A new year is upon us, and that means it’s time to go back and look at the top stories of 2010 as read by you, our faithful readers.
So let’s get to it. We’re starting with February* and working our way to December.
DECEMBER
Packed House Attends Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Hearing on HB 2213 in Clearfield
CLEARFIELD – On Wednesday well over 100 people turned out to listen to testimony at public hearing held by the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee at the Knights of Columbus. The hearing was held to solicit testimony on the proposed House Bill 2213, which would amend the existing Oil and Gas Act of 1984. The purpose of the bill is to provide further protection to surface land and water supplies from natural gas drilling activities.
HB 2213 would:
-Require the DEP to inspect Marcellus well sites during each drilling phase;
-Extend to 2,500 feet, from 1,000 feet, the presumed liability of a well polluting a water supply;
-Require disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing – fracing – of the natural gas from the earth;
-Update bonding requirements to cover the costs of decommissioning a well;
-Clarify local governments’ traditional authority to regulate oil and gas activities.
The meeting opened with members of the committee giving comments on HB 2213, gas well drilling and Pennsylvania’s water system.
For that story, click here.
Three Morrisdale Men Facing Criminal Charges
MORRISDALE – Three men were taken into custody following a tip involving a runaway juvenile.
According to the state police in Clearfield, they acted on the tip that a missing juvenile was at a residence in Morrisdale. When troopers arrived, Anthony J. Schake fled the scene on foot. According to the report Anthony Schake had outstanding warrants.
Police said that Michael J. Schake attempted to lie to them about his brother being at the residence. He is being charged with hindering apprehension.
Anthony Schake was found at the nearby residence of a 19-year-old Morrisdale man. That man is being charged with hindering apprehension. Anthony Schake is being charged with flight to avoid apprehension.
Both Schakes were placed in Clearfield County Jail on warrants.
Message from the Manager: Clearfield Edition
The Clearfield Revitalization Corporation, (CRC) implements the Main Street Revitalization Approach in Clearfield. The approach consists of 4-basic steps: Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring and Organization.
Last time, I focused on the design step and the importance of the overall image of our downtown. The Design Committee led a workshop on Feb. 3 focusing on the design standards of our Design Challenge Grant for Storefronts and Facades. If you were unable to attend but interested on how you can save up to $5,000 on your storefront improvement, stop by my office and pick up a copy of our guidelines and an application. All applications for the first funding round are due Feb. 24 to the Main Street Office or mailed to the CRC, P.O. Box 75, Clearfield, PA 16830. If you have questions, I encourage you to contact me, personally, at 765-6000 or via e-mail at crc.manager@gmail.com.
Now, let’s focus on the next step of Main Street: Promotion. Promotion is more than just marketing the brand and image of your downtown, but also coordinating special events and retail promotions.
Click here for that article.
MARCH
Alleged Party at Clearfield Business Leads to Corruption, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors Charges Being Filed Against Hyde Man
CLEARFIELD – Charges have been filed against a Hyde man accused of serving alcohol to minors at a party in October.
Joshua McCahan, 34, faces five counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors and five counts of corruption of minors.
According to court records, police were called on March 3 at 7:15 p.m. about McCahan allegedly having sexual relations with a 17-year-old. Police were also told that McCahan had a party at his business, Fun Central on Oct. 31, 2009. Police were told that at this party, McCahan was serving underagers alcohol. Police were also informed that during this party McCahan had inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old girl.
For that story, click here.
DEP Reaches Penalty Agreement for Fish Kill in Fulton County
HARRISBURG — Three operators of a Fulton County dairy farm responsible for a November 2009 fish kill in Big Cove Creek, Fulton County, have paid $12,920 and will cease agricultural operations, according to officials with the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Under a consent order and agreement with the state agencies, Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Hege and Mr. Glen Hege will vacate their leased farm near McConnellsburg by May 1. The Heges failed to manage the farm’s manure and manure lagoon adequately.
