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Police Investigate Homicide along Interstate 80 in E-Burg
An autopsy is scheduled this (Mon.) morning for a man police say was shot and killed along Interstate 80 in East Stroudsburg over the weekend. State police say the shooting occurred at about 2:30 Sunday morning on the westbound on-ramp at Prospect Street. Troopers say 25-year-old Antoine Leaver of (N. 9th St.) Stroudsburg was shot, and then someone dropped him off outside the Pocono Medical Center (about a quarter-mile away), and he later passed away. Members of the State Police Major Case Team are not releasing too many other details about this deadly shooting in East Stroudsburg, but if you have any information, call 570-839-7701.
Contaminated dirt still at homes' site and DEP wants it GONE !
There’s still a contaminated dirt problem in one area of Hamilton Township. The soil in question remains at the future site of Castle Creek Estates off Greenview Drive, despite orders and deadlines from the D E P to Gerald Gay to remove the dirt, which contains toxic chemicals. The land was inspected in May and again in June, and an analysis of the dirt led investigators to believe that up to 15-hundred cubic yards of material could be contaminated. A violation notice, dated June 5th, ordered Gay to stop accepting fill at the site and remove any toxic soil…however, that violation wasn’t addressed. DEP spokespeople say a final Sept. 30th deadline to remove the soil is history, but now Gay and his company, 611 Commercial Inc., have reportedly hired a new consultant to clear the site of the grading fill that contains of benzopyrene -- a potentially cancer-causing substance.
West End teen still missing and Mom is worried !
A Chestnuthill Township teenager is still missing. State police say 15 yr old Vincenzio-Luis Estephan Lopez of Effort hasn’t been seen since Sunday. His mother tells troopers Luis is 6 foot 1, 145 pounds, with green eyes that sometimes turn gray, dirty blond hair, thick black eyebrows, a long jaw line, braces and a rosy blotch on each cheek. He was last wearing a black t-shirt, black jeans and white sneakers with red shoe-strings. If you have any information on his whereabouts, call (570) 646-2271.
Pocono Mtns Film Festival Honoree will not attend
Just a few days after confirming her appearance at the 7th Annual Pocono Mountains Film Festival, event director Bridgette Davis told Lite 93.5 yesterday (on Thursday) that actress Jessica Biel will not attend. Biel was to receive the festival's Humanitarian Award along with her father, Jon, for starting the “Make The Difference Network” to benefit non-profit agencies, but she’s in Vancouver making the movie, "The A-Team". Her reps say the cross-country flight and tight production schedule, would make it nearly-impossible for her to attend the event, but she will accept the award via Satellite TV. However, John Leguizamo, star of the "Ice Age" movies, "Moulin Rogue" and "The Happening," re-confirms he will definitely be there to accept the first-ever Latino Achievement Award. The festival runs October 22nd – 25th, and the awards banquet will take place Saturday, October 24th at Peppe’s Ristoraunte.
Round Two in Monroe Cty Court for accused killer Koehler
Jury selection continues at the Monroe County Courthouse for a West End man who had previously pleaded guilty to gunning down two people, and critically injuring a third person during a drug-related shooting in Polk Township in 2004. Jason Koehler of Kunkletown was just about to be sentenced to 40 to 80-years in state prison after pleading guilty to a third-degree murder charge, but then he decided to withdraw his guilty plea. Judge Maggie Worthington denied his request, and Koehler appealed to a higher court, and was granted a re-trial last year. Koehler will now be tried on Homicide and Aggravated Assault charges, and if he’s convicted, he could receive the death penalty. The other man charged in connection with those shooting deaths is serving a lengthy jail term. Jury selection began Wednesday.
Levittown man arrested for Mount Pocono Bank Robbery
A Levittown, Pennsylvania man is now jailed in Monroe County for a bank robbery that took place in late jmay at a Citizens Savings Bank branch in Mount Pocono. Pocono Mountain Regional Police say they took 41-year old William Curtis into custody on Wednesday after police in Ohio, learned Curtis was wanted for the local hold-up, and for another bank robbery in Bucks County. Pocono Mountain police say Curtis became a prime suspect based on video surveillance and interviews with his associates, and they issued a warrant for his arrest in late June. Police say he got away with nearly $15-hundred dollars, but he never showed a gun and no one was injured. Curtis is locked up in lieu of $100-thousand dollars bail.
East Stroudsburg putting on its Boots
The borough of East Stroudsburg is getting ready to put on boots. No, not because winter is around the corner, but because borough council amended a parking ticket ordinance Tuesday night to crack down on parking ticket scofflaws. Under the old ordinance, a wheel boot was only placed on an offending owner’s vehicle if they had three outstanding warrants...and in some cases, that dragged out up to four months. However, this newly amended ordinance will allow police to place a boot on any vehicle whose driver has at least five (5) unpaid parking tickets. This amendment could translate into thousands of extra dollars in parking ticket revenue for the borough.
E-Burg man found in creek didn't drown
Toxicology test results have been released for an East Stroudsburg man who died after emergency crews pulled him from the Sambo Creek in April...but he didn’t drown. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office on Monday released information on the death of 29-year old Mitchell Ace, and it showed Ace had di-fluoro-ethane - a common chemical component contained in computer cleaning spray - in his bloodstream. The coroner ruled Ace died from complications due to “huffing”. Huffing can cause a light-headed feeling, or a type of a “high”, when a person inhales the contents of an aerosol can, or similar type of container. Ace was discovered floating in about a foot of water in the creek behind the Eagle Valley Mall on the afternoon of April 16th, and when a firefighter pulled him from the water, Ace wasn’t breathing. Emergency crews revived him at the scene using CPR, however, he died later at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Gouldsboro man to do state time for Sex Crimes
A Wayne County man will now serve 8 ½ to 17-years in state prison for sexually assaulting a little girl several years ago. Earlier this year, juries found 44-year old Richard Allen Lewis of Gouldsboro “guilty” in two separate trials on rape, indecent assault and related charges. Police say the victim was only six years old when the crimes occurred at a Coolbaugh Township home back in 2001. The child, who is now in her teens, reported the incidents last year. A jury found Lewis guilty on three sexually related charges in May, while another jury decided he was guilty of rape during a second trial. The judge combined the sentences from both convictions, but Lewis receives credit for time already served.
Local Legislators on Clash over Gaming Revenue Sharing
A debate over the local share of slots casino gaming money has divided two local legislators. Monroe County is the only one in Pennsylvania that shares gaming revenue money with neighboring counties (because it has a Fifth class county designation), and State Rep. Mario Scavello thinks Luzerne County should no longer benefit from Mount Airy because it receives 12-million dollars from the Mohegan Sun casino resort. Scavello's bill would also cap the shares for the other nearby counties, including Pike, at one million dollars apiece. That upset 189th District State Representative John Siptroth, whose district includes Pike County. Siptroth argued on the House floor this week such legislation hurts Pike, and fellow Pocono counties like Wayne and Carbon, and Northampton County to the south. By the way, Scavello's bill was rejected by a slim margin in the House.
