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Robbery turns into wrestling match, shot fired between store employee’s legs

January 10, 2013, 5:01 pm
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Just before 530 p.m. Thursday, police were called to Young’s Food Market on King Street in York for a robbery.

The owners told police that the suspects came into the store with a weapon and demanded money. During that time, one of the suspects struck an owner with the weapon.

The victim grabbed the weapon and began wrestling with the suspect. In the middle of the battle, the suspect fired his weapon into the floor between the victim’s legs.

The owner took the suspect to the ground and the weapon was taken.

The suspect then began to flee and one of the victims grabbed hold of him. The suspect started to drag the victim. The second suspect had been standing outside and also started to flee.

The first suspect is described as a black male, about 20 years old, about 5 foot 9, 150 pounds, medium complexion. He was wearing a gray-hooded sweatshirt and a ski mask. This suspect is the one that had the gun.

The second suspect is a black male, about 5 foot 6 who was wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with information should call York City Police Department.

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Man robbing gas station scans mints under lottery scanner in attempt to open cash drawer

January 10, 2013, 5:05 pm
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Middlesex Township Police are investigating an attempted robbery at the Express Way gas station.

A suspect entered the store and jumped on the counter demanding money.  The clerk told the suspect she couldn't open the drawer without a purchase.  The clerk told police the man grabbed a box of mints and put it under the lottery scanner attempting to open the drawer.

The clerk said the suspect demanded she open the drawer when a customer pulled up to the gas pumps.  The suspect fled the store and ran behind some businesses on Route 11.

The suspect did not get away with money, but did steal the mints.

The clerk told police the suspect had his hands in his pocket like he had a weapon, but never mentioned or showed one.

The suspect is described as white male around 5'11"-6'0" tall with a thin to average build. He was wearing jeans, sneakers, a black belt and a blue jacket with a darker hood pulled up. He was also wearing glasses and a scarf wrapped around his face.

Anyone with information is asked to call 249-7191.
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Middlesex Township Police investigating string of burglaries

January 10, 2013, 5:22 pm
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Middlesex Township Police are investigating a string of burglaries over the past few days in the Mel-ron Court and Harrisburg Pike area.

The burglaries happened during daytime hours, and there is no sign of forced entry.

Money and jewlery were stolen from many of the homes.

Police are urging residents to not only knock the doorknob but also lock the deadbolt, because the burglaries are occuring through doors only locked on the knob.
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Police investigating theft from dorm at Messiah College

January 10, 2013, 5:27 pm
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Upper Allen Police are investigating a theft from a dorm at Messiah College.

The theft happened sometime between November and December 2012.  An Apple iPod Touch and a Canon Digital Camera were stolen. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Upper Allen Police Department at 717-238-9676.
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Family going through a rough stretch now searching for lost dog

January 10, 2013, 5:44 pm
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A local family struggling over the past few months is now searching for their beloved dog.

The Woltman family lives in the Hummelstown area. Recently, their father died from a battle with cancer, leaving the wife with five children.

This week, their white labradoodle, Zeke, disappeared after slipping out of the house without his collar on.

The family says he is a friendly dog and would just like him back home.

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UPDATE: Man dies in crash after being ejected when vehicle rolls over

January 10, 2013, 5:52 pm
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One man is dead after a single vehicle crash that occurred early Thursday evening.

The crash occurred around 515 p.m. in the 2500 block of Meadow View Road in Rapho Township, near Colebrook Road.

When police and fire crews arrived on scene, they found an overturned vehicle with the ejected driver deceased.

At this time the identity of the victim has not been released.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call Manheim Township Police at 717-665-2481.

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Flu germs lurking in places where it's least expected

January 10, 2013, 6:04 pm
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The flu epidemic has caused 22 deaths in Pennsylvania so far this flu season, with two coming from Lancaster County.

National Health officials say the flu can be classified as an epidemic, and the cases of those sick are still on the rise.

While the flu is on everybody’s minds, people are making sure they’re avoiding germs.  But there are some items that you use everyday that could contain many more germs than you ever imagined.

Ranker.com put out a list of the things most people touch everyday that carry germs, and many of them are not what people expect. 

