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Do you have news? Contact Jeff Shaffer, News Director, at 374-8819
or e-mail maxmedianews@yahoo.com.
Sept. 7
LEWISBURG - Investigators continue to look into a blaze that caused lots of damage early this morning in Lewisburg.
Several area fire crews rushed to the two-alarm blaze involving multiple buildings after 1 a.m. in the area of White Pine and Hawn alleys. They remained on scene until about 5:30.
Union County Communications say the fire consumed several garages and also damaged an apartment building. No injuries were reported. (Jeff Shaffer)
IOLA - Police say a Millville man died on the way to the hospital following a crash around 8:45 Monday night in Greenwood Township, Columbia County.
According to police, 43-year-old Daryl Titman was driving at a high rate of speed on Route 42 when he crossed lanes and hit the front porch of a house, causing his pickup to flip.
Police say he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. (Jeff Shaffer)
UNDATED - Two people were found dead in two separate incidents over the weekend.
According to the Press Enterprise, Bloomsburg University sophomore Brian Savage, of Elizabethtown, was found dead Saturday morning in a Lightstreet Road Apartment. Some witnesses said he was last seen alive while highly intoxicated.
Officials await the result of an autopsy.
Elsewhere, fisherman discovered the body of a Berwick man in the Susquehanna River near Retreat State Prison in the Nanticoke area.
The man was identified as 45-year-old Tab Allan Beck.
Police say nothing about the death appears suspicious. (Jeff Shaffer)
NEW BERLIN - A 44-year-old Mifflinburg man is in critical condition at Geisinger this morning following at two-vehicle crash Saturday.
Police say at around 9 in the morning, a car turned in front of the Scott Blue, who was riding a motorcycle, on Route 304 in Limestone Township, Union County. (Jeff Shaffer)
LYKENS - Police say a Dauphin County man was hit by a car around 9:30 Sunday night on South Crossroads, just south of Fisher Road in Washington Township.
According to police, 67-year-old Edwin Miller Jr. of Elizabethville was standing on the road wearing dark clothing and looking for a deer he had just hit, when an SUV came over the crest of the hill and struck him.
He was taken to Hershey Medical Center with moderate injuries.
MUIR - A Lykens teenager is reportedly in fair condition at Hershey Medical Center, after he was ejected from an SUV last Thursday afternoon.
According to police, 17-year-old Zane Cawthorne suffered major injury in the crash along Route 209 in Porter Township.
The driver, 18-year-old Jon Webster of Lykens, told police he “hit a rock” and lost control, causing the Jeep Grand Cherokee to flip end over end.
Webster wasn’t hurt. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHEPPTON - Three people face charges stemming from a burglary and assault around 3 yesterday morning in Schuylkill County.
Police say an argument over a woman started at a bar and ended up at a Sheppton home.
A fight escalated leading 21-year-old Brian Furedi Jr. to fire three shotgun rounds into the ground to scare away the attackers.
Furedi was sent to the hospital when attacked by 21-year-old Michael Richards of Oneida.
Richards was locked up in county prison in lieu of bail.
Two others face harassment charges – 21-year-old Kelli Johnson and 18-year-old Letizia Schianodicola, both of Nuremberg – for slamming 18-year-old Alyssa Emmert of Sheppton into a car. (Jeff Shaffer)
UNDATED - Area motorcyclists were involved in crashes over the weekend.
26-year-old Carson Long of Millmont suffered moderate injuries after losing control Saturday afternoon on Route 183 in Wayne Township, Schuylkill County.
He was taken to Reading hospital.
And, according to police, Daren Traugh of Benton was flown to Geisinger following a Saturday morning crash on Route 487 in the area of Stillwater.
He was thrown from the motorcycle after he hit a vehicle that stopped in front of him.
The nursing supervisor said Traugh wasn’t listed as patient this morning. (Jeff Shaffer)
BEAVERTOWN - Several people from Danville were sent to Geisinger after a crash before midnight Saturday along Route 522 in Beavertown.
Police say a coughing fit lead 66-year-old driver Harish Dave to lose control and hit a road sign and tree.
He had minor injuries while his passengers, 63-year-old Daksha Dave, 63-year-old Praful Shah and 67-year-old Narayan Shah had moderate injuries. (Jeff Shaffer)
DANVILLE - Mechanical failure to the car’s front drive shaft is to blame for a Milton couple being sent to Geisinger Saturday afternoon.