Saylorsburg woman mauled to death by a Black Bear
A Ross Township woman who kept several exotic pets on her property, including big cats (a lion and a tiger), has been killed by a 350-pound black bear. State police say 37-year old Kelly Ann Walz was cleaning out her pet bear’s 15x15 foot steel and concrete cage Sunday evening, and when she went to feed the animal, it mauled her to death. Troopers say a neighbor shot and killed the bear. A Pennsylvania Game Commission official said Walz had exotic wildlife permits to keep the animals on her sprawling property (on a hill) along Dogwood Lane in Saylorsburg. The family never had any problems, fines or complaints and consistently passed inspection by the Game Commission. Troopers tell Lite 93.5, WSBG the investigation continues.
Fire hits the Pocono Playhouse
A popular tourism attraction in Barrett Township is now a charred memory. Flames practically destroyed the popular Pocono Playhouse in Mountainhome early this (Fri.) morning. Township police say a neighbor spotted the fire in the mostly wooden building at about 1 a.m., and called 9-1-1, but by the time fire crews arrived on the scene, the main building was just about a total loss, while two other buildings were damaged. The playhouse is owned by Ralph Miller, who also owns the Bucks County Playhouse. Barrett Township fire crews remain on the scene dousing hot spots…and the State Police Fire Marshal is leading the investigation into what caused this destructive blaze.
Bank customers get more than they bargained for in Bank
parking lot
A Stroudsburg man now faces Indecent Exposure, Open Lewdness, Harassment and Public Drunkenness charges following an incident Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of the PNC Bank branch at North 6th and Sarah Streets in Stroudsburg. Stroud Area Regional Police responded to a complaint of a man who was sitting in his car, and fondling and exposing himself to a bank customer as she walked near his Nissan Murano. She told officers that the suspect, later identified as 40-year old Todd Bushta, continued to take care of business while yelling at other women in the parking lot. Police are asking anyone else who witnessed this alleged behavior to call them at 421-6800. Bushta is free on bail awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Vonville heading to trial on Murder Charges
A Long Pond area man will now face an open charge of Homicide and Manslaughter charges in Monroe County Court for the stabbing death of a former Pocono Mountain West star athlete two weekends ago. At the end of Thursday’s preliminary hearing, District Judge Richard Claypool decided there was enough evidence to bind over the charges against 29-year old Philip Vonville, who is accused of killing 19-year old Christopher Hernandez last month as the young man sat in his pick-up truck in the Pocono Plateau Mobile Home Park. Police say Hernandez escorted Vonville’s ex-girlfriend back to her home to retrieve some belongings, but when Vonville saw him, he flipped out and attacked Hernandez with a large knife. Vonville remains jailed without bail awaiting further court action.
Longtime Stroudsburg Fire Chief passes away unexpectedly
The Borough of Stroudsburg has suffered a huge loss, along with the entire Pocono community, as a long-time Stroudsburg volunteer firefighter and department chief, passed away on Wednesday. Monroe County Coroner Dave Thomas says 60-year old Clement “Butch” Kochanski suffered an apparent heart attack while at work on Wednesday, and later died at Pocono Medical Center. Kochanski had been a local firefighter for 36 years, and took over as Stroudsburg Fire Chief when Bob Phillips retired many years ago. We will all miss Butch very much and appreciate his years of loyalty and service in helping to make the borough a better and safer place. He leaves behind his wife, JoAnn, and a son and a daughter. A viewing is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. this (Fri.) evening, and then tomorrow (Sat.) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the William Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg. A funeral service will follow. A burial procession to Stroudsburg Cemetery is scheduled for Monday, and Dreher Avenue will be closed between West Main and Fetherman Streets from 9 a.m. 'til noon, and there will be "no parking" on Snyder Drive between 6 a.m. and noon.
Bertucci honored with Sterrett Award at PMVB Dinner
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this fiscal year…and during Thursday night’s annual report dinner at Penn’s Peak, eleven Pocono tourism organizations were recognized for existing at least 75-years, including the Sherman Theater, Fernwood, Shawnee, Skytop & Pocono Manor Resorts, and the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, which has been around the longest, opening up back in 1882. Several area state legislators and Governor Ed Rendell couldn’t attend the event because they’re in Harrisburg working on a budget, but they sent proclamations and congratulatory citations to the PMVB. However, the highlight of the night, came towards the end of the recognition dinner when Fernwood’s Gina Bertucci was presented with the “Gail Sterret Marketing Award". Gail, who had worked as the bureau’s marketing director for almost 25 years, passed away unexpectedly in early February.
Canadensis couple arrested for growing Marijuana
A Barrett Township couple faces a hearing next week on Marijuana Possession and many related charges following a raid at their home along Beartown Road in Canadensis. Township police, along with the Monroe County Druk Task Force members, acted on a tip that 39-year old Bart Tallada, and 38-year old Cythina VanGilder, were conducting a marijuana growing operation. When officers went to investigate, they say they found a room in the basement of the home dedicated to cultivating a marijuana crop. Police also found pot plants growing in an outdoor garden, and Rice Krispy treats they say contained marijuana ingredients. In addition to the possession charges, the couple must answer Drug Distribution and Criminal Conspiracy charges next week before District Judge John Whitesell.
Another (Poconos) armed robbery – this one at Borger’s
State police are on the lookout for a man who held up Borger’s service station in Saylorsburg just after noon on Wednesday. Troopers say a white male with a silver handgun walked into the business along Old Route 115 at about 12:15 p.m., jammed the gun into the service station attendant’s ribs, and took about one-thousand dollars in cash from the register. Police say the suspect is 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 11-inches tall, and was wearing a dark-colored hoodie and a multi-colored Halloween mask at the time of the hold-up. He made his escape in a gray, four-door Buick or Pontiac Sedan. If you have any information on this crime, call the Lehighton barracks at 610-377-4270.
Slashing at Saw Creek Estates...suspect ID'd
A 19-year old Bushkill man is on the mend after police say he was slashed with a knife during a Tuesday afternoon confrontation in Middle Smithfield Township. State police say the young man suffered a slash wound to his arm as he and another man got into an argument at a home along Scarboro Way in Saw Creek Estates. The victim was driven to the hospital prior to the arrival of police and emergency crews. Troopers tell us they have identified a suspect and the investigation continues.
Pizzeria Fire is ruled Accidental
The State Police Fire Marshal has determined a kitchen fire at Coppola’s Pizzeria in Analomink on Monday morning was accidental. Investigators have ruled the fire inside the popular pizza parlor, along Route 447, was caused by a faulty stove. The small blaze destroyed most of the restaurant’s kitchen, but quick work by the building’s owner - who used a fire extinguisher - kept the flames from doing any major damage to an upstairs apartment or other parts of the building. A mother and her son were upstairs when the fire started, but they got out of the building safely…and no one was injured.
Former Stroudsburg Star Athlete going to state prison for Robberies
A former Stroudsburg High School sports star will now spend some time in state prison for a robbery spree involving several area convenience stores. On Tuesday, a Monroe County Judge sentenced 22-year old Joshua Lesoine to serve 3 to 6 years in the state pen for robbing at least four stores during a two-week period in January. Stroud Area Regional Police arrested Lesoine who they say used a gun during the robberies in Stroudsburg and Stroud Township. Lesoine told investigators he committed the crimes to support an “out of control” drug habit.
