The recent gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey do not bode well for President Obama. By voting for Republicans in larger numbers than normal, voters in these two states have shown that they do not approve of Obama’s policies of more spending, higher taxes, and more bureaucracy. About a year after Obama’s speaking abilities helped him win the presidency, voters have shown that they expect results, which they have not received.
Particularly, voters have been upset about Obama’s plans for health-care reform. Obama has called for a government-run health insurance agency. Additionally, Obama has called for private insurance companies to cover more people. Various versions of the health-care legislation have called for higher taxes to pay for expanded government coverage, and if private companies are forced to cover additional people, those rates also are likely to climb. Although Obama has said private insurance would remain if a government-run health insurance plan is created, the most likely result would be the government plan crowding out private companies.
Many people do not want the government making health-care decisions for them and increasing their health-care costs. As a result, Obama’s health-care plans have not been favorably received. These negative feelings generated by health-care reform are amplified even more by the fact that the economy has struggled. People do not want to see their health-care costs go up when economic times are difficult.
Obama’s handling of the economy has not helped him, either. Obama’s main solution for the economy was a stimulus plan, which really appears to consist only of massive government spending on wasteful, pork barrel projects. If anything, the stimulus actually seems to be a hindrance to the economy because the government’s ineffectiveness only has increased uncertainty.
In foreign policy, Obama has not taken a decisive stand on whether to send additional forces to Afghanistan. In the beginning of his presidency, Obama went around the world and apologized for America’s past actions. But he only weakly criticized Iran’s government when its forces cracked down on protestors. Americans expect stronger leadership from the chief executive.
The disenchantment with Obama’s performance is shown in the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. In Virginia, Bob McDonnell easily won in a state that Obama carried. Virginia had been Republican for many years, but Democrats had shown new strength there recently, until this gubernatorial election. In New Jersey, Republican challenger Chris Christie defeated incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine. Obama campaigned heavily for Corzine, but Christie won by a comfortable margin. Although state issues undoubtedly played a role in the race, Republicans rarely are competitive statewide in New Jersey, and Obama won this state easily. The gubernatorial results in New Jersey and Virginia show that voters there are leery of White House policies.
The reverses in Virginia and New Jersey are a message from the voters to Obama. The voters do not like the way the country is going. Obama should adjust his policies. They are too liberal, and the people have rejected them.
November 5, 2009
OUR VIEW: SEEING RED
October 26, 2009
POLICE: MAN HAD INDECENT CONTACT WITH GIRL, 4
A man allegedly had indecent contact with a 4-year-old girl who he was babysitting in Lebanon between September and October 2008, the Lebanon County Detective Bureau said.
The suspect, Clifford Reichert, 63, allegedly had indecent contact with the victim while he was babysitting her at his home on Mt. Zion Road, detectives said.
Reichert was charged on Oct. 14 with indecent assault, endangering welfare of children, and corruption of minors.
Reichert turned himself in to Lebanon Central Booking on Oct. 24.
State police investigate kidnapping report
State police at Ephrata said they are investigating a report that a boy was kidnapped while riding a scooter on Mountain Spring Road in Clay Township on Oct. 25.
A witness told state police that he saw a gray or dark-colored van stop, and a male grabbed the boy and the scooter, and pulled both into the van, state police said. The van then left the scene traveling north on Mountain Spring Road, state police said.
The boy is described as between 10 and 14, and is from a plain family, either Amish or Mennonite, state police said.
State police said they have not received any other reports of a missing child or person.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 717-721-7667.
Vehicle strikes dirt embankment
A vehicle driven by Genale Smith, 39, of Myerstown, traveled through two grassy fields, struck a dirt embankment, overturned, and came to rest on its roof in a driveway on Hain Avenue near Troy Avenue in Swatara Township on Oct. 24, state police at Jonestown said.
Smith suffered minor injuries, and she was transported to Hershey Medical Center.
Losers throw brick through garage window
Losers threw a brick through a garage window on East Broad Street in Palmyra on Oct. 23, borough police said.
The victim is Chad Eshleman, 37.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Palmyra police at 717-838-8189.
