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March 10, 2010
Police are hoping a Philadelphia man will identify two other men they say helped in a home invasion robbery earlier this year. A judge sent all charges against 34-year old Teo Van Bui on to Monroe County Court today. Pocono township police say Bui was arrested after the robbery January 27th on Tara Hills Drive in Bartonsville. Three men used duct tape to restrain the homeowner as they searched the house. Police say Bui was found later with three-thousand dollars in his shoe. The other two men involved in the robbery are believed to be from the Philadelphia area. Pocono Township Police are still trying to identify them.
March 10, 2010
Police in northern Monroe County are searching for a driver who backed into a home and took off. Barrett Township Police say a driver backed into the home around 6:20 Tuesday morning on Route 447 near the Canadensis Methodist church. The crash damaged the homes windows and foundation. Police say the driver pulled away and headed south on 447. Officers are looking for a woman in her forties with short brown hair. She was driving a small sedan gold or tan in color. The car may have damage to the rear end and under carriage. If you can help identify the driver you’re asked to contact Barrett Township Police (570) 595-3476.
March 10, 2010
A federal court judge has approved a Pike County communities request to become the first in Pennsylvania to file for bankruptcy. Westfall Township will receive bankruptcy protection after being ordered to pay a 20-million dollar settlement to Developer David Katz. Katz won a lawsuit that claimed township officials intentionally blocked his plans to develop a 700 acre property along Cummins Hill Road. Attorneys have negotiated to lower that settlement to six million dollars. By filing bankruptcy, Westfall Township will be able to pay 300-thousand dollars a year for the next 20-years to cover the debt.
March 10, 2010
A trial has begun for a Carbon County man accused of driving drunk and causing the crash that killed State Senator James Rhoades. On October 17th, 2008, the Senator was killed in a crash allegedly caused when Thomas Senavitis drove drunk and crossed the center line of Route 209. testimony from several wittnesses and first responders today claim they smelled alcohol on Senavitis. A State Trooper and accident reconstruction expert also testified he found beer cans inside Senavitis' pick up truck. Trooper Shook showed the jury an illustration of the accident that showed Senavitis did cross into the northbound lane of Route 209 before crashing head on into the Cadillac driven by the Senator. The trial is expected to last at least another day.
March 10, 2010
One of the largest resorts in Pike County will go up for auction come next month. The Pocmont Resort and Conference Center fell victim to the economy and closed its doors back in October. The entire resort will go up for auction on April 16th for a minimum bid of 3.5 million dollars, but auctioneer John Cowley isn't only marketing Pocmont as a resort . He believes it could easily be transformed into a camp or senior living facility. If the property is sold - the contents will be offered to the winning bidder for one hundred thousand dollars. A second 14 and a half acre plot of land across the street will also be auctioned for a minimum bid of one hundred thousand.
March 10, 2010
A five alarm fire destroys vacation condominiums at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony. The condos were vacant, so there were no injuries. Firefighters say, three condos are a total loss. The blaze broke out around 6:30am. When fire crews arrived, flames were shooting out of unit one and quickly moving to unit two. They eventually spread to unit three through a common basement. A State Police Fire Marshall ruled there was too much damage to determine what exactly caused the blaze.
March 10, 2010
Lower Towamensing Township Supervisors want residents to pay up for their garbage service. The township is currently owed more than $31,000 in outstanding garbage bills. Residents are supposed to pay $220 a year, but some owe more than $2000, meaning they haven't paid a bill in ten years. Last night, supervisors voted to take residents who owe more than $500 to court.
March 9, 2010
A dump truck accident closes a road today in Monroe County. The truck lost control around nine this morning on Camp Akiba Road in Jackson Township. The truck apparently struck a car and snapped a utility pole before crashing through a guide rail. News 13 spoke to another dump truck driver not involved in the crash. He said the truck may have been using Camp Akiba Road to avoid several bridges on Route 715 that are posted with 15-ton weight limits. Those limits aren’t enough to handle many fully loaded trucks. Crews were busy replacing the utility pole and guide rail along that road this afternoon.
March 9, 2010
The trial of Thomas Senavitis is expected to begin tomorrow in Monroe County Court. The Carbon County man is accused of causing the accident that killed Senator James Rhoades. Senavitis is charged with vehicular homicide in the October 2008 crash on Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township. State Police say Senavitis' blood alcohol was point three five, more than four times the legal limit, at the time of the crash. Senavitis maintains that Rhoades' vehicle crossed into his path just before the crash. And that pain medication given to him at the hospital may have caused the high blood alcohol reading. A jury was selected last month to begin hearing testimony tomorrow.
March 9, 2010
A Jackson Township adult entertainment club is set to open next week, directly across the street from a church. Construction crews are putting the final touches on the thrills night club that Manager Ira Weiner compares to something similar to the bar in the movie “Coyote Ugly”. Whiner says he plans on being a good neighbor and will post signs telling his patrons not to park in the church's lot across the street. Weiner says the night club will open next week on Saint Patrick’s Day.
March 9, 2010
Officials in Wayne County are receiving notice of plans to drill a new natural gas well. The Wayne County Commissioners have received a notice of intent from the stone energy corporation to drill a well off Turner Road in Mount Pleasant Township. 20 acres of the almost 600-acre property would be disturbed by the drilling process. Stone Energy also plans to build an access road and a pond to hold water used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Stone Energy is applying to the state for a permit. According to their application - they hope to start work next month and the company could be on site for at least a year.
March 9, 2010
Monroe County high school students get a head start on choosing potential careers. East Stroudsburg University played host to the annual career fair, featuring a wide variety of jobs from cosmotology to automobile technicians. Students learned even in a tough economy there are potential careers waiting for them once they finish school. Students say they now have an edge on what career they want to enter after attending today's job fair...
March 9, 2010
Bats are literally falling out of the sky in Carbon County. Residents are starting to notice and ask why. Naturalists say a fungus, known as white nose syndrome, is to blame. It wakes little brown bats out of hibernation and drives them out of caves to find food. It's likely the bats either starve or freeze to death. Biologists say there's no evidence to suggest pets or humans can contract the fungus. But, you should never handle a bat whether it's dead or alive. Parents should pass that warning along to their children.
March 8, 2010
Stroud Area Regional Police are searching for a robber who held up a man late Saturday night. Police say 33 year old East Stroudsburg resident was using an ATM at a Wachovia bank on North Fourth Street in Stroudsburg around midnight Saturday. The man was assaulted and robbed. Police found him with a severe head wound. The victim was flown to the Lehigh Valley Trauma Center where he remains in serious condition. Police have released a picture of a person who may be a suspect in that robbery. If you have information that could help police you are asked to contact Stroud Area Regional Police.
March 8, 2010
A fire that appears to have started in a garage spread and damaged a home this morning in Monroe County. Fire fighters were called to the home on Aspen Commons Road in the Country Club of the Poconos around seven this morning. Flames destroyed an attached garage and caused significant damage to the home. A car in the garage was also destroyed. Firefighters from several area companies were dispatched this morning. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
March 8, 2010
Blooming Grove State Police are investigating two bullet holes that were found at an elementary school within the Delaware Valley School District. Two shots were fired at the Ding Del Elementary school late last week. Reports indicate the bullets went through two windows across a classroom and hit a block wall. Small lead fragments were found on the floor where the bullets impacted. Police are not sure what type of gun was used but luckily no one was injured. If you have any information about this incident you're asked to contact state police.
March 8, 2010
A weekend accident along Interstate 80 has claimed a life. State police say 31-year old Adam Faszczewski of East Stroudsburg was killed in an accident around 10:30 Friday night in this area. Officers say his car was traveling east at an extremely high rate of speed. Faszczewski tried to change lanes and lost control near the Marshalls Creek exit. The car went off the right side of the roadway, hit a dirt embankment and rolled over several times. Faszczewski was thrown out of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say he was not wearing a seatbelt. A passenger also suffered minor injuries in that crash.
March 8, 2010
People will have more time to speak out about a proposed power-line. The National Park Service has extended the public comment period for the Susquehanna to Roseland transmission line one week. Comments for the park service's environmental impact statement will now be accepted through March 12th. P-P-L wants to build the line to connect its Berwick nuclear power plant with northern New Jersey. It would cross the delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Bushkill. People can submit a comment by leaving a message on the Park Planning Information Telephone Line (570-426-2491), online at the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment site, http://parkplanning.nps.gov or through the mail by mailing comments to:
National Park Service
Attention: DEWA PPL EIS Planning Team
Denver Service Center-Planning Division
P.O. Box 25287
Denver, CO 80225-0287
March 8, 2010
It's been a good start to the new year for the American based Ford Motor Company. The Detroit auto giant has seen its sales increase substantially on both national and local levels. Dealership owner Ray Price says his Monroe County location has seen a big sales jump in part thanks to Toyota's troubles. Price says he is encouraged by the numbers and says the trend to buy American made cars will continue...
March 8, 2010
From the river to the roads, officials are warning residents of the potential for flooding. With warmer weather in the forecast and a possibility of rain at the end of the week, officials in Pike County have their eyes on one thing. Hydrologist Bruce Krejmas says right now the reservoirs are in good shape due to the flexible flow management program. But warm weather to quickly could be a bad thing. River flooding isn't the only problem, Penndot also sent out a caution to motorists who could hit high water on the roadways due to clogged drain pipes. As of now there are no flood warnings or watches posted by the National Weather Service, its just something to keep your eyes on as the week progresses.
March 5, 2010
Last night dozens of residents showed their support for the Eldred Elementary School. The school is in jeopardy of closing because of declining enrollment numbers. Many residents and former students say they don't want to see their school shut down. The Pleasant Valley School District could lose their title one funding if the school is not closed. The school board is expected to make a final decision by June...
March 5, 2010
2010 census forms will be arriving in your mailboxes by mid-March. Carbon County census workers are already gearing up to help you fill out those important forms. A local questionaire assistance office opened at The Quiltery in Weissport. A worker will be there to help people fill out their forms or answer questions about the census. The population count is conducted every ten years and determines how the federal government doles out money. The Weissport assistance office is open Thursday-Sunday starting at noon. Other local offices will be opening over the next few weeks.
March 5, 2010
An advanced life support service in Pike County is struggling to get by. The IRS has a 41 thousand dollar lien against Pike County ALS. President Mary Lou Corbett says the debt is mainly from 2009, but each month unpaid bills from patients keep piling up. In fact they've almost reached a quarter of a million dollars in collections. Until Pike ALS gets paid, the IRS can't get paid. Corbett says she has a meeting with the IRS in the upcoming weeks and hopes they can come to some type of agreement.
March 5, 2010
College and casino officials are calling it a great opportunity, so why aren’t more people taking advantage of it?
Classes for Northampton Community College's table games dealer program is starting up in 10 days but officials say registration is low.
They are hoping to hire 150 to 200 people. Blackjack classes are full but not poker, roulette, and craps. Another reason enrollment may be down is tuition. It costs $125 per week for each six to eight week class. No financial aid is available but the college’s Vice President of Community Education says they are working with the state to change that.
March 4, 2010
A drug raid leads to two arrests on drug dealing and weapons violations in Coolbaugh Township. Pocono Mountain Regional Police arrested 22 year old Andrew Turner and a 16 year old juvenile Wednesday at a home on Echo Lake Drive. Officers seized evidence of drug distribution, as well as a stolen vehicle and firearms. Also 26 hundred dollars was found in the home. The stolen vehicle was a Suzuki ATV taken from the Shawnee Tabernacle Church in Tobyhanna. The firearm was a 38 caliber revolver stolen from a Pocono Country Place home back in July. Turner was sent to the Monroe County Prison while the teen was turned over to juvenile authorities.
March 4, 2010
A Wayne County man is headed to jail for the next 16 to 35 years on charges he abused two children. A judge handed down that sentence to 31-year old Brett Sheard of Honesdale today. Sheard previously plead guilty to charges that he sexually assaulted two children over a two month period in 2008 at a home in Oregon Township. Both children were under the age of six at the time. In court today Sheard was classified as a sexually violent predator - meaning the court believed he was a danger to other children. He must also register his address under Megan’s law.
March 4, 2010
State Police, emergency personnel and a coroner were called to a garage in Pike County after a vehicle fell and killed a man today. It happened at a garage off Plank Road in Lackawaxen around 12:30 today. A man was working on a car when it apparently fell and landed on top of him. The Pike County Coroner was called to the location and State Police have confirmed the man was killed. Details about the incident and the man's identity are not being released at this time.
March 4, 2010
For months we've been telling you about zoning issues heating up in middle Smithfield Township but today it just about boiled over.
Nearly 100 hundred angry residents confronted supervisors, voicing their opinions about a proposed zoning ordinance that would allow strip clubs on Route 209. The first of which could be Werry's Pub owned by Supervisor Bob Spano. Supervisors decided to table the measure after residents cited concerns over conflict of interest. Residents say they'd like to see adult clubs approved through special exception meaning the planning board will issue approval, not the supervisors.
March 4, 2010
Parents, students, and faculty members don't want sports and other extra curricular activities axed just to balance the Pocono Mountain School District Budget. A number of speakers told the school board Wednesday night how much the sports and after school activities programs means to the students of the Pocono Mountain School District. The proposed 2010-2011 $200 million budget is forcing board members to look for ways to save several million dollars. Two more meetings are scheduled in the upcoming weeks between the public and the school board. Officials say no decisions have been made as to the fate of the after school programs...
March 4, 2010
A Pike County woman is sentenced for driving drunk and causing an accident that killed one of her best friends. Court records indicate 25 year old Lauren Phillips was driving drunk when she lost control of her vehicle on Welcome Lake Road in Lackawaxen Township back in November of 2007. The vehicle flipped and hit a tree killing 52 year old Ronald Turbiak. Officials say this tragedy serves as a reminder to others. Philips will spend the next two and a half to five years in a state penitentiary.
March 3, 2010
The State Gaming Control Board slapped the Mount Airy Casino Resort with a hefty fine today, 100-thousand dollars for underage gambling violations. The fine was imposed for six incidents that occurred between July and November of 2009 at Mount Airy. According to the Gaming Control Board - the incidents include a 20-year-old male gaining access to the gaming floor and playing slot machines. The male was also served alcohol at a casino bar. Other violations involved people ages 17 to 20 playing slots. The Gaming Control Board says Mount Airy security staff failed to notify its’ personnel when several of the violations took place. The 100-thousand dollar fine is the largest imposed by the Gaming Control Board so far. Mount Airy released a statement today saying they remain committed to keeping underage patrons off the casino floor.
March 3, 2010
Monroe County Crimestoppers are trying to crack an arson case. A fire that damaged a home on Dancing Ridge Road in Middle Smithfield Township February 12th has been ruled arson. The two story rental home was vacant when the fire broke out. An investigation by a Fire Marshall revealed flames had broken out in two different places in the home. The fire was ruled arson and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Monroe County Crimestoppers at 866-370-1518. Callers can remain anonymous.
March 3, 2010
State Troopers have responded to five fatal crashes in the area since January. Those accidents killed seven people. Troop N in Hazleton says all of those fatalities were the result of people not wearing their seat belts. Under Pennsylvania law, all drivers and passengers must buckle up. Children ages 4-8 must be restrained in a booster seat. Drivers will be cited if they're in violation of those laws, but more importantly, State Troopers want to remind motorists that seat belt save lives.
March 3, 2010
More information is released about a violent crash yesterday afternoon at a Mahoning Township intersection. The crash happened around1:45 at the intersection of Route 443 and Mahoning Mountain Road. Police say 66-year old James Barnett from Wilmington, Delaware was heading east on 443 when he ran a red light hitting a pick up truck broadside. 67-year old William Shipwash of Lehighton was driving that pick up - he was thrown from the truck and landed underneath the vehicle. Both men were flown from the scene with serious injuries. A third vehicle was hit by debris from the wreck cracking the windshield - that driver was not hurt. Charges against Barnett are pending.
March 3, 2010
Police and the Monroe County Drug Task Force arrested four suspected drug dealers early Tuesday Morning. According to police the four suspects were arrested in an apartment located at 717 Main Street Stroudsburg, above the Panda Kitchen Chinese Restaurant. Police say Aracelis Gonzalez, Gary Jacques, Shabazz Nickens, and Robert Medina were found with numerous drug materials, including bulk quantities of marijuana. Empty baggies, a crack cocaine burner and currency totaling at least $1500 were also taken from the apartment. The four suspects remain behind bars at the Monroe County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is set for March 8th...
March 3, 2010
An industry vital to the four county Pocono Mountains region is taking a serious hit in the recession.
Officials with the Visitors Bureau say hotel tax revenues are down for the third year in a row, signaling yet another decline due to the struggling economy. Last year brought in just over 3-million dollars in overnight accommodations but Carl Wilgus, CEO of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau remains hopeful the numbers will rebound.
The money is made collected from overnight hotel stays in Monroe, Carbon, Pike, and Wayne counties. Wilgus says he is seeing improvement from the January and February numbers of this year.
March 2, 2010
A Maryland man accused of killing a Wayne County man in 2006 pleads guilty. 26 year old Duna Bulow pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter for the death of 57-year old Leonard Prahl of Lakeville. Prahl's body was found dumped in a ravine in Anne Arundel, Maryland in February of 2007. According to the Wayne County District Attorney, Bulow admitted to fellow inmates at the Wayne County Correctional Facility that he strangled Prahl to death. Bulow said Prahl had drugged him and then had sex with him. Bulow is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15th.
March 2, 2010
Work to expand a natural gas pipeline that runs through Wayne and Pike Counties has gotten an important approval from the federal government. A study by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission found no significant impact from an expansion of the Tennessee Gas pipeline. The project would follow the company's existing pipeline right of way and expand the current line to 30-inches in diameter. Natural gas pumped locally from the Marcellus shale formation could be transported on that line. Tennessee Gas hopes to start work on the expansion later this year.
March 2, 2010
One man is shot during a dispute in Jim Thorpe. It happened at a home on Lehigh Gorge Drive around 7:30 last night. Police say 52 year old Thomas Smith shot 68 year old Jace Gill in both of his legs. Smith told police he did it out of self-defense. According to police, Smith was there to help his girlfriend, Judith Gill, remove her belongings from the residence. Judith is in the process of getting a divorce from Jace. Smith told police they were trying to get in the front door of the home when Jace Gill began attacking them. That's when Smith shot Jace. He was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital via helicopter. Smith was also injured and taken to the hospital. When police arrived, he had a bloody nose. After being released from the hospital, Smith was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. He remains locked up in Carbon County Prison on $500,000 bail.