Here are the items in the top 5:
5. Toilet Seat
4.Cell phones
3. Computer Keyboard
2. Light Switch
1. Money

A dollar bill can contain more than 100,000 bacteria where as the other items on the list just contain a few hundred per square inch.

We asked people, what they thought the dirtiest items were.  Janice Reick got two of the items on the list.  "Oh my gosh. Doorknobs, the phones, computer keyboards."

Marcus Grimm thought the place with the most germs was something outside the home. "I'm going with the shopping cart at the grocery store."

Both Janice and Marcus were right because all of those items did land in the top 10, but when they were told money was the top, they weren’t surprised. 

Janice said she take precautions, just incase.  “We have our Purell with us at all times."

Bill Werner said he knows that there are germs everywhere, and it’s most easily transferred from your hands to your face.  “If you haven’t washed your hands for a while and you touch your face, touch your eyes, that kind of thing is mainly what does it.”

The people we talked to all got their flu shots, and they said it’s not just because of the hype.  "For me, I’ve had the flu, I would never ever want to get it again. I will get the flu shot every year," Janice said.

Marcus said he's heard the hype, but he got the shot.  "Lot of people are talking about the flu, I’m just really glad I got my flu shot.  I’m a big fan of them. As soon as they come out, I get in line if I have to."

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot it’s not too late.  Doctors say it’s the best thing to do to avoid getting the flu, as well as washing your hands whenever possible.

To read the full list from Ranker, Click here: http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-dirtiest-things-you-touch-every-day/joanne?page=1

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Ice age: Hershey's outdoor rink taking shape for games

January 10, 2013, 6:07 pm
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HERSHEY -- Next step: ice.

Workers have finished building the hockey rink at Hersheypark Stadium for the 2013 Capital BlueCross AHL Outdoor Classic.

The group, led by Ice Rink Events, a company with 30 years of experience constructing seasonal outdoor rinks in places like Green Bay, New York and Mexico City, turned on the hose late this afternoon for the first time, flooding the playing surface.

"I've never been in an area where everybody has ownership in this project," said Outdoor Classic project manager Jim Hartnett. "Its been a plus; there's really been no negatives from this venue's point of view."

Painting lines on the surface could happen this weekend.

The Hershey Bears will face the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on Sunday, January 20. An alumni game will be held on Saturday. Tickets are still available, according to Melissa Stradnick, Public Relations Manager for Hershey Entertainment.

Hartnett believes the warmer temperatures have actually helped with the installation. He added the freezing process works best in temperatures between 40-45 degrees; allowing the mechanical components underneath to freeze the water from the bottom up.

The simple layout of the stadium has also assisted workers.

"It's one of the best spots we've been," said Donald "Scooter" Mosher of Ice Rink Events. "Usually we have to go down tunnels and all that for a football field.

"But this is ideal."




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Gun rights supporters to rally

January 10, 2013, 6:13 pm
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Pro-gun activists will join arms across the country next week.

A sign of solidarity to stamp an anti-gun movement sweeping through America.

Gun owners will take to the streets, gun ranges and capitols for National Gun Appreciation Day.

Nothing fires up gun owners like talk of more gun control.

"Everyone who believes in the constitution should be outraged," urged Mike Horst, of Horst and McCann Firing Range.

Mike Horst's livelihood is tied to the second amendment 'as is.'

“We rely on people being able to exercise their Second Amendment right to be able to come and shoot their firearms and purchase firearms and ammunition from us."

Gun rights advocates from coast to coast are expected to rally en masse 48 hours before Barack Obama's second inauguration. A similar rally was held outside Colorado's capitol this week.

"A lot of people are really frightened right now," Horst said.

Frightened by what the Obama Adminstration will do to gun laws, what he'll either try to force down Congress's throat or forge by executive order.

Larry Ward, organizer of the appreciation event, told Fox News "if the American people don't fight back now, Obama will do to the Second Amendment what he has already done to the First Amendment with Obamacare, gut it."

"We should have the right to protect ourselves," commented Jason Callaway.

Horst plans to offer free firearms training courses on National Gun Appreciation Day.

“Gun owners are not crazy people,” advised Horst. "We are just normal, hardworking people and we happen to enjoy firearms."

