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Boy Scouts of America are one step closer to lifting a ban on gay members

January 29, 2013, 1:04 pm
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Over the last year years, the gay community in America has reached many milestones; more states are allowing gay marriage, Don't Ask Don't Tell has been abolished and now the Boy Scouts may soon change its ways.

Harrisburg Controller Dan Miller says it is a great step forward.  "I think it's a great step in the right direction. It shows the level of progress in our society."

Miller is the Harrisburg City Controller who's running for mayor, and he's openly gay.  He says the recent news surrounding the Boy Scouts is something he's been waiting years for.

On Monday, the Boy Scouts of America announced it is considering ending the nationwide ban on gays as scouts or leaders. The move, if adopted, would allow individual troops to decide if gays should be accepted.

"I'm not against the Boy Scouts. In fact, I was a Cub Scout when I was young." Miller explained "And I'm glad to see that organization prosper and I'm glad to see the move in the right direction so there's equality for everyone."

It's being reported, the Scouts' national board may approve the measure next week.
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City of Harrisburg releases update on sinkhole repairs

January 29, 2013, 1:20 pm
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The City of Harrisburg released some updates on the sinkhole repairs. Included is the timeline provided by the City.

1. Previously announced: Temporary Water Service: Installation, Disinfection, Bacteriological Testing – Anticipated Completion date Tuesday January 8. Existing Sanitation has been televised and is serviceable; residences can be occupied and have gas and electric service.

Update: Completed Wednesday, January 9 after a second Bacteriological test was conducted on the temporary water service as requested by PA DEP.

2. Previously announced: New Water Main and Service Connection, including Installation, Disinfection, and Bacterial Test, was anticipated for completion January 25 to 29, weather permitting.

Update: This phase of the project was completed Tuesday, Jan. 22.

3. Previously announced: Sewer Replacement: Anticipated Completion February, 19 – 26, weather permitting. Street repaired with stone surface open to local traffic.

Update: The contractor began replacing the sanitary sewer line as scheduled on January 22. Completion is anticipated by early March, depending on weather conditions.


4. Previously announced: Street Paving was estimated for completion late March through April, weather permitting

Update: This final phase has not been started. The bituminous concrete batch plants close during the cold weather and usually and do not open outside of the PennDOT paving dates of March 15 through October 15. The paving process cannot be complete at temperatures below 40 degrees F.

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Three Lancaster County schools providing innovative, online education

January 29, 2013, 3:30 pm
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Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis Tuesday applauded Hempfield, Manheim Township and Penn Manor School Districts for working together to provide an innovative, online educational program, known as Open Campus PA, for their high school students.

“The administrators and educators in these three districts are to be commended for placing the educational needs of students at the forefront to pave the way for them to succeed and take control of their education,” Tomalis said.

“Governor Corbett believes that all Pennsylvania students should be afforded the opportunity to expand their educational options through technology to prepare for postsecondary success.”

Tomalis made the remarks following a student and educator demonstration of online and hybrid learning at Hempfield School District. Joining him today were a number of state lawmakers, including Reps. Ryan Aument, Steven Mentzer, Keith Greiner and Mindy Fee, all Republicans representing Lancaster County.

Launched during the current school year, Open Campus PA permits self-motivated, responsible juniors and seniors in each district to enroll in online courses in English, foreign language, math, science, and social studies. The classes are offered via online instruction or in a hybrid format, which includes both online and in-class instruction, and are proctored by educators in each district.

As part of the enactment of the 2012-13 state budget, Corbett signed into law a measure, sponsored by state Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster), creating the Open Campus Initiative, allowing schools to enter into cooperative agreements with other school entities. This new provision permits schools to use technology to offer expanded access to high-quality educational programs to students in a cost-effective manner.

“The open campus initiative offers students and families additional choices to meet their academic needs, it involves the inter-district sharing of resources and cost efficiency steps taxpayers have been seeking, and it incorporates technology on par with classroom instruction,” Smucker said.