March 2, 2010
A food company is recalling several varieties of dip because of concerns they could contain salmonella contamination. The T. Marzetti Company issued the recall today for four varieties of dips. T. Marzetti said no illnesses had been reported to date. Giant food stores pulled two varieties of the dip from their shelves today. Consumers are asked to dispose of the contents of any of the recalled containers and return the package to the place of purchase for a refund. The items are listed by best of dates.
T. Marzetti Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip, 15.5 ounce (APR2010F, APR2810F, MAY1610F, MAY3110F, JUN0610F, JUN1410F, JUN1910F)
T. Marzetti Fat Free Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip, 13 ounce (MAY1610F, MAY3010F, JUN0810F, JUN1210F, JUN2510F)
T. Marzetti Spinach Veggie Dip, 15 ounce (APR1910F, MAY0910F, JUN0710F)
Oak Lake Farms French Onion Chip Dip, 16 ounce (APR2310F, JUN1110F, JUN2610F )
March 2, 2010
Two men are flown to the hospital after one of them runs a red light at a Mahoning Township intersection. The crash happened around 1:45 at the intersection of Route 443 and Mahoning Mountain Road. Police say a man from Wilmington, Delaware was heading east on 443 when he ran a red light hitting the pick up truck broadside. The Lehighton man driving the pick up was thrown from his truck and landed underneath his vehicle. Both men were flown from the scene - the severity of their injuries is unkown. Mahoning Township police continue to investigate.
March 1, 2010
An elderly woman driving the wrong way on Route 248 in Lower Towamensing Township causes a four car pile up. It happened around 3:30 in the eastbound lanes of Route 248 near Club Road. State police say 81-year old Ruth Witherow of New Oxford was driving west in the eastbound lanes when she hit a van head on. That van spun around and struck two other vehicles. Two other people were taken to the hospital along with Witherow. A fourth driver was not injured. A Lehigh Valley Hospital spokesperson says Witherow is listed in fair condition and the other two victims have been treated and released. Route 248 was shut down for about an hour.
March 1, 2010
A Virginia man is arrested for allegedly having sex with a 15-year old girl in Franklin Township. Police say 26-year old Ryan Corson traveled from Virginia to the Country Inn and Suites on two separate occasions in February. There he had consensual sex with the 15-year old. Police say Corson met the girl on the internet. The investigation was initiated by Franklin Township Police. Carson is now locked up in the Carbon County Jail. State police continue to investigate.
March 1, 2010
Lehighton's police chief is now a patrolman. Borough council president Donal Rherig confirmed to News 13 over the weekend that Chief Matthew Bender has been demoted to patrolman. Rehrig would not give a specific reason for the move. Only saying it was a "personnel matter." Bender had served as chief for the past three years. Officer Joe Lawrence will serve as acting chief until a replacement is named.
March 1, 2010
Police continue to investigate a Friday night incident in Tamaqua that left a pedestrian in critical condition. 54-year old William Steele of East Union Street was clearing snow near his home late Friday night when he was struck by a car. Police say 24-year old David Ems of Tamaqua was driving that car. Steele was flown to Saint Luke's Bethlehem where he is listed in critical condition. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Tamaqua police are asking for anyone with information to contact them - charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
March 1, 2010
A State Police Fire Marshall is calling a fire discovered this morning in Monroe County a case of arson. The fire caused minimal damage to a barn on Frantz Road in Chestnuthill Township. A passerby discovered the fire around seven this morning and used a fire extinguisher to put it out. Fire fighters were called as a precaution. A Fire Marshall says the building suffered only minor structural damage. Investigators believe it was intentionally set and had been smoldering for some time. Anyone with information about the fire should contact State Police at Fern Ridge.
March 1, 2010
The Department of Environmental Protection says it's ready to step in if the former owner of a gas station does not remove leaking underground fuel tanks in Monroe County. A judge ordered the Century Oil Acquisition Corporation to remove the tanks and pay a one-point three million dollar settlement earlier this year. Century Oil operated gas stations on north Fifth Street in Stroudsburg and in Scotrun until the late 1990's. The Stroudsburg location is currently an auto repair business - not connected with the company. D-E-P says if Century Oil does not comply by April - they will pay for the tanks to be removed. The agency recently received six million dollars from the federal stimulus to pay to remove tanks at 20 sites including the two in Monroe County.
March 1, 2010
Pet owners having a hard time feeding their pets have a place to turn. A food bank from the Lehigh Valley is reaching out to our area. The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley sponsored an emergency pet food distribution Saturday in Brodheadsville. The group routinely distributes food in the Bethlehem area but this was the second time they sponsored a distribution in Monroe County. Saturday's distribution was held at the Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance's office along Route 209. The alliance was also sponsoring a low cost vaccination clinic. The Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance says the spring is a good time to make sure your pet is protected by getting a heart worm test and the proper shots. If you'd like more information about those groups, you can find it at the websites listed below.
www.epaaonline.com
www.animalfoodbanklehighvalley.com
March 1, 2010
Carbon monoxide detectors could soon become mandatory in Pennsylvania homes. Two years ago four young men lost their lives in a tragic incident when they were overcome by the carbon monoxide gas. House Bill 1445 would require detectors in all new homes and when property changes hands. A vote on HB 1445 is scheduled to take place next Monday...
March 1, 2010
Plans for the largest redevelopment project in the lake region are quickly moving along. Just recently the first tenant of the Hawley Silk Mill Complex. Cocoon Coffee and Catering opened its doors for business - and the main building is in the process of getting a new roof. Lackawanna Community College will fill the top floor of the Silk Mill and will offer all 23 of their two year degree's. The second floor will be made up of office suites, the first floor is being divided into 18 retail spaces and plans for the ground floor include a science enter and a possible brew pub. On top of all of those plans the investors are looking forward to the Hawley Silk Mill appearing on the National Register of Historic Places.
February 25, 2010
A Schuylkill County man whose body was found Tuesday after he went missing died of a gun shot wound to the head. Police say 54-year old Mark Ketusky of Barnesville was reported missing Monday evening. His body was found Tuesday afternoon by Mahanoy City officials at the Mahanoy City Little League Field. An autopsy was performed yesterday at the Schuylkill County Coroner's office. Ketusky died of a single gunshot wound, but the cause of death is still under investigation. The coroner's office along with several area police departments continue to investigate the suspicious death.
February 25, 2010
Governor Ed Rendell has placed 700-members of the Pennsylvania National Guard on active duty because of the storm. Some of those National Guard members are stationed at an armory in East Stroudsburg. Lt. Christopher "Audie" Murphy says they are on stand-by to help in any way including assisting police or helping first responders transport patients during the storm. For anyone who does have to travel tonight - PennDOT has reduced the speed limit to 45 miles per hour on Interstates 80, 380, 84 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in our area. All commercial traffic is also banned from 380 and 84. PennDOT says road crews are treating roadways but they may not be completely free of ice and snow.
Officials at Monroe County’s Emergency Management Center are monitoring weather conditions at the county's control center in Snydersville. Monroe Emergency Management Director Guy Miller says high winds late tonight or early tomorrow are among their biggest concerns - for power outages or road closures. Miller is advising residents to have flashlights or an alternate source of light if they lose power. Residents should also fill their bath-tub or stockpile some water in the event power is affected.
February 25, 2010
The speed limits on major highways in northeastern Pennsylvania have been reduced in light of the winter storm. The affected interstates include I-80, I-81, I-84, I-380, and the entire Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour on those highways until further notice. PennDOT is urging motorists to stay off the roads and let crews work to clear the heavy snow.
February 25, 2010
Today's winter storm packs a one-two punch of heavy snow and high winds. So while the snow continues to pile up outside, emergency officials are more concerned about the gusting wind. Forecasters say, we're in for gusts of up to 50 miles per hour through tomorrow morning. In the event of widespread power outages, the Carbon County Emergency Management Agency will open emergency shelters and help people get there if they need it. They'll also activate the Emergency Operations Center to handle an influx of phone calls.
February 24, 2010
A slush and ice covered roadway plays a role in a double fatal crash last night in Kidder Township. It happened around four o'clock on Interstate 80 eastbound. Police say an East Stroudsburg man was driving too fast for conditions when he lost control of his SUV. The vehicle went off the road rolled over and struck a tree. The Carbon County Cornoer says 35-year old Laila Ibrahim was thrown from the backseat of the car - she was pronounced dead at the scene. A ten year old boy riding in the front seat was also pronounced dead at the scene - the coroner believes it was Ibrahim's son. The man driving the car was taken to Geisinger Medical Center in critical condition. Another boy and an infant were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
February 24, 2010
A Schuylkill County man's death is being called suspicious. Police say 54-year old Mark Ketusky of Barnesville was reported missing Monday evening. His body was found Tuesday afternoon by Mahanoy City officials at the Mahanoy City Little League Field. The Schuylkill County Coroner's office along with several area police departments are investigating the suspicious death.
February 24, 2010
A hearing to discuss table games at the Mount Airy Casino Resort has been postponed because of tomorrow's expected storm. The State Gaming Control Board decided to postpone because of hazardous driving conditions expected in the Mount Pocono area tomorrow. Casinos like Mount Airy can apply to add up to 250 game tables for games like poker, black jack or roulette. A new date for the hearing has not been announced yet. You can find a complete list of closings, postponements and cancellations by logging onto our website.
February 24, 2010
A Mount Pocono man has been charged with sending pornography to a minor on the internet. The State Attorney General’s office has announced the arrest of 26-year old Salvatore Cottone. Investigators say Cottone was communicating with what he thought was a 13-year old girl in an internet chat room. He is charged with sending lewd photos to the girl -who was actually an undercover officer from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit. Cottone is being held in the Monroe County Correctional Facility tonight. The Attorney General’s Office says he is the 252nd suspect arrested by their Child Predator Unit.
February 24, 2010
State Police at Swiftwater have charged a cook at the Shawnee Academy with sexually assaulting a resident at the facility in Monroe County. Police say 24-year old Daniel Duffy of East Stroudsburg had indecent contact with a 17-year old resident of the academy. The victim worked with Duffy in the kitchen. Duffy was charged with institutional sexual assault and is currently out on bail. According to the Shawnee Academy's website the facility provides residential treatment and psychiatric services for children, youth and adolescents.
February 24, 2010
It's on to court for the son of a famous international artist. Police caught Alphonso Frank Frazetta attempting to remove 2-million dollars worth of his father's paintings from the Frazetta Art Museum in Marshall's Creek December ninth. When police responded to an alarm at the museum, they discovered Alphonso Frazetta in the museum with two other men. Frazetta told police one of the men used a backhoe to remove the museum door. He also told police he removed 90 paintings at his father’s request. When police tried to verify his story, artist Frank Frazetta Senior denied his son's story. At his preliminary hearing today, the charges against Alphonso Frazetta were bound over to Monroe County Court. His brother and sister say they were in court today to protect their father's interests. Alphonso Frazetta faces felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass and theft by unlawful taking. He contends that he has a letter from his father authorizing him to remove the paintings.
February 24, 2010
Over a foot of snow is possible in parts of our area from the latest storm. PennDOT is urging drivers to stay off the roads unless it's absolutely necessary for them to travel. Mechanics say drivers should prepare their vehicles for the winter storm by checking their anti-freeze and other fluids, making sure their oil changes are up to date, checking your tire pressure and treads, and packing an emergency kit. The kit should include blankets, a shovel, bottled water, and non-perishable food items in case you get stranded on the road.
February 23, 2010
A hearing continues for the former Rush Township Police Chief who claims he was wrongfully terminated last year by township supervisors. But supervisors say they never fired former chief Rob Romanick - they were just disciplining him for not doing his job. During today's hearing Romanick testified he was asked to give a letter of resignation and he'd be demonted to full time patrolman. Romanick says after he refused to write the letter he was told he didn't have a job - he also says he was asked to clean out his desk and turn in all his equipment. During the first hearing in Rush Township, supervisors claim they demoted him for not doing his job - and they claim after that he stopped showing up for work. We're told the hearing did wrap up today and now the matter is in the hands fo a hearing officer. He will recommend what supervisors should do next.
February 23, 2010
A Jim Thorpe woman escapes serious injury after rolling her car on the Mansion House Hill. It happened just before 10 a.m. this morning along Route 209 in Mahoning Township. Police say 66-year old Shirley Nothstein was headed toward Lehighton when she lost control of her SUV. She drove up an embankment flipping the vehicle onto its driver side trapping her. When emergency responders arrived on scene Nothstein had already been pulled from the wreck. She was treated on scene for minor injuries. Route 209 was shut down for about 45 minutes.
February 23, 2010
An old landfill in Jackson Township will not stand in the way of a new college campus. Recently, concerns have been raised about the possibility of contamination at the site selected for the expansion of Northampton Community College. Director of Facilities & Security at NCC Mark Culp says the Butz landfill is nearly one mile away and experts hired to test the land before the college purchased it have deemed it safe. The landfill is a superfund site monitored by the E-P-A. A cancer causing pollutant was identified there in the 70's. Since then Culp says the contamination has been sealed and a groundwater treatment system is in place.
February 23, 2010
Beginning today, people who don’t pay a toll at the Delaware Water Gap toll bridge could be caught by a camera. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission says they will soon be using a new violation enforcement system at four toll bridges including Delaware Water Gap. The system uses high-resolution cameras and strategically aimed lights to identify, track and bill owners of vehicles that commit tolling violations. Anyone caught by the system faces a fine of at least 25 dollars. Once the system is operating - gates at toll booths will be removed.
February 23, 2010
A Sciota man is locked up tonight on robbery charges. State Police aren't releasing many details about the incident, but officers say 36-year old Walter Baker held up another man at a home on Lake Road in Hamilton Township late Sunday night. According to a police report baker threatened the man with a knife - demanding his wallet and all his money. Baker has been arrested and charged with robbery. He's currently being held in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
February 23, 2010
Monroe County Crimestoppers are calling on the public for information leading to the arrest of a Kresgeville man. Last October Frank Guida was involved in a New Jersey pursuit that crossed into Pennsylvania. He was driving an older G-M-C Jimmy. Guida has an active warrant in New Jersey and is wanted in Oregon for kidnapping and assault. He is also wanted in Pennsylvania for forgery, theft and access device fraud. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Frank Guida should call Monroe County Crimestoppers. Callers may remain anonymous.
February 23, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a new Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton. Monsignor Joseph Bambera will be the tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton. A native of Carbondale, Bishop-elect Joseph Bambera has been a priest since 1983 and over the last six months ( since Bishop Martino's retirement) Bambera has been the delegate of Scranton under Cardinal Justin Rigali's leadership. Monsignor Joseph Bambera will officially be appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton on Monday April 26th at Saint Peters Cathedral.
February 23, 2010
A single stop sign is causing a lot of controversy in Lehighton. After months of debate, it's back up at the intersection of Bridge and Third Streets. Not all residents are happy about it, saying the sign back up traffic too much and obstructs the view of drivers coming from other side streets. Borough council members disagree, and voted unanimously to keep the stop sign up.
February 22, 2010
A weekend car accident has claimed the life of a Pike County woman. 20-year old Sydney Polatnick of Shohola was killed when her Toyota Scion lost control on Route 6 in Blooming Grove Township. The crash happened shortly after eleven Saturday night. Polatnicks car went off the road, went airborne and hit several trees. Polatnick was wearing a seatbelt. She had to be removed from the car by rescue crews and was later pronounced dead at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Police say a high rate of speed was a factor in the crash.
February 22, 2010
State Police at Swiftwater are also investigating a rash of copper thefts. Someone broke open several buildings and removed copper items at the Eureka Stone Quarry in Hamilton Township Friday night or Saturday morning. The thieves also took several feet of copper wire from machines located around the site. Copper pipe was also taken from a home in Price Township. Someone broke open a crawl space door and removed all the piping of a home along Magic Mountain Road. The damage is in excess of 15-hundred dollars.
February 22, 2010
Milford Borough Officials are asking residents to double check their tax bills before paying them. Due to a printing error on the Milford Borough 2010 tax bills the first round of bills are incorrect. The tax bill states the millage for Milford Borough residents is 57 point two but the correct millage is 46 point one. The borough is asking home owners to disregard these bills and new revised tax bills will be in the mail shortly.
February 22, 2010
A caregiver will spend the rest of his life in prison for setting a fire over two years ago that killed his elderly patient.
A judge sentenced James Wyatt miller to life without the possibility of parole Monday afternoon. Miller was convicted two months ago for starting the blaze at a home on Resica Falls Road in Marshalls Creek. His 81-year-old patient Col. Jack Bates perished in the flames. A friend of Bates spoke at the sentencing.
Miller's arson conviction means a mandatory life sentence. He has no prior criminal history. His lawyer says it’s likely he will appeal.
February 22, 2010
State Police in Swiftwater are currently in the middle of an agressive crack down on drunk drivers. Already in 2010, police report 75 drunk driving arrests in their coverage area. The total number of DUI arrests rose 65% from 2008 to 2009. Police say they will continue their weekend DUI checkpoints throughout their coverage area...
February 22, 2010
13,000 children a year visit the emergency room at Lehigh Valley Health Network's Cedar Crest campus alone. Today the health network announced plans to establish the first pediatric emergency department in the Greater Lehigh Valley. The facility will be constructed in existing space adjacent to the current emergency department at the Cedar Crest campus. Plans inlcude 11 beds covered by specially trained staff to care for children - as well as a seperate waiting area for children and their families. The project is tentaively scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011.
February 22, 2010
An Albrightsville teen escapes injury after crashing her car into the Penn Forest Creek. The crash happened Saturday afternoon along Route 534 in Kidder Township. Police say 17-year old Natasha Fonseca was heading west when she lost control on a curve. Her car struck a tree before ending up inthe creek. Fonseca was not hurt in the crash. Police say she will be cited for careless driving.
February 22, 2010
A million dollar street scape project in Wayne County is causing major headaches for some business owners in Hawley. Certain sections of the new sidewalk are lifting, separating and are flat out not level. Owner of the Hawley Diner Jeff Swanick says due to the pitch in the sidewalk the business is also getting water damage and their insurance company has already informed them they will be dropped. But not everyone is disappointed and many sections of the sidewalk are in good condition. Swanick just hopes to get this problem resolved before their insurance is dropped.