Organizer Larry Ward says his group is reaching out to 50 million gun owners. National Gun Appreciation Day will be held on Saturday, January 19th.

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Alerting State Police to suspicious activity is as easy as 'See something, Send something' with new app

January 10, 2013, 6:26 pm
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There's another tool in the fight against terrorism and you can download it on your smartphone.

The app is really easy to use and allows you to be the eyes and ears for police when they're not around.

Reporting terrorism, there's an app for that. Pennsylvania State Police now have a new smartphone app that allows you to report any suspicious activity you see. It's called “See something, send something."

When you finally download the app, it's really easy to use. Say you see a suspicious person, like my photographer Joe. You can snap a picture and send it to police right away.

Not only can you capture photos and send them. But you can also write police a note attached to the photo.

"I think an app like that would definitely help out a lot,” commented Justin Sampson, who downloaded the app. “With the people in the area especially those who don't want to take the time and give a call or feel too much involved in it and just do a tweet or text, shoot it off like it never happened."

"I think it's a really good idea. It makes it a lot more convenient for people," added Jessica Thompson.

The app is free for android and iPhone users.

As for your personal information, the company that created this app says they don't store it.

That information is immediately purged from the system once police have the tip.


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Comin' at ya! PASL goalkeeper the most demanding position in sports?

January 10, 2013, 9:40 pm
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HARRISBURG -- The secret is out. Being a goalkeeper in the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) may be one of the most demanding positions in pro sports -- full of action, anxiety and even some danger.

PASL keepers face shots traveling 60 to 80-mph or more, while guarding a goal that's 14-feet wide and 8-feet high.

"To be honest, half the time the ball just hits you," said Heat goalie Dave Kern. "I guarantee you could probably ask any ice hockey keeper, too; it's about putting yourself in the right position."

Hockey goalies have a helmet and pads; Kern wears gloves, long pants -- and that's about it.

CBS 21 News strapped a camera on both Kern and back-up goalie Justin Johnson during a practice to get a feel for what playing the position is really like.

Unlike the outdoor game -- where goalies may not see the ball for 4-5 minutes -- Kern and Johnson are a part of the action almost every 30 seconds.

Keepers also have less than a second to decide where the ball's heading -- or which wall it will bounce off next. "A lot of times, you're not so much worried about trying to catch the ball; rather than just keep it out of the net," added Johnson.

Harrisburg's next game is Saturday at Detroit. The Heat returns home on January 19 to play the Waza at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Goalkeepers live life on the edge; during a game or practice there's plenty of close calls -- and some too close.

In the PASL, they're required to do a little bit of everything on both defense and offense. "They're the last line of defense (and the) first line of offense," said Harrisburg assistant coach Gino DiFlorio. "Because everything starts through them."

The one thing they can't do? Be perfect.

The average keeper in the PASL allows seven goals a game. Kern (2-5) is one of the best, allowing 5.11 in seven games.

Accepting you can't stop everything -- no matter how hard you try -- is what being a goalie is all about in this arena soccer league.

"I told all my nephews, '(If) you're going to play soccer, you have to be a field player,'" said Kern, who attended Misericordia University and also played for the Harrisburg City Islanders from 2004-2007. "'That's who makes all the money.

"You don't make money being a goalie. And you obviously get punished, as well."




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President signs Sandy disaster decree for Pa.

January 11, 2013, 5:29 am
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration making federal funds available in 16 counties damaged by Hurricane Sandy from Oct. 26 through Nov. 8.

The decree signed Thursday means federal funding is available to state and local governments and some private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repairing or replacing facilities damaged or destroyed by the storm.

The decree applied to damage that must be repaired in Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Somerset, Sullivan and Wyoming counties.

The decree also makes federal money available for certain storm-related hazard mitigation efforts statewide.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more disaster relief could be approved in the future if ongoing damage assessments show it's needed.

 

©2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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'Straw Purchase' law signed

January 11, 2013, 7:51 am
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Governor Tom Corbett today ceremonially signed into law the Brad Fox Law or the Straw Purchase Gun bill, also known as House Bill 898.

Corbett was joined at the ceremony by Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), who sponsored the legislation, and the family of Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley Fox who was shot and killed last September.