Hempfield, Manheim Township and Penn Manor School Districts are exploring expansion of Open Campus PA by offering courses for credit during the summer months to enable students to get a head start on required courses or possibly earn additional credits to open early graduation opportunities. 

“We are excited to break down barriers of time and space for our high school students so they can learn how they want and when they want for optimum student achievement,” said Hempfield School District Superintendent Dr. Brenda Becker.

“The Open Campus PA partnership allows us to expand our academic opportunities for students while creating efficiencies through the exchange of services among districts,” said Manheim Township School District Superintendent Dr. Gene Freeman.

“Lancaster County is fortunate to have a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration in all of its public schools,” said Penn Manor School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Leichliter. “We are thankful for the encouragement and cooperation we are receiving from Governor Corbett, Secretary Tomalis, Senator Smucker, and the other legislators from Lancaster in developing this program for our students.”

Tomalis noted that Governor Corbett encourages schools across the state to explore and create similar high-quality programs to expand course offerings to students.

“Hempfield, Manheim Township and Penn Manor’s program should serve as a model for schools across Pennsylvania,” Tomalis said.  “High-quality, effective online and hybrid learning can expand students’ educational horizons and allow them to succeed academically.”

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Harrisburg Authority to receive over $200,000 in bid-rigging case

January 29, 2013, 3:38 pm
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Attorney General Kathleen Kane Tuesday announced in a press release that distribution is underway for more than $8.6 million in restitution to Pennsylvania municipalities and non-profit organizations who were victimized as part of a large-scale bid-rigging case involving major financial institutions.

Kane said the scheme involved the marketing and sale of municipal derivative investments, which are often used by government agencies and non-profit groups to reinvest the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds until those funds are needed.

According to the continuing national investigation, a number of banks, brokers and financial service firms manipulated the bidding process and shared information, causing victims to pay higher fees and receive lower interest rates.

Kane said that the scheme took advantage of state agencies, local governments, public school districts and non-profit organizations that were attempting to invest or protect the proceeds of tax exempt bonds. 

Multi-state settlements have been reached over the past year with five major institutions: Bank of America ($67 million), JPMorgan Chase ($92 million), Wachovia ($58.75 million), Union Bank of Switzerland ($90.8 million) and GE Funding Capital Market Services ($34.25 million). The settlement funds will compensate Pennsylvania victims for their losses, returning the funds they should have received when they initially made their investments. 

The JPMorgan Chase settlement resulted in numerous six-figure or seven-figure payments to Pennsylvania institutions.  One of those institutions was the Harrisburg Authority, which is due to receive $230,937.  Other payments range in size from $1,300 to more than $100,000.

Kane said these multi-state settlements are part of a coordinated national investigation involving state attorneys general and numerous federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Pennsylvania portion of the case was handled by Acting Executive Deputy Attorney General James A. Donahue III and Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph S. Betsko, of the Attorney General's Antitrust Section.

 

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Local high school soiled in controversy over the use of toilet paper

January 29, 2013, 1:31 pm
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We don't think about it much until it is not there, toilet paper.

In a small Schuylkill County town, lately lots of people have been talking about toilet paper.

This is all because at Mahanoy Area High School, the boys must now sign out toilet paper before going to the restroom.

Who would think that something so ubiquitous could cause such conflict?

For the boys at Mahanoy Area High School, because of vandalism in the restroom, before they go number two, they have to go to the office to sign out toilet paper.

“I think it’s stupid, but I guess you got to do what you got to do,” commented tenth grader Kate Chapman.

“People think I'm against toilet paper, I’m against people vandalizing the bathroom, I’m not against toilet paper,” Mahanoy Area Principal Thomas Smith told us.

“I think it is a little ridiculous, but that’s how times are going to be,” stated graduate Keith Barnes.

A blanket of fog enveloped the school today, but it is toilet paper that has the school covered in controversy.

