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.

STABBING IN WILLIAMSPORT

 Emergency crews in the city of Williamsport responded last night just before 9pm for a report of a stabbing. Police and emergency medical providers received a report of an active domestic disturbance, leading to a violent attack with a claw hammer. As reported by SUN Gazette, the victim was in the 1400 block of Memorial Avenue. With the known suspect being sought by police, this investigation into these reports continues.

RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL

One of the victims from the Friday night crash in Snyder County has been released from the hospital. A one-year-old child who was in the vehicle that landed on the roof of Golden Chopsticks in Shamokin Dam has been released from Geisinger Medical Center early Sunday morning. According to reports from an online news media source, the child originally entered the hospital in fair condition. Geisinger reported the child’s mother, Theresa Risso of Selinsgrove and a victim from a separate vehicle, James Haught of Shamokin Dam remain in critical condition.

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES, LANDING ON RESTAURANT ROOF

Shamokin Dam police say a total of five people were transported to the hospital following the incidents related to a vehicle crash reported just before 6 p.m. Friday – one of them was a Golden Chopsticks employee. Theresa Rizzo not only struck multiple other vehicles as she traveled erratically south on Routes 11 & 15, but her vehicle sheared off a utility pole, hit a median barrier, went airborne, and landed on the roof of Golden Chopsticks. In addition, officers reported the vehicle’s engine dropped out of the car and skidded into the restaurant. A fire was ignited when the engine crashed into the building, but fire crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Police are still investigating.

DEATH OF AN INMATE

An Allenwood inmate died Friday while he was in his cell, shortly after 12:30 p.m. As reported by an online media source, Tulio Lopez was an inmate at the medium security prison, where he was found unresponsive. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. The death remains under investigation. Lopez was serving a 120-month sentence at the time of his passing for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Import Cocaine since August 2021.

FIRE COMPANY COLLABORATION

It started on Friday at 6pm. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire will be responding, in conjunction, with the South Williamsport Fire Department. The Bureau will be responding to all emergency calls in South Williamsport, therein increasing response times and amount of staff responding to those incidents in South Williamsport.

21^ST ANNUAL EDUCTION CELEBRATION

It was a night of celebration and appreciation for students from nine area high schools, as they were honored at a celebration promoting students and their efforts.  The Williamsport/Lycoming Area Chamber of Commerce held the 21^st Annual Education Celebration on Thursday evening. As reported by SUN Gazette, Willow Perakovich of Muncy High School was chosen as the Outstanding Senior at the event. Other schools and their brightest students were honored, including but not limited to; Brennah Kennedy, Hughesville High School, Dustin Stoetzel, Jersey Shore Area High School and Allyia Kennedy, Loyalsock Township High School.  In addition, the educators received honors and the business Partner in Education award was given to PPL Electric Utilities.

RESCUE ASSIGNMENT AT WORLDS END STATE PARK

It took a rescue assignment, upwards of 50 responders and much of the day, Saturday, to retrieve five women from the trails in Worlds End State Park. As reported by Sun Gazette, the women required assistance when one of them fell on the ice. Although no one was seriously injured, the rescue was an intensive effort and risky for all involved.  The one fall victim was taken by ambulance to the Geisinger facility at the Pennsdale interchange.

PA SYSTEM OF SCHOOL ASSESSMENT EXAMS

Student scores on Pennsylvania standardized tests fell sharply last year in most categories, although state education officials cautioned the numbers were so distorted by pandemic conditions that they are of limited use for comparison to previous years — particularly regarding statewide trends. The Education Department on Friday released results of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams for grades three to eight that showed broad declines in both math and English language arts. The Keystone Exams that assess algebra, literature and biology for high school students had more mixed results.

WAHS JUNIOR ACCEPTED TO MOORE COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN’S SUMMER ART AND DESIGN INSTITUTE

Avery Sauers’ life has been anything but ordinary. Never taking the adversities life has dealt her as an excuse, she has cleared her own path to her ultimate passion: digital art. Born deaf, the 16-year-old Williamsport Area High School junior’s interest in digital art grew from her love of cartoons and video games — an interest cultivated and nurtured by her parents and teachers alike that is now driving her toward a career in animation or game design. The young artist recently was accepted into Moore College of Art and Design’s premiere Summer Art and Design Institute (SADI) in Philadelphia. The four-week, pre-college summer program will provide Sauers with the opportunity to explore popular tracks of study for credit, including animation, illustration, painting and game design. To help cover the cost of SADI’s tuition and fees, Sauers plans to hold two fundraising events at Eat-and-Run Catering, 1000 Commerce Park Drive. At her first event, Bold Beginnings, she’ll lead participants in painting a landscape beginning at 6:30 p.m. on March 31. The second event will run from 4-7 p.m. on April 10. That event will include an Italian dinner, basket raffle, an auction of her original paintings and a 50/50 drawing. Registration is required for both functions. For more information or to register, visit www.averysboldbeginnings.com.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLOSES EAST THIRD STREET

A driver, who was unnamed, was taken to UPMC Williamsport following a two-vehicle accident on East Third Street near the Interstate 180 overpass in Loyalsock Township yesterday around 2 p.m. This vehicle struck another, causing no injuries in the second vehicle.  A portion of East Third Street was closed until 4:40 p.m.

