SUNBURY —
A Shamokin man who made a series of accusations against and swore at Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi during Tuesday’s meeting of the commissioners could face disorderly conduct charges, police said.
Dave Kaleta, who had successfully sued the county and Commissioners Clausi and Stephen Bridy for the right to enter the county-owned Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, has frequently attended county meetings and has been critical about the county’s handling of the Outdoor Adventure Area. The commissioners have since banned the public from entering the area.
On Tuesday, Kaleta once again spoke about the land, then spoke a second time during the public segment of the meeting.
That’s when the fireworks went off.
Kaleta grilled Clausi with a series of questions about Clausi’s personal dealings with several county employees and made accusations about the commissioner’s character.
When Kaleta exceeded the two-minute time limit residents are allowed to speak, Clausi demanded the Shamokin man be removed from the meeting.
Kaleta refused to go and directed foul language at the commissioner.
“The only way you will get me out of here is in handcuffs,” he told county director of security Ron Yeager. “I’m not leaving.”
Clausi told Chief Clerk Gary Steffen to call police.
Kaleta continued questioning Clausi after he was informed police were en route, and he gathered his things and left before police arrived.
Sunbury police spoke with Clausi, Steffen and county solicitor Frank Garrigan about the matter, Clausi said.
“This is out of hand and this has been several times he has disrupted the meetings,” the commissioner said. “This will not happen anymore. Commissioner Rick Shoch brings all his cronies to these meetings, and this must stop.”
During the meeting, Shoch denied he had anything to do with Kaleta’s attendance.
Steffen said police were going to interview witnesses to determine if charges were warranted.
Following the meeting, Clausi issued a statement and said he was going to look at pursuing legal action against Kaleta and any media outlet that printed the allegations made against him.
Attorney Melissa Melewsky, of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, said media outlets could be risking lawsuits if they reported the allegations.
No charges were filed at deadline Tuesday, and Sunbury Police Chief Steve Mazzeo said the incident is under investigation.
n Email comments to fscarcella@dailyitem.com.
News
Clausi calls police on speaker
- News
-
-
Governor says distribution center near Hazleton will bring jobs
HAZLETON — Gov. Tom Corbett says American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is planning a $160 million-plus distribution center near Hazleton that is projected to generate nearly 400 jobs.
-
House panel moves to curb military sexual assaults
WASHINGTON — Members of a House panel angry over sexual abuse problems in the military are set to vote on a bill that would strip commanding officers of their authority to unilaterally change or dismiss court-martial convictions — a change that lawmakers believe will lead to a cultural shift that encourages more victims to step forward.
-
Pennsylvania Constitution Center to display Bill of Rights
PHILADELPHIA — One of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights that may have been pilfered from Pennsylvania in the late 1800s will be on display in Philadelphia for three years, beginning with the 225th anniversary next year of the drafting of the country’s highest ideals.
-
Public info meeting on Rail Trail extension takes place tomorrow
LEWISBURG -- Rail Trail fans, listen up: An informational meeting on the proposed extension of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail into Lewisburg borough takes place 7 p.m. tomorrow at the William Cameron Engine Co's. training facility at North Fifth Street and Buffalo Road.
-
Gas line break forces one-hour evacuation in Milton
MILTON — Residents in Milton were forced out of their homes for over an hour this morning after a contractor working on Carr Avenue hit a gas line, according to UGI.
-
Today's Top Videos
-
Lewisburg schools lockdown lifted within 20 minutes this morning
LEWISBURG - Schools in the Lewisburg Area School District were locked down briefly this morning due to "a potential threat," according to the district's alert system.
-
Long-time Beavertown mayor ousted by 14 votes
Political newcomer Lee Hollenbach Jr. defeated incumbent Mayor Cloyd “Bill” Wagner in Tuesday night’s Republican primary.
-
Dunkleberger wins Republican primary for prothonotary
Justin Dunkelberger defeated Jamie Saleski 2,744-2,124 in a hotly contested Republican primary election Tuesday night for Northumberland County prothonotary and clerk of courts.
-
Persing wins Republican nod for mayor
Incumbent Mayor David Persing, who fought off repeated allegations in recent months by challenger Julie Brosius, won the Republican nomination by a landslide in Tuesday’s primary election.
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
-
FBI: Man fatally shot in Boston bombing probe
ORLANDO, Fla. — A man being questioned in the Boston Marathon bombing case was shot to death at his home by an FBI agent today after turning violent, officials said.
-
Fire destroys $60G cottage in Union County
WINFIELD — A fire swept through a Winfield home while its occupants were at work Tuesday.
-
2013 Primary Election - Top Races
Unofficial primary election returns
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
Republican
Justin R. Dunkelberger 2,744
Jamie Saleski 2,124100 percent reporting
Magisterial District Judge
08-3-02, Milton
Republican
Larry Redington 496
Mike Diehl 684
Lisa A. Riley 328
Seth M. Cotner 132
Democrat
Larry Regington 182
Seth M. Cotner 90
Mike Diehl 221Lisa A. Riley 218
100 percent reporting
Sunbury Mayor
Republican
Julie Brosius 200
David L. Persing 378100 percent reporting
Sunbury Treasurer
Republican
Stanley E. Geiswhite 176
Kevin E. Troup 388
100 percent reportingUNION COUNTY
County Coroner
Republican
Tod M. Steese 542
Dominick T. Adamo 1,04963 percent reporting
Gregg Township
Alcohol Sales: Do you favor the granting of liquor license for the sale of liquor in the Township of Gregg?
Yes 82
No 72
100 percent reporting -
Midd-West adopts preliminary budget
Faced with a firm deadline in which to adopt a preliminary budget for 2013-14, the Midd-West school board reversed its vote late Monday night and approved the $32.85 million plan.
-
Police file attempted homicide charge in baseball bat attack
FREEBURG - A Freeburg man, who allegedly attacked two people less than a week after he was released on bail, is now facing attempted homicide charges, according to police.
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
-
Driver, boy, 6, hurt in Route 15 crash
LEWISBURG — A 61-year-old Milton woman and a 6-year-old boy were hurt Monday night when their vehicle hit a guide rail and a concrete barrier before overturning on Route 15, state police at Milton said.
- More News Headlines
-
Governor says distribution center near Hazleton will bring jobs
