The Obama administration’s attacks on Fox News likely stem from a combination of many factors, but this week, they appear to be a diversionary tactic. Democrats are trying to slip a government-run health insurance company into the so-called health-care reform legislation. By attacking Fox News in a ridiculous manner, some attention is being deflected from this Democratic legislative effort.
Diversion likely will be needed, or at least will be helpful, if the Democrats want to pass a bill that creates a public-run health insurance company. Out of all the bloviating done over health-insurance reform, a public-run health insurance company is perhaps the only portion of the debate that makes sense to people. Conservatives, regardless of their political affiliation, oppose the government running health care and making choices about treatments and doctors.
Moderates and independents likely also would be leery of the government running health care. The tea party protests were fueled most strongly by the opposition to a government health insurance company.
In Congress, Democrats from conservative states and liberal Republicans will be very reluctant to support a public health insurance company because of the possible backlash. For instance, Sen. Olympia Snowe, a liberal Republican from Maine, agreed to let a health-care reform bill out of committee because it did not have the public option. Now that Democrats are talking about putting the public option in the bill, Snowe has said she is against this move.
Obama has tried to get around this problem by saying opponents are using scare tactics, such as saying the government would be choosing doctors and treatments, and that private health insurance would be driven out of business. Obama contends that people will be able to choose their own doctors, and that private insurance will still exist. Moreover, Obama has tried to say a public health insurance company would not drive up costs and cause the deficit to balloon out of control.
The problem for Obama is that few people find these arguments plausible. Once the government has its own health-care company, nobody will be able to stop it from spending billions, telling people what treatments they can receive, and undercutting the private insurance market by charging whatever rates it wishes. The government does not run things cost effectively or efficiently.
Obama’s other tact has been to deemphasize his own support for a public option at times. But these statements also remain unconvincing. Why would Obama expend vast amounts of his political capital to possibly save a few dollars on health insurance reform that no one understands? The answer is that Obama probably does not want scaled down health-care reform. Liberals want the government to run the health-care industry, and Obama likely is fighting as hard as he is because he wants to achieve this goal.
With his health-care arguments flopping, Obama is trying to shift the focus by attacking Fox News. It does not seem to be a coincidence that just when the verbal war with Fox News is at its height that the public option has slipped back into the discussion. People should retain their focus on the health-care reform, which will cost billions, if not trillions of dollars, and most likely will lessen the quality of health care. They must continue to protest Obama’s plans for health-care reform.
October 29, 2009
OUR VIEW: PATHETIC ATTACKS
THE NEXT DYNASTY…WHY NOT THE PHILS?
By ERIC FISHER
Why not the Phillies?
Only one team in the past 15 years has won consecutive World Series. Why not the Phillies?
A National League team hasn’t won consecutive World Series since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-76. Why not the Phillies?
Why not the Phillies? That is the question I asked before this season started. It’s the same question I’m asking today.
Why can’t the Phillies repeat as World Series champions? The Phillies have already become the first NL team to make consecutive trips to the World Series since Atlanta in 1995-96. So why can’t they be the first NL team in 33 years to win the Series two straight years?
There is the fact that the Phillies are facing the New York Yankees. This is no small matter. In fact, based on pre-Series commentary, you might have thought the Yankees were the defending champions instead of the Phillies.
The Yankees happen to be the last team to win consecutive World Series, having reigned supreme from 1998-2000. But history isn’t all the Yankees have on their side. They also have a loaded lineup.
The best team money can buy features an all-star infield that includes Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. Perhaps more importantly, their roster features starting pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, both of whom were signed to big free-agent contracts during this past offseason. If the series goes seven games, Sabathia and Burnett may pitch five times, with Sabathia likely to pitch three times.
Sabathia and Andy Pettitte are left-handed. That should be effective against the Phillies’ left-handed power trio of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez – at least according to conventional wisdom. Utley, however, turned conventional wisdom on its head Wednesday night with two solo home runs off Sabathia.