February 22, 2010
Allentown State Hospital's 97 year legacy of helping mentally ill patients will end this year, but concerns about the hospital's closure are just beginning. The Department of Public Welfare heard those concerns at a 12 hour long public hearing today. Most of the people who spoke at the hearing were concerned about both the patients and the community. DPW officials say, Allentown State Hospital will definitely be closing by December.
February 19, 2010
Police continue to search the property of Edwin Kelly in Scotrun for evidence of a grizzly murder five years ago. Yesterday, News13 was the first on the scene as officials announced Kelly had been arrested for the 2005 murder of David McEntire. Police continue to search for two accomplices in the brutal attack but have not released their identities. Kelly remains behind bars at the Monroe County Correctional Facility and is charged with criminal homicide and abusing a corpse. He's scheduled for an appearance in district court on February 23rd.
February 19, 2010
A teacher convicted of molesting students at a Pike County school was back in court today - arguing that his lawyers made mistakes in his 2006 trail. A jury found former Shohola Elementary School Teacher Thomas Matthews guilty of several counts of aggravated indecent assault for improperly touching two students in 1999. Today a new attorney for Matthews argued that his trial attorney damaged his case by introducing a letter from the Delaware Valley School District. The letter instructed Matthews he was not to touch students in class. No decisions were announced after today's hearing in Pike County.
February 19, 2010
A Stroudsburg man faces charges for driving drunk and leading police on a high speed chase early this morning. State police say 62-year old Heinz Kraft was pulled over in Stroudsburg just after midnight. When officers suspected he was drunk, they say he fled in his pick-up though Stroudsburg and onto Route 611. Other officers joined the chase. Police say Kraft tried several times to force police units off the road. Kraft was finally stopped in Snydersville where he resisted arrest and had to be subdued. Kraft was taken for a blood test but the results are not available yet.
February 19, 2010
A local division of the Catholic Church is facing a 15-million dollar deficit. A catholic newspaper “The Catholic Light” released financial figures this week showing the Diocese of Scranton with a deficit of 15-million dollars. The largest part of the debt is seven million dollars in loans taken to help run catholic schools. The Diocese says church officials in Scranton and local parishes are working together to set up a time table to pay off the debt. Wages have also been frozen as well as some pension benefits. Cardinal Justin Rigali made a visit to Saint Luke’s Catholic Church in Stroudsburg last weekend. Rigali is temporarily serving as the Bishop for the Diocese of Scranton.
February 19, 2010
Police are trying to identify four pople they believe stole purses from employees at a local hospital. Victims' credit cards were used at nearby stores. According to police, three black females stole purses from employees at the Ganden Huetten Hospital in Lehighton yesterday afternoon. The thieves then used the victims' credit cards at the Giant market, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart all in Mahoning Township. The credit cards were used to make over $1,300 worth of purchases. Additional purchases were made outside of Mahoning Township. Police say the actors involved are three black females and one balck male driving a silver vehicle, possibly a GM model. Both Lehighton Borough and Mahoning Township police are investigating.
February 19, 2010
Startling testimony today in Harrisburg during a "bonusgate" trial. According to the Associated Press, a former legislative aide for State Representative Keith McCall testified he did political fundraising on state time after joining the staff of now Speaker McCall. This statement was released by McCall this afternoon regarding Patrick Lavelle's testimony. He says, "the policy in this office is that political work on state time is forbidden. If Lavelle's testimony claims he did any fundraising on state time while on my staff he did so without my knowledge or approval and in direct violation of our policy."
February 19, 2010
Carbon and Schuylkill Counties are two of the most unhealthy counties in the entire state, according to a University of Wisconsin study. Carbon County ranked 56 out of 67. Schuylkill did even worse, ranking 60 out of 67. The study took everything into account, including obesity rates, smoking rates, and premature birth rates. The only other local county ranked worse than Carbon and Schuylkill is Wayne County.
February 19, 2010
It's a monumental day in the history of a local nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence. Women's resources of Monroe County is seeing results from a campaign kicked off five years ago, in the form of a brand new shelter and state of the art facility. Through the Safehaven Campaign the group is nearing it's goal of 2.5 million dollars. A number of corporate sponsors chipped in but the Executive Director says it wouldn't be possible without the community. Women's Resources also provides legal advocacy and a 24 hour crisis hotline. The director says she is grateful for the outpouring of support to help them grow despite the troubled economy.
February 18, 2010
A Scotrun man is charged with murder in the 2005 disappearance of a Kunkletown man. A team of investigators swarmed Edwin Kelly's residence on Rainbow Lake Drive. Police say he kiilled David McEntire over drugs and money back in 2005. Kelly and two accomplises allegedly beat up McEntire, shot him, then burned the body and dumped it in a junkyard in Hazleton. Kelly is facing numerous charges, including criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse. A preliminary hearing is set for February 23rd...
February 18, 2010
A school expansion project means even brighter futures for Carbon County students. The Carbon Career and Technical Institute is expanding. A new state-of-the-art building is being added to the Jim Thorpe campus. The student body is made up of teens from the five districts in Carbon County. The new building will offer larger workspaces and more modern equipment. The project is running on schedule. Carpentry and cosmetology students will be moving into the new building this April, but the entire project won't be done until September 2011.
February 18, 2010
A pickup truck and car collide in West Penn Township but all involved escape injury. The crash happened just before 10:30 this morning along Route 443 just over the Carbon County line. Police say the car was driving on 443 when it tried to turn into a private driveway and smashed into the pickup. The car rolled over and the pick up split in half. Police say no one was injured in the incident. Route 443 was shut down.
February 18, 2010
Tours of Carbon County's nursing home continue. Officials say inerest among potential buyers is looking good. So far 14 different compaines have toured Weatherwood. Bids from interested buyers are due at the end of next week on February 26. As of now the last tour is scheduled for Tuesday. The Carbon County Administrator says he thinks there'll be at least five bids next week.
February 18, 2010
The former secretary and treasurer of Lower Towamensing Township pleads guilty to theft after she's accused of stealing over $81,000 from the township. According to court papers, 61-year old Dorothy Achey of Kunkletown wrote and cashed 102 checks from January 2008 to April 2009. A court spokesperson says, today Achey plead guilty to one count of felony theft. The judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Achey will most likely be sentenced in the next two months.
February 18, 2010
Carbon County Commissioners say they were prepared for last week's snow storm. The winter storm dumped almost two feet of snow in parts of the county. Commissioners officially declared a disaster emergency in case they needed federal and state help restoring public services, but the county ended up not needing that help. Commissioners also announced they'll pay county employees for the two days of work they missed during the storm.
February 18, 2010
School districts across the state are starting to crunch numbers to prepare a preliminary budget for the following school year. Wallenpaupack Area School District is no different and from the looks of it taxes will be on the rise. In order for the district to recoup a projected 1.5 million dollar shortfall the proposed budget calls for a 5.5% increase for Wayne County residents and just under a 3.5% increase for Pike. The 2010-2011 school budget will be under analysis and tweaked until its adoption on June 30th.
February 17, 2010
The man who led police on a two-day manhunt through Middle Smithfield Township appeared in court today. This is video of Corey Johnson being led into district court this morning and this is the photo released two weeks ago as authorities searched for him. State Police tell News 13 that Johnson assaulted a trooper during a routine traffic stop on Route 209 before taking off into the woods. They believe he dyed his hair and beard blond to change his appearance. Johnson turned himself in february 6th. His preliminary hearing scheduled for today has been continued.
February 17, 2010
A Massachusetts man will serve time in prison for possessing child pornography. 37 year old Jeffrey Pavlock was arrested last April after journeying to Northern Monroe County to meet up what he thought was an 11-year old girl. He met the girl while chatting online but she was actually an undercover officer from Barrett Township Police. A search of his car revealed child pornography on a cell phone. Pavlock was sentenced today to 11 to 23 months in Monroe County Prison.
February 17, 2010
The owner of a Monroe County business is indicted by a grand jury on a child pornography offense. 58 year old John Greene of Delaware Water Gap has been charged with receiving child pornography over the past four years. Greene is the owner of the pack shack adventures on Broad Street. The charge stems from an investigation by the FBI, detectives and Scranton Police. Greene faces up to 20 years in prison and a 250 thousand dollar fine if convicted.
February 17, 2010
A project to improve Route 33 in Monroe County is underway. Penn DOT says work will start in the Bartonsville area. Lane restrictions will occur both north and south bound between 7 a-m and 5pm weekdays. Eventually the project will continue south to the Northampton County line. Penn DOT is spending 7 point 5 million dollars of federal stimulus money to repair the roadway.
February 17, 2010
Its off to Monroe County Court for a man involved in a New Year's Day stabbing in Middle Smithfield Township. 33-year-old Adam Lawruszkeiwicz allegedly stabbed marcin taran to death just hours after the New Year during a party. According to court documents, the defendant claims he was harassed by the victim all night, and attacked. Prosecutors claim taran was stabbed to death by the defendant. An attorney for Lawruszkeiwcz says the stabbing was in self defense. District Justice Brian Germano ruled all charges will be bound over to Monroe County Court, including criminal homicide...
February 17, 2010
A Slatington man is charged after using counterfeit checks at Northern Lehigh businesses in January. Police say, August Gebhardt went to several local businesses including Two Kings Pizza and Blose's Market both in New Tripoli. He purchased almost $550 worth of food using the bad checks. Gebhardt has been charged with forgery, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and bad checks.
February 17, 2010
A White Haven woman is arrested for aggravated assault after allegedly kicking three policemen. Kidder Township Police say 46-year old Debra Wilson was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and was being uncooperative. The officers took her to State Police at Fern Ridge barracks for help in issuing a breathalyzer test. When they arrived at the barracks, Wilson kicked a Kidder Township police officer in the leg. She then kicked a sergeant and another trooper in the leg. Wilson refused to submit a breathalyzer test. She has been charged with several counts including aggravated assualt and disorderly conduct. Wilson is in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
February 17, 2010
A heartbreaking story drives home the need for a cell phone ban for motorists in Pennsylvania. 23 year old Jacy Good lost both of her parents in a devastating car accident that also left her with severe injuries. It happened on her college graduation day two years ago. The accident was caused by a driver who was using his cell phone. Jacy was in Allentown today supporting a city-wide cell phone ban. Allentown City Council will vote on that ban tonight.Meanwhile, a statewide cell phone ban was passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate has yet to vote on the ban.
February 17, 2010
The controversy surrounding the Pike County Library System is finally coming to an end. After the commissioners sent a letter to the library board at the beginning of the month stating their final position, the board decided to concede. Starting in March, the library board will be comprised of nine members: four appointed by the commissioners, the board will appoint four themselves and the final seat will be chosen by the Community House. The library board is expected to rewrite and adopt these new by-laws at their next meeting on March first.
February 16, 2010
It's pretty to look at, but snow often turns into a big headache when it's piled up and starts to melt on your roof. Russell Muffley, a Bowmanstown roofer, says if you don't clear your roof, melting snow can leak into your home. Repairs can be costly, but there are a few simple ways to prevent the leaks. Muffley says the biggest thing homeowners can do is knock the icicles off their roofs and awnings. Local hardware stores sell tools to help make the job easier.
February 16, 2010
After last week's storm, officials are breathing a sigh of relief as Tuesday's snow barely reached a couple of inches. But the cost of cleaning up all the recent snowfall and keeping the roads clean are beginning to add up. Stroudsburg officials say they have already gone through a third of their snow removal budget this year. Officials are hoping for a quick warm up, as Stroudsburg's snow budget won't renew until January 2011...
February 16, 2010
Police are searching for a Pike County man wanted for assaulting a state trooper. According to State Police, 20 year old Kevin Parkhurst of Dingmans Ferry punched a trooper in the face Monday. The trooper was investigating a hit and run crash in the Birchwood Lakes development at the time. The trooper asked Parkhurst for i-d and authorities say that's when he struck the officer. Parkhurst fled on foot. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact state police at blooming grove.
February 16, 2010
A State Police Fire Marshall has been asked to investigate a fire that severely damaged a home yesterday in Monroe County. Flames gutted a home in the Emerald Lakes community yesterday afternoon. Neighbors smelled smoke and called 9-1-1. Pocono Mountain Regional Police say when firefighters arrived flames were shooting from the rear of the home. Fire fighters from three companies had the blaze under control in about 45 minutes. No one was in the house at the time and no injuries were reported.
February 16, 2010
State Police in Monroe County are giving drivers advanced notice that they'll be conducting D-U-I checkpoints this weekend. The Swiftwater Barracks says the patrols are part of Operation Strike Force Two - the code name for a series of checkpoints and roving patrols. Officers say they will focus on roadways that have had a high number of drunk driving arrests. Patrols will happen anytime between Thursday and Monday.
February 16, 2010
The developer of "Green Acres Industrial Park" has asked Nesquehoning officials to add a second phase to the project doubling it in size. 100 acres of the Broad Mountain is the spot for the bright idea. The total price tag for the project now comes to $120 million. In the original plan, the park would generate enough electricity to power over 1,400 homes - but with the second phase it would be nearly 3,000 making it the largest solar park east of the Mississippi. The founder and CEO of Green Energy Capital Partners tells News13 the request has not yet been approved - it must go through the Nesquehoning Zoning Hearing Board.
February 15, 2010
Police in Stroudsburg are trying to find a teen who’s been missing since Friday. Stroud Area Regional Police say 15-year David Ray Nesmith was last seen Friday at the East Stroudsburg High School South. According to police Nesmith told his sister he was going to run away from home. Police say he is a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. If you know where Nesmith is you’re asked to contact Stroud Area Regional Police.
February 15, 2010
The state Gaming Control Board has set a date for hearings about table games at the Mount Airy Casino Resort. Evidence and public comments will be accepted Thursday February 25th starting at ten a-m at the paradise township municipal building. The state legislature approved the addition of table games at Pennsylvania casinos last month. Casinos like Mount Airy can apply to add up to 250 game tables for games like poker, black jack or roulette. Testimony will be taken at the hearing later this month. The state gaming control board then has 60 days to approve or deny Mount Airy’s request.
February 15, 2010
Supervisors in northwestern Monroe County are worried they won't have enough money for the coming year. That prompted Tunkhannock Township to re-open its budget over the weekend. Supervisors say projections for earned income and real estate tax revenue have dropped from what was expected last fall. Supervisors did not change the current tax rates but they say they needed to reopen the budget to make some changes. Chairperson Maureen Sterner says estimates could be off by as much as 80-thousand dollars. The board also accepted the resignation of supervisor Robert Delese. Tunkhannock officials have one month to find a replacement and they're accepting applications. Delese was elected last November. Some residents questioned whether he could serve as a supervisor because he lives part of the year in Florida. His letter of resignation only said he was resigning for personal reasons.
February 15, 2010
A Carbon County landmark re-opens after a devastating fire three years ago. Country Junction General Store burned to the ground in October 2006, but the owners never gave up hope of re-opening in a bigger and better facility. They did just that this past weekend. They're moving out of temporary tents and into their new state-of-the-art general store. The store isn't completely done just yet. Owners say the grand opening will likely be in May.
February 15, 2010
Seven trails intersect at the Slatington Trailhead leading thousands of visitors to the area each year. To better accommodate those visitors local groups joined forces to improve the trailhead. Work began last year on a new building that will house restrooms, a multi-purpose room, pavilion and information on the area's trails. Over the weekend the groups met to discuss the progress of the construction. The total cost is under $115,000, but they still need $20-30,000 to finish it. The next step once weather becomes a little nicer is to put on the roof and then add the pavilion.
February 15, 2010
Instead of celebrating a year of success at the 32nd annual Dairy Day in Wayne County, farmers are contemplating how they're going to financially stay afloat. Although milk prices have gone up over the last several months, farmers say it may be too late. And its more than just farmers that are struggling. Feed suppliers and tractor salesmen are also feeling the pinch. Farmers are just hoping and praying the price of milk continues to climb, otherwise traditions like Dairy Day in Wayne County will slowly fade away.
February 12, 2010
Shelters run by the salvation army in Monroe county are currently at full capacity and officials say it's very tough to find housing for those in need right now. The Salvation Army operates shelters for individuals and families in East Stroudsburg. The Salvation Army tries to find permanent housing for those in need within a month. But because of the economy most are being forced to stay longer. The Salvation Army is seeking a 60-thousand dollar emergency shelter grant to keep its shelter running. They're also in need of private donations.
February 12, 2010
A Salvation Army unit in Wayne County will soon have a new home. The Salvation Army has completed the purchase of the former Ashley Chevrolet building along old willow avenue. The building is within a few hundred feet of their current store. The group had leased that space for more than 10-years but decided they wanted to own a building. Salvation army officials say they plan to renovate the former Ashley building to better accommodate their needs as a thrift store. They hope to open at the new location sometime this spring.
February 12, 2010
Another big approval for a proposed power-line project in our area. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved its portion of the Susquehanna Roseland line. P-P-L is applying to build the line to connect their Berwick nuclear power plant with Northern New Jersey. In our area it would cross Wayne County near Hawley - cut south through Pike County and cross the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Bushkill. The National Park Service still must give their approval to the line. They're still looking at other alternative routes originally proposed by P-P-L. A public meeting about the project is scheduled for next Tuesday February 16th at Fernwood resort. The meeting starts at 6-pm.
February 12, 2010
A Shohola Township supervisor has resigned in the midst of a controversy. Chairman of the board Steven Dellert resigned last night at Shohola Township's monthly meeting. He cited health issues and added stress on the job as the reason. Over the last several months two township employees have been accused of using their public positions for private gain but were exonerated last month. Nelia Wall has now been appointed chairman of the board. The board must now go through a legal process to appoint a third member. Personal attacks against the walls continue to be made but they say they will rise above it.
February 12, 2010
If you've got a case of cabin fever, we've got the cure for you. For the third year in a row, Ice Works located off Route 590 in Lakeville has created an entire world of ice. This years theme: The Caribbean. From a pirate ship with a 50 foot slide to a full working tiki bar, a colorful coral reef and life size maze, creator Mark Crouthamel didn't leave out any details. Everyday Crystal Cabin Fever features ice demonstrations and more pieces will be added to the display through February 28th.
February 12, 2010
Our first big winter blast came just in time for a cold weather celebration in Carbon County. Jim Thorpe's annual Winterfest, combined with Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day weekend, have business owners seeing dollar signs. Fun events, including ice carvers and Civil War reenactments, offer people the chance to get out and enjoy winter. The Winterfest activities kick off tomorrow morning and run through Sunday evening in Jim Thorpe.