Men involved in Quality Inn Murder want separate Trials
Two men charged with the beating death of a Tobyhanna man outside the Quality Inn on West Main Street, say they want to be tried separately. On Monday morning, Myles White asked a Monroe County judge to have his case heard independently of co-defendant, Ralph Maldonado. Stroud Area Regional Police have charged both men with Homicide, for allegedly beating and robbing 22-year old Blake Natal outside the Stroudsburg hotel back in January. Monday’s request means the murder trials for both men will be postponed…and they remain jailed without bail.
Man who drove murder suspect to Vermont freed from Jail
The alleged getaway driver following the murder of an Effort woman and her 18-month old son is now out of jail. Twenty-three year old Conrad Jankowski of Newfoundland, has been released from the Monroe County Correctional Facility after posting 75-thousand dollars bail. Jankowski is charged with Hindering Apprehension after state police say he drove his friend, 23-year old Michael Parrish, to Vermont to help him escape arrest. Earlier this month, a county judge reduced Jankowski's bail from 100-thousand dollars (and his dad told the court he would put up his property so his son could get out of jail). Meanwhile, Parrish, a former corrections officer, is charged with first-degree murder for the July shooting deaths of his live-in girlfriend, Victoria Adams, and their little boy. He remains jailed without bail outside of Monroe County.
No State Budget costing local Jobs
So far, eight jobs have been eliminated from the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol program because a new Pennsylvania state budget is still not in place. The positions at the Monroe County office of the tri-county drug & alcohol agency have led to the elimination of those positions within the smoking cessation program. The local tobacco program has already been forced to borrow $100-thousand dollars from the county commissioners this year.
State legislative leaders pieced together a new spending plan two Fridays ago, but the sides are now apparently haggling over the impact of taxing small games of chance for non-profit organizations and Natural Gas drilling.
Generating additional revenue is the key to this new budget package, and Governor Ed Rendell said Monday (yesterday) he wants a budget on his desk no later than Sunday.
Pike County home destroyed by Fire; Vehicle stolen
State Police are looking for the driver of a silver pick-up truck, who stole the vehicle while Pike County firefighters were battling a house fire Sunday night along Route 6 in Dingman Township. Troopers from the Blooming Grove barracks say the vehicle belongs to one of the volunteer firemen, and it was last spotted being driven from the scene along Route 6. Meanwhile, the home was destroyed (by the blaze), but no one was injured. The State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, and it’s not known if the car thief may have been involved with the fire. If you have any information, call 570-226-5718.
Separate Pocono Mts/Lehigh Valley crashes claim young lives
A Nazareth High School senior is dead following a nasty three-vehicle crash in Lehigh County early Saturday afternoon. State police say 17-year old Angelica Fox was traveling with three friends when the car they were riding in crashed head-on into a pick-up truck along Mountain Road in Heidelberg
Township. Upon impact, the occupants of the car were ejected, including Fox, and 17-year old Russell Jacoby of Slatedale, who also died. Two other riders, and the people in the pick-up, were seriously injured and taken to Lehigh Valley area hospitals.
A Norrsitown teenager was killed late Friday night in a rollover accident along the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Kidder Township, Carbon County. State police say the crash occurred between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Hickory Run exits, when the driver lost control of their SUV. As the vehicle left the highway and began to flip over, 18-year old Shaunte Pearson was thrown out, and trapped underneath the wreckage. She died at the scene, while the other three passengers in the SUV survived the accident.
Armed robber gets "NO" money from DWG convenience store
State police could use your help in tracking down the man who walked into a Delaware Water Gap gas station/convenience store on Sunday night, threatened the clerk with a gun, but left with no money. Troopers say the suspect, a 5 foot 8-inch black male, entered the Gulf Water Gap Mart on Broad Street just after 10 p.m., showed the cashier a black & silver pistol and demanded money. The cashier tried to open the register, but the drawer wouldn't open, and the robber ran from the store in an unknown direction. If you have any information on this crime, call 839-7701.
Middle Smithfield getting own Police Force ???
Middle Smithfield Township residents could have their own police department as early as next summer. A three-person committee is developing a proposed budget and the other particulars needed to form a local police force. But this venture will not come without an annual price-tag. The "Pocono Record" reports initial start-up costs will be about $3 1/2-million dollars, and that outlay will be funded with a general obligation bond. But the department will need a general operating budget of more than $2-million dollars, which calls for a proposed tax increase of about 11-mills by 2011. Which means the average homeowner would shell out about $35 a month, or a little more than $412 a year. However, that amount could always be reduced. Originally, the township talked with the Stroud Area Regional Police Department about expanding its coverage area. But that would have been done over a three-year period, and the supervirors didn't want to wait that long.
Injured war veteran gets "amazing gift" from local Doctor
An injured Iraq war veteran has a new perspective, literally, thanks to the Iraq Star Foundation and a local plastic surgery team. Tim Juliano of Tonawanda, New York was seriously injured when a rocket exploded not far from him. He suffered broken bones and severe shrapnel wounds to his arms and face, which left him with severe scarring, and an inability to breathe clearly using his nose. Well, last week, Dr. Charles Herman, Pocono Medical Center's Chief of Plastic Surgery, and his surgery team operated on TIM -- donating their time and equipment. The 43-year old had his stitches removed on Thursday and he was beaming ear-to-ear at what he saw...and from what he experienced. He could take a deep breath of fresh air for the first time since 2007. By the way, Tim's journey was catalogued by the cable-TV hit show, "Orange County Choopers". That show will air in November.
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West End man passes away 3 weeks after Holiday car crash
An Albrightsville man has died from injuries he suffered in a two-vehicle accident during the Labor Day weekend. The Lehigh Valley Coroner confirms that 47-year old Troy Huber passed away Wednesday afternoon at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Huber had been in the critical care unit since the crash occurred on the morning of September 7th. Stroud Area Regional Police said Huber turned into the path of a pick-up truck at the intersection of four- lane Route 209 and Shafer School House Road in Stroud Township. The driver of the truck escaped serious injury.
Man accused of murdering Chris Hernandez is Arraigned
On the evening that 19-year old Christopher Hernandez was memorialized by his family and friends, the man who police say killed him, was formally arraigned Wednesday evening on murder charges (before District Judge, Richard Claypool). Twenty-nine year old Philip Vonville of Long Pond is accused of stabbing Hernandez to death on Saturday afternoon as he sat in his pick-up truck outside the trailer that Vonville shared with his ex-girlfriend. The woman told police she and Hernandez were just friends, and when she went to the trailer to retrieve some belongings, Vonville saw Hernandez waiting for her, became enraged and attacked him with a large knife. Investigators say Vonville then turned the knife on himself, but he survived. He was released from Lehigh Valley Hospital and is now in the Monroe County Correctional Facility without bail. Hernandez will be laid to rest today in Yonkers, New York, where he lived with his father.
