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Bloomsburg college professor collapses in class, dies

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Bloomsburg University officials say a 77-year-old political science professor collapsed at the start of her class and died.

The Press-Enterprise reports (http://bit.ly/11p9iJs) students in Gloria Cohen-Dion's seminar on writing the Constitution called 911 and went looking for other faculty when it happened Monday night.

Political science department Chairman Harry "Neil" Strine IV says another professor carried her to a waiting ambulance gurney.

Philosophy professor Wendy Lynne Lee says Cohen-Dion had taught at the university for 20 years and had been planning on retiring, with plans to throw her attention on research and volunteer work raising awareness about sex trafficking.

The cause of death was not immediately known Tuesday. A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday in Southampton.



Say goodbye to Saturday mail

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The financially struggling U.S. Postal Service says it plans to stop delivering mail on Saturdays, but continue delivering packages six days a week.

In an announcement scheduled for later Wednesday, the service is expected to say the cut, beginning in August, would mean a cost saving of about $2 billion annually.

The move accentuates one of the agency's strong points - package delivery has increased by 14 percent since 2010. The delivery of letters and other mail has declined with the increasing use of email and other Internet use.

OMG: Library gives free pole dancing lessons to help boost attendance

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CBS Local:

CLEVELAND (CBS Cleveland) - If you’re looking to get fit locally while feeling sexy, you can solicit Cleveland Exotic Dance. In Scotland, you can go to the library.

The Mayfield Library of Dalkeith, Modlothian, decided to offer a free pole-dancing course to draw attendance, according to STV Edinburgh.

“The pole fitness session is a fun and interesting way of encouraging more people into our libraries, trying out all the services on offer and ultimately borrowing more books,” Midlothian Council member Bob Constable told STV.

The class, led by professional dancer Nikki Clark, was offered as part of a celebration called “Love Your Library Day,” the station learned.
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Couple named 'longest married' in US

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FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — John and Ann Betar of Connecticut have been married so long they're getting national recognition.

The Fairfield spouses, who tied the knot more than 80 years ago, have been named the 2013 "longest married couple" in the United States by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a group in San Bernardino, Calif., dedicated to improving Christian marriages.

The Betars will be presented with the honor and gifts at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield on Saturday.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter says the longest married couple is based on nominations, so there may be others who have been married longer.

John is 101 years old and Ann is 97. The two grew up as neighbors in Bridgeport and got married on Nov. 25, 1932. They have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

UPDATE (3): Man shoots and kills ailing wife in Washington Township

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UPDATE:

An elderly couple is dead, after the husband killed his terminally ill wife and then turned the gun on himself.

The couple's son called police after he found his parents dead in their home.  Police say the man did not want his wife to suffer anymore.

State Police say 85-year-old Sherman Brown took the life of his wife 84-year-old Jeannette, and then took his own life.

The couple had been married for 65 years.  They died in their Washington Township home on Bermudian Church Road.  Jeannette had terminal cancer.

Police say they found no note, but at this point believe this is a case of a husband trying to end his long time wife's suffering.

The couple's son called police after finding his parents' bodies Monday night.

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State Police released the following statement:

Pennsylvania State Police  York was summoned to 210 Bermudian Church road on 2-5-13 at approx 9:12 pm for a reported homicide and suicide.  The call was reported by the son of the elderly victims who was at the residence to check on them.  Through investigation it was determined that Jeanette Brown, age 84,  was terminally ill with cancer and her health was significantly deteriorating.  As she slept in the bed, her husband of 65 years, Sherman Brown, age 85, fired one round from a .22 caliber rifle striking and killing Mrs Brown.  Mr Brown then sat down next to the bed in a chair and shot himself.  There were no signs of entry to the home and no signs that any struggle had occurred.

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We have new details this morning about an apparent murder-suicide in York County. 


