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.

WASD TEACHER TO RECEIVE PENN STATE SCHOOL MUSIC’S 2021-2022 OUTSTANDING MUSIC EDUCATION ALUMNI AWARD

Williamsport Area School District teacher Jennifer Wright has been selected to receive the Penn State School of Music 2021-2022 Outstanding Music Education Alumni Award. According to the music school, the award recognizes “outstanding Penn State alumni for distinguished service to K-12 music programs.” Wright, a choral and general music education teacher at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School (LVIS), will be recognized at this year’s Penn State School of Music Awards Ceremony in late April. She’s also been invited to visit with and engage students in the school’s undergraduate music education program on campus this fall. Wright has been a music teacher at WASD for 13 years, having taught at Curtin Middle School for four years and at LVIS for the last nine years.

GOV. WOLF COMMENDS STATE POLICE AND CAPITOL POLICE FOR DONATION OF BODY ARMOR TO UKRAINE

​ Gov. Tom Wolf commended the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Pennsylvania Capitol Police for their effort to donate used body armor to Ukraine. The donated equipment will be delivered to the Vermont State Police and then, pending federal regulatory approval, will be shipped to Ukraine. The Wolf Administration is working with federal partners to obtain approval. The equipment will then be used for those assisting in humanitarian and life-saving efforts as they work throughout the war-torn country. PSP is donating approximately 90 used, nearly expired vests that were scheduled to be destroyed. The Capitol Police donated 24 similar used ballistic vests and 15 ballistic helmets.

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR GETS WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN JAIL TIME

Ready to fight, a Williamsport woman showed up at the 900 block of High Street around 4 pm on Monday. As reported by SUN Gazette, Nahjay Jackson was reportedly banging on the back door, attempting to gain entry. When the door was opened, Jackson was said to have pulled a handgun, threatening occupants of the residence. She fled, but was apprehended by police, who confirmed the handgun and it’s serial number obliterated. Arrested under multiple charges; including terroristic threats and possession of an instrument of crime, Jackson was arraigned in front of District Judge William Solomon and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

RAID PRODUCES DRUGS AND A FIREARM

Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit raided the apartment at 1545 Northway Road in Loyalsock Township on March 16^th. With search warrant in hand, agents entered the residence of Shavonte Dixon and Danisha Hasben and also seized drug paraphernalia, an undisclosed amount of crack cocaine, marijuana and multiple handguns. Facing multiple felony charges, the two were arraigned in front of District Judge Aaron Biichle. As reported by Sun Gazette, Dixon was jailed in lieu of $95,000 bail and Hasben jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

MONEY AWARDED FOR BROADBAND SERVICE

Comcast Cable Communications, LLC today are awarded state funds to assist with broadband expansion projects in Lycoming County, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). The funding was made available through the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program, or UHSB, which was created by the Legislature last year after the General Assembly unanimously voted to create the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.  Both aim to increase the deployment of broadband across Pennsylvania. The approved UHSB award to Lycoming County is $607,494 to Comcast Cable Communications, LLC to construct wired infrastructure for unserved areas in Armstrong, Bastress, and Limestone Townships.

BONDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

A resolution was recently passed by the Williamsport Area School Board. This resolution authorizes the incurrence of debt by the issuance of bonds with a total amount not to exceed $11.5 million for use on capital improvements. As reported by SUN Gazette, when to market the bonds is the next step for the board. At the same meeting, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bower discussed the improvement project for Lycoming Valley Intermediate School is in the design process. Also, public comments are still being accepted, regarding the Stevens Primary School, on the district website.

NEW DIRECTOR OF PARAMEDIC AND PREHOSPITAL MEDICINE PROGRAM

Brady L. Breon has been named director of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s paramedic and prehospital medicine program, overseeing the college’s bachelor’s degree in prehospital medicine, associate degree in paramedic science and certificate in paramedic practice. Breon had been an assistant professor in the college’s prehospital and paramedic program, having joined the faculty in 2005. According to Sandra L. Richmond, dean of nursing and health sciences, “Brady brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from paramedic/prehospital profession. His leadership will help ensure the Penn College paramedic program continues to provide an outstanding educational experience, preparing future paramedics to serve in our community.”

ADJUSTING FOR INFLATION

Tipped employees in Pennsylvania will soon have to make more than four times as much money in tips to be paid below the state’s minimum wage, under a new regulation that adjusts for 45 years of inflation. Monday’s unanimous vote by the five-member Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved a proposal by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration. The new rule could take effect in the coming months and primarily affects restaurant employees. Currently, employers can pay tipped employees less the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, to as low as $2.83 an hour if they make at least $30 a month in tips. Under the newly approved rule, that monthly tip threshold will rise to $135 a month to adjust for inflation going back to 1977. Wolf’s administration calculated that there are between 93,000 and 160,000 workers in Pennsylvania who are paid a tipped minimum wage of below $7.25 an hour.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

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.

