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Harrisburg officials asking for loan to pay for sinkhole repairs

February 12, 2013, 2:09 pm
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The Harrisburg sinkhole situation will be brought up at Tuesday's Harrisburg City Council Meeting.  City Council hopes a loan from the state will help pay to fix up those sinkholes.

The City will use over $1 million from the General Fund to fix up those sinkholes, but at the meeting Tuesday night, they want to move forward into securing a loan for the state to use that money.

At the beginning of the year, the sinkholes on Fourth Street swallowed up the street. Residents had to move from their homes, while crews tried to repair not one, but three sinkholes.

Councilman Brad Koplinksi says repairing this sinkhole will cost about $600,000 but patching up all of the sinkholes in the city would cost about $1.7 million. These funds, at first, would be taken from the General Fund, but City Council hopes it will be reimbursed if the City can secure a loan from the state.

PennVest provides low-cost financial assistance, and Koplinksi says this situation justifies securing a loan.  "I would not expect papers sent out unless there's been preliminary talk."

The city has not secured this loan which at most will be $1.77 million.  The vote at Tuesday's meeting, is all about moving forward to fill out an application for the loan.  But Koplinksi tells us he remains optimistic that they will get it.
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Home sales in South Central PA on the rise

February 12, 2013, 2:12 pm
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Could home sales finally be recovering?

They are, at least in Pennsylvania, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Here in South Central PA, the number of homes sold increased almost 20% in 2012. But the median price isn't changing as drastically.

In Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, York, Franklin and Adams County home sales are up. The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors says in South Central PA, 6,118 homes were sold in 2011 and 7,313 were sold in 2012, a 19.5% increase.

Members of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors say now could also be the time to snag a low interest rate, before it's too late

Aaron Piscioneri, Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors:
"Interest rates have been historically low for a long time, they should be going up at some point, maybe by 2015 or even sooner than that."

The median price hasn't moved as drastically and varies across our multiple counties. Experts say that could be because our market wasn't hit as hard in the housing crisis to begin with.

While sales are up here, there are still deals to get.

Piscioneri:
"It has been strong buyers market for years and that is shifting. Sellers need to price appropriately and well to get a sale."

We mentioned that median home prices not shifting as drastically, to give you an idea, in Lancaster County, the median sale price went up under $4,000 and in Dauphin County, just under $6,000.
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Police looking for man who stole $900 worth of cigarettes

February 12, 2013, 2:20 pm
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The Springettsbury Township Police Department is looking for help to identify a man who stole 15 cartons of Newport Cigarettes.

On February 11, police were called to the Cocoa Hut in the 3400 block of East Market Street for retail theft.

Employees at the store told police the man was in the store on Friday, February 8, and removed 15 cartons of Newport Cigarettes from the store.

Police say the cigarettes are valued at $900.

Anyone with information is asked to call them at 717-757-3525.
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TV viewers alerted to zombie apocalypse warning on Monday, it was a hoax

February 12, 2013, 2:22 pm
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(Reuters) - You survived December's much-heralded Mayan apocalypse, but now fear the "zombie apocalypse" and its deadly attacks? Don't worry. It was a fake, the artwork of hackers in Montana.

Hackers infiltrated the emergency broadcast system of local station KRTV in Great Falls, Montana, a CBS affiliate, and issued the zombie alert, the station said on Tuesday.

Viewers were warned of a so-called zombie apocalypse and advised not to tangle with the monstrous creatures, the station said.

Engineers at the station were investigating the incident, which occurred during a Monday afternoon broadcast, said Jon Saunders, vice president of the station's parent company, Cordillera Communications.

Video posted to the Internet shows the transmission interrupted a local broadcast of the Steve Wilkos talk show.

No images flashed across the screen during the hoax. But a male voice told viewers: "Civil authorities in your area have reported that the bodies of the dead are rising from the grave and attacking the living." The voice warned not "to approach or apprehend these bodies as they are extremely dangerous."

Saunders said early reports suggest similar but separate attacks were launched in the past 24 hours against emergency alert systems for TV stations elsewhere, including Michigan.

"It appears to be more widespread than we thought," he said.

The hoax caused several humorous-minded residents in Great Falls to call authorities to inquire if guns were an adequate defense against zombie hordes.

"We didn't get any serious calls on it," Great Falls Police Department spokesman Bill Hunter said.

Local law enforcement has not been asked to investigate the hack into the Montana station, he said. Hunter said it was not immediately clear why hackers had sought to get a rise out of a zombie scare.

"It's been a real chuckle," he said.

