wpmt_news_3

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:37:18 -0600

In Cctober Josh Zimmerman and his wife bought their first home.

"It was awesome it's a great feeling it's a nerve racking feeling, but it's a good one at the same time," said Zimmerman.

To encourage first time homeowners the federal government is offering a tax credit up to $7500 interest free. William Gumbinger owns By the book Accounting and explains some of the qualifications.

"It's ten percent of the gross cost of the home so as long as the home costs $75,000 you qualify for the whole amount," said Gumbinger.

Here's a breakdown.
     Only first time homebuyers qualify.
     Home purchased between April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009
     Income requirements less than $75,000 single, $150,000 couple

Josh is weighing his options how to use the money.

"We might put it towards new windows in our home, possibly towards a central air unit or we may put it straight towards our mortgage in hopes of getting through our PMI insurance quicker," said Zimmerman.

Homeowners need to understand the tax credit works like a zero interest loan, they must repay the federal government within 15 years or when they sell the house.   William cautions the credit may not work for everyone.

"If you don't think your going to be able to add this extra up to $500 per year to it you might want to rethink that," said Gumbinger.

Despite slow economy, lottery sales slightly up

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:04:27 -0600

While retail sales are down across the country, Pennsylvania Lottery ticket sales are slightly up. Sales increased by one percent over last year, from July to December, despite the slow economy.
     Lottery officials say even though the sales are up, the economy is still having a negative impact on the industry.
     Stephanie Weyant, Press Secretary for The P.A. Department of Revenue says, "our players have told us they're spending less on lottery tickets because they are concerned about the economy and we're hearing the same from retailers."
     Calvin Johnson, who owns Lottery Cue Nique II at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg says, "a lot of customers are upset about how much they've lost in the stock market and 401k."
     For Johnson, sales have been slow, but he's hoping the recent holiday rush continues. He says, "it's picking up again now, a couple weeks before Christmas it was staying slow."
     There's a lot at stake with lottery sales, proceeds benefit programs for seniors, like PACE and PACENET, as well as property and rent rebate programs.
     Stephanie Weyant says, "it's important for the hundreds of thousands of seniors that benefit from senior programs paid for with lottery proceeds."
     Wally Miller, a regular lottery player says that is one reason why he keeps scratching those instant tickets.
     Miller says, "I have an 87 year old stepfather that benefits from those programs, and I have a brother that's 10 years older than me, he benefits too."

PennDOT crews gear up for a blast of winter weather

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:54:58 -0600

As drivers travel I-83, PennDOT crews gear up for a blast of winter weather. With snow, sleet, and freezing rain in the forecast, all of York County's trucks are hitting the highways.

"We have all 55 of the trucks out and we have 19 rental trucks that we will call if needed," said Steve Grassetti, PennDOT.

PennDOT has been preparing for this storm since the weekend. On Monday, they pre-treated several trouble spots with a liquid salt solution.

"We put it on the roadway and when the water evaporates, you have a little bit of salt residue there. The residue prevents any freezing rain from bonding to the road," said Grassetti.

With the salt supply full, PennDOT crews say they are ready for whatever mother nature may dish out. Drivers, on the other hand, are not looking forward to the morning commute.

"I don't like to drive on the ice, so I stay off the roads if I can," said Damiani Santamaria of York County.

"Normally, I will stay inside and try to keep out of the bad weather, if I have to go and get something done, I will drive slow," said Brian Litvak of York County.

If you have to travel slick roadways, remember to slow down and be extra alert.

Gun Found in Family's Yard

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:22:38 -0600

A black handgun is not what Rick Rutter expected to find in his yard Sunday morning.

"My daughter came up to my room and said hey you have to come see this. So I said let me get my glasses. What is it?," he said.

Rutter's 17 year old daughter was taking the family's dog outside when she saw the revolver laying on the grass.

"As soon as I saw it I turned around to my daughter and said call 9-1-1," he said.

Like neighbor Vern Keller, Rutter saw the police activity in the area of Clermont Avenue and Stevens Avenue, but never inquired why they were there.

"We saw some cops in the parking lot. I didn't know what was going on . I saw them frisking somebody," Keller said.

The shooting happened in a nearby alley at around 7 PM Saturday night. But before police arrived the shooter and victim both took off. Police later found out it was an 18 year old man shot multiple times. Rutter is just glad it was his teenage daughter who found the gun. He says it is unsettling to think it was laying right by the playhouse.

"We have 6 children in the house, 4 are 7 and under. Fortunately they weren't the ones bringing the dog out this morning," he said.

Pitbull Puppy Found Near Dumpster

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:26:50 -0600

It may have been a Christmas gift gone bad. A three-month-old pitbull puppy was found starving and freezing near a dumpster in Columbia, Lancaster County, just a week after the holiday.

A good samaritan took the dog, named Wanda, to the Humane League of Lancaster County.

"He found her, took her in on New Years Day, tried to nurse her back to health a little bit by bathing her, giving her some food, but realized she wasn't improving at all," said Bryan Langlois, Medical Director at the Humane League of Lancaster County.

Wanda was dehydrated, weak, and unable to walk. She is slowly improving, but doctors say her recovery is far from over.

"I can't guarantee she will be able to survive what she has been through, but if she does survive and we can get her healthy and moving around, it would be at least 2 or 3 months," said Langlois.

No one knows whether Wanda was a stray or if her owner dropped her off at the dumpster. Folks at the Humane League say it is not uncommon to see animals left alone this time of year.

"We do see a little bit of an up tick in statistics, as far as animal surrenders, probably from people who buy them from pet stores as gifts and then they realize it is not working out," said Langlois.

"We would much rather have them come in here and get taken care of right away, than be possibly abandoned outside and maybe never get the vet care they need," said Jenna Alexander with the Humane League of Lancaster County.

If you would like to help with Wanda's medical bills, contact the Humane League of Lancaster County.

PA Turnpike Rates Increase

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:55:45 -0600

Starting at 12:01 January 4, it will cost you more to travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Tolls are jumping roughly 25%. The average passenger car will see a 20 cent per exit hike. Right now, drivers pay about $0.75 to travel one exit, after the increase it will cost $0.95.
Traditionally, the Turnpike Commission has made one big hike about every decade or so. Now, following this increase, the commission will raise rates about 3% every January.
The extra revenue from the increase will go toward Act 44, a Governor Rendell initiative that has the turnpike providing $2.5 billion in transportation funding.

CD Player Returns From Bowl Game

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:14:45 -0600

When Jack Lippert stepped off his plane at Harrisburg International Airport Saturday, he could walk a little taller. Not that the 6'3", 243 pound defensive end needed to. The Central Dauphin football stand-out played in the Offense Defense All American Bowl near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Friday. It was huge honor to not only play in the game, but to also make a couple of big plays in the national high school all-star game.

"I made a pretty nice move to the inside and just busted through the line. It just rained right before the game and the field was really slippery. I gave (the other player) a nice shove and I fell and he fell," Lippert said.

Lippert's coach greeted the star at the airport. lHis family flew down to watch the game Friday. A game that Lippert's team, the East, won 29 - 3.

"To be one of the only players from PA (was an honor). Most of these players are from the southeast where football is huge. It's just an honor to go down there and play with them," he said.

It was one last time on the field as a high school player before the East player heads west to the University of Pittsburgh to play on the college level.

Three State Troopers Cleared of Any Wrongdoing

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:45:42 -0600

After weeks of investigating, Cumberland County District Attorney, David Freed has released his findings on two police involved shootings. One involved a drunk driver, the other, two suspected bank robbers. Freed says troopers did what they had to do in order to bring two ensuing police pursuits to an end.
     The first incident happened October 24th on Interstate 83 northbound near Route 581 near Lemoyne. Police say two men robbed the People's Bank in West Manchester Township, York County, then got into a Jeep Cherokee and drove north. At a roadblock, they shot at a State Police Sergeant, then he fired back five times. The driver of the Jeep, Robert Lee, was killed.
     Freed has determined the the trooper's actions are justified. He says, "at the point following these chases, the only force that's going to take these guys into custody was potentially deadly force, that's justification right there."
     The same conclusion was reached for another trooper involved shooting at the intersection of Route 944 and Grahams Wood Road in Upper Frankford Township. Police say on November 30th, a man was driving under the influence. After a chase, he stopped and troopers surrounded his S.U.V. he tried to hit one of them.
     Freed says, "Trooper Fink believed that he was going to be struck by the vehicle and fired his weapon at the operator's position to stop him." The driver, Joshua Grimes was shot and is still in the hospital.
     In both cases, the D.A. says police acted appropriately. He says, "those who choose to ignore clear legal authority assume the risk of being injured or killed as a result of their conscious actions."
     Under state law, a police officer is justified to use deadly force when he feels his or another person's life is in danger. The troopers involved are now clear to return to duty.

Police Cracking Down New Year's Eve

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:00:13 -0600

New Year's Eve is known for celebrations and unfortunately also for alcohol-related crashes.

The start of 2009 is bittersweet for Rhonda Grove and Marsha Winemiller. Their sons, 21-year-olds Trent Grove and Shelby Winemiller, were killed in a car crash on Seven Valley's Road in North Codorus Township, York County. It was New Year's Eve, one year ago.

