For Thanksgiving, most of Lawrence County's courthouse employees may be getting the week off, without pay.
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And the same thing for Christmas.
On Friday, county commissioners are likely to approve closing the courthouse for the two holiday weeks leading up to the end of this year in an effort to cut expenses.
Commissioner Dan Vogler said the austerity measure is necessary because of the state's failure - now almost three months into the fiscal year - to assemble a budget. The county's 2009 calendar year budget called for spending about $95 million, with more than $70 million coming from state-funded programs.
"It's not the fault of our employees or anything the elected officials have done," Vogler said. "It's because the state hasn't done its job."
Up until this week, the commissioners had planned to order nonunion employees to take two weeks of unpaid flex-time leave and asked that the two unions that represent county workers vote on the two-weeks-leave plan.
Last week, the county's American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees union voted 25-22 to ratify the unpaid leave. But Construction and General Laborers Union Local 964, which represents about 50 workers, declined to vote on the measure.
"They essentially said they'll put the decision back in the hands of the commissioners," Vogler said.
Ultimately, though, another factor came into play. Vogler said the commissioners had hoped to close the courthouse for either one day each week or for two one-week blocks, because either option would save utility costs by using fewer lights and less heat during the closings.
But until earlier this week, Domenick Motto, the county's president judge, had said either move would be unduly disruptive to the court system.
Vogler said Motto changed his mind after discussing the possible closings with courthouse staff and said the court system could continue to function with the two-week closings.
The courthouse was originally scheduled to have been closed on three of those days - Nov. 26 and 27 (Thanksgiving and the following day) and Dec. 25 for Christmas - which would make the shutdowns less disruptive to county business, Vogler said.
Reports over the weekend that Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Legislature have reached a budget agreement notwithstanding, the shutdowns would probably remain in effect even if the state ratifies a budget quickly.
Vogler, who has been in Harrisburg this week on county business unrelated to the fiscal crisis, said the Legislature is probably in recess for the rest of this week, which means no budget vote could be held until at least Monday.
Even when a spending plan is passed, the county won't begin seeing the funding for three-quarters of its own budget for some time, Vogler said. And when that money does start coming in, those funds will probably be less than the county has budgeted for, he said.
http://ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20372576&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6
Anti-government signs are torched
When a local man publicly expressed his opinion about the direction the country is going, things got hot.
Several homemade anti-government signs displayed on the Slippery Rock Township property of Jeff Wright were destroyed by fire around 10 p.m. Monday.
Nobody witnessed the torching, but Wright and his wife, Peggy, spotted the flames from their house, which is located above the family business — Jeff Wright Electric — in the former Deinert’s Country Store building on Route 422.
Wright said the perpetrator might have been burned during the incident as he dropped a lighter, a gas can and ran out of his flip-flops while getting back to his car. Wright said the gas can was on fire, too.
“He’s probably got some singed eyebrows.”
Wright said slogans were painted on 4-by-4-foot sheets of plywood, held up concrete blocks.
The Slippery Rock Township fire department and state police were called to the scene. Lt. Doug Humble said state police were investigating the incident.
“I just want people to know what’s going on,” said Wright, 48, who moved to Lawrence County in 1970 from the Washington, D.C.
He has been putting up protest signs on his property for the past two months. Wright said thousands of cars drive past his business on Route 422 every day. He said many have stopped to pose for pictures with the signs while others honk their horns in support.
Wright believes the current administration is lying to the American people.
“The main criteria that you support for any president is to uphold and defend the Constitution,” Wright said. “But it is being shredded and thrown away like a document that has no value. I was like most everybody else in not knowing what’s going on so I decided to look into it.”
Using the Internet, Wright said he began to research people in the administration and those in Congress.
“Most people don’t have a clue about all the stuff that is going on,” he said. “Unless you have an issue that exposes the corruption, you just accept what they tell you.
“I’m not against anyone personally, but I am against their ideology. This government subverts the Constitution and implements backdoor policies.
“Do I just stand silent and let it take its course?”
One of the destroyed signs read, “Obama is a liar. Pelosi and Reed are thieves.” Others said, “Your country is being stolen” and “Prosecute and exile this administration.” Another said “traitors” in large letters with names of politicians written on it.
Wright said the country is equally divided.
“I’m not trying to convince anyone that they are wrong, but we had better have something to agree on and that should be the founding documents of this country.
“We need to put all the ideology and personal preferences aside and at least agree on the Constitution.”
Wright said he doesn’t get upset when he sees signs that supports the current policies, he just disagrees.
He plans to replace the signs, but using tin instead of wood.
“I’m exercising my First Amendment rights,” Wright said. “But apparently it made somebody mad.”
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/09September/Obama_Guy/story1.htm
Several homemade anti-government signs displayed on the Slippery Rock Township property of Jeff Wright were destroyed by fire around 10 p.m. Monday.
Nobody witnessed the torching, but Wright and his wife, Peggy, spotted the flames from their house, which is located above the family business — Jeff Wright Electric — in the former Deinert’s Country Store building on Route 422.
Wright said the perpetrator might have been burned during the incident as he dropped a lighter, a gas can and ran out of his flip-flops while getting back to his car. Wright said the gas can was on fire, too.
