Backyard Broadcasting Local News

WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER COCAINE FOUND IN CHILD’S SYSTEM

An arrest last month of a Williamsport woman on several charges has been revealed following an investigation in which high levels of cocaine were found in her infant daughter.  Police raided the home of 33 year old Maria Sweeting in the city a day after her 1 month old daughter was taken to the hospital with injuries, transferred to Geisinger Medical Center, and found with high levels of cocaine in her system.  Officers raided Sweeting’s Brandon Avenue Home and found a safe with 58 grams of drugs as well as a stolen handgun.  She faces a number of counts, was charged on Friday and was originally jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail, since released.

MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, IDENTIFIED

The identity of a man who was struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport on Saturday night has been revealed.  Officials say it was 61 year old Mark Carlisle who stepped out in front of a vehicle driven by Eugene Caudell of Williamsport  at East Seventh and penn Streets around 9pm on Sunday night.  The city man was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where he is recovering from his injuries though his condition has not been released.  It’s not believed any charges have been filed.

RURAL HEALTH CARE PLAN

Residents in rural areas including those who seek help at the Geisinger Jersey Shore facility will see new ways in healthcare is administered thanks to a new state initiative. It’s been announced that the hospital in Jersey Shore will be one of five across the state to participate in the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model  The program will provide the hospital with stable funding while transitioning away from a traditional fee for service reimbursement model.  Officials say the program will allow the hospitals to focus more on the needs of their patients and communities.,  It also emphasizes closer relationships with community organizations to address social issues impacting patient care.

POSSIBLE SCHOOL CLOSING

Another area school district may be closing one of it’s elementary schools.  Officials in the Milton Area School District presented a plan for  the closing of the Montandon Elementary School to the board last night.  Declining enrollment there is being blamed on the possibility of the school’s closing.  The students would be transferred to another elementary school in the district which has close to four times the number of students.   School officials in Milton say the earliest they could make a decision on the school closing would be 90 days from now.

PRISON INMATE FACES CHARGES

A Northumberland County prison faces multiple charges following an attack on a prison staffer there.  The County DA’s office has announced the arrest of inmate David Klinger Jr. who they say attacked a prison records officer causing injuries to the man’s face, neck and leg.  It took other staffers to pull Klinger off of the man, and at least two other staff members suffered injuries in the attack.  Klinger faces three felony counts of aggravated assault as well as several other misdemeanor charges including simple assault and strangulation.

MAN JAILED AFTER MAKING THREATS

A Watsontown man was jailed last week after making threats there.  Police there say that on February 28th, 54 year old Kevin Houser started making threats that he had to kill people, while labeling himself as a guardian angel and former military sniper.  Houser, also reportedly said he was going to avenge the action of others.  He was arrested and arraigned on charges of making terroristic threats as well as harassment and was jailed in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

REAL ID AVAIALBLE

PennDOT has announced that Real ID compliant driver’s licences and photo ID cards are now available for  Pennsylvania residents who want one.  After October 1st of next year, the federally-accepted form of identification will be required to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door.  State officials say that currently there is no requirement that any resident obtain a Real ID and that they will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo ID’s.  The Williamsport driver’s license center is currently equipped to allow for over-the-counter issuance of Real ID.

NCCS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

North Central Sight Services in Williamsport has announced the appointment of their new president.  Current President Robert Garrett is retiring as of June 30th of this year, and after an in-depth national search, the organization has chosen Brian Patchett as it’s new president.  Patchess was most recently CEO of Easter Seals Nevada for 15 years and will join NCCS in April. NCCS officials say Patchett is a proven leader with excellent leadership skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together.

MORE ROAD CLOSURES

The Duke Street Reconstruction project in the borough of Northumberland is back in full swing, and Penn DOT reports that several streets are closed at Front Street due to the work there.  Prince Street at Front Street was closed on Friday and yesterday, Hanover Street and North Avenue were closed.  Those closures are expected to remain in effect until the end of June and Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.  Excavation also continues on the northbound lane of Route 11 from the railroad underpass toward King Street and a detour is in effect there.

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