“Officer Fox died in the line of duty last year at the hands of a felon who should never have had a gun and, less directly, by the hand of the man who later admitted buying the gun and passing it along,’’ Corbett said.

“Such ‘straw buyers’ are as deadly a threat to our citizens and our first responders as the felons to whom they pass along the weapon.

“State and federal laws are very plain: convicted felons are forbidden from owning firearms. And those who knowingly provide firearms to felons are themselves criminals and worthy of being locked up.’’

The new law allows for imposition of a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for repeat offenders who transfer guns to persons who are not legally allowed to own them in Pennsylvania.

The law, supported by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, went into effect on Dec. 26, 2012.

“Brad Fox was always accountable to his family, to his community, to his country,’’ Corbett said. “It is time we held others accountable in his name.’’

Fox, who died one day before his 35th birthday, had been with the police department for five years, after serving two tours of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Marines. Fox’s wife, Lynsay, is expecting the couple’s second child in March.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.


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Pennsylvania Income Tax E-Filing options to start this week

January 11, 2013, 11:07 am
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Pennsylvania residents who file personal income tax returns may begin filing electronically for the 2012 tax year this week, the Department of Revenue said today.

Nearly 76 percent – or about 4.7 million – of the 6.2 million personal income tax returns received by the department in 2012 were filed electronically. In addition to being more convenient for taxpayers, “e-filing” generates processing cost savings for the department.

Electronic filing also offers advantages to taxpayers not available to those filing by paper, such as error-reducing automatic calculators, instant confirmation of successful filing, faster refund processing and direct deposit options.

Free electronic filing options padirectfile and TeleFile (1-888-4PAFILE) are currently available through the department’s web site at www.revenue.state.pa.us.

The Fed/State e-file service, available through tax preparers and authorized computer software, will be available on Jan. 30.

If a taxpayer filed a return last year, he or she may file by phone with TeleFile by simply providing a Social Security number and five-digit ZIP Code. To file using padirectfile, each taxpayer will need to provide a Social Security number and one of the following: 2011 or 2010 tax liability; PA driver’s license or identification number; or a registered e-signature account with the department.

The Department of Revenue’s electronic filing systems are secure and protected with the industry standard for online banking and trading, 128-bit secure socket layer encryption.

Through www.revenue.state.pa.us, taxpayers can file returns using padirectfile, make payments (including estimated payments), check the status of returns and refunds, update information, pay taxes by credit/debit card, access online customer service, review answers to commonly asked questions and download tax forms.

To reduce printing and mailing costs, beginning this year, the Department of Revenue is no longer mailing Form 1099-G – the IRS form which details government payments, most commonly state tax refunds - to any taxpayer who does not specifically request a paper copy.  Taxpayers and practitioners can access the 1099-G forms through the Personal Income Tax e-Services Center after Jan. 25.

The two primary state tax forms are the PA-40 Income Tax Booklet and the Fast File Booklet.  The limited number of state tax forms mailed by the department should have arrived in taxpayers’ mailboxes earlier this month.  Beginning next year, the department will no longer print and mail PA-40 booklets to taxpayers to further reduce printing and mailing costs.  The department will continue to make the PA-40 IN and other preprinted forms available to all taxpayers who specifically request them.  The PA-40 IN and all other department forms are available through the department’s web site and its Forms Ordering Services.

The department reminds all taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in 2012 that they are obligated to file Pennsylvania personal income tax returns by April 15.

Tax forms are available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us and after January 21, by calling, toll-free, 1-800-362-2050. Tax help is available by calling 717-787-8201, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Taxpayers with annual incomes of $35,000 or less may also visit a Revenue district office, listed in the blue pages of local phone directories, for basic personal state tax filing help. Help at district offices is available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.

 

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Harrisburg welcomes seven new officers

January 11, 2013, 11:11 am
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From the Mayor's office:

City Mayor Linda D. Thompson swore in seven new police officers and inaugurated the Bureau of Police Volunteer Chaplain Services Team to accompany police offices and provide crime scene assistance as needed to victims and families impacted by crime.

