Boss" and you get a recipe for another big-time halftime show for one of the biggest sports events in the country. The NFL and NBC have announced that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at this year's Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa, Florida. Snagging Springsteen means the continuation of a run of recent major talent that has included the Rolling Stones, U2, Paul McCartney, Prince and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. And this year's event, February 1st at Raymond James Stadium, showcases one of the most beloved rock 'n' roll artists. Last year's halftime show was watched by more than 148 million viewers in the U.S. For years, the halftime show was made up of local and college marching bands and drill teams.

PAUL NEWMAN

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Paul Newman is gone, but his charity work continues. Robert Forrester is vice chairman of the Newman's Own Foundation. He says Newman began planning several years ago to make sure profits from his food company would always benefit charities worldwide. The charities include the Hole in the Wall Camps for children suffering from life-threatening diseases. Newman and his company gave away more than 250 million dollars. Robert Redford says he's "lost a real friend." Sally Field says she was "blessed to have known him." David Letterman says Newman was "a very fine actor and a really good race driver," who also "personified humanity" in "taking care of those who were less fortunate." Newman died Friday at age 83.

Farmers-Restaurant Business

WASHINGTON (AP) - North Dakota farmers are betting a new eatery in the nation's capital will become "Washington's greenest restaurant." The North Dakota Farmers Union has spent 6 million dollars to open a pair of restaurants to showcase food from family farms. One of them is just a few blocks from the White House. It's called Founding Farmers and it's described as a modern space with an environmentally friendly design. The farmers from North Dakota made the investment in the nation's capital despite the economic downturn, high food prices and the risks inherent in running a restaurant. They're counting on the success of a growing trend in the business: food straight from the farm, served in a place with a green focus. The first restaurant, Agraria, is located in the city's Georgetown district. It's been popular with tourists but has struggled to catch on with city residents since opening in 2006.

Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds marry in Canada

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Scarlett Johansson has gotten married. The 23-year-old actress married fiancé Ryan Reynolds this weekend. Johansson's publicist isn't disclosing details, but Us Weekly says the celebrity couple wed in a small ceremony at a resort outside Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests included the bride's mother and brother. Johansson and Reynolds announced their engagement last May, but just a month ago, Johansson said she was in no hurry to rush in to anything, saying "we're just taking it easy" and enjoying being young and engaged. Now, they're husband and wife. Johansson most recently starred in the Woody Allen movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Reynolds starred in the TV show "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" and the romantic comedy "Definitely,