Body found in Cumberland County house fire

January 27, 2013, 3:38 pm

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     Saturday night, around 9:30 fire fighters were called out to a home at the 47-hundred block of East Trindle Road in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

     " They arrived, they had a working structure fire. Several companies from the area responded. You don't see a lot of external damage. It's a brick house. There is considerable amount of fire damage inside," said John Bruetsch, Cumberland County Public Information Officer.

     A fire clean up crew on scene the next day told CBS 21 News that a woman's body was found in a bedroom.
     Neighbors say she was between 40 and 50 years old and they believe she had a son, but kept to herself.

     " We don't see them that often. Nobody really comes out of there. I've seen people out back, cutting wood, stuff like that," said Jennifer Miller, neighbor.

     The fire is tragic, but also eye brown raising for neighbors, who say just a few months ago, there had been a fire at that same house.

     " About two or three months ago, I remember seeing trucks out there then too, yeah," said Lance Wehler, neighbor.

     " I just thought it was weird that there was a fire there two months ago. That struck weirdness to me like, wow, that's a heck of a coincidence," said Jennifer.

     Hampden Township Police, State Police fire marshals, the Cumberland County Forensics Team and the Coroner are investigating.
     More details are expected to be released Monday.

↧

Powerball to be at least $151 million for next drawing

January 28, 2013, 8:17 am

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The Powerball® jackpot has grown to a $151 million annuity value, or a $95.8 million cash prize, for the Wednesday, Jan. 30, drawing.

The winning Powerball numbers drawn on Saturday, Jan. 26, were: 03-22-26-41-49; Powerball: 18. For that drawing, one Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball ticket matched 4 of 5 numbers and the Power Ball, and purchased Power Play, winning a prize of $40,000. Numerous other players won smaller amounts.

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Ag Dept. warns restaurants of potential scam

January 28, 2013, 9:39 am

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Restaurant owners, managers and staff across the state are urged to be on guard against a potential scam in which an unidentified caller claims to be a health inspector and asks for business information and money.

Agriculture Secretary George Greig said the caller is not a licensed agent of the state or any county. He also reminded restaurants that inspections by the Department of Agriculture’s food sanitarians are always unannounced.

Upon arrival, sanitarians will identify themselves and show proper identification, including a commonwealth employee photo identification card and food sanitarian badge.

If a restaurant is contacted by someone claiming to be a health inspector who seems suspicious, restaurant personnel should contact local law enforcement.

Similar incidents occurred across the state in 2011.

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Local troopers receive promotions

January 28, 2013, 9:45 am

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Ten members of the Pennsylvania State Police have been promoted to the rank of sergeant, Commissioner Frank Noonan announced.

Following are the newly promoted sergeants, new assignments, their previous assignments, year of enlistment and their year of last promotion:

•John P. Canterino, of Downingtown, Chester County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia, where he will remain. Sergeant Canterino enlisted in the state police in 1993 and was promoted to corporal in 2007.

•Daniel R. Devilbiss, of Spring Grove, York County, is promoted to sergeant, and will be assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. He was previously assigned to Troop H, York. Sergeant Devilbiss enlisted in the state police in 1995 and was promoted to corporal in 2007.

•William J. Hartshorn, Jr., of Dunmore, Lackawanna County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. He was previously assigned to Troop R, Dunmore. Sergeant Hartshorn enlisted in the state police in 1992 and was promoted to corporal in 2008.

•David C. Judge, of Hunlock Creek, Luzerne County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop B, Washington. He was previously assigned to Troop P, Shickshinny. Sergeant Judge enlisted in the state police in 1994 and was promoted to corporal in 2007.

•Jonathan F. Kinsey, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop M, Bethlehem. He was previously assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. Sergeant Kinsey enlisted in the state police in 1993 and was promoted to corporal in 2007.

•Sondra L. Klepsky, of Connellsville, Fayette County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop A, Greensburg, where she will remain. Sergeant Klepsky enlisted in the state police in 2000 and was promoted to corporal in 2006.

•Michael V. Minsavage, of Shavertown, Luzerne County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop M, Bethlehem. He was previously assigned to Troop P, Wyoming. Sergeant Minsavage enlisted in the state police in 1992 and was promoted to corporal in 2006.

•David P. Pope, of Wyalusing, Bradford County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop B, Washington. He was previously assigned to Troop P, LaPorte. Sergeant Pope enlisted in the state police in 1996 and was promoted to corporal in 2007.

•Linette G. Quinn, of Newville, Cumberland County, is promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, where she will remain. Sergeant Quinn enlisted in the state police in 1992 and was promoted to corporal in 2006.