“He’s probably got some singed eyebrows.”
Wright said slogans were painted on 4-by-4-foot sheets of plywood, held up concrete blocks.
The Slippery Rock Township fire department and state police were called to the scene. Lt. Doug Humble said state police were investigating the incident.
“I just want people to know what’s going on,” said Wright, 48, who moved to Lawrence County in 1970 from the Washington, D.C.
He has been putting up protest signs on his property for the past two months. Wright said thousands of cars drive past his business on Route 422 every day. He said many have stopped to pose for pictures with the signs while others honk their horns in support.
Wright believes the current administration is lying to the American people.
“The main criteria that you support for any president is to uphold and defend the Constitution,” Wright said. “But it is being shredded and thrown away like a document that has no value. I was like most everybody else in not knowing what’s going on so I decided to look into it.”
Using the Internet, Wright said he began to research people in the administration and those in Congress.
“Most people don’t have a clue about all the stuff that is going on,” he said. “Unless you have an issue that exposes the corruption, you just accept what they tell you.
“I’m not against anyone personally, but I am against their ideology. This government subverts the Constitution and implements backdoor policies.
“Do I just stand silent and let it take its course?”
One of the destroyed signs read, “Obama is a liar. Pelosi and Reed are thieves.” Others said, “Your country is being stolen” and “Prosecute and exile this administration.” Another said “traitors” in large letters with names of politicians written on it.
Wright said the country is equally divided.
“I’m not trying to convince anyone that they are wrong, but we had better have something to agree on and that should be the founding documents of this country.
“We need to put all the ideology and personal preferences aside and at least agree on the Constitution.”
Wright said he doesn’t get upset when he sees signs that supports the current policies, he just disagrees.
He plans to replace the signs, but using tin instead of wood.
“I’m exercising my First Amendment rights,” Wright said. “But apparently it made somebody mad.”
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/09September/Obama_Guy/story1.htm
Fire destroys vacant two-story house in city
A fire of unknown origin destroyed a two-story, vacant house on New Castle’s West Side Wednesday night.
A neighbor alerted the Lawrence County 911 center at 9:59 p.m. that flames were shooting out of 226 Wick Ave. As city firefighters arrived, fire had engulfed the structure.
James Goodman Jr., of 814 W. Grant St., is listed as the property’s owner. City fire Chief Tom Maciarello said the home had been unoccupied for approximately one to two years.
Five units, including the department’s tower ladder firetruck, responded. Medevac Ambulance was also at the scene. Firefighters cleared the location at 12:49 a.m. Thursday.
The city police department’s arson investigator was called to the scene. If determined to be an arson, that would mark the 18th intentionally set fire in the city for 2009.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/Rapid_Response/SEPTEMBER/24/wick_fire/index.htm
A neighbor alerted the Lawrence County 911 center at 9:59 p.m. that flames were shooting out of 226 Wick Ave. As city firefighters arrived, fire had engulfed the structure.
James Goodman Jr., of 814 W. Grant St., is listed as the property’s owner. City fire Chief Tom Maciarello said the home had been unoccupied for approximately one to two years.
Five units, including the department’s tower ladder firetruck, responded. Medevac Ambulance was also at the scene. Firefighters cleared the location at 12:49 a.m. Thursday.
The city police department’s arson investigator was called to the scene. If determined to be an arson, that would mark the 18th intentionally set fire in the city for 2009.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/Rapid_Response/SEPTEMBER/24/wick_fire/index.htm
Police accuse man in slashing
ELLWOOD CITY - Ellwood City police used an ankle monitor Thursday night to help their police dog track a man accused of slashing his girlfriend with a kitchen knife.
John Paul Huddy, 35, of 216 Third St., Ellwood City, was charged Friday morning with aggravated assault, simple assault, making terroristic threats and unlawful restraint.
In documents filed with the office of District Judge Jerry Cartwright Jr., Ellwood City police Officer Michael McBride said Huddy had gotten into an argument around 10 p.m. Thursday with his girlfriend, Michelle Delposen, at his home.
During the argument, Delposen told police, Huddy picked up a kitchen knife and punched her. McBride said Delposen had a minor injury on her throat from the knife and an injured lip from the punch.
Delposen then tried to get away from the house, but Huddy
caught her and pulled her back into the building. At this time, she fell and injured her knee, police said.
When she sought refuge in a bathroom, she said, Huddy threatened to kill her, then himself, with the knife.
Delposen called a friend, Ryan Goehring, who went to the house, where Huddy confronted him, police said.
McBride said Huddy picked up a brick and threatened to kill Goehring with it before using the kitchen knife to cut off his ankle-bracelet monitor and fleeing the building.
Pennsylvania court records indicate Huddy has a criminal history dating to 2001, when he pleaded guilty to hunting without a license and was fined $141.50. He pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in 2007 and was fined $319.50.
His criminal history also includes charges earlier this year of escape and criminal mischief, which were waived to court. Huddy also has faced other charges including manufacture, delivery or possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver, criminal mischief, theft and receiving stolen property.
