Valley briefs

January 13, 2009 08:01 am

— Probe continues in man’s death
COAL TOWNSHIP — The death of a 44-year-old Coal Township man was from “other than natural causes,” Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley said Monday.
The body of Robert Powell was found Nov. 1 in a vacant lot at Owl and Wood streets.
Kelley made the determination following an autopsy and toxicology tests on Nov. 2. After the findings, Kelley said he discussed the death and circumstances with Powell’s son, Chris Powell.
The cause and manner of Robert Powell’s death is not being released due to an ongoing investigation by Kelley, Coal Township police Detective Jeffrey Brennan and the Northumberland County district attorney’s office.

Sunbury Shrine Club makes donations
SUNBURY —The Sunbury Shrine Club made a number of donations during 2008.
At a recent meeting, the board of directors donated $2,000 to the Irem Transportation Fund, $750 to the Philadelphia Hospital and $250 to the Boston Burns Center.
Through parade participation, the club’s motor corps was able to donate $600 to the Irem Transportation Fund, $200 to the Philadelphia Hospital and $200 to the burns center. Motor corps meetings are held following the club’s board meetings.
The club recently held a Christmas dinner ladies night at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Selinsgrove. Eighty people attended. After the dinner, officers and directors elected to serve for 2009 were introduced and installed.
The club transported 26 patients to the children’s hospital in Philadelphia in 2008.
The club’s fundraisers and trips for 2009 were announced.
Sunbury Shrine Club officers for 2009 are as follows: William L. Bryan, president; Maurice E. Clouser, vice president; Al Deans, secretary; and Malcom Delsite Jr., treasurer.

Residents want street light at Route 15, Gundy Lane
LEWISBURG — A group of East Buffalo Township residents want Gundy Lane illuminated so they can better see oncoming traffic along Route 15 in poor visibility conditions, but the supervisors say they can make simpler improvements without installing a street light.
Suzanne Murdza, of 289 Gundy Lane, led a group of four neighbors Monday night in asking the township to install a street light similar to the one on Beagle Club Road. The residents say their intersection is an accident waiting to happen.
“It’s very dangerous, especially at night and during bad weather,” Murdza said. “It’s tough to see the oncoming traffic (on Route 15), especially when they’re going 70 mph. Why do we have to wait until there is an accident or a death?”
Lawson Fetterman, supervisor chairman, said many intersections along Route 15 could be improved by street lights, but there are cheaper ways to improve visibility, such as large reflectors that reflect the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
“There are a variety of intersections along Route 15, and a lot of them are dangerous by my standards,” Fetterman said. “Typically when we (install lights) at intersections, which is a rarity, it has been done because there have been some bad accidents.”
Fetterman said the township has installed street lights along Fairview Road, Hardscabble Lane and Beagle Club Road in recent years.
The supervisors suggested a street light may be better served at Supple Mill Road, which intersects Route 15 with Oak Drive, as opposed to Gundy Lane’s isolated T-intersection.
“If it’s a light issue, I’m thinking it should go where it’s better served at a four-way intersection,” Fetterman said. “That’s a better access than Gundy Lane, which more people should be using anyway.”
Fetterman said there also is concern for neighbors who may be negatively affected by a street light shining in bedrooms and illuminating the sky, causing problems for people who are avid stargazers.
“There is a lot that goes into putting up lights,” Fetterman said. “I’m sympathetic with intersections along Route 15 and how people can see (traffic) at night. My request would be to give us an opportunity to (upgrade) the road sign and put some large reflectors in there to see how that works.”
Fetterman added, “If you’re still unhappy, then come back and see us.”

Board splits $5,000 among 3 public libraries
MIDDLEBURG — Midd-West school board members approved a $5,000 donation to Snyder County Libraries on Monday night during a meeting in the Middleburg Middle School.
The money will be distributed to three libraries in the school district. The Middleburg, Beavertown and McClure libraries each will receive $1,667.
Members also approved a district contract with Air Balancing Engineers Inc., of Berwick, to provide LEED commissioning services for the Midd-West High School renovation project.
In a 5-4 vote, the members retained the professional services of Marlin Fields Real Estate Office, Lewistown, at a cost of $2,500, to perform a second appraisal for the proposed acquisition of land near the high school.

Lewisburg Downtown Rotary Club to hold annual winter dance Jan. 24
LEWISBURG — The Downtown Lewisburg Rotary Club will hold its fourth annual winter dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Lewisburg Club, 131 Market St.
For the second year in a row, the dance will feature the Ann Kerstetter Band, winner of the 2008 Billtown Blues Challenge.
The dance also will feature an auction, cash bar, a raffle and door prizes. Already donated for prizes are wine, golf items and an item from the Open Door Gallery in Lewisburg.
Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased by calling 523-1040. They also will be sold at the door.
The club is seeking additional raffle and door prizes and ads for its dance booklet, which will be distributed to attendees. People interested in purchasing an ad or donating an item are asked to call 523-1040. Advertisements are due by Monday.
Proceeds from the dance will benefit community, national and international projects. This past year, the club made donations to Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition, Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, Union County Public Library and Harbour Stables Equine Rescue. At Christmas, the club had a party for residents at the Selinsgrove Center.
This month, the club will participate in Evangelical Community Hospital’s Health Fair in the Susquehanna Valley Mall. The members also make annual donations to the Rotary Polio Plus project.