•Christopher W. Royles, of Watsontown, Northumberland County, is promoted to sergeant and will be assigned to Troop T, Newville. He was previously assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Sergeant Royles enlisted in the state police in 1992 and was promoted to corporal in 2006.

Thirty-three members of the Pennsylvania State Police have been promoted to the rank of corporal.

Following are the newly promoted corporals, their hometown, new assignment, previous assignment and year of enlistment.

•Greg A. Agosti, of Ridgway, Elk County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop C, Ridgway, where he will remain. Corporal Agosti enlisted in the state police in 1999.

•Matthew S. Brady, of Hamburg, Berks County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Skippack. He was previously assigned to Troop L, Hamburg. Corporal Brady enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Michael S. Brown, of Covington Township, Lackawanna County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop R, Honesdale, where he will remain. Corporal Brown enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Walter L. Butler, Jr., of Osceola Mills, Clearfield County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. He was previously assigned to Troop G, Philipsburg. Corporal Butler enlisted in the state police in 1994.

•Thomas W. Casselberry, of Gibsonia, Allegheny County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop C, Ridgway. He was previously assigned to Troop T, Gibsonia. Corporal Casselberry enlisted in the state police in 1990.

•Jeffrey J. Ceccarelli, of Mehoopany, Wyoming County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop P, LaPorte. He was previously assigned to Troop P, Tunkhannock. Corporal Ceccarelli enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Chester J. Dabrowski, III, of Carlisle, Cumberland County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Media. He was previously assigned to the Bureau of Communication and Information Services. Corporal Dabrowski enlisted in the state police in 1994.

•Timothy Dugan, of Irwin, Westmoreland County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop M, Trevose. He was previously assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Corporal Dugan enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Robert W. Joseph, of Kittanning, Armstrong County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop F, Coudersport. He was previously assigned to Troop D, Kittanning. Corporal Joseph enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Thomas E. Keefer, Jr., of Dillsburg, York County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He was previously assigned to Troop H, Harrisburg. Corporal Keefer enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Walter J. Koehler, of Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop P, Towanda. He was previously assigned to Troop P, Wyoming. Corporal Koehler enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Mary J. McGinnis, of Clearfield, Clearfield County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop C, DuBois. She was previously assigned to Troop C, Clearfield. Corporal McGinnis enlisted in the state police in 1991.

•Robert J. Miller, Jr., of Pocono Pines, Monroe County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. He was previously assigned to Troop N, Fern Ridge. Corporal Miller enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Daniel C. Moore, of Ludlow, McKean County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Skippack. He was previously assigned to Troop C, Kane. Corporal Moore enlisted in the state police in 1994.

•Bernard J. Novak, Jr., of Slippery Rock, Butler County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, where he will remain. Corporal Novak enlisted in the state police in 2002.

•Theodore S. Race, of Kane, McKean County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop F, Emporium. He was previously assigned to Troop C, Kane. Corporal Race enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Scott A. Richardson, of Dowingtown, Chester County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. He was previously assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. Corporal Richardson enlisted in the state police in 1994.

•Gregory D. Schuck, of Elizabethville, Dauphin County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop K, Media. He was previously assigned to Troop H, Lykens. Corporal Schuck enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•James A. Shaw, of Russel, Warren County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop P, Towanda. He was previously assigned to Troop E, Warren. Corporal Shaw enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•William G. Sibbald, Jr., of Edinboro, Erie County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop E, Warren. He was previously assigned to Troop E, Erie. Corporal Sibbald enlisted in the state police in 1988.

•Craig A. Smith, of Kersey, Elk County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop C, Kane. He was previously assigned to Troop C, Ridgway. Corporal Smith enlisted in the state police in 1991.

•Bernard S. Spece, Jr., of Hegins, Schuylkill County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop N, Swiftwater. He was previously assigned to Troop L, Schuylkill Haven. Corporal Spece enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Elwood F. Spencer, Jr., of Williamsport, Lycoming County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, where he will remain. Corporal Spencer enlisted in the state police in 1994.

•Marc D. Stevick, of Fairview, Erie County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop F, Coudersport. He was previously assigned to Troop E, Girard. Corporal Stevick enlisted in the state police in 1991.