In fact, the Phillies haven’t shown any fear of Sabathia, who had just one loss since August 1. The Phillies knocked Sabathia out of the game during last year’s playoff series against Milwaukee – Shane Victorino’s grand slam was the big blow – and beat him again Wednesday even though he entered the World Series with a 3-0 record and 1.19 ERA during this year’s playoffs.
The Phillies, however, have some pretty good starting pitching of their own. Cliff Lee, a midseason acquisition, has been outstanding during his first postseason appearance. Lee picked up two victories against the Rockies, one against the Dodgers and got the Phillies off on the right foot in the World Series with a dominating Game 1 performance.
Lee did not allow an earned run during his start against the Dodgers or Wednesday’s 6-1 triumph. He struck out 10 and walked none as he calmly silenced the Yankees’ big bats.
(Imagine how Cleveland fans must feel watching former Indians stars Sabathia and Lee starting Game 1 of the World Series.)
Lee is joined in the rotation by fellow Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez, the Game 2 starter. (For those reading this column in Friday’s newspaper rather than Thursday at www.myerstownherald.com, Game 2 ended too late to be included in this column.) That duo is followed by Cole Hamels, who has struggled this season but was the standout pitcher of last season’s playoffs and the MVP of the World Series. It would be a huge boost for the Phillies if Hamels could find his old magic.
Starting pitching is almost always the crucial factor in a seven-game series. As much as the Phillies and Yankees are renowned for their powerhouse lineups, pitching will determine which team will prevail.
The performance of the Phillies’ starters is particularly important. The Yankees, with perhaps the best closer of all-time in Mariano Rivera, have the edge in the bullpen. The Phillies bullpen, despite success against the Rockies and Dodgers, is a bit more suspect.
The Phillies bullpen came through with saves in the NLDS and NLCS, but those relievers allowed an awful lot of runners to reach base. They escaped most of those jams unscathed, but the Phillies don’t want to take the same chances with the Yankees.
That is why it’s so vitally important that the Phillies’ starters pitch deep into games, as Lee did during Game 1.
Lee’s complete-game victory broke the Yankees’ World Series winning streak against the Phillies. The Yankees swept the Whiz Kids in 1950. The Phillies are seeking revenge in 2009.
The Phillies’ players, of course, weren’t even born in 1950. Some of them weren’t even born in 1980, when the Phillies won their first World Series. But these Phillies do have a sense of history.
Beating the Yankees wouldn’t merely give them two straight championships. Beating the Yankees would validate their claim to greatness.
These aren’t the Tampa Rays. These are the Yankees.
The big, bad Yankees. Jeter. A-Rod. Johnny Damon. Hideki Matsui. Sabathia. Burnett. Teixeira. Rivera.
Make no mistake about it. The Yankees were the marquee team entering the World Series.
But the Phillies entered the World Series as champions. Will they leave it as champions?
Why not?
GIVE PHILLIE FANS A BREAK
By GARY SIEGRIST
Well it’s good to see the Philadelphia Phillies have finally arrived. Of course, two straight trips to the World Series was once enough to do that for a baseball franchise.
Ahhh, but the arrival in the promised land would not have been complete until the “Phillies fans are so annoying” groups scampered out of the woodwork faster than the Hollywood actresses who suddenly relocate from Kobe-land when the biggest sporting stages set up here on the East Coast.
Thank God for cyberspace, where all the world’s a stage. That way those of us who lived and died with Mike from Manayunk, Chris from Conshocken, and all the other Philly all-sports radio crazies can now read all the subjective opinions being thrown about on Facebook.
Even our own Molly Davis took time out from covering the seemingly normal lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin to call us annoying and scold us with the click of the ever-so-demeaning “hide” button so she doesn’t have to be subjected to our nonsense.
Molly! And to think I once thought about asking you to be my Facebook buddy… It would have made little sense anyway, considering our only connection is the fact that we contribute to the same publication.
I mean, it could have served to bump up my number of friends, had you accepted my request. And isn’t that some sort of status thing on Facebook?