February 11, 2010
Fifteen digital cameras were stolen from a Wal-Mart in Wayne County. The state police are reviewing surveillance video from the Wal-Mart in Honesdale dating back to January 31st. It shows a person dressed in all black believed to be a man. Entered the store and removed four thousand dollars worth of electronics including fifteen digital cameras. The suspect is believed to be driving a Buick Enclave or a very similar crossover S-U-V. Surveillance footage shows the actor in the parking lot of Wal-Mart for six hours before the theft. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the state police of Honesdale.
February 11, 2010
Fire damages a home in Western Monroe County early this morning. The flames broke out just after five-am along maple drive in the brier crest woods community in Tunkhannock Township. The fire appears to have started in an attached garage. Snow covered roads slowed fire crews as they responded to the call. Firefighters were able to stop the flames but not before they had started to spread to the home. The home owner was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. A State Police Fire Marshall has been called to search for a cause.
February 10, 2010
Pike County residents were surprised to see only an inch on the ground this morning but that inch quickly multiplied as the day progressed. Unlike Philadelphia and Washington DC where they're getting pounded with the second round of snow in less than a week, the Poconos are prepared and can handle storms like this. Many like Noreen Vogel can't understand why something that happens several times every year still gets so many people wound up. For the most part residents stayed off the roads today so the plows could get the job done.
February 9, 2010
State Senator Robert Mellow announced today that he plans to retire at the end of this year. Mellow is the longest serving member of the Pennsylvania senate - he was first elected to the senate in 1970. He is also the highest ranking democratic senator - currently serving as the senate minority leader. Mellow says he's stepping down to spend more time to with his family. In Monroe County his 22nd district includes Coolbaugh, Barrett and Paradise Townships as well as the Borough of Mount Pocono.
February 9, 2010
A Wayne county man has been cited by police for hitting and injuring a bike rider with his car. State police at Honesdale say 29-year old Jason Pfister of Hawley struck a 74-year old woman with his side mirror last Thursday along Terrace Street in Cherry Ridge Township. The victim was knocked off the bike and suffered head injuries. She had to be taken to a hospital by helicopter. Police say Pfister was cited for illegally passing the bike - and for driving without a license.
February 9, 2010
Two years ago five men were charged with taking part in a gang rape in Monroe County. They were later cleared after the victims admitted they lied about the assault. Now the five men are suing the Pocono Mountain Regional Police in federal court. The suit names sixteen defendants including the Monroe County District Attorney and Pocono Mountain Regional Police Officials. Attorneys filed the suit on behalf of José Lacen, William Speise, gene Thomas, Kasheen Thomas and Jaleel Holden in a Scranton federal court this week. They were charged with taking part in the alleged rape at a home in Coolbaugh Township. The Monroe County District Attorney later dropped the charges. The civil lawsuit contends that the five men were unlawfully arrested and their civil rights were violated.
February 9, 2010
An over four year old burglary in Schuylkill County is finally solved. Back in 2005, about $1,300 in flooring items were taken from the Mckinley Carpet Company of Rush Township. And $1,100 worth of damage was cause at the store. Blood was recovered at the scene and sent to a lab for DNA testing. Police have now charged 53-year old Graham Hahn with theft and related charges. Hahn is currently in state prison on unrelated charges.
February 8, 2010
A chimney fire destroys a Marcel Lake home in Pike County. The blaze broke out about twelve this afternoon. Twenty firefighters from two fire companies responded to the scene. Officials say they were able to get the blaze under control but the house is a total loss. Delaware Township Fire Chief Jeff Graeber says the fire was first reported as a reported chimney fire but when they arrived flames had gone through the roof. The owner was able to get out safely and no one was injured.
Fire also destroyed a cottage in Stroud Township today. It broke out along North Fifth Street around noon. The owner rents out several cottages. Her grandson, Robert Christman, says he tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived. Stroud Township Fire Chief David Smalley there wasn’t much firefighters could do because the concrete block construction of the building held in the heat. Smalley wasn’t sure what caused the fire yet. Firefighters plan to speak to the renter before making a determination.
February 8, 2010
Architects are unveiling designs new cancer center project at Pocono Medical Center. The architectural firm Ewing-Cole is designing the new two story building to consolidate and expand the services currently offered by the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center. The new structure is 59-thousand square feet in size. The project will now go out to bid. Pocono Medical Center hopes to break ground this fall. The new center could be open late in 2012.
February 8, 2010
The search is now over for a man police say led them on a weeklong manhunt through Middle Smithfield Township. 23-year-old Corey Johnson turned himself in at the Swiftwater State Police Barracks Saturday afternoon. Authorities had been searching for Johnson since last Monday night when they say he ran off during a routine traffic stop after assaulting a state trooper. Johnson is charged with assault, resisting arrest, and carrying a gun without a license. He's being held in the Monroe County jail.
February 8, 2010
Vandals have caused thousands of dollars in damage to a skate park in Stroudsburg. The park had been hit by vandals almost a dozen times near Stroudsburg High School. The latest crime discovered Friday caused at least five thousand dollars in damage. Several people disassembled some of the equipment and smashed other sections of the park. Borough officials have closed and padlocked the park for now. It's not certain when or if it could reopen.
February 8, 2010
A 19-year-old man is in jail on charges he drugged and raped an underage family member. Robert Pugh showed up to district court this morning for a preliminary hearing. Authorities say between November 2009 and January of this year, Pugh spiked glasses of milk and ice tea the 13-year old girl drank with the anti-depressant Seroquel. State troopers say Pugh has confessed to the incidents but his lawyer is not so sure. Pugh is charged with 45 counts of rape, sexual assault, and corruption of minors. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 to 60 years in jail.
February 5, 2010
Flames also destroyed a home in Pike County early this morning. Fire broke out at a home on dogwood court in the hemlock farms community around one-thirty am. The home was fully involved when firefighters arrived. The owner was out of the area and no one was staying at the home. A State Police Fire Marshall is investigating but hasn't released a cause yet for this morning's fire in Pike County.
February 5, 2010
Fire heavily damages a home in Monroe County last night. The duplex is on Fulmer Avenue near North Fifth Street in downtown Stroudsburg. Several bystanders say they heard the fire call on the scanner and came running to see what was going on. Only half of the duplex is occupied. And it appears the fire started on the unoccupied side. But the cause of that fire in Stroudsburg is not known.
February 5, 2010
Justice finally arrives for a 91-year old Nesquehoning woman who was beaten and robbed in her home. A second suspect has plead guilty in the attack. Anna Klemic died a few months that crime in 2006. Klemic told News 13 she opened her door to two men she didn't know, and things went downhill from there. She told police the men beat her - tied her to a chair and robbed her of $36. Nesquhoning police arrested Randy Warman and Michael Kent for the crime. Warman eventaully plead guilty to robbery and criminal tresspass. He's serving five to fifteen years in a state prison. This week, Michael Kent, the second man charged in the crime, plead guilty to robbery and recklessly endangering another person. His sentencing has been set for April 19th at 9 a.m.
February 5, 2010
A Slatington man is arrested after allegedly firing a gun toward a family member during an argument about a car. Police say 45-year old Michael Wolfe discharged two rounds from a 44 magnum revolver in the direction of his sister. The two were arguing over ownership of a car. Wolfe was arrested in Washington Township yesterday afternoon where the argument took place. He's been carged with several counts including aggravated assault.
February 5, 2010
The Pike County Humane Society received some major improvements thanks to a state grant. After almost a year of renovations and twenty thousand dollars from State Representative John Siptroth things are finally turning around. 16 new commercial grade chain linked kennels now line the walls along with a brand new forced hot air heating system. Last year the shelter shelled out over eight thousand dollars to keep their four legged guests warm. They hope the new heating system will cut that bill by at least 25 percent.
February 4, 2010
Monroe County Crime Stoppers is trying to crack an arson case. Crime stoppers is offering a cash reward for information about a fire November 14th at the home decors furniture store in the Foxmoor Village Shopping Center along Route 209. Three male suspects were seen running from the scene as police arrived. The fire resulted in a total loss of the building and damages have been estimated in excess of 750-thousand dollars. Investigators believe the three suspects set the fire. If you have any information on this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 866-370-1518.
February 4, 2010
The public is learning more about a major road project in Stroudsburg. PennDOT unveiled plans to rebuild the 7th Street Bridge over Interstate 80 last night. The bridge has been deteriorating and it must be replaced. Residents and business persons had questions about how the project will be done and how traffic will be detoured. The bridge project will start next year and take 20 months to complete.
February 4, 2010
A giant supermarket in Monroe County is applying to sell beer along with its groceries. Giant has applied for a restaurant liquor license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for its’ Bartonsville store. If approved the store could become the first giant in the state to sell beer. A variety of national brand and imported beer is expected to be available for purchase by adults age 21 and older. Giant sells wine at some locations in Pennsylvania but they're only asking to sell beer at their Bartonsville store.
February 4, 2010
A grand jury has begun hearing testimony in the case of a missing Moore Township man. 26-year old Robert Sokar went missing in 2000.. Four years later a body was found under the Danielsville home where he was living. Sokar's ID was found with it. DNA tests could not conclude the body was his. The district attorney believes Sokar was murderd. The jury has to decide if a homicide took place and if there is probably cause to charge someone. The DA will not say if he has any suspects.
February 4, 2010
Negotiations between the Pike County Commissioners and the county's library board have passed a deadline. Commissioners have told the Library Board to change it's bylaws after the defeat of a library referendum last fall. Commissioners want the Library Board to include four members they appoint as a condition of receiving 200-thousand dollars a year in funding. This week commissioners sent a list of 12 conditions to the board. Negotiations have been under way since late last year. Commissioners were hoping for an agreement by the end of January.
February 4, 2010
Crews are finally clearing the path to widen route 2001 in Lehman Township. The first phase of the 15 million dollar widening project starts on Bushkill Falls Road at the blinking light and turns onto Route 2001 ending at Little Egypt Road. Crews are getting the area ready for road work in the spring which means the removal of hundreds of trees along the right of way. Officials want to remind motorists to slow down when driving through the construction zone - way to many cars are just plowing through.
February 4, 2010
Dozens of Pennsylvania's Finest honor the late Trooper Joshua Miller. A section of Route 611 in Tobyhanna was named in Trooper Miller's honor. On June 7th, 2009, Miller was killed in a shootout with a kidnapping suspect following a high-speed chase. Miller's family, state officials, and police were on hand for the dedication. Legislation was quickly passed through the House and Senate back in december to allow the section of road to be named in Miller's honor...
February 3, 2010
Police in Pike County are investigating a home invasion robbery. It happened just after midnight in a home in the Escape development in Greentown. The victim tells police two men broke into her home – used duct tape to tie her hands – and struck her in the head with a crow bar. One of the robbers asked the victim “where the money was” and threatened to harm her further. The two men took ten-thousand dollars in cash from a closet as well as a change bucket with 300-dollars in coins. Police describe the robbers as two white males one was described as six feet tall with a heavy build. The other was five feet eight with a husky build. Both were wearing masks. Anyone with information about that robbery should contact State Police at Blooming Grove.
February 3, 2010
Authorities are continuing their search for a man in Middle Smithfield Township. 23-year-old Corey Johnson led police on a two day manhunt through the woods around municipal drive. Johnson is accused of possessing an illegal firearm and assaulting a state trooper who tried to take him into custody. Officials at the Swiftwater State Police barracks refused an on camera interview but say they will continue using all resources to find Johnson. Several other law enforcement agencies have been assisting with the search.
February 3, 2010
A juvenile face charges after a stabbing last night in Brodheadsville. It happened around 8:45 in the parking lot next to the Burger King on Route 209. Police say two teens got into a fight and one stabbed the other. Officers say a 16 year old victim was stabbed in the stomach. His condition is not known. A 17 was cut in the forearm when he tried to break up the fight. Both were taken to Pocono Medical Center. Police say the 17 year old responsible has been charged with aggravated assault. The 16-year old victim faces simple assault charges.
February 3, 2010
The 570 area code has become so popular, the exchange will run out of numbers in 2011. The Public Utility Commission has several possible plans to remedy the problem. The PUC outlined four possible solutions at a public hearing last night in Jim Thorpe. Three involve geographic splits, which means some existing customers will get new area codes. Most consumers at the meeting were in favor of an overlay plan. That means existing customers will keep the 570 area code and new customers will get a new area code. Small business owners say, changing area codes would be too costly for them. Two more public hearings are scheduled for northeastern Pennsylvania this week.
February 3, 2010
Building permits in Pike County have hit an all time low. According to the Pike County Office of Community Planning only two hundred thirty eight residential building permits were issued in 2009. A 51 percent drop from even the low four hundred sixty three in 2008. Officials say this slump is nothing out of the ordinary. A graph compiling residential building permits dating back to 1982 shows the constant waves of good and bad times. Everyone is just hoping things pick up this spring.
February 3, 2010
Andreas Volunteer Fire Company is suspended until it provides West End Township supervisors with financial records. Supervisors want to know how fire company members spend 10-thousand dollars the township gave them last year...and how much money the company took in with fundraisers. The company cannot respond to calls until it provides the records. 9-1-1 will dispatch the West Penn Township fire company in the meantime, which is about ten miles from Andreas. Some residents are worried about response time.
February 3, 2010
A Lehighton woman is sentenced to prison for her role in a drug operation busted in 2008 at a Franklin Township motel. According to court documents, on May 13, 2008 the owner of Mooney's Motel called police after witnessing what he believed was a drug deal in his parking lot. Police searched one of the rooms and recovered a large amount of heroine and cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia. Emily James was among two people arrested and charged. Earlier this week she was sentenced to four to 23 months in Carbon County Prison for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication device. As part of her sentence, the 26-year old must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation as well as obtain her GED.
February 2, 2010
Allentown State Hospital workers and patients aren't going down without a fight. The Department of Public Welfare announced it's closing the facility by December 2010, leaving 175 patients without a place to live and 379 workers without a job. Some employees and residents may be transferred to other state hospitals, but people we spoke with say the local hospital needs to stay open. The DPW is hosting a public hearing about the closure of Allentown State Hospital on Monday, February 22 from 9am-9pm at the Four Points Sheraton on Airport Road. If you'd like to voice your opinion at the hearing, you can register beforehand by calling 610-740-3409.
February 2, 2010
Unemployment is on the rise once again in Monroe County. The numbers rose from 9.5% in November to 9.7% in December. The Monroe County Career Link office continues to see a high number of people looking for assistance in finding jobs. Despite the rising unemployment rate, officials say there are jobs to be found in Monroe County. The Career Link office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00AM through 4:30 PM.
February 2, 2010
A dump truck rolls over on a back road in western Monroe County this afternoon. It happened around 1:30 today on Caughbaugh Road just north of Blakeslee. The driver lost control of his truck and rolled the vehicle on to its side. He was trapped inside for a time but was able to free himself after kicking out the windshield. He was taken to a hospital to be checked out as a precaution. The truck was carrying sand which spilled. Salvage crews were working to get the truck back on its wheels this afternoon.
February 2, 2010
A Wayne County man has been arrested as a part of an internet sex sting. The State Attorney General says 41-year old Joseph Ursich of Hawley had improper contact with a person he thought was a 13-year old girl in an internet chat room. The girl was actually an undercover agent. Ursich is accused of sending lewd pictures and videos over a webcam. He faces 14 counts of unlawful contact with a minor and is being held under 75-thousand dollars bail.
February 2, 2010
The public will have 3 chances to talk about a proposed PPL power line cutting through both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will be impacted by the Susquehanna to Roseland transmission line. So the park service will hold three meetings with a chance for public comment. The first is on February 16th at Fernwood Resort in Bushkill, followed by February 17th in Lake Hopatcong New Jersey and the 18th in Parsippany. The public is invited to attend. All meetings run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
February 2, 2010
The case of a Northampton County man who mysteriously disappeared in 2000 is going before a grand jury. Robert Sarko has been missing for ten years and authorities and his family believe the 26-year old was murdered. Human remains were discovered buried under the home in Danielsville where Sarko was living in 2004...but DNA tests could not conclude it was him. A grand jury will hear testimony on Thursday. The purpose of the panel is to determine if criminal charges should be filed. Sarko's case is one of 31 that the grand jury will hear testimony about.
February 1, 2010
There’s more drama surrounding hearings to determine if a Monroe County charter school should remain open. Cross examination by lawyers for the Pocono Mountain Charter school became heated when the district's superintendent was not able to answer direct questions about the investigation. The district is holding revocation hearings alleging the school violated its charter, claiming the school improperly declassified special education students and disobeyed separation of church and state laws. The hearings will continue tomorrow in Swiftwater. The district is expected to introduce special education records of some handicapped charter students. Lawyers for the charter school say those records are confidential and should not be released.
February 1, 2010
Two huge jackpots are now available to Pennsylvania lottery players. The Mega Millions lottery is making its debut in the Keystone State this week. This jackpot, along with the Powerball, now allows players to choose from two multi-million dollar jackpots to play. The Mega Millions numbers are drawn every Tuesday and Friday...
February 1, 2010
A Wayne County man will face a trial on sexual assault charges. A judge sent most of the charges against 33-year old Todd Rowles of Pleasant Mount to a higher court during a hearing today. Rowles is accused of assaulting two girls. One of the victims was eleven when the assaults were said to have taken place two years ago. Another victim is 14 and police say she was assaulted last year. Rowles faces nine counts including rape of a child and statutory sexual assault. One count of making threats was dropped. He could face a trial later this spring.
February 1, 2010
Police in Honesdale have arrested and charged a Scranton man with a Friday night robbery. Honesdale borough police say 24-year old Ryan Curtis assaulted and robbed a clerk at the turkey hill store on Main Street. Officers say Curtis followed the clerk into an office area - where he assaulted the clerk and tied the employees’ hands. Officers say Curtis took the clerk's personal debit card along with several items before leaving the store Curtis was found a short time later at a home in Waymart. He's being held under 100-thousand dollars bail.
February 1, 2010
Penn-DOT has reopened the skinners falls bridge in Wayne County. The 100 year old bridge crosses the Delaware River near Milanville. The span closed last month after an inspection showed damage to a truss member. Contractors made a repair by bolting a new piece of steel to the damaged area Penn-DOT says the fix isn’t permanent and a full repair will eventually need to be made. The work could force the bridge closed again sometime in the future.