"It has been the most difficult thing I have ever been through in my entire life," said Marsha Winemiller.

The boys were riding in the car with a friend, who offered to be the designated driver. Police are still investigating whether that driver broke his promise to stay sober.

"She lost her son to something that could have been prevented and I have lost my son to something that could have been prevented," said Rhonda Grove.

Many accidents could have been prevented. Just in the Harrisburg area, State Police investigated 14 alcohol-related crashes. They made 51 DUI arrests.

"I know that people think it will never happen to them, but I can tell you, Rhonda and I are sitting here, knowing that it does happen to you," said Winemiller.

"Trent had so many people who loved him, so many people that miss him, so many people who still call and make sure we are ok," said Grove.

Police across the area will have extra patrols, focusing on DUI enforcement and checkpoints on New Year's Eve.

Lockdown Lifted at Prison

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:55:15 -0600

The lockdown has been lifted at Dauphin County Prison. It went in place Sunday night, after a group of maximum security inmates caused a disturbance.
     Prison officials say it started shortly before 9PM, when the prisoners refused to go into their cells. The Prison Crisis Response Team was called when a security camera in their cell block was moved so it pointed toward the ceiling.
     The prison warden says while the CERT team was on its way, the prisoners were making a barricade with their mattresses. They also had put batteries from their radios into their socks - making a weapon. A box that was bolted to the wall was ripped off and thrown around.
     The CERT team was in place within the hour, and after they entered the cell block it took them only minutes to get the inmates under control.
     One correctional officer broke his hand during the ordeal. He appears to be the only one injured.
      The Dauphin County District Attorney is reviewing the case and looking at video from the prison. Charges could be filed against the prisoners.

Boyfriend Shot Saving Girlfriend

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:47:41 -0600

Bryan Newell was trying to protect his fiancee from danger. His friend Nick Cordero says that shows his devotion.

"That's how he is that's just how he would never let anything happen to his girlfriend he loves her to much," said Cordero.

Police say Bryan was shot in the neck trying to fend off 21, Vincent Flemister the accused gun man who along with 32, Andres Rodriguez. Police say they planned to rob Bryan's stepbrother Warren Dowing of money and drugs inside their North College Street home.

"The plan was Rodriguez goes in first, 5 or 10 minutes later Flemister will come in and actually commit the robbery," said Chief Stephen Margeson, Carlisle Police Department.

Police say the plan went bad Flemister armed with a gun grabbed Bryan's fiancee. Bryan came to her aid during the struggle Flemister's gun went off striking Bryan paralyzing him from the chest down.

"He can't feel anything from his shoulders down and they don't know if he's going to be alright," said Cordero.

"He was the knight in shinning armor that was trying to protect his fiancee from someone he was unfamiliar with," said Mayor Kirk Wilson.

Flemister was taken into custody at Classic Drycleaners in Carlisle where he worked. Rodriguez turned himself in to police both men face attempted homicide charges.

Lancaster County Bank Robber Caught

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:56:13 -0600

Three bank bomb threats in four days, now police in Lancaster County believe they have their man. On Monday afternoon, the latest threat was made at the M&T Bank branch on the 1800 block of Columbia Avenue in East Hempfield Township.
     Police have charged 37 year old Ronald Brown of Lancaster with the crime. They say he went into the bank and said he had a bomb. He strapped the device to the wrist of a bank manager and insisted if he didn't get $50,000 dollars, he would detonate the device.
     Officers say after getting an undisclosed amount of cash, Brown took off on foot. He was found a short time later, about a quarter mile away, near the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Yale Street.
     According to detectives, Brown admitted to committing the crime, along with similar crimes at a PNC Bank in Lancaster Township and a Fulton Bank in Manheim Township. In each crime he claimed to have a bomb, but the devices were determined not to be explosive at all.
     Detective Tammy Marsh with East Hempfield Township Police Department says, "basically things he would find on the street and put together, kind of looked in a way like it could be. You didn't know and that's what he would use."
     While the State Police Bomb Squad examined the device at M&T, dozens of employees at nearby stores stood out in the cold because their businesses had been evacuated.
     Jessica Finch, a manager at Finch Jeweler's Workshop says, "he came up to me and approached me and said you need to get everyone out of the store, pack up your things and immediately leave."
     Joe Legenstein is a co-owner of Certified Carpet, he says, "I was on the telephone with an employee and a police officer came in and said you've got to get out, there's a bomb threat."
     Detective Marsh says, "clearly the device wasn't an explosive, so he didn't want to blow up a bank, but he believed that's what he had to do in order to bring his means to an end."
     Police say Ronald Brown is currently homeless and has served time in jail for robbery twice before. That means if he's found guilty, under the state's three strikes law, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
     He is currently in Lancaster County Prison on $250,000 cash bail.

Man Shot in Attempted Armed Robbery

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:50:54 -0600

A man is shot in his Cumberland County home Monday afternoon during an attempted armed robbery.

"I started to walk towards the living room and I heard this screaming and yelling, so I came running out of the door and there was this young girl and she was saying help me, my boyfriend has been shot," said Marion Mattesky, neighbor.

Police say the suspect entered the house, in the 300-block of North College Street in Carlisle, through an unlocked back door. He demanded money then got into a fight with 21-year-old Bryan Newell. The suspect shot Newell in the neck and fled the scene.

"Times have changed and we constantly try to remind people, you need to secure your residence, you need to be careful, you need to be on the lookout," said Mayor Kirk Wilson, Carlisle.

Police searched Newell's home after the shooting. They found guns and marijuana packaged for sale.
The suspect remains on the run.

Firefighters Donate to Feed Hungry

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:19:27 -0600

Harrisburg Firefighters are answering the call with each case of food they fight hunger.

"We have an emergency everyday in this city that is those less fortunate not having enough to eat and were able to contribute and help those folks have a square meal everyday," said Lt. Brian Enterline, Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.

For twenty years members of the fire service have collected food donations for city soup kitchens. Delivered by fire engine, the gesture moves Naomi Green of Camp Curtin Mitchell United Methodist Church.

"I think their wonderful for the last twenty years ever since I've been here, twenty years that they have served us, and we appreciate it very much," said Green.

"We've seen more people come we've seen the numbers go up we were like averaging when I first started maybe like 70, 75 people a day now it's like 120 a day,"said Sam Chapman, volunteer.

Sam Chapman is a volunteer at Saint Frances of Assisi Church, he says no one can down play how much this food is needed.

"Theirs people that definitely need this that need that meal a day, this might me the only meal that they get," added Chapman.

"A lot of times when were on the street were dealing with fires, tragedies, accidents, and things like that and this is really a feel good thing for us," said Lt. Enterline.

Pizza Shop Gas Mystery

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:55:57 -0600

A ghostly gas mystery has workers at a local pizza shop perplexed. All of the pilot lights in the kitchen go out for no reason at Claudio's Pizza in Aspers Adams County. It takes roughly 8 seconds after it's lit. Manager Fabio Carella said even after having the oven manufacturer and the gas company in, plus re-piping the entire building, nothing has worked. No one can figure it out.
The shop has been closed for nearly a month now. Customers have to drive another 5 miles to it's other location. Regulars like firefighter Stephen Oseen who's fire hall is right next door are noticing.

"It's inconvenient. It's so close by, there's nothing else close to us. I don't like eating anywhere else," he said.

"They keep going to the other location and keep asking why were not open and we keep telling everybody we cannot figure it out," Carella said.

So until an expert can find a fix to get the open sign lit up again, Carella jokes that it may just be a pizza shop pranking poltergiest.

"We're near Gettysburg, you never know," he said.

Program Helps Woman in Need of Kidney Transplant

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:52:24 -0600

Diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2000, Mimi Weber of Pequea has had a rough road holding out hope for a transplant. Her family members immediately tested to be donors but nobody was a match, until a medical procedure involving another donor and recipient changed their search.
Through the "North American Paired Donor Network," Mimi's sister Wendy gave her kidney to the wife of a man in Pittsburgh. That husband then gave his kidney to Wendy. To Wendy, it never mattered who was getting her kidney, as long as Mimi was getting one also. "I was focused on Mimi. I was donating my kidney for Mimi, that is why I was doing this."
Wendy and Mimi's donor have both recovered from the surgery. Wendy spent just two days in the hospital. Mimi is recovering at home.

Quake shakes Lancaster, York counties

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:23:39 -0600

A 3.4 earthquake rocked Lancaster County early Saturday morning according to the United States Geological Survey's Web site. The effects of the earthquake could be felt as far as Springettsbury, York County.

The USGS reported the quake occurred at 12:04 a.m and listed its epicenter as Salunga-Landisville, Lancaster County.

Both Lancaster and York County 911 operators say they had no immediate reports of damage resulting from the quake.

We will have more information as soon as it is available.

To see the U.S. Geological Survey report on the quake click the link below.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

Earthquake Shakes Up Lancaster County

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:18:58 -0600

In Ginny Bailey's 48 years of living in Landisville, she has never heard or felt anything quite like it.

"All of the sudden we heard this boom and the house started to shake rattle and roll," she said.