•Jeffrey L. Stine, of Marysville, Perry County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop M, Trevose. He was previously assigned to Troop H, Newport. Corporal Stine enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Steven P. Strawser, of Duncannon, Perry County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Communication and Information Services, where he will remain. Corporal Strawser enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•James E. Travis, of Madison Township, Lackawanna County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop R, where he will remain. Corporal Travis enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Todd W. Trostle, of Loysville, Perry County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop N, Swiftwater. He was previously assigned to Troop H, Newport. Corporal Trostle enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Anthony S. Wagner, of Carlisle, Cumberland County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, where he will remain. Corporal Wagner enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•William P. Waltman, of Nescopeck, Luzerne County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop N, Lehighton. He was previously assigned to Troop N, Bloomsburg. Corporal Waltman enlisted in the state police in 1993.

•Kevin L. Warren, of New Berlin, Union County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development, where he will remain. Corporal Warren enlisted in the state police in 1991.

•Steven Werner, of Lebanon, Lebanon County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He was previously assigned to Troop L, Jonestown. Corporal Werner enlisted in the state police in 1992.

•Kiprian S. Yarosh, of Canonsburg, Washington County, is promoted to corporal and will be assigned to Troop J, Lancaster. He was previously assigned to Troop B, Washington. Corporal Yarosh enlisted in the state police in 1992.

State Police ranks are cadet, trooper, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us.

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Army cuts back on hot meals

January 28, 2013, 10:18 am

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Courtesy WashingtonGuardian.com:

Why It Matters:

President Barack Obama has ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and as the drawdown begins some U.S. soldiers are enduring new sacrifices like the end of cooked breakfasts.

The Army has stopped serving cooked breakfasts to some of the U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan as part of its drawdown, a move that prompted troops to write home asking their families and friends to send care packages with cereal, breakfast bars and other foods.

The Army told the Washington Guardian the current cutbacks began Jan. 1, and affect about 2,700 soldiers deployed in forward operating bases in more remote areas of Afghanistan.

Officials said the reduction of cooked breakfasts and midnight meals is not related to the U.S. budget crisis, but rather is part of the effort to begin closing down U.S. operations in the affected areas and transition them to Afghan troops. The affected soldiers are being given packaged meals known as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) as substitutes for a cooked breakfast, the officials said.

"As a part of the responsible draw down of operational forces serving in Afghanistan, my staff examined ways to reduce our footprint and set the conditions for the reduction of forces,” explained Col. Joe Wawro, an infantry commander for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat team.

Wawro said military and civilian leaders collaborated on ideas and “estimated that by changing the meal cycle, they would reduce their overall operations by 40 percent” if breakfast and midnight snacks were converted from cooked options to MREs.

“After carefully examining all these inputs, I decided to modify the meal cycle as described above. This has absolutely nothing to do with the national budget and everything to do with our responsible reduction of forces,” he said.

Wawro said soldiers in the affected bases still get cooked lunch and dinners, and rely on MREs for breakfast and night snacks and that “most dining facilities have a variety of take-away items like cereal, milk juice, fruit, oatmeal, granola bars, etc. to augment the MREs.”

“I see this as a good thing; even though some of the amenities may change as we head home, our Afghan partners continue to transition into the areas we once held,” he said.

Several families of affected soldiers began contacting the Washington Guardian several days ago to raise concerns about the change, reporting their sons, daughters or spouses had written home to seek care packages after the end of cooked breakfasts.

The families refused to speak on the record for fear their loved ones might be singled out for complaining. But they described messages sent via email, Facebook and other social media in which troops didn’t fully understand the reasons for the changes and worried they were related to impending budget cutbacks.

The Washington Guardian reported earlier this month that the current budget crisis in Congress prompted Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to write a memo order preparations for sweeping budget cuts across all military programs to begin as early as next month.

But officials said those orders were not impacting the Afghanistan decisions. They said the meal cutbacks are currently affecting forward operating bases in more remote areas of Afghanistan and not affecting the main American bases in Kabul and Kandahar.

Officials stressed other comforts at the forward operating bases may also soon be reduced, such as laundry and recreation, as officials look for other ways to reduce the American footprint in advance of departing the country.

“In order to set the conditions for each base closure or a base transfer, non-tactical logistics and support services (i.e. any non-mission essential services) must decline. Typically the complete cessation of non-tactical logistics and services, such as laundry services or morale, welfare and recreation services, occurs 2-3 months prior to a base closure or transfer,” Lt. Col. Paul Haverstick said.

“That said, commanders may determine they need to make such changes earlier or phase them in slower over a longer period of time. Such decisions depend on a myriad of factors, such as the size of the base, its location and the transportation assets available to a commander,” he said.

The U.S. military has already transitioned about 50 bases from American to Afghan control and is in the process of a drawdown to be completed by 2014 to meet President Barack Obama’s pledge, officials said. There are currently about 68,000 Americans troops in the country as the U.S., according to NATO, down from more than 100,000 after a 2009 U.S. “surge” designed to overcome a spike in violence that threatened the stability of Afghanistan.