The lagoon discharges into Big Cove Creek, which is a tributary of Licking Creek in the Potomac River basin.
“Given an option, the Heges chose to cease farming operations and vacate the McConnellsburg site rather than perform major upgrades needed to bring the facility into compliance,” said DEP South-central Regional Director Rachel Diamond. “As part of the agreement, the Heges developed and must now implement an interim manure management plan for this farm, as well as develop and implement comprehensive nutrient management and agricultural erosion control plans for a farm they lease in southern Huntington County.”
Click here for that story.
Woodland Woman Flown to Altoona After Accident in Bradford Township
WOODLAND – A Woodland woman was flown for treatment following an automobile accident Monday afternoon.
According to the state police in Clearfield a 27-year-old man from Terra Alta, WV was traveling east on US Route 322. Jamie Simpson was traveing traveling north on Bigler Road. Police said the West Virginia man did not notice the red light at the intersection. They reported the Simpson entered the intersection and that was when the West Virginia man noticed the red light on his path of travel. Police said he hit the brakes and steered to the right in an attemp to avoid hitting Simpson’s vehicle. However, the front of his 1999 Kenworth 900L struck the driver side of Simpson’s 1993 Nissan Sentra.
The West Virginia man was not injured and was wearing his seat belt. Police said she was flown to Altoona Regional for treatment of major injuries. It was unknown if she was wearing her seat belt.
A citation will be filed against the West Virginia man.
Police were assisted at the scene by Clearfield Emergency Medical Services, PennDOT, BJW, Hyde, Hope, Reliance, and Winburne Fire Departments, Bigler Boyz Towing and fire police.
APRIL
PA Insurance Dept. Approves “Green” Discounts for Homeowners
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has approved Travelers Insurance’s discounts on “green” homeowners’ products, said Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario.
The policy discount is based on having the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, building certification.
“The LEED certification is the most widely recognized environmental building standard in our country,” said Ario. “I am pleased to announce the approval of this type of insurance discount; a first for homeowners in Pennsylvania.”
The Travelers green building discount provides incentives for greater energy efficiency and air quality. Since a LEED certification requires an extensive review of all building systems to ensure efficient operation, the decision to upgrade a building often reflects greater concern with issues that affect loss control.
For that story click here.
Trees or Shrubs at Upper Witmer Park? Topic Discussed at Clearfield Borough Council Meeting
CLEARFIELD – Trees and shrubs were a topic of discussion at Thursday night’s Clearfield Borough Council meeting.
The Planning and Community Development Committee discussed with council a letter received from Karen Miller in which Miller wishes to donate trees to be planted along the river in Upper Witmer Park. Council member John Naddeo said he thought it was a great idea. However Clearfield Borough Manager Leslie Stott said the trees conflicted with the master site plan and they would need to talk to the Army Corps of Engineers in order to take the matter any further.
Click here for that story.
Obituary Notice: Edgar A. “Bud” Moore Jr., Local Popular Entertainer
Edgar A. “Bud” Moore, Jr., 91 of Clearfield died on Monday, April 26, 2010 at Clearfield Hospital.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1918 in Clearfield, a son of the late Edgar A. Sr. and Margaret (Barry) Moore.
Besides being a musician and entertainer all of his life, Mr. Moore took over the family plastering business, “Moore Brothers Plastering” from his father. Later, he worked as an Operator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and then retired as a union representative for the AFSCME Union. Since faith was very important to Mr. Moore, he promoted it through his radio program, “Cells of Christ” which aired for 30 years. He also founded the annual Clearfield Rosary March and was the founder of the “American Folk Musicians” music union that is still in existence today with state headquarters in Connecticut. During the 1950’s, he hosted his own music TV show which aired on the WFBG Altoona station. Along with his television career, he and his band, “Bud Moore and His Hillsdale Hillbillies” held nearly 1,000 broadcasts over numerous radio stations in Pennsylvania and New York. Along with his sons’ band, the Moore Brothers, and his band the Hillsdale Hillbillies, he entertained audiences for over 75 years throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
To read the rest, click here.