Nevertheless, we grew up listening to Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn talk us through losing season after losing season for the good part of 30 years. So forgive us if we think the TBS announcers SUCK, and aren’t afraid to let it be known.
In fact, we aren’t naïve enough to think that this sort of thing is going to happen again for — well maybe the rest of our lives. So hide us while we live a little.
Let’s make a deal, Molly… Hide all of us and we’ll hide everyone who can’t imagine getting through another two-hour Zumba class tonight – the second one this week!
(I’d say I’ll also hide everyone proud of reaching another level on Bejeweled Blitz or getting a Pack Rat Ribbon on Farmville but I can’t hide myself).
Don’t worry, this will pass. And so will your interest in watching Miss Kate Hudson in the stands. I mean, it’s only a matter of time until A-Rod is old news and her world can shift back to where the Lakers play.
Maybe someone can clue Kate in on the difference between baseball and basketball before then.
PHILLIE FANS ARE CREEPS!
By MOLLY DAVIS
And so it begins.
The Phillies are World Series contenders again.
If they win, the city will swell with pride.
Along with thousands of miscreants that will turn the city upside down.
Raging Phillie “Phans” will riot — win or lose.
Which I don’t understand.
If your team wins the World Series, wouldn’t you be happy?
Why would that drive you to destruction?
Last year, rioting residents took over a fire truck, which I’m sure needed to be somewhere — oh, say, a fire — and flipped over cars.
A true expression of happiness in Philadelphia.
An upside-down happiness, just like the cars that encounter the “happy” phans.
That’s not a fan – that’s called a criminal.
Look, Philadelphia, you have no control over the game.
When they’re playing well, you’re all about cheering them on and screaming their praises.
But one inning of errors, poor pitching or “lack of effort” on the players part and you turn on them faster than a mean girl tears down a wannabe.
I’d like to see you get out there and do what those players do.
And deal with your “fans” when they regress into foaming-at-the-mouth, insult spewing lunatics.
What you do have control of, dear fans, is your reactions to winning or losing.
That’s it.
Well see what this year brings.
Hopefully some classier fans.
Dubbed the “turnpike series” — which is weird, because the turnpike is nowhere near the Phillies stadium
— the games against NY’s Yankees are sure to be interesting.
Interesting to me, because of the drama unfolding in the stands.
Fights between New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians will undoubtedly break out.
I hope they show more of those than the game.
Maybe the outcome will be decided in N.Y. and they can try to tear up that city.
I doubt that would be taken kindly, and maybe they’d be taught a lesson about sportsmanship.
Dare to dream, I say.
The bottom line is that in a crowd of thousands, there are bound to be hoodlums, goons and idiots.
There are most certainly true fans that love their team and celebrate wins with high fives, smiles, and good cheer.
The bad apples in the celebration ruin it for the rest of the city.
I’m hoping the PA fans don’t live up to their image this year.
I’m not optimistic.
ELCO’S DREAM MATCHUP LOOMS
By GARY SIEGRIST
Somewhere amidst the euphoria we feel about the Phillies, I suppose we should revert back to reality and recognize exactly what is happening on the local high school football scene…
While it is not the ideal situation we hoped for once this season began, there still looms large the potential for a final-game all-for-nothing matchup in Myerstown between Elco and Lancaster Catholic one week from today.
Sure, as the Phils have shown us, anything can happen. But while it isn’t exactly what we had hoped for, the prospect still looms for a final game between Elco and Lancaster Catholic with meaning. And all it takes is for everyone to take care of business this week to set it up…
Matter-of-fact, this one could become all of what we had hoped for, provided the Raiders get a little help from their friends. Lampeter-Strasburg visits Fredericksburg this week and Lancaster Catholic travels to Annville-Cleona. And while assuming the Raiders take care of business against Donegal, all kinds of possibilities could arise heading into the final week of the regular season.
Barring a surprising turn of events, the knock-em-down, drag-it-out affair between two teams vying for the L-L Section III championship we had hoped for won‘t materialize. But the Raiders can still hope to turn this thing into a three-team tie at the top, which is better than the alternative.