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Congressman writes letter to NCAA President asking him to reinstate scholarships

January 28, 2013, 11:23 am

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Congressman Charlie Dent sent a joint letter Monday to Dr. Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), asking him to reinstate the forty scholarships that were taken from Penn State as part of the NCAA sanctions, or to return to the University an amount of money equal to the cost of providing forty scholarships to the University.

In the letter, Dent questions how keeping forty student athletes, who had no connection to the vile acts done by Jerry Sandusky, from receiving a quality education from Penn State University, can be squared with the NCAA’s purported mission.

Dent’s letter cites Penn State’s superior graduation rates for members of its football program as an indication that the emphasis at Penn State is on providing solid educations to student athletes.

Commenting about the letter, Congressman Dent stated: “I want to make it clear to the NCAA who they are really hurting with this scholarship reduction. It’s not Jerry Sandusky and it’s not the University. They are hurting young people who are completely innocent of anything relating to the Sandusky situation and who through no fault of their own are being denied a chance to get a great education.”

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-5), who represents the State College area, co-signed the letter with Congressman Dent.

To see the entire letter from Dent to President Emmert, see the attached link.

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Early morning argument leads to man firing shot into wall

January 28, 2013, 11:38 am

≫ Next: Carlisle's marijuana-using tax collector will go to court in March

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A Mechanicsburg man is behind bars after he fired a shot into a wall during an argument with a family member.

Around 1:20 a.m., police showed up to William Barlup’s home on South Market Street to investigate a domestic issue.

Police learned that Barlup had been involved in an argument and during that argument, he fired a warning shot into a wall of the house. The other family member fled the scene to a nearby area and called police.

Barlup has been charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. Barlup was placed in Cumberland County Prison on $20,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing will be held at a later date at Magisterial District Judge Knepper’s office.

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Carlisle's marijuana-using tax collector will go to court in March

January 28, 2013, 1:22 pm

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The trial of the Carlisle tax collector accused of twice buying marijuana from an undercover cop was continued Monday in Cumberland County Court.

The case against George Hicks Junior will now be scheduled for March.

When Carlisle's tax collector was arrested last summer, the District Attorney said it wasn't as much about the crime as the integrity of the office he had held for eight months.

George Hicks was taken from Carlisle Police headquarters last August where he had been processed for selling marijuana. He was en route to a preliminary hearing.

He told reporters about his use of marijuana, "70 hours a week as tax collector of stress as tax collector by myself, and I like to have a little something at the end of the day."

The next week, District Attorney Dave Freed secured a court order limiting Hicks' activities. He was not to conduct any duties of the tax collector, but he is allowed to retain the title and collect the salary until the conclusion of the criminal case.

So while Hicks continues to collect a salary for at least another month, his attorney says the delay is justified.

“We're going to run a defense that encompasses a broader part of the investigation and they have not handed over certain documents,” explained Hick’s attorney, Karl Rominger. “It's just one of these things quite frankly if I hadn't shared that info and hadn't been so ethical we probably would be in trial hashing it out and realizing we could not go further so it worked out well."

District Attorney Dave Freed says he is exploring reports that Hicks no longer lives in Carlisle. If true, he could lose the title, the salary and the office despite the outcome of the criminal charges.

Rominger says he does not know where his client is living.

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Local police chief working with schools to make sure they are prepared for school shooting

January 28, 2013, 1:34 pm

≫ Next: 12 people arrested for drug charges in York

≪ Previous: Carlisle's marijuana-using tax collector will go to court in March

A local police chief is taking initiative when it comes to preventing mass casualties in school shootings.

The local chief says schools here have good plans for how to deal with attacks or intruders, and so do police departments.

His goal is to make sure those plans work together, he even wants to take his findings to Washington D.C.

“It's an issue we have to be concerned about, more repetitive and a lot more frequently,” stated Springettsbury Township Police Chief Thomas Hyers. Hyers would like it best if school shootings weren't a reality, but they are so he wants the county to be prepared.

“It's something you have to be responsible for and plan for,” Hyers told us.

For the past several weeks, particularly following the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings, he's been working with local superintendents, his officers and others to look at how they'd react if tragedy did strike there.

What he's found is the need for one consistent plan.

“Schools have their response strategy that is drawn up on board of education and academics, and law enforcement has theirs and it's different because it is a different set of expectations,” commented Hyers. “But you are still responding to same incident and there is no discussion between the two.”

One drill at Central York High has already taken place. It led to questions that they hope to answer in follow up meetings.

