RUSSIAN VODKA AND OTHER ITEMS TAKEN OFF SHELVES

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today instructed all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and licensee service centers to remove Russian-made products from shelves as a show of solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine. Russian-made Special Order products are also no longer available. According to Board Chairman, Tim Holden,  “As of today, these products will no longer be sold or procured by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Given the evolving political-economic climate, it’s just the right thing to do.”

RETIREMENT FOR LOCAL STATE REPRESENTATIVE

State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, made the announcement Friday that he will not be seeking another term in the state House. In a released statement, Wheeland said he was honored to serve the people of Lycoming County.  As reported by an online news outlet, while in office, among many other things, Wheeland focused on a strong education system and economic and job growth. With no specific plans when he leaves office at the end of this year, his options are open and he plans on spending more time with family. However, he plans do include staying in Lycoming County.

LINCOLN DAY DINNER

The 27th annual Lincoln Day Dinner of the Lycoming County Republican Committee was held at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport on Saturday evening. As reported by Sun Gazette, the event attracted candidates and held many of the larger topics maintaining news headlines, such as; economy, energy independence and lowering taxes. Invited guests included: U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser; U.S. Rep. Fred Keller and candidates for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey. Also, the Alvin C. Bush Award was presented to committee members Bob and Carol Pryor for outstanding volunteer efforts.

COVID-19 CASES IN THE AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported two new cases. Centre County added 15; Lycoming and Tioga 6 each. In the valley, there were 7 cases reported in Northumberland County, 1 in Snyder, 3 in Union and 7 in Montour County.

KINDNESS MONTH

The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties are proud to announce the third annual Kindness Campaign sponsored by Evangelical Community Hospital. This year, our campaign will be in the communities and schools of Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties. Kindness Nominations open on February 14th, and on March 1st, we kick off a year-long celebration of Kindness! Throughout March 2022, the campaign will focus on Kindness by giving back to the community, and they encourage everyone to get involved.

A NEW MRI UNIT

Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital installed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit as part of a multi-phase upgrade to its Radiology Department.  The new MRI equipment brings noninvasive diagnostics closer to home for patients in Jersey Shore who need high-quality images of their brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Through this multi-phase project, the Radiology Department will upgrade nearly every piece of equipment, relocate rooms and move walls for expansion — all while coordinating several logistics to avoid interrupting services for patients. Upgrades to the diagnostic X-ray section at Geisinger Jersey Shore were completed in 2021 and included a new portable X-ray machine, which is used throughout the hospital, including in the emergency room, operating rooms and inpatient areas. The next phase of the hospital’s radiology upgrade is the installation of a CT scanner, which is scheduled for completion later this year.

PENNSYLVANIA SHOWS SUPPORT OF UKRAINE

A show of solidarity and support for Ukraine was on display on Saturday night in Harrisburg. As reported by WHTM, the State Capitol Building was lit up with the colors of the Ukrainian Flag Saturday night.  Governor Tom Wolf condemned the war in Ukraine on Thursday, Feb 24 by releasing a statement of support, urging democratic leaders across the globe to unite and respond decisively to the unjustified and unlawful attack.

​VETERAN’S DESIGNATION

Nearly 800,000 veterans calling Pennsylvania home, PennDOT is proud to offer services that benefit the nation’s fourth largest veteran population. One service offered to veterans to show pride in their service is through requesting a veteran’s designation on their driver’s license or ID card. There is no charge for the designation; however, applicants must pay any applicable initial issuance, renewal or duplicate driver’s license or ID card fees. To qualify, a person must self-certify and have received a Certificate of Release or Discharge from active duty (DD214) or equivalent for service in the United States Armed Forces, including reserve components or the National Guard.  Veterans can further distinguish themselves through a variety of military-themed registration plates identifying their branch of service or depicting certain military honors received during their tour of duty.

HONORING OUR VETERANS LICENSE PLATE

Nearly 800,000 veterans calling Pennsylvania home, PennDOT is proud to offer services that benefit the nation’s fourth largest veteran population.  All Pennsylvania vehicle owners can show their support of veterans by purchasing a “Honoring Our Veterans” license plate which was authorized by Act 194 of 2012 and features an image of the American Flag and a Bald Eagle and contains the words “Honoring Our Veterans.” The plate is available for passenger cars and light trucks up to 10,000 pounds, as well as motorcycles and costs $35. Fifteen dollars from the sale of each license plate goes to the Veterans Trust Fund administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ARRESTED FOR SUMMER BURGLARY AT SCHMIDT BAKERY WAREHOUSE IN OLD LYCOMING TWP.

