REJUVENATION FOR A HISTORIC PROPERTY IN WILLIAMSPORT

The grant to clean up and re-dress the main entrance to the over 7 acre Williamsport Cemetery on Washington Blvd and Railway St is a grant full of money from multiple organizations and businesses to restore the Williamsport landmark. The Williamsport-Lycoming Community Fund , Dr. Randall F. Hipple Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) and multiple contributors are funding the major uptake to refurbish a property that was established in 1850. As reported by the Sun Gazette, the cemetery is where more than 3,500 souls have been interred, including 187 military veterans ranging from the Revolutionary War through the Korean wars.

MEETING ONE IN THE BOOKS FOR FIRE SERVICE

The first of several meetings to work to work towards a plan of mutual aid agreement between the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the South Williamsport Fire Department was yesterday.  In attendance will be fire administration from the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and members of the South Williamsport borough administration. Williamsport Bureau of Deputy Chief Keith Lucas reports it was a productive meeting, with a follow up meeting next week.

MORE CHARGES FOR LYCOMING COUNTY INMATE

Lycoming County Prison inmate Tanner B. Sanders faces more charges, according to state police. As reported by Sun Gazette, Sanders was arrested following a high speed pursuit in Muncy on Feb 26. Now he is charged with receiving stolen property for an incident that happened in December 2020.  Following his arraignment before District William Solomon, he was recommitted in lieu of $5,000 bail. Co-defendant, Dakota Adams, 21, of Hollidaysburg, has already been charged in the case and faces further court action on charges of theft and receiving stolen property when he allegedly stole 22 brake drums from the Opp Company on East Lime Bluff Road in Muncy Creek Township.

A HAZARD MITIGATION PROGRAM GRANT

The Lycoming County commissioners approved applying for a Hazard Mitigation Program grant which is designed to cover both phases of engineering costs for the entire design of the 1,100 foot culvert, Lawshee Run, which runs along Allegheny Street in Jersey Shore. Total engineering costs carry an estimated price tag of $882,500. As reported by SUN Gazette, once the grant is approved, the entire project would be funded through state and federal dollars. According to Lycoming County Rick Mirabito, the repair of the Run is estimated to cost over $7 million dollars. The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 10 a.m. March 24 at the Commissioners’ Board Room, 1st floor Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.

IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD

A bond counsel has been secured in the amount of $9 million for use in capital building projects by the Loyalsock Township School Board. As reported by an online news agency, the bond is required for coverage of projects the district planned for the high, middle and elementary school. These projects include a new gymnasium at the high school, five classrooms and cafeteria expansion at the high school-middle school complex and four classrooms.  Already borrowed for the project is $9.9 million.

LOCK HAVEN MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON

Aaron Confer, 23, of Lock Haven, was sentenced Thursday for his assault on his 3-month-old son in February of 2021.  Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury imposed sentences on one count of Aggravated Assault (F2) and one count of Endangering Welfare of a Child (F2), in front of a courtroom filled with several dozen attendees who showed their support for the injured baby boy as well as a handful of supporters of the Defendant.  Salisbury imposed an aggregate maximum sentence of 15 years in a State Correctional Facility, with initial parole eligibility after 26 months.

HARASSMENT AND STALKING IN DANVILLE

State Troopers have charged a Danville man with harassment and stalking. According to reports, it was in early March when, 61-year-old Louis Phillip Orlando, was charged after state police say he was harassing the victim. As reported by an online media source, Orlando fled but was captured and charged with stalking, harassment, fleeing and eluding. Charged were filed through Magisterial District Judge Toomey’s office in Sunbury.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

State Police in Milton are investigating suspicious deaths on Black Run Road in Buffalo Township, Union County.  On March 14, just after 8:30 am, William and Nancy Wise were discovered deceased, as reported by the Daily Item. The case remains under investigation. There is no threat to the public at this time.

VIDEO WINS AWARD FOR WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL

A Williamsport Area High School video produced to help raise awareness on mental health stigmas and suicide prevention received first place in a recent statewide PSA contest conducted by Prevent Suicide PA (PSPA). The video, created by members of the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, earned the top spot in the 60-second category through online votes received from both students and the broader public.The club will be recognized for their winning production at an upcoming MLB game. To view the high school’s video, visit www.wasd.org.

MIDDLE STATES COMMISSION INITIAL APPROVAL

The integration of Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities has received initial approval by the institutional accrediting agency, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Accreditation by Middle States is required by the U.S. Department of Education and assures students, families and communities the university has completed a rigorous review process and provides a high-quality education. Earlier this month, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education voted to approve the name Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania to represent the integrated entity for Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities.