“How do you handle traffic getting in? Parents?” questioned Hyers. “Lock down or evacuate? Needs to be some open dialogue.”

Next month, Chief Hyers is taking his findings and possibly his template of mass response to Washington D.C. for a police executive research forum.

He says ideally the plan they come up with could also be applied to situations at places like the Harley-Davidson plant or a mall.

Of course, anything like this requires funding to pay for overtime and other costs. The chief is reaching out to everyone from local legislators to community leaders for help there.

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12 people arrested for drug charges in York

January 28, 2013, 1:49 pm

≫ Next: York Bureau of Health taking steps to cure STD issues in the city

≪ Previous: Local police chief working with schools to make sure they are prepared for school shooting

Over the past two weeks York City’s Narcotics Unit arrested the following 12 subjects for illegal drugs.

37 year old Luis Cordero was arrested in the 300 block of South Pine Street. Police found $200 worth of Heroin and Cordero was charged with Delivery of Heroin.

30 year old Theron Robinson was arrested in the 500 block of Wilson Court and charged with Delivery of Marijuana.

A search warrant was executed at 53 Eberts Lane. 25 year old Donna Perez was arrested at the home. She was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana. $5,200 worth of marijuana was found in her home.

48 year old Katherine Almeyda was arrested in the first block of South Pershing Avenue. She was charged with Delivery and Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. Police seized $900 in Heroin, $415 in cash and a 2006 Honda.

31 year old Bobbi Brooks was arrested in the 500 block of Maryland Avenue. She was charged with Delivery and Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. Police seized $3,860 in Heroin, $671 in cash and a 1999 Jeep.

66 year old Rigoberto Monier was arrested in the first block of Newberry Street, He was charged with Delivery of Cocaine. Police took $600 in cocaine and $79 in cash.

58 year old Felix Perez, 53 year old Carlos Vasquez and 55 year old Angel Cruz were arrested in the 100 block of South Pershing Street. Perez was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. Vasquez and Cruz were charged with Possession of Heroin. Police seized $1,800 in heroin and $188 in cash.

36 year old Antoin Bailey was arrested in the first block of North Belvidere Avenue. He was charged with Delivery of Heroin. Police seized $80 in heroin.

38 year old Hardira Jennings was arrested in the 400 block of East Prospect Street. Police found $200 in heroin and charged Jennings with Delivery of Heroin.

39 year old Tyrone Lowe was arrested in the first block of North Harrison Street. Police found $200 in heroin and charged Lowe with Delivery of Heroin.

Assisting in the arrests was York City’s Nuisance Abatement and West End Neighborhood Units, Springettsbury Police Department, West Manchester Township Police Department and York Area Regional Police.

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York Bureau of Health taking steps to cure STD issues in the city

January 28, 2013, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: UPDATE: Woman killed in Hampden Township fire ID'd, was the second at the home in three months

≪ Previous: 12 people arrested for drug charges in York

The York City Bureau of Health is now offering free and easy STD treatments for partners of people infected with diseases.

It's a new program and the organizer says it's pretty common sense, treat everyone who could be.

Linda Otero is behind the expedited partner treatment program. She says in 2012 the Health Bureau had 540 cases of Chlamydia reported and 292 cases of Gonorrhea, that's double the previous year in York City residents.

“What we are seeing is a spike in numbers,” commented Otero, a disease intervention specialist. “I wouldn’t call it an epidemic or pandemic but I would definitely say there is a spike in numbers and that is why a program like this is so important.”

Anyone who is a partner of a Chlamydia or Gonorrhea patient can come to the Albert Weyer Health Center, get free antibiotics and treatment and free lab work.

Otero says often partners won't get their own treatment because they can't afford the doctor’s visit or they simply want to avoid being tested.

“What happens is if person treated for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia and go back to home and contact sex partner, have unprotected sex, they are exposing themselves to same infection,” commented Otero.

Partners do not have to live in York to get treatment.

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UPDATE: Woman killed in Hampden Township fire ID'd, was the second at the home in three months

January 28, 2013, 11:48 am

≫ Next: Controversy brewing as Columbia strip club could go full nude

≪ Previous: York Bureau of Health taking steps to cure STD issues in the city

In Cumberland County, authorities know what claimed the life of a woman found in her burning Hampden Township home Saturday night.

But the cause and other details remain under investigation.

The victim is identified as 53-year-old Patricia Nolan, who lived at the home. She died of smoke inhalation. The fire is not considered suspicious, even though two months ago flames damaged the same residence.