“I am absolutely surprised that this got to be such a big story. I know it is a drastic measure,” explained Principal Smith. “I went to my students, I talked to them about the bathroom issues and I asked them to assist with the investigation. We are just asking the students show appropriate behavior.”

“When you go get toilet paper from the office they call it the ‘walk of shame,’ chuckled student Jordan Ebert.

Why just the boys?

“Actually, it is more of a bathroom issue,” commented the Principal. “It has nothing to do with the boys or the girls and really this is the specifics of the problem. I’ve taken the toilet paper out of one bathroom.”

The principal did leave the door open for the tissue to return.

“I am going to sit down with the student government again about putting the toilet paper back in the bathroom well just see what happens then,” Smith told us.

“There are guys who keep it in their locker, just rolls of it and then ask to go to the bathroom and go to their locker and then the bathroom,” Chapman added.

The policy is only at the high school, boys at the elementary and middle schools do not have to sign out toilet paper.

The principal says so far parents have not come to him about the issue and so far the only complaint from a parent was at a school board meeting.

I spoke to that parent Tuesday afternoon who says she is still concerned about this policy

I did contact the PA Office of the American Civil Liberties Union to get their view on this possible gender discrimination so far they have not a chance to review the issue.




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EXCLUSIVE: Carlisle Tax Collector running from his problems?

January 29, 2013, 2:00 pm
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Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed said Tuesday, he's taking court action to have Carlisle's embattled tax collector permanently removed from office.

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 only eight months. Once again his integrity has come into question.

George Hicks was taken from Carlisle Police Headquarters last August where he had been processed for selling marijuana. He told reporters about his use of marijuana.  "70 hours a week as tax collector with 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.

But, that salary, the title and the elected office could be stripped away even before the start of the criminal trial.

Freed said he wants Hicks removed from the position, because he no longer lives in Carlisle.  "You can't serve as an elected tax collector in the Borough of Carlisle when you don't live in the Borough of Carlisle. We believe we have evidence including voter records and registration to show that Mr. Hicks has moved, that he has established a new address in the city of Philadelphia and that renders him in eligible to serve."

Hicks' Defense Attorney, Karl Rominger, said he doesn't know if his client moved.  "I don't know the answer to that. I would assume that his residency requirements are met for a job though."

The District Attorney anticipates Judge Christie Lee Peck will schedule a hearing on his motion. At that time the new evidence will be presented, and ultimately a decision on whether to oust Hicks as Tax Collector, will be made.

The judge directed the Borough of Carlisle to assume tax collection responsibilities. A preliminary audit showed $20,000 in tax payments unaccounted for. 

Freed says that prompted a more detailed financial investigation, which is still on-going.
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Vandals purchase pounds of potatoes, shoot hole through a home

January 29, 2013, 2:54 pm
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Just a few minutes after midnight Tuesday, police responded to a Dover Township home on the 2900 block of Village Square Drive after the homeowner said something was shot into the home.

Officers found that suspects had fired a potato into the home from an unknown weapon.  The potato entered the front of the home, going through an outside wall and an inside wall. 

The potato entered a room occupied by the residents and their two-month-old child.  Luckily, no one was injured.

While officers were on the scene a second call came in from the 3000 block of Hadley Drive.  In this case, the suspects fired a potato into the rear of a minivan, which sustained minor damage.

Officers went to a local grocery store and found that two suspects had bought two 5-pound bags of potatoes between 1030 p.m. and 1100 p.m. 

Police were able to use surveillance photos to identify one of the suspects, and the other was identified by a witness.  The photos also showed that the suspect vehicle was a blue Dodge Durango.

Police continued to pursue the case and took Cody Cosgrove, 19 of Dover Township, Dakota Falkenroth, 18 of West Manchester Township and John Whitecomb, 18 of Conewago Township into custody.

Those three suspects were taken to Central Booking, where each was charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, reckless endangerment, simple assault and criminal mischief.

