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.

REBIDDING FOR LOSE PARK

A resolution was approved by Williamsport City Council reject bids by a contractor for the upgrades to Lose Park, located in the 1100 block of Memorial Avenue. The bid was upwards of $40,000 higher than previously anticipated, even with the limit placed on the available grant funding. The park is set to receive an upgrade that will make it a more accessible and neighborhood-friendly park. The city plans on rebidding for the construction portion of the upgrade.

KEEP PENNSYLVANIA BEAUTIFUL

The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (PennDOT) today joined a community litter cleanup as part of the spring Pick Up Pennsylvania campaign and encouraged residents, local leaders and businesses across the state to do the same in their communities. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful coordinates the statewide Pick Up Pennsylvania campaign each spring and fall. Gloves, trash bags and safety vests are provided by PennDOT and DEP. In addition, DEP and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association sponsor no- or low-cost trash disposal for registered events at participating landfills for the month of April.

DOMESTIC THREATENING AN INFANT

Milton state police said they were dispatched to Sandel Road in Winfield at 3:15 Friday afternoon in response to a physical altercation involving weapons and an endangered infant. As reported by an online media source, the police list a 33-year-old Winfield man and a baby girl as victims of assault. Police said 31-year-old Desiree Adams was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and child endangerment as they continue to investigate the incident.

FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST AN AREA POLICE OFFICER

A lawsuit in filed in federal court was filed against a Williamsport Bureau of Police officer by a Steelton man., Pa. According to northcentralpa.com, Keith Anderson, reports Officer Clinton J. Gardner pulled alongside him in a patrol vehicle and harassed him, before arresting him for his alleged failure to use the sidewalk and a failure to identify him, while he walked to his mother’s residence in Williamsport in July of last year. As written in the complaint, Anderson is suing Gardner saying he was illegally placed under and held under false arrest, then searched with no probable cause. Through his attorney, Joshua J. Cochran of Williamsport, Anderson is asking the court to enter judgement against Gardner along with costs, attorney fees, and punitive damages, according to the complaint.

1-4-3 DAY PLANNED

In advance of Fred Rogers’ birthday on Sunday, March 20, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Pennsylvania’s fourth annual 1-4-3 Day will take place on Monday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2022, encouraging Pennsylvanians to save the date and show their neighbors additional kindness, generosity, and love. The tradition began in 2019 and was intended to inspire a statewide movement to honor beloved Pittsburgh-native Fred Rogers.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS CAUSING PROBLEMS IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Northumberland County Prison Correctional Officer is looking at disciplinary action for posting inappropriate racial slurs online. According to an online media source, the unidentified female Corrections-Officer is accused of posting racially insensitive and inappropriate material on social media. The staff member has been placed on administrative leave beginning Saturday morning. Northumberland County officials reported the matter to be considered a personnel matter that is being handled by the warden.  The incident remains under investigation.

DOMESTIC WITH WEAPONS

State police in Milton reported they were dispatched to a residence on Sandel Road in Winfield just after 3 p.m. Friday afternoon for a reported physical altercation involving weapons and an endangered infant. The released report suggests a 33-year-old Winfield man and a baby girl as victims of assault. Desiree Adams was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and child endangerment. The incident remains under investigation.

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.