TWO PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE TROOPERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, GOV. WOLF ISSUES FLAG ORDER IN THEIR HONOR

​Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Robert Evanchick confirmed today that Trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, and Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, were struck and killed by a driver earlier this morning on I-95 south in the area of milepost 18 in Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County. A male pedestrian was also struck and killed at the same time. The troopers were dispatched after receiving reports of a man walking on I-95 south. As they were helping him into the back of their cruiser, the female suspect attempted to drive past the scene. She fatally struck all three and the cruiser just before 1:00 a.m. and remained at the scene. Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia.

Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds fly at half-staff to honor Trooper Mack and Trooper Sisca. The commonwealth flag shall be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Friday, March 25, 2022, as well as on the day(s) of their funerals which have not yet been announced. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff through this tribute.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER OUTREACH IN MONTOURSVILLE

William McGovern, a Veterans Service Officer from the American Legion, will be holding service hours at Representative Joe Hamm’s Montoursville district office Wednesday, April 13. Bill can help veterans and their families navigate the VA benefits system and review other services offered to veterans. Areas in which the representative can help include Compensation and pension claims, Education benefit, Enrollment in the VA health care system and Burial and survivor benefits. You may call Representative Joe Hamm’s office at 570-546-2084 to schedule an appointment.

VOTING MACHINE MAKER WINS APPEAL IN GOP ELECTION INQUIRY

Dominion Voting Systems won an appeal in Pennsylvania’s highest court on Monday in a bid to ensure that any inspection of its voting machines as part of Republican lawmakers’ inquiry into Pennsylvania’s 2020 election be done by a laboratory that has specific credentials. The Democratic-majority state Supreme Court ruled 5-2, along party lines, to overturn a January decision by a Republican judge on the lower Commonwealth Court.

GOV TOM WOLF’S PROPOSAL FOR CHARTER SCHOOL

A Pennsylvania regulatory board on Monday approved Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal to subject charter schools to stronger ethics and accounting standards and to try to root out discriminatory admissions decisions, perhaps the biggest update to a quarter-century-old law stuck in the past because of political deadlock. The 3-2 party-line vote by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission was on a proposed regulation that, along with Wolf, was backed by Democratic lawmakers and public school boards and advocates, but opposed by Republican lawmakers and charter schools. Under it, charter school officials must adhere to state laws on ethics, by filing public financial disclosure statements and obeying conflict-of-interest laws, as well as following the same accounting standards as those followed by public schools.

APPEAL OF THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS

An appeal will be filed, challenging the tax-exempt status of the building housing the state Assistance Office at 300 Bellefonte Avenue in Lock Haven. As reported by therecordonline.com, the appeal was approved by the Lock Haven City Council at their latest meeting. 300 Bellefonte Avenue, with a total of five parcels, is said to be owned by the Stephen Girard Trust of Philadelphia and it was noted to have been exempt from paying real estate taxes in the past. City council moved to file an appeal with the Clinton County Board of Assessments, challenging that status. A check by The Record with the Clinton County Assessment Office earlier Monday brought word that a similar local appeal had been filed a decade ago, but was ultimately unsuccessful in the courts.

RECENT DRUG OVERDOSES IN SNYDER COUN TY

Two drug overdose deaths, within the past two weeks, have Snyder County District Attorney Michael Pee kick have been confirmed to be drug-related and an autopsy is pending on a third person to determine if that death involved drugs. He went on to say that investigators are concerned that there may be a “bad batch” of either heroin or fentanyl in the region. As reported by the Daily Item, there are “safe harbor” laws that protect anyone who provides assistance and remains with a person suffering an overdose against the possibility of criminal charges tied to drugs. Pee kick said all three recent deaths remain under criminal investigation.

PLANS TO REVIEW AND REPAIR

Grafius Run solutions to the flooding, which has caused street flooding and water to creep into basements,  is back in the limelight. According to Williamsport City Engineer Jon Sander, the recent plan involves the review from at least six design engineering firms.  The conceptual design would be provided to the Williamsport City administration.  One such concept involves the lessening of the flow of the stream by the collection of a majority of the water, storing it and releasing it to flow to the underground culvert entrance at the Highland Terrance and near Market Street.  As reported by the sun gazette, This should help to prevent trash racks from toppleing due to high volume rain.

CASE CARRIED OVER TO COURT

A Williamsport man had his case carried over to the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas. As reported by Northcentalpa.com, Mumin Cliett was accused of striking a woman with a claw hammer on March 6.  He was charged with multiple felonies after the hammer attack sent a woman to the hospital, suffering from life-threatening injuries. According to reports, Cliett also swung the hammer at a young child who was reported to try to protect the woman. With no bail, he is set to appear for an arraignment on April 11 in  the Lycoming County Courthouse.