THEFT OF COPPER GETS COUPLE JAIL TIME

On Saturday, just after 6:30 am, two Williamsport residents burglarized and stole copper piping and valves from a vacant building located at 1955 East Third Street in Loyalsock Township. State Police from Montoursville report James and Cheryl Kane took upwards of $205 worth of copper product. They were located, taken into custody, charged and committed to Lycoming County Prison.

FORMER BLUE JAYS PITCHER JESSE LITSCH TO LEAD CUTTERS IN ‘22

Major League Baseball and the Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch has been tabbed to manage the Cutters in 2022. Litsch was drafted in the 24^th round of the 2004 June Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and spent 5 seasons in MLB with Toronto (2007-2011).  Williamsport is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League which begins its second season in 2022. The inaugural MLB Draft League campaign saw a total of 39 players drafted by MLB Clubs and over 90 players signing pro contracts. The 2022 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Thursday, June 2 at Muncy Bank Ballpark as the Cutters host the State College Spikes. The team had previously announced new game times for the upcoming season with Monday-Saturday contests starting at 6:35pm and Sunday games at 4:05pm. Gates open one hour prior to game time. The 2022 season features 40 home games, more than ever before, and the debut of Muncy Bank Ballpark’s new $700,000 video board.

SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT MOVES TO HOUSE

The Senate unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States next year. The bipartisan bill, named the Sunshine Protection Act, would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year. But the bill still needs approval from the House, and the signature of President Joe Biden, to become law. According to Sen Ed Markey of Massachusetts, the original cosponsor of the legislation, “No more switching clocks, more daylight hours to spend outside after school and after work, and more smiles — that is what we get with permanent Daylight Saving Time.” Daylight saving time is defined as a period between spring and fall when clocks in most parts of the country are set one hour ahead of standard time. Americans last changed their clocks on Sunday. Standard time lasts for roughly four months in most of the country. Markey said Tuesday, “Now, I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to lighten up and swiftly pass the Sunshine Protection Act.”

EQUAL PAY DAY

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and other stakeholders highlighted the importance of Equal Pay Day and the importance of eliminating the gender wage gap. Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year women must work in order to be paid what men were paid in the previous calendar year. On average, women who work fulltime are paid just 83 cents per every dollar men are paid and nearly two-thirds of people making the minimum wage are women. Governor Tom Wolf has called for a minimum wage increase every year that he has been in office, and once again, he is calling for the General Assembly to raise the wage for working Pennsylvanians.

MEETING TO FIND THE AGREEMENT

A solid arrangement between the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the South Williamsport Fire Department will be the topic of a meeting today.  In attendance will be fire administration from the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and members of the South Williamsport borough administration. The meeting is aimed at creating an agreement, much like the one that is already in place with the Williamsport Bureau of fire and Old Lycoming township for over the past 20 years.  As reported by Sun Gazette, South Williamsport Borough Manager Steven W Cappelli described the current situation with the South Williamsport Fire Department as dire. He expressed a concern that there is a lack of manpower to respond to emergencies. For the next three months, the fire department, under Chief Tyler Dickson, will have the huge job of recruitment and recovery for a department that has been struggling.

GEISINGER CHANGING VISITOR REQUIREMENTS

Geisinger Medical Center has changed their visitor requirements. With COVID-19 cases on the decline, hospitalized patients will now be allowed four designated visitors instead of only two.  While patients are allowed to designate four visitors, only two will be allowed in the hospital room at a time. These guidelines protect the health and safety of our patients and staff.  Visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All patients and visitors must wear a mask when on Geisinger property, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors who do not comply with Geisinger’s policies, such as masking, will lose their visiting rights. 

PENNSYLVANIA AND FUNDING SCHOOLS

A marathon trial over how Pennsylvania funds public education reached an end Thursday but it will be months before a judge rules in the case brought by a group of poorer school districts against Republican state legislative leaders. The Commonwealth Court case, filed eight years ago, brought dozens of witnesses to Harrisburg over four months as the districts, some parents and two organizations challenged the size and distribution of subsidies approved annually by the General Assembly. The plaintiffs argue the current system denies students the “thorough and efficient system of public education” mandated by the Pennsylvania Constitution, while the top-ranking Republican leaders in the state House and Senate say funding has been growing and is adequate. The plaintiffs are six districts, several parents, the state conference of the NAACP and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools and they will have months to file briefs before oral argument on legal issues. It’s highly likely the losing side will appeal.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

A Maryland man was sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison for child pornography charges.  As reported by Northcentralpa.com, Marc Punzalan plead guilty in federal court for alleging sexually exploiting a child. It was upwards of nine years after a South Williamsport girl took her life, that Punzalan received his sentence. And during the sentencing last week, he also received harsh words from Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, who called his conduct “sickening.” The sentence will run concurrently with a 15-year-term imposed in 2015 in Maryland for the same charge involving four other young girls.