February 1, 2010
Several Lansford business owners are calling a rash of burglaries in the borough a "nuisance". At least four businesses and several homes were burglarized in the past month. The thieves got away with a handgun, a knife and cash. Even the borough building was broken into. Business owners call the crimes a "nuisance' because they give the town a bad name and it is tough to explain to potential customers about the burglaries. So far no suspects.
February 1, 2010
Imagine being the last person a patient sees before going under anesthesia and the first one they see post-surgery. The job carries a lot of responsibility, but a special group of nurses answers that call. Perianesthesia nurses are with patients before, during, and after surgery, and make sure their transition to each new phase of care goes smoothly. This is Perianesthesia Awareness Week. The special nurses at Lehigh Valley Health Network took time out of their busy day to celebrate, complete with a declaration from the State Senate honoring their work.
February 1, 2010
Big changes could be coming to the 570 area code. The Public Utility Commission estimates 570 will run out of numbers in 2011. The PUC is holding a hearing tomorrow night in Jim Thorpe to get public input on the changes. One option is to overlay a new code onto the existing 570 area. At that time, all customers receiving a new telephone number would have a new area code. And everyone in the 570 and new area code region would have to dial 10 digits for calls including local. The other alternative is a geographic split. That would mean a portion of the 570 area code region would be reassigned a new area code and phone number. All plans will be explained and discussed at tomorrow night's public hearing. It's being held at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall at 6 p.m.
February 1, 2010
An SUV ends up inside a Lehigh County pizza shop after the driver suffers from a medical condition. It happened just before five o'clock yesterday at Salvatore's Pizzeria along Route 309 in Heidelberg Township. According to police, 66-year old Hubert Hartz of Oneida was suffering from a medical condition when he lost control of his SUV. The car went over the curb and through the front of the pizza shop. Neither Hartz nor his passenger were hurt in the incident. He was however taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital for an evaluation. State police say no charges will be filed.
February 1, 2010
A Pike County family is settling in with the newest addition to their family, a two year old adopted daughter from Haiti. Jewel Dickerman's adoption was supposed to take 24 months, but for some reason after only 17 the paperwork went through and the Dickermans were able to bring Jewel home in December right before disaster struck her country. The Dickermans mission now is to help the orphans in Haiti who weren't as fortunate as their daughter. Items like rice, beans, diapers, infant formula with iron and peanut butter are being collected at the Hemlock Grove United Methodist Church in Greentown. Monetary donations can be made online at www.chances4children.org
January 29, 2010
A Pike County man will spend at least four years in prison for a series of drunk driving charges. 48-year old Frederick Schoenwandt of Pocono Ranchlands received that sentence this week for incidents - between November of 2008 and December of 2009. Schoenwandt was stoped by authorities three times. Once he refused a blood test. The second time his blood alcohol content was point two four - four times the legal limit. Besides the prison term Schoenwandt will lose his license for four and a half years.
January 29, 2010
A Pike County man serving a life sentence for murder faces additional jail time for a burglary. 22-year old Justin Culver of Bushkill received an extra three and a half to eleven years in a state prison for a burglary in February of 2007. Police say culver broke into Uncle Sal’s Pizza in Bushkill looking for milk and money. Culver is already serving a life sentence for taking part in a break in at the home of Barry Rose in the Saw Creek Community later that year. Rose was killed in a shoot out.
January 29, 2010
A Monroe County man is under arrest a second time for pulling a gun. State Police at Fern Ridge say 19-year old Justin Campbell of effort pulled the gun during an altercation Monday - at Kinsley’s Shoprite in Brodheadsville. Campbell had been arguing with a 48-year old man from Palmerton. He was out on bail after a December 27th incident in effort. Police say Campbell pulled a b-b gun during an argument at the Effort Uni-Mart. 26-year old Kenneth Reddick is charged pulling his own gun and firing back. Campbell is in jail as a result of the new charges under 60-thousand dollars bail.
January 29, 2010
A fire two nights in a row at a Monroe County home is ruled arson. Those who live at the multi-family house on Old Route 940 in Pocono Pines say the fire was started by an accelerant both Tuesday and Wednesday night around 8 o'clock. A woman living in the complex tells news 13 the fire started on an outside stairway. Pocono Mountain Regional Police are investigating the suspicious fires in Pocono Pines.
January 29, 2010
Two Pike County men will spend seven to fourteen years in prison on child rape charges. 20-year old Curtis Jenks of Matamoras and 19-year old David Cooper of Shohola previously plead guilty to one count of rape of a child in Pike County Court. The Pike County District Attorney says Jenks and Cooper traveled to the home of a 12-year old girl last February while her parents were away. The D-A says both men had sex with the child. Jenks and cooper will be required to register their address with police under Megan’s law after they’re released from prison.
January 29, 2010
Slatington Elementary School students have a tasty homework assignment for the weekend. They recently learned how to bake bread, but the lesson goes deeper than that. Students will be able to enjoy one loaf of bread with their families, and the second loaf will be donated to local food banks. Students were sent home with enough ingredients to make two loaves of bread. They're asked to return to school on Tuesday with one loaf to donate to charity.
January 29, 2010
Its round two for the Winter Lights Festival in Milford. Last week officials decided to postpone the event due to warm temperatures, but this week that's not a problem. The weekend will be filled with ice-skating, chili-tasting, juggling and stilt walking all while allowing visitors to enjoy the unique ice art. Businesses hope it will help shake off cabin fever and get people out eating and shopping. The weekend Winter Lights Festival kicks off tomorrow at 11:30. Sunday afternoon the rink will open for public ice-skating.
January 28, 2010
The former operator of two gas stations in Monroe County has been fined one point three million dollars for failing to clean up leaking underground fuel tanks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency - the Century Oil Acquisition Corporation operated Texaco stations on North Fifth Street in Stroudsburg and a second station in Scotrun. The Stroudsburg location is currently an auto repair business - not connected with the company. The E-P-A says Century Oil abandoned the stations in the late 1990's and did not empty the tanks. The E-P-A also says the tanks were not using required corrosion and leak protection systems. Century oil was ordered to pay for a cleanup in 2007. A federal court judge says they have not complied. Last month he fined Century Oil one point three million dollars and ordered them to clean up the tanks.
January 28, 2010
PPL is making a change to the route of a power line proposed for Monroe County’s west end. The proposed route for the line in the Effort - Jonas and Sun Valley areas has been relocated to move it away from the Birch Hollow Estates community. The line was previously slated to run 25-feet from Birch Hollow. It's now been moved 600-feet away. P-P-L held public meetings about the line last year. They say input from residents during those meetings helped determine the new location. P-P-L has filed an updated permit for the line with the Public Utility Commission. It could take up to a year for the P-U-C to make a decision.
January 28, 2010
Police in Monroe County's west end are investigating a report of stolen handguns. A homeowner living along mountain road in Ross Township says six semi-automatic handguns were taken sometime over the past month. The guns include several 45 caliber pistols and one nine millimeter. They're valued at more than four thousand dollars. State Police at Lehighton are investigating.
January 28, 2010
A group of Paradise Township residents are opposing a new lighted sign at the Mount Airy Casino Resort. The residents appealed a permit issued last November for the new sign along Route 611. The residents say the sign would violate township ordinances because it rotates messages. Mount Airy has not installed the sign yet. The township's zoning hearing board heard arguments from both sides during a hearing this week. The board did not make any decisions but has two months to make a ruling on the lighted sign.
January 28, 2010
Allentown State Hospital in Lehigh County is officially closing. The hospital serves Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe and Pike Counties. This morning, state officials said the closure is part of Pennsylvania's commitment to reducing its reliance on institutional care and improving access to home and community based services for those living with mental illness. In anticipation of the closure, Blue Mountain Health System has already talked about taking in patients. Nancy Hersch, Director of Behavioral Health at BMHS, says thier team is ready. She believes at some point Blue Mountain will admit paitents from this area who were in Allentown State.
January 28, 2010
Dr. Michael Degilio turned himself in to face sexual assault charges in Jim Thorpe. The 41-year old psychologist is accused of forcing a former patient to perform oral sex on him. The woman was being treated for depression. Arrest papers indicate the alleged assault happened in February of last year. Search warrants say the woman was able to identify a mole on Dr. DeGilio's pelvis area..and police have a photo of that mole. The doctor has a preliminary hearing set for February 3rd. He is free on bail
January 28, 2010
A troubled economy leads Saint Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital to cut 30 positions. Hospital officials say the economic crisis continues to negatively affect hospitals across the nation - especially rural hospitals like Miners. The Coaldale hospital has seen its acute care and skilled nursing admissions decline 9.6% over the past six months. And despite cost cutting measures, Miners recorded a loss of over $1.1 million from July through December 31st 2009. Today the hospital announced the elimination of 30 positions - as well as reduced hours for an additional six positions.
January 28, 2010
Last night millions of Americans tuned in to hear President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech, and part of it was aimed at college students. During the address, the President announced sweeping changes including a $10,000 tax credit for parents with a student enrolled in a four-year college. Students will also have any remaining balance on a loan they've been paying 20 years after graduating eliminated. President Obama's act also calls for students to only be responsible for 10% of their income on paying back student loans...
January 28, 2010
It's been an expensive winter for Pike County PennDOT even though we haven't seen too much snow. So far this winter - they've plowed through over one million of their two and half million dollar budget, but we've only seen two major snow events. With salt pricing in at over 65 dollars a ton its easy to see how winter becomes expensive, and that's not including payroll, maintenance on the trucks, fuel and equipment. Officials remind drivers even during small snow squalls like this morning roads can become slick very quickly, and PennDOT can't be everywhere at once.
January 27, 2010
The Milford Lions Club is offering a reward for an arrest and conviction of whoever vandalized their Christmas display in town. Each year the Milford Lions Club spends countless hours stringing lights on all the trees in town as well as lighting the annual Milford Christmas tree and the star on the knob but this year someone has cut wires and broke a number of light bulbs from both the Christmas tree and the star. The Lions Club is offering a five hundred dollar reward to find whoever has done this. The Lions Club has been decorating the town for the holidays for forty years.
January 27, 2010
A newspaper devoted to Pocono businesses is feeling the effects of the economy. The Pocono Business Journal has decided to stop publication. The February issue will be Pocono Business Journal's last. The paper's website will remain for a few months to allow people to read past articles. Publisher Marynell Strunk says a drop in advertising revenue is the main reason they're shutting down. Pocono Business Journal has been in publication for the past four years - focusing on business issues in Monroe, Carbon, Pike and Wayne Counties. Editor Debbie Burke says the journal was also known for its Editors on the Road presentations and the monthly Business and Books events, as well as its weekly email update “Taste of PBJ.” The journal's publisher says they're not sure what the future will bring and they could return if the local economic climate improves.
January 27, 2010
A Jackson Township woman is in custody after police say she stabbed her boyfriend. Marianne Strausser is being held in the Monroe County Jail on charges she used a steak knife against her boyfriend yesterday at a home on Strausser lane. Police say the pair live together and had been drinking and arguing all day. Both were taken to Pocono Medical Center for treatment - and while there Strausser allegedly stated in front of state troopers she would kill her boyfriend. Her bail is set at five thousand dollars.
January 27, 2010
A man accused of robbing a convenience store in Wayne County last month is headed to trial. Jonathan Charles Rivera waived his right to a preliminary hearing this morning. Police are charging him with armed robbery. The incident happened at Smokin Joes in Beach Lake. Authorities say Rivera threatened the store clerk with a B-B gun and a knife and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Four accomplices are also facing charges.
January 27, 2010
Dozens of firefighters worked to knock down a garage fire this afternoon in Pocono Township. The flames broke out around one along Sebring Drive. The building housed a wood working shop. Firefighters from at least four companies were called but the building was leveled. A back hoe was used to dig through the rubble to search for hot spots - which fire fighters doused as flames popped up. A home nearby was not affected by the blaze. There's no word yet of a cause for today’s fire in Monroe County.
January 27, 2010
Fire also damaged a home this morning near effort. Crews were called to the home off state road in Chestnuthill Township around five-am. The fire may have started in a woodstove in an attached garage. It then spread to the house. Firefighters were able to put out the flames but the garage and some of the home sustained smoke and water damage. A State Police Fire Marshal has been called to search for a cause.
January 27, 2010
A hearing to help decide whether or not the former Rush Township police chief can get his job back has been continued. When the hearing began yesterday, the former chief, Rob Romanick, said he was wrongfully terminated last year by township supervisors. But township officials say they never fired Romanick - they were just disciplining him for not doing his job. Rush Township supervisors claim Romanick didn't follow his duties as police chief - so they voted to demote him to patrolman. They claim after that Romanick stopped showing up for work. A hearing officer will recommend what supervisors should do next. But yesterday's day long hearing has been continued - no date has been set yet.
January 27, 2010
Robbers hit the Nesquehoning CVS again. The suspects are using a device to deactivate bar codes on items so they won't activate alarms leaving the store. The robbers first hit late last week and then again yesterday just after five. Police say this time surveillance photos show three black females using the device to steal more than $1,200 worth of products. During last week's robbery a black man and woman did the same thing. The suspects have also hit Quakertown and South Whitehall CVS stores.
January 27, 2010
Police are investigating a break-in at the Lansford Borough building. According to Lansford police, someone gained entry to the building through a door sometime over night. The building was ransacked - police say it's hard to tell if anything was taken at this point. Hazleton State Police are assisting Lansford Borough Police with the investigation.
January 27, 2010
An arrest warrant is filed against a Carbon County psychologist. Police filed arrest papers against Michael Degilio who has a psychology practice in Mahoning Township. Police allege Degilio forced a patient to perform sexual acts on him in his office. He now faces several felony charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and indecent exposure. The arrest papers were filed after a nearly year long investigation. Degilio is expected to turn himself in to face those charges sometime this week.
January 27, 2010
Dreams of a state of the art training facility for fire fighters and EMS personnel in Pike County are finally coming true. Today bids were opened for the project and officials believe breaking ground is only three months away. The Emergency Services Complex will be used to train firefighters, police officers, prison guards and EMS. The three story building will also include a brand new state of the art 9-1-1 Call Center. The original estimate on the project ranged from five to ten million dollars. After opening today's bids officials believe the price point is six point nine million.
January 26, 2010
The former Rush Township Police Chief is trying to get his job back. He claims he was wrongfully terminated by township supervisors. But, supervisors say they never fired former Chief Rob Romanick. They say they were just disciplining him for not doing his job. Romanick's attorney alleges the township violated the Police Tenure Act, and he should be reinstated with back pay. Rush Township supervisors claim Romanick didn't follow his duties as Police Chief, so they voted to demote him to patrolman. They claim after Romanick learned of his demotion, he stopped showing up for work. A hearing officer will recommend what supervisors should do from here regarding the future of Romanick's employment.
January 26, 2010
Pennsylvania Lawmakers are debating a new law to limit cell phone use while driving. Lawmakers had started debating a bill to limit texting while driving this week, but their bill has now been widened to include talking, surfing the web and other cell phone uses. The new law under consideration would allow the use of hands free devices for making calls. Drivers would also be allowed to call 9-1-1 while driving. That new cell phone bill passed the house by a nearly unanimous vote this afternoon. It now goes before the state senate.
January 26, 2010
A Monroe County woman charged in a vehicular homicide case has been sentenced on unrelated charges of assaulting a police officer. 43-year old Lisa Marie Ostuni will serve nine to 18-months in prison for a September incident at a Stroudsburg Wawa. Police say Ostuni became combative when police told her she could not drive because she appeared intoxicated. Police say she kicked two officers. Ostuni also faces charges for the July death of Robert Appuzzi. Ostuni is charged with hitting and killing Appuzzi with her car while he was cutting weeds along Route 196.
January 26, 2010
PennDOT is getting ready to replace a bridge in poor condition in Monroe County. PennDOT engineers will present plans to replace the Manor Drive Bridge over the Swiftwater Creek Monday February First at 6:30. The meeting takes place just before the regular Pocono Township Supervisors meeting at their municipal building. The Manor Drive Bridge has been rated as structurally deficient. The replacement cost is estimated at one-point two million dollars. A detour is expected during construction. More details will be released at the meeting next month.
January 26, 2010
A truck driver trying to find his way back to Pennsylvania gave road crews a headache when he made a wrong turn into Pike County last night. The tractor trailer crossed the one lane Pond Eddy Bridge around nine last night. The bridge has a three ton weight limit. But the other problem is that Pond Eddy is essentially an island with no access to the rest of Pennsylvania. Pike Assistant PennDOT Manager Ken Thiele says a structural engineer had to be called to see if the truck could safely be brought back over the bridge. It also took several hours to turn the truck around on the narrow dead end roads in Pond Eddy. Penn-DOT and emergency crews were finally able to get the tractor trailer safely back over the bridge to New York this afternoon. They say the driver faces fines as a result of that incident.
January 26, 2010
Search warrants obtained by News 13 concerning the death of 11-month old Kayla Taschler reveal new information. Police say Kayle was put to bed 8:00 on Tuesday January 19th and discovered unresponsive by her parents at 12:30 the next afternoon. Baby Kayla was dead on arrival at Palmerton Hospital. The Carbon County District Attorney is calling her death "suspicious". State police are waiting for toxicology test results before issuing a cause of death. Kayla's dad, Jacob told News 13 her death was not by abuse.
January 26, 2010
Two of the three suspects who allegedly went on a destructive crime spree in Pocono Township almost two weeks ago were in district court today. 19-year-olds Dennis Salgado and Shadira Fontanez are accused of smashing windows, breaking into a house, and stealing a car back on January14th. Police also charged Salgado and a third suspect, Justin Guskiewicz, with numerous counts of valdalizm from an incident on December 28th. Salgado and Fontanez waived their right to a preliminary hearing. All charges will now be carried over to Monroe County Court...
January 26, 2010
A township in Pike County is one step closer to pulling out from their school district. A group of residents in Porter Township are hoping to take their kids out of the East Stroudsburg School District and enroll them in Wallenpaupack. Residents believe the 40 students that live in Porter would not only get a better education at Wallenpaupack but also a higher level of security, better transportation and who could forget a 47 percent cut on their tax bill. A Pike County judge ruled that the over 800 petitions signed by Porter Township residents to change school districts were filed correctly. Its now up to the Secretary of Education in Harrisburg to make the final decision.
January 25, 2010
Today’s rain is having an impact on river levels in our area. The Delaware River in Milford was just below seven feet for most of today. The National Weather Service is projecting it will rise and crest at 16 feet tomorrow but that's still well below flood stage of 25 feet. Similar crests are predicted along the Delaware in Wayne and Monroe Counties but all are well below flood levels.