73-year-old Lawrence and 75-year-old Mae Walker ended up hitting a utility pole along Route 642 in Liberty Township, Montour County.
A nursing supervisor said they weren’t listed as patients this morning. (Jeff Shaffer)
NEW BERLIN - Police believe alcohol may have caused a crash early Saturday at Route 304 and Tower Road in Union County.
45-year-old Ralph Lavonia of Lewisburg was allegedly speeding, and hit a utility pole, ending up in someone’s yard.
He and a 9-year-old male passenger were treated for injuries at Evangelical Community Hospital. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHAMOKIN DAM - Do you have any pain, tingling or numbness in your hands?
These could be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
To learn more about this condition that affects people who perform repetitious movements – including keyboard typing -- spokesperson Michelle Morgan says you may want to attend this month’s seminar hosted by the Shamokin Dam Health Center.
To register, call 743-4333. (Jeff Shaffer)
Sept. 3
SUNBURY - Around 8 Thursday evening, area police swamped to the Chestnut Street Towers in Sunbury, where an “emotionally disturbed person” was able to fire off one round from a loaded weapon.
Sunbury Police say the scene was secured and they were negotiating with the individual before the shot was fired.
A Sunbury Police Officer sustained a non-life threatening injury during the apprehension.
The person at the towers was taken to the hospital for an evaluation. Another towers resident was taken to the hospital for an unrelated matter. (Jeff Shaffer)
LEWISBURG - A homicide suspect returned to the Valley Thursday and is now in Union County Prison without bail.
33-year-old Joel Snider, who fought extradition from Maryland where he was arrested, was returned by state police to face charges in the shooting death of 70-year-old Sudharman, a yoga master from New Berlin.
Police say Sudharman died of multiple gunshot wounds in early July.
Authorities apparently have several pieces of evidence against Snider.
The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case because the Union County DA was a friend of the victim. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHERMANS DALE - Police say a 23-year-old Newport man faces several charges following an incident Thursday night in the Orchard Hill Motorhome Park in Carroll Township, Perry County.
They say he assaulted two adults before attempting to take his three young children from a residence while intoxicated.
The unidentified man was arrested and locked up in county prison on a probation violation. (Jeff Shaffer)
KULPMONT - Police say they’ve indentified the man who on July 4th knocked down a steel support pole to a Kulpmont home and then took off.
They have charged 28-year-old Robert Dallazia of Marion Heights for the early morning incident along Oak Street. (Jeff Shaffer)
BARNESVILLE - Police in Schuylkill County report another burglary in Barnesville this week.
Sometime Thursday evening, someone allegedly broke into the home of 50-year-old George Mammarella and stole approximately $1,000 in cash and prescription medication. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Law enforcement tell us drivers should expect a sobriety checkpoint this Labor Day weekend in Columbia County.
Travelers are reminded they can report drunken drivers by calling 911. Underage drinking can be reported by calling 1-800-UNDER-21. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Each Friday this month at Bloomsburg University, there will be local fruits, vegetables, meats and bread products at a farmers market.
The market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the campus’ Laubach Drive, next to Ben Franklin Hall.
University organizers say the market is good for local farmers and the economy. A portion of proceeds will benefit the student environmental program Helping Our Plant Earth, or HOPE. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBURG - In recognition of National Preparedness Month, Gov. Ed Rendell encourages residents to make emergency kits for their homes and cars, as well as create a family emergency plan.
The state leader says disaster can strike anywhere so it’s best to be prepared, and history has shown that emergency responders can’t reach everyone immediately after one occurs.
HOWARD - Pennsylvania's First Nature Inn Opened at Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, Centre County.
Officials say it’s the first facility of its type in the park system, offering visitors an up-close experience with nature -- as well as modern conveniences like a microwave, refrigerator, cable television and Internet access.
But, there’s also plenty of art and aesthetics to enjoy. (Jeff Shaffer)
Sept. 2
NEWPORT - A Newport man has been accused of indecent assault against a 50-year-old woman.