HUNTER’S MOTORCYCLE RIDE

The Community is continuing to support the family and friends of Hunter Reynolds, the fifth grader from the Warrior Run School District who died of injuries sustained due to a car accident on Feb 27^th. At 11am.  A motorcycle club, who gives to children on a regular basis, has stepped up and is holding “Hunters Motorcycle Ride” on Saturday April 30^th. The Penitent Souls Motorcycle Club is holding the ride to support the family of Hunter which begins at the Meadowbrook Cristian School in Milton .

EMPLOYMENT FIGURES

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment figures for January 2022, showing the state’s unemployment rate down one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.4 percent. January’s report marks the 21st consecutive month without an unemployment rate increase. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate rose a tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 percent in January. The commonwealth’s unemployment rate was 2.1 percentage points below its January 2021 level and the national rate was down 2.4 points over the year. Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – increased 4,000 over the month. The employment count rose 13,000, to 6,030,000, while resident unemployment declined 9,000, to 341,000. From April 2020 through January 2022, Pennsylvania has recovered approximately 79% of jobs lost due to the pandemic.

7 WAHS STUDENTS SELECTED TO PERFORM IN PMEA’S ALL-STATE ENSEMBLES

Seven Williamsport Area High School students earned their seats through competitive auditions to perform with the 2022 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s (PMEA) All-State Ensembles, the highest level a high school musician can achieve. Those students won the following spots: Chase Bower, Tenor 1, All-State Choir, Olivia Ciabattari (Chee ab aterri), Alto 1, All-State Choir, Lydia Hall, Soprano 1, All-State Choir, Michael Harry, Tenor 2, All-State Choir, Benjamin Manetta, Oboe, All-State Wind Ensemble, Sam Radulski, String-Bass, All-State Orchestra, and  Sydney Smith, Alto 1, All-state Choir. The group of WAHS winners will join their fellow high school musicians from across the Commonwealth to play during this year’s All-State Conference and Festival from April 6-9 in the Poconos. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance.

MEMORIAL TRAIL

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today joined trail supporters and elected officials to announce the official designation of the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a Statewide Major Greenway. The September 11th National Memorial Trail is a 1,300-mile system of trails and roadways that symbolize resiliency and character while linking the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville. The trail serves as a tribute to the fallen heroes who perished as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack and the many heroes who committed themselves to the response. In October 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation that federally designated the September 11th National Memorial Trail Route. Pennsylvania’s designation comes on the heels of federal legislation, H.R. 2278, passed unanimously by the House and Senate, then signed by President Joe Biden on October 13, 2021. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate the September 11th National Memorial Trail route.

COMPETITING WITH JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Williamsport city employees are enjoying restructuring of the Information Services Department within Williamsport City Government. In fact, employees have been given new job titles and a change in their pay grade to reflect similar jobs that exist in the private sector job market. These changes were approved at the most recent meeting of the Lycoming County Commissioners. As reported by Sun Gazette, the commissioners did their own research on the issue as well and as described by Commissioner Mussare, the Lycoming County pay rates are low. However, the commissioners were very supportive in the much needed adjustment.

K-9 UNIT RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM LOCAL MOTORCYCLE RIDING CLUB

A check to support the Williamsport Bureau of Police K-9 unit was recently donated by a local motorcycle riding club. As reported by the Sun Gazette, the Gold Wing Road Rider Association Chapter “M” of Williamsport, presented the check to Police Chief Justin Snyder, city Police Capt. Joshua Bell and city Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt. The donation is expected to be put into helping to offset overall costs associated with maintaining and training the police dogs.

WINTER NOT DONE WITH US YET

…National Weather Service in State College issued a WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY for Heavy snow expected with total snow accumulations of 5 to 7 inches and winds gusting as high as 45 mph for portions of central Pennsylvania. Penn dot urges use of 511pa.com to monitor both road and weather conditions.