Troopers: Two girls fight with each other
Two 15-year-old girls allegedly physically fought with each other at Northern Lebanon High School in Bethel Township, Lebanon County, on Oct. 13, state police at Jonestown said.
The two suspects, both of Jonestown, allegedly got into a verbal altercation, and pulled each other’s shirts and hair, state police said. One of the suspects allegedly struck the other one several times in the face and mouth, knocking her to the ground, state police said. While on the ground, the suspects allegedly continued to fight, state police said.
State police said the fight later was broken up.
October 25, 2009
TROOPERS: MAN THREATENS JUDGE’S FAMILY
A man allegedly threatened the family of a magisterial district judge in the waiting room of the district court on Scholl Drive in Oley Township on Oct. 19, state police at Reading said.
The suspect, Paul Keiser, 47, of Topton, was at the district court for a defiant trespass hearing, state police said.
After being found guilty, Keiser allegedly approached Magisterial District Judge Victor Frederick, 43, in the waiting room of the court and threatened Frederick’s family, state police said.
Keiser was arrested for terroristic threats and harassment.
Vehicle travels down embankment
A vehicle driven by Carolyn Smithy, 23, of Lebanon, skidded on a wet surface on a curve, struck an embankment, traveled down the embankment, and struck a concrete drainage culvert on Route 183 in North Manheim Township on Oct. 24, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Smithy suffered a minor injury.
Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven EMS, and Cressona and Schuylkill Haven fire departments assisted.
Vehicle strikes large boulder
A vehicle driven by Dustin Dewitt, 20, of Schuylkill Haven, struck a large boulder in the road on Route 61 near Richard Street in North Manheim Township on Oct. 24, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
State police said Dewitt did not see the boulder because of dark and rainy conditions.
Troopers: 2 steal merchandise
Two people stole merchandise from Cabela’s in Tilden Township on Oct. 22 after forming an agreement to do so, state police at Hamburg said.
Joshua Derins, 19, of Williamstown, N.J., allegedly stole $108.64 worth of merchandise, and Peter Valcourt, 18, of Williamstown, N.J., allegedly stole $133.65 worth of merchandise, state police said.
Derins and Valcourt were cited with theft and conspiracy.
Man cited with disorderly conduct
Robert Herb, 42, was cited with disorderly conduct for an alleged incident that occurred in front of his home on Center Street in North Cornwall Township on Oct. 21, township police said.
Paint punks damage property
Goons spray painted several pieces of formed concrete at Concrete Safety Systems LLC on Old 22 in Bethel Township, Berks County, on Oct. 22 or Oct. 23, state police at Hamburg said.
The damaged property is worth about $8,845.
State police said this incident is the second time in the past couple weeks that Concrete Safety Systems has been targeted.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police.
Troopers: Man scratches vehicle
A man allegedly used a sharp object to scratch a vehicle on the hood and the right side on West Church Street in Swatara Township on Oct. 18, state police at Jonestown said.
The suspect, Steven Shaffer, 31, of Myerstown, was arrested for criminal mischief.
The victim is Jason Shultz, 29, state police said.
Troopers: Man uses vehicle without permission
A man allegedly used a vehicle without permission after taking it from a location in Swatara Township on Oct. 23, state police at Jonestown said.
The suspect, Michael Bonanducci, 49, allegedly took the vehicle from a location on Kenbrook Road, and he subsequently was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and DUI, state police said.
The victim is Louette Sheffy, 49, state police said.
Accident injures 4
Four people were injured in an accident in Greenwich Township on Oct. 24, state police at Hamburg said.
Vehicles driven by Linda Boyer, 53, of Cressona, and Frederick Olson, 72, of Yardley, were in an accident on Route 737 near Sutter Road, after Boyer’s vehicle went out of control on a slippery substance on the road on a curve, state police said.
After impact, Boyer’s vehicle struck a guardrail, state police said.
Boyer was injured. Olson suffered a minor injury. Lynn Olson, 72, who was a passenger in Olson’s vehicle, was injured, and Kryston Rhoads, 48, who also was a passenger in Olson’s vehicle, suffered a minor injury. All four people were transported by Hamburg and Kutztown EMS to Lehigh Valley Medical Center.