MAY
DEP Awards Grants to Promote Environmental Education, Stewardship
HARRISBURG – Ninety-five schools, universities, non-profit groups and conservation districts will receive more than $382,000 in Environmental Education grants for projects that will educate Pennsylvanians about important issues such as renewable energy, water conservation, air quality and climate change, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said today.
“It’s important that we make environmental education a life-long learning experience,” said Hanger. “These grants will fund innovative projects and workshops aimed at conservation and resource management that provide young adults, families and communities with the tools and resources they need to be successful stewards of our environment.”
Click here for that story.
Clarification: All Three Athletic Directors Resign at CASD
CLEARFIELD – All three high school athletic directors saw their resignations accepted by the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors at a regular meeting Monday night.
“They didn’t express any reasons. They just said they were resigning,” said board President Dave Glass, pointing to the brief letters of resignation.
Jon Mikesell resigned as the head of the athletic department. In addition, he will transfer from his high school guidance counselor position into the same position at the middle school.
For that article, click here.
ACS Celebrates Cancer Fight with Paint the Town Purple
CLEARFIELD – Purple is a color of inspiration for the American Cancer Society, as it decorates the organization’s spirited battle to overcome the disease. But Susan Babik, of the ACS, said they’ll draw on community spirit to strengthen its stand against cancer during the “Paint the Town Purple” initiative from May 10 – 21.
“It’s to celebrate our fight against cancer. It’s to remember those we’ve lost. It’s to fight back,” Babik said. She said they have adorned Clearfield, Curwensville and Grampian with community banners. In addition, she said they’ve encouraged local merchants to embellish their storefronts with purple displays and to compete in a community contest.
Babik said local merchants can still enter the best purple display contest by contacting the local office at 765-1315. She said the Clearfield County Commissioners will judge the competition and name winners in each of the two categories.
Babik said they will present a trophy to the “most spirited community.” She said it would serve as a “traveling” trophy between the Clearfield and Curwensville communities from year-to-year. She said individual trophies will be presented to the “most spirited” merchant in each of the communities.
Click here for that story.
JUNE
Budget Shortfall Leads to Staff Cuts in College of Ag Sciences
UNIVERSITY PARK – Ten people are losing their jobs and dozens of additional positions are being eliminated through attrition as a result of budget shortfalls in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences caused by state appropriations that have not kept pace with rising costs.
The job losses will cut across the college’s research and cooperative-extension missions.
The downsizing is part of a multiyear effort to address eroding state support while maintaining and enhancing high-priority programs that focus on issues of critical importance to Pennsylvania and the nation, according to Bruce McPheron, dean of the college.
“The College of Agricultural Sciences, like many other institutions in the state, has faced a perfect storm of budgetary challenges in recent years,” McPheron said. “The severe economic downturn, rising health care and other costs and skyrocketing state pension obligations have combined with eroding state appropriations to make these actions necessary.
For that story click here.
Fatal Accident Claims York Man’s Life
FRENCHVILLE – An accident on Frenchville Road Sunday afternoon claimed the life of a York man.
According to the state police in Clearfield, Joss King of York was traveling on Frenchville Road when he failed to round a sharp right curve. He traveled onto the east berm and his left rear tire struck the embankment. His Ford Excursion overturned and came to rest on it s passenger side door.
Passengers Robert Ross, 26 of Spring Grove and Clay D. King, 28 nd also of Spring Grove, suffered minor injuries. Neither were wearing seat belts. King, 30, also suffered minor injures. He was wearing his seat belt. Passenger Lucas Sieg, 32 of York, was not wearing his seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers were assisted by the Karthaus Fire Company, Morris Township Fire Company and Karthaus Emergency Medical Services.
Stolen Vehicle Leads Police on Chase in Philipsburg, Driver Captured
PHILIPSBURG – The driver of a stolen pick-up truck led state police on a chase through Philipsburg Tuesday afternoon.
