SUNDAY MORNING SHOOTING

One person was sent to the hospital following a shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday.  As reported by SUN Gazette, Williamsport city police responded to the 300 block of Court Street just ahead of 2 am for reports of shots fired. Police reported they found no evidence on the scene.  Reports indicate an hour later, police received a call from the Geisinger medical facility at the Pennsdale interchange regarding a non-life threatening gunshot wound at their facility.  City police responded, interviewed the victim and are continuing the investigation.

FIRE TRUCKS APPROVED AT WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL MEETING

At the most recent city council meeting, Williamsport Bureau of Fire received approval for purchase of three fire trucks. As reported by SUN Gazette, Williamsport City Council approved the use of $700,000 in various prior year and current Community Development Block Grants toward the purchase of two engines and a ladder aerial. Sources indicate the remainder of the $3.2 million price tag for the apparatus will come from the American Rescue Plan Fund. Council also approved the purchase of firefighter turn out gear and equipment, price tag upwards of $200,000 with ARPA funds.

SUSPICIOUS FIRE

A fire is now being labeled as suspicious in Selingrove. As reported by an online media source, the fire at 301 North Market Street is reported to have started under suspicious circumstances. According to Selinsgrove Police Chief Tom Garlock, surveillance video has concerning details. Although they are not releasing any other information, they assure the media the investigation continues. If you have any information regarding the fire on North Market Street in Selinsgrove, you are asked to contact the Selinsgrove Police.

OUT FOR BIDS

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has opened bids for the first construction contract for the southern section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project (CSVT).

According to acting PennDot District 3 Executive Justin Blakeney, “This is the first of three contracts for the Southern Section of the CSVT, which will ease congestion, improve safety and accommodate growth in the region and is a major step toward completion of this project, which will have a significant impact in the area. Bids were opened for the earthwork for the roughly 6 miles of new four-lane, limited access highway in Shamokin Dam Borough and Monroe Township, Snyder County.

LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL COURT

Indifference to racial harassment and discrimination were the charges alleged in a lawsuit an Army recruiter and his family have filed against Jersey Shore Area School District in federal court. As reported by SUN Gazette, the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. Middle District Court, names the school board, district Superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer, high school principal Steven Keen and assistant principal Elizabeth Seagraves. Reports say Adam Williams reported his son and daughter allegedly suffered from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

COMPLIANCE AND OVERSIGHT

Williamsport has $25.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds to distribute before 2026.  A daunting task, but at their most recent meeting, Williamsport City Council awarded UHY Advisors with the tasks of ARPA fund compliance and oversight. As reported by SUN Gazette, the firm, carrying a price tag of $85,000 a year for three years, has promised transparency with the public.

STORMS THROUGH AREA HAVE MANY IN THE DARK

As of this morning, PPL Outage Center still reported multiple locations in our listening area suffering from a power outage as a result of last night’s storms through Lycoming County. In fact, reports say nearly 1540 people remain without power and most do not have an estimated repair time. As reported by WNEP, a stretch of Route 118 was attended to by emergency crews, who, during the night hours were out tarping upwards of five houses. The storm took roofs and downed both trees and power lines in Lairdsville.

WATER MAIN BREAKS RAISE CONCERN AND WATER TO BE BOILED

Two water main breaks in Williamsport have caused the Williamsport Municipal Authority Several to advise several thousand customers to boil their water until further notice as a precautionary measure. The breaks have been repaired; however, those in the affected areas may be at increased risk from microbial contamination due to a loss of positive water pressure that was experienced due to a main break. The affected areas included: Hillside Avenue from Fox Hollow Road to West Fourth Street, West Fourth Street from Millionaire Drive to Daughtertys Run Road, Wahoo Drive (all), Towncrest Road (all), West End Terrace, including Terrace Lane, Centreline Avenue, Laurel Run Circle and Wisteria Lane and Nicely Lane from West Fourth Street to Fox Hollow Road, including Williamsport Area High School and Williamsport Area Middle School. Residents should not drink the water without boiling it first.

STRANGULATION CHARGES ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man attempted to choke a woman in an apartment in the 1700 block of Four Mile Drive in Loyalsock Township. State police were already present in the apartment due to a domestic and were able to restrain him. As reported by SUN Gazette, Steven Smith-Williams began the assault on March 26^th around 7:30 pm. Smith-Williams appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon for his arraignment on multiple charges; including, strangulation and aggravated assault. He was denied bail and remanded to Lycoming County Prison.