“This is one of those great occasions when all of us in city government can come together and take great pride in Harrisburg’s finest – our men and women, sworn and civilian - who serve our community with distinction in the City of Harrisburg,” Mayor Thompson told the pack crowd in the Martin Luther King, Jr., Government Center Atrium today.

The ceremonies were conducted by Police Captain Colin Cleary with Mayor Thompson, City Councilwoman Eugenia Smith, Chief Pierre Ritter, Captain Elijah Massey, and Captain Annette Oates attending.

Seven new officers were sworn in and joined the Bureau of Police and 16 chaplains took an oath to serve citizens of Harrisburg impacted by crime without regard to race, religion, gender or sexual preference.

“It is essential that we provide crime scene counseling and related services as needed and apart from the law enforcement activities,” Mayor Thompson commented.

“Working closely with city law enforcement officers, these volunteer Chaplains will provide on site assistance and support to victims of crime and their families.”

City Police Chief Pierre Ritter said the officers will expand the bureau’s contingency at an important time in the city’s history. “We welcome these young officers into the city and we look forward to adding another seven or eight new officers later in the year.”


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York City will offer additional flu vaccine clinics for City residents

January 11, 2013, 12:34 pm
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The York City Bureau of Health will open additional clinic times for free flu vaccines for York City residents.

Walk-in clinics will be availabie at the Albert S. Weyer Health Center, 435 West Philadelphia Street.  The clinics will be available Thursday, January 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, January 18 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The Bureau recommends that anyone aged 6 months or older should get the flu vaccine, including pregnant women, residents of nursing homes, anyone 65 years of age and older, and anyone under the age of 65 with chronic medical conditions.
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PPL chooses York Haven Elementary for science grant

January 11, 2013, 12:42 pm
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PPL Corporation has announced York Haven Elementary School is a recipient of its Empowering Educators Grants.

York Haven is among 6 other school districts in the state also chosen for the grant.

The money will be used to help 75 third grade students at York Haven study the water cycle and wetland environments at PPL's Brunner Island Environmental Preserve, in Mount Wolf. 

The students will learn how to take care of the environment and write reports on their findings

. PPL’s Empowering Educators grants program is part of an initiative to educate the public about energy resources and the environment.
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Teens charged for robbery using pellet gun

January 11, 2013, 12:49 pm
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Two teens are facing charges after they robbed two other teens with a pellet gun.

Ean Shamar Cooper-Smith, 15, of Harrisburg is being charged as an adult. The other teen, a 14-year-old, was taken to Dauphin County Juvenile Probation Authorities.

Police were called to an area in front of Steelton Highspire High School Thursday night for a report of a robbery.

Two teens, ages 14 and 15 told police they were walking up the street when three suspects approached them.  The suspects told them to empty their pockets. 

One victim had an injury to his eye, after the suspect hit him with the barrel of the gun.

The victims' cell phones were taken.

One of the victims knew one of the suspects and were able to give police a name, leading to the arrest of two suspects.  

Smith and the 14-year-old were charged with robbery and Criminal Conspiracy. 

Smith was arraigned at Night Court and released on $10,000 unsecured bail to his mother.  He is also under supervision of pre-trial services along with several special conditions.

The rifle used in the robbery turned out to be a high powered pellet rifle but police say its realistic looking.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Swatara Township Police Department at 717-564-2550.

Evidence recovered by Swatara Police Officers following this robbery provided information on an previous burglary.  Five handguns and $10,000 of jewlery was taken in the burglary. This led police to arrest two more teens and Eriq Cooper-Smith, 18, in connection with the burglary.

The teens were taken to juvenile detention facilities and Cooper-Smith was taken to the Dauphin County Prison.
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Lottery privatization talks hit a snag after PA Lottery union files lawsuit

January 11, 2013, 12:53 pm
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Continuing coverage on the move towards privatizing the Pennsylvania Lottery.

There's a snag in the negotiations between the state and Camelot Global Services, the British company that wants the job.

Camelot wants to make sure it won't be penalized if it doesn't make the money it's expecting to because state employees were standing in the way.

The union representing those state lottery employees is suing to block an agreement with Camelot, claiming unfair labor practices.