The next morning the thought of it rolled the Hempfied High School Secretary right out of bed and on to the internet to try to figure out what it was.

"When i got on my laptop, all the kids were on Facebook talking about the tremor," Bailey said.

Windi Kamm and her daughter Zoya of East Hempfield Township think it's neat that they got to experience it, though it was a little unsettling at the time.

"It's just something very uncommon for the area so when it does happen it freaks you out," Kamm said.

Bailey can't wait to get back to school to hear what the kids say instead of read it.

"Oh were going to love it. "That'll be the talk of the school," she said.

3.4 Earthquake Rattles Area

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:06:58 -0600

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake hit Lancaster County just after midnight Saturday morning. No injuries have been reported, but plenty of nerves were rattled. The quake's epicenter was near the Landisville/Salunga border, but people report feeling tremors from Baltimore to Philadelphia.
Earthquake expert Dr. Scharnberger says it is not entirely uncommon for earthquakes of this magnitude to rattle Lancaster County. In 1984, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Marticville. He says they typically hit about once every ten years or so.
There are no injury or damage reports. Dr. Scharnberger says it is possible that we might feel aftershocks over the next few days.

Bizarre Bank HoldUp

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:04:58 -0600

Back to back bank hold-ups have police in Lancaster County scratching their heads. The problem is not what he got away with but what he left behind.

Police say in both incidents he implied he wanted money but left before getting any both times he left behind, what he inferred, was a bomb.

The first incident happened at PNC bank on East King Street in Lancaster Township at around 5 pm. Then just a half an hour later and just a few miles away, was another incident at the Fulton Bank in Manheim Township.

In that case police say he walked in and asked to speak with a customer service representative. Police say he inferred to that worker he wanted money and had a bomb. Police say what he did at the PNC bank was similar. The streets around both banks were shut down as the bomb squad investigated. It determined that neither of the devices were explosives. Sergeant Tom Rudzinski of the Manheim Township Police Department said that doesn't make the crime any less serious.

Something like this happens and you (bank employees) have to worry about your own personal safety. They did the right thing, they closed up the bank called the police and we'll try to figure out what happened, he said.

Police are hoping someone will recognize the man from the surveillance picture and give them some information about who the man is.

Christmas Grinch Steals Van and Tools

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:14:09 -0600

Mike Morgan is a hardworking man who remodels homes. He depends on his tools to get the job done, but his Christmas was deflated by a grinch.

"Christmas Eve I was at home parked my van in the driveway about 1 pm in the afternoon, basically the van was there at 10, 10:30 in the evening woke up Christmas morning and my van was gone," said Morgan.

His solid white colored van had all his tools inside. The 1988 Ford van has no lettering so it does not standout, which could make it difficult to recover leaving this father and sole provider asking friends to borrow their tools.

"I think it's pretty low to be stealing something especially on Christmas stealing one thing especially on Christmas Eve that's even worse," said Morgan.

Mike says he doesn't care who did it just dump the van somewhere and let somebody know where it is at least give him a chance to get started again. Mike hopes this grinch will take a cue from the children's story will have a change of heart and return his things.

Thankful for Second Chances

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:28:06 -0600

Christmas Day means much more than receiving a meal for Suzanne McDowell it's about being thankful she's alive.

"I'm freshly out of rehab, I been addicted to heroin for over 25 years and I've tried to stop for many years," said McDowell.

Seeking help Suzanne came to the Water Street Rescue Mission. After months of treatment she's clean and enjoying life, but the best gift of all she's back in the lives of her family.

"Compared to years past my family wants me to be their with them today, years past they didn't want a mother addicted to drugs," added McDowell.

For clients like David and Josh it's about second chances once receiving hand outs now dishing them out.

"To be in a good setting and good community with these guys to be able to help out the guys that have done so much for me and a lot of other people in the community," said Josh Davis, mission client.

Preparing food for the body and soul by hands with hearts of joy this holiday.

"I think it gives them a sense of hope that people do truly care about them and they do and the program here is awesome," said McDowell

Healing Heartache with the Homeless

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:31:14 -0600

Vicky Redfern could not have imagined the food she'd be serving on Christmas would go to strangers and not to her husband Bob.
He died of cancer in May.

"I would have never thought, no. He worked everyday of his life. He was fine," she said

Vicky and her son Jeremy decided to spend Christmas serving dinner at the Bethesda Mission because it is what her husband planned to do this year. Though Vicky didn't know it until a friend of theirs told her.

"About 2 months after my husband passed, she said do you realize he wanted to do that this year, help out at the Bethesda Mission," Redfern said.

Vicky and Jeremy are just 2 of the dozens of volunteers at the Bethesda Mission cooking and serving plates of turkey, ham and potatoes to anyone who wanted a hot meal. Scott Dunwoody of the Bethesda Mission said many of the volunteers have a story of their own about why they give up the comforts of home to share with the homeless on the holiday.

"It has a lasting effect on anybody who comes to be able to volunteer. We really appreciate their involvement," he said.

Redfern plans to pass on that lasting effect, pledging to be at the Mission every Christmas because it's what her husband would have wanted.

'He would be very proud. I know he's looking down very proud of Jeremy and I being here."

Bethesda Mission teams with Hilton

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:44:41 -0600

     Some volunteers in Harrisburg spent Christmas Eve making sure everyone had a nice meal. At Bethesda Mission, Hilton Hotel employees took over the kitchen to whip up a feast for the men who stay there and also for anyone from the public who wanted to stop in.
     In addition to a hot meal, there was live music and presents. The Jones family from Mechanicsburg handed out gifts. Tim Jones says it's important to show his sons they should appreciate what they have. "We will go home and have gifts, and a warm house and food. It's good to realize not everyone is that fortunate."
     The Hilton employees served about 130 meals. This is the 19th year they have worked with Bethesda Mission on Christmas Eve, and say it's a holiday tradition they want to continue.

Messy Travel

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:36:52 -0600

Mother Nature delivered an unwanted Christmas gift of bad weather to motorists. Rain and ice greeted many traveling whether going to work or to holiday destinations.

"Slow steady speed no quick stopping no quick starting luckily I have four wheel drive," said Christopher Smith, motorist.

Poor conditions, limited visibility, backed up traffic along major roadways like the roads the airlines were not immune.

"I was delayed in Houston because their were issues with the pilot not getting enough sleep because of other weather delays," said Cathy Showans, Houston.

Cathy Showans finally made it to Harrisburg after spending some of her holiday in the nations terminals. Music tried to calm down those who had to wait in Cathy's case she was only twelve hours delayed, but at least she's arrived.

"We were watching the tv while we were sitting there people sitting all over the place sleeping on the benches," said Showans.

Meanwhile Andy Gretzula was in good cheer he made the trip from Williamsport to pick up his daughter who keeps getting delayed.

"Well it was a little slow I think every flight she had she had three layovers and they were all delayed this last one was canceled out of newark so he's on the next plane," said Gretzula.

While traffic woes mounted the Amtrak station in Harrisburg spread the good cheer keeping riders on target for their holiday destinations.

Needy Families Accept Food Donations

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:21:05 -0600

Hundreds of people lined up at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster Wednesday morning, to get their hands on boxes of donated food. The cardboard boxes were filled with a turkey, stuffing, fruit, vegetables and even a grocery store gift card for people who just can't afford it.
     Tom Fasnacht, Director of Lancaster County Project For The Needy says, "things aren't the best right now with the economy and people, there are a lot more people in need."
     Hundreds of volunteers helped pass out the boxes, including John Moore of Lancaster, he says, "some people are homeless, some people don't have a job, they lost their job, some people have.. one lady had a disabled husband, some people are in tears, so they're very grateful."
     More than 1,200 boxes were distributed. Those who received them appreciated the act of kindness.
     Irvin Brown of Lancaster says, "I think it's a wonderful tradition, that Lancaster has been doing things in Lancaster for quite some time, it's helping people and it's a blessing to people."
     Sandy Misal, also of Lancaster says, "they do it every year and I think it's a nice thing for people that don't have the money and can't get out or whatever, it's a good thing."
     Maribeel Anavitate waited in line for a box, she says, "they even came with the boxes out here for us, it's really helpful and i'm really grateful for that."
     Manni Whitaker of Lancaster says, "you go to different states and different towns and they don't have this, you know.. fortunately, we are the lucky ones, so that's how I feel about it."
     Lancaster County Project For The Needy has organized this donation event for the past 22 years.
     An estimated 600 people will have a holiday meal thanks to the project, along with the generosity of many other local charities.