It is unclear which, if any, of those offenses were the reason Huddy was wearing the ankle monitor. Personnel from Lawrence County's Department of Adult Probation said the office has a policy not to release information on people adjudicated through its office.
Police said Huddy left the house before officers arrived, but McBride - handler for Ellwood City's police dog, Jozek - said the dog was able to pick up Huddy's scent through the ankle monitor.
Jozek tracked Huddy along Third Street and a series of alleys in the Pittsburgh Circle neighborhood. McBride called other officers to establish a perimeter in the area, and Huddy was taken into custody at Mulberry and Apple ways.
Huddy was arraigned and placed in the Lawrence County Jail after failing to put up $25,000 bond.
http://ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20371434&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6
John Paul Huddy, 35, of 216 Third St., Ellwood City, was charged Friday morning with aggravated assault, simple assault, making terroristic threats and unlawful restraint.
In documents filed with the office of District Judge Jerry Cartwright Jr., Ellwood City police Officer Michael McBride said Huddy had gotten into an argument around 10 p.m. Thursday with his girlfriend, Michelle Delposen, at his home.
During the argument, Delposen told police, Huddy picked up a kitchen knife and punched her. McBride said Delposen had a minor injury on her throat from the knife and an injured lip from the punch.
Delposen then tried to get away from the house, but Huddy
caught her and pulled her back into the building. At this time, she fell and injured her knee, police said.
When she sought refuge in a bathroom, she said, Huddy threatened to kill her, then himself, with the knife.
Delposen called a friend, Ryan Goehring, who went to the house, where Huddy confronted him, police said.
McBride said Huddy picked up a brick and threatened to kill Goehring with it before using the kitchen knife to cut off his ankle-bracelet monitor and fleeing the building.
Pennsylvania court records indicate Huddy has a criminal history dating to 2001, when he pleaded guilty to hunting without a license and was fined $141.50. He pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in 2007 and was fined $319.50.
His criminal history also includes charges earlier this year of escape and criminal mischief, which were waived to court. Huddy also has faced other charges including manufacture, delivery or possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver, criminal mischief, theft and receiving stolen property.
It is unclear which, if any, of those offenses were the reason Huddy was wearing the ankle monitor. Personnel from Lawrence County's Department of Adult Probation said the office has a policy not to release information on people adjudicated through its office.
Police said Huddy left the house before officers arrived, but McBride - handler for Ellwood City's police dog, Jozek - said the dog was able to pick up Huddy's scent through the ankle monitor.
Jozek tracked Huddy along Third Street and a series of alleys in the Pittsburgh Circle neighborhood. McBride called other officers to establish a perimeter in the area, and Huddy was taken into custody at Mulberry and Apple ways.
Huddy was arraigned and placed in the Lawrence County Jail after failing to put up $25,000 bond.
http://ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20371434&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6
Schools evacuated on threat
Eric Poole, Ledger Staff
09/17/2009
ELLWOOD CITY - Lincoln High School and Hartman Elementary School were evacuated Wednesday in response to a threat of violence.
Frank Aloi, superintendent of Ellwood City Area School District, said a student found a threatening message in a third-floor boys restroom at the high school around 10 a.m. Aloi declined to reveal exactly what was said in the message, but said it merited action by school administrators.
"We felt it was specific enough to implement our crisis plan," Aloi said.
After seeing the message, the student went to a teacher, and the teacher informed a principal, who called for the high school to be cleared. Hartman was evacuated as well, in a precautionary measure, Aloi said.
In accordance with the district's crisis plan, formulated last year after students were left outside without jackets on a frigid winter day, students were sent to churches near the high school.
Those students were overseen by teachers and administrators during the evacuation period.
School officials called Ellwood City police and a private security firm that handles calls for the Grove City-based Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV.
The private security firm has a bomb-sniffing dog service, but the district also called the Beaver County Sheriff's Department, which arrived with its own dog before the security firm's dog could reach the school.
Neither the dog nor the search teams found any bomb, and students went back into classrooms later in the school day.
Aloi said the threat mentioned a specific time, which had passed by early Wednesday afternoon.
Eric Poole can be reached online at epoole@ellwoodcityledger.com.
©Ellwood City Ledger 2009
http://ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20370868&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6
09/17/2009
ELLWOOD CITY - Lincoln High School and Hartman Elementary School were evacuated Wednesday in response to a threat of violence.
Frank Aloi, superintendent of Ellwood City Area School District, said a student found a threatening message in a third-floor boys restroom at the high school around 10 a.m. Aloi declined to reveal exactly what was said in the message, but said it merited action by school administrators.
"We felt it was specific enough to implement our crisis plan," Aloi said.
After seeing the message, the student went to a teacher, and the teacher informed a principal, who called for the high school to be cleared. Hartman was evacuated as well, in a precautionary measure, Aloi said.
In accordance with the district's crisis plan, formulated last year after students were left outside without jackets on a frigid winter day, students were sent to churches near the high school.
Those students were overseen by teachers and administrators during the evacuation period.
School officials called Ellwood City police and a private security firm that handles calls for the Grove City-based Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV.
The private security firm has a bomb-sniffing dog service, but the district also called the Beaver County Sheriff's Department, which arrived with its own dog before the security firm's dog could reach the school.
