Shamokin area home gutted by fire

  COAL TOWNSHIP — In Northumberland County, a Shamokin area home was gutted by fire this morning. The 9-1-1 dispatchers say they got the first calls just before 2am, for the fire on West Arch Street in Coal Township. The home was heavily damaged.   A dozen or so volunteer fire companies responded…at this point, all but a few fire companies have returned to their fire halls. No word on the owner or occupants of the home yet–we know no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation and a fire marshal has been called to help investigated.  

Native Giant Hynoski bangs knee in practice

New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski was dealt a potentially serious blow. According to Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star-Ledger, Hynoski injured his left knee during the Giants first OTA workout on Wednesday and will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Hynoski collided with running back Andre Brown and fell to the turf during a full team drill before being carted off the field. “He kind of got (his leg rolled up on) and so we are taking a look at that,” head coach Tom Coughlin said. “I said a few prayers and I’ll continue until I hear what it is.” Hynoski appeared in all 16 games for the Giants last…

Penn State’s Spanier sees charge dismissal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Former Penn State president Graham Spanier is asking a county judge to throw out criminal charges accusing him of helping to cover up abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Spanier’s lawyers last week filed the motion, citing his allegation that the university’s former top lawyer violated attorney-client confidentiality when she gave prosecutors information about him. He’s also arguing that some of the charges were filed after the statute of limitations had run out. Spanier remains a faculty member while fighting the accusations that he and other administrators committed crimes as they responded to complaints about Sandusky, who was convicted last summer of 45 counts of child sex abuse. Spanier…

Pools across The Valley opening soon

SUNBURY — As the warm weather is upon us, kids across The Valley are ready to go swimming.  Here is the scoop on when your local community pool will be opening:   Lewisburg Community Pool — Saturday, May 25 @ 11:30a.m. Middleburg Swimming Pool — Saturday, May 25 @ 1:00p.m.   Liberty Splashland in Northumberland — Tuesday, June 4 @ 11:00a.m. Sunbury Community Pool — Tuesday, June 4 @ 12:00p.m.   Selinsgrove Pool — Thursday, June6 @ 12:00p.m.   Milton Community Pool — Friday, June 7 @ 12:30p.m.   Sunnybrook Park Pool in Danville — Saturday, June 8 @ 12:00p.m.  

“Wake the Lake” in Sunbury Saturday

SUNBURY — The water has been getting warmer, and the folks in Sunbury think it is time to celebrate the opening of the Susquehanna River.  The City of Sunbury, Sunbury Revitalization Incorporated, and the Friends of Shikellamy State Park are sponsoring “Wake the Lake” Saturday at the River Front Amphitheater.   Tonya Ditty is on the Board of Directors at SRI.  She said, “Wake the Lake is a first annual celebration of the Sunbury river opening, starting with the Blessing of the Boat at noon, followed by live entertainment.  There will be food vendors there and craft vendors, as well as live music.”   Ditty said the event is open to anyone and everyone.  “We…

Input needed for rail trail plans

LEWISBURG — The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail may be getting an extension, but first public input is needed to plan the best approach. Lewisburg Borough is hoping to extend the trail to the West Branch Susquehanna River. They will be holding an informational meeting tomorrow (Thursday), to discuss the proposed extension. The purpose of the meeting is to present a general overview of the extension plans. The focus will be on the section from 5th Street to the West Branch Susquehanna River. The area is currently occupied by St.   John Street. Several concept designs will be shared and discussed during the meeting. There will also be an opportunity for public input. The extension is…

Low voter turnout in The Valley

UNDATED – One local official was disappointed by the low voter turnout Tuesday during the primary election.  Snyder County Commissioner Peggy Chamberlain-Roup says she is surprised more people do not come out to vote during local elections.  “In this country, we don’t have armed guards at our polls; we don’t have voter intimidation at the polls.  We try very hard to be inclusive.  The numbers of voter registration is shameful as well.” Voter turnout throughout The Valley was low.  “I would think that you would be talking over your back fence about your neighbor who is running for a township or county position,” says Chamberlain-Roup.  “I’m appalled that they don’t turn out for the municipal,…

Local Chamber hosts Beat the Heat

  Milton— The Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce is bringing to the area a new way to get active, while staying cool in the summer heat.   Beat the Heat is an event put on by the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce and event coordinator Jeff Shaffer. “ It is a circuit training stlye event; there will be eight different stations. There will be push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, lunges, squats, dip, and pull-ups. It should be fun, it should give you a full body workout, and it’s a great way to support our brand new Just Drive initiative at the Central PA Chamber as well as the annual support campaign of the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA.”…

Local Red Cross supporting Oklahoma tornado victims

SUNBURY — If you want to help those impacted by the devastating tornados in Oklahoma, you can give to the local Red Cross. The Sun Area Chapter of the American Red Cross says they can help you get donations to the victims who most need it. Tom Szulanczyk is chapter executive.   He said, “Oklahoma folks do not need stuff, but the Red Cross will ensure that monetary contributions are funnelled directly to the area where it is needed most. Local folks here can contribute to the local Red Cross chapter and we will funnel the money to the disaster relief efforts. Or they can make a contribution through texting.”   The number to text…

Milton residents evacuated after gas leak

MILTON — A gas leak kept residents from their homes for over an hour in Northumberland County this morning.  According to reports, contractors hit a natural gas line during construction at Carr Avenue in Milton.  UGI shut off the leak, but residents within a two block radius were asked to leave their homes.   Rail traffic is still at a standstill while the situation is being investigated.  No injuries have been reported.  We will update you with more information as it becomes available.  (Codi Jade)