According to the state police in Philipsburg, they were alerted that a stolen Chevy truck was spotted on Second Street in Philipsburg Borough at 3:40 p.m. The truck was reported stolen from the parking lot of Country Convenience in Osceola Mills 1 p.m. The state police said that the Decatur Township Police Department initially took the report.
At 3:55 p.m., Tpr. Michael Wasilko reported seeing the stolen vehicle on East Pine Street at Ninth Street. Wasilko took pursuit and reported that the driver of the truck increased his speed. The driver turned onto Thirteenth Street and traveled past the Slabtown Playground and onto East Spruce Street. The vheicle then turned onto North Eleventh Street, traveling the wrong way at a high-rate-of-speed. When the vehicle entered the intersection of North Eleventh Street and Alder, the driver attemped to turn left onto Alder and struck a utility pole.
Click here for that story.
JULY
Morelli OnLion: The Wide Receivers
While the dog days of summer are here, we’re still talking Penn State football and getting ready for the 2010 football season.
In this week’s edition of Morelli OnLion, we’ll take a closer look at the Penn State offensive line, have another Moment to Remember and another question for Penn State athletic director Tim Curley.
Breaking down the Lions: Wide Receivers
For that story, click here.
AG Announces Legal Action Against Home Improvement Contractors from Across PA
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett announced legal actions against a series of home improvement contractors across Pennsylvania.
“Every year, homeowners across the state spend millions of dollars on home repair and home improvement projects,” Corbett said. “Unfortunately, some of those consumers fall victim to businesses that are allegedly more interested in taking money than they are in providing quality service.”
Corbett said consumer protection lawsuits have been filed against seven contractors accused of failing to start work, collecting excessive down-payments, not finishing projects, performing work in a shoddy manner, failing to pay refunds, not honoring warranties and other violations of the state’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
Click here for that story.
PRC Main Street Program Designated National Main Street Program
PHILILPSBURG – The Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation Main Street Program been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four-Point Approach methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings.
“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the recession head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.”
The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving historic buildings. For more information on the national program accreditation program, visit www.mainstreet.org/nationalprograms.
For that story, click here.
AUGUST
On-the-job Injuries Hurt Home Health Care Industry
UNIVERSITY PARK – Training can alleviate some of the pain that occupational injuries bring to the long-term care industry, according to Penn State researchers. The study looked at injuries among home health aides.
Home health aides typically visit patients’ homes to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating. Many people enrolled in home health care have multiple health challenges, which can result in erratic and sometimes violent behavior. Home health aides also engage in manual labors like lifting patients. These aides are often injured multiple times on the job and these injuries affect more than just the employees. Home-health-care organizations and the long-term-care industry suffer from the effects of these occupational injuries, the researchers report at the 2010 Academy of Management Annual Meeting in Montreal.
“In our research, we saw a cascading effect,” said Deirdre McCaughey, assistant professor of health policy and administration. “Employees who had no training or did not believe their training prepared them well had more injuries. Those employees were also much less likely than non-injured employees to recommend their organization as a place at which to work or seek services.”
Click here for that story.
Clearfield County Fair Parade 2010
On Monday the Clearfield County Fair officially got under way with the annual fair parade. Gant reporters Carolyn Merling and Jessica Shirey were on hand and provided these photos.
To view the photo slide, click here.
State Trooper from Clearfield Barracks Facing Criminal Charges
WOODLAND – A state trooper stationed in the Clearfield Barracks is facing criminal charges.
The announcement came Thursday that 32-year-old Ryan D. Henschel of Philipsburg, a six-year veteran of the force, was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, tampering with public records or information, obstructing administration of law or other governmental function and hindering apprehension or prosecution. All charges are misdemeanors.
The charges stem from a March 20, 2010 incident. According to the report, Henschel was on duty when he reportedly learned that an off-duty trooper was involved in an accident on Deer Creek Road and requested a tow for his vehicle. The report states that Henschel responded to the scene and determined the incident was a reportable accident. He contacted the barracks and notified them of the incident. It is then alleged that he transported the off-duty trooper to a local convenience store where the off-duty trooper reportedly purchased gum and mints. The report states that Henschel then transported the off-duty trooper back to the scene.