Neither the dog nor the search teams found any bomb, and students went back into classrooms later in the school day.
Aloi said the threat mentioned a specific time, which had passed by early Wednesday afternoon.
Eric Poole can be reached online at epoole@ellwoodcityledger.com.
©Ellwood City Ledger 2009
http://ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20370868&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6
Vacant Crawford Avenue home burns
Vacant Crawford Avenue home burns
New Castle News
New Castle’s Lower East Side was the scene of another suspicious fire early Saturday.
The blaze broke out about 2:30 a.m. in a vacant home at 229 N. Crawford Ave. New Castle Police officer David Viggiano, the city’s fire marshal, was called to investigate.
Two nights earlier, another Lower East Side fire at 306 1/2 Pine St. left a family homeless, just three weeks after a woman and her five children had moved into it. Authorities called that blaze suspicious as well.
Prior to Saturday’s blaze, there had been 46 confirmed arsons and eight undetermined fires in the area over the last several months.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/archivesearch/local_story_257100052.html
New Castle News
New Castle’s Lower East Side was the scene of another suspicious fire early Saturday.
The blaze broke out about 2:30 a.m. in a vacant home at 229 N. Crawford Ave. New Castle Police officer David Viggiano, the city’s fire marshal, was called to investigate.
Two nights earlier, another Lower East Side fire at 306 1/2 Pine St. left a family homeless, just three weeks after a woman and her five children had moved into it. Authorities called that blaze suspicious as well.
Prior to Saturday’s blaze, there had been 46 confirmed arsons and eight undetermined fires in the area over the last several months.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/archivesearch/local_story_257100052.html
Union man allegedly planned to do killing
A Union Township man arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire plot planned to do the killing himself, authorities said.
Lauren Bozart, a spokeswoman from state Attorney General Tom Corbett’s Office, said Thursday that Leslie Richard Ransom, 50, of 1105 Miller Road was allegedly planning to hire a third party to help him carry out the plan.
Ransom was arrested Wednesday in an alleged murder-for-hire plot that had been uncovered last month.
New Castle police Chief Thomas Sansone said he didn’t expect any other arrests in the case. His department worked in conjunction with the Attorney General’s office, state police and Union Township police.
“It didn’t get that far along,” Sansone said of Ransom’s recruiting attempt.
According to the criminal complaint, Ransom wanted to get even with three individuals who had robbed him. He was willing to trade drugs in order to obtain a gun to carry out the murders.
Sansone said the initial information about the plot was provided by a local officer, who worked on the case in cooperation with the Attorney General’s office.
“Our guys did a lot of legwork on this, along with the state police,” Sansone said.
Sansone noted that his department provided technical support, including recording devices, for the operation.
He described the suspect as being a familiar figure to city police.
Sansone said he believed state police handled the initial robbery call that spawned the plot for revenge.
Agents arranged a series of undercover meetings with Ransom and discussed the possibility of trading Roxicet pills for a 9mm handgun, according to a press release from Corbett’s office. Ransom discussed in great detail his plans to kill three individuals and dispose of their bodies in a specific secluded area within Moraine State Park.
Agents said that Ransom allegedly picked the location because it would be difficult for anyone to find the bodies.
As part of the undercover operation, agents provided Ransom with a 9 mm handgun, which had been rendered inoperable. He was taken into custody after taking possession of the handgun. Agents seized Roxicet and Xanax pills and recovered the handgun.
Ransom is charged with two counts of criminal attempted homicide, two counts of criminal solicitation, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of criminal use of a communication facility, one count of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ransom is in the Lawrence County jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Lawrence County Central Court.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/09September/Murder_For_Hire/story1.htm
Lauren Bozart, a spokeswoman from state Attorney General Tom Corbett’s Office, said Thursday that Leslie Richard Ransom, 50, of 1105 Miller Road was allegedly planning to hire a third party to help him carry out the plan.
Ransom was arrested Wednesday in an alleged murder-for-hire plot that had been uncovered last month.
New Castle police Chief Thomas Sansone said he didn’t expect any other arrests in the case. His department worked in conjunction with the Attorney General’s office, state police and Union Township police.
“It didn’t get that far along,” Sansone said of Ransom’s recruiting attempt.
According to the criminal complaint, Ransom wanted to get even with three individuals who had robbed him. He was willing to trade drugs in order to obtain a gun to carry out the murders.
Sansone said the initial information about the plot was provided by a local officer, who worked on the case in cooperation with the Attorney General’s office.
“Our guys did a lot of legwork on this, along with the state police,” Sansone said.
Sansone noted that his department provided technical support, including recording devices, for the operation.
He described the suspect as being a familiar figure to city police.
Sansone said he believed state police handled the initial robbery call that spawned the plot for revenge.
Agents arranged a series of undercover meetings with Ransom and discussed the possibility of trading Roxicet pills for a 9mm handgun, according to a press release from Corbett’s office. Ransom discussed in great detail his plans to kill three individuals and dispose of their bodies in a specific secluded area within Moraine State Park.
Agents said that Ransom allegedly picked the location because it would be difficult for anyone to find the bodies.