The fire was reported around 9:30 Saturday night at 4714 East Trindle Road in Hampden Township. Smoke was reported coming from all windows. The victim was found by first responders on a bedroom floor.

The victim has not been publicly identified. Authorities are waiting for the comparison of dental records and then next of kin can be notified.

In late November, another fire occurred at the residence. In that incident, smoke was pouring from the back of the home when firefighters arrived.

A neighbor helped pull a woman to safety out of a bathroom window of the ranch-style home. She was provided medical care at the time as a precautionary measure.

That fire caused moderate damage and was brought under control in about 20 minutes. It was believed to have started in a living room adjacent to the kitchen.

The State Police Fire Marshal was part of the initial investigation. Authorities say now a final review of what happened is being carried out by Hampden Township Police and fire departments and the Cumberland County Coroner.

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Controversy brewing as Columbia strip club could go full nude

January 28, 2013, 2:30 pm

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≪ Previous: UPDATE: Woman killed in Hampden Township fire ID'd, was the second at the home in three months

A controversy is brewing in Columbia as a gentleman’s club wants to go full nude.

This is a big issue in Columbia. Over the past 10 years, the borough has come a far way in revitalizing its buildings and its image. The mayor says this would be a set back.

“First off, I don’t think there’s any community that wants this kind of business in their community,” commented Columbia Borough Mayor Leo Lutz.

Lutz is the Mayor of Columbia and he feels Club Good Times on the 400 block of Union Street, should not be full nude. And he says the neighbors are on his side.

“The neighbors feel it’s just not the kind of thing they want in their neighborhood,” Lutz stated, ”and we respect that.”

Neighbors like Jessica Segrest who says it’s a bad idea. “There’s kids all the time around here and they constantly see just all these women and men going in here and at night they’re loud,” Segrest explained.

Ultimately, this issue will come down to zoning ordinances. The club is in a residential district, which prohibits adult entertainment.

But since the business has been there, in some form, for 50 years, it falls under a different code. Lawyers for the club say full nude should be granted because the borough doesn't allow it anywhere else.

Neighbors say the BYOB club is a nuisance and they want to see it gone.

“I think it would be much worse,” Segrest said when we asked her what her thoughts on the club changing to full nude. “It would bring the wrong kind of attention to Columbia.”

Wednesday the Zoning Hearing Board for the borough will hold a meeting on the issue.

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Three area cyber schools denied charters for 2013-2014 school year

January 28, 2013, 3:08 pm

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Citing significant deficiencies in curriculum, finance and overall operations, Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today denied eight cyber charter school applications for the 2013-14 school year. Three of those schools were from the Susquehanna Valley.

“The proposals submitted by the applicants lack adequate evidence and sufficient information of how prospective students would be offered quality academic programs,” Tomalis said.

“In addition, the financial plans presented call into question each applicant’s ability to maintain a long-term, viable educational program for the benefit of Pennsylvania students.”

As required by the Charter School Law, the Department of Education is responsible for oversight of cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, including the granting and revocation of a charter.

In late November, public hearings were held over a four-day period to provide each applicant an opportunity to defend its proposal and undergo questioning by department staff.

The cyber schools from our area were Mercury Online Cyber Charter School in Dauphin County, Urban Cyber Charter School in York County and V3 Cyber Charter School in Dauphin County.

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Reward offered for information on man wanted in homicide

January 28, 2013, 3:16 pm

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On December 8, 2012 a homicide occurred in Guyama, PR. On December 13, 2012 Police in Guyama issued a warrant for the arrest of Carlos Ramos-Lebron in relation to their homicide investigation.

Ramos-Lebron had lived in Lancaster City as recently as 2011 and may still have ties to the area, the attached photo was updated in October 2011.

It is unknown if Ramos-Lebron was able to flee Puerto Rico after the homicide. Ramos-Lebron should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Ramos-Lebron’s current location is asked to contact Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-1913, or you can anonymously Text a Tip to Crime Stoppers by using your cell phone. Text LANCS to 847411. Callers may remain anonymous and do not have to give their names.

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Super Bowl commercial preview

January 28, 2013, 1:03 pm

≫ Next: Robber leaps from moving vehicle on to I-83 to escape carjacking

≪ Previous: Reward offered for information on man wanted in homicide

Several of this year's Super Bowl previews have already been released, and some of them will be quite funny.

Some of the leading commercial creators each year include Doritos, Go Daddy, Coke, Toyota and Volkswagen.

We want to know what you think about each of the commercials, so leave us your thoughts!