SUN GAZETTE FILED A RIGHT-TO-KNOW WITH LYCOMING COUNTY

A Right-to-Know request filed by the Sun-Gazette to obtain specific salaries of three county employees has been partially granted by the county government. The Lycoming County Commissioners, in the recent March 10^th meeting, approved not only new job titles for positions, but also changes in pay grades for employees in the Information Services Department of the city of Williamsport. As reported by SUN Gazette, Lycoming County had initially refused to release the specifics of the salaries.  The salary figures sought by the Sun-Gazette involved employees whose pay grades had been raised to 11, which has a salary range of $55,818.82 to $82,776.05.

UNSECURED BAIL SECURED BY LINDEN MAN

A Linden man allegedly used a hammer to break into a residence in Montoursville. As reported by Northcentralpa.com, Brian Bird during the nighttime hours of March 12, allegedly smashed surveillance cameras and threatened and verbally assaulted the residents of the home. Bird was charged with first degree felony burglary among other charges and his preliminary arraignment was in front of Judge Gary Whiteman. Bird was able to post his $10,000 unsecured bail and earn his release. Bird will appear before Whiteman for a preliminary hearing on April 11.

​

TROUT SEASON BEGINS TOMORROW

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is tomorrow — Saturday, April 2!  The start time is 8:00 a.m. throughout the 2022 season; the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 696 streams and 128 lakes open to public angling.  These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately Rainbow Brown and Brook Trout.  The Commission will also stock approximately 70,000 trophy-sized trout measuring 14″-20″.  Approximately 13,000 golden Rainbow Trout, weighing an average of 1.5 pounds, will also be stocked during preseason and in-season stockings.  During the regular trout season (Opening Day through Labor Day), anglers may keep up to five trout (combined species) per day measuring at least seven inches long.   To purchase a fishing license and trout permit, review trout stocking schedules, and find trout fishing tips, visit www.fishandboat.com.

FIRST GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM

The Wolf Administration today offered its congratulations to nine students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) in Williamsport who completed a four-year registered apprenticeship program in mechatronics — the first graduates of the program. With training in mechatronics, the graduates qualify for jobs in a branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electronic and electrical systems, and that also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, telecommunications and product engineering. Today’s graduates are: Scott L. Andrews Jr., Scott L. Barnes, Thomas R. Botsford, Christopher L. Fisher, Wade E. Greenly, Kyle B. Jessick, Carl E. Smith, Tyler Smith, and Curtis A. Stackhouse.

CONGRATS TO KEVIN PRADEL

A Pennsylvania College of Technology student was among only seven selected worldwide to receive a Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship from Helicopter Association International’s Technical Committee. Kevin Pradel, a senior in the four-year aviation maintenance technology major, was awarded a second-place scholarship that provides a tuition waiver for a helicopter manufacturer training school. Pradel, of Belleville, New Jersey, will attend the Leonardo AW139 helicopter factory school in Philadelphia. Pradel joins a distinguished list of Penn College students honored by HAI over the past 18 years; the total amount of association scholarships awarded to those students exceeds $200,000.

LYCOMING COUNTY PLANNING ON HOW TO SPEND THEIR $22 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS

The Lycoming County Commissioners reached out to organizations that represent the community to see how they would spend the $22 million in American Rescue Plan Fun allocations.  As reported by the SUN Gazette, the commissioners discussed generation-al projects for the funds.  All three agreed the projects should make an impact on the communities, while also helping the largest part of Lycoming County. The county received the first half of the ARPA funds last May and is set to receive the second portion in May. The allocation of the funds must be completed by the end of 2024 and then spent by the end of 2026.

NEXT STEP IS A VOTE OF THE COUNCIL

The Williamsport City Council’s public works committee has provided a positive recommendation for a firm to complete street paving inspection services. As reported by SUN Gazette, Bassett Engineering of Montoursville will be responsible to do inspections on both asphalt and concrete placements throughout Williamsport this year and answering items in the field, communicating between the contractors and the city. According to Jon Sander, Williamsport City Engineer, there are upwards of 20 streets for the paving schedule.