Penn Township Leaders Move Forward After Michael Johnson's Death

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:40:00 -0600

Leaders in Penn Township, York County are trying to move forward, after the shocking loss of one of their colleagues. Michael Johnson, Junior, a commissioner, took his life on Monday after a two week run from police.
     Johnson was facing several charges, including rape, kidnapping and impersonating a police officer.
     Leaders in Penn Township say Johnson was a hard worker and a dedicated commissioner. He was in charge of the Public Safety Committee and never thought he would end up being charged with crimes that threatened the community he served.
     Township Manager, Jeff Garvick says, "it was very disappointing and very tragic, I can't emphasize that enough, this has been a horrible tragedy."
     40-year old Johnson, who lived on Garden Lane, was charged with raping a prostitute in Baltimore. A short time later, more charges were filed, for the same type of crimes, in York.
     Johnson skipped town and after two weeks as a fugitive, he was found Monday inside a boarding house in Cohoes, New York.
     When Johnson realized police were surrounding the property, he killed himself.
     Garvick says, "our deepest sympathies go out to the families of Mr. Johnson and all those involved."
     Johnson's lawyer, Chris Ferro, Esquire released this statement, "There are no winners in this story. At the end of the day, regardless of what is written and said, children have lost a father and a wife has lost a husband."
     He went on to say, "These allegations have never been tested in court, and therefore, the final, most important, chapter of this unfortunate saga, will never be written."
     As everyone moves forward, Penn Township will search for someone new to fill Johnson's chair.
     Jeff Garvick says, "we have to look ahead, look forward, that's what we intend to do."
     Johnson's term as commissioner expires December 31, 2009.
     The township is now accepting applications to fill the remainder of his term, a decision is expected to announced selection next month.

Christmas Lights For St. Jude's

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:25:05 -0600

This time of year there are Christmas lights everywhere. But in one Cumberland County neighborhood, there is one display unlike all the others.
The decorations aren't there just for entertainment.
As FOX43's Sarah Arbogast explains, the lights are touching lives.
There are over 30 thousand lights. But it's not just the lights that make the display so incredible, it's the mission behind it all.
The song White Christmas is one of Catie O'Brien's favorites.
The tune means even more to the seven year old this holiday. She is battling rare and aggressive brain cancer.
Her father Kevin O'Brien says "It shut down a lot of the things her body can do. But it hasn't shut down her spirit. It hasn't shut down her mind or her smile."
Catie's smile grew even bigger when she saw the display of lights. The house was one of her first stops after returning home after six months of unsuccessful treatments at St. Judes Childrens Hospital in Tennessee. The man behind all the lights is Ron Duszak. A friend of Katie's father. Every Christmas he decorates his home. But this year he added a donation box for St. Judes.
Duszak says, "I can't imagine having a child there, but I have a much better understanding of what St. Judes does for other people"
Duszak says he will raise money for St. Judes every Christmas. So far this year he has collected 800 dollars.

The light display is located at 205 East Clearview Drive in Hampden Township Cumberland County.

For more information about Catie visit www.Catiesstory.Com

Videos of the display can be found at
Http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=fqvf9adx_ye
http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=xnxkt3lyx5a&feature=channel_page
http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=whqckrztmem&feature=channel_page

One Dog, Two Owners, Three Happy Endings

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:43:26 -0600

A Lancaster County Man makes a miraculous recovery only to come home from Hospice and find out his beloved Basset hound is missing.
     Doctors told Darren Frey he wouldn't make it, so his family gave his dog, Dodger, away to a hunter.
     Dodger then ended up with the Hess family in West Lampeter Township. When they heard their new dog's original owner was alive and well, Karen Hess says they knew what they had to do. "I would absolutely hate it if he'd have to go the rest of his life without his dog. It's only appropriate to give him back."
     As Darren sat on his couch petting Dodger, he said he couldn't be happier his dog is back, and he thanks the Hess family. "I can't say enough, you made my Christmas. You are going to make my son very happy."
     And in an example of giving back coming full circle, a breeder in York County heard this story about Dodger and is giving the Hess family a puppy - a basset hound, just like Dodger.

One Dog, Two Owners, Three Happy Endings

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:43:59 -0600

Safer Roads in Franklin County

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:21:39 -0600

Traffic is moving swiftly on Interstate 81 in Franklin County, It's been a busy and deadly year on the county roads. Last year PennDOT reported 37 driving fatalities, this year's stats are not complete but State Police Chambersburg have responded to just 14. surprisingly, the majority of accidents did not occur on Interstate 81, rather back roads.

"I was surprised at that I thought more on 81 drivers doing ninety mile an hour," said Earl Harding, Fayetteville.

Earl Harding of Fayetteville says drivers need to slow down, especially when they come up to a construction zone.

"Slow down even to see the signs a lot of people are flying so fast they don't even see the construction signs," said Harding.

"People come up with numerous reasons why not to use their safety belts and we still have yet to find a reason that would i would say be exchange for someone's life," said Trooper Edward Asbury.

Heading into the holiday season, police ask drivers to slow down, leave more driving space between vehicles, and always fasten your safety belts.

"We have to buckle up we have to buckle up every time if we need a chance to survive," added Asbury.

Rape Suspect and Former York City Police Officer Dead

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:25:04 -0600

After two weeks on the run, accused rapist, and former York City Police Officer Michael Johnson, Junior is spotted by authorities in New York.
40-year old Johnson was renting a room at a boarding house in Cohoes, just north of Albany. House manager James Cochran told officers he wasn't aware his newest tenant was a fugitive.

Cochran says, "I just rented a room to him on Saturday, they wanted me to come down and open the door for them and see if he was home. He came out the front door with me, seen them and went back in and shut the door and barricaded himself in there."

U.S. Marshals and a S.W.A.T. Team surrounded the home, then two gunshots rang out from inside; Johnson had taken his own life.

York County District Attorney Stan Rebert says, "eventually, S.W.A.T. entered the house and found Johnson deceased on the floor."

Johnson shot himself twice, once in the chest, once in the head.

Rebert says, "you have to believe his conscious was weighing on him and that's the way he decided to go."

York County officials were involved in the case every step of the way. They say the search went from Penn Township to Vermont then New York.
Johnson went to great lengths to escape the rape, kidnapping and impersonating a police officer charges against him. But for his alleged victims, justice will be bittersweet.

Rebert says, "there is justice in a sense because he'll no longer be able to do that to anyone, but you won't get to get justice in court."

U.S. Marshal, for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Michael Regan says, "we are happy that it's over, it's an unfortunate ending."

Police aren't sure why Johnson fled to New York, they don't believe he has any relatives there. They say did not try to cross into Canada.

If police determine someone was helping Johnson along the way, that person could face federal charges and up to five years in prison.

New developments in unsolved Cumberland County murder

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:23:25 -0600

There are new developments in an unsolved Cumberland County murder. Authorities say they have been able to link DNA found on Tina Myers' body to one person.

The body of 33-year-old Tina Myers was found in woods along Route 34 near Mount Holly Springs back in December 2001.

"We want closure to this, closure meaning we want this person caught, she didn't deserve this, no matter what her lifestyle was, nobody deserves to die like that," said Wanda Coates, Tina's mother.

Coates says her daughter was involved with drugs and often ran with the wrong crowd. Although there have been no arrests or suspects in the case, new DNA evidence has surfaced.

"There has been some DNA identified to one particular person," said David Freed, Cumberland County District Attorney.

Authorities are not saying who that one person is or the link that person has to Myers. They say they believe she was associated with other drug addicts, who may know what happened. They urge those people to come forward, especially because the statue of limitations for any drug crimes committed in 2001 have expired.

Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 717-249-2006 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-898-TIPS.

Trash Hike Delayed in Dauphin County

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:38:57 -0600

Gary Penn is the owner of Pig Penn Hauling, he's happy a steep increase in trash removal fees in Dauphin County has been delayed.

"This decision helps all the haulers right now because of the situation with the economy and everything that is going on," said Penn.

On January 1st tipping fees were going to jump on average by $100 per ton. The Harrisburg Authority proposed the hike, avoiding a court hearing the authority board signed an agreement with the Dauphin County commissioners to delay any price increases until April 1st.

"This agreement is a good step it buys us time will see where it gets us to," said Jeff Haste, Dauphin County commissioner.

"If they would get the $100 our dumping would go up $10,000 a month, now where are we going to get that type of money," said Tammy Sheesley, operates removal service.

Tammy Sheesley's family has a hauling business in upper Dauphin County she believes a substantial increase in trash fees will lead to a bigger mess.

"How is everybody suppose to afford it, their going to have trash everywhere," said Sheesley.

Gary agrees the rate hike will cause more illegal dumping.

"I'll tell you what if that increase would have happened you think dumpers are dumping around the city now you'll see it then," said Penn.

Motorists Hit the Roads

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:00:02 -0600

Schwane Martin is traveling back to Texas after visiting family. A trip he admits has been easy on his wallet thanks to lower fuel prices.

"The fuel prices around here are great I only paid about $95 for my trip going down and up and I anticipate paying the same amount going back home," said Martin.

Central Penn AAA estimates nearly 64 million motorists will hit the roads actually down from last year, but dropping gas prices are fueling a surge of last minute travelers.

"With gas prices lower some people are starting to travel who weren't originally going to the highways are going to be busy the airports the trains the buses everything is going to be really great travel season," said Cindy Brough, Central Penn AAA.

David Bloomfield and his family are traveling from Queens, New York to Virginia. David likes what he sees at the pumps.

"We noticed the gas station was $1.49 per gallon back in New York were still paying like $1.87 or something like that," said Bloomfield.

Norbert Topolski agrees traveling by car is more appealing.

"Defiantly not bad it makes travel by car a lot more of an option," added Topolski.

LastMinute Shoppers Search For Bargains

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:56:33 -0600

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, you are not alone. Local malls were packed over the weekend with people looking for last-minute bargains.