For that story, click here.
SEPTEMBER
Hole-in-One for Bison Golfer Malloy
CLEARFIELD – Andrew Malloy made a hole-in-one during Clearfield’s match with Curwensville on Monday.
Teammates cheered as Malloy’s ball landed in the cup of the 184 yd, par 3 No. 9 hole at Clearfield-Curwensville Country Club. Clearfield won the match with a score of 166-184.
John Gaylor shot a 38 as the top scorer with Andrew Malloy close behind scoring 39. Other teammates Alex Fisher and Elliott Lauder assisted with scores of 43 and 46 respectively. In addition, Andrew McCracken shot a 51 and Tyler Jacobson a 52 to give the Bisons their third win of the season.
Clearfield Parent, Students Oppose High School Dress Code
CLEARFIELD – A parent and two students voiced their opposition to the Clearfield Area High School dress code policy, which prohibits any clothing with tears or holes, at the school board’s committee meetings Monday night.
“We wanted to bring (this issue) to the school board. We are not here to disrespect any adults,” said Sara Stetler, a sophomore. “I have the utmost respect for you and Mr. (Principal Kevin) Wallace.”
Among the students, she said there has been a lot of discussion about the “holes in jeans.” In addition, she said classmates staged a “protest” at the school Sept. 9. While other students participated, Stetler said she did not. For her, she explained the issue was more than just “holes in jeans.”
According to her, most parents and or students had already purchased school clothes prior to the start of the new academic year. She noted that Wallace permits students to wear jeans, which have holes, so long as they’re patched underneath.
Click here for that story.
Shaw Announces Charges in Animal Hospital Burglary
DUBOIS – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr., announced today that charges have been filed against a Stump Creek couple.
Shaw identified the defendants as Jeffrey Allen Knapp, 30, and Katherine Jean Knapp, 30, of Cramer Road, Stump Creek.
On Sept. 29, Sgt. Kris Kruzelak of the Sandy Township Police Department filed criminal complaints, charging the couple with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking and possession of controlled substance.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by Kruzelak states that at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 28, Kruzelak and Sgt. Rodney Fairman also of the Sandy Township Police Department were dispatched to the Animal Hospital of DuBois, which is located along Shaffer Road in Sandy Township. For that article, click here.
OCTOBER
Elks: Community Effort Brings Back Community Christmas Tree
CLEARFIELD – A tradition from years past has been brought back in the form of the Community Christmas Tree.
Clearfield Borough Operations Manger Leslie Stott approached Community Christmas Parade Chairperson, Karen Potts, asking if the Elks would bring back the tradition of the Community Christmas Tree. Now, 10 months later, two, 20 foot Douglas firs have been planted in the yard next to the Land & Mapping office; which is directly across the street from the Clearfield Elks.
So many people and organizations came together to help make this a reality they all deserve thanks: Dave and Jean Gallaher of Clover Hill, generously donated the trees; Jim Pahel of “Land & Mapping Services” has graciously allowed the Elks to plant the trees on their property; site preparation has been done by Terry MacTavish Contracting, Full Throttle Signs & Bowman Masonry; shrub trimming will be done by Sons of the Legion, John Lewis Shade Post Number 6 and members of the Clearfield Elks Lodge 540; Reverend David Letscher of St. Johns Lutheran Church who did the blessing of the trees and also thanked to the Sons of Italy who made a generous donation and everyone else who participated in the fundraisers and donated time and/or money.
Click here for that story.
Corbett Announces 20 Arrests in “Operation Fishtown Refill” Linked to Large-scale Prescription Drug Ring
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that agents from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation along with local police are in the process of arresting 20 suspects allegedly connected to a large-scale prescription forgery and drug trafficking ring operating in Philadelphia, suburban counties and New Jersey.