The Corbett administration wants Camelot to handle the job, saying this is the best way for the lottery to make more money so it can help even more senior citizens.

From Senator Mike Brubaker

"Today, the Corbett Administration announced a 'notice of award' as it relates to a private management agreement (PMA) for the Pennsylvania Lottery, indicating that an agreement has been reached with British-based Camelot and an additional deadline extension will not be necessary.  However, I have stood by my word from day one as the chair of this committee stating that the significance of this issue warrants a public forum to provide members of this legislative body and all Pennsylvanians an open dialogue with the stakeholders. As a result, this panel will move foward with the hearing scheduled for January 14th to ensure our questions are answered and the issue is properly vetted."

From Senate Democrats

 Senate Democrats today released statements expressing dismay and disgust at the actions of the Corbett Administration  in announcing the notice of award as it relates to the private management agreement, (PMA), for the Pennsylvania Lottery. 

 

“This is extremely disappointing and disturbing,” said Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).  “The action taken by the Corbett Administration was done without public input.  Today’s decision has the potential to jeopardize senior programs and put taxpayers on the hook.”

 

“This has been a bizarre process that violates the public trust,” Costa continued.  “There were no hearings, little opportunity to understand the proposed PMA and no scrutiny. The process was violated and the citizens of Pennsylvania were abused by this arbitrary action.”

 

Senator John Blake (D- Lackawanna), Democratic Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee pointed out the proposal needs legislative authorization and it demands legislative scrutiny.

 

“The process was culminated when the General Assembly was not in session and there was little public examination of the proposal,” Blake said.  “This process wasn't transparent -- it was opaque. No one could see the end result except a small group of the governor's inner circle.”

 

Expressing extreme disappointment on behalf of his constituents, Senator Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin) said the use of a secretive process would lead to the privatization of a significant state asset and is unprecedented. “This is not a proper way to alter generations of public policy and violated the public trust.” 

 

“On a personal level, many of the affected employees are my constituents and have been treated with complete disregard,” Teplitz said.  “The arrogance of this administration in the way this was handled is deplorable.”

 

“I am extremely disappointed in this administration's decision to jam this deal through at the last minute prior to a key Senate Finance Committee hearing,” said Senator Matt Smith (D-Allegheny).  “This shows a disturbing lack of transparency by the Corbett administration and hinders a meaningful dialogue regarding this multi-billion dollar deal. The Camelot plan certainly deserves a proper examination by the General Assembly and Pennsylvania taxpayers are entitled to further information.”

 

Senator John Wozniak (D-Cambria) echoed the sentiments of his colleagues related to the PMA.  “There are many questions related to how this privatization effort impacts seniors and property tax relief related to gaming.  The concerns of taxpayers should have been taken into consideration and questions answered before the governor took this action.”


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Small amount of raw sewage spills into Susquehanna from sinkhole damage

January 11, 2013, 1:23 pm
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Three sinkholes in one neighborhood in Harrisburg may have done more than disrupt utility services and force residents to temporarily relocate from their homes. City officials are also responsible for two raw sewage spills.

The Department of Environmental Protection says 1900 gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Susquehanna River on January 1. Two days later another 600 gallons spilled.

It was New Year’s Day that crews got to work addressing the problems associated with the two sinkholes in the 2100 block of North Fourth Street. And on January 3, the weight of a 33-ton excavator opened up a third sinkhole.

Environmental Protection officials say the sewage spills happened when silt and mud went into a sewer drain. The problem occurred in a combined sewage overflow chamber at Woodbine and Green Streets.

That intersection is close to the sinkholes. The spills occurred on the days of the sinkholes.

Still, DEP says there was little reason for environmental concerns.

"Due to the dilution factor that amount isn't really all that much when you take into consideration dilution and stream flow,” explained Amanda Witman, spokeswoman for the DEP. "Of the 1,900 gallons that was released on January first, for example, that only amounts to .0001 of the river flow which is very insignificant."

City spokesman Bob Philbin says public works discovered the malfunctions, took corrective action and reported them to the state as required.

Residents of North Fourth Street had water and gas service disrupted. Many moved out of their homes for a couple of days. Only to return home to find them burglarized. And now reports of raw sewage spills into the susquehanna river.

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