APPROVAL FOR THE SPLASH PAD PROJECT

At the Williamsport City Council meeting last night, the council approved plans for the splash pad project for Shaw Place Park.  Next, as reported by SUN Gazette, Jon Sanders, Williamsport City Engineer, needs to obtain cost estimates to design the water line and electrical installation. Thereby, comparing individual costs to the bundle package offered by the pad builder, VORTEX USA, for $300,000. Although the money to support this project comes from the American Rescue Plan, the projected installation would be fall with the first use in summer of 2023.

ANOTHER LAWSUIT FOR THE CITY

A second lawsuit has been filed, in Lycoming County Court, by a Williamsport police officer claiming he was passed over for promotions. As reported by SUN Gazette, Lt. Steven Helm has filed a second suit. This one, filed this week, is against Mayor Derek Slaughter and the City of Williamsport. According to reports, even though Helm has plans of retirement in April, this suit alleges Mayor Slaughter did not consider him for the newly created assistant chief position in May 2021.  Helm had filed a similar suit in federal district court last April alleging he was not promoted to assistant chief in retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights.

WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION CHARGE

According to a press release from the Pennsylvania State Police at Lamar, Troopers made a traffic stop on High Street in Flemington just after 2 a.m. Wednesday and found a vehicle filled with weapons and a suspected explosive device. The vehicle operator, James H. Schmidtberg, from Lock Haven, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of illegal possession of firearms and possession of a weapon of mass destruction. Schmidtberg was remanded to the Clinton County Correctional Facility awaiting a preliminary hearing on $250,000 bail.

NO CONTEST PLEA

William Allen Payne-Blakely, of Lorrain Ohio, pled No Contest this week to charges related to his August 2021 attempt to flee a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Clinton County.  Payne-Blakely entered pleas to Felony 3 Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Felony 3 Possession of a Firearm Without a License, and Misdemeanor DUI on Tuesday morning.   The plea was entered two days before he was scheduled to go on trial for the incident before Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury on March 3rd.  District Attorney Dave Strouse and defense attorney Fred Lingle had already selected a jury on the case and were scheduled to begin the trial at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.  Following the entry of his plea, Payne-Blakely was immediately sentenced to State Prison for a maximum term of 10 years, and eligibility for parole after 5 years.

NOT GUILTY PLEA ENTERED VIA VIDEO

Accused triple homicide killer Matthew Reed has pleaded not guilty, and could face the death penalty. As reported by an online media outlet, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matalewicz says Reed filed his not guilty plea through his lawyers Thursday in Northumberland County Court – he appeared via video and he meets three of the 18 aggravating circumstances in which the state can seek the death penalty if convicted by a jury. The crimes were committed, according to the district attorney, while one of the victims was a prosecution witness to a murder or other felony he committed, and the victim was killed for the purpose of preventing testimony against him in any criminal proceedings. In addition, Reed is said to have committed a killing while in the perpetration of a felony and Reed also committed the offense knowingly creating a grave risk of death to another person, in addition to the victims of the offense. Reed stands accused of killing 58-year-old Susan Williams, 59-year-old James Dicken and 17-year-old John Paul Dicken, all of Snydertown, in June 2021.

AUCTION FOR CLOSED RESTAURANT

An equipment auction, offering the public yet another way to celebrate the now closed Country Cupboard Restaurant is scheduled to begin online on March 7^th and run through the end of March. As reported by Northcentralpa.com, items up for auction include: tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, decor, leftover merchandise, and more. PCI Auction Group is the auction group running the online auction will begin on March 7 online, and will continue through the end of March.  The decision to hold an auction arose, in part, from the “outpouring of support and requests for different assets from the community,” according to Jared Mizrahi, President of the PCI Auction Group. “The best way to honor all of those requests is letting all interested buyers bid.”  Also, the sale of Country Cupboard assets—including items like furniture, fixtures, and equipment–will ensure company profits as the owners decide their plans for the space. Registration to bid is on www.pciauctions.com.