According to police, 67-year-old William Mitchell assaulted the Newport woman on Aug. 11 in his Perry County home. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - The woman accused of stabbing a man Wednesday in Bloomsburg was jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Hours after the early morning incident, police told us they arrested 43-year-old Wendy Green, who allegedly stabbed 59-year-old Martin Simmons in the stomach, sending him to Geisinger where he was later treated and released.
However, the Press Enterprise reports Green is claiming that Simmons stabbed himself, in the home they share along East Fourth Street.
She says she was choked and her head was slammed against the wall before Simmons tried to stab her.
Simmons alleges Green was irate and grabbed a kitchen knife to stab him. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHAMOKIN DAM – The Northridge Group will be on scene until 4 p.m. today on Route 11, north of Tedd’s Landing to clean a spill from a tractor trailer crash Sunday.
Motorists should expect a single-lane in that area and delays. The area should be avoided if possible, or give yourself extra time for travel.
The work was planned for Wednesday, but the HazMat crew was pulled away to a paint spill at the Clark’s Ferry Bridge.
That accident closed the eastbound lanes of Route 322 for four and a half hours, reopening around 10:30 in the morning. (Jeff Shaffer)
MIFFLINBURG - Someone stole an SUV in the Mifflinburg area.
Police report that sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday, a 2001 Chevy Tahoe was driven away from the home of Greg McCahan of 1350 Grand Valley Road. (Jeff Shaffer)
LYKENS - Police say the Lykens Football Field along Arch Street was burglarized sometime between Saturday night and Monday evening.
The concession stand at the south end of the field was broken into and $77 was taken from the cash box. Other locks and doors were also damaged.
Anyone with information should call 717-362-8700. (Jeff Shaffer)
BARNESVILLE - A Schuylkill County man faces charges after breaking into a Barnesville home.
Police say 32-year-old Robert Ryan Jr. of Barnesville entered an unlocked door to the East Lakewood Avenue home and was seen sneaking around.
He was confronted and fought outside with 30-year-old Donald Marcinczyk before fleeing the scene.
Ryan was later arrested in his home, and is now in county prison in lieu of $35,000 bail. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - Snyder County DA Mike Piecuch announced the launch of a new program designed to give first time non-violent juvenile offenders “a second chance.”
The Youth Accountability Program provides an alternative to the traditional Juvenile Court system. Instead of being brought before a judge, these juvenile offenders will be assigned to work with a panel of trained community volunteers.
Piecuch says this will help kids improve themselves and avoid a criminal record. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Bloomsburg University started its fall semester with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled.
According to the Press Enterprise, that’s left more than 1,000 living tripled in residence hall rooms meant for just two students.
The packed housing is being attributed to upperclassmen wanting to stay on campus and about 100 more freshman and transfer students compared to last year.
An official called this a good problem. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBUG - State Rep. Tom Houghton thinks the preferred agriculture program should be permanent.
With that, it could help eliminate the risk of salmonella and other threats.
As you likely remember, there was recently a massive egg recall nationwide.
The lawmaker notes Pa. produced eggs were not affected, thanks to voluntary egg assurance program.
The bill Houghton is introducing is expected to be voted on by the house this fall. (Jeff Shaffer)
Sept. 1
BLOOMSBURG - The Bloomsburg Police Department tells us a man was stabbed early this morning, following a domestic dispute at his home along East Fourth Street.
Shortly before 3:30, they say Martin Simmons was stabbed in the abdomen by Wendy Green, who lives with the victim.
Simmons was taken to Geisinger, and his injuries aren’t considered life threatening.
Green was found in a wooded area near the home, and locked up in Columbia County Prison awaiting her arraignment which was planned for this morning. (Jeff Shaffer)
LIVERPOOL - A McAlisterville man has been charged with sex-related crimes involving a two-year-old girl.
According to police, 24-year-old William Gibson Jr. assaulted the child on May 11 in Liverpool, Perry County.
Gibson posted bail, but is now in Juniata County for unrelated charges. (Jeff Shaffer)
CLARKS FERRY - The eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 322 at the Clark’s Ferry Bridge were all open around 10:30 this morning following a tractor trailer crash around 6 this morning, that closed both eastbound lanes.
The truck was hauling paint, requiring the Northridge Group to respond.
The Hazmat team was planning to clean-up a spill along Route 11, between Shamokin Dam and Northumberland, but that has been pushed back until Thursday.