For more information as your prepare for the Super Bowl's commercials, click here: http://blog.spotbowl.com/

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Robber leaps from moving vehicle on to I-83 to escape carjacking

January 28, 2013, 12:46 pm

≫ Next: Harrisburg Police investigating four weekend food delivery robberies

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On Saturday morning, police were called To Penn State Hershey Medical Center for the report of a robbery victim.

The man, a Harrisburg resident, was at Bill’s Café in Derry Street when he went to his car to charge his cell phone.

A black male approached the passenger side window and asked for a lighter. The man seemed suspicious and the victim started to drive away.

The suspect then put on a face mask and dove into the open passenger side window while whipping out a handgun.

The robber then ordered the victim to stop. The victim noticed a dark-colored mini-van had pulled up behind them.

At that point another robber got out of the van and joined in with the carjacking.

The two suspects forced the victim into the trunk at gunpoint. However, the victim was able to find the trunk release and opened the trunk.

He noticed that the robbers were driving on I-83 near Bass Pro Shops. The suspects noticed that the trunk was open and sped up, but the victim rolled out onto the roadway.

The suspect suffered numerous scrapes and bruises from the fall, but was able to get a passing motorist to stop and call for help.

The victim’s car was found in Swatara Township near Penhar Drive. The victim’s wallet was found in the trunk, but his cell phone and a small amount of cash are missing.

The victim was treated for his minor injuries and released.

Police are searching for the suspects, two black males, one thin and about 6 feet tall, the other heavy set and about 5 foot 8. Both were wearing black hooded sweatshirts.

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Harrisburg Police investigating four weekend food delivery robberies

January 28, 2013, 3:31 pm

≫ Next: UPDATE: Two people dead after fatal crash on Route 441 near Herr's Market

≪ Previous: Robber leaps from moving vehicle on to I-83 to escape carjacking

Four different delivery men were robbed over the weekend, and police believe each of the incidents is related.

The first occurred on Friday night around 810 in the 2000 block of Briggs Street. A delivery man for Monte Carlo’s Pizza was delivering food when he got out of the car.

As he was getting out, two robbers displayed handguns and pushed him against the car. They walked away with a cell phone, car keys, a small amount of cash and the food.

The victim was not harmed.

The suspects are identified as a Hispanic male, thin wearing a red sweatshirt and a Hispanic male, heavy set wearing a gray sweatshirt.

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One day later, around 835 p.m. a delivery driver for Michael’s Pizza was robbed near the intersection of Market and Thomas Streets. The victim got out of his car to deliver food when two robbers pulled out handguns.

The suspects ordered him to the ground and took his cell phone, keys and the food. The victim was not harmed.

The suspects are identified as a black male, about 5 foot 10 wearing a brown sweatshirt and a dark hat and a black male, heavy set wearing a light-colored sweatshirt and a half mask.

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Then only an hour later, another pizza man was robbed on Briggs Street, this time in the 1800 block. A delivery man for Domino’s was delivering food and made the delivery without issue. As he was walking back to his car he was confronted by an armed robber.

The victim gave him a small amount of cash and the robber ran off to a waiting car. The victim was not harmed.

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The last incident occurred just a few minutes later in the 2000 block of Mulberry Street. A 28-year-old China Express delivery man was robbed.

Police investigated the incident the next day and found the suspect was confronted by two armed robbers.

Each pulled out a handgun, and one robber punched the victim in the face, breaking his glasses.

The robbers took the food and ran off.

At this time, police are unsure if the incidents are related. The investigation into these incidents continues and anyone with information should call Harrisburg Police Detective Ferrari at 717-255-3025.

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UPDATE: Two people dead after fatal crash on Route 441 near Herr's Market

January 28, 2013, 4:06 pm

≫ Next: UPDATE(2): Dauphin County CERT team forced to shoot suspect in order to protect hostages, neighbors

≪ Previous: Harrisburg Police investigating four weekend food delivery robberies

UPDATE:

Two people are dead following a crash on what police say is a deadly road in Lancaster County.

It happened around 5 p.m. on Route 441 in East Donegal Township.

Police tell CBS 21 News a car driving south in the 1400 block of River Road crossed into the northbound lane and hit another car head-on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
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Emergency crews are on the scene of a fatal crash that occurred in East Donegal Township Monday.

The crash occurred around 445 p.m. at the intersection of River Road (Rt. 441) and Maytown Road near Herr's Market.

Two cars collided head-on, leaving both drivers dead.

CBS 21 is on the scene and will provide more information when it is available.

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UPDATE(2): Dauphin County CERT team forced to shoot suspect in order to protect hostages, neighbors

January 28, 2013, 1:44 pm

≫ Next: Woman suffers serious injuries after crashing on icy roads

≪ Previous: UPDATE: Two people dead after fatal crash on Route 441 near Herr's Market

UPDATE:

It started as a domestic dispute and ending with police killing a machete-wielding man after a hostage standoff.