Man escapes burning vehicle
A man escaped a burning vehicle in East Hanover Township on Oct. 24, state police at Jonestown said.
Dean Kline, 25, of Grantville, noticed smoke coming from beneath the hood of his vehicle while he was at Jonestown and Sherks Church roads, state police said.
Kline pulled over at the intersection, and the engine compartment became engulfed in flames, state police said.
Kline was not injured.
Fort Indiantown Gap Fire Co. extinguished the fire.
Gas goon hits biz
A loser allegedly pumped 5.598 gallons of unleaded gasoline into a dark-colored sport utility vehicle at AMR Trading Corp. on Lancaster Avenue in Bethel Township, Berks County, on Oct. 24, and left without paying, state police at Hamburg said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 1-877-523-6373.
Vehicle strikes guardrail
A vehicle driven by Juan Flores, 47, of Allentown, went out of control on a curve, struck a guardrail and came to rest against the guardrail on Route 737 near Sutter Road in Greenwich Township on Oct. 24, state police at Hamburg said.
Vehicle slams into deer
A vehicle driven by Giovana Miller, 54, of Lebanon, struck a deer on Colebrook Road near Route 322 in West Cornwall Township recently, Cornwall police said.
Vehicle goes into wooded area
A vehicle traveled into a wooded area after swerving to avoid another vehicle in West Cornwall Township recently, Cornwall police said.
A vehicle driven by Casey Dunfee, 19, of Annville, swerved to avoid a vehicle driven by Daryl Basarab, 24, of Lancaster, that was turning into the Nature Center on Pinch Road at the entrance to the Governor Dick Nature Center, police said.
After swerving, Dunfee’s vehicle came to rest in a wooded area, police said.
Troopers: Male stole gasoline
A male allegedly pumped $77 worth of gasoline into his vehicle at Chestnut Street Market in Cressona on Oct. 21, and left without paying, traveling north on Route 183, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
The suspect vehicle is a silver Chevrolet, possibly a 2500 series with extended cab, state police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 570-593-2000.
Police: Man’s vehicle goes airborne, hits trees
A vehicle driven by Harry Mausser, 46, of Valley View, struck a guardrail, became airborne, struck two trees and came to rest on its roof on Route 501 near Nut Grove Road in Pine Grove Township on Oct. 23, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Mausser was able to free himself from the vehicle, state police said.
Mausser suffered a moderate injury, and he was taken by Pine Grove EMS to Hershey Medical Center.
West Schuylkill ALS and local fire departments assisted.
Slugs steal motorcycle from garage
Goons stole a motorcycle after using an unknown blunt object to pry open the door of a garage on Red Maple Lane in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, on Oct. 22 or Oct. 23, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
The motorcycle is a yellow 2002 Kawasaki 600, with silver switch to turn on the headlight below the clutch handle on the left side and an after market exhaust pipe on the right side, and Pennsylvania registration ZNN23, state police said.
The victim is Justin Donton, 24.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 570-593-2000.
Jerks shoot out van window
Goons shot out the rear window of an unoccupied van in the parking lot of Dutchway in Myerstown on Oct. 23, state police at Jonestown said.
The projectile traveled through the rear window, passed through a rear seat headrest, and went out the rear driver’s side window, state police said.
No one was injured in the incident.
The victim is Stamford Dunk, 68.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 717-865-2194.
Knuckleheads swipe VIN plate from trailer
Losers swiped a VIN plate from a used trailer, which was for sale, at Wengers Farm Supply in Myerstown between April 15 and Oct. 23, state police at Jonestown said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 717-865-2194.
Accident injures motorcyclist
A motorcyclist was injured in an accident in East Hanover Township on Oct. 22, state police at Jonestown said.
A vehicle driven by Jeanette Modricker, 71, of Reading, and a motorcycle driven by Eugene Rock, 58, of Birdsboro, were in an accident on Route 934 at Ft. Indiantown Gap Road, state police said.
On impact, Rock was knocked to the road, state police said.
Rock suffered a moderate injury, and he was taken by K&W Medical Service to Hershey Medical Center. State police said Rock was wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Modricker was charged with a stop sign violation.