As part of the undercover operation, agents provided Ransom with a 9 mm handgun, which had been rendered inoperable. He was taken into custody after taking possession of the handgun. Agents seized Roxicet and Xanax pills and recovered the handgun.
Ransom is charged with two counts of criminal attempted homicide, two counts of criminal solicitation, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of criminal use of a communication facility, one count of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ransom is in the Lawrence County jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Lawrence County Central Court.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/09September/Murder_For_Hire/story1.htm
Spruce Street resident robbed
A Spruce Street man was robbed at gunpoint Friday while walking home from a store.
Police said the victim was stopped shortly after 10 p.m. by a male who asked him what he had. The male then pulled out a hand gun and pointed it at the victim’s face, demanding that the victim give him whatever he had.
The victim handed over $101, and the gunman fled in the direction of Pine Street.
The victim’s sister, who had witnessed the robbery from a distance, believed she knew the gunman. However, when she and her brother were given the opportunity to view mug shots, they were unable to make a positive identification.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_252073633.html
Police said the victim was stopped shortly after 10 p.m. by a male who asked him what he had. The male then pulled out a hand gun and pointed it at the victim’s face, demanding that the victim give him whatever he had.
The victim handed over $101, and the gunman fled in the direction of Pine Street.
The victim’s sister, who had witnessed the robbery from a distance, believed she knew the gunman. However, when she and her brother were given the opportunity to view mug shots, they were unable to make a positive identification.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_252073633.html
Felasco gets probation, home confinement
New Castle News
Gary F. Felasco received three years probation and six months of home confinement for failing to file a federal income tax return in 2005.
Sentencing took place Tuesday morning in U.S. Senior District Judge Gustave Diamond’s courtroom in downtown Pittsburgh.
The former Lawrence County treasurer pleaded guilty in February to one count of failing to file a 2005 federal tax return. Felasco could have received from four to 10 months in prison and possible fines.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the charge was separate but related to a mortgage fraud case involving Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.
Diamond agreed with Felasco’s attorney, James J. Ross, and the federal government with the terms of the sentence.
Ross and U.S. Assistant Attorney Brendan T. Conway called Felasco’s cooperation exemplary. The former Lawrence County treasurer reportedly supplied invaluable information regarding corruption in Lawrence County.
Felasco already is serving parole through September 2013 in connection with a 2006 conviction on charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, misappropriation of entrusted property, embezzlement and conflict of interest. Tuesday’s sentence will run concurrently with his parole.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/archivesearch/local_story_251121350.html
Gary F. Felasco received three years probation and six months of home confinement for failing to file a federal income tax return in 2005.
Sentencing took place Tuesday morning in U.S. Senior District Judge Gustave Diamond’s courtroom in downtown Pittsburgh.
The former Lawrence County treasurer pleaded guilty in February to one count of failing to file a 2005 federal tax return. Felasco could have received from four to 10 months in prison and possible fines.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the charge was separate but related to a mortgage fraud case involving Affordable Housing of Lawrence County and First Commonwealth Bank.
Diamond agreed with Felasco’s attorney, James J. Ross, and the federal government with the terms of the sentence.
Ross and U.S. Assistant Attorney Brendan T. Conway called Felasco’s cooperation exemplary. The former Lawrence County treasurer reportedly supplied invaluable information regarding corruption in Lawrence County.
Felasco already is serving parole through September 2013 in connection with a 2006 conviction on charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, misappropriation of entrusted property, embezzlement and conflict of interest. Tuesday’s sentence will run concurrently with his parole.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/archivesearch/local_story_251121350.html
Armed robber strikes
An armed robber held up First Choice Credit Union on Friday morning and fled with an unknown amount of cash.
The incident at the 1400 Wilmington Road office took place shortly after 11 a.m. A sign on the door said directed customers to other offices to transact their business. An man who answered the door declined to talk about the robbery.
New Castle police were combing the North Hill for a 5-foot-8 white male who had worn a blue bandana over his face during the robbery. Employees told police that the man fled south on foot and was carrying a yellow bag.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/Rapid_Response/SEPTEMBER/04/Bank_Robbery/index.htm
The incident at the 1400 Wilmington Road office took place shortly after 11 a.m. A sign on the door said directed customers to other offices to transact their business. An man who answered the door declined to talk about the robbery.
New Castle police were combing the North Hill for a 5-foot-8 white male who had worn a blue bandana over his face during the robbery. Employees told police that the man fled south on foot and was carrying a yellow bag.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/Rapid_Response/SEPTEMBER/04/Bank_Robbery/index.htm
Guns seized during search
New Castle News
State police seized more than four dozen firearms yesterday during a search of a South New Castle Borough home.
Police said that their investigation of a May burglary led them to a serve a search warrant at 2:50 p.m. yesterday at the 2010 Martha St. home of 61-year-old David Harry Myers.
During the search, 53 firearms were seized. Police said that at least five of them are known to be stolen property.
The investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed against Myers.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_246093942.html
State police seized more than four dozen firearms yesterday during a search of a South New Castle Borough home.
Police said that their investigation of a May burglary led them to a serve a search warrant at 2:50 p.m. yesterday at the 2010 Martha St. home of 61-year-old David Harry Myers.