Old Lycoming Twp. Police was called to Schmidt Bakery Warehouse on July 25, 2021 after workers discovered damages in excessive of $10,000. Blood from the actor was found on the scene and tested at a lab. Christopher Bradley, a recently terminated employee, was interviewed by police and lab test confirmed the blood was his. On Feb 25^th, BRADLEY was arraigned in front of District Judge Solomon on multiple charges including felony burglary and criminal trespass. BRADLEY was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

IDENTIFIED THE SHOOTER IN COURT

A Lycoming County man, recovering in a wheelchair from a gunshot wound, identified the man who shot him in a courtroom on Thursday. Adam Butler identified Nigel A. Lee as the man who allegedly shot him outside Mark Baskin’s mobile home at 94 Vilas Drive on Feb. 4. Butler explained to the court the bullet was not removed and sits dangerously close to his spine. As reported by Sun Gazette, Judge Dieter found sufficient evidence to hold Lee on the multiple state police charges, including; attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Lee remains jailed in the Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

FATE OF ANOTHER LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Costs, funds and declining enrollments were the issues involved in the discussion of the Loyalsock Valley Elementary School. The Montoursville Area School Board discussed the fate of the school, while weighing in cost and work needed to complete the multi-buildings improvement project. Multiple options have been provided by the architectural firm of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates for upgrading educational facilities.

COVID CASES IN LOCAL COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new cases of COVID-19.  Clinton County reported five new cases. Centre County added 27 and Lycoming County listed 14. Tioga County added 7. In the Valley, there were 14 in Union County, 13 in Northumberland, five in Snyder and three in Montour.

COMMONWEALTH SUPPORTS UPS

Throughout his administration, Governor Tom Wolf has supported the creation of more than 45,200 jobs in the commonwealth through the Governor’s Action Team. Today, he visited the future location of the United Parcel Service (UPS) Northeast Regional Hub, which is one of four UPS locations supported by the state to create 1,721 new, full-time jobs. Founded in 1907 as a messenger company in the United States, UPS has grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation by focusing on the goal of enabling commerce around the globe.

LOCK HAVEN MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING BURGLARY CHARGE

On Thursday of last week a Lock Haven man was among those who had to flee their E. Main Street home when an explosion and fire set the residence ablaze. On Thursday of this week, city police announced the arrest of that man, 32-year-old Chadwick Thomas Elliot.  As reported by therecordonline.com,  Chadwick Thomas Elliott, 32, Lock Haven, and Donald Mincer III, 32, Mill Hall, have been charged with Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy – Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Conspiracy – Trespass, Theft, Criminal Conspiracy – Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Criminal Mischief.   On 12-21-21, Elliott and Mincer were found in a residence in the 700 block of E Main St when they did not have permission to be there.  Arrest warrants were obtained for Elliott and Mincer.  On 02-18-22, when the arrest warrant was server on Elliott, he resisted arrest and attempted to bite a police officer.  Due to these actions, Elliott was also charged with Resisting Arrest. Elliot was among five people who had fled the duplex fire at 723-725 E. Main Street last Thursday night. The fire caused $80,000 damage, its cause officially undetermined.

BUCKNELL RESPONDS

Bucknell University reported they filed preliminary objections on a whistleblower complaint by former Bucknell Public Safety Officer Colby M. Snook. The paperwork, turned into the Union County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday requested the dismissal of the complaint.  Bucknell, according to the Daily Item, cited the lack of evidence wrongdoing, as alleged by Snook and they also denied mistreatment by other Bucknell employees.  In an official release, Bucknell reported it was aware of the plaintiff’s complaint to the Union County District Attorney and they are also aware it was forwarded to the Pa Attorney General over six months ago.  The university has not received any official contact from the Attorney General suggesting that the investigation will result in charges, but it remains prepared and willing to cooperate in the investigation, should it move forward.

PHEAA OFFERING WEBINARS

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several statewide webinars in the coming weeks. On Monday, Feb. 28, and Monday, April 18, from 6-7 p.m., PHEAA will present an overview of the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The event will guide students and families through a step-by-step process for filing the FAFSA and state grant application.
On Monday, March 7, from 6-7 p.m., and Monday, March 28, from noon to 1 p.m., PHEAA will host a webinar on understanding the financial decision students need to make concerning higher education, including higher education costs, types of financial aid available and how to apply for financial aid. Finally, on Wednesday, April 13, from 6-7 p.m., PHEAA will present a webinar on planning and goal setting that high school juniors should be working on to prepare for the financial aid process they’ll face as seniors. To register for any of the seminars, please visit PHEAA.org/virtual.

WOLF WANTS MAIL-IN VOTING TO STAY

The Wolf administration on Thursday asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to keep the state’s mail-in voting law in place while the justices consider a lower-court ruling throwing it out. If the Commonwealth Court’s ruling stands, the 2-year-old voting law would no longer be in effect as of March 15 — a week after the Supreme Court is expected to hear oral argument in the case. Mail-in voting proved very popular during the pandemic, particularly with Democrats, as nearly 5 million votes were cast by mail over 2020-21. As of August, nearly 1.4 million Pennsylvania voters were signed up for permanent mail-in voting notification.