POLICE: MAN, WOMAN GET INTO BRAWL
A man and a woman allegedly physically fought with each other in a domestic abuse incident in Tower City on Oct. 25, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Jonathan Hoffer, 21, of Tower City, and Kelsey Galie, 21, of Pine Grove, allegedly became involved in a verbal argument at a home on South Fourth Street, state police said.
Hoffer allegedly grabbed Galie by the throat, pushed her onto the couch, squeezed her neck, and did not allow her up, state police said.
About one hour later, the argument resumed, and Galie allegedly struck Hoffer with a beer bottle several times, state police said.
Troopers responded. As Galie was being placed in a state police patrol unit, Hoffer allegedly taunted troopers, yelling at them, flicking a lit cigarette at the patrol car, and kicking at the patrol car, state police said. State police said Hoffer was told several times to stop his alleged behavior.
From the alleged incident with Galie, Hoffer was injured, and he was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center South, state police said.
Galie and Hoffer were charged with simple assault and harassment. Hoffer also was charged with persistent disorderly conduct. They were arraigned and placed in Schuylkill County prison, with bail set at $15,000 or 10 percent for both.
October 23, 2009
PUNKS PILFER PROPERTY FROM HOME
Goons swiped about $1,520 worth of property after entering a home by forcing open a rear door on Old 22 near Legion Drive East in Bethel village on Oct. 21, Bethel Township, Berks County, police said.
The stolen property included a ladies diamond ring, a mans silver ring, an old semi-automatic pistol, and a small jewelry box, and was taken from bedroom dresser drawers, police said.
The goons caused about $400 damage to the metal and wood door and frame, police said.
The victim is Darrin Giorgio, 38.
Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities at 800-372-9111.
Bozos swipe mountain bike
Goons swiped a mountain bike from a location on East Oak Street in Palmyra on Oct. 21, borough police said.
The mountain bike is blue, 21 inches, with a black seat, 21 speeds, and multiple rust spots.
The victim is Vincent McKelvie, 21.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Palmyra police at 717-838-8189.
Lowlifes steal engine part
Losers stole an engine part worth $1,000 from a location on West Cherry Street in Palmyra on Oct. 22, borough police said.
The engine part is a Chrysler Dana-60 rear housing and springs.
The victim is John Iacavone, 61.
Creeps steal computer, cash
Losers stole a computer and $180 in cash from a vehicle on South Locust Street in Palmyra on Oct. 22, borough police said.
The computer is a MacBook Laptop.
The victim is Julia Carey, 40.
Windy conditions trigger accident
Windy conditions led to an accident involving a conversion van towing a camper in Upper Bern Township on Oct. 23, state police at Hamburg said.
The vehicle, which was driven by Elizabeth Cohen, 46, of Allentown, went out of control because of windy conditions and struck the center median on I-78, state police said. The camper tipped onto its right side, state police said.
Cohen was injured, and she was transported by Hamburg EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Both westbound lanes were closed for about 30 minutes.
Strausstown Fire Co. and Shartlesville Fire Co. assisted.
Police: 3 fail to return library property
Three people were cited after they allegedly borrowed property from the Palmyra Public Library and failed to return it, borough police said.
Melissa McFadden, 23, Justin Mayfield, 28, and Amy Weidler, 42, all of Palmyra, were cited with retention of library property after notice to return on Oct. 21.
Vehicle strikes curb, guardrail
A vehicle driven by Cindy Miller-Oweiler, 53, of Annville, struck a curb and a guardrail on North White Oak Street (Route 934) at Sheridan Avenue in Annville on Oct. 21, township police said.
Miller-Oweiler was injured, and she was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital.
First Aid & Safety Patrol and Union Hose Fire Co. assisted.
Animal causes accident
A vehicle driven by Francis Foster, 40, of Saint Clair, swerved to miss an animal that ran into the road, struck a guardrail, and traveled along the guardrail on Sweet Arrow Lake Road near Wolfe’s Road in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, on Oct. 22, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Troopers: Man steals coins, key from home
A man allegedly stole several coins and a house key after entering a home on Monroe Valley Drive in Swatara Township between Sept. 14 and Sept. 17, state police at Jonestown said.