During the search, 53 firearms were seized. Police said that at least five of them are known to be stolen property.
The investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed against Myers.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_246093942.html
Neshannock man faces drug charge
A Neshannock Township man is accused of altering a prescription to obtain a controlled substance.
According to Neshannock police, Frank Gaines Jr., 43, of 132 E. Northview Avenue attempted to pass the altered prescription Wednesday at Rite Aid, 1730 Wilmington Road.
A felony charge of acquiring or obtaining possession of controlled substances was filed against Gaines at the office of District Judge Scott A. McGrath.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_245081741.html
According to Neshannock police, Frank Gaines Jr., 43, of 132 E. Northview Avenue attempted to pass the altered prescription Wednesday at Rite Aid, 1730 Wilmington Road.
A felony charge of acquiring or obtaining possession of controlled substances was filed against Gaines at the office of District Judge Scott A. McGrath.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_245081741.html
Burglars Targeting Golf Courses In Beaver, Lawrence Counties
Police in Beaver and Lawrence counties are offering a cash reward to try and stop a series of golf course break-ins.
Courses were hit at Stonecrest in New Beaver, Fox Run in North Sewickley Township and Black Hawk in Chippewa Township.
In all three cases, burglars broke into buildings, caused damage inside and outside, and stole money and other items, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/20686348/detail.html
Courses were hit at Stonecrest in New Beaver, Fox Run in North Sewickley Township and Black Hawk in Chippewa Township.
In all three cases, burglars broke into buildings, caused damage inside and outside, and stole money and other items, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/20686348/detail.html
Special - Occult Crimes - Interesting Read
1981 New Castle, PA Frank Costal of New Castle was arrested for the Murder and mutilation of Kathy Kadunce, 25, and Dawn 4. The victims were each stabbed 17 times as part of the ritualistic sacrifice. Although Costal's defense attn. called the trial a "modern day witch hunt", it was the testimony of Costal's friends that ultimatley convicted him. Micheal Atkinson, Costals gay lover was a key witness and had been charged in the murders a month earlier. Costal recieved life imprisonment. (AP)
http://usminc.org/crime3.html
******* another interesting post I found on this subject ********
Pittsbughgirl-
You said you have done some research on the so-called "Pennsylvania Strangler", so you may be interested in exploring a little more.
I have been looking into the unsolved homicide of my step-father's daughter in New Castle, PA which occurred in 1975. One of the prime suspects in the murder is currently serving life in prison at SCI Greene for the 1978 double homicide of a young mother and her four year old daughter. My step father's daughter was four years old and was murdered along with her babysitter. The two murders occurred just a few miles from each other (yeah, I know, I asked the State Police why, back in 1980 when they arrested Atkinson, they didn't explore the possibility that the crazy satan worshippers might have something to do with the OTHER senseless murder of a four year old and a grown woman in a very small town, but they just kind of blew me off).
The 1978 murder victims were Kathy & Dawn Kadunce. The case was tried as a satanic ritual homicide and one of the perpetrators considered himself a high priest of satan (Frank Costal). Lots of press coverage, so if you ever look at newspapers from the past you should have no trouble reading up on it. I belong to newspapers archives.com and have gotten lots of info, but the New Castle News is only on-line up to 1977 so the coverage I have found is not as detailed as I would like.
Both homicides were done in a "group" and there seems to be some confusion among police as to who exactly was present. Michael Atkinson testified in the Kadunce trial (January 1981) and he changed his story numerous times. One of the men Atkinson claims was present at the Kadunce homicide allegedly committed suicide 3 months prior to Atkinson's arrest, leaving a type-written note before putting a bullet in his head. It is interesting to note that the victims of all the "satanic" homicides got a bullet in the head. Atkinson also claimed the husband, Larry Kadunce, was at the homicdes. Kadunce was arrested after Atkinson went to prison and was acquitted of the murders one year later. Kadunce still lives in the area.
Considering that Roberta Elam was a nun and Susan Rush was devoutly religious, I have been doing research to the best of my ability (I am out of state) trying to find any possible connection with Atkinson and his group of friends. I figured perhaps the psycho satan worshippers might get off on killing a nun. There is no evidence at all that there is any connection. However, Atkinson is a convicted rapist and a multiple murderer. He was also convicted of the murder of his landlady Rose Puz in January 1980.
Most likely, it is just a coincidence that a homicidal psychopath (that is how Atkinson is repeatedly described to me by police, lawyers, and anyone who knew him) lived in Ellwood City during the time that all these women were killed. It may also be a coincidence that this psychopath hung out with a group of guys who considered themselves satan worshippers and who committed horrible crimes, including but not limited to, violent rape and murder. It has been noted that the DNA from victim to victim excludes only one man committing all these crimes. Now police have proven that Elam and Rush were committed by the same guy.
Michael Atkinson was and is a dangerous, troubled, violent man. He also was convicted of many crimes but was ALWAYS WITH OTHER GUYS who helped him commit them. Consider this about Atkinson:
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?s=ee48a34667bdac48e904a77f8d278234&p=3394172&postcount=23
http://usminc.org/crime3.html
******* another interesting post I found on this subject ********
Pittsbughgirl-
You said you have done some research on the so-called "Pennsylvania Strangler", so you may be interested in exploring a little more.