(Editing by Alex Dobuzinskis, Cynthia Johnston and Leslie Adler)
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Woman lets toddler pump gas, spills fuel all over himself

February 12, 2013, 2:27 pm
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Police have charged a Lancaster woman with endangering the welfare of a child after an incident that occurred January 19.

Theresa Moran Camara was parked at the Giant to Go on Oregon Pike and let her three-year-old son pump gas into the car.

It was learned that the child had removed the nozzle from the vehicle without releasing the handle, spraying fuel onto himself.

Moran Camara left before police arrived, but they were able to track her down using the license plate provided by witnesses.


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Treasurer McCord, Auditor General DePasquale honor and celebrate Black History Month

February 12, 2013, 2:51 pm
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State Treasurer Rob McCord and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale Tuesday honored and celebrated the history, culture, and innumerable contributions of African Americans to society during an event to recognize Black History Month.

The event, which was held at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg, marks the 17th consecutive year the two agencies have sponsored such a program.

“African American men and women have helped shape and strengthen our Commonwealth and our nation in a countless number of ways,” said Treasurer McCord. “Though often unheralded at the time, it is important that we recognize these contributions and consider their significance – particularly those that were achieved during times of great inequality and injustice. This celebration gives us the opportunity to reflect on our history, gain a better understanding of it, and discuss how we can help others to achieve their dreams.”

"At the heart of America’s success are the contributions of people of all races and creeds," said Auditor General Eugene DePasquale. "So it is today, that we take time out to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions African Americans have made to our Commonwealth and nation."

Darrien Davenport, director of intercultural student life and programming at York College and member of the Pennsylvania Diversity Council, provided keynote remarks about the importance education and continual investments in learning in order for individuals to realize their full potential.

The joint Black History Month celebration also included musical selections performed by the Earth Tones, a state employee volunteer choir.

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Officials investigating fatal motorcycle accident in York

February 12, 2013, 3:43 pm
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The York Area Regional Police Department is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident.

The accident happened at the intersection of South Pleasant Avenue and Blymire Road in York Township.

Officials say two drivers were involved in the accident.

The name of the victim has not been released.
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State Police hosting Citizen’s Police Academy for local residents

February 12, 2013, 3:44 pm
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The Pennsylvania State Police will be hosting a Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) at the Adams County Department of Emergency Services starting in March.

The program will expand citizen’s knowledge and understanding of the law and explore the way PA State Police operate.

The Academy will involve 20 hours of instruction, spread out over ten days.

Participants will meet each Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., starting on March 18th and running through May 20.

Students must be at 75 percent or more of the scheduled classes to graduate and earn a certificate.

The class size is limited to allow greater interaction. Citizens are selected from a number of interested applicants.

To apply, you must be 18 years old and be a resident of Pennsylvania.

Applications can be picked up at the State Police station in Gettysburg on Old Harrisburg Pike or you can email easbury@pa.gov for an electronic copy.

The deadline for submission is March 12.

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Brothers arrested for armed robbery in Lancaster

February 12, 2013, 3:48 pm
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Lancaster City Police have arrested two brothers in connection with an armed robbery.

Police were called to the Superstar Grocery at 601 North Lime Street for an armed robbery Monday night.

Officers say a male entered the store, pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money from the register. The register would not open, so the suspect grabbed the entire register and fled on foot.

A short time later, an officer attempted to stop two people in the 500 block of Burrowes Ave. One of the men fled on foot and was stopped a block away.

Troy Fry, 23 of the 900 block of East Walnut Street was stopped. He matched the description of the suspect. The victim was brought to the scene and was identified as the robber. 

Police arrested Fry and he was taken to the police station.

Tyler Fry, 21, was stopped a short time later, and was also arrested.

Police found a pellet gun in the path of Troy's path of escape and the cash register was later located by officers in the 600 block of North Jefferson Street.

Both men were charged with robbery and criminal conspiracy and were taken to Lancaster County Prison on $100,000.00 bail.

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Obama vows job creation, no increase in debt before State of the Union

February 12, 2013, 4:28 pm
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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is pledging to create "good, middle-class jobs" without adding to the nation's deficit.

In excerpts released ahead of his State of the Union address, Obama calls job creation his "North Star." He's imploring Congress to focus on how to attract more jobs to the U.S., equip Americans to compete for those positions and ensure that hard work leads to a decent living.

The president says none of his new economic proposals would increase the deficit "by a single dime." He says the country needs a smarter government, not a bigger government.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Restitution in Pennsylvania Task Force calls for changes to help crime victims, hold offenders accountable

February 12, 2013, 5:00 pm
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On Tuesday, The Restitution in Pennsylvania Task Force released its report with recommendations to significantly improve state laws and procedures related to the quality of restitution ordering, collection and disbursement to crime victims.