House fire in Smithfield Twp. looks like Arson
A house under renovation in Smithfield Township is destroyed by a fire earlier this (Wed.) afternoon. The Marshalls Creek fire chief believes the blaze at a vacant two-story home along Forest Lane in Wooddale was deliberately set. It took crews from three area companies about a half-an-hour to extinguish the flames. The home has been vacant since July, and the electricity was turned off, as the owners did some work on the property. No one was injured, but the State Police Fire Marshal is now leading the investigation to determine the cause of that blaze.
Quick-strike Robbery at Peppino’s Pizzeria
Pocono Mountain Regional Police could use your help to locate a quick-strike, armed robber that targeted a pizza shop along Route 940 in Coolbaugh Township Monday morning. Officers say a thinly-built black male, wearing dark-colored clothing and a baseball cap, and a black cloth over his face, walked into Peppino’s just before 10 a.m., pointed a gun at an employee, and ran off with an undetermined amount of cash on Pocono Road towards Summit Pointe. The suspect is between 5’ 6’ and 5’ 8” tall. If you have any information on this hold-up, call 570-895-2400.
DeNaples transfer of Mount Airy ownership okayed by state gaming panel
Pennsylvania gaming regulators approved a petition on Wednesday that paves the way for Louis DeNaples to transfer ownership of Mount Airy Casino Resort (near Mount Pocono) to his family. The state’s gaming control board also accepted Mt. Airy’s request to dissolve the trusteeship that put the operation under the control of an independent administrator, following DeNaples indictment on perjury and related charges during the casino licensing process. He also had his gaming license suspended. Those charges were dismissed earlier this year, and DeNaples' gaming license was reinstated. This new plan will see DeNaples transfer 100-percent ownership of Mount Airy Casino Resort to a trust, called the “Lisa Trust”, with Lisa DeNaples as the initial executor. The trust would in turn grant equal portions of the casino resort’s assets to her siblings, or DeNaples’ grandchildren.
Hugo Selenski given BIG-time sentence for beating & robbing local Jeweler
A Luzerne County man convicted of robbing and terrorizing a Tannersville jewelry store owner, has been sentenced to 32 1/2 to 65-years in state prison. At one point during this (Mon.) morning’s sentencing before Monroe County Judge, Maggie Worthington, Hugo Selenski yelled out to the judge that she should just get to the sentence already. Judge Worthington said he needed to calm down and told him to shut his mouth, and said he clearly has no respect for any type of authority. In July, a county jury only needed two hours to convict Selenski of barging into the Saylorsburg-area home of jeweler, Samuel Goosay, robbing him, terrorizing him and holding him hostage.
Investigators say evidence found inside Goosay’s home also links Selenski to the murders of Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett in Luzerne County in 2002.
West End Teens arrested for C-hill Twp. Burglary spree
Three youngsters from the West End are jailed for a series of burglaries in Chestnuthill Township from June through earlier this month. On Friday, troopers executed a search warrant on a home in Panza Court and then arrested Sean Dohn and Troy Honey, Jr. of Kunkletown, and Matthew Parisik of Effort. All three boys are 18-years old, and face Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, Theft and Receiving Stolen Property charges. They remain in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
Yonkers man stabbed to death; Alleged attacker recovers at LVH
An 18-year old Yonkers, N.Y. man died after he was stabbed Saturday afternoon in Tunkhannock Township...and the man who police say stabbed him, remains hospitalized after trying to kill himself with the same knife. Pocono Mountain Regional Police charged 29-year old Philip Vonville of Blakeslee with homicide after Christopher Hernandez passed away. Vonville was arraigned in his hospital bed as he recovers from self-inflicted stab wounds. Investigators say Hernandez showed up at a home in the Pocono Plateau mobile home park (near Long Pond) with Vonville's ex-girlfriend. When Vonville saw Hernandez with the woman, she told police he snapped and attacked Hernandez. The woman told investigators she and Hernandez were just friends. Vonville will go to jail without bail as soon as he is released from Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Traffic Stop on I-80 nets 5 pounds of Pot; Tannersville man jailed & Saylorsburg man nabbed on drug charges
A traffic stop along the Interstate 80 corridor leads to the arrest of a Tannersville man on Marijuana Possession and related charges. State police say they pulled over 25-year old Robert Andrew Mitchell for speeding in the westbound lanes in East Stroudsburg late last week. Troopers say when they questioned Mitchell they noticed several things inside his vehicle that made them suspicious of criminal activity. After getting permission to search the car, troopers say they found more than five-pounds of suspected marijuana with a street value of $52-thousand dollars. Mitchell was also arraigned on Possession with the Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance charges.
A Saylorsburg man is accused of drug dealing after a run-in with troopers along Route 447 outside of East Stroudsburg. State police tried to pull over 21-year old Dejon Wallace for a vehicle code violation however he didn't stop and attempted to hide his car in the Wendy's restaurant parking lot. Once he saw police pull in, he ran from his vehicle, but was captured after a short foot chase. Troopers say Wallace had several packages of marijuana with him that were ready for sale.
NDES H.S. Athletic Director fired and charged with alcohol-related incident
A 39-year old administrator at Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg has turned himself into Stroud Area Regional Police to answer charges of Corruption of Minors, and Selling or Furnishing Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages to Minors. Police say they filed those charges against the school’s former Athletic Director, and boys & girls Soccer coach, Anthony Creece of Stroudsburg. Creece is accused of supplying alcohol to six juvenile females – ages 14 to 17 – during a sleepover at the high school on August 29th. Creece made arrangements through his attorney, Jim Swetz, to surrender to police this (Thurs.) morning. The Scranton Diocese fired Creece, and suspended Field Hockey Coach, Eileen Hines after the incident was reported on September 2nd. It’s not known how Hines was involved, and no criminal charges have been filed against her.
A Pillar of the Pococo Community passes away
When you think of Roland Featherman, you think of a pillar in the community. Featherman, a long-time East Stroudsburg School Board member, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77 following a courageous battle against cancer. Featherman, a good friend of our radio stations, lived in the Pocono Mountains for the last 40-years, and worked with the Tri-county Mental Health/Mental Retardation Agency for 35 of those years. He was also a practicing Psychiatrist. Even though he was visually disabled, Roland never allowed that to interfere with his mission to be a great family man, or an involved social service and community leader. A viewing will be held tomorrow (Fri.) afternoon and evening at the Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg, and a funeral service will take place at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in East Stroudsburg at 10:30 in the morning.
((( He also served on many local Boards of Directors including the Monroe County Association of the Blind, Burnley Workshop, the I.U., the Dept. of Public Welfare and many, many more. )))
Rain holds off as Tpr. Miller monument is decidated in Swiftwater
A "who's who" in the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police paid tribute to fallen Trooper, Joshua Miller, during a memorial monument ceremony outside the Troop N Barracks in Swiftwater on Wednesday afternoon. Trooper Miller's wife and three daughters witnessed the unveiling of a granite monument that bears his picture, and an inscription that was his credo -- "I will not let anything happen to the brothers on my watch". Barracks Commander, Lt. David Dougalas tells Lite 93.5, Miller lived that motto every day, and set an example for young troopers who came to Swiftwater. The monument was donated by Robert Boulos of Scranton, and made by a former state police Public Communications Officer. Several retired troopers (including Tom Jones and Fred Klee) also came out to honor Trooper Miller, along with municipal officers from Stroud Regional, Pocono Mountain Regional, and Pocono and Barrett Townships. Joshua Miller was gunned down along Route 611 in Coolbaugh Township, following a high speed chase on June 7th. Fellow state police officer, Bob Lombardo was also shot, but he survived his injuries and returned to duty.