The suspect, Bradley Howard, 19, of Jonestown, was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and theft. He was arraigned, and bail was set at $10,000. He had been incarcerated in Lebanon County prison on a probation violation.
The victim is Dustin Getz, 21. Getz also reported that someone entered his home between Oct. 16 and Oct. 18 and stole video games and DVDs, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Knapp at 717-865-2194.
October 19, 2009
POLICE: SUSPECTED BURGLAR BAGGED
A man has been charged for allegedly committing two burglaries at the Bahney House Bar on West Main Avenue in Myerstown on Aug. 26 and Sept. 28, borough police said.
The suspect, Bruce Wenrich, 29, allegedly took cash and cigarettes, police said.
Wenrich was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property, and false reports to law enforcement agencies.
Two people escape burning vehicle
Two people escaped injury after the vehicle in which they were riding caught fire in West Brunswick Township on Oct. 17, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
A fire erupted in the engine compartment of a vehicle driven by Christine Kaiser, 31, of Minersville, on Route 61 near Municipal Road, state police said.
Kaiser pulled into the parking lot of a mini-mart, and she and passenger Matthew Livingood, 33, exited the vehicle without being injured, state police said.
Deer Lake/West Brunswick Fire Co. extinguished the fire.
Vehicle strikes retaining wall
Vehicles driven by Shayna Showalter, 32, of Philadelphia, and James Conrad, of Lancaster, collided on Route 72 near Spring Hill Lane in Cornwall recently, after Showalter’s vehicle went out of control on a wet surface, fishtailed, and crossed the concrete median, borough police said.
After impact, Showalter’s vehicle struck a concrete retaining wall, police said.
Losers burglarize three homes
Losers burglarized three homes in Muhlenberg Township between 7 a.m. and noon on Oct. 9, and a reward is being offered for information leading to their arrest, authorities said.
One of the burglaries occurred on Reading Crest Avenue, and two of them occurred in the Saylor Farm Estates area, authorities said. All three burglaries involved a door being forced or kicked open, authorities said.
Items taken include cash/coins, jewelry, and electronics such as an iPod, a small LCD TV and a computer.
At one scene, a neighbor reported seeing a gray Honda Accord with tinted windows, authorities said. At another scene, the homeowners reported seeing a white man – who was in his late 30s to early 40s, 6 feet, heavy, bald, and wearing glasses – walking past their house as they were leaving, authorities said. The burglary occurred shortly after they left.
Anyone with any information or who has experienced a similar incident is asked to contact Detective Sokolovich, of the Muhlenberg police, at 610-929-5454 or lsokolovich@muhlenbergtwp.com.
Crime Alert Berks County is offering rewards of up to $5,000 to people who provide information leading to arrests. People can call The Crime Tip Line at 1-877-373-9913, toll free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Vehicles collide head-on
Two vehicles collided head-on in South Lebanon Township on Oct. 16, township police said.
Vehicles driven by David Olson, 63, of Lititz, and David Morrissey, 58, of Lebanon, collided head-on on Route 897 near Flintville Road, after Olson’s vehicle went out of control on a turn, police said.
After impact, Morrissey’s vehicle and a vehicle driven by Jonathan Wyse, 23, of Lebanon, collided, police said.
Olson suffered minor injuries. Morrissey was transported by EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Driver charged after accident
Vehicles driven by James Dotterer, 50, of Schuylkill Haven, and Dale Buhl, 49, of New Ringgold, were in an accident on Route 443 at Route 183 in Wayne Township on Oct. 16, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Dotterer was charged with careless driving.
Vehicles collide in Annville
Vehicles driven by Teresa Haak, of Annville, and Travis Burdge, of Harrisburg, were in an accident at Weaber and East Main streets in Annville on Oct. 15, township police said.
Police: Man punches man in face
A man allegedly punched another man in the face outside the Corvette Bar and Grille in Annville on Oct. 10, township police said.
The suspect, Steven Hagerich, of Annville, was cited with harassment.
The victim is Dustin Flickinger.
Vehicles collide in N. Manheim
Vehicles driven by Philip Dengler, 39, of Seltzer, and Sharon Wolfgang, 57, of Shamokin, were in an accident on Route 61 at Richard Street in North Manheim Township on Oct. 16, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
American Hose Co. and North Manheim Township Fire Co. assisted.