Sale signs are taking over store windows everywhere, including at the Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Township, Dauphin County.

"Last minute shopping, I do everything at once. I'm going to get gift cards for the majority of people and the kids, I'm going to get a few personal items and that is it," said Joel Yost, last minute shopper.

A lot of the last minute shoppers missed out on Black Friday, but they aren't missing out on the bargains. Some stores are offering even bigger discounts for procrastinators.

"Since Black Friday the whole store is 30% off and select items are 50% off and people have been purchasing a lot more," said Moe Rammouni, employee at Styles West.

Of course, not everyone at the Harrisburg Mall this weekend was bargain hunting.

"We come here to visit Santa with my little 2-year-old brother, just to say hi and to do the usual we do every year," said 13-year-old Nicolette Sorensen.

State Shuts Down Dog Kennel 97 Dogs Go to Shelter

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:38:54 -0600

State dog wardens shut down an Ephrata dog kennel Sunday. The 97 dogs on the property are now at the Humane League of Lancaster County.

The dog kennel was owned by Ervin Zimmerman. His kennel has been on the state's radar since 2007, when his kennel license was revoked. He filed appeals. Earlier this month, the state gave him 14 days to clean up the kennel and own no more than 25 dogs.

When that time limit expired and dog wardens found the 97 dogs, they stepped in and shut down his commercial kennel. A humane officer that helped with the shut-down says some of the dogs have injuries.

The shitzus, westies, malti-poos, poodles and other breeds are expected to be ok though. The humane league says the dogs show signs of living in a kennel their entire lives, but with the right new home, they could make excellent pets.

Since there are so many of them, some of the dogs may be sent to other rescue groups and shelters in the area. The dogs will be watched for a couple of days, but could be ready for adoption in one week.

People Pick Up Pieces After York Fire

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:26:22 -0600

Some residents are picking up the pieces after fire tears through several rowhomes in York City.

Here's the stand here. The fireman took this and . . .>

As Sam Mowrey looks around his East Philadelphia Street house, he can only marvel at the damage.

"She's got her bed here and some other things that were just damaged," he said.

The fire began at the house next door Friday afternoon and didn't take long to spread. The flames charring lights and burning bears in his daughter's third floor bedroom.

"Getting here and seeing the damage, it could have been a lot worse," Mowrey said.

Mowrey says thank goodness for this fire barrier in between the two houses. He says the two feet might have saved his place from complete destruction.

"Mostly I'm just dealing with some smoke and water damage but the people next door weren't as lucky," he said.

Not lucky indeed. You can see the second and third floors are ravaged by fire. The owners are being forced to find shelter somewhere else. That shelter is being provided by the Red Cross.

"So it does take a toll," said Victoria Connor with the York-Adams Chapter of the Red Cross.

It's been a busy week, and month, for the York-Adams Chapter of the Red Cross. They've responded to four fires just this week and nine for the month. Because of all the fires, money is at a premium.

"We're hoping that people will still continue to volunteer and still provide financial donations to our chapter," she said.

Mowery is not getting help from the Red Cross, instead he is leaning on his family to get through these difficult times.

"A lot of tears. A lot of hugs but we will be alright," he said.

There is still no official cause of the fire.

If you are interested in donating to the York-Adams Chapter of the Red Cross, you can go to firehurts.org and make a donation online.

Police find Pipe Bombs in Home

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:24:59 -0600

Police in Dauphin County stumble upon something unexpected during a routine call. They find more than 2 dozen pipe bombs in a house on Highland Street in Swatara Township.

Police say 20-year-old Colter Vasser and 18-year-old Mathew Weaser manufactured the bombs using CO2 canisters. Police say they purchased supplies for the explosives online.

"They emptied out the CO2, they refilled them with gun powder and then resealed them with a hot glue gun and put an approximately 2 inch fuse into the end," said Sgt. Mike Farling with the Swatara Township Police Department.

The two men may have gotten away with the crime, if it weren't for neighbor Guy Francis. Francis called police to say Vasser and Weaser were shooting paint balls at his home and passing cars. Police found the bombs while searching for a paint ball gun.

"I'm extremely alarmed, especially with all the small kids that are around here and play around that area," said Francis.

Neighbor and mom, Jessica Fortney, is also relieved the explosives were removed before being sold out on the streets or even worse, detonating and hurting someone.

"it is one thing if you are going to do what you are going to do inside of your home, but to take it to that extent, that is just not right," said Fortney.

Vasser and Weaser are being held in the Dauphin County prison.

Home Heating Can Be Dangerous

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:14:02 -0600

Because of the tough economy, more and more families are seeing their utilities shut off because of lack of payment. That can be especially dangerous if the utility turned off is heat.

In Columbia, Lancaster County, Mayor Leo Lutz says temporary heat fixes like space heaters and kerosene heaters can cause problems.

He wants anyone in Columbia who is having problems heating their homes in a safe and permanent way to contact his office. They have programs to help anyone who needs it.

Henry Reese responds to emergencies for Susquehanna Fire and Rescue in Columbia. He knows how quickly space heaters can go from providing some heat to burning down a house.

"We've had fires where space heaters were too close to bedding and caught on fire. Drapes, toys, anything can catch on fire easily." He says the best thing to do is call your fire department if you have any questions on how to safely heat your home.

Santa's Reindeer Stop In Our Area

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:36:11 -0600

Santa's nine live reindeer are visiting Hershey Park's Candylane in anticipation for Christmas Eve. The reindeer are being cared for by an naturalist who is well versed in reindeer fact and fiction.

"A lot of people come up and they don't know reindeer are real. They think it's part of a Christmas story, so when they get here they think they are cows with horns on their heads!," said naturalist Denise Snyder.

For more information on how you can visit the reindeer, click here.

Plane Lands on Turnpike, Hits Tractor Trailer

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:13:22 -0600

John Cunningham has responded to many crashes with his tow truck, but nothing like this. A small plane made an emergency landing on the turnpike near Newville due to engine failure. Incredibly, the pilot landed, but the plane was traveling too fast and could not avoid traffic.

"One tractor trailer a commercial vehicle was hit by the plane but it caused very minor damage to the tractor trailer," Cpl. Christopher Stover, Pennsylvania State Police.

Emergency crews were able to safely get him out. John's tow truck was used to stabilize the plane from moving. John says he spoke with the pilot who surprisingly was in good spirits.

"He was a funny old fellow probably in his 70's laughing cut in it up and carrying on and making jokes," added Cunningham.

Police say the pilot did complain of back pain, but say he only suffered minor injuries. A bizarre sight and crash that even leave police with a loss for words.

"It's a strange one that's all," said Cpl. Stover.

Girl Dying from Cancer Gets Community Support

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:08:25 -0600

A little girl in Lancaster County is fighting for her life this holiday season. 4-year-old Hannah Garman is battling rare and aggressive brain cancer. Although the diagnosis is devastating, Hannah's family and friends are praying for a miracle.

"We can feel prayers from the people, God gives us strength to continue on and we can feel that from the people," said Bob Garman, Hannah's grandfather.

Friends, family and strangers all joined forces Thursday to support Hannah and her family. Emergency crews from across the county and even some from out-of-state treated Hannah to a private parade with dozens of fire engines.

"She was smiling up on stage and when the trucks were coming in, she was making comments, so I really think she is enjoying this," said Darin Garman, Hannah's father.

The parade wrapped up at the Lititz Area Mennonite School, where Hannah was given thousands of Christmas cards.

"Everybody just wants to be a part of it, it is just amazing," said Scott Marks who helped organize the event.

Hannah will return to Hershey Medical Center next week, where she is expected to begin chemotherapy treatments. You can follow her progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgarman.

Racing Center Plan Causing Controversy

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:57:52 -0600

A proposed racing center is causing major controversy in Washington Township, York County. A developer wants to build a drag strip, but neighbors are speaking out against the plan.

"It isn't just the noise, it is the damage to the soil, to the water, to the air, our wildlife will be gone, what will we have for our children in the future," said Susanne Sardino of Washington Township.

Dozens of people showed up Wednesday night at Kralltown Elementary School to voice their concerns before the township zoning board.

Developer, Ronald Wallace, has years of experience in the racing industry. He wants to transform the air strip along Baltimore Pike into a drag strip. He says a racing center would bring new life to the community.

"With the way the economy is, this is going to bring money into the whole township, the city of East Berlin, and it will also give work to the people," said Wallace.

Members of the zoning board say they will not make any decisions until they have given everyone a chance to be heard.

The developer says if his plan is given a green light, he will build despite outrage from neighbors. Some neighbors say they are prepared to pack up and move.

Product Recalls for December 18th, 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:33:03 -0600

There are two big recalls underway right now.

1. Evenflo is recalling its Majestic High Chairs because of a defect with its seatback. The company says the plastic caps and metal screws holding the back in place can loosen and fall out, posing both fall and choking hazards to children. The company has received more than one hundred reports of injuries, including cuts and broken bones.

The recalled high chairs have the following model numbers: 3001395A, 3001583, 3001633A, 3001669, 3001700A, 3001713, 3001713A, 3001730A, 3001732, 3001732A, 3001733, 3001742, 3001742A, and 3001756. The model number and production date can be found on a white label on the seatback. "Evenflo" is printed on the label and on the push button on the front of the tray.