It happened around 10:30 last night at a home in the 200 block of Bermudian Church Road in Washington Township.
The Coroner's office says Sherman Brown allegedly killed his wife, Jeanette Brown, and then himself. They were both in their eighties.
No other details were given. 


State police are still investigating and we hope to learn more information later today.

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State Police in York County are investigating an apparent murder-suicide.

It happened around 10:30 last night at a home in the 200 block of Bermudian Church Road in Washington Township.

We contacted the York County Coroner's office overnight, which would only say that two people were pronounced dead.

Troopers say they'll release more information later this morning.

Stay with CBS 21 News for updates.



Cash 5 jackpot reaches record $1.9 Million

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The Pennsylvania Lottery’s Cash 5 jackpot has reached a record $1.9 million after rolling seven times. It has been growing since two tickets split the Jan. 29 jackpot.

“Excitement is very high among Pennsylvania Lottery players,” said Lottery Executive Director Todd Rucci. “In addition to our Cash 5 jackpot reaching a record level, tonight’s Powerball jackpot is worth $208 million. This promises to be a busy day at Lottery retailers.”

Should no player hit tonight’s Cash 5 jackpot, it will rise to at least $2 million.

The April 15, 2008, Cash 5 drawing holds the record for the largest total payout; the jackpot worth $1,867,253 was shared between two winning tickets. That jackpot was advertised at $1.8 million.

A Cash 5 ticket worth nearly $1.7 million from the April 19, 2011, drawing holds the record as the largest single, jackpot-winning ticket since the game’s 1992 inception.



Baby Clydesdale in Budweiser ad has name: Hope

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — The three-week-old star of Budweiser's Super Bowl ad now has a name: Hope.

Anheuser-Busch said Tuesday that its contest to find a name for the foal born Jan. 16 at the company's Clydesdale ranch in mid-Missouri generated more than 60,000 tweets, Facebook comments and other messages. Hope was one of the more popular names generated through the social media effort.

Other suggestions were nods to the song featured in the commercial, including Landslide — the name of the song — and Stevie — for Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks.

"We were overwhelmed by the response we got," Lori Shambro, brand director for Budweiser, said in a statement.

"Many of our fans wanted a name to reflect their optimism and spirit, which the name Hope encapsulates beautifully," Shambro said.

The ad chronicles the enduring bond of a Clydesdale foal and the horse's trainer. Anheuser-Busch has released a two-minute version available on YouTube.

The 60-second spot chronicled the bond of a Clydesdale foal and the horse's trainer and was the winner of USA TODAY's Ad Meter for Super Bowl XLVII.

The young horse proved to have some acting chops: Though a female, she played a male in the 60-second spot "Brotherhood." The commercial ranked No. 1 on USA Today's Ad Meter, a ranking based on fan voting on the USA Today website through Facebook and Twitter.

The foal now weighs 200 and will weigh roughly 2,000 pounds when she is grown, said John Soto, supervisor of Warm Springs Ranch, where Anheuser-Busch raises Clydesdales near Boonville, Mo.

Hope was the second Clydesdale born at Warm Springs Ranch this year. Soto said a male horse was born 36 hours earlier. He has been named Stan, in honor of St. Louis Cardinals great Stan "The Man" Musial, who died last month at age 92.

Two other Clydesdales have since been born at the ranch, and two more are due any day, Soto said. More than 30 Clydesdales are expected to be born in 2013.

The Clydesdales have been associated with Budweiser since 1933. The company introduced them to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition for beer.

Corbett proposes $8.5 Million increase in CHIP program

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Governor Tom Corbett continued his budget announcements today by visiting the Osterhout Free Public Library to discuss his plan to increase outreach and enrollment for the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“CHIP has been providing health insurance coverage for two decades now and it is helping Pennsylvania kids grow up healthier,” Corbett said. “We are re-energizing our CHIP outreach and enrollment activities with a commitment of $8.5 million to ensure our children don’t go without the medical care they need.”

About $1 million of the proposal will be used to focus on partnerships and enrollment outreach toward the long-term goal of insuring all eligible children in Pennsylvania.