Vehicles collide at intersection
Vehicles driven by Mary Goodwillie, 59, of York, and Bradley Brandt, 56, of Lebanon, were in an accident on Route 61 at Richard Street in North Manheim Township, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
American Hose Co. and North Manheim Township Fire Co. assisted.
Vehicle strikes embankment
A vehicle driven by Tricia Seidel, 20, of Tremont, went out of control on a wet surface on a curve, struck an embankment and came to rest beside a guardrail on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, on Oct. 17, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Gas goons hit market
Goons pumped $19.99 worth of gasoline into a vehicle at Chestnut Street Market in Cressona on Oct. 16, and left without paying, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 570-593-2000.
VEHICLE STRIKES COW
A vehicle struck a cow that was in the road in Bethel Township, Berks County, on Oct. 17, township police said.
A vehicle driven by David Reiff, 47, of Fredericksburg, Va., struck a large Holstein cow that walked onto the eastbound lane of Old 22 near Merkey Drive, police said.
Reiff suffered minor injuries, and he was taken via The Bethel Ambulance to Reading Hospital.
The cow was injured, and it was reclaimed by its farm.
Rehrersburg Rescue and Bethel Fire assisted.
Vehicle hits large rocks
A vehicle driven by Lydia Remlinger, 19, of Lebanon, went out of control on a turn and struck large rocks at Lincoln Avenue and Monticello Drive in South Lebanon Township on Oct. 17, township police said.
Wet leaves cause accident
A vehicle driven by Carl Spece, 49, of Schuylkill Haven, went out of control traveling on wet leaves, traveled into a ditch, turned onto the passenger side and came to rest in the ditch on Browns Church Road at Route 895 in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, on Oct. 17, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Summit Station Fire Department, Hook Hose and Ladder from Pine Grove, and Fire Police assisted.
Foggy windows lead to accident
A vehicle driven by Ashley Noecker, 21, of Auburn, went out of control on a wet surface and struck a guardrail on Route 183 in Wayne Township on Oct. 17, after the windows on Noecker’s vehicle fogged up, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
Summit Station Fire/EMS assisted.
Dorks damage two mailboxes
Goons used a blunt object to knock a mailbox off a post and smash another mailbox on East Mountain Road in Hubley Township on Oct. 16 or Oct. 17, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
The victims are Yvonne Stiely and Bernadette Goodman.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 570-593-2000.
Slugs swipe license plate
Losers swiped a license plate from a vehicle on East Penn Street in Lenhartsville between Oct. 4 and Oct. 13, state police at Hamburg said.
The license plate is Pennsylvania registration YWC5479.
The victims are Ward Swan, 74, and Ann Swan, 63.
Wet road sparks accident
Three vehicles were in an accident in Annville on Oct. 15 because of the wet road, township police said.
Vehicles driven by a 17-year-old girl, of Cleona, a 16-year-old boy, of Cleona, and Trisha Dougherty, 40, of Annville, were in an accident at Route 934 and High Street, police said.
Woman charged with false reports
A woman was charged with false reports for an alleged incident with her boyfriend, township police said.
The suspect is Stacy Hetrick, 34, of Palmyra.
Vehicle slams into parked car
A vehicle driven by Larcharicia Phillips, 22, of Dallas, Texas, struck a parked car on West Main Street in Annville on Oct. 6, township police said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact township police at 717-867-2711.
Man charged with terroristic threats
William Knoche, 40, of New Kingston, was charged with terroristic threats for an alleged incident in the area of Allwein Carpet One in Annville on Sept. 22, township police said.
October 15, 2009
OUR VIEW: WHAT A JOKE!
The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama appears purely political. Obama has made speeches about peace, but he has yet to achieve concrete results. Under the logic used by the Nobel committee, many U.S. presidents could have received the prize, although few actually have.
The American public should receive the news of this award with at least a little skepticism. Because Obama has yet to achieve any lasting peace in any of the areas that were troubled when he took office, the move to give him the award likely is an endorsement of his rhetoric about peace, which is far more dovish than anything President Bush used.