Hearings underway on possible Pocono Charter Revocation
Hearings continue to determine if the Pocono Mountain Charter School should lose its charter. Pocono Mountain School District alleges the school has not addressed 27 violations, including not meeting special education requirements, excessive rent payments to Shawnee Tabernacle Church, and the salary of school CEO, Rev. Dennis Bloom. The school is located inside Shawnee Tabernacle and Bloom is the pastor and president of the church.
Driver of Car Killed In Crash With Box Truck
A Saylorsburg woman is killed after her car collides with a box truck at the intersection of West Main Street (Route 209) and Tanite Road in Stroud Township. Stroud Area Regional Police say 60-year old Elaine Hinton was behind the wheel of a Jetta when she traveled into path of the truck at about 7 o’clock this (Wed,) morning. Stroud Township firefighters freed Hinton from the wreckage and she was transported to a Medi-vac landing zone along Business Route 209. However, she died before the copter could take to the air. The driver of the truck, 38-year old Charles Leppert, of Runnemede, New Jersey, was treated at Pocono Medical Center. Accident investigators are trying to determine if Hinton stopped at the stop sign on Tanite Road, then drove into the intersection, or if she ran the stop sign. Officers have two witnesses, and a third -- a stocky white male who was on a sidewalk – left the scene and police would like him to call them at 421-6800. The intersection was closed to traffic for nearly six hours.
Vietnam Vets' Memorial near Milford is desecrated
Pike County veterans are extremely upset by the vandalism of a Vietnam War monument. State police say someone painted a swastika on the side of a helicopter placed outside the Marsch-Kellogg American Legion Post #139 in Dingman Township (near Milford). The graffiti was painted on the Huey "U-H-1-H" helicopter sometime Friday night. That helicopter flew medi-vac missions carrying and tending to wounded soldiers during that war. President of the Pike County Vietnam Veterans of America Association, George Savistides, helped bring the helicopter to Pike County nine years ago, calls this vandalism unforgivable and an utter disgrace. The Vietnam veterans group plans to remove the vandalism in an effort to return the helicopter to its original condition.
Swine Flu Sots (H1N1) should be available soon
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the new swine flu vaccine, giving the green light to drug manufacturers — including Sanofi-Pasteur in Swiftwater — to supply the government's plans to start mass vaccinations next month. On Tuesday, Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebilius said limited supplies should be distributed beginning the first week of October (about a week earlier than expected). She told Congress about 45-million additional doses should then arrive around October 15th, followed by more shipments each week. The shots are expected to be made available at up to 90,000 sites, including schools and clinics, and other locations throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control announced last week that studies show one dose appears to protect adults — and that protection kicks in just eight to 10 days after the shot -- faster than scientists had anticipated. Initially, the very young and old, and those with chronic ailments or compromised immune systems, should get the shots first.
Back to the now “Mold-less” Bangor Middle School
It’s back to the classroom tomorrow (Wed.) for middle school students in the Bangor Area School District in Northampton County. Actually, the students have been going to class in other buildings in the Slate Belt district while a mold remediation company cleared up a problem that was detected just before the new school year was to begin. Bangor Superintendent John Reinhart confirms a testing company has given the “all clear” at the middle school, and students will be back in familiar territory Wednesday morning. The testing company will also remain in the school to take out some equipment and make sure the HVAC system is working properly. The superintendent says they’ve scheduled a meeting with parents for 7 o’clock tonight in the middle school auditorium...and a physician, along with representatives from the school and the testing company, will be there to answer any questions.
Plane makes emergency landing in Smithfield Twp. Lake
A little bit of excitement in a quiet neighborhood in Smithfield Township on Monday afternoon, when an ultralight plane crashed into Lake Valhalla. The pilot, identified as Anthony Hicks of Blairstown, N.J., wasn't injured...he was just soaking wet and a little shaken up. Michael Carr, who lives near the lake, was "Johnny on the Spot", as he jumped into a canoe and plucked Hicks from the lily pond-filled water. Carr said Hicks told him the kit plane’s engine malfunctioned (and cut out) shortly after he took off from the Stroudsburg-Pocono Airport, which is not far from the Lake Valhalla development. State police say Marshalls Creek fire crews, and members of Bushkill EMS, helped Hicks pull the light sport plane from the lake (using a rope) and load it onto a trailer. The FAA is now investigating the incident.
The FAA is also trying to determine why another "kit-built" plane crashed in Chestnuthill Township on Sunday, August 30th. State police said Neal Bond of Saylorsburg, plunged into a yard in McIhaney, about an hour after leaving the Pegasus Airpark. Unfortunately, Bond died from his injuries.
Tobyhanna woman (with a house in Fla.) in Double Trouble
A Tobyhanna woman who faces charges for a hit and run pedestrian death this summer, has another legal hurdle to clear after waiving a preliminary hearing to Monroe County Court for a September 4th confrontation with police officers at the WaWa in Stroudsburg. Stroud Area Regional Police arrested 43-year old Lisa Marie Ostuni for becoming disorderly in the convenience store, and then combative when police arrived and noticed she may have been under the influence. Officers say they had to carry her to a police car, and that she continued acting up inside the Monroe County Correctional Facility. Ostuni remains jailed in lieu of $40-thousand dollars bail. Meanwhile, the county D.A.’s office is preparing to charge her with the July vehicular homicide death of 49-year old Robert Apuzzi, of Tobyhanna. Apuzzi was doing yard work near the berm of Route 196 when he was struck and killed by Ostuni’s Ford Explorer.
Gray to Stay, thanks to push from area legislators
It's business as usual at Gray Chevy Cadillac of the Poconos on Route 611 in Stroudsburg. Gray Chevy President, Bill Rinehart says they've received great news from General Motors, and the long-time local dealership will not close after all, despite a consolidation of local GM franchises across the country. Gray received a letter in the spring, notifying the dealership it would be one of the nationwide casualties. However, Rinehart set up several meetings through his staff with GM executives, and met with state and national political leaders, including U.S. Congressman Paul Kanjorski. Kanjorski's letter emphasized the impact that closing Gray would have on the local economy, and his words apparently struck a chord with the car maker, who changed its tune.
Tobyhanna Township man enters guilty plea to Arson Fire
A Tobyhanna Township man faces up to ten years in prison for deliberately setting a fire in Pocono Summit that destroyed a business. On Monday, 30-year old Michael Bartell, Jr. pleaded guilty in Monroe County Court to arson charges for torching Classic Quality Homes along Route 940 on June 7th. No one was in the building at the time of the fire and no one was injured. Pocono Mountain Regional Police say Bartell admitted setting the fire out of revenge because the company was late with payments to his father. However, the father told police that wasn’t the case and it was because his son had a drug problem. Bartell remains jailed in lieu of $250-thousand dollars bail awaiting a sentencing date.