January 25, 2010
Starting today drivers have to find their way around a bridge replacement project in Pike County. Penn-DOT has closed the Shohola Creek Bridge on Twin Lakes Road. The existing bridge was built in 1936 and has been deemed structurally deficient. It will be completely removed to allow the new span to be built in the same place. Traffic is being detoured onto Route 434 and Knealing road. The work will cost an estimated one-point seven million dollars. Penn-DOT expects work to finish by September. Money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act better known as the Federal Stimulus Package is paying for that new bridge in Pike County.
January 25, 2010
An electrical fire damaged the Hawley Borough offices today in Wayne County. A council member noticed smoke coming from a front porch area this morning. The fire spread to the attic - causing smoke to pour from the eves. Firefighters were able to put out the fire within a few minutes but they had to cut two holes in the roof. The fire broke out near the borough offices and meeting room. The Borough called their insurance company but they're not sure how long the fire will affect their operations. Firefighters from six companies responded to that call this morning in Hawley.
January 25, 2010
New addresses are coming to one part of Carbon County. 50% of all Kidder Township residents will be getting a new street address. Their mailing address will remain the same, but residents will be required to hang a standardized sign from their mailbox so it'll be easier for emergency responders to find their home. Officials say it's all in the name of safety, and emergency responders have been begging for a change for years. The township hopes to have all the confusing addresses fixed by this summer.
January 25, 2010
Senator Arlen Specter received the endorsement of Lehigh Valley Democrats..but he refused to discuss if his age is an issue in this race. The longest-serving Republican-turned-Democrat is running for a sixth term. He is going to be 80, his opponent, Pat Toomey, is 48. Specter also believes he can overcome a "perceived" anti-Democrat feeling across the U-S, with a victory in November.
January 22, 2010
Pediatric patients at Lehigh Valley Hospital get special visitors twice a month. They aren't family members or friends. In fact, they aren't even human! They're therapy dogs! The canines stop in to say hi to patients. Health care providers say, you can see the difference in the children after the dogs visit. Many of them show signs of physical and mental improvement. Dogs in the Greater Lehigh Therapy Dogs group go through rigorous training and pass a test before they're certified as therapy dogs.
January 22, 2010
Many of us were happy to see and feel warmer temperatures this week, but for one group in Pike County those 40 degree days ruined a weekend meant to celebrate the beauty of winter. The Winter Lights Festival in Milford has been postponed, but officials still expect it to be bigger and better than ever. Officials have decided to consolidate the entire festival into one weekend. It all starts next Saturday, January 30th at 11am. Professional ice -skaters, a chili cook off, fire jugglers, and stilt walkers will round off the weekend.
January 21, 2010
State Police are investigating the death of an 11 month old Palmerton girl. Police say Kimberly Taschler arrive at the Palmerton Hospital around 12:30 this morning with her baby who was already deceased. The Carbon County District Attorney requested state police to investigate the death of the girl, Kayla Marie Taschler. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow - the investigation continues.
January 21, 2010
An investigation into a fatal accident last month along Route 443 at Normal Square is over. On December 28th, 62-year old Linda Huynh of Coaldale was killed after her mini van collided with an amublance at the Mahoning Township intersection. Police say the ambulance was not responding to a call at the time of the crash. Today Mahoning Township police said there will be no filing of homicide by vehicle charges against the driver of the private ambulance, 36-year old Eugene Crostley. He will, however, be cited for driving the ambulance with an expired PA inspection. The ambulance company, Regional EMS and Critical Care of Lehighton, will also be cited for allowing Crostley to operate the ambulance with the expired inspection. Investigators say they cannot determine who is at fault. They say eye witnesses gave conflicting stories.
January 21, 2010
A 9.5 million dollar bridge replacement project is officially complete after five years of construction. The entire Shohola Barryville project included complete removal of the existing 60 year old bridge along with designing a brand new one, but the tricky part was completing this project while keeping a bridge open to traffic. The Shohola Barryville bridge was constructed to reflect the history of the area and scenic landscape. Blue stone lines the pillars and face of the bridge and plaques teach pedestrians about the history of the area as they walk along an ornate railing.
January 21, 2010
A group of preschool children in Monroe County are lending a helping hand to the earthquake ravaged nation of Haiti. On Thursday members of Miss Betty's class baked cookies to raise money of the relief efforts. Miss Betty says the young chefs are well aware of the pain and suffering going on in Haiti and this is their way of getting involved. The bake sale will take place tomorrow from 7AM until 6PM. All are welcome to stop by the Wee Ones Preschool in Pocono Pines and make a donation...
January 21, 2010
It only takes a second to send a text message, but the contents of that message could destroy your life. That's the point local law enforcement officials tried to get Panther Valley students to understand. They learned about "sexting". The word is a combination of "sex" and "texting". It's when someone sends a sexually explicit text or picture message. Summit Hill Police Chief Joseph Fittos, Jr. says he's been investigating an incident, and the Panther Valley Superintendent thought it would be a good idea to have a presentation about sexting. The school district didn't comment further about that incident, but the Carbon County District Attorney warned students they can face criminal charges if they're caught sending or receiving an explicit message.
January 21, 2010
A Monroe County church is heading to Haiti. Ministers at the Christian Life Healing Center in Snydersville say the local community has been gracious in handing over donations and now they want to personally deliver them. The earthquake-ravaged country was devastated last week from a 7.0 earthquake. And in addition to supplies, they need volunteers to go on the mission trip. The church is planning the trip for next month. Anyone interested in volunteering or
donating can log on to www.chlc.org.
January 20, 2010
A Pike County woman is in jail for encouraging two teens to fight. 41 year old Lorraine Marcoux allegedly engaged in on-line conversation and web chat in order to get a 15 year old and a 14 year old girl to fight each other. Police say Marcoux even drove the 15 year old to the location of the fight. Afterward, she continued on-line chats, encouraging a rematch between the girls. Marcoux was arraigned yesterday and sent to county prison.
January 20, 2010
Police are investigating the death of a dog found inside a cage in Coolbaugh Township. The dog's body was discovered by officers who were called to the scene on Green Road near Route 196. It was there they found the medium sized animal inside a white cage with a black door. The dog is said to have white fur and was wearing a pink nylon collar with no tag. Police say they believe the dog may be a pit-bull terrier. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Pocono Mountain Regional Police.
January 20, 2010
Penn DOT has closed a bridge over the Delaware River linking Wayne County with New York. An inspection of the Skinners Falls Bridge at Milanville indicated damage to a truss member which is difficult to repair. A detour is now in place sending motorists north on Damascus Road to the Damascus Bridge connecting with Cochecton, or south on River road to Route 652 to Narrowsburg. Penn DOT is still determining how repairs will be made but they expect the bridge will be closed for a month.
January 20, 2010
Stroud Township officials are taking action to quiet garbage trucks making pickups early in the morning. Officials say they've received numerous complaints about waste haulers making loud noises as early as three am. The township says they've tried to get the haulers to voluntarily change their hours but the complaints continued - so supervisors passed an ordinance last night limiting the start of pick-ups to seven am. The new law eliminates pickups from 9-pm to 7-am, as well as Sundays and legal holidays. Supervisors are already considering a change to the law for restaurants to avoid food being kept in a dumpster over a long weekend.
January 20, 2010
Two area congressmen are coming out against tolling interstate 80. Congressmen Paul Kanjorski and Chris Carney have both released statements to the federal highway administrator and transportation secretary - opposing tolls. Both say placing tolls on 80 would create economic hardships in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Penn DOT have asked to impose tolls to raise up to one point seven billion dollars a year to pay for road improvements across the state. A decision on tolls is expected soon.
January 20, 2010
Lehighton's men in blue will soon have a new home. The Police Department is moving to a newer, bigger location. Officers have been begging for a new place for years. Not only will it benefit the department, it will also benefit the general public. Police officers will no longer have to bring criminals into the borough building, where residents come to pay their water and sewer bills. Lehighton Police are expected to move into their new headquarters by August.
January 20, 2010
Forty years ago one of Pennsylvania's most important historic discoveries was made in a peat bog just outside of Marshalls Creek. A nearly complete mastodon skeleton was unearthed and shipped to the state museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. The full skeleton will soon be on display for all to see. The exhibit opens this Sunday and runs through May at the State Museum in Harrisburg. Admission is just three dollars for adults...
January 20, 2010
A community in Pike County continues to fight a proposed power line even thogh their chances of winning seem to be dwindling away. Last week the Public Utility Commission surprised everyone by voting on the Susquehanna Roseland project a month earlier than expected. The half million volt power line would stretch from Berwick, Pennsylvania to Roseland, New Jersey - cutting Saw Creek Estates in half with 190 foot towers. It will be about a month until the PUC's written decision is handed down. Saw Creek officials say they have plans to appeal the decision but have to wait until all the details are laid out on paper.
January 19, 2010
We now know the cause of a deadly accident that claimed the life of an elderly woman. Authorities say 82-year-old Aleksandra Ouelette of Mount Pocono suffered a fatal heart attack - causing her to crash her car into a home. The accident happened yesterday afternoon. Authorities say the woman drove her car off Cobblewood Drive in Mount Pocono, through the front lawn of the home before striking it. Two people were home at the time. Luckily no one was injured.
January 19, 2010
We could know before the end of the month if the federal government will allow the tolling of Interstate 80. Officials with the United States Department of Transportation are expected to release a decision on the latest request for tolls. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Penn-DOT have asked to impose tolls to raise up to one point seven billion dollars a year to pay for road improvements across the state. State Representative John Siptroth says he supports tolls because he sees no other alternatives. According to Siptroth, state lawmakers have been reluctant to raise the gas tax or provide another funding source for Penn-DOT. Siptroth's colleague State Representative Mario Scavello is opposed to tolls. He says even the possibility has already cost our area jobs. Scavello says talk of tolls convinced the Roadway Express Trucking company to close a location in Tannersville last year. The latest application to toll 80 is the third the state has filed since 2007.
January 19, 2010
Police are investigating a burglary at a Bowmanstown shop. State police say two people broke into Pappy's General Store around 2:15 this morning. The burglars threw a large rock through the front door - then stole $300 in Newport Cigarettes and $2,700 in lottery tickets before fleeing. Police say the two men were dressed in black with black backpacks and hooded coats. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at Lehighton.
January 19, 2010
Family and friends of Sharon Weaver are questioning the circumstances surrounding her death. The 54-year olds body was found in the Lehigh River earlier this month. Weaver's family says she was afraid of water and would not go near the river. The Lehighton PSP say Weaver drowned...but the Lehigh County coroner says the cause of death is pending toxicology test results.
January 19, 2010
The next two weeks are vital for a group of residents in Pike County working to save the Milford Theatre. They need to raise four thousand dollars by February first to pay the 2008 real estate taxes. They are asking everyone who wants to see the Theatre project move forward to donate ten dollars to prove to the Historical Trust of Pike County that the community is backing this project. To donate : log onto www.MilfordTheaterTrust.com The entire theatre project is expected to cost one point three million dollars.
January 19, 2010
Since the Follow Me Foundation was formed in 2000, it has grown to serve over three thousand needy families in Monroe County. Bur a recent sale of their cramped quarters almost left them and those they care for out in the cold. Auto dealership owner James Halterman came to the rescue, donating a vacant building to the foundation. The new space is about five times bigger than the current location in Stroudsburg. Tomorrow's food distribution will take place at their Stroudsburg office. Officials with the charity hope to have the new location up and running by February...
January 18, 2010
Human remains found in Slatington earlier this month are confirmed to be of a missing Weissport woman. According to state police, DNA tests indentify the woman as 55-year old Sharon Weaver. She was last seen in Weissport in early November - friends and family were concerned because she's epileptic and was without medication. Weaver's remains were found along the Lehigh River earlier this month by Lehigh County Parks and Recreation employees. An autopsy confirms Weaver died from drowning - no foul play is suspected.
January 18, 2010
An unidentified woman died this afternoon after her car struck a home in a residential area off Route 940 in Mount Pocono. The accident happened shortly after two today on Cobblewood Drive. Police tell News 13 the driver was an elderly woman who had a medical condition that may have contributed to the crash. Her car drove across a lawn and hit the home near the garage. There were reports of smoke and a possible fire. Firefighters were called but flames did not spread to the house. Pocono Mountain Regional Police are investigating and promise to release more information as it becomes available.
January 18, 2010
An accident sends two people to the hospital today near Bartonsville. Police say a driver lost control along Laurel Lake Road near the Monroe Career and Technical Institute. The car went off the road and struck a tree. The driver and a passenger were taken to the hospital with head injuries. Police say those injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
January 18, 2010
Fire has claimed the life of a man in Wayne County. The flames broke out at around 6-pm Friday night at a home off Braman Road in the village of stalker in Manchester Township. Authorities report 49 year-old Scott Fortin died. Firefighters say the home was fully involved when they arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation by a state police fire marshal.
January 18, 2010
Flames damaged a home this morning near Beach Lake in Wayne County. Firefighters were called to the home off Village Road in Berlin Township around two thirty this morning. The owners and their two dogs were able to get out safely. Homeowner Jessica Corrigan was thankful to the firefighters who braved the icy conditions this morning to save what they could. Two firefighters were injured – one fell off a roof and another slipped on the ice. Both were treated and released frrom a local hospital. Firefighters were able to save some pictures and personal items but the home may be a total loss. The Corrigan family is staying with friends tonight in Wayne County.
January 18, 2010
The Pocono Animal Rescue has helped save the lives of dozens of large farm animals but now the organization needs your help. Currently the organization is taking care of 22 rescued animals, but it's come at the expense of twenty-thousand dollars, nearly depleting their funds. A new baby cow was recently born into the Pocono Animal Rescue family -- and they want your help naming it. All you have to do is go to their facebook page and pledge one dollar through paypal and pick out a name. June Parker of Pocono Animal Rescue is asking anyone to make a vote and help them care for these animals. For more information log onto their website at pocono animal rescue website - www.poconoanimalrescue.org
January 18, 2010
A Towamensing Township man has been given credit for time served and will not be going to prison for a series of burglaries last year. Robert Bunch also admitted to ripping off items in cars in the Lehighton area. The judge sentenced him to 9 - 13 months in county prison, but gave him credit for 277 days he already served. The 25-year old must also pay nearly $20,000 in restitution to his victims.
January 18, 2010
A Palmerton man who admits to having inappropriate contact with two teenage boys will spend the next three years on probation. Larry Wanamaker apologized in court for his actions, but insisted he is not a predator. The 54-year old admits to making sexual comments to two boys he worked with at the Palmerton Borough Carbon County Workforce last year. He also admits to inappropriately touching one of them. Wanamaker told the judge he had already lost his job. He cannot have unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18.
January 18, 2010
East Stroudsburg University honored several distinguished guests at their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast. Dr. Victoria Sanders, Assistant to the president of ESU, was the recipient of the morning's most prestigious award honoring the late civil rights leader. Several high school students were also recognized who painted images of Dr. King. This year's winning drawing will be featured on the cover of next year's program...
January 18, 2010
20-year old Felicia Bower is going to jail for 9-23 months for purposely injecting her friend Kenneth Kowalski with heroin in December of 2008. Bower told the judge that she was afraid of Kowalski and he insisted that she buy drugs..that he paid for and that she shoot him up with the drugs. She told the judge she had no idea Kowalski would die from the injection. After she serves prison, Bower will serve 3 years probation..and she will also deliver her second child in the Carbon County prison. Something the taxpayers of the county will finance.
January 18, 2010
A Schuylkill County man is arrested early this morning after allegedly threatening someone with a gun. Police say 32-year old Raymond Anderson of New Ringgold was involved in a domestic dispute around 1 a.m. in the Village of Hecla. Anderson threatened the victim with a 22 rifle. He was taken into custody and arraigned. Anderson is currently in Schuylkill County Prison under $25,000 bail.
January 18, 2010
Three adults and a teen are charged in two seperate drug investigations in Slatington. In the first case, police arrested two people Friday at an apartment on Main Street. 30-year old Shawn Shupp and 31-year old Kristy Kutzer were charged with possession of marijuana among other charges. Kutzer's 11-year old daughter was in the house at the time and was turned over to children and youth services. In the second case, a 17-year old juvenile was arrested at a house on Ventura Drive in Washington Township and charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Police found 2 pounds of marijuana at that location as well as $1,000 in cash. An adult living at that address was charged with possessing a small amount of marijuana.
January 18, 2010
After several fires over the weekend in Pike and Wayne Counties, emergency crews are warning residents of the winter dangers. As your thermostat goes up over the winter months, so do the chances of having a fire. To keep your home hazard free officials say to have your furnace and chimney checked and cleaned each year, keep portable heaters in a safe environment and turn them off at night. Also burn proper oil and wood depending on your heat source, and don't overload extension cords with a million plugs. Officials say the weakened economy is forcing people to come up with new ways to heat their home - many of which are dangerous.
January 15, 2010
Police in Milford are investigating a robbery at a convenience store. A man threatened a clerk and demanded cash at the Milford Xtra-mart just after two this morning. Milford Borough Police say the robber told the clerk he had a weapon but did not show one. He made the clerk lay on the floor and took a few hundred dollars from the register. The suspect was wearing a blue hoodie and jeans. Officers are looking at surveillance video to try to get a better description of the robber. This is the second time an Xtra-mart was held up in Pike County this week. A robber held up an Xtra-mart at knifepoint in Lords Valley Wednesday night.
January 15, 2010
A Monroe County man is sentenced to state prison for two robberies last year. 35-year old Brian Van Horn of Saylorsburg will spend 21-months to six years in prison for a robbery and an attempted robbery last June. Police say Van Horn held up the Pump 'N' Pantry in Stroudsburg and then tried to hold up the Express Mart in Marshalls Creek a few hours later. He threatened clerks with a box cutter knife in both hold ups. Van Horn blamed both robberies on an addiction to crack cocaine.
January 15, 2010
A Saylorsburg man will face a trial on rape charges. 33 year old Steven Pietrowicz waived his right to a hearing before a district magistrate this morning. Police charged him with assaulting a 45-year old woman at an apartment in Chestnuthill Township earlier this month. Police say Pietrowicz was drunk when he forcibly raped the woman. She eventually was able to escape and call police. Pietrowicz remains in the Monroe County Prison under 25-thousand dollars bail.