Obama’s rhetoric, however, has contained passages blaming America and apologizing for America on the world stage. Obama has said this country is arrogant, and he has extensively detailed America’s faults. This type of language might be appealing to liberal Europeans, such as the people on the Nobel committee, but in the long run, America only will be able to effect positive change if its president discusses the country’s powerful virtues such as support of democracy and freedom.
So far, Obama’s policy of attempting to be nice to Iran and North Korea does not seem to actually have deterred these countries from abandoning their nuclear weapons programs. His conciliatory attitude toward Russia, which included taking the missile defense shield from Poland, may not yield any results either. Many of these rogue countries respect only a strong American foreign policy, and backing down will not help these situations.
Additionally, his policy toward the war in Afghanistan has been confusing when a clear strategy has been necessary.
An American president who truly did deserve the Nobel Peace Prize was President Theodore Roosevelt. He brokered an end to the Russo-Japanese War without firing a shot. In general, Roosevelt’s foreign policy consisted of projecting American strength, and the world largely was peaceful when he was in office.
We hope that Obama’s foreign policy succeeds. An American victory in Afghanistan is essential to the War on Terror. No one wants to see an Iran with nuclear weapons, or a more belligerent North Korea. Russian influence should be reigned in. But Obama’s foreign policy has not achieved these aims yet. The Nobel Peace Prize appears to have been awarded based on dovish rhetoric. Results, however, are more important.
October 12, 2009
OFFICIALS: BOY, 11, BITES POLICE OFFICER
An 11-year-old boy allegedly caused a disturbance and bit a police officer at Philhaven Hospital in West Cornwall Township on Aug. 9, Cornwall police said.
The 11-year-old boy, of Reading, who was a patient at the hospital on South Butler Road, allegedly caused a disturbance in the facility, threw items at staff and Cornwall Patrolman James Conklin, and bit Conklin on the left arm and a male staff member on the arm, police said.
Conklin suffered an injury, and he was treated at Good Samaritan Hospital.
The boy was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and disorderly conduct. Charges were filed with the Lebanon County Juvenile Probation Department.
Police: Man violated protection from abuse order
Jeremy Vanbeverdoudt, 19, of Glenmore, was charged with violating a protection from abuse order for allegedly calling his former girlfriend, Kathryn Haas, in Cornwall on Oct. 3, borough police said.
Officials find lost hunter
Police, fire, EMS and state Game Commission officials found a hunter who was lost in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, recently, township police said.
The hunter, Dustin Peiffer, 25, of Middletown, called Lebanon EMA on his cellphone when he became disoriented while hunting along Michter’s Road, police said.
Police, fire and EMS personnel from Heidelberg Township and Cornwall, and state Game Commission officials spent about an hour looking for Peiffer before he managed to come out of the woods on his own, police said.
Ryan Gabner, 25, of Palmyra, had been with Peiffer, but not when Peiffer became disoriented, police said.
Injured dog runs away from vehicle accident
A dog ran away after the vehicle in which it was riding was in an accident in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, recently, township police said.
Vehicles driven by Frank Difava, 77, of Lebanon, and Bobbie Sue Landis, 20, of Lancaster, were in an accident at Route 419 and Distillery Road, police said.
A black, 2-year-old medium size Catahula dog, which was wearing a yellow collar, was thrown from an open rear side window of Landis’ vehicle, police said.
The dog suffered a gash on its side, ran off, and has not been found, police said. He was last seen running across Route 419 northeast toward Flintville, directly behind Keller Brothers Ford.
If anyone should find the dog, they are asked to contact the police at 717-949-3885, and the owner will be notified.
Motorcycle lays on side in accident
A motorcycle ridden by Terry and Lorie Reinert, of Lake Wynona, laid on its side in front of Keller Brothers Ford in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, recently, as they avoided a collision with a vehicle ahead of them, township police said.
Five males throw liquor bottles
About five young males in a vehicle threw several empty bottles of Old English Malt Liquor along the road and tried to vandalize a mailbox on Michter’s Road in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, on Oct. 11, township police said.
The suspect vehicle is described as a light-colored, possibly gold, Volkswagen, with a possible partial registration of HBT-45, police said.