Police are still investigating this incident and plan to arrest another spud shooter.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northern York County Regional Police at 717-292-3647. 

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Using your credit card may cost you even more green

January 29, 2013, 6:58 pm
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Last Sunday, local stores had the opportunity to make a change which may make a big impact on your wallet.

That is when merchants were able to start charging you up to three percent more when you use your credit card as a 'swipe fee' or checkout fee.

This is a story that started almost eight years ago.

Often there are few things in life that move slower than court cases.

This particular story began in 2005 when retailers filed a class action suit against Visa, MasterCard and nine major banks claiming price fixing when it came to transaction fees that merchants pay to the cards and banks.

Last summer a $7.25 billion dollar settlement in the case and as part of the deal the fees merchants pay were rolled back, but only for eight months. As of January 27, in PA it became legal for merchants to start passing on their fees to you.

“I don't have a credit card,” one person told us.

At least he won't have to worry, because many feel that last summer's settlement is punishing the victims, the consumer, by also allowing merchants to start charging you the swipe fees. Ten states including California and New York already have laws that prohibit merchants from passing on these fees, but not PA.

“I will stop using my credit card and I'll also stop my direct deposit and start using cash,” stated Tammy Ryan, who is not happy about the changes.

State Representative Adam Ravenstahl thinks PA should join those states that prohibit the fee telling CBS 21 News, "I’m sick of consumers being nickel-and-dimed and I am preparing legislation to help address that."

“The main reason I use my card now is because I get the cash back, like the one percent cash back with it, so if the fee would sort of negate that it wouldn't make any sense,” said a concerned Dan Benzing.

Last November, the National Retail Federation filed suit in New York to block the settlement. The Neiman-Marcus Group is part of the suit claiming that "raising consumer prices by adding an 'interchange tax' is no remedy for Visa's and MasterCard's continuing monopoly abuse."

MasterCard issued a statement; "We anticipate that they will not impose checkout fees, particularly because the value merchants derive from card acceptance far exceeds their costs,"

Would the fee keep your plastic in your pocket?

“Probably not because it is still convenient,” one person told us.

“Cash, probably debit, pre-paid card,” were some alternatives another person gave us.

All good alternatives as the fees would not apply to your debit card.

Even though it will be lawful to do so, almost all major retailers have said they will not start charging these fees, yet.

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Mechanicsburg High School dealing with tragic loss of senior student

January 29, 2013, 7:19 pm
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A medical emergency took the life of a Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School student Tuesday afternoon.

According to several sources, the death occurred toward the end of the school day.

The boys’ basketball team was supposed to play against Bishop McDevitt, but that game was cancelled.

Social media Tuesday evening has shown the tight-knit community in Mechanicsburg, with many people posting comments and thoughts for the school district and community.

At this time the name of the student has not been released until proper notifications are made.

The superintendent for Mechanicsburg Area School District, Mark Leidy, provided the following statement to CBS 21:

“This message is to inform you that our school community suffered the unexpected death of a senior student this afternoon. In the event your child is affected by this loss, please encourage them to contact their school counselor. Additional counseling supports will be available within the district tomorrow. The district website has a link entitled Grief and Loss Support Services that will provide you with additional resources. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

The link to Mechanicsburg’s website is attached to this story.

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Eight charged with furnishing alcohol in incident that injured PSU cheerleader

January 29, 2013, 7:50 pm
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Late last week, the Centre Daily Times reported that four Penn State cheerleaders were kicked off the team after they violated team rules.

The school would not say when the violations occurred or when the students were removed.

Tuesday, the State College Police Department completed their investigation into the furnishing of alcoholic beverages to minors on October 13, 2012.

The investigation began after Paige Rague, a 19-year-old Penn State student and cheerleader, was seriously injured after falling out of a fifth-floor window at Calder commons.

Eight people, including four cheerleaders and one dance team member were charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor.