FRIDAYS ARE BACK

Williamsport is set to see a return to First Fridays. As reported by Sun Gazette, major groups are working hard to make Fridays a reality. Lycoming Arts, UPMC and the YMCA are working together to put a positive focus on children within the community.  Tomorrow, guests to Williamsport’s First Friday can expect artisans, artists, live music and many culinary treats. A kids’ craft space will be held by the Lycoming Arts in their gallery on West Fourth Street. Also present will be local food trucks and vendors downtown including Real Taste Taqueria, Taco Bills, Brusters, Mad Griller, MC Cafe and Dutchman’s Kettle Corn. Also, tomorrow, a pre-show performance by the cast of “Ragtime: The Musical,” a Community Theatre League production opening Friday at the CAC around 5 p.m. in the pavilion between the center and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A Williamsport man has been charged with possession of child pornography and more, in an investigation led by the state police North East Computer Crime Unit. As reported by SUN Gazette, Christopher Fraunfelter had upwards of 18 images of child abuse materials, which were traced to his email. He appeared before District Judge Gary Whiteman for arraignment, but was released on $50,000 bail.

PAYROLLS UP AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS DOWN

Pennsylvania’s payrolls recorded a big jump in February and the unemployment rate sank to a post-pandemic low, according to new state figures. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a percentage point to 5.1% from January’s rate, the state Department of Labor and Industry said. In a separate survey of employers, non-farm payrolls in Pennsylvania grew in February by 34,000, driven primarily by hiring in manufacturing and the trade, transportation and utilities sectors. At close 5.9 million, payrolls are at their highest point since hitting a record high of nearly 6.1 million just before the pandemic, according to state figures.

SATURDAY IS THE OPENING DAY OF TROUT

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission report they are ready for Saturday, as anglers are expected to hit the streams, lakes and rivers in force. In numbers, estimated due to trout permit sales, upwards of 1 and a half million anglers are set to fish on the opening day. The commission reported they stocked over 3.2 million trout, including rainbow, brown, brook and golden rainbow in 696 streams and 128 private lakes throughout the commonwealth.

DEER SEASON RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported results from the 2021-22 deer seasons, which ended in January. Hunters harvested an estimated 376,810 white-tailed deer. The statewide buck harvest was estimated at 145,320 and the antlerless harvest at 231,490. That take, overall, is down about 13 percent compared to 2020-21. That’s not cause for concern, said Game Commission Deer and Elk Section Supervisor David Stainbrook. The 2020-21 season was above average, and the 2021-22 season is back on track with previous years.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL ON REMOTE

Due to a water main break on West Fourth Street, Williamsport Area High School students – only – will be remote today and will operate according to their remote academic schedules. They will be held responsible for all assignments and any lapse in attendance.

All other schools will operate according to their regular schedules.

WALKED TO RAISE AWARNESS

Sgt. Ryan Hayslip, a veteran of the Army as he served from 1999 to 2007, began his 50-mile trek from Lycoming County to Lock Haven on Friday raising awareness for veteran suicide prevention. As reported by the SUN Gazette, the walk began with a plan back in November of 2021. According to Hayslip, the plan became to walk to as many towns as he could. The walk began  at 11 a.m. Friday at the Picture Rocks Fire Department in Hughesville. They stepped through Hughesville to Muncy, Loyalsock, Williamsport and South Williamsport, Nesbit, Nippenose Valley, Jersey Shore, Avis and Lock Haven with veterans and retired service dogs helping along the way.

TROUT STOCKING

Kettle Creek received over two truckloads of trout for the upcoming season. As reported by the SUN Gazette, pre-season stocking began just below Cross Fork by the Clinton County Conservation District on Saturday. The stocking continued, with upwards of two and a half truckloads of trout were taken to Northern Clinton County.  The 2022 trout season begins on April 2.

TWO-ALARM BLAZE DISPLACES FAMILY OF FOUR

A two-alarm fire in Loyalsock Township brought firefighters to Oakmont Drive yesterday afternoon. As reported by SUN Gazette, a family of four was displaced following the blaze at 1524 Oakmont Drive, just east of Bloomingrove Road, just before 6 pm. According to Loyalsock Township Assistant Fire Chief, the fire was ruled accidental and there were no reported injuries. The family, whose name was not released, was staying with friends, relatives or at a lodging facility. A state police fire marshal came to the scene and attempted to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

FIRED DUE TO ONLINE RACIAL SLURS

The Northumberland County Prison correctional officer, who was already working under a probationary period and used a racial slur online, has been fired. According to an online media source, Northumberland County Commissioner Kymberley Best reported a female officer was terminated last Wednesday for the incident. She goes on to say the Northumberland County Prison Board will then vote to complete the termination at its April 6 meeting.

FIRE DISPLACES TWO SELINSGROVE RESIDENTS

Flames tore through a Linda Lane home in Selinsgrove last evening. Dauntless Hook & Ladder Fire Company responded at 6:30 p.m to 5 Linda Lane where the attached garage on the ranch-style home was fully engulfed, according to assistant fire chief Jason Kaufman said. As reported by the Daily Item, Joe and Barbara McElroy, were able to get out safely. However, two vehicles in the garage and a third, which was  parked in the driveway, were burned by the flames and the home sustained “severe” damage. A state police fire marshal is investigating the blaze and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced couple.