For more information or for a free repair kit you can contact the company at (800) 233-5921.

2. The Toro Company is recalling 900,000 Power Sweep Electric blowers. The company says the blower's impeller can break, causing pieces of plastic to fly out of the blower. There have been more than one hundred sixty reports of this happening, with about two dozen reports of cuts and bruises.
The recall involves Toro Power Sweep electric blower model 51586 that was manufactured between 2000 and 2002. The recalled units have serial numbers that range between 000055100 and 220255609. There are two decals on the main housing of the blower. One decal reads, "TORO Power Sweep" and the decal on the opposite side of the blower contains the model number and serial number. The recalled units can be identified by a black impeller fan, which can be seen through the air inlet screen on the bottom of the unit.

Consumers can call Toro at (888) 279-3191 for a free replacement blower.

Visit this site: www.cpsc.gov to view all information on product recalls.

Water Woes Have Camp Hill's Mayor Thinking

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:41:28 -0600

Camp Hill Mayor Lou Thieblemont rushed to 24th Street as water shoots in the air. This time it's not a break crews are intentionally replacing this aging water line.. The mayor is fed up with the recent rash of water main breaks he has an interesting idea. The borough and surrounding municipalities could buy back the water system from Pennsylvania American Water.

"So it is feasible I don't know what the mechanism would be I just threw it out to the constituents to say if were really upset about this way don't we look into buying it," said Thieblemont.

Molly Robertson likes the idea and would like to see borough officials control the water.

"Their have been other communities in our country that have taken back their water company," said Robertson.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania American Water says the system is not for sale and the recent water pressure increases are not to blame for the recent breaks. If Camp Hill or other municipalities would need approval from the Public Utility Commission to buy the water system. Mayor Thieblemont says he does not want a water company but if the breaks keep happening, looking to buy the water system could become his only hope for good water service.

Winter storm is a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:31:13 -0600

Mother Nature brought another winter storm our way on Tuesday, with a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. The type of precipitation changed several times throughout the day and evening. Drivers could be seen clearing snow and slush off of their windshields in order to see on the way home.
     Dave Palesky, a teacher at York County School of Technology drives from York Township to just south of Gettysburg every day. He has a strategy to driving in the winter conditions, "I slow down about 10 to 15 miles an hour, I'll make sure my lights are on, a keep my safe driving distance."
     Joe Shortino, a longtime resident of York has this advice, "I take it a little bit easier, drive a little slower, look around a little bit better."
     PennDOT in York County had all 55 of it's trucks out treating the roads, along with 19 rentals. Drivers were out all day and overnight.
     Steve Grassetti, PennDOT's York County Maintenance Manager says, "we started first thing this (Tuesday) morning, where we put down some salt and anti skid on the back roads, as the storm changed over, we continued to spread and patrol."
     Main roads like Interstate 83, Route 15 and Route 30 took priority, back roads were treated second. Most drivers said the weather was a nuisance, not a hindrance.

New Law for Commercial Pools

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:19:58 -0600

New laws call for all commercial pool and spa drains to have a cover by Friday. It's called the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. It was named after a little girl who died after being sucked against a drain. The problem some businesses are running into is these covers aren't one size fits all and there isn't one that will fit the Lancaster YMCA's 3 drains.

"For the time that were operating here, were putting in a few safety factors above and beyond what we would normally do as a result of these compliance issues," CEO Jeffrey Kenderdine said.

The new law is geared at protecting kids. Hundreds every year get injured and some even die after being caught in pool drains.
The YMCA is working with an aquatic engineer to be fitted for either specially made covers or an alternative to comply. Unfortunately the law came just a bit too soon. Come next August they'll have a new facility and new pool.

JoePa agrees to extension at Penn St. through 2011

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:13:56 -0600

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Penn State coach Joe Paterno has a new
three-year contract extension to go along with his new hip.
      The Hall of Famer and winningest coach in major college football
history has agreed to deal that runs through the 2011 season. JoePa
turns 82 on Dec. 21.
      A statement from the athletic department says Paterno and
administrators also agreed they might reevaluate and alter the
arrangement by shortening or extending the length of the contract
as necessary.
      The agreement ends months of speculation and comes more than
three weeks after Paterno had hip replacement surgery.
      Sixth-ranked Penn State is getting ready for the Rose Bowl on
New Year's Day against No. 5 Southern California.

      (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Boyfriend Sentenced in Beating Death

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:29:27 -0600

In March 2007 51year old Leslie Kerstetter was beaten by her boyfriend Christopher Shenk in his West Hanover Township home. Leslie's daughter Ashley recalls what happened.

"It happened on a Monday morning mom called that Chris was beating her," said Ashley.

Ashley called for help a dispatcher at the Pennsylvania State Police Consolidated Dispatch Center never sent police to the house. Leslie died two days later from the beatings.

"It was the person at the center that did not dispatch anyone that felt it was her call to make and not a state troopers and I think that was wrong," said Ashley.

A state police spokesperson says an internal investigation was conducted, but would not comment on the findings adding the dispatcher retired shortly after the incident. Shenk was found guilty of third degree murder Ashley says he deserves jail time, but she also blames the dispatcher for not taking action.

"In some ways yes I feel that had they asked a trooper what to do then maybe somebody could have come out," added Ashley.

Water customers plan to take complaints to the Governor

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:25:30 -0600

Sixteen water main breaks in six months have people living in and around Camp Hill, Cumberland County frustrated and fed up.
     At a meeting Monday night, more than 100 Pennsylvania American Water customers gathered to express their disgust with the company. They say a main break on routes 11 and 15 on Friday was the last straw. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in front of the Camp Hill Mall stopped traffic, businesses and shoppers for hours.
     Camp Hill Mayor Lou Thieblemont says, "it tied up thousands and thousands of people two weeks before Christmas, I'd love to know what that mall lost in revenue."
The mayor discussed the issue at a public meeting at Borough Hall Monday night. Also on the agenda, the water company's plans to add chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, to the water. The company says it's safe, many at the meeting disagreed.
     Camp Hill's Health Director, retired Doctor Josephine Rakow, D.O. says, "we're concerned about the leeching a lead from the pipes and the effect on children as well as adults, small children and pregnant women do not tolerate lead."
     The mayor says, "because the water main breaks with increased pressure and chloramine are symptomatic, it's the m.o. of this company to go the cheap way always."
     Company Spokesman Terry Maenza says, "they're separate issues.." and "the frequency and impact of breaks have been blown out of proportion, it's the cold weather season, mains break more in the winter." Mayor Thieblemont disagrees. At the meeting, he also brought up the company's recent increase of water pressure.
     Hampden Township resident Dave Sears says, "Camp Hill has a lot of older infrastructure, it doesn't seem like a good idea to raise the pressure as high as it is in an older town, everything does have its breaking point."
     The Mayor says, "it's dumb to increase pressure on old pipes, it's like taking an 80 year old and trying to run a marathon, it's nuts."
     As far as preventing more breaks, Maenza simply says the pipes in the area are old and with cold weather more breaks are bound to happen. The group of concerned residents plans to take its complaints to the state Public Utility Commission and Governor Rendell.

Mortgage Crisis Help

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:33:14 -0600

Ben Little was laid off from his paving job without a paycheck this father of two is struggling to care for his family and keep his mortgage lender from taking his house.

"I got like 25 days before I lose my house my two kids," said Little.

Ben turned to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for help.

"I've never seen anything like this market before this is historic quite truthfully," said Brian Hudson, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Brian Hudson is the executive director of PHFA, he says homeowners have options to combat a mortgage crisis. Three programs available are the homeowners emergency mortgage assistance program, the refinance to an affordable loan, and the homeowners equity recovery opportunity.

The HEMAP program help pay mortgage payments up to 2 years. The REAL and HERO program help with refinance options to avoid your home going up on the auction block, but homeowners must meet specific guidelines.

"The best advice is don't delay seek help now we have free council network available get into that network as fast as possible to see what programs you maybe eligible to keep your home," said Hudson.

Saluting Freedom

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:33:55 -0600

A ceremony saluting the men and women who protect us brought families together in Lebanon County.

Members of the 283rd Personnel Services Detachment spent one year in Kuwait. They got back in June.

Today the 44 Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers took part in a Freedom Ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap. The tradition started after September 11th, 2001.

Every time a National Guard unit returns, each member walks across the stage and accepts an American flag.

Sgt. Zane Otto explains why the ceremony is so special to family members. "A lot of times family members don't get to see any pomp or ceremony of the military. So when they have this, the family is like, wow!"

For those soldiers returning from a second tour, a ring is given to them instead of a flag.

Lancaster Shooting Victim Dies

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:17:01 -0600

A small piece of yellow police tape is all that's left to show there was a shooting on clark street Saturday night. Resident Priscilla Ferrari says she was napping when she was awakened by somebody yelling.

"I heard somebody scream call the cops, then 2 minutes later a bunch of cop cars came and thats when I came outside to see what happened," she said.