Shoppers notice suspicious activity in Wal-Mart lot – call SARP
Two men are housed in the Monroe County Correctional Facility on Theft, Fraud, Forgery and related charges for allegedly eyeing up vehicles in the Wal-Mart parking lot, and then breaking into a pick-up truck and stealing the owner’s debit/credit card. Stroud Area Regional Police say they caught up with 19-year old Joseph Dawson of East Stroudsburg, and 19-year old Aaron Sobrinski of Wilkes-Barre near Friendly’s on Friday afternoon. Officers found several receipts on them, indicating they used the cards at K-Mart, Wal-Mart and also at the Penn Star Bank cash (ATM) machine. Sobrinski, who violated terms of his probation, remains jailed in lieu of 50-thousand dollars bail, while Dawson is held on 1-thousand dollars bail. They’re scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing tomorrow before District Judge Michael Muth.
Roving weekend DUI patrols nab at least a dozen drivers
Roving DUI patrols in Monroe County this weekend proved successful as State Police at Swiftwater made several arrests from Hamilton to Middle Smithfield Townships. The most surprising involved a 16-year old girl from Mount Pocono. Troopers stopped the teenager for an equipment violation along Route 715 in Pocono Township late Saturday night, and determined she was under the influence of marijuana. State police also corralled a Middle Smithfield Township man who they say tried to outrun them along Route 209 early Sunday (yesterday) morning. Troopers report Adam Wood was speeding and wouldn’t stay in his lane. They eventually pulled him over, but then Wood made a U-turn on 209 and reached speeds of more than 80 miles-an-hour with police in hot pursuit. The chase came to an abrupt end when Wood crashed his car into an embankment and flipped over. He was not seriously injured, but was transported to the Pocono Medical Center. Troopers made other stops in East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, Sciota, Snydersville and Stroudsburg.
Young drinker arrested after complaint in Barrett Twp.
A Moscow, Pennsylvania man is jailed in lieu of $20-thousand dollars bail after Barrett Township Police say he got out of control at a house in Cresco early Sunday (yesterday) morning. Officers responded to a call of an intoxicated person, and encountered 18-year old Ralph Perry Mele II. They say Mele was combative and resisted arrest. He now faces charges of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Public Drunkenness and Underage Drinking.
9/11 Rememberance Ceremony at Gilbert VFW Post cancelled
The rainy weather is responsible for cancelling tonight's 9/11 Rememberance Ceremony at the VFW Post in Gilbert. After many months of preparation Post officials told Lite 93.5 they had to cancel the service for the first time in eight years. Since many of their guests have prior commitments for Saturday, the service will not be postponed until tomorrow (Sat.) Post spokesman Ken Giardina says they are committed to keeping the memory of 9/11 alive and they'll begin to make plans for next year. Giardina says he'd like to extend his sincere appreciation to all of those willing to participate in this year’s program, and his thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and families of those who lost or gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.
Truck crash closes Route 33 NB above Snydersville; now Open
A New Jersey truck driver is facing traffic-related charges for an accident that closed down both lanes of Route 33 north earlier today (Fri.) near Snydersville. State police say Kirkpatrick Patterson was driving south in his tractor-trailer (between the I-80 interchange in Bartonsville & the Snydersville exit) when he crossed the highway divider and struck another tractor-trailer traveling in the northbound lanes. Patterson was injured and had to be transported to the Pocono Medical Center, while the other driver escaped injury. Penn Dot and towing crews remained on the scene for several hours trying to clear the wreckage and remove spilled fuilds from the roadway. The crash occurred just before 9:30 a.m., and the highway was finally re-opened by 1:30 p.m.
Asure will be considered for Warden along with other applicants
Taking over as the warden at the Monroe County Correctional facility is no "slam dunk" for county commissioner Donna Asure. On Tuesday, the county's prison board said Asure, the acting warden, would be considered along with other applicants as the county will re-advertise the position. Commissioner Chairperson Theresa Merli says the goal is to have a new warden in place within the next two months. Asure has been voluntarily running the jail since the middle of May. The board will place new ads for the warden post in a Pennsylvania prison trade publication and Web site. It will also will review the applications of 25 people who applied for the position when it was advertised this spring. Merli says they'll be contacted to see if they are still interested in the position. The board agreed to carry out this course of action to make sure all bases are covered and that the hiring process is above board.
Major Tire Vandalism in Stroudsburg
Who slashed the tires of nearly three vehicles in the North First and Second Street areas of Stroudsburg ? That’s an answer Stroud Area Regional Police would like to know. Lieutenant Brian Kimmins says someone slashed 75 tires on 31 cars, trucks, and even a lawn tractor, sometime late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The vandalism occurred in the alleyway between those two streets. In all, Kimmins estimates damage at more than $5-thousand dollars. If you have any information on this crime, please call 421-6800.
Cresco man found unconscious; Dog shot as police respond
A Cresco man is recovering from a medical condition in the intensive care unit at Pocono Medical Center thanks to a state trooper from the Swiftwater barracks. Police responded to a call from John Venezia's boss after he failed to show up for work. When the trooper arrived at the home along Red Rock Road (in Paradise Township) early Tuesday morning, he looked in the front door and noticed the 48-year old Venezia unresponsive and on the floor of the hallway. As the trooper entered the home, he noticed the man's right hand had been chewed off by a pit bull inside the house. Moments later, the dog lunged at the officer, who shot and killed it, and then provided Venezia with emergency medical care until paramedics showed up at the scene. The trooper wasn't injured.
Colorado man jailed for trying to kill a woman in CC of the P
A man from Colorado is jailed in Monroe County for allegedly trying to kill a woman inside a Middle Smithfield Township residence. State police arrested 24-year old Justin Yuste on Monday after they say he beat up a woman and tried to strangle her inside a home in the Country Club of the Poconos development on Sunday. Troopers say Yuste locked the woman in a bedroom, beat her, sexually assaulted her and squeezed his hands around her neck (until she bled), but he told investigators the two were having consensual sex. Yuste now faces charges of Attempted Murder, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and several other offenses.
Two homes destroyed by weekend fires
Fire destroyed two homes in the Poconos during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Flames destroyed a vacant residence just off Shiffer Road near Shafer Schoolhouse Road in Hamilton Township on Sunday. A passing motorist saw the flames and called in the alarm, but local fire crews had trouble getting to the burning home because the road leading to it, was only a few feet wide. The stone and wooden building is a total loss.
Later that same day, another fire gobbled up a home in Towamensing Township, Carbon County. This blaze was first reported as a brush fire along Forest Inn Road at about 6 p.m., but within minutes, a two-story wooden home was fully engulfed in flames. Fire officials say the owners of the home were on vacation. The cause of that blaze remains under investigation.
Labor Day weekend not as deadly as last year (2008)
Nine people were killed in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a drop of seven fatalities compared to a year ago. During last year’s holiday driving period, 16 people were killed and 412 were injured in 789 crashes investigated by state police. State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski said this year, troopers made more arrests for driving under the influence and issued more speeding tickets compared with 2008. In addition to the nine fatalities, 285 people were injured in the 654 crashes to which troopers responded. Last Labor Day weekend, 90 crashes – including four of the fatal crashes – had alcohol involved. By the way, seven of the nine people killed during this year's four-day Labor Day driving period, were not wearing seat belts.