Corbett said the cooperative grand jury investigation with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, known as “Operation Fishtown Refill,” focused on a well-orchestrated effort to generate counterfeit doctors’ prescriptions for powerful pain medications such as OxyContin and Percotcet; the use of co-conspirators to fill the bogus prescriptions at pharmacies throughout southeastern Pennsylvania; and the resale of the pills on the street.
Corbett said the wide-reaching organization was allegedly run by Robert Carey, of Palmyra, New Jersey. Carey was arrested on April 13, 2010 on various drug charges, along with criminal attempt to commit first degree murder, and took his own life the following day while being held at the Bucks County Prison.
For that story, click here.
Clearfield County 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale Committee Announce Scholarship Recipients
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Committee is very pleased to announce the seven recipients of this year’s 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Scholarship. Each recipient met all of the eligibility requirements, which included being enrolled in some form of post-secondary education and being an active Livestock Sale Participant within four years of applying. 4-H and FFA members are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years as long as they continue to meet the scholarship requirements. Former 4-H and FFA members are also eligible up to their fourth year after graduation. All scholarship applications were due to the Livestock Sale Committee on Sept. 15.
William Ellinger, Jr. was named a scholarship recipient this year. Billy is currently a senior at DuBois Area High School and has begun taking courses at Penn State University – DuBois Campus. Billy is the son of William & Valerie Ellinger of Luthersburg.
Another scholarship recipient was Josiah Delwyn Fry. J. Delwyn is a former member of the Harmony 4-H Club and is a senior at Penn State University – University Park Campus majoring in Crime, Law, & Justice. J. Delwyn is the son of Barry and Regina Fry of Westover.
Click here for that story.
NOVEMBER
FDA Says Alcoholic Energy Drinks Aren’t Safe
UNIVERSITY PARK – Described as “black out in a can” or “liquid cocaine,” the popularity of caffeinated alcoholic beverages is rising on university campuses. Students may find the low price and strong effects of these beverages appealing, but the FDA recently declared caffeinated alcohol unsafe. After a scientific review, the FDA’s principal deputy commissioner, Joshua Sharfstein has said, “…there is evidence that the combination of caffeine and alcohol in these products pose a public health concern.”
There is research suggesting that the mixture of alcohol, a depressant that slows down respiration and heart rate, and caffeine, a stimulant that can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, increases the risk of cardiac-related problems due to sending mixed signals to the nervous system, according to Linda LaSalle, associate director of educational services for University Health Services there.
At the urging of 19 state attorneys general, the Food and Drug Administration this week (Nov. 17) issued warning letters to several manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks, saying the caffeine in the beverages is an “unsafe food additive.” The manufacturers have 15 days to respond and provide evidence that the combination of caffeine and alcohol is safe. The FDA has been reviewing the safety of alcoholic energy drinks, which come in about 40 different varieties, for the past year.
For that story, click here.
Parks Pit Report: Amp Energy Juice 500 from Talladega
When the schedule for the Chase is put together, it consists of 10 races. But, many of the drivers in NASCAR don’t see it that way. The quote used when looking at the Chase is often “It consists of nine races, plus Talladega.”
That saying became a reality as, on a weekend known for fear, ghosts, ghouls and evil, NASCAR descended on the 2.66-mile tri-oval that has the greatest risk of all the Chase races. It was almost appropriate to have this track be run on Halloween as it’s a track that brings out the fear and concern of every driver, crew member, and media personality. But, there was no sense in avoiding the fear for the 43 drivers that made the field. Instead, they were ready to face that fear head on as the seventh race in the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup was ready to go.
Nearly 110,000 fans were in the stands as Juan Pablo Montoya would bring the field to green in the Amp Energy Juice 500.
Unfortunately for Montoya, he would fail to lead the first lap. In fact, for the first 30 laps, not one driver held the lead for more than three consecutive laps. By lap 30, 11 different drivers had their chance to lead at least one lap. Even after the first round of green-flag pit stops, the lead just kept going back and forth between drivers.