And a victory over Lancaster Catholic would go a long way into putting the bad memory of the trip to Lampeter-Strasburg a couple of weeks ago behind.
We’ll get through week nine before we venture into the District III AAA playoff implications of it all…
You got to give it to Cedar Crest. Could this team be the subject of its own reality show this year or what?
The Falcons start out their season with a brand new coach and promptly blow out arch-rival Lebanon, then show flashes of brilliance but struggle through four straight L-L Section One losses.
Crest then takes the bus trip to McCaskey last Friday only to find out its game has been cancelled because of -get this – a sinkhole in the end zone.
Without head coach Tom Waranavage (illness), the Falcons dig a 22-6 second-half hole in their rescheduled game with the Red Tornado on Monday.
They then score 21 straight points to secure the win.
We suppose Waranavage ran out of Pepto.
—
Game: Lampeter-Strasburg (5-3, 4-1) at Northern Lebanon (5-3, 3-2) Lancaster-Lebanon League Section III
Place: Frederick Gahres Stadium at Northern Lebanon High School, Fredericksburg, 7 p.m.
Last Year: Lampeter-Strasburg 34, Northern Lebanon 6
Outlook: While the main potential of this match-up would be to help arch-rival Elco, you can’t ignore what a win here would do to serve as a stepping stone as the young Vikings to prepare for the future. We might be talking about the implications a quality win over a Section III opponent holds for this group a year from now.
If you’re the Eagles: The Pioneers must feel sort of in limbo. This game holds major implications for their Section III status and District III playoff hopes, but L-S has already clocked in with a win over Elco and a loss to Lancaster Catholic. It is truly take-care-of-business from here on out.
If you’re the Vikings: Again, this game is more for the future than the present for the Vikes. A win here could serve as something to look back upon in the years to come for this up-and-coming team. It’s been a touch road this year for Northern Lebanon, and we’re talking about their home schedule. All the tough ones were in Fredericksburg. This is the finale.
The Pick: Lampeter-Strasburg 21, Northern Lebanon 20
Other games:
Donegal at Elco
Lancaster Catholic at Annville-Cleona
Lebanon at Manheim Central
Reading at Cedar Crest
Trinity at Palmyra
– GARY SIEGRIST
JON HITS NEW LOW?
By MOLLY DAVIS
I’m looking for my jacket — hell has frozen over.
I have temporarily switched to Team Kate.
Temporarily.
If the rumors turn out to just that — rumors — back on Team Jon I go.
The scoop?
Jon Gosselin is reportedly going to appear in a new reality show where he will date the other Octomom.
Yes, THAT Nayda Suleman.
The single mom of 14, and also the mayor of crazy town, is creepier than Kate.
According to the New York Daily News, the show will be produced by former “Cheaters” producer Bobby Goldstein and a former producer of “The Jerry Springer Show.”
“I heard that Nadya has an insatiable desire to spend time with Jon and to put their families together,” Goldstein said. “And I had the idea that this could be a very entertaining fiasco.”
Though reps for both parties deny that any show is in the works, Goldstein says he will produce the pilot, called “Jon – Kate = Jon Octomom.”
It’s screaming classy already.
The press release says cameras will follow Jon Gosselin “as he contemplates what hooking up with Octomom could really be like. He’s totally creeped out by the idea that if they got married, they’d have 22 kids.”
The press release continues, “It’s so bad that when they finally meet, Octomom’s brood may start calling Jon ‘Daddy.’ If this doesn’t make Jon lose it, then Octomom modeling her bikini body for him will.”
Now, I have been firmly rooted on team Jon since the beginning.
I’m really surprised with his decision to participate with this pilot.
The Jon naysayers have always said that he was a self-serving fame seeker.
I thought he wouldn’t go this far – maybe I’m naive.
But if there is any truth to this story, I will switch to Team Kate.
As much as I dislike Kate, I know she is pretty sane.
Mean, but definitely sane.
The 33-year-old Angelina-wannabe-Suleman?
Not sane.
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.