Traffic just north of Tedd’s Landing will be reduced to a single lane between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Jeff Shaffer)
WILLIAMSPORT - An unidentified man was involved in a crash early this morning on Route 973 in Hepburn Township, Lycoming County.
Police say he went off the highway and hit a tree.
The driver, who reportedly wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was trapped inside and had to be cut free. He was then flown to Geisinger. (Jeff Shaffer)
LEWISBURG - A Lewisburg man suffered major injury in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon.
According to police, 52-year-old Dennis Sampsell was traveling on Col. John Kelly Road in Kelly Township when a car pulled from a stop sign and hit the left side, launching Sampsell onto the road.
He was taken to Geisinger and was listed in fair condition as of this morning.
The other driver, 78-year-old Max Yost of Milton wasn’t hurt, and faces a traffic citation. (Jeff Shaffer)
POTTSVILLE - Police say a woman from Zion Grove drove a pickup truck into a Pottsville home.
Just after midnight this morning, 48-year-old Lori Walter allegedly crashed into the residence at 8 Sunny Lane Road, owned by 45-year-old Douglas Williams.
No injuries were reported, and Walter has been charged with driving under the influence. (Jeff Shaffer)
McVEYTOWN - A couple of area residents face charges after state police troopers spotted them behind the McVeytown Minute Mart on Monday.
Police say 29-year-old Jamie Gill of Mount Pleasant Mills was found with marijuana and 34-year-old Jason Musser of Selinsgrove had drug paraphernalia.
In addition, a 16-year-old girl from Mount Union was charged with theft after she accepted money from Gill, but didn’t give her prescription drugs in return.
The minor was also charged with resisting arrest and public drunkenness. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - An area home builder has been reduced to 10 percent of its workforce, after laying off 82 employees over the summer.
According to the Daily Item, Penn Lyon Homes near Selinsgrove will keep a few office workers at this time to handle phone calls and service orders.
The 30-year-old company is reportedly not going out of business. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - Susquehanna University will host a free public film series focused on sustainable living, starting Thursday and running into December.
This week’s feature is “Food, Inc,” an Academy Award nominee.
Officials say the series reflects the university’s theme this academic year, a sustainable future. The issues also hit close to home, including food, energy and consumerism.
Aug. 31
SUNBURY - 48-year-old Cynthia Lark of Northumberland was sentenced Monday to one to three years in state prison, four years probation and could owe almost $1 million.
In June, the former clerk pleaded guilty to forgery and theft, related to embezzling from the Northumberland Sewer Authority over the course of a decade.
She owes around $475,000 in restitution and up to another half million for IRS penalties incurred by the authority.
Lark is to report to jail on Oct. 4.
She will be sent to the Women’s State Correctional Facility at Muncy. (Jeff Shaffer)
MIFFLINTOWN - A Mifflintown man is in Juniata County Prison on numerous charges, for allegedly committing sex acts with a girl between 2007 and 2009.
Police say 65-year-old Ralph Laubach was involved with the girl while she was between 10 and 12 years old, in his Cuba Mills Road home. (Jeff Shaffer)
WAYNE TOWNSHIP – A Schuylkill Haven motorcyclist was in serious condition as of this morning at Reading Hospital after a car turned in front of him yesterday afternoon along Route 443 in Wayne Township, Schuylkill County.
Police say the rider is 51-year-old Darrell Spotts.
The driver and passenger of the car -- 80-year-old Walter and 79-year-old Pearl Russelavage of Tower City -- were not hurt. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Police had to Taser a man four times to bring him under control following an incident early Sunday morning in Bloomsburg.
According to the Press Enterprise, the unidentified man brandished a steak knife and was threatening friends in the area of Chestnut Street.
Later, he yelled at a passing vehicle to hit him and ended up at the police station where he resisted arrest.
The man was taken to the hospital for an evaluation. (Jeff Shaffer)
LOYALSOCK - Several fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire shortly before 2 this morning at four town homes in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County.
No one was reported injured in the blaze at 1600 Oakmont Drive.
All four townhomes were heavily damaged. (Jeff Shaffer)
BERWICK – Two Berwick men face charges for attacking another man along South Arch Street in Berwick.