The additional funding will be used for enrollment services and to provide health care coverage to the additional 9,300 new enrollees expected through the expanded outreach.

CHIP was created under legislation signed in 1992. It began providing benefits in 1993, and later served as a model for the federal S-CHIP program in 1997. CHIP expanded in 2006 with Cover All Kids, an initiative making sure that any uninsured child and teen not eligible for, or enrolled in, Medical Assistance would have access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage.

Also attending today’s event was Franca D’Agostino, Executive Director for CHIP and Strategic Initiatives, and Dr. Jeffery Kile, a practicing pediatrician from Kingston and Associate Medical Director for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“As a pediatric doctor and medical advisor, each day I see how critically important it is for children to have regular access to health care,” Kile said. “If your child is uninsured, CHIP should be your partner in good health.”

CHIP is one of Pennsylvania’s most successful public-private partnerships. The state offers the program and defines its benefit plans, while private insurance carriers coordinate those benefits and the care they provide.

CHIP has a comprehensive benefit package and includes doctor visits, prescription, immunizations, emergency care and certain dental, vision and hearing services. Premiums are affordable because they’re based on household income. There is no cost for families who qualify for free CHIP. As an example, a four-person household making $60,000 will have an average monthly premium of $67 per child, plus co-pays.

“CHIP is an important part of many families and gives parents peace of mind, knowing that doctor visits and immunizations are covered,” D’Agostino said. “The additional funds that Governor Corbett is committing to the program will help us reach more families and get more children enrolled.”

CHIP is brought to families by the following private insurance companies: Aetna, Capital BlueCross, First Priority Health, Geisinger Health Plan, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, Kidz Partners, United HealthCare of Pennsylvania, Inc. and UPMC for Kids.



Gas prices could be on the rise with Governor Corbett's proposed oil tax

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Pennsylvania's worn highways and sagging bridges would receive major overhauls under Governor Corbett's 2013-2014 budget proposal.  To raise the $5 billion needed over the next five years to pay for it, the Governor proposes an increase in the oil franchise tax.

The state tax on a gallon of gasoline hasn't been increased in more than 15 years. But the Commonwealth's transportation system is in desperate need of repair, and that costs money.

Right now, when you pump gas, $.12 of the price goes towards the state's liquid fuels tax.  Governor Corbett is asking the legislature to reduce that by $.10 over the next two years.  The remainder of the tax you pay is called the oil franchise tax.  This tax is put on the oil companies who pay for it.

Currently, the state assesses a levy of $1.25 per gallon.  The Governor would increase that by $.28 over five years.   Although the oil company will pay $1.53 per gallon, PennDOT doesn't think all of the increased tax will be passed on to the consumer.

Steve Chizmar of PennDOT says gas companies want to be competitive, so if they raise prices too high, they'll lose out in the end.  “It’s based on the wholesale value of gas. None of us have a crystal ball to see what the price of gas is going to be in the future. And also we don’t believe the full amount is going to be passed on for the simple reason there are so many factors that play a role in how a gallon of gas is priced right now.”

Next year, the increased gas tax revenues would allow for increased spending of $300 million on the repairs of state roads and bridges.  Nearly $40 million would be spend on public transportation and $80 million on local roads.

In five years, available funding would total over $1 billion.

Many are doubtful the Governor's plan will be enacted as planned.  Some members of the General Assembly already say it doesn't go far enough, while others say it's too much.

Waste Watch: State agencies hiring lobbyists to talk to other state agencies

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Think of your family, do you feel the need to hire an outside lobbying firm to talk to your brother or sister?

It appears that in the state government family that is what is happening and local legislators feel that it is time this spending come to a stop.

It all about influence and power and which agencies are going to get there way. You are the one who is paying for that power play.

A representative from Bucks County is introducing legislation, the Prohibited Contracts Act, to try and stop it. First term Harrisburg representative Patty Kim says state lobbyists have already come to see her.