Data show that $434 million in restitution was assessed and $50 million was collected statewide over the past three years. The collection rate is affected by practical factors, including that 33 percent of those assessed are incarcerated, but this report highlights several ways that collection of restitution can be improved.

The 39-member Task Force, chaired by Lavery, was comprised of representatives from all three branches of state government, counties, the criminal and juvenile justice systems, advocacy groups and crime victims.

The members met over a 12-month period to determine how to maximize the reimbursement of financial losses to crime victims. The Task Force’s 47 recommendations are grouped into four categories:

· Uniformity of Practice

· Strengthening Accountability

· Coordination of Information

· Expansion of Authority


Some of the recommendations of the task force include the establishment of restitution funds and restitution programs throughout both the criminal and juvenile justice systems, placing defendants on a single electronic payment plan to ensure that prior, older cases are not neglected in favor of the most current case, and legislation to authorize courts to order wage attachment for defendants who have been found in contempt for nonpayment of restitution, costs or fines.

The complete report is online at http://www.PA-RestitutionTaskForce.info
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AT&T helps re-launch Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences

February 12, 2013, 5:04 pm
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Support from AT&T will help re-launch the Governor’s School for the Sciences this summer, giving talented high-school students from across Pennsylvania an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and research during the intensive, five-week program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

AT&T provided a $40,000 contribution to PGSS, Inc., a non-profit organization led by alumni from the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) who have worked to reinstate the program for future students and create a professional network for its alumni.

The work of PGSS, Inc. is aligned with AT&T’s ongoing efforts to help prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – key disciplines that are critical to the continued competitiveness of the Commonwealth and to AT&T, according to J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis said AT&T’s support is important to creating a pathway of opportunity for students interested in STEM careers.

Tomalis added that applications are being accepted through February 15, and he encouraged students to learn more at www.pgss.mcs.cmu.edu.

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Sinkholes in Harrisburg getting national attention as city leaders apply for loan

February 12, 2013, 5:35 pm
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When the Fourth Street sinkhole opened up it was a wake up call to the infrastructure problems in Harrisburg.

City Council is still trying to find ways to pay for the repairs and the liability from the potential holes under our feet that are waiting to open any day.

These sinkholes have brought more national attention to Harrisburg.  There has been coverage in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and this month in the New York Daily News with host of pictures highlighting the 41 sink holes around the city.

Sandra Reid the Public Works Committee Chair, says you can see where all the sinkholes are located.  "There is a sinkhole data base, there is a data base throughout the state of PA, that basically tells you where all the sink holes are identified in the city." 

Fourth Street remains unpaved and it'll be a couple of weeks before the weather warms up enough for asphalt.  The cost of repairs for this block is now an amazing $744,000.

The amount of money needed for repairs is a major problem, especially for the Public Works Department, which only has $400,000.

The City plans on applying for a PENNVEST loan this week.

"PENNVEST is a Commonwealth Agency that distributes funding with low interest loans and grants for projects." Explained City Council President Wanda Williams.  "It's really a no brainer to be able to apply for this.

The city may not even have to pay it all back.

City Council member Bruce Weber says the money could come as a grant. "We won't know until it is actually awarded, it could be a hybrid grant and/or loan."

Harrisburg is requesting $1.7 million to help the city deal with next sinkhole and with overdue repairs.

"There has been 20 years of a lack of maintenance on the sewer lines so that is where the problems have come from," said one City Council Member.

But, does coverage of these sinkholes in the national media hurt the city?  "This is realistic, I mean is what it is." Reid said.  "I certainly hope it is a wake up call, let the Commonwealth of PA know that Harrisburg needs the additional financial help."

"Something need to wake up Gov. Corbett to help Harrisburg and all of our municipalities with regard to infrastructure." City Council Member Brad Koplinksi explained.

The city is applying for for the loan this week, but it maybe until May before they know if they will be getting the money.

The estimated cost to fix all of the City's sinkholes is about $25 million. 

The Fourth Street block has garnered so much fame that it has become a check in location for the social networking site Four Square.
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Pair engages employees in conversation while friends steal smart phones

February 12, 2013, 5:42 pm
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A group of people is sought by police after they distracted Radio Shack employees to steal smart phones.

The incident occurred around 1240 p.m. at the Radio Shack on Loucks Road in Manchester Township.

Employees reported that a man and woman engaged the employees in a conversation about cell phones. In the mean time, two other women lingered at the back of the store near the storage room.

At one point, one of the women entered the storage area and removed between 20 to 25 smart phones.