A trooper reports he saw 29-year-old Troy Laubach and 34-year-old Dennis Mika Jr. punching 29-year-old John Hamilton, of Benton, several times.
They told the trooper it was over a disagreement.
Mika faces an additional charge for having a fake ID. (Jeff Shaffer)
DANVILLE - A realtor has a signed sales agreement to buy the former Cabinet Industries property in Danville.
According to the Press Enterprise, Tim Karr of Lewisburg wants to demolish the factory and build 27 high-end condos.
He has a court-issued sales agreement with owner Gib Spradlin to buy the approximately 2-acre lot for $280,000
Ahead of any work is an environmental study and approval from the borough. (Jeff Shaffer)
MIFFLINBURG – After visiting and touring earlier this year with Mifflinburg officials and several of its local historical groups, an impressed state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) is featuring the borough and its projects on his monthly cable show.
A “Conversation With Senator Gene Yaw” airs various times during the month on CATV’s Channel 8, and can watched online at www.senatorgeneyaw.com. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Officials report 22 Bloomsburg University staff members and managers with a total of more than 500 years of service retired this summer under the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program.
That averages about 23 years per person.
The program was offered to employees who are at least 60 years old or have 35 years of service. (Jeff Shaffer)
Aug. 30
SUNBURY - 48-year-old Cynthia lark of Northumberland was sentenced today one to three years in state prison, and could owe almost $1 million in restitution and IRS penalties.
Over about a decade, she allegedly stole nearly $475,000 from the Northumberland Sewer Authority by writing checks to herself. Furthermore, she covered it up by not paying out what the authority owed in taxes.
Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage says she will be responsible for up to $500,000 in penalties.
In June, the former clerk pleaded guilty to theft and forgery charges.
Lark is to report to jail Oct. 4 to begin her sentence. (Jeff Shaffer)
MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS - A Richfield man was killed early Saturday morning following a crash in Perry Township, Snyder County.
They say at around 1 a.m., 51-year-old Michael Curry was traveling on Route 35, west of Route 104, when he traveled of the road and hit a large stump, causing his car to roll onto the roof.
Area residents heard a loud noise around that time, but the crash wasn’t discovered until six hours later. (Jeff Shaffer)
ATLAS - An Atlas man remained in critical condition as of this morning at Geisinger Medical Center after he was hit by a car Friday morning.
Police say 80-year-old Philip Steinbacher was attempting to cross Route 61 at Mulberry Street when he stepped in front of 22-year-old Jessica Steel of Mount Carmel.
The elderly man was flown to the hospital. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHENANDOAH – Police arrested a Shenandoah man who was seen grabbing a 14-year-old girl and putting her in a choke hold.
A trooper spotted 24-year-old Artemio Santis Cruz with the teen after midnight Sunday in a parking lot along Main Street.
Police say the girl did not know the man.
Santis Cruz, who resisted arrest, was put in Schuylkill County Prison.
He awaits deportation as he’s in this country illegally. (Jeff Shaffer)
LYKENS - Police say a 17-year-old girl from Duncannon was the victim of harassment around midnight Friday along Luxemburg Road in Lykens Township, Dauphin County.
She was allegedly approached by 10 to 15 males, and one of them began punching her in the face.
A passerby was able to break-up the assault and notify police.
Anyone with information on the attack should call 717-362-8700. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHAMOKIN DAM - Route 11 between Northumberland and Shamokin Dam was closed for about 10 hours Sunday following a crash north of Tedd’s Landing.
According to police, at around 3:30 a.m., a tractor-trailer struck the rock embankment, and rolled, blocking both lanes of travel.
The driver, from Ontario, Canada, was taken to Geisinger but has since been treated and released.
Another driver, from Florida, hit the trailer after it wrecked, but was said to be OK. (Jeff Shaffer)
LAURELTON – A couple of New Columbia teenagers were involved in a crash Friday evening on Creek Road in Hartley Township, Union County.
Police say the driver, 18-year-old Lindsay Hess, swerved to avoid a opossum, and instead hit an embankment and a couple of trees.
Hess was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital with moderate injuries, but has since been treated and released.
According to police, her passenger, 18-year-old Katelynn Watson, was not hurt. (Jeff Shaffer)
BERWICK - Burglars allegedly smashed a window and glass door at the Berwick Sunoco around 1 Saturday Morning.