What happened is a man was shot multiple times just before 7 pm. Police have not released his name yet. Another neighbor found him lying on a gravel parking lot. An ambulance picked him up and took him to the hospital where he had emergency surgery.

"I didn't hear anything and I didn't see anything. Nothing like that happens here. It's a very quiet neighborhood," Ferrari said.

The man died just a few hours after the shooting. People on Clark Street say they don't know who he was. Some say they saw a strange car sitting idle before the shooting. They are pretty certain the victim did not live on their block.

"Everybody was in front of the house worried about what happened and to make sure we didn't know anybody because everybody is very neighborly here," Ferrari said.

Neighborly, but now a little more cautious when they're out in their neighborhood.

No Heat, No Hot Water

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:24:59 -0600

68 year old Stephen Middlekauff has arthritis. He walks with a cane. Getting around his small 1 bedroom apartment with it is tough especially since his bed is now in his living room.

"I couldn't take that cold out in there," he said.

Middlekauff says his landlord gave him and the other tenants in his 10-unit building at 212 3rd Street in New Cumberland 2 space heaters to keep warm.

The problem is they trip the circuit if they're plugged into Middlekauff's bedroom outlets. Plus if there are 2 in all 10 apartments in the building it's a safety concern. It's been like this since the furnace broke on November 27th.

"It's cracked and he's going try to fix it or replace it," Middlekauff said.

Then there's the water. I held my hand under it for at least a minute before it started getting warm. even pushed all the way towards the red. It never got hot.

When we call landlord Brooke Rhodes we only get his voicemail. We've tried him several times over the past two weeks and 3 times today alone.

Middlekauff said he won't return phone calls.

Thousands of Toys Collected for Tots

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:09:04 -0600

Whether packing or lying on their stomachs boy scouts from the Carlisle Barracks are using their muscle to help the marines in their Toys for Tots Campaign. Loading up boxes with toys soon to be given to children in need.

"It's just fun helping and knowing that were going to be helping children who don't get much of a Christmas," said Derek Seibert, Troop 173.

"It's great, all the kids in need will get a toy at least so they'll have a good Christmas," added Raymond Chum, Troop 173.

"It puts a smile on every child's face every child deserves a little Christmas that's for sure," said Sgt. Adam Krick, coordinator Toys For Tots.

Each vehicle is filled with gifts donated by businesses or organizations collected through the month even Ethan Hess's cub scout pack donated to the cause.

"We have a big den and everybody likes to help out," said Hess.

When there's a break in the action boy scouts and marines pick sides and play some football.

"I like working with the marines they're pretty cool," said Francis Horner, Troop 173.

Even these scouts admit it's tough staying focused on their job especially when looking into this wonderland of toys.

"I'm wishing I could play with them right now," added Ryan Laughrey, Troop 173.

Pressure Increases Stopped

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:16:48 -0600

An easy Friday commute went down the drain for drivers on the West Shore. Businesses in and around the Camp Hill Shopping Center were very difficult to get to after a 16 inch water main break turned the road into a river. Klaudia Chilcoat owns the State Farm Insurance office on Route 11/15.

"My basement is flooded about 10 inches and it just keeps on coming. My supplies and my files are getting ruined," she said.

Camp Hill Mayor Lou Thieblemont has been an outspoken critic of Pennsylvania American Water Company's project that includes increasing pressure to it's West Shore customers.

"I cant believe the arrogance of this company, the utter disrespect for their customers that they would do this repeatedly and every time they do it it breaks," Thieblemont said.

PAW has not conceded that the pressure increase is causing the series of water main breaks, close to 10 in the project area over the past week. Friday's break was in a transmission line built to withstand high pressure according to the company. Spokesperson Terry Maenza points to the cold weather.

"Particularly this time of year is when main breaks start to happen. This has not been a great rush or onslaught of breaks from what we normally see, he said.

The Public Utility Commission has ordered the company to stop the increases until it can have a hearing on the matter.
The hearing has to be scheduled within 10 days. PAW has just one more increase scheduled, it was supposed to take place next week.

Holidays Brought Inside Children's Hospital

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:12:25 -0600

Christmas might be the last thing on the minds of parents at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. But Friday, Rite Aid helped to get the young patients and their families in the holiday spirit with food and gifts.

Children and their siblings were given games, toys, dolls, and stuffed animals. For parents like Kendra McCurdy, whose 6 1/2 week old baby is a patient, seeing the kids happy is a gift in itself. "This is wonderful. All these kids are smiling, happy, and forgetting about some of their pain."

John and Angeline Stowe are entering their 43rd night in the hospital with their 3 year old son Aiden. The family is strong, but events like this help. "You just don't know until you've been there. No one will ever, ever know until they have been in the shoes we have been in."

Both families say the best holiday gift would be to make it home for Christmas. John Stowe says that would be the biggest present of all. "As long as we have been here, it will be a real blessing to be home."

Fatal Crash Closes Lancaster County Road

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:09:49 -0600

One person is dead after an early morning crash in Lancaster County. The force of the crash sheered off a telephone pole.

Crews from PPL have been out here since about 5 a.m., trying to put this pole back together, restore power and reopen the road. New Danville Pike in Pequea Township, Lancaster has been closed since about 2 a.m. morning after a car crashed, snapping the pole and killing the driver.

According to police, the driver was traveling south on New Danville Pike when he lost control of his car around a corner, hit an embankment and flipped the car into the telephone pole. He was ejected. By the time fire crews got to him, there was nothing they could do. The 25-year-old driver from Lancaster City was pronounced dead on the scene.

At this point, police are trying to notify his family about the accident, so they are not releasing his name. Police do not believe alcohol played a factor in the crash but they do think he was going to fast for the curvy road and the weather conditions.

A few of the homes in this area are without power after the crash, but the outage is not widespread. This crash has about a mile stretch of New Danville Pike closed from Millersville Road, Route 741, to Brannerman road.

Gas Price High, Food Price High; Gas Low, Food Same Price

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:15:58 -0600

When fuel prices rose to all-time highs you may have noticed the price of food jumped. Now gas has dropped, but Michael Witt of Mechanicsburg is wondering why his grocery bill remains the same.

"It just seems like it was really convenient for them to raise their prices when the fuel prices went up, I think they saw a way to make a little bit more money," said Witt.

Jean Spears shares the same opinion.

"In my opinion some of it was fuel related and some of it was a little opportunistic," said Spears.

Kevin Lang is store manager of Wegman's Food Markets in Silver Spring Township, he says food pricing is more complicated than people think.

"A lot of commodities did jump all at once to say it was all fuel is not the case," added Lang.

Kevin says labor, grains, milk, and produce costs jumped, add in global weather conditions, plus supply and demand. Many food suppliers ended long term contracts with grocers so prices changed weekly, even daily.

"Their were a lot of suppliers out there saying with the fluctuation of prices were not going to give you a contract buy," said Lang.

Kevin says fuel costs only contribute to 3 to 4 cents for each food dollar. Je also expects grocery prices to lower, as global market prices for grains, milk, and goods stable going into next year.

Pay What You Wish to See A Christmas Carol

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:04:46 -0600

It's no secret, the recession has many of us pinching pennies this holiday. For some families, it may mean skipping out on some holiday traditions like going to the theater to see the classic--A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

So the non-profit Theater of the Seventh Sister in Lancaster is offering their shows on a pay-what-you-wish basis.

"The economy is...we all know it's bad, so we didn't want financial concerns to prevent any family from seeing the show. So if someone comes and says I can only pay one dollar, fine. If they say I can only pay one million dollars, we'll let them in too!," said co-artistic director Gary Smith.

When you add up everything up like the cost of the set and the costumes, the production comes to about 17,000 dollars, so the organization is taking a chance.

"Hopefully an audience member comes in, sees the show for what they can afford and kind of becomes the transformed scrooge themselves, goes out and connects with other non-profits that are trying to help our community," said Smith.

It's all in the spirit of christmas, just like the show.

"The core and heart of this story is about transformation, it's about forgiveness. It's about generosity and charity and what a better way to show that off than to make the show a gift itself," said Charlie Delmarcelle, actor.

Prisoners Carjack Constable

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:23:42 -0600

2 prisoners get a taste of freedom at least for a short time. Police say they overpowered a constable as he was driving them back to prison.

It was on Pleasure Road in Manheim Township that police say Samuel Martin and Jorge Delgado took control of a constable's car as he was taking them back to prison.

Sgt. Tom Rudzinski says the officer didn't let go without a fight. "They actually overpowered him and he fought back and thought i better pull over and try to fight that way rather than in a moving car which is probably the right thing to do," Sgt. Rudzinski said.

The constable received minor injuries as he got out of the car and the men pulled away while he tried to stop them.

Police in Lancaster County were told over the radio to be on the lookout for the car. Just 15 minutes later the two were spotted by an off-duty state trooper at Getty gas station on Greenfield Road trying to change out of their orange jumpsuits.

A search of online court records show Delgado was arrested in May.

Among his list of charges fleeing from a police officer. Police say both will be charged with escape and related charges.

Charges Filed in Death of Police Officer

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:10:53 -0600

Michael Weigand was a devoted family man, police officer, and volunteer firefighter. His friend Lorenzo Devita says when Michael would come into Rocco's Pizza Shop everyone knew what to make.