It happened in the 100 block of Evergreen Street.

29-year-old Ishmael Muhammad is dead Monday night after a dispute with his girlfriend became deadly.

At about 11:30 Monday morning, the girlfriend ran from the third floor apartment down about 100 feet to the house with the bay window. Muhammad followed, kicking in the door and about that time police arrived and Muhammad retreated back to the apartment and started to barricade himself in.

However, he was not there alone, as he had a two-year-old girl and a man with a mental disability in his twenties as hostages.

The CERT team arrived and snipers took up positions surrounding the building. Around 2:30, the suspect was dead when the team used lethal force to protect others.

Neighbors knew Ishmael Muhammad or had often seen him, but Monday for some reason the man snapped.

“Before no, before he was a good guy,” stated one neighbor. “I don't know what happened today, he went crazy, crazy, crazy.”

“He was fine this morning until this happened,” stated fellow neighbor Antonio Waldo

It was a wild scene with Muhammad breaking out the windows and waving a foot long Machete and making threats to not only to the police, but to the hostages as well.

“I saw the whole thing I saw everything,” Waldo continued. “Yeah I was inside I heard the gunshots. I grew up in this neighborhood and I have never seen anything like this before.”

While suspects have killed themselves, such as at the incident at Hall Manor last month or at Days Inn, in the twenty years of the Dauphin County CERT team’s history this is the first time officers have shot and killed an assailant.

“Preliminarily it appears that the officer’s actions, based on the evidence that we have at this time, were entirely appropriate and in fact may have very well saved the lives of the two individuals that were in that home including the two-year-old infant,” stated District Attorney Ed Marsico.

The young child and the disabled man were in the room when Ishmael Muhammad was killed.

They are both unharmed and recovering, as is the girlfriend.

Muhammad did have a number of previous arrests, most which were drug-related.

At this point the name of the officer who killed the assailant is being withheld and he is on administrative leave. To reiterate, it does seem that this was a justified police shooting.
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Shots fired and another death in Harrisburg this afternoon.

It was a deadly end to a hostage situation that involved a child as a hostage for several hours on Derry Street this afternoon.

It happened near the intersection of Derry and Evergreen Streets.

It was a wild and scary scene today when a man, who has now been shot and killed by the police, after he held a child and a disabled man in his 20s hostage with a machete.

We now know this started as a domestic dispute, between the dead man, a 29-year-old man named Ishmael Mohammed. His girlfriend fled the building and that is when the police became involved.

Neighbors knew Ishmael Mohammed or had often seen him, he lived in a building in the 100 block of Evergreen Street. Tuesday for some reason the man snapped.

“Before no, before he was a good guy,” commented one neighbor. “I don't know what happened today, he went crazy, crazy, crazy.”

“He was fine this morning until this happened,” added neighbor Antonio Waldo. “I saw the whole thing I saw everything. Yeah I was inside I heard the gunshots. I grew up in this neighborhood and I have never seen anything like this before.”

District Attorney Ed Marcico gave some answers at the Dauphin County Courthouse. The man appeared to be ready for a long stand off.

In the twenty years of the CERT team’s history, this is the first time officers have shot and killed an assailant.

The young girl who was held hostage is only two-years-old and that young girl and the disabled man in his 20s were in the room when Ishmael Mohammed was killed.

At this point the name of the officer who killed the assailant is being withheld and he is on administrative leave. However, to reiterate it does seem that this was a justified police shooting.
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Shots fired and another death in Harrisburg Monday afternoon, which is the first of the year.

It was a deadly end to a hostage situation that involved a child as a hostage for several hours on Derry Street Monday afternoon.

It happened near the intersection of Derry and Evergreen Streets.

It was a wild and scary scene when a man, who has now been shot and killed by police, held a child and a disabled man in his twenties hostage with a machete.

Neighbors knew or had often seen the man who was killed Monday, he was killed by police in the building he lived in the 100 block of Evergreen Street, on Monday for the dead man something snapped.

“Before no, before he was a good guy,” stated a neighbor. “I don't know what happened today, he went crazy, crazy, crazy.”

“He was fine this morning until this happened,” stated neighbor Antonio Waldo. “I saw the whole thing I saw everything. I was inside, I heard the gunshots. I grew up in this neighborhood and I have never seen anything like this before.”

District Attorney Ed Marcico held a press conference at the Dauphin County Courthouse at 430, we will let you know what he had to say.

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