Police say it appeared someone threw a rock or brick to break-in and left lottery tickets and other items scattered on the floor.
Police indicate they are looking for more than one suspect. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - Police arrested a Reading teen who led them on a chase Friday morning in the Selinsgrove area.
They say 17-year-old Edwin Alequin Jr., was driving a stolen vehicle and eventually crashed it into an embankment at University Avenue and 18th Street. He also put it in reserve and slammed into a police vehicle.
Alequin then fled on foot, and after searching on the ground and in the air, police found him in a Pine Meadows Apartment.
An unidentified person was with him and also fled into a wooded area.
Anyone with information should call 374-8145. (Jeff Shaffer)
NORTHUMBERLAND - There was more fire then planned Saturday night once a fireworks display took off from the Overlook at Shikellamy State Park.
According to the Daily Item, about 15 minutes into the show, falling sparks ignited brush and trees on the mountain side’s eastern and northern faces.
Firefighters were already on scene and spent hours dousing the small fires that broke out during the show and hot spots afterward. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - A Danville woman comes away as the winner of Ford Mustang, raffled off Saturday at Selinsgrove Ford.
The winner is Lori Mutchler.
Proceeds from this fund-raiser supports the American Cancer Society.
The Benners of Selinsgrove Ford allowed the car to travel to various Relay events in the six-county area.
Tickets were just a buck and in all $17,324 was raised. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBURG - Students across our area are headed back to the classroom following, perhaps, a long summer of work.
With that in mind, State Rep. Jaret Gibbons is working to make sure teen employees are protected in today’s changing work places.
The lawmaker’s sweeping rewrite of child labor laws would prevent teens from working at hazardous jobs, set hours they can work and make sure they have time to study.
The bill has been scheduled for a House Labor Committee hearing late next month. (Jeff Shaffer)
Aug. 27
DANVILLE – A state police fire investigator now says a blaze 11:30 p.m. Wednesday near Danville was arson.
The initial ruling was that the fire was accidental, but more evidence found at 25 Old Valley School Road, in Valley Township, leads Trooper Norman Fedder to believe the fire was intentionally set.
The fire was centered near the base of the landing for the stairs.
Police say 44-year-old Julie Dent was awaken to the sound of a window shattering, caused by fire, and escaped through a second story window.
Damages were estimated at less than $100,000, and the property owned by the Trust Fund of Justin Jeffrey Dent and Janae Caroline Dent was insured.
Anyone with information relative to the fire should call police at 524-0503 or 524-2662. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - State Police say they’ve found the man they were looking for this morning in the Selinsgrove area.
They aren’t sharing many details, but at around 2:30 this morning a routine traffic stop lead to a car pursuit.
The unidentified suspect then hopped out of the vehicle and took off into a wooded area in Penn Township.
Area police were searching around Susquehanna University and with the aid of a state police helicopter. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - A Bloomsburg area father who shook his infant son to get him to stop crying was sentenced Thursday to state prison for 15-36 months.
According to the Press Enterprise, 22-year-old Christopher King was taken into custody immediately.
The judge’s decision will create separation between the young father and child, as opposed to county lockup.
The boy is in the care of a grandparent. (Jeff Shaffer)
SUNBURY - A special court session will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday to honor the late Judge Samuel Ranck, who served on the bench for more than 30 years.
A resolution will be presented at the services and later certified and filed.
The gathering is public. Members of the county bar association and court are expected to speak, and Ranck’s family will also be in attendance.
Ranck died last month. He was 82. (Jeff Shaffer)
SUNBURY - At around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, a couple hundred pounds of explosives brought down the long-standing boiler house and two smokestacks at the former Knight-Celotex plant in Sunbury.
According to the Daily Item, when the property is cleared sometime next year, Moran Industries of Watsontown will develop it into a warehousing and distribution center. (Jeff Shaffer)
NORTHUMBERLAND - A big weekend is on tap at the Shikellamy State Park.
The three-days of events start with a concert at 5:30 tonight.
Saturday at 10 a.m. is the Ta-Ta Trot 3-mile run/walk for the fight against breast cancer, a large Zumba party kicks off at noon and a motivational speaker is planned for 2.
The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m., launched from the Overlook location.