The four cheerleaders were Tempest Hourston, 21, Alyssa Duffy, 19, Madeline Miller, 19 and Megan Markovitz, 21. The dance team member was 20-year-old Brooke Piccione.

Three others, Adaire Robinson, 21, Alexandria Hipple, 20 and Julie Hannan, 19 were also charged.

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Fire rips through homes; displaces six in Harrisburg

January 30, 2013, 2:01 am
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At least six people were displaced in an overnight fire in Harrisburg.

Flames broke out just after 1:30 this morning in the 1900 block of Zarker Street.

Officials say the fire started in a vacant home and spread to two neighboring homes.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

We asked if the fire was suspicious, but the fire chief would only say "it's under investigation." 

Check back with CBS 21 News for updates.

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JUST IN: Boil water advisory

January 30, 2013, 4:22 am
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This just in from Cumberland County:

Due to low chlorine levels, there is a boil water advisory in effect for United Water Pennsylvania customers in the Mechanicsburg System.

The affected areas include: Mechanicsburg, Hampden Township, Silver Spring Township, Lower Allen Township, Upper Allen Township, Monroe Township and Monaghan Township.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

United Water will provide more information through a rapid alert dialer call.
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Child hit by car in Cumberland County

January 30, 2013, 5:13 am
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A 10-year old boy is recovering after getting hit by a car in Cumberland County.

It happened this morning around 6:30 at the intersection of Saint John's Church Road and Park Street in Hampden Township.

Police tell CBS 21 News the boy was quote "messing around in the street" when he was hit.

He was a taken an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

There's no word if the driver will be charged.

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Police in Lancaster searching for armed robber and stolen car

January 30, 2013, 5:19 am
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Police are searching for an armed robbery suspect who stole a car this morning in Lancaster County. 

County dispatchers tell CBS 21 News, two people were supposedly robbed in the first block of West Ferdinand Street in Manheim by a man wearing a ski mask with a rifle style gun. 

The suspect then allegedly stole a car. 

Police are searching for a 2006 Nissan Sentra. 

CBS 21 will update you with more information as we get it. 



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Governor Corbett to present plan for liquor privatization

January 30, 2013, 5:30 am
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On Wednesday, Governor Corbett is expected to announce his plan to privatize liquor in PA.

He's expected to make the big announcement Wednesday afternoon in Pittsburgh.  CBS 21 News learned he plans to auction off wine and liquor store licenses and instead leave it up to the private sector.

Now, this plan involves shutting down more than 600 state-owned wine and liquor stores and selling off more than a thousand wine and liquor store licenses.

In an interview with our sister station KDKA in Pittsburgh, Governor Corbett said with a sluggish national economy the private sector would be better off handling it.  "I don't believe we belong in the business of selling alcohol.  I think it's a conflict of interest and I think the private sector can do a better job.  What I really believe we should be talking about is the convenience for the consumer, where to buy your beer, your wine, your liquor." 

Licenses would be available for supermarkets, drugstores and big-box stores like Costco to sell beer and wine.
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Thief steals 'Clinical Psychology' textbook from porch

January 30, 2013, 7:34 am
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The Shippensburg Police Department is investigating a report of a stolen package. 

Around 8:30 a.m. on January 22, a female found a large, empty envelope  on her front porch.  She told police she was expecting a package with a "Clinical Psychology" textbook.  

The envelope was ripped open and the book was stolen. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Shippensburg Police Department at 717-532-7361 or at police@shippensburg.pa.us. 
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Report finds low-income working families are paying more in taxes

January 30, 2013, 7:56 am
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A report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) shows, in Pennsylvania, lower-income working families pay more in state and local taxes than the state's wealthiest earners. 

According to the report, PA's tax system scored so poorly that it made the list of the "Terrible 10" most regressive tax states in the nation.  The study called "Who Pays? A Distributional Analysis of the Tax Systems in all 50 States", examines state and local tax rates across the nation.