“Yes they have, the paid lobbyist from paid organizations, to state run organizations, I've had everybody come.,: stated Rep. Patty Kim.

If you work here and need to talk about an issue with someone that works here, it would seem simple to walk across the street.

It appears instead that some state agencies hire outside lobbyists to talk to other state agencies for them.

“Because I am a Democratic representative and having all of the state agencies run by a Republican Governor there is a little bit of a conflict I think because they are obviously trying to push the Governor’s agenda,” Kim explained.

We stopped by the Governor's office to ask about reports that his office was spending $400,000 for lobbyists. The reply was that they “do not spend any funding on lobbying other agencies of state government or the state legislature.”

The Liquor Control Board told me they don't hire lobbyists, but the Turnpike did have a lobbyist back in 2007 when there was an effort to turn I-80 into a toll road.

This legislation may get the support of Representative Kim.

“I am about reform, I don't like when we use our taxpayer money irresponsibly and this is something where I think we might cut and save some money,” Representative Patty Kim.

“It's sort of a broker, they feel that they can't get what they need accomplished so they have to hire somebody who only represents them directly,” commented Bucks Representative Tina Davis.

How much money are we talking about?

“I don't know the number and that is part of the problem and that is why I have presented the bill,” Davis stated. “I do know that there are high figures, hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

The PA Higher Education Assistance Agency told me that had used lobbyists in 2007, but they don't now. The website OpenSecrets.org shows hundreds of thousands spent by the state on lobbying.

“I have a concern about this issue, that is why I put out a detailed government reform plan during my campaign which included lobbying reform and this should be part of it,” commented Democratic Senator Rob Teplitz.

I received information that the Department of Environmental Protection is one of the state agencies with lobbyists. Late this afternoon they told us they have a legislative affairs staff, but do not hire outside contractors.

It's not just lobbying here in Harrisburg; the State of PA hires a lobbyist to advocate for the State in Washington D.C. That contact costs the state $250,000.


Local police department starts online crime log, allowing residents to see what's happening

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With just a quick type on the keyboard, and a click, Swatara Township residents can see a list of real-time crime activities in the area.

Chief Jason Umberger of the Swatara Township Police Department says the new initiative is a way to keep residents safe.  "This site is to create awareness to give information to the public about what might be occurring around them.  So they can take steps to keep themselves safe, so they don't fall victim to criminal activity."

It's simple to see what's going on in your neighborhood.  Log online to raidsonline.com and click on Swatara Township and you can find everything from assaults to burglaries.

"Technology is getting better and better everyday, we see it, we need to stay on the cutting edge of law enforcement and use it." Chief Umberger explained.

The program is automatically run by an outside company that takes in information from the Township's Emergency Communications Program. This way, no officers will be taken off the street, to control the website.

Chief Umberger says residents can be a part of crime watch, but be safe doing it.  "Here's a way for people, from the comfort of their own home and own computer, can be a part of crime watch everywhere all the time."

And the good news for Swatara Township taxpayers?  This is all free, not only for the Police Department, but for residents. 

For a direct link to the log, click on Find It.  

Postal Service will stop delivering mail on Saturdays, packages will still come

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As of August, the U.S. Postal Service will no longer be delivering mail on Saturdays.

Most people are aware that the U.S. Post Office is in big trouble financially. This decision is just the latest to try to save money and cut down on billions in debt.

Last week, the Post Office announced it will no longer process mail in 140 location throughout America, including five in Pennsylvania That was part of a plan to save $1.2 billion annually, while trimming 13,000 jobs.

Now the financially struggling company will stop delivering mail on Saturdays. This is projected to save $2 billion annually when it starts in August. With email and Internet usage, fewer and fewer letters are being mailed every year.

“I think it’s going to be a little complicated because usually the only days that I’m home because I work five days a week are Saturdays,” commented Aimy Valentin. “So I do a lot of my mailing Saturday mornings. I think it would be difficult for me to get mail out.”