The woman emerged from the storage room undetected and the group left the store. Another customer alerted employees that someone was in the store area.

The group may have left in a white van.

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

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Study says younger generations facing more stress than older generations

February 12, 2013, 6:36 pm
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A new survey finds the most stressed out generation, turns out to be the youngest generation.

'Millenials' are defined as men and women ages 18-34.  The 'Millenial' generation reports higher stress level than their parents' and even grandparents' generations.

The survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association, asked over 2,000 adults- How stressed are you?  They were asked to rate stress from 1 (meaning very little to none) to 10 (meaning a great deal).

The results of the APA Survey actually shows Millenials and Generation X'ers tied, giving themselves an average personal stress assessment of 5.4.  But more millenials said their stress level had increased in the last year.

Pyschologist Pauline Wallin says even though the average is in the middle, that's not always the case.  "5.4 on average, being stressed means, kind of being vigilant and alert. It isn't totally stressed out and totally unfocused. So averages can mask the extremes."

Extremes like Jackie Peters, a millenial, going back to school with four kids.  "We have bills, and the prices are up sky high, taking care of all the kids. It makes life way more stressful, more than it has to be.

Even younger millenials tell us, they are feeling overwhelmed. One person told us technology is a reason for stress.  "I think times were easier back when you didn't have cellphones, didn't text. When you were away from everything.  You can't get away from anything now.  

Older generations know the stressors, they've coped and overcome hurdles themselves, but times have changed.

Some tips to manage stress?  Make a decision and set reasonable goals to help you feel more control over your life.
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Police: masked man with gun robs employees

February 13, 2013, 2:51 am
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Police in Lebanon County are searching for an armed robber.

Officers say late last night, a masked man pulled a gun on employees at the China Moon Restaurant on West Penn Avenue in Cleona.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Police tell us the robber took off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

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Horse rescued from frozen pond in central Pa.

February 13, 2013, 3:33 am
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NEWBURG, Pa. (AP) — A 2,000 pound horse had to be rescued from a frozen pond in central Pennsylvania.

Officials say it happened Sunday afternoon on an ice-covered pond in Lurgan Township after a farmer called for help. Firefighters say it took about an hour as rescuers worked to lasso the large horse, which had fallen through the ice.

Newburg-Hopewell Volunteer Fire Company Chief Ed Hoover says about a dozen people pulled on the rope and the horse eventually stood up once he was off the ice.

Hoover says the animal apparently wondered onto the pond in a field where he was kept, but fell through 4-inch ice. The animal was sitting on the bottom of the pond with his head sticking out when firefighters arrived.

The animal was being examined by a veterinarian.

 

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

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Crews are on scene of a school bus fire in York County.

February 13, 2013, 6:03 am
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Crews are on scene of a school bus fire in York County.
Dispatchers tell us all of the students and the driver made it off safely and no one was injured.
We're told the fire broke out just before 8:30 at the intersection of Jefferson and Tannery Roads in Codorus Township.
Fire police are directing traffic.

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Social media fast for Lent?

February 13, 2013, 7:16 am
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pittsburgh pastor is all a Twitter with a new idea for a Lenten fast: No social media.

KDKA-TV (http://cbsloc.al/YVjPXj ) reports the Rev. William Curtis has asked members of his church to give up social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for Lent, which began Wednesday and runs through Easter.

Curtis says he's not even asking his members for a full 40-day fast, just three or four days.

And, Curtis confesses, "It's going to be hard for me because I practically live on Twitter."

The pastor doesn't want to police his congregation's compliance, but confesses he might have a peek on the Internet now and then to see how many of his members are trying to cut back on social media, saying "Let's say I might every now and then go on and just see."

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Information from: KDKA-TV, http://www.kdka.com

 

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

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Teen sentenced in stabbing at Pa. middle school

February 13, 2013, 7:23 am
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SINKING SPRING, Pa. (AP) — A 14-year-old boy has been sentenced to up to a year in a juvenile treatment center for stabbing a classmate at their eastern Pennsylvania middle school.

The eighth-grader admitted at a hearing earlier this month that he had stabbed the other boy three times with a pocketknife at Wilson Southern Middle School on Jan. 15. The Reading Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/VSjDLu ) Juvenile Judge Jeffrey Sprecher on Tuesday sentenced the teen to 9 to 12 months at the juvenile treatment facility.

The hearing was closed after prosecutors and the teen's attorney noted the boy's age and said a mental-health issue could arise.

The victim was treated for wounds to the arm and shoulder blade.

Police have said a dispute on a social media site may have precipitated the altercation.

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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/

 

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

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