Organizer Mark Cox of Sunbury says this all leads up to the Riverstock triathlon, putting racers through three events –swimming, biking and running.
In related news, boaters are being reminded that the main boat launching area will be closed until at least 2 p.m. Sunday because of the race.
Launches will be available at Hanover Street and at the point launch next to the sewer plant in Northumberland. (Jeff Shaffer)
NORTHUMBERLAND - A new event this year is looking to rise against breast cancer.
The Ta-Ta Trot 3-mile run/walk will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, following the path around the Shikellamy State Park. Registration is at 9.
Money raised benefits the Susan G. Koman For The Cure, Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Co-chair Julie Buehler-Rockey said this cause is very close to her. She and fellow co-chair Sharon Stroh are breast cancer survivors. (Jeff Shaffer)
NEW BERLIN - The small town of New Berlin in Union County will once again be a big destination this Saturday.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the 40th annual Historic New Berlin Day.
It’s touted as Central Pa.’s largest one-day a street festival -- full of antiques, arts and crafts, food, entertainment and more.
Officials say it’s a celebration of heritage.
SELINSGROVE - A picnic and ride this Saturday will be held in support of Veterans.
The second annual Bikers for Vets starts with a ride leaving from the Aubrey Alexander dealership on the Strip and ends up at the Selinsgrove VFW along Route 522.
Registration for the ride is from 10 to 11 a.m. The public is welcome. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBURG - There’s a new trend among some young people -- smoking a synthetic form of marijuana called “K2.”
State Rep. Jennifer Mann says just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. She’s introduced legislation to ban it because of the health risks.
Some people have gone to the poison control center, ER or have even died from using “K2.”
Because “K2” not a controlled substance, it’s sold openly on the Internet and in some shops. (Jeff Shaffer)
Aug. 26
DANVILLE - An investigator says the fire around midnight in Valley Township, Montour County, was accidental.
Electrical wiring is to blame.
The person living at 25 Old Valley School Road, 44-year-old Julie Dent, was awaken to the sound of a window shattering in the area of the fire. She escaped through a second story window.
Damages were estimated at less than $100,000, but the property is insured. (Jeff Shaffer)
SHAMOKIN - The exact cause is unknown at this time, but a fire this morning in Shamokin is believed to have been caused by faulty wiring.
A fire broke out around 4 at 131 S. Second St.
Officials say crews were on scene for about three and a half hours.
The damages are said to be extensive, but no one is believed to be injured. (Jeff Shaffer)
SELINSGROVE - Area fire departments were called to an oven fire around 1 Wednesday afternoon at Pine Meadow Apartments in Selinsgrove.
Deputy Fire Chief Jason Kaufman tells us someone carelessly left a pair of shoes in the oven after it was turned on.
Crews were on scene for less than an hour, but the smoke damage forced out two young adults and small child.
No one was hurt. (Jeff Shaffer)
BERWICK - A robber held up the Dunkin Donuts along West Front Street in Berwick around 3:30 this morning.
Police say a Hispanic male wearing a dark T-shirt with a large hole on the side and a black bandanna over his face walked in with a handgun and demanded money.
He then got away on foot headed toward Second Street.
Anyone with information on the robbery should call 911. (Jeff Shaffer, WGRC)
TOWER CITY - Police responded to a bomb scare Wednesday afternoon in Tower City.
However, the alleged bomb turned out to be a fax machine.
According to police, the owner of the unoccupied building at 159 West Grande Avenue saw the machine on the second floor and contacted the local police, who then called in specialists from the state police. (Jeff Shaffer)
BLOOMSBURG - Centralia landowners can keep the right to coal under their properties in event of any future mining.
However, the government still plans to move forward with buyouts of the few remaining homes that sit on top of an underground mine fire.
According to the Press Enterprise, a Columbia County judge said along with the coal rights comes the responsibility to move out of the borough.
A jury trail is slated in a couple of weeks to set property values on remaining residences, but an appeal is already being planned. (Jeff Shaffer)
SUNBURY - City officials tell us today is the last day to go for a splash at the Sunbury Community Pool.
Friday is the last day at the OPG playground.
Ron Pratt, director of the pool and playground, thanks everyone for another great season. (Jeff Shaffer)
SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Fair returns today and runs through Saturday at the Sunbury Armory along Mile Hill Road.