The study ranked PA as the 8th most regressive in the Nation.  This ranking means taxes fall disproportionately on middle-class, working and poor families to the advantage of the richest taxpayers.  The report also says, middle-income families in PA pay more than double the share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest residents and low income families pay nearly three times as much. 

The report found PA families earning less than $19,000, who are the poorest fifth of taxpayers, pay 12% of their income in state and local taxes.  Middle-income taxpayers, earning between $36,000 and $58,000, pay 10.1% of their income in state and local taxes and the richest 1% of taxpayers with incomes of $1.067 million, pay only 4.4 % of their income in taxes. 

The study looked at what families pay in personal income, sales and property taxes, and took into account reductions in state and local taxes from federal deduction offsets. 

PA's flat income tax, contributes to the ranking. 
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2 smoking pot shot in downtown Pittsburgh heist

January 30, 2013, 8:38 am
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh police are investigating a robbery in which two people were shot when they were approached while smoking marijuana downtown.

Police say the incident happened just before 8 p.m. at the edge of the city's Cultural District, where theaters and restaurants are abundant.

Police haven't released the names of the victims, but say a 46-year-old man from York and a 32-year-old Pittsburgh woman were both shot several times in the torso. The man was in critical condition at a hospital, though police say the woman was stable.

Police say a man confronted the victims with a semi-automatic pistol and shot the pair while trying to rob them of personal belongings. Police say both victims ran to a nearby business for help.

Police searched the area for the shooter, but could not find him.

 

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

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DEP awards energy-efficiency, pollution-prevention grants to 32 small businesses

January 30, 2013, 8:53 am
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The Department of Environmental Protection has awarded $239,809 in grants to help 32 small businesses across Pennsylvania invest in energy-efficiency or pollution-prevention projects.

Pennsylvania’s Small Business Advantage Grant program, funded through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, helps businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It provides 50-percent matching reimbursement grants of up to $9,500 to implement projects that will save 25 percent annually in pollution-prevention or energy-related costs. Since 2004, the program has invested $7.25 million in 1,720 small businesses statewide.

Of the $1 million in grants budgeted for the current fiscal year, this is the second of three announcements of selected grantees. The 32 new grants will create $812,987 of private-sector investment in small businesses.

Examples of eligible projects include high-efficiency HVAC and insulation upgrades, high-efficiency lighting to save energy, installation of energy-efficient heat pumps and new auxiliary power units that help large trucks reduce time spent with idling engines.

For more information about the Small Business Advantage Grant program, contact DEP’s Office of the Small Business Ombudsman at 717-772-8909 or via email at epadvantagegrant@pa.gov.

In Berks County,  Green Hills Home Center  was awarded $9,500. 

In Lancaster County, New Holland Bulk Carriers LLC was awarded $4,350. 

Losch Boiler Sales and Rubright Domalakes & Troy in Schuylkill County, were awarded $9,500 each. And in York County, R.J. Shoff Trucking was awarded $9,500 and Wayne Nell and Sons Meats was awarded $2,535. 

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UPDATE: Police arrest suspect wanted for robbery in Clay Township

January 30, 2013, 9:33 am
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The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with a robbery in Clay Township. 

The robbery happened at 4:30 on Monday morning in the 1400 block of Furnace Hills Road. 

The homeowner called police and said two armed intruders broke into the home. One suspect had a wooden mallet and the other had a short barrell shot gun.  The homeowner and his adult son were asleep when the intruders broke in.  The son was woken by one of the suspects, who pointed the gun in his face, he was then forced to lie on the floor and was restrained with a nylon belt, which was used to tie his hands.  The subjects then searched the room and removed various items including an x-bos 360, Turtle Beaches headset, a cell phone, a wallet and cash. A small amount of marijuana and a small "mini-bong" water pipe was also taken. 

Police used surveillance video and recovery of the stolen items found along a roadway, to arrest the suspects. 



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