January 15, 2010
A Monroe County man is missing and police are looking for the public's help. 60 year old Leon Carter was last seen January 5th at his Paradise Township home on Donaldson Road. He has not contacted his family since that time and has failed to show for work. It is also believed that carter is without his medication. Anyone with information on Carter's whereabouts is asked to call State Police at Swiftwater.
January 15, 2010
The state Public Utility Commission has voted to allow a controversial power-line project to move forward. The vote wasn't expected until next month and the approval for the line wasn't unanimous. P-P-L applied to build the Susquehanna Roseland line to connect their Berwick nuclear power plant with Northern New Jersey. P-u-c vice chairman Tyrone Christy cast the only vote opposing the approval for the line this week. Christy says in his opinion P-P-L did not show that there was a need for the line in its application... The saw creek community is opposing the line. Saw Creek says it may appeal the P-U-C's decision or file a lawsuit. The line does cross the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The National Park Service has to issue a permit before construction could begin.
January 15, 2010
Police say a Schuylkill County couple found dead at their home last night died in a murder suicide. According to police, a family member found 44-year old Randolph Arndt and 50-year old Cindy Arndt dead around eight o'clock last night at their New Ringgold home. Late this afternoon police determined Cindy Arndt shot her husband one time in the chest with a 44-calibre handgun and then turned the gun on herself. The victims had been experiencing marital problems. No one else was present in the home at the time.
January 15, 2010
Three 19-year-old suspects are behind bars after allegedly going on a destructive crime spree throughout Monroe County. Pocono Township Police arrested Justin Guskiewicz and Dennis Salgado of Tannersville and Shdira Fontanez of Massachussettes. According to court papers, the three broek into a home and stole guns, and then smashed a number of car windows at two auto body shops, and stole and eventually crashed a car. All three suspects are being held at the Monroe County Correctional Facility under $150,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for January 26th...
January 15, 2010
Lansford police are investigating numerous burglaries which occured in the borough in the past nine days. Police say four businesses on Ridge Street were targeted in the evening or early morning hours between January sixth and ninth. Three business entrances were either forced open or had the glass smashed. The actors made off with money. Two residences on East Water Street were also targeted - both this past Tuesday. The actors got away with various items including a handgun, hunting knife and money. Police are asking residents to call 911 immediately if they see or hear anything suspicous. And anyone with information is asked to contact the Lansford Borough Police - all calls will remain confidential.
January 15, 2010
A local electrical contractor finds ways to save money on his own electric bills. The owner of WB Electric, Inc. in Carbon County will rely on a solar thermal heating system to heat his business. The sun will generate heat into a series of tubes. The heat will be stored in a big water tank, and it'll be pumped through the floor of the business. The owner estimates he'll save between $300-$400 a month. He's hoping to install smaller solar heating systems on homes soon.
January 15, 2010
A Northampton Area School District Student is seriously injured in a car crash yesterday that also claimed two lives. The crash happened around 7 a.m. in Allen Township, Northampton County. 16-year old Michael Kunkle was a passenger in one of the cars. A Lehigh Valley Hospital spokesperson says he is in critical condition. Michael's father, 43-year old Paul Kunkle, died on scene of the two car crash. And 19-year old Tyler Hess of Lehigh Township died shortly after the accident at Saint Luke's Hospital. According to police, Hess was heading north on Kreidersville Road when he lost control of his car on a curve. His vehicle swerved into Paul Kunkle's car. State Police at Bethlehem continue to investigate.
January 15, 2010
A century old landmark in Schuylkill County is destroyed in a suspicious fire early this morning. It happened at an old stone barn located at the intersection of Routes 61 and 895 in West Brunswick Township. Fire crews on scene say the flames broke out just after 1 a.m. Fire fighters were still on scene hours later. When compaines from Schuylkill and Berks Counties arrived on scene the structure was fully involved in flames. The barn owned by the Baver Family was filled with hay, tractors and farm equipment. Route 895 was shut down for several hours. Investigators will look for a cause.
January 15, 2010
The victim and family of a high profile sexual abuse case in Pike County speak out. The Delaware Valley School District was ordered to pay the Freeman family over eight hundred thousand dollars in damages, after their daughter was sexually assaulted by her third grade teacher, Thomas Matthews back in 1997. Samantha Freeman hopes her story can empower others who may be suffering through the same thing, to come forward and stand strong. Thomas Matthews was sentenced back in 2006. He will spend the next twelve to twenty four years in a state penitentiary.
January 15, 2010
Since 1993 the East Penn Search and Rescue Teams has operated on funding from their own pockets. But the organization has fallen on hard times, and is now in danger of disbanding. Founder and Chief Roger Tobias is asking for donations from the public. If you would like to donate you can mail them a check payable to the East Penn Technical Search and Rescue and mail to 219 Laurel Drive Tobyhanna, PA 18466...
January 14, 2010
A man police say is responsible for a slew of bank robberies in Monroe County is in custody. Stroud Area Regional Police say Shannon Hamilton was captured by police in Saint Petersburg Florida yesterday. Hamilton is wanted in connection with two bank robberies in December at the Stroud Township M&T bank. Local police say they now believe he is also responsible for two more bank hold ups last month at the Wachovia bank in Stroudsburg and the Citizens Bank in East Stroudsburg. The 39-year-old man was captured after authorities in Florida linked him to a recent credit union robbery in st. Petersburg.
January 14, 2010
Police in Pike County are searching for a man who robbed a convenience store in Lords Valley last night. State police say a man entered the Xtra Mart along Route 739 around 10:30. The robber walked behind the counter and showed the clerk a knife. He ordered the clerk to open the register and left with some cash. Police say the robber fled in a tan compact older model car. The suspect is described as a white male weighing 160 to 180 pounds and standing six feet tall. He was wearing a bright yellow hoodie sweatshirt, jeans and brown boots. If you have any information you're asked to contact the State Police at Blooming Grove, 570-226-5718
January 14, 2010
Monroe County Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest in an armed robbery investigation. It happened December 31st at 6:20 in the morning at the ESSA Bank in Brodheadsville. Police report the night manager from the McDonalds in Brodheadsville was going to the night deposit box. That's when two men jumped out with a handgun and demanded the money. The two then ran north on route 209. The first suspect is described as a white male with a stocky build. The second suspect is a black male with a thin build. If you have any information on this crime, call Crimestoppers at 866-370-1518.
January 14, 2010
Authorities have released the name of a man killed in a car crash last night in Monroe County. State Police say 25-year old James Bonser of Stroudsburg died - when his pickup hit a utility pole around eight last night on Rimrock Road in Snydersville. According to police Bonser had tried to pass a car. But the other driver turned and the two vehicles collided. The truck then plowed into a utility pole. Electric wires came down and the road was closed to traffic for a time. Bonser was pronounced dead at the scene.
January 14, 2010
A Pocono Mountain School District teacher is dead after a car crash Tuesday night. 45 year old Kimberly Biggs Keil was a French teacher at the Swiftwater Intermediate School. She was driving on Route 115 just south of Wilkes-Barre when her car was hit by another. Keil had worked in the district since 2005.
January 14, 2010
Police have released more information on a crash that happened yesterday in Penn Forest Township. According to police, 45-year old Rita Russo-Cammock of Albrighstville was heading west on Old Stage Road when she lost control of her mini-van. The vehicle went off the road and struck shrubbery - after initial impact it then continued on for another 39 feet before hitting more shrubbery and then another 41 feet before striking a tree. Her vehicle eventually rolled onto its side. She was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital where she is listed in stable condition. While on scene Cammock told police she didn't remember anything regarding the crash. Police say she will be cited for driving too fast.
January 14, 2010
Residents in one part of Pike County now have a new alarm system. Lackawaxen has just received two flood sirens stationed along the Towpath. The 42 thousand dollar pair of sirens were purchased through homeland security funds. They sound off at about 130 decibels and are battery operated with a solar recharge. Officials hope to use them for flooding and other potential natural disasters like tornadoes.
January 14, 2010
Attempted homicide and rape charges have been forwarded to Carbon County court against an East Stroudsburg man accused of raping and trying to kill an elderly woman in her Palmerton home last November. 34-year old Leslie Setzer told News 13 he was at the woman's home but did not rape her. The 92-year old woman testified Setzer raped her twice and then tried to kill her by hitting her in the head. She had let him into her home to use the telephone. Setzer says he wants to plead guilty to whatever charges police reccommend
January 14, 2010
Two men are dead after a car crash this morning in Allen Township, Northampton County. According to the Lehigh County Coroner, 19-year old Tyler Hess of Lehigh Township died this morning at St. Luke's Hospital. According to police, Hess was heading north on Kreidersville Road around 7 a.m. when he lost control of his car on a curve. His vehicle swerved into an on-coming car. Eye witnesses say one of the vehicles was on fire - good samaratins on scene used extinguishers from passing Northampton school buses to fight the flames. Police say a 43-year old man from Northampton died on scene. A 16-year old in the same car was taken to an area hospital with severe injuries. Hess was traveling alone - the coroner says he died from injuries he sustained in that crash. State Police at Bethlehem continue to investigate.
January 14, 2010
Supervisors in Middle Smithfield Township are moving forward with plans to purchase a country club and an 18-hole golf course. But 50 concerned residents showed up to the township meeting this morning, some of them shouting and mostly all of them complaining that this is a bad business deal. Residents say they want no parts of owning Big Ridge Golf Course. The golf course land is being donated to the township but it comes with 180,000 gallons of extra sewage capacity at a cost of two-million dollars.
January 14, 2010
47-year old Scott Ritter has been charged by the Barrett Township Police with indecent exposure and unlawful contact with a minor after he allegedly engaged in a sexually explicit online chat with an under cover detective. According to court papers, Ritter, who served as the Chief United Nations Weapons Inspector in Iraq from 1991 to 1998, struck up a conversation with whom he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. He allegedly performed a lewd sex act on his webcam when he was notified the girl was actually a detective from the Barrett Township Police Department. Ritter waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and is free on $25,000 unsecured bail. His next court appearance is slated for February 23rd, when he could either plead guilty or request a trial...
January 14, 2010
Carbon County officially enters the volatile real estate market today. Commissioners reluctantly listed Weatherwood, the county's nursing home, for sale. They say they can't afford to run the home any longer, but the county wants to make sure the new buyer protects as many jobs as possible. They also want to make sure current patients will be guaranteed a place to live. Commissioners hope to get between $8-10 million for the nursing home.
January 13, 2010
Flames quickly destroyed a house last night in Monroe County. The blaze was called in just before 7pm. The house is located on Twin Pines Road off of Running Valley Road in Jackson Township. It's an apartment that sits on top of a three bay garage. Two occupants in the home escaped the fire. Firefighters from four fire companies battled the blaze but were unable to save the home. Neighbors say the building's owner is currently in Texas. It is not known what started that fire near Bartonville.
January 13, 2010
Fire destroyed a home in Wayne County early this morning. Firefighters say when they arrived at the house on Niagara Drive in Pleasant Mount it was completely engulfed in flames. The fire reduced the entire home to ash. This morning hot spots re-ignited the rubble when our crews were on scene. Luckily no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
January 13, 2010
A Honesdale man will face a trial on hit and run charges stemming from an accident last month. 54-year old Raymond Lutz waived his right to a preliminary hearing today in Wayne County court. Honesdale borough police say Lutz struck an 11-year old boy with his car's side mirror on December eighth on Grove Street. The boy was knocked down and suffered a broken leg. Police say Lutz did not stop but he was found in town soon after the incident. Lutz faces two charges for leaving the scene of the accident.
January 13, 2010
Police in Monroe County are investigating the theft of jewelry worth 40-thousand dollars. It happened during a break-in Tuesday afternoon at a home on Sandhill Terrace in Hamilton Township. State police say a thief broke open the glass panel of a front door and once inside took a large amount of jewelry. Anyone with information about the crime should contact State Police at Swiftwater.
January 13, 2010
A devastating earthquake in the island nation of Haiti is prompting a local church to act. Members of the Eglise Evangelique de la Renaissance Christian church in Swiftwater are kicking off a drive to collect items for disaster relief. The church is made up of Haitian-Americans, many of whom still have relatives in the earthquake-ravaged country. The church is accepting clothing, can goods, and financial gifts to send to Haiti. For more information log onto www.egliserenaissance.org.
January 13, 2010
A day after his shocking announcement, local politicians react to Speaker of the House Keith McCall's retirement. It seems no one expected the 50 year old lawmaker to leave politics. McCall announced he won't be running for re-election in 2010. Instead, he'll take more time to focus on his family. At first, some local officials tried talking McCall out of retirement, but quickly changed their minds. Carbon County Commissioner Bill O'Gurek said it would be selfish to ask McCall to keep sacrificing his family life. Officials we spoke with say McCall's biggest legacy will be his accessibility to his constituents.
January 13, 2010
Students at East Stroudsburg High School South just wrapped up directing and producing two 30-minute documentaries. One deals with pollution, the other alcoholism. The young filmmakers hope their powerful messages reach their fellow peers and adults. The films will be shown Thursday Night at 7:00 and again Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the Pocono Community Theater...
January 12, 2010
A Pike County man was in court today to answer burglary charges. A preliminary hearing was held for 23 year old Richard Hennessey. He is one of the men charged with the break-in's last month in the Hemlock Farms Community. Police searched Hennessey’s home in Lords Valley and found electronics taken in the crimes. 20-year old Robert Dobinson is also charged with taking part. Police say a flat screen t-v taken by Dobinson and Hennessy was traded for drugs and some tools. Charges against Hennessy were sent to a higher court by a judge today in Pike County.
January 12, 2010
The Delaware Valley School District has agreed to pay an 800-thousand dollar settlement to the family of a student who was molested by her third grade teacher. The teacher -- 51-year old Thomas Matthews -- was convicted in 2006 of several counts of aggravated indecent assault for improperly touching two students at the Shohola Elementary School. The family of one student sued the district in civil court - saying that the district had known about similar incidents involving matthews and did nothing to stop them. According to the lawsuit the district had investigated other improper touching of students by Matthews since 1994. But it did not act until the two students reported the abuse in 1999. Matthews was fired soon after. Most of the 800-thousand dollar settlement will be paid by the school district's insurance company.
January 12, 2010
Construction crews are wasting no time getting ready for the planned expansion to the Stroudburg High School and parking lot. One home was knocked down today. It is the first of about 30 to be demolished to make way for the renovations. School District Superintendent John Toleno tells News13 the project is right on schedule. Homes near the Morey Elementary School on West Main Street will come down first, and then those along Elizabeth and Linden Streets will follow. Doctor Toleno says he hopes to have the demolition process completed by April First.
January 12, 2010
Speaker of the House Keith McCall announces he will not run for re-election in 2010. After serving 27 years on the State House of Representatives, Keith McCall says he will retire at the end of this year. He assures his constituents this wasn't a quick or easy decision, but it's something he feels he needs to do. McCall says the decision is purely based on his family. He wants to spend more time with his children and wife. Speaker McCall's term runs through the end of 2010. That's when a new person will take over the 122nd district for the first time in almost three decades.
January 12, 2010
Today was the first of what looks to be countless appearances in court for the investors of the Tom Quick Inn in Milford. Back in November the two remaining investors of the Tom Quick Inn filed a preliminary injunction against the then managing partner Reza Ghassemi. Documents state under Ghassemi's management significant funds went missing and computer access necessary for running the business was denied. But Ghassemi's attorney says by a matter of law the injunction should have never been filed and the truth will come out. In the next ten days Judge Chelak will make a ruling on whether or not the preliminary injunction should be dismissed or upheld. There is still no word on exactly how much money is missing from the Quick.
January 12, 2010
Blue Mountain Ski area is encouraging skiiers to protect their equipment this season. With a rash of thefts so far this year, management is asking people to take advantage of the ski/snowboard check-in station. It's a free service that provides attendants to watch over your stuff under lock and key. FREE OF CHARGE! Several thousand dollars worth of ski equipment has been stolen so far this year. Most skiiers are taking advantage
January 12, 2010
Tis the season for potholes! Weeks of freezing temperatures have led to dozens of potholes on highways across the area. PennDOT officials say they are doing the best they can, but until the temperatures warm, any fixes are only temporary. If you see a pothole, you can report it by calling PennDOT's hotline at 1-800-FIX ROAD.
January 12, 2010
State Senator Dave Argall travels home to officially announce he's running for U.S. Congress. Agrall made the announcment last night in front of friends and family at the Tamaqua Train Station. Currently he represents the 29th District in the Pennsylvania State Senate and previously he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The republican lawmaker will run against incumbent Tim Holden for the 17th Congressional seat.
January 12, 2010
A Marshalls Creek movie theater shut down a few weeks ago is now re-opening. A new owner has now taken over the cinema at the Foxmoor Village Mall. The theater closed in early December after its former owner was evicted for failing to pay rent. Those familiar with it say it's known for attracting a rough crowd. But according to the new manager, that is all changing. The new owner is Vermont State Senator Kevin Mullin and the theater will now be called the Poconos Movieplex. It's scheduled to open this Friday. For showtimes log on to poconosmovieplex.com.
January 11, 2010
Nine million in federal stimulus dollars are on their way to Monroe County to help fund senior housing. Ground breaking took place this afternoon at the white stone commons in Stroud Township. United States Congressman Paul Kanjorski says the Pocono area suffers from a lack of housing for senior citizens. Once completed, white stone commons is expected to consist of up to seventy-two units.
January 11, 2010
A traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Washington D-C man on drug possession charges. State police say they stopped 30-year old Antoine Wells late last night along interstate 380 just south of the Mount Pocono exit. Officers say Wells was speeding at more than 80 miles an hour. A search of his car turned up 185 grams of cocaine and a small amount of marijuana. The cocaine is estimated to be worth more than 18-thousand dollars. Wells is being held in the Monroe County Correctional Facility tonight.
January 11, 2010
A Tobyhanna man is under arrest for stabbing his brother over a game of dominos. It happened early Sunday morning along Blue Jay Lane in Coolbaugh Township. Police say 36-year old Jose Gonzales stabbed his brother Cesar Gonzales several times after losing the game. Cesar Gonzales was taken to Pocono Medical Center. There's no word about the severity of his injuries. Jose Gonzales is being held in the Monroe County Correction Facility under aggravated assault charges.
January 11, 2010
Police in Wayne County are searching for a man who stole cigarettes. The break in occurred sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning at Smokin Joe’s along route 191 in Buckingham Township. That's just on the other side of the Delaware River from Hancock New York. Police report the burglar broke open a side window and took multiple cartons of cigarettes as well as scratch off lottery tickets. Anyone with information should contact State Police at Honesdale.