According to fair committee president Kim Clemens, people from both rural communities and towns will be able to enjoy themselves.
There’s plenty of entertainment, hands-on activities, animals and art. She notes talents run high in this area.
Clemens says we’re pretty fortunate to have food readily available, and perhaps people in towns and cities don’t quite understand what it takes to grow crops and raise livestock.
Well, they can get a taste, by trying out some events, including a bale toss and stack.
Activities for children has expanded, and there’s even ways to incorporate our four-legged friends, including a pet parade and dog Olympics.
Clemens tells us a keepsake coin, sponsored along with Sunbury Motors, will be on sale this year.
LEWISBURG - The 24th Annual Evangelical Golf Classic last Friday at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club, in Shamokin Dam, brought in 224 golfers and raised more than $30,000 in net proceeds for Evan’s Pre-Hospital Services.
There were many prizes and challenges, including the opportunity to score a new car with a hole-in-one. Unfortunately, there were no winners. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBURG - The Department of Health reported this year's first human case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania -- a 69-year-old man from Philadelphia County.
West Nile Virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
Since West Nile was first identified in Pa. 10 years ago, the virus has been found in all areas of the state and has returned each summer. (Jeff Shaffer)
Aug. 25
SUNBURY - The adult suspect accused in an arson attempt on the roof of the Dollar General Store along Market Street in Sunbury was arraigned Tuesday.
According to the Daily Item, he is 19-year-old Tyler Hendricks of Sunbury. He was locked up in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Hendricks was accompanied by three juveniles in the Monday afternoon incident.
He apparently told the judge he was only at the crime scene to extinguish the fire lit by his little brother.
However, the juveniles have allegedly said that Hendricks started the fire that didn’t stay lit. (Jeff Shaffer)
BERWICK - A Berwick couple accused of molestation against children could face decades in prison.
According to the Press Enterprise, some charges were dropped against 42-year-old Paul and 31-year-old Heather Sellers, but they face felony counts in county court.
A 10-year-old boy testified Tuesday he had been molested several times, and police say they are aware of at least a half dozen other victims. (Jeff Shaffer)
McVEYTOWN - A McVeytown man was tricked into wiring $2,800 to help someone who claimed to be his grandson.
According to police, David Swigart was called Monday morning that the money needed to be sent to an international bail bondsman or his grandson faced jail at the U.S./Canada Border.
Police warn to remain vigilant of potential phone scams. (Jeff Shaffer)
SUNBURY - More than 1,000 people have now signed a petition to sponsor a community college for the area.
Community college advocates have a plan in place to split the costs between Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties.
Any resident interested in signing the petition requesting their county to sponsor the college can visit www.newcommunitycollege.com. (Jeff Shaffer)
DEWART - A fire that caused extensive damage at a home along Route 44 between Dewart and Allenwood was ruled accidental.
The Daily Item reports damages were estimated at more than $300,000, but the property is insured.
The fire broke out early Saturday as an elderly couple slept. They escaped the blaze by jumping from the second story.
Russell Yordy is out of the hospital, but his wife Helen remained in serious condition at Geisinger as of this morning. (Jeff Shaffer)
HARRISBURG - The Democratic chairman of the senate appropriations committee says the state should assure the public that elected officials aren’t influenced by campaign contributions.
Senator Jay Costa is co-sponsoring legislation that limits what political action committees and individuals can contribute in a calendar year. It also caps total contributions a candidate can accept.
He says the legislation has bipartisan support and he hopes to pass it before the end of the fall session. (Jeff Shaffer)
MUNCY - Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships is proudly celebrating 30 years in business.
Starting at 6 tonight, they’re holding a party at the dealer location on Lycoming Mall Drive near Muncy.
There’s free dessert, family fun and even fireworks setting off at 9:30.
The business has 10 dealerships in the region and employees more than 500 people. (Jeff Shaffer)
DANVILLE - Three Mahoning Township firefighters in Montour County were pulled aside and recognized Tuesday for pulling a woman out of her burning apartment back in July.
According to the Press Enterprise, Leslie Young, Chuck Eyer and Josh Poticher were the first to enter the smoke-filled Beaver Place residence and bring out Kelly English.
The sentiments from the local heroes was that they were just doing what they’re trained to do. (Jeff Shaffer) |
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