CAR THEFT IN WILLIAMSPORT

Three Williamsport juveniles were arrested following a car theft in the 1000 block of Arnold Street on Tuesday afternoon.  The vehicle was tracked by GPS and the juveniles were identified by surveillance video.  They remain the custody of the Lycoming County Juvenile Probation Office with Vehicle theft charges filed in juvenile court.

AUDIT FOR SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

It was good news for the South Williamsport Area School District. A recent audit, conducted on the 2021 finances revealed no findings or discrepancies. As reported by SUN Gazette, Bakertilly performed the audit and presented it to the school board during a recent meeting, noting that the budget’s general fund appeared to be in good shape. Reports also say the business office was “very solid” and carries out good bookkeeping.

MILK DUMPED ON VALLEY ROADWAY YESTERDAY

Yesterday morning, Shamokin Dam Police Department (SDPD) investigated a 1 vehicle crash involving 1 person with entrapment.  At approximately 1143 a.m., Kevin Eberhart of Lewisburg was operating a Truck Tractor hauling approximately 48,000 pounds of milk when he failed to negotiate the turn in the road and rolled onto its passenger side, spilling 20,000 pounds of milk spilled onto the road.   Emergency crews cut part of the cab away to remove Eberhart.  He was Life-Flighted to Geisinger Medical Center from the scene for injuries sustained.

PURSUIT ENDS IN CRASH

The pursuit began on North Main Street in Muncy and ended in the area of Clarkstown Road in Wolf Township in the early-morning hours on Feb. 26 with the arrest of Tanner Sanders. As reported by Sun Gazette, not only did Sanders’ speeds exceed 90 mph, but he committed numerous dangerous traffic violations, as he attempted to flee police.  The vehicle pursuit ended with Sanders’ vehicle out of control, crashing in a field. The subsequent foot pursuit was short lived. He was arraigned before District Judge Denise Dieter on multiple charges, including felony fleeing police, and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 bail.

ST PATRICK’S DAY SAFETY MESSAGE

The Lycoming County DUI Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police will be conducting joint DUI enforcement details during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday If you have been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

MAIL-IN BALLOTING QUESTIONING

Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices considered Tuesday whether to throw out a state law that greatly expanded mail-in balloting, holding oral argument in litigation brought in part by some of the Republican state representatives who voted overwhelmingly for it about two years ago. The unusually long, three-hour session in Harrisburg could put an end to compromise legislation that in 2019 eliminated straight-ticket voting, a priority of legislative Republicans, in exchange for no-excuse mail-in voting. Voting by mail proved immediately popular during the pandemic. Justices did not indicate when or how they will rule, although Chief Justice Max Baer suggested that if they were to throw out the 125-page law it could remain in place through the spring primary, currently scheduled for May 17.

PRELIMINARY HEARING CONTINUED

A Northumberland County woman, caring for a 6-month old child, when the child accidently overdosed on heroin, has a preliminary hearing next month. According to the Daily Item, Lyndsay Gray of Shamokin was originally scheduled for her hearing on Tuesday before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic, but it was continued until April. In December, Gray used heroin and passed out, when she awoke the child was unresponsive and not breathing. Geisinger-Shamokin emergency crews revived the child with Narcan, an overdose reversal medication. Gray faces a felony count of endangering the welfare of a child and remains an inmate at the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bail.

SEARCH WARRANT YIELDS STOLEN PROPERTY

A “high-risk” search warrant served on a Bainbridge Street Sunbury residence on March 1, revealed financial documents taken from area churches, broken open safe and a stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle frame.  Joseph Kemper and Nicco Aurand were arraigned in front of Shamokin District Judge John Gembic last week and sent to Northumberland county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

INDICTMENT FOR PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reported a Northumberland County man indicted on production of child pornography charges. As reported by an online media outlet, 50-year-old Scott Snyder of the Trevorton area was indicted February 24. According to United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges on July 7, 2012 and July 13, 2013, in Northumberland County, Snyder produced child pornography in a case investigated by both the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI. If convicted, Snyder could face a maximum of 30 years in prison.  This case, part of Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

GAS PRICES RELIEF ACT

Governor Tom Wolf today applauded President Joe Biden’s plan to ban the import of Russian oil, liquified natural gas and coal to the United States in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Also today, Governor Wolf joined with four fellow governors to urge Congress to pass legislation that would address rising gas prices by suspending the federal gas tax until the end of the year. The Gas Prices Relief Act would alleviate the consumer cost of rising gas prices while protecting the federal government’s capacity to make infrastructure investments.