“I’m surprised that how come other delivery services like FedEx are making a profit and the U.S. Postal Service cannot make a profit and have to close down on Saturdays. I’m surprised,” Ashok Patel told us.

“I think the U.S.P.S. should have been privatized a long time ago,” Mike Mummert believes. “And the fact that they are hurting for money is simply a matter of black and white budget. This affects very few people and those people it does affect, I think, within a short time will get used to it.”

Even though the mail will no longer be delivered on Saturday, the Post Office will still deliver packages six days a week.

Four people arrested in Walmart fraud scheme

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Four people have been arrested in a scheme that involved stealing credit cards number and buying high end electronics online.  This scheme was elaborate and police are investigating to see how much these four people actually stole.

Lt. Thomas Shumaker with the Ephrata Police Department says those who are victim to this scheme, may not know it.  “They were sophisticated. They were obviously using stolen credit card information and they are moving quickly enough that the credit card holder may not find it quickly on their statement.”

Vincent Mapp, Daniel Obuamal, Frank Pollux and Nona Stern were all arrested on Tuesday and now face charges of fraud, theft and conspiracy.

Ephrata Police say the four stole credit card numbers, bought high end electronics online, and then had them shipped to various Walmarts in Berks, York, Lehigh, Montgomery and Lancaster Counties.

The group would then pick up the merchandise, using their real names.  Police aren't sure how long this had been going on and how much the suspects got away with.

The fraud was detected by the Walmart store in Ephrata.  Employees waited for the suspects to come to the store and then called police.

Lt. Shumaker urges everyone to check their credit account on a regular basis to help spot this type of activity.  “Personally I monitor my credit card activity. I check it everyday. I have it on the internet, so I can access my account so I can see what’s going on. I would encourage all consumers to do that on a regular basis.”

All four were booked in the Lancaster County Prison with bonds ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

Over 30 people arrested as 18-month investigation wraps up in York

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Eighteen months of joint work by police and authorities is wrapping up, culminating in 80 arrest warrants and dozens of arrests.

At least 35 people were taken into custody Wednesday as part of the sting, called Operation Sunrise.

Many people may have noticed a state helicopter in the sky Wednesday morning, or all the extra police activity on city streets. That is because 18 different agencies were involved.

The sweep on Boundary Avenue was just one of several dozen raids that took place in York City.

It was all the result of an intensive investigation to get drugs and gang related criminals off the street.

CBS 21 shot video in a way that does not jeopardize any undercover agents involved.

In all, 80 warrants were issued, close to three dozen people were arrested.

Trooper Rob Hicks with Pennsylvania State Police couldn't release many other details about the sting.

More details are expected to come out Thursday in a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m.

State legislators propose gun control regulations as a result of recent shootings

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Three state legislators are proposing new gun control regulations, including a ban on assault weapons in Pennsylvania. The proponents say it is not their intention of taking away anyone’s gun.

This is among the first legislative packages to be introduced in the wake of the shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Obviously controversial, no one is predicting whether any of the five bills will pass the House of Representatives, clear the Senate and reach the Governor's desk.

Three house members announced their plan at a Capitol Hill news conference. All are Democrats, two from the Philadelphia area and one from Pittsburgh.

The legislation would prohibit possession of assault weapons in the Pennsylvania. Law enforcement and military personnel would be exempt.

An amendment to the Castle Doctrine would outlaw the use of force if the person is able to retreat or is instructed by police not to pursue the suspect.

A proposed child firearm safety lock act would require guns to be equipped with locking devices in certain situations. Another bill would establish a minimum two year prison term for persons convicted of carrying a firearm without a license.

Those who carry a firearm would have to get liability insurance. Neighborhood watch groups would have to register with the state to be immune from civil liability.

15-year house veteran Dan Frankel is one of the sponsors of the package.