THE GIANT CO. DONATES $8,249 TO WASD’S FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

The Giant Co. presented the Williamsport Area School District with $8,248.84  today to benefit the district’s food service program. The contribution was made with money raised through the company’s Feeding School Kids initiative, an effort focused on supporting food programs at local public schools to address childhood hunger. More than $1.4 million was raised in just under two months through the company’s round-up program at cash registers from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 at its Giant, Martin’s and Giant Heirloom Market stores. The company matched the first $250,000 donated by customers. WASD is among the public school districts to benefit from the program in the communities The Giant Co. serves across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

ACCIDENT LEADS TO ARREST FOLLOWING DISCOVERY OF LOADED FIREARMS

A Lock Haven woman lost control of her car in the 200 block of William Street. She struck tree just before 2 am on March 11.  As reported by SUN Gazette, Janeva Askey was in possession of two loaded firearms and methamphetamines. She was arraigned for a felony charge of carrying firearms without a license among other charges before District Judge Gary Whiteman and initially jailed, but since released on $10,000 bail.

TERRORISTIC THREATS SENDS COGAN STATION MAN TO JAIL

A Cogan Station man was arrested after he threatened to kill a woman in Old Lycoming Township.  As reported by Northcentralpa.com, Kyle Lewis Beck was involved in a domestic in a residence near the 3600 block of Pine Street.  According to reports, the incident occurred just before 4pm on Saturday. Beck was taken into custody and charged with first-degree terroristic threats and second-degree simple assault.  His bail was set at $50,000 during a preliminary arraignment with Judge William Solomon.

LOOKING FOR A NEW SUPERINTENDENT

The search for a new superintendent for the South Williamsport Area School District has begun. As reported by Northcentralpa.com, the current superintendent,  Dr. Mark Stamm, has resigned with his resignation was accepted earlier this year and his last day the end of this school term after 11 years in that position.  Business Manager Jamie Mowrey is in charge of the hiring process. The open position was posted on the SWASD website. Completed applications are to be returned by April 21.

UNSPENT MONEY FOR FAMILIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES

Governor Tom Wolf was joined by local business leaders to call on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to immediately use $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act dollars to help Pennsylvania families and small businesses that are hurting right now from inflation and rising prices. In February, Gov. Wolf proposed his $1.7 billion action plan. Today, he continues to call on the legislature to take immediate action on the proposal to put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and put the commonwealth on the path to prosperity.

RENOVATING LOCAL SCHOOLS

Renovations remain a consideration for Loyalsock Valley and Lyter elementary schools as reported by the Montoursville Area School Board. According to the Sun Gazette, there are eight options for the district. The project as a price tag of $10 million to replace heating and air conditioning systems with a less fossil fuel dependent natural gas operated heat pump to provide proper ventilation heating and cooling for upwards of 30 years.

OLD CITY PLANS

$20 million dollar proposed development in the works for the Old City section of Williamsport. As reported by SUN Gazette, the mixed-use development is set for review at the April 4^th Williamsport Planning Commission meeting.  Considered a part of Williamsport’s economic revitalization efforts for the East End, the property is along Basin Street and between East Third and East Fourth Streets.  With a letter of intent for development of the property from Lycoming College, the proposal is for retail and dining businesses, offices and residential sections.

MILL HALL MAN SEES JAIL TIME

A violent domestic involving an attempted strangulation in Mill Hall led to an arrest and jail for a Mill Hall man. On Wednesday, just before 9 pm, State Police from Lamar responded to a reported domestic violence incident at a residence on Main Street.  An unnamed 22-year-old male, arrested on domestic violence related charges, was taken to the Clinton County Jail to await arraignment. There is no information as to the status of the female victim.

TROUT STOCKING

On Saturday, a large number of volunteers showed up at the Laurelly Fork co-op Fish Nursery in Chapman Township for the annual trout stocking into seven local streams. As reported by therecordonline.com, a total of 8000 brown trout were stocked in local streams including Cooks Run, County Line, Drury Run, Halls Run, Hyner Run and the upper and lower part of the left hand branch of Young Woman’s Creek. The local area counts on the Nursery to provide fish to the local streams.  Pennsylvania statewide Opening Day of Trout Season this year is on the first Saturday in April, which will occur on Saturday, April 2.