[[[ Pawlowski said troopers this year were taking part in a national crackdown on impaired driving, and noted that 52 of this year’s holiday period crashes - including one fatal crash - were alcohol-related. ]]]
Woman involved in pedestrian death, jailed on new charges
The woman police say hit and killed a man with her car earlier this summer near Tobyhanna, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers at the WAWA on West Main Street in Stroudsburg. Police arrived there at about 1:15 Friday morning after a worker complained that Lisa Maria Ostuni was under the influence and being disruptive near the self-serve coffee station. Lt. Brian Kimmins (of the Stroud Area Regional Police Department) says Ostuni attempted to kick a state trooper in the face and another officer in the groin. She told reporters she is on medication – antibiotics – and the police are making up this whole thing. In June, Pocono Mountain Regional Police say Ostuni struck and killed Robert Apuzzi with her car along Route 196. The Monroe County District Attorney plans to charge her with Homicide by Vehicle and DUI sometime this week in connection with that deadly crash. Ostuni remains in the Monroe County Correctional Facility, awaiting a preliminary hearing (on Sept. 14th) on the new charges of Aggravated Assault & Resisting Arrest.
Plishka Ordered Held for Trial
The son of a famous NYC opera singer, who’s charged with killing a camp counselor in the Poconos 18 years ago, has been ordered to stand trial in Wayne County Court. That was the outcome yesterday for 46-year old Jeffrey Plishka following a preliminary hearing, which lasted a couple days. A forensic pathologist testified that 24-year old Laura Ronning of Florida was found at Tanners Falls outside of Honesdale the day after she went missing. He said she had been sexually assaulted and then shot in the head, and evidence would later determine that Ronning was killed between noon and 1 p.m. on the day she disappeared. State police say that's the same time Plishka admitted to police that he had seen Ronning sun bathing alone near the falls. Troopers arrested Plishka last month (Aug.) for the 1991 killing and he remains jailed without bail awaiting trial.
2003 Stroudsburg High Graduate lands plane on Mass. Highway
He got used to dodging football players while at Stroudsburg High School. But earlier this week, 24-year old Matt Kleindienst had to dodge vehicles on a Massachusetts highway. Kleindienst, who went to college and flight school to be a commercial airline pilot, was practicing a maneuver called “stalls” Tuesday morning, when an FAA spokesman says the engine of his single-engine Piper Cherokee just quit, and never re-started. Kleindienst was forced to land on Interstate 495 in Mansfield, southwest of Boston, and amazingly, didn’t hit any vehicles. The plane sustained considerable damage to its undercarriage, but Kleindienst and his passenger, 21-year old Brian Souza, were not injured. The crash-landing closed all three southbound lanes, but traffic was back to normal before the afternoon rush hour began.
Sen. Casey holds Health Care Reform forum, but not everyone leaves happy !
About 350 people, which included 100 or so East Stroudsburg University students, wanted to hear this (Wed.) morning what U.S. Senator Bob Casey had to say regarding Health Care Reform. The Scranton native opened his forum at ESU with testimonials from a single mom from Hamburg, and a social worker from Berwick…and then he used a power point presentation to tout the benefits of the Affordable Health Choices Act.
Senator Casey then took questions from the audience that were placed in boxes prior to the start of the forum and drawn like raffle tickets. Several attendees said they will only get behind health reform legislation if it includes a Public Option -- something Casey told Lite 93.5 that he fully supports. Casey also stressed the need to act now, but opponents questioned the hurry saying the bill is being forced on them, while too many questions are left unaddressed, like who is going to pay for all of this.
The forum was low-key for the most part, but towards the end, some attendees became irritated saying they felt Casey should have conducted a back-and-forth Q & A with them and not talk around, or side-step the issues. This was Casey’s third forum this week.
Local man to serve state time for hit and run death on I-80
A Jackson Township man has been sentenced to 3 to 7 years in state prison for an Interstate 80 accident that took the life of a Texas truck driver. Forty-three-year old Sean Murray appeared before Judge Maggie Worthington on Wednesday, and now spend at least two years and nine months in the state pen for striking 63-year old Arthur Pierce with his car in August of last year in Pocono Township. Troopers say Murray hit Pierce’s truck, and then Pierce, and left the scene because he was driving drunk. Murray admitted as much after he was questioned by investigators.
Alleged getaway driver in Parrish murder case gets lower bail
The man who state police say drove Michael Parrish to New Hampshire following a double homicide in July, is now jailed in lieu of $75-thousand dollars bail -- down from $100-thousand dollars. Twenty-three-year old Conrad Jankowski of Newfoundland was in court Wednesday to ask the judge to lower his bail. Jankowski faces Hindering Apprehension charges in the Parrish murder case, and his attorney argued Jankowski has been very cooperative with state police in their investigation of Parrish, who is accused of killing his 21-year old girlfriend and their 18-month old son. The prosecution objected to that assertion, but the judge granted the defense motion anyway.
Alleged “Landlord Slasher” will head to trial in Monroe County Court
A West End man will stand trial on Attempted Homicide and related charges for allegedly slashing the throat of his landlord. Forty-seven-year old Fred Weisser is accused of slashing 55-year old Patricia Bohner at her Ross Township home in late August. During the preliminary hearing, Bohner testified Weisser just flew into a rage and slashed her three times. She was able to run to a neighbor’s home and call for help. State police arrested Weisser at the scene without incident, while Bohner underwent emergency surgery. Weisser remains jailed in lieu of $250-dollars bail awaiting further court action.
Following the alleged attack, some neighbors told reporters the two may have also had a dating relationship. But Bohner tells Lite 93.5 they never dated and there was never any relationship.
NAACP Wants Upcoming Show at State Theatre Cancelled
The Easton chapter of the NAACP wants the State Theatre to cancel an appearance by Glenn Beck. The Fox news, and syndicated conservative radio talk show host (on our sister station - WVPO - and hundreds of others across the country), is to perform in the downtown Easton theatre in January. Officials with the NAACP say they're upset by “alleged racist” comments Beck made about President Obama a few weeks ago. The State Theatre says it is "respectfully declining" the NAACP's request because the theatre aims to present a broad selection of performances without taking a position on political issues.
Are area home invasions related ???
Pocono Township police and State Police at Lehighton are working together to determine if two Monroe County home invasions are related. The first robbery occurred in Cobble Creek Estates in Tannersville two weekends ago. Officers say two masked men forced their way into an elderly man’s home, where they pistol-whipped, beat him and stole money and valuables. The same thing happened last week at a home in Polk Township. But in that case, the victim was a woman, and troopers aren’t sure if anything was taken during that home robbery. Anyone with information can call 629-7323 or 610-377-4270.
The rest of students in Pa. headed back to school today…except in Bangor
The 2009 school year got underway in the Bangor Area School District, but not with all of its students. Seventh and 8th graders in the Slate Belt district will begin their school year probably after Labor Day because of mold. District Superintendent John Reinhart says two discoveries of mold -- one in a non-instructional area of the DeFranco Elementary School -- and the other in several classrooms at the Middle School, have delayed the start of classes.