“I got to tell you when I listen to my gun lobby friends and some of their supporters in the Legislature talking about taking their rights to Second Amendment, I believe that with rights come responsibilities,” stated Frankel. “And these laws accentuate those responsibilities."

Frankel says the gun lobby would have you believe you can't do anything about the escalating problem of gun violence, that criminals will always have the guns. But he believes there are ways to strengthen gun laws that will give police tools to enforce the laws and crackdown of the criminal element.


American Red Cross asking for help to aid Veterans

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The American Red Cross is looking to the public to help homeless veterans in our community.  The organization is collecting items for its annual "Totes for Hope" campaign.

From now until February 28th, you can drop off things such as socks, fleece blankets, and flashlights at any Red Cross office in Central PA.
The items will be placed in a tote or a backpack and given to homeless vets.

Ellen Kyzer, Chief Executive Officer at the Red Cross, says it's a great way to help those in need.  "We're committed to serving to the Armed Forces in lots of ways, and this is a great opportunity to work with the VA in Lebanon to really provide those items to the service men and women in a time of great need."

For drop off locations and a list of needed items, click on Find it.

Daughter arrested for taking money of her elderly mother's account

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In Lancaster County, police have charged Gail Moyer with four counts of theft by deception.

Ephrata Police say Moyer was the power of attorney over her mother's finances for six years.

After an investigation, police say $50,000 were allegedly taken from her mother's account without the woman's knowledge, and used for things other than Moyer's mother’s benefit.

Moyer was taken to the Lancaster County Prison on $25,000 bail.

UPDATE: Monopoly wheelbarrow saved, iron eliminated as token

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UPDATE:

The votes are in, and the wheelbarrow token in Monopoly has been saved.

Hasboro announced Wednesday morning, they will be eliminating the iron from the original gam piece lineup, and adding a cat into the mix.

The wheelbarrow was introducd to the Monopoly game back in the early 1950s.

Hasboro says fans from more than 120 countries voted in the "Save Your Token Campaign" online.


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Whether you like it or hate it chances are, you've played the game of Monopoly.

But time is ticking, Monoploy has set February 5th, as the last day to vote for your favorite token.  A local company is asking for your support to save one of its favorites.

The wheelbarrow is the best way to carry your cash around the Monopoly board.  And the largest wheelbarrow factory in the world is Ames True Temper in Cumberland County.

True temper has launched a YouTube campaign showing ways it wheelbarrows can save the day.  Eric Bernstein who works at True Temper says the wheelbarrow token is in danger.  "We don't have to save the car or the dog.  Those tokens are safe, becasue they're popular which is great.  We just have to beat the iron."

A cat is one of the items on a replacement list. 

Bernstein says votes are needed to help save the token.  "The wheelbarrow is in last place right now, tied with the iron and the boots at 7% of the votes.  So we desperately need the help of Pennsylvania to rally around the local wheelbarrow."

If You want to vote, click on Find It. You can also look at the Youtube campaign for the wheelbarrow.

Central Penn College celebrates Black History Month

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Students, Faculty and staff along with community members took time on Wednesday to celebrate Black History Month.

It was all about food, music and camaraderie during the events at Central Penn College in East Pennsboro Township.

Four students were given awards for their workin in either community service or academics.

Two men wanted by Dauphin County Crime Stoppers

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Dauphin County Crime Stoppers is looking for information on two men.

Dwight Bartow, 32, is wanted for a parole violation in connection with robbery and serious bodily injury convictions. Bartow is 5'7" tall and weighs 140 pounds.  He has been known to live in the 400 block of South 14th Street in Harrisburg.

Cory Williams, 24, is wanted for criminal conspiracy to commit burglary.  Williams is 5'11" tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has been known to live in the 500 block of Peffer Street in Harrisburg.

If you have information on felony fugitives or serious crimes, please call Det. Emily DelRegno at Crime Stoppers of Dauphin County at 1-800-262-3080 or write to P.O. Box 469, Harrisburg, PA 17108, to be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
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