"Just about everyday the boy's here would see him come into the parking lot and we already knew what he wanted exactly an order of mozzarella sticks, and order of onion rings, and occassionally a slice of pizza," said Devita.

Michael was providing a police escort for a charity motorcycle ride in Tyrone Township when his motorcycle was struck. Police have charged 34 year old Earl Wright of York with homicide by vehicle claiming Wright was traveling too fast.

"He was going the opposite direction and came upon slow moving traffic causing him to lock up his brakes and then lost control going into the opposite lane," said Trooper Karl Schmidhamer, Pennsylvania State Police.

"He was the type of guy that if you needed help or anything he would be their for you," added Devita.

A small patch in honor of Michael greets customers when they enter the pizza shop Lorenzo says it's a small tribute to a good friend who will never be forgotten.

"Most of the people put it on their cars me I put it on the pizza shop as a little sign to just remember him," said Devita.

More Churches Hit in Lancaster

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:08:26 -0600

Fourteen churches in Lancaster have been hit by a thief, or thieves, in just two months.

Police believe it's the same person or people responsible for breaking in and stealing cash. Often, expensive electronics are left behind and the thief only walks away with fifty or sixty dollars.

The burglaries are committed overnight by prying open doors or windows, sometimes destroying expensive stained glass windows.

Otterbein United Methodist Church Pastor Debra Davis says it hurts her congregation to see their church damaged. "It's hard to walk around the church and see broken windows."

Some churches say they are increasing their security. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Here is a list of the churches that have been hit.

    -Trinity E.C. Church, Hershey Ave, in October
    -Wheatland Presbyterian Church, Columbia Ave, in October
    -Congregation Degel Israel, Columbia Ave, in October
    -Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, W. Chestnut Street, in October
    -Harvest Bible Churcg, School House Road, in October
    -Faith Calvary Church, Millersville Pike, in November
    -Abbeyville Christian Church, Abbeyville Road, in November
    -First Assembly of God Church, Columbia Ave, in November
    -St. Anne's Church Rectory, N. Duke Street, in November
    -Otterbein United Methodist Church, E. Clay Street, in November
    -St. Peter's, Buchanan Ave, in November
    -Ross United Methodist Church, E. Ross Street, in November
    -East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, E. Chestnut Street, in November
    -Spanish 7th Day Adventist Church, on E. Clay Street, in December

Carlisle High Teen Needs Bone Marrow

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:31:43 -0600

Inside Theo Daniels home it looks like a reality show is being taped.
Camera men shooting his every move.

"Sometimes they come really close-up and its awkward I guess," he said.

But it isn't for a reality show and it's anything but entertaining. It's for a documentary to air in Korea on how the 17 year old needs to find a bone marrow donor. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in October of last year.

"November 1st they told us he did not make it into remission and he started crashing the very next day. He was in the ICU for almost 2 months at hershey," his mother Juli said.

The best match for a donor for Theo would be a sibling. But because he was adopted from Korea when he was an infant he doesn't know if he has any. Juli is traveling to Seoul to appear on the television show 'Missing Persons' to put a plea out to Theo's biological family and others of Korean decent who may be compatible.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is having a bone marrow drive this Sunday to try to find Theo a match.

"If I can't find a bone marrow donor it'll help someone else. It's good," Theo said.

But with all of this support Theo will hopefully find a match so he can get back to playing lacrosse and living a life without chemo or cameras.

Bone Marrow Drive for Theo Daniels
Sunday December 14
1:30 pm
First Korean Church
841 N US Highway 15 Dillsburg

Former York Police Officer Faces More Rape Charges

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:40:55 -0600

40 year old Michael Johnson, Junior, of Hanover, is now facing multiple counts of rape, impersonating a police officer and indecent assault. He was arrested last week for the rape and kidnapping of a woman in Baltimore, now he is charged with similar crimes in York.
     Authorities say in September, Johnson picked up two different women and agreed to pay them for sex. Money was never exchanged, instead each victim says Johnson handcuffed them inside a mini van and forced them to have sex with him, all while pretending to be a police officer.
     Investigators say he showed the women a badge and a gun and told them if they didn't comply, he would take them to jail. One incident happened near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Belvidere Street, the other took place on the same day in the 1000 block of West Princess Street.
      York County District Attorney Stan Rebert says, "I think it's certainly arguable that we have a serial rapist here and we'd certainly treat it as such."
     Johnson was supposed to surrender to police Tuesday morning, but never showed up.
     York City Police Commissioner Mark Whitman says, "as a former police officer he knows the value of turning himself in and getting out in front of this thing."
     Rebert says, "flight is evidence of guilty knowledge, that's a concept of law we use all the time, that indicates he has something to hide, he is guilty of a crime."
     Johnson is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen driving a 2006 blue Chevy Cobalt sedan. It has a Masonic Lodge license plate with PA registration MB11785.
     Police say the longer Johnson is on the run the worse it will get for him. He could also face escape charges. If you come in contact with him you are urged not to approach him, simply call police.

State Faces Proposed Massive Shortfall

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:21:46 -0600

Speaking in front lawmakers and the public Governor Rendell says the state is facing a proposed $1.6 billion budget shortfall.

"It does not do any good to whine about it because I wish we could change it but we can't," said Gov. Ed Rendell.

To combat the deficit the governor laid out his cost cutting measures. The majority coming in state spending and program cuts, receiving anticipated federal aid, and tapping into the states rainy day fund.

     500 Million Budget Cuts
     450 Million Federal Government Aid
     375 Million Rainy Day Fund
     174 Million transfer of Marcellus Shale Revenues (Drilling on
            State Lands)
     101 Million Additional Lapses (Unused money for Programs or
           Agencies handed out in prior years)
   Total Collected = $1.6 Billion

"I think we made conservative assumptions but obviously any of these things can go up or down, but we stand ready to make the adjustments," added Gov. Rendell.

Cuts to public safety, roads, senior and welfare programs could be deep.

"It's not just the state budget, it's the county budget, the township budget, borough budget, more importantly the school districts budgets," added Rep. Ron Miller, 93rd Legislative District.

Plus, lawmakers on both sides of the isle will have to work together to try and save taxpayers from footing the bill.

"It's going to take a herculean effort to do this not just this year but next as well," said Sen. Pat Vance, 31st Senatorial District.

Insurance Agent Arrested

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:34:01 -0600

A local insurance agent is accused of bilking hundreds of thousands out of the elderly.

Attorney General Tom Corbett says Steve Brubaker of Elizabethtown took advantage of people who were unsuspecting and in one case grieving.
In one case, Corbett charges he pocketed more than $100,000 from a woman's death.

"One individual gave $104,000 in this to invest as a result of her daughters unfortunate early death and to invest on her behalf. This individual we charge just stole the money and used it for his own purposes," he said.

In addition, Brubaker is accused of taking a total of $180,000 from 9 others who thought he was investing it in bonds under the fictitious name TWC Philanthropic Pool. He faces numerous theft charges and an insurance fraud charge.

What Happened to Tracy, a 1989 Millersburg disappearance

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:07:54 -0600

Police Believe Dauphin County Robberies are Connected

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:36:10 -0600

Six armed robberies and attempted robberies in less than one week have people in Dauphin County on guard. Police believe all six are linked because of a similar suspect description.

One happened Tuesday night at Puff 'N Snuff on Walnut Street in Susquehanna Township. The second happened Wednesday night at the Vocelli's Pizza Place on Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township. A delivery driver was able to run away.

Just minutes later, another attempted robbery happened at Excitement Video. Within the half hour, a third incident took place. A gunman got away with money from a person in the Kings Manor Apartment Complex in Susquehanna Township.

Three hours later at the Twin Lakes Apartment Complex in Lower Paxton Township, a gunman robbed a man walking home from work. On Friday, an armed robbery happened in the 2200 block of Herr Street in Susquehanna Township.

Police are looking for a light-skinned black or Latino man in his early 20s. They say he is tall with a thin build.

Lancaster County Cabin Explosion

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:10:36 -0600

A man is killed when fire breaks out in his Lancaster County cabin. It happened Saturday evening in the 700-block of Mount Vernon Road in Salisbury Township.

Within seconds, flames ripped through the roof and poured from the windows of the cabin.

"I heard an explosion and I looked over and just that quick, the whole cabin was just fully engulfed in flames," said Lisa Newnam, neighbor.

Newnam, who lives about 200 feet from the cabin, called 911. She was outside cleaning up her yard when she felt the explosion. She says she was praying no one was inside.

"I just thought there is no way anyone could have lived through that explosion," said Newnam.

One person did not make it out. Firefighters found the man's body in a bedroom. Neighbors say he was from California and had been living in the cabin for several months.

"It was already gone, it was through the roof and we knew there was a vehicle in the driveway and we kind of thought someone was inside," said Chief Brad Kurtz, Gap Fire Company.

With just ashes and rubble left, investigators say they will have a difficult time figuring out what went wrong.

"There was no propane, no gas, anything like that in the house, so we couldn't figure out where the explosion came from," said Kurtz.

The victim's name has not been released.

A firefighter at the scene was hurt when she slipped and fell on an icy road. She was treated and released from Lancaster General Hospital.