The mold found in the elementary school was cleaned up over the weekend, while the middle school mold is being cleaned up by a mold remediation company, and will cost more than $100-thousand dollars. Reinhart says the mold may have been caused by a combination of wet weather and humidity issues. He says several of the HVAC systems are not set up to monitor humidity levels, but those controls will be upgraded with new technology to prevent another outbreak. He says the district is calling parents and posting information about the mold clean up on the web site, which is bangor.k12.pa.us.
Cabbies and delivery drivers -- be careful on the Mountain
A pizza delivery driver and a cab driver are robbed on the mountain. Pocono Mountain Regional Police say late Saturday night a gunman robbed a Domino's Pizza employee as he stood on a porch at 207 Cambell Way waiting to hand over a pizza. However, no one was home and police say the unknown gunman then took money, jewelry and the pizza from the man, who suffered minor injuries during that hold-up.
Then at 10 p.m. Sunday, a WGM cab driver pulled up for a fare at 6001 Kilmer Road, which turned out to be a vacant house. Shortly after arriving, he told officers he was robbed at gunpoint by a 6 foot tall black male wearing a bandana, and a Hispanic male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. Police say the men then took the cabbie to the back of the house where they forced him to lay on ground, and stole his wallet. If you have any information on either robbery, call 570-895-2400.
Saylorsburg man dies in West End Plane Crash
The FAA, and the state police, are investigating a plane crash in Chestnuthill Township that claimed the life of a Saylorsburg man Sunday morning. Troopers say the small plane went down in a wooded area behind a home in the 4100 block of McIlhaney Road at about 10 a.m., killing 46-year old Neal Bond. Pegasus Airpark owner, Fred Duckloe said the plane - a single-seat, fixed-wing, single-engine experimental aircraft - took off from the airpark (located nearby) at about 9 a.m. He told reporters he saw the plane lose several parts, including a portion of a wing, before crashing. An FAA database shows the plane was owned by Bond. No one else was injured.
Apparent motorcycle accident takes a life; PSP investigate
An Effort man is dead after an apparent motorcycle crash over the weekend
along Route 715 (near Brodheadsville) in Chestnuthill Township. State police are still assembling the details of what appears to have been an accident near the intersection with Hillside Drive. Troopers couldn't say if it was a hit-and-run, or if 19-year old Michael Frantz dumped the bike, or lost control and crashed. Investigators say Frantz and the bike were found by a passing driver at about 10:30 Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers are asking anyone who may have information to call the Fern Ridge barracks at 570-646-2271.
Stroud Area Regional Police looking for Stroudsburg Bank Robber
Stroud Area Regional Police could use your help to find a local bank robber. Police say a man walked into the KNBT bank branch on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg just before 2:30 Friday afternoon, handed a teller a note and implied he had a weapon. The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, and the suspect left the bank, and hopped into a dark blue, four-door Honda Accord with Pennsylvania plates. The driver was said to be a heavy-set white female with long, brown hair. The bank robber is described as a slim, 5 foot 7 inch tall black male, with short-cut black hair and a beard and mustache. He was wearing a black visor and a blue-zippered fleece warm-up jacket at the time of the robbery. If you have any information, call 421-6800.
Giving out more than prizes at the West End Fair
A woman working a game and prize stand at the 88th annual West End Fair has been arrested for allegedly using the stand to sell drugs. Monroe County
authorities say 24-year-old Shannon Hollender sold 5-dime bags of marijuana to an undercover agent from the D.A.'s office last (Thurs.) night while she was working the frog jump stand at the popular fair in Gilbert. Hollender will be arraigned this (Fri.) morning on charges of Possession and Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. County Drug Task Force members, the sheriff's office and Stroud Area Regional Police participated in the bust.
Bogus ESU Sexual Assault Victim is charged
State, local and East Stroudsburg University Police ended their search for the man who sexually assaulted a co-ed on campus earlier this month (8/13) because the "alleged victim" made up the story. Well, state police charged 22-year old Laura Gruver of Lower Nazareth Township today (Thurs.) with making False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities. Police say Gruver told them she was walking across Parking Lot "A" (near North Green Street) when she was forced at knife-point into an area with bushes and small trees behind the ESU cafeteria, and sexually assaulted. However, upon further questioning, Gruver admitted she made up the whole story because she has personal problems. A hearing will be scheduled for a later date with District Judge, Michael Muth.
NCC turning to county voters for help
The state didn’t come through, so Northampton Community College is turning to local voters for help. In an effort to build a larger, more accommodating campus, college administrators will attempt to get a “yes”/”no” question on the November general election ballot here in Monroe County. The ballot question asks whether $31-million in debt should be incurred to pay for "financing the construction and equipping of facilities for a new Monroe County campus" of NCC. If okayed, a 200,000 square-foot facility would be built on 71-acres off Route 715 to replace the current crowded campus location in Tannersville. Shovels were supposed to hit the dirt back in the spring, but that didn’t happen because state funding for the project came in significantly below what was requested. Instead of $2.3-million dollars per year, over 15 years, the state awarded a little over 1-million dollars from gambling revenue for the construction of a new campus.
Pa.'s TAP program to charge investors premiums and fees
Tens of thousands of investors saving for college in Pennsylvania's Guaranteed Savings Plan will soon have to pay more to lock in future tuition expenses at today's prices. The state treasurer's office says effective Sept. 1st, it will impose premiums of as much as 8-percent on the tuition credits to offset a deficit that totaled more than $220-million dollars at the end of June. Also effective Oct. 1st, the treasurer's office will charge investors an annual fee of $4.90 on every $1,000 they have invested, replacing the current $25-a-year maintenance fee. The highest premium will be applied to Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh (reflecting the relatively steep increases in their tuition), while families looking to send their children to private colleges or Temple University will pay 2-percent. No premium will be imposed for the 14 state-owned universities, including E S U, or the 14 community colleges, including NCC.
Alleged Girlfriend and Child Killer pleads not guilty
A West End man accused of killing his girlfriend and young son in June pleads not guilty to homicide charges. Twenty-three year old Michael Parrish entered the plea to two counts of homicide during his formal arraignment in Monroe County Court Monday afternoon. Parrish is accused of shooting to death Victoria Adams and their 18-month old son Sydney at an apartment the couple shared in Effort. Meanwhile, Conrad Jankowski, who drove Parrish to New Hampshire after the killings, entered a not guilty plea to felony charges of hindering apprehension. Both men remain jailed, although Parrish is held without bail.
Ross Twp. man accused of trying to kill landlord
A Ross Township man is spending some time in the Monroe County Correctional Facility after allegedly trying to kill his landlord. State Police at the Lehighton barracks say 47-year old Fredrick Weisser slashed the throat of 55-year old Patricia Bohner after the two got into an argument at her Meixell Valley Road home Saturday evening. Troopers haven’t said what led to the argument, but neighbors told reporters the two may also have been dating. Police say they recovered the weapon used in Weisser’s bedroom along with some marijuana and another narcotic. Bohner remains hospitalized at St. Luke’s in Bethlehem after undergoing emergency surgery, while Weisser’s bail has been set at $250-thousand dollars.
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