January 11, 2010
Weatherly Police Office Anthony McFadden is facing charges of unlawful contact with a minor. Police say he contacted the girl 1-hundred and 70 times on the phone between August and November of 2009. Many of the calls contained sexual remarks. A family friend notified police. McFadden is suspended with pay from the force pending the outcome of an investigation. He is free on 20-thousand dollars bail and has a hearing next month
January 11, 2010
2010 is supposed to be the big turn around year for jobs on a national level. But locally, Carbon County's unemployment figures are still higher than the national and state averages. Carbon County hasn't seen any widespread business shut downs, but sporadic layoffs keep the Jim Thorpe CareerLink office busy. Director Garry Wentz says, he's hoping business owners will fill vacant positions in the new year. He says despite dismal unemployment numbers, people are still hiring.
January 11, 2010
Dave Argall is barely settled into his state Senate seat, but he's already making a run for the U.S. Congress this year. After weeks of speculation, Argall finally confirmed the rumors this morning in Harrisburg. The Republican lawmaker will run against incumbent Tim Holden for the 17th District Congressional seat. Locally, he's expected to declare his run tonight at the Tamaqua Train Station. Last year, Argall made the step up from State Representative to State Senator after the sudden death of Senator Jim Rhodes.
January 11, 2010
A major drug dealer and con artist in Pike County will now spend the next decade behind bars. Today 37 year old John McManus of Dingmans Ferry plead guilty to 28 charges including identity theft, forgery and seven charges of possession of an illegal substance with intent to deliver. Back in April when authorities raided his home in Birchwood Lakes they found cocaine, heroine, ecstasy, morphine, and hydrocodone along with counterfeit licenses and cash. Officials say getting McManus off the streets in Pike County definitely put a halt on drug trafficking in the area. McManus was sentenced to eight to sixteen years in state penitentiary.
January 11, 2010
The Monday morning commute gets off to a bad start for drivers in Tobyhanna. Both lanes of Route 423 between I-380 and Route 611 had to shut down this morning after a chain reaction crash with two school buses and a tractor trailer. Authorities say a Pocono Mountain school district bus and a truck were at a standstill on 423. That's when a second Pocono Mountain School District bus turned the intersection; slamming into the rear end of the other bus. Both buses sustained severe damage.
A special recovery team was called in to clear debris and remove oil that spilled onto the roadway. The drivers were taken by ambulance to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Luckily, no students were on either bus.
January 11, 2010
Police need your help catching a pair of armed men who held up the Tannersville Dollar General. Pocono Township Police describe the suspects as two black men, one around 25 years old, 6'2", and weighing 170 lbs. Both suspects were carrying guns when they attempted to rob the store. Two clerks working at the time were able to scare away the robbers, but not before the female clerk was severely beaten by one of the suspects. They fled in a tan 4-door sedan. Anyone iwth information is asked to contact Pocono Township Police at 570-629-7200...
January 8, 2010
Lehigh County hosted an H1N1 vaccine clinic at the Pennsylvania Expo Center. The PA Dept of Health says to expect a third wave of the swine flu to hit our area in late winter or early spring. The clinic all day Saturday runs from 8 Am to 4 PM..and the shots are free.
January 8, 2010
A Summit Hill man who allegedly set a string a brush fires in southern Carbon County in 2008 has entered a last minute plea deal. Police say 42-year-old Frank Swartz was scheduled for trail in Carbon County Court next week. He admitted to investigators he set 16 of the blazes in Lower Towamensing Township during the spring of 2008. But he was originally facing over 75 arson related charges. A spokesperson from the clerk of courts office says, Swartz pled guilty today to 16 different counts. A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered - and sentencing will be held at a later date.
January 8, 2010
Two inches of fresh powder and frigid temps are creating another spectacular weekend of skiing across the Poconos. Since Mid-December Shawnee Mountain has been operating at nearly 100%. Tons of natural and man made snow the past two weeks have left several feet on the mountain. Officials want to remind skiiers this weekend to dress in layers as temperatures are expected to dip down into the teens and single digits...
January 8, 2010
Due to the growth Pike County has experienced over the last decade, Commissioners believe 2010 is the year for change For the first time eve, a Transportation Department appears in the county budget that was adopted just one week ago. Commissioners decided the easiest way to start was with the program already offered through the Area Agency on Aging. Officials are going to start by exploring the most efficient and economical routes between Milford and Matamoras. But before anything can be set in stone the county has to receive permission from Harrisburg.
January 7, 2010
Tolling I-80 has been talked about for years, and discussions continued Thursday Morning on the plan. Community leaders and Turnpike officials squared off in the latest round of tolling talks. ACT 44's plan calls for installing nine toll booths throughout the length of the interstate, which in turn would generate $350 million in revenue. Opponents say the plan would hurt local businesses. The Federal Highway Administration still needs to give their final approval to ACT 44's tolling of I-80...
January 7, 2010
Everything is on track for completion and commercial operation of a solar park in Nesquehoning by next year. 100 acres of the Broad Mountain is the spot for the bright idea. But the developer tells News13 permitting issues of the transmission line have delayed groundbreaking at the Green Acres Industrial Park - regulatory issues make the process extremely complex. However, we're told all environmental, local and county permitting as well as engineering are complete. Once the developers are given the transmission permits construction is expected to begin.
January 7, 2010
A school bus and a pick up truck collide in Franklin Township this morning. It happened just after eight a.m. at the intersection of Fairyland Road and Jefferson Street. A Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 spokesperson tells News13 there were no students on the bus at the time of the crash. The driver was not hurt. Sources at the scene say the female driver of the pickup suffered a leg and back injury - she was taken to Lehighton Hospital. Franklin Township police investigating.
January 7, 2010
Snow fences along Route 903 in Penn Forest Township are finally going up. The fences have been laying along the roadway for months and had residents and drivers questioning why they were never put up. PennDOT crews finally put sections of the fences up this morning. They'll help keep snow from all over the highway. Last weekend blowing snow lead to several accidents because of the slick roads.
January 7, 2010
Sands Casino in Bethlehem is anxiously waiting for table games to arrive. The Governor signed a bill legalizing the games today. Each casino will pay a 15-million dollar licensing fee for the table...and each could get up to 250 tables. Gamblers say they will play the games as long as the starting bets are not too high. They also hope the games will bring long-promised property tax relief.
January 7, 2010
The mental and physical health of a Carbon County man in jail for manslaughter is questioned in court today. 50 year old Mike Mokshefski plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the 2006 stabbing death of George McClure. But, his new defense attorney claims Mokshefski is mentally and physically ill, and prison isn't the place for him. The attorney wants a judge to lighten his client's jail time and give him more probation so he can get proper medical treatment. Carbon County District Attorney Gary Dobias says Mokshefski's violent act was voluntary and his original sentence of seven-and-a-half to fifteen years behind bars should stand. The judge wants to read a doctor's report on Mokshefski before he makes a ruling on his sentence.
January 7, 2010
Authorities still don't know the identity of female remains found along a river bank in Slatington earlier this week. The Lehigh County Coroner says an autopsy was performed this morning, but the cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results. Officials will use dental records to identify the remains. If that proves inconclusive, DNA testing will be performed. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office and Pennsylvania State Police Lehighton Barracks will continue to investigate. Lehighton State Police currently have an open missing persons case. 55 year old Sharon Weaver disappeared from Weissport in early November. Investigators say the clothing found on the body is similar to what Weaver was last seen wearing.
January 7, 2010
A Pike County community is pulling together after one of their own fell victim to a house fire over the holidays. On December 30th, just five days after Christmas, fire ripped through a young families home in Dingmans Ferry. Their community has come together and is holding a Fundraiser Brunch, Saturday, starting at 10:30am at the Club House in Pocono Mountain Lake Forest. An account has also been set up at the Dime Bank in Dingmans Ferry for the Schweitzer family. Checks can be dropped off there. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
January 6, 2010
PennDot is promising snow fences will be installed along Route 903 in Penn Forest Township in about 203 weeks. A spokesperson tells News 13 that the early snow in October prevented crews from putting the fences up then. Residents have been complaining that snow is drifting all over the roads. A woman spun out on the highway earlier in the week..but was not seriously hurt. Penn-Dot says of the weather doesn't thaw the ground some in 2-3 weeks...the fences won't go up this year.
January 6, 2010
Although flu activity is on the decline there are still plenty of locations offering H1N1 vaccines. The Department of Health is holding H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at 33 locations across the state on January 8th and 9th. In Pike County the clinic will be in Lehman Township at the East Stroudsburg North high school from 8 am to 4 pm. Anyone is welcome but appointments are required. To get on the list - appointments can be made online 24 hours a day - just log onto www.H1N1inPA.com and click on the "What's Hot" section. Or call 1-877-PAHEALTH.
Officials say getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect your health and stop the spread of flu.
January 6, 2010
A Pike County woman is charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a local veterans organization. 48 year old Teri Dlugosz is charged with stealing about four thousand dollars from the American Legion in Milford back in 2008 where she was a bartender for over a decade. Veterans say stealing from the legion is like stealing from the community. Dlugosz waived her preliminary hearing and will now either go to trial or plead guilty to the charges. Authorities say they could only find evidence that Dlugosz allegedly stole about four thousand dollars, but legionaries believe it's much more than that.
January 6, 2010
After a nine year absence, Janet Weidensaul returns to a position she once held for two full terms. Weidensaul was appointed to commissioner after the departure of Donna Asure. She vows to continue to pledge fiscal responsibility and would like to see new faces on the volunteer boards of Monroe County. Commissioner Weidensaul will hold her position for the next two years until the 2012 elections...
January 6, 2010
Two Lehighton borough ordinances aim to keep people safe when they walk around town, but police are concerned. They say some residents aren't heeding important safety laws. The borough trash collection day has been changed from Tuesday to Friday, but many residents still put their trash out Monday night. Police remind people to not put out their garbage until Thursday night. Residents are also responsible for clearing the sidewalks of snow and ice 24 hours after a storm ends. Police will start citing residents who don't comply.
January 6, 2010
An autopsy is scheduled tomorrow morning to determine the identity of human remains found yesterday in Slatington. The remains of a woman were found off Railroad Street along the Lehigh River. State Police at Bethlehem were called to investigate. They then called in State Police from Lehighton because they have a recent open missing persons case. 55-year old Sharon Weaver disappeared in Weissport in early November. Investigators say the clothing found on the body is similar to what Weaver was last scene wearing. However, authorities will not know the identity of the remains until after the Lehigh County Coroner conducts the autopsy tomorrow morning.
January 6, 2010
Authorities have identified a man they say is responsible for two recent robberies at the same bank.
Police say 39-year-old Shannon Ronald Hamilton whose street name is 'Red' committed both robberies. Police say
on December 21st and 29th Hamilton robbed the Stroud Township M&T Bank. Police say they identified Shannon as a suspect in the first robbery and they were actually searching for him when the second robbery occurred. Police say Hamilton made off with about 32-hundred dollars in the first robbery and about 43-hundred in the second. His last known address is in East Stroudsburg. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact authorities.
January 6, 2010
A convicted child molester is on trial again, this time for possessing child pornography. Authorities say 57-year-old Michael Grego, a former county courthouse worker, is charged with nine counts of possessing graphic pictures of underage girls. The pictures were seized from computers owned by Grego during a 2007 investigation in which he was convicted of molesting three young girls. Today, one of those victims testified to seeing those graphic images on Grego's computer. District attorney officials say they all appeared to be under the age of 18. The trial resumes tomorrow.
January 5, 2010
Wayne County Commissioners are trying to find a way to save money on their electric bill. As of January first the rate caps were lifted and P-P-L customers were warned about a thirty percent increase on their electric bill. Wayne County purchases their energy from P-P-L but today they decided to enter into a pool with the chamber of commerce in hopes of getting energy at a discounted rate. Commissioners hope to save between 10 and 12 percent on their electric bill each month.
January 5, 2010
More help is available to people who get state assistance to pay their heating bills. Governor Ed Rendell announced today heating assistance grants will go up 100-dollars this year. Those who have already applied through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program better known as LIHEAP - could see as much as 325-dollars. Rendell says better management of the program made the extra money possible - including a new computer system to screen applications. LIHEAP assistance has also been extended another three weeks. It now continues through April second.
January 5, 2010
A new drop box at the Palmerton Area Library is very popular. Workers say it's filled to capacity every morning. They're hoping delinquent library visitors will use the drop box to return overdue books and movies. The library will not charge late fines if you return the items by the end of January. Your record will also be wiped clean when you return the overdue items, so you will be able to use the library once again.
January 5, 2010
Our recent cold weather has everyone talking, and we still have a few months of frigid temperatures ahead of us. A Lehighton business is stepping up to make sure kids are kept warm this winter season. The owner of Mobile Edge started a Coats for Kids campaign. The coat drive runs through the end of January. If you'd like to donate, you can drop off new or gently used coats at Mobile Edge, located on Route 443 in Lehighton. For more information, log onto their website at www.MobileEdgeOnline.com.
January 5, 2010
East Stroudsburg Salvation Army officials want residents to know they are here to help get through this frigid cold snap. The Salvation Army has several beds available in their shelter to escape a night in the cold. Hot meals are served everyday and a food pantry is stocked with plenty of groceries to help get those who need it through the rest of this cold snap. For more information on all the services the Salvation Army provides, contact them at 570-421-3050...
January 5, 2010
Human remains are found along a riverbank in Slatington. The remains were found this afternoon off Railroad Street along the Lehigh River. State Police from Bethlehem were called to investigate - they called in State Police from Lehighton. PSP Lehighton currently has an open missing persons case. 55-year old Sharon Weaver disappeared in Weissport in early November. Officials are not releasing any information at this time. The scene was cleared just after three o'clock today. The Lehigh County Coroner's office tells News13 an autopsy is scheduled.
January 5, 2010
The director of Lehigh Valley International Airport sees full-body scanners in the future if President Obama's push to make air travel safer leads to changes. George Doughty believes larger airports will get the devices first...and then if they are successful, then smaller ones like LVI would see them. Passengers we spoke with would not mind them and would pay more for tickets.
January 5, 2010
Just back from the holidays and state lawmakers are already under pressure to pass serious legislation. Governor Ed Rendell says if a table gaming bill is not passed this week he will make good on a threat to lay off 1,000 state workers. The majority of those workers would come from the Public Welfare Department. County officials say they do not want a repeat of last fall's budget stalemate. If the legislation is passed officials at Mt. Airy Casino & Resort say they already have plans in place to make room for the table games. If it’s not, the state must shore up a 250-million dollar deficit.
January 5, 2010
One of Pike County's few resort and convention centers has fallen victim to the economy. Without any notice, Pocmont Resort in Lehman Township has closed its doors and now sits empty. According to the Pike County Tax Office the resort owes 248 thousand dollars in back taxes to the East Stroudsburg School District. Llehman Township supervisor Paul Menditto is hopeful for the resorts future. Pocmont is the second major facility to close down in Lehman Township. Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts did the same just over a year ago.
January 4, 2010
Police are searching for four men who assaulted a clerk during a robbery in Smithfield Township. It happened late Saturday night at adventure sports along Route 209. Four men entered the store after eleven-pm. Two asked the victim about ski goggles and the other two tried to open the cash register. The victim says when he tried to stop them - all four attacked him. The suspects fled. The victim was treated for minor injuries at Pocono Medical Center. Police aren't sure if anything was taken in the robbery. The suspects are described as four men in their late 20's to early 30's. Two were white males. If you can help identify them contact State Police at Swiftwater.
January 4, 2010
Fire investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that damaged an apartment and a business in Delaware Water Gap. Flames broke out New Year’s Eve at the Delaware Water Gap Antique Outlet along Route 611. One person was in the upstairs apartment when the fire broke out but they were able to get out safely. The apartment sustained heavy damage while smoke and water damaged the antique shop as well. A state police fire marshal visited the site but has not yet released a cause. The building was formerly the home of the Blue Note Inn.
January 4, 2010
Police are investigating a weekend car accident that claimed a life in Monroe County. The Monroe County Coroner's Office says 21-year old Richard Kajkowski of Philadelphia died in the crash Sunday morning in Chestnuthill Township. Kajkowski's mini cooper went off Glenwood Road about a mile from Gilbert Road. The vehicle struck a tree. Police say Kajkowski was partially ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
January 4, 2010
Expensive tools and diagnostic equipment have been stolen from an auto repair shop in Saylorsburg. State police say someone broke into Advantage Auto Repair sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning. Police say they took tools worth 10-thousand dollars and computer diagnostic equipment worth 12-thousand dollars. Police don't have a description of the burglar. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Swiftwater.
January 4, 2010
Two men face burglary charges in Pike County. Police say 20-year old Robert Dobinson and 23 year old Richard Hennessy broke into a home in the Hemlock Farms community on Christmas Eve. Officers say while the homeowners slept the two men entered their room and took jewelry boxes and a purse. Police say evidence collected at the home connected Dobinson and Hennessy to the crime. Both were arrested and charged with burglary. Stolen items were recovered from Hennessey's home. Police say the two may have committed other burglaries and more charges are pending.
January 4, 2010
A fire broke out New Years Eve at the home of Marie Gemeinhardt along Hahn's Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Townsihp. Gemeinhardt managed to escape the quickly spreading flames but lost everything. She told sources at the scene she had a supplemental heating source in her bedroom, an electrical ceramic heater. She left her room for a short period of time and when she returned her bed was on fire. When fire fighters from Carbon and Northampton Counties arrived on scene the two story wood frame dwelling was fully invovled in flames. Due to the remote location water had to be tanked into the scene. The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley is assisting Gemeinhardt.
January 4, 2010
It's an historic day for the Carbon County court system. For the first time ever, a third judge is sworn in to the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Steven Serfass officially took the bench today in front of his colleagues, family, and friends. Serfass says he's honored to be part of Carbon County's history, and he looks forward to the challenges of his new job. Judge Serfass will start handling court cases immediately. He is the 18th judge in the history of Carbon County.
January 4, 2010
State Police in Swiftwater are investigating a murder that took place just hours into the New Year. According to police reports, Adam Lawruszkiewicz of New Jersey stabbed 23 year old Gouldsboro resident Marcin Taran in the Monroe Lake Development just hours after the New Year. Taran died at the scene from his injuries. The suspect is being held without bail at the Monroe County Jail. He's charged with Criminal homicide and aggravated assault. A preliminary hearing is set for January 13th...
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