I have been looking into the unsolved homicide of my step-father's daughter in New Castle, PA which occurred in 1975. One of the prime suspects in the murder is currently serving life in prison at SCI Greene for the 1978 double homicide of a young mother and her four year old daughter. My step father's daughter was four years old and was murdered along with her babysitter. The two murders occurred just a few miles from each other (yeah, I know, I asked the State Police why, back in 1980 when they arrested Atkinson, they didn't explore the possibility that the crazy satan worshippers might have something to do with the OTHER senseless murder of a four year old and a grown woman in a very small town, but they just kind of blew me off).
The 1978 murder victims were Kathy & Dawn Kadunce. The case was tried as a satanic ritual homicide and one of the perpetrators considered himself a high priest of satan (Frank Costal). Lots of press coverage, so if you ever look at newspapers from the past you should have no trouble reading up on it. I belong to newspapers archives.com and have gotten lots of info, but the New Castle News is only on-line up to 1977 so the coverage I have found is not as detailed as I would like.
Both homicides were done in a "group" and there seems to be some confusion among police as to who exactly was present. Michael Atkinson testified in the Kadunce trial (January 1981) and he changed his story numerous times. One of the men Atkinson claims was present at the Kadunce homicide allegedly committed suicide 3 months prior to Atkinson's arrest, leaving a type-written note before putting a bullet in his head. It is interesting to note that the victims of all the "satanic" homicides got a bullet in the head. Atkinson also claimed the husband, Larry Kadunce, was at the homicdes. Kadunce was arrested after Atkinson went to prison and was acquitted of the murders one year later. Kadunce still lives in the area.
Considering that Roberta Elam was a nun and Susan Rush was devoutly religious, I have been doing research to the best of my ability (I am out of state) trying to find any possible connection with Atkinson and his group of friends. I figured perhaps the psycho satan worshippers might get off on killing a nun. There is no evidence at all that there is any connection. However, Atkinson is a convicted rapist and a multiple murderer. He was also convicted of the murder of his landlady Rose Puz in January 1980.
Most likely, it is just a coincidence that a homicidal psychopath (that is how Atkinson is repeatedly described to me by police, lawyers, and anyone who knew him) lived in Ellwood City during the time that all these women were killed. It may also be a coincidence that this psychopath hung out with a group of guys who considered themselves satan worshippers and who committed horrible crimes, including but not limited to, violent rape and murder. It has been noted that the DNA from victim to victim excludes only one man committing all these crimes. Now police have proven that Elam and Rush were committed by the same guy.
Michael Atkinson was and is a dangerous, troubled, violent man. He also was convicted of many crimes but was ALWAYS WITH OTHER GUYS who helped him commit them. Consider this about Atkinson:
- He was convicted of various arson charges in 1972 (I can find no details, just the docket entry of the courts)
- He is strongly believed to have committed the violent double homicide of a four year old girl and her babysitter in November 1975
- He was convicted of a rape he committed with another man in September 1978
- He was convicted of the July 1978 double homicide of Kathy Kadunce and her four year old daughter Dawn
- He was convicted of the murder of 83 year old Rose Puz, his landlady, in January 1980. I believe she was strangled, but I am not 100% certain. She was also set on fire.
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?s=ee48a34667bdac48e904a77f8d278234&p=3394172&postcount=23
Special - Unsolved Murders - Interesting Reads
While homicide detectives in Ohio stalked the Cleveland "torso killer" through the latter 1930s, they were periodically distracted by reports of unsolved slayings from the area of New Castle and West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. No solid link between the crime sprees was established, but coincidence of timing, the proximity of common railway lines, and the unanimous decapitation of victims in both states have produced some tantalizing theories. No two reports agree upon the number of New Castle victims, and several accounts make surprisingly detailed reference to non-existent crimes. A retrospective survey in the local paper, published in December 1971, refers to eleven victims slain between 1921 and 1940, but a detailed review of newspaper records reveals only five murders, spanning a period of fourteen years.
The first victim, a young man, was found in a marshy area between New Castle and West Pittsburgh - later dubbed the "murder swamp" - on October 6, 1925. Nude on discovery, the man had been dead at least three weeks when he was found, and discovery of his severed head on October 8 provided no clue to his identity. As with the other Pennsylvania victims, he remains unidentified.
On October 17, 1925, a headless male skeleton was found in the swamp. The matching skull was unearthed two days later, along with that of a woman, killed at least a year earlier. Neither victim was identified by authorities, and no trace of the woman's body was ever found.
The local "headless murders" were a fading memory by July 1, 1936, when a man's decapitated body turned up on a slag dump of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, at New Castle Junction. The victim's head was never found, and he remains anonymous. Newspapers spread beneath the body included issues from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, dating from July 1933.
On October 13, 1939, another headless, decomposing man was fished out of the swamp near West Pittsburgh. Charred newspapers surrounding the body included month-old copies from Youngstown, Ohio, and the victim's head was found nearby, in an abandoned box car, five days later.