Click here for that article.
Probing Question: Why is it so Hard to Lose Weight?
If you’re an adult American, chances are pretty good that at one time or another you’ve tried to diet. Chances also are good that, despite your efforts, you’ve found yourself standing on a scale and looking at a certain number with frustration and disbelief. It’s the same number as last week, and the week before, even though you’ve been cutting back on sweets and going to the gym an extra day. Why won’t that bulge budge?
“I tell my patients losing weight is the hardest thing to do, even harder than quitting smoking. Smokers can stop buying cigarettes, but you can’t stop eating,” said Jennifer Kraschnewski, a weight loss specialist at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Over two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, according to recent reports from the government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those people have tried losing weight more than once, said Kraschnewski, citing several common obstacles that tend to stop people from losing weight.
For that story, click here.
DECEMBER
Fugitive of the Week: Henry L. Cutler
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Dec. 13, 2010. Shaw identified the Fugitive as Henry L. Cutler, age 20, of Daisy Street, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.
Shaw stated that Cutler is wanted in three separate cases for failure to appear at Sentencing Court on Dec. 7, 2010.
On Oct. 14, 2009, Assistant Chief Vince McGinnis of the Clearfield Borough Police Department, filed a Criminal Complaint charging Cutler with: 1) statutory sexual assault, F2; 2) aggravated indecent assault, F2; and 3) indecent assault, M2.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by McGinnis states that on Aug. 14, 2009, Clearfield County Children Youth and Family Services made a referral to the Clearfield Borough Police Department, alleging that Cutler had inappropriate sexual contact with the victim, a 14-year-old girl. Clearfield Police met with the victim and she related that Cutler had inappropriate sexual contact with her in January of 2009.
Click here for that story.
WHTF: Lose Weight to Feel Great
Alas, the holidays have come and gone and if you’re like me, one too many pieces of fudge were eaten and one too many cocktails were imbibed. What better time to get serious about those New Year’s resolutions? For many people, losing weight and getting healthy are at the top of that list. While there are many superficial benefits of losing weight, like looking good when bathing suit season comes around or fitting into our “skinny jeans,” there are many emotional and physical benefits as well. Overall weight loss can decrease depression symptoms, increase self-esteem, decrease risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity related illnesses.
The key to all of this is in fact – losing weight. It may be easy to set that New Year’s resolution of losing 10, 30, 50, or even 100 pounds by the end of the year; but our “new leaf” by the light of January 2nd can seem pretty daunting. This is especially true after we hit the gym on Day 1 of our resolution.
This is what my Day 1 gym routine looks like: Get to the gym in cute gym clothes I gave myself for Christmas, check. Weigh self on gym scale, wow, perhaps it was more than one too many pieces of fudge, but check. Furiously hit the treadmill, then the elliptical, then the weights, then the mat for some crunches, check. Feeling like I’ve put myself through the ringer for the past hour, check. Drag my sorry behind back to the scale, and what? Surely that workout should have shed at least 5 pounds! But, no. And then I’m disheartened. “You mean I’m going to have to keep this up for more than a week? Ugh.”
For that article, click here.
LTPD Investigating Assault at Quigley’s Pub Parking Lot
CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred in the parking lot at an area establishment.
According to the police report, officers were called to the emergency room at Clearfield Hospital for two assault victims. The two men, one from Clearfield and one from Buffalo, NY, told police that they were leaving Quigley’s Pub on Turnpike Avenue and in the parking area when they were assaulted by four-five males. They told police they believed they were struck with a bat or metal rod.
The Buffalo, NY man suffered severe head and facial injuries. The Clearfield man suffered moderate head and facial injuries.
This is the second parking lot assault reported by the LTPD in as many days. On Wednesday the police department reported a parking lot assault that took place at Burger King near Interstate 80.
*So you’ll notice we’re missing January. When we switched over to the new site in late January/early February, we lost the ability to track our January stories.