Anyone with information on this vehicle is asked to contact Heidelberg police at 717-949-3885.
ACCIDENT KILLS MOTORCYCLIST
A motorcyclist died in an accident in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, on Oct. 10, state police at Ephrata said.
A motorcycle driven by Gary Raser III, of Mohnton, struck a vehicle that was parked off Hammertown Road near Churchtown Road, state police said.
Raser died from injuries that he suffered in the accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Lancaster County Coroner Tina McKain.
Troopers: Boys tried to take knives, flashlights
Three boys allegedly tried to steal items, including knives and flashlights, from Cabela’s in Tilden Township on Oct. 10, state police at Hamburg said.
The suspects, who all are 17 and from Northampton County, were caught on surveillance, state police said.
The suspects were arrested with theft.
Troopers: Counterfeit bill found
A man attempted to exchange a counterfeit $10 bill at the cashier’s cage at Hollywood Casino at Penn National in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, on Oct. 10, state police Gaming Enforcement Office said.
State police said the man was not aware that the bill was counterfeit.
Vehicle strikes corn stalks
A vehicle driven by Gregory Boltz, 20, of Jonestown, went out of control on a curve, traveled into a cornfield, struck several corn stalks and a utility pole, and came to rest in a field on Killinger Road near Route 422 in South Annville Township on Oct. 10, state police at Jonestown said.
Vehicle ends up on roof
A vehicle driven by Shameka Moody, 28, of Lebanon, traveled along an embankment, overturned, and came to rest on its roof on Route 343 near Golf Road in Bethel Township, Lebanon County, on Oct. 10, after Moody fell asleep, state police at Jonestown said.
Moody suffered minor injuries.
Fredericksburg Fire Co. and FASP EMS assisted.
Jerks steal collectible coins
Goons stole collectible coins after entering a home on Monroe Valley Drive in Swatara Township between Sept. 14 and Sept. 17, state police at Jonestown said.
The victim is Dustin Getz.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Jonestown.
Woman cited with disorderly conduct
Ashley Martin, 25, of Jonestown, was cited with disorderly conduct for allegedly urinating in a private driveway on Tile Street near Center Street in Bethel Township, Lebanon County, on Oct. 10, state police at Jonestown said.
Troopers: Man, woman fight
A man and a woman allegedly physically fought with each other in an apartment on Heilmandale Road in North Annville Township on Oct. 10, state police at Jonestown said.
Stephanie Felty, 19, allegedly slapped Bruce Schell, 22, and Schell allegedly pushed Felty against a wall, state police said.
Felty and Schell were charged with harassment.
Troopers: Man gave alcohol to girl
A man allegedly gave alcohol to a 17-year-old girl at an alleged underage drinking party on East Grande Avenue in Tower City on Oct. 11, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
The suspect is Derrick Warfel, 21.
Man thrown from motorcycle
A man was thrown from his motorcycle in an accident in West Brunswick Township on Oct. 11, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
A motorcycle driven by Arlen Martin, 45, of Blandon, went out of control on a bend and onto its left side on Hawk Mountain Road near Route 895, state police said.
Martin was thrown from the motorcycle, state police said. The motorcycle came to rest in a ditch next to a tree, state police said.
Martin was injured, and he was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
State police said Martin was wearing a helmet with eye protection.
Deer Lake Fire Co. No. 1, New Ringgold Ambulance, and Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven EMS assisted.
Vehicles collide in W. Hanover
Vehicles driven by David Platt, 17, of Grantville, and Lon Brankovich, 49, of Hershey, were in an accident on Route 39 at Jonestown Road in West Hanover Township on Oct. 9, state police at Harrisburg said.
Bozos attempt to enter business
Goons attempted to enter Deer Lake Beverage on Route 61 near Brick Hill Road in West Brunswick Township between Sept. 26 and Oct. 11 by prying open the rear doors, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
State police said video footage from security cameras is being analyzed.
Vehicle sideswipes small tree
A vehicle driven by Matthew Dietrich, 17, of Pine Grove, went out of control on a curve, struck a mailbox and sideswiped a small tree on Route 125 in Pine Grove on Oct. 12, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.