Were the Pennsylvania crimes and Cleveland's murder spree connected? Did Ohio's "Mad Butcher" first try his hand in New Castle, taking a decade off before he resumed activities in Cleveland? Detective Peter Merylo, stalking the headhunter into retirement, blamed one man for both sets of murders, plus 20 to 30 more kills, nationwide. The final truth has managed to elude police for over half a century, and it may well lie buried in the Pennsylvania "murder swamp."
http://www.skcentral.com/articles.php?article_id=488
The first victim, a young man, was found in a marshy area between New Castle and West Pittsburgh - later dubbed the "murder swamp" - on October 6, 1925. Nude on discovery, the man had been dead at least three weeks when he was found, and discovery of his severed head on October 8 provided no clue to his identity. As with the other Pennsylvania victims, he remains unidentified.
On October 17, 1925, a headless male skeleton was found in the swamp. The matching skull was unearthed two days later, along with that of a woman, killed at least a year earlier. Neither victim was identified by authorities, and no trace of the woman's body was ever found.
The local "headless murders" were a fading memory by July 1, 1936, when a man's decapitated body turned up on a slag dump of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, at New Castle Junction. The victim's head was never found, and he remains anonymous. Newspapers spread beneath the body included issues from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, dating from July 1933.
On October 13, 1939, another headless, decomposing man was fished out of the swamp near West Pittsburgh. Charred newspapers surrounding the body included month-old copies from Youngstown, Ohio, and the victim's head was found nearby, in an abandoned box car, five days later.
Were the Pennsylvania crimes and Cleveland's murder spree connected? Did Ohio's "Mad Butcher" first try his hand in New Castle, taking a decade off before he resumed activities in Cleveland? Detective Peter Merylo, stalking the headhunter into retirement, blamed one man for both sets of murders, plus 20 to 30 more kills, nationwide. The final truth has managed to elude police for over half a century, and it may well lie buried in the Pennsylvania "murder swamp."
http://www.skcentral.com/articles.php?article_id=488
Alleged hookers busted in the city
Two women face prostitution charges in connection with an undercover operation on New Castle’s South Side.
City police said they have received a high volume of complaints from neighborhood residents. And within 30 minutes Monday morning, two women had been arrested.
Stacy Kirkwood, 38, of 602 Gardner Center Road was charged with prostitution, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She remains in Lawrence County jail on $1,000 bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Brandy Lynn Bartley, 30, of 5393 Erie St., Edinburg, was charged with prostitution and released from custody. Bartley’s preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10.
Kirkwood reportedly approached an undercover officer stationed in the Lutton Street area at 2 a.m. Monday.
“Kirkwood asked (the officer) what he was looking for, and he stated he was looking to get some (oral sex),” a police report about the incident noted. “(The officer) asked how much for oral sex and (intercourse), and she stated ‘Both will cost you $30.’ ”
The officer agreed to the price and drove Kirkwood to the “designated take down point.”
When Kirkwood realized two police officers were following, the report said, she told the undercover agent to stop and jumped out of the vehicle. Kirkwood was arrested as she attempted to reach the Columbus Innerbelt.
Police said suspected crack cocaine was found in her purse.
The undercover officer then headed to the area of Home and Mill streets, where Bartley reportedly approached him.
Bartley allegedly told the officer that it would cost him $40 for the same services Kirkwood reportedly had offered for $30.
“(The officer) stated he only had $32 on him,” according to the report. “Bartley stated she would do it for that.”
Shortly afterward, she was taken into custody and charged.
http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/08August/Alleged_Hookers/story1.htm
Man allegedly assaults girl, 10
Man allegedly assaults girl, 10
New Castle News
New Castle News
An Aliquippa man faces an indecent assault charge involving a 10-year-old Ellwood City girl.
Joshua Freeman, 22, of 1404 Green St., Aliquippa, is scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charge at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in Lawrence County Central Court.
According to the documents filed by Ellwood police with District Judge Jerry G. Cartwright, the alleged incident took place in July at a home in the 200 block of First Street, where the girl was watching movies with a group of people that included Freeman and his girlfriend.
Acccording to police, the girl went into the kitchen to get a snack, and Freeman followed her, eventually kissing her and trying to put his hand into her pants.
The girl rebuffed him and he left the room, police said, but at a later date, Freeman again made advances toward the girl.
She and her mother reported the alleged incidents to police Aug. 7.
When questioned by police, Freeman allegedly told investigators that the girl had propositioned him and asked if she could be his girlfiend.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_240141527.html
Woman faces computer charges
New Castle News
A New Castle woman faces multiple computer crimes charges stemming from altered files at a Neshannock Township business.
The business, which Neshannock Township police did not name, reported July 30 that someone had gained unauthorized access to its computerized files and altered them.
After serving a search warrant, police said, investigators discovered that the computer that had been used to remotely access the files was located at the 224 E. Laurel Ave. home of Beth A. Edgerton. According to police, investigators subsequently determined that the 30-year-old woman had been involved in accessing the files.
Edgerton is charged with third-degree felony counts of unlawful use of a computer, computer theft and computer trespass.
The charges were filed Wednesday with District Judge Scott A. McGrath.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_240141402.html