REGIONALIZATION CLOSER TO REALITY

The Executive Director of USDA-Rural Development for Pa., Bob Morgan traveled to meet with Lycoming County Commissioners, leaders of Jersey Shore government and public safety to explore the numerous funding opportunities to construct a Regional Public Safety building in order to consolidate and regionalize police, EMS, fire, and other government offices. As reported by northcentralpa.com, the price tag may reach upwards of $10.5 million, but it is already partially funded through $1 million RACP grant funds.

MONDAY WALK OUT AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

PennLive is reporting… An estimated 300 Bucknell students walked out of class Monday afternoon to rally and demand answers and accountability from the university administration and Public Safety.  Jillie Santos, a senior, cited the allegations that recently retired public safety Chief Stephen J. Barilar destroyed evidence in a case in which a female student reported a male using his cell phone invaded her privacy in a dormitory restroom. She also referred to the whistleblower suit against Bucknell by former public safety officer Colby M. Snook who claims he resigned Nov. 15 because of the retaliation for reporting the alleged destruction of evidence.

RETURNING TO THE FRONT BURNER IN WILLIAMSPORT

The revitalization of Park Avenue in Williamsport is back on the front burner for Williamsport City Council. Funding continues to be the resounding question, with the potential funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act funding.  In fact, as reported by SUN Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter noted the Park Avenue neighborhood has been part of his administrative goals.  The benefits to revitalization include improved connectivity to downtown with better sidewalks and streetscape that will eventually provide the section with its own identity.

CRASH SENDS ONE TO THE HOSPITAL AND GAS LEAK

One person was taken to the hospital after a vehicle crashed into a home in Danville Tuesday afternoon. As reported by an online media outlet, the crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. at 314 Bloom Street. Communications say the vehicle struck a gas heater in the home causing a gas leak.

TOURS AND PROPOSALS

Williamsport City Hall tours to begin soon and Williamsport City Mayor Derek Slaughter is looking forward to the process and seeing the end result for the City Hall. The historic building built between 1888 and 1891 is open for tours and proposals. Proposals for real estate brokers and private parties will be available on PennBid. Bids open until April 8. Slaughter stresses the city is keeping all options open and selling is not the only one on the table.

VEHICLE THEFT LANDS HUGHESVILLE MAN IN HOT WATER

A Hughesville man has been jailed on charges his allegedly stole his estranged wife’s SUV from Loyalsock Township in early February. As reported by the SUN Gazette, Timothy Savage faces multiple charges including felony theft, felony receiving stolen property and arraigned before District Judge William Solomon and then committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

KELLER TOURS THE AREA

Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) spent last week visiting with businesses and learning institutions across Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, giving an update on his efforts in Congress to expand opportunities for career and technical education while promoting economic development and job creation throughout the region. On Tuesday, Keller toured Sivana Converting, an industrial hemp manufacturer in Sunbury.

COVID CASES IN AREA COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 16 new cases. Centre County added 45 and Lycoming County listed 27. Tioga County added 11.In the Valley, there were 53 cases added since Sunday, including 30 in Northumberland County, 11 in Union, seven in Montour and five in Snyder.

PARK AVENUE RENOVATION AND REVITALIZATION

The revitalization of Park Avenue in Williamsport is back on the front burner for Williamsport City Council. Funding continues to be the resounding question, with the potential funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act funding.  In fact, as reported by SUN Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter noted the Park Avenue neighborhood has been part of his administrative goals.  The benefits to revitalization include improved connectivity to downtown with better sidewalks and streetscape to provide the section of the city its own identity.

CONGRESSIONAL MAPS RETURN TO NEWS

A federal lawsuit claims the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would overstep its authority by selecting a new set of congressional district maps, and the plaintiffs also want a restraining order to prevent the state justices from changing the election calendar. Two Republicans running for Congress, a member of the election board in rural Susquehanna County and two others sued the governor and two high-ranking state elections officials this month, arguing the stalemate over passing new maps should require all 17 races to be run as “at-large” statewide contests this year. An emergency request for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction was filed Monday. Three days earlier, the state Supreme Court held oral argument about which of the competing proposals it should adopt for the state’s congressional delegation.

BLIGHTED PROPERTIES COMMITTEE LOOKING INTO MORE PROPERTIES

City of Williamsport Blighted Properties Committee continues to review multiple residential and commercial locations recently considered officially blighted. Included in the list is the former Webster School at 1663 Memorial Ave, a structure deemed condemned in 2012 with no real progress to remedy that since. As reported by the Sun Gazette, the owners, Olivewood Complex LLC, will be notified by certified letter with time to appeal the committees decision. As explained by Joseph Gerardi, Williamsport City Codes Administrator, normally, owners are given the amount of time before the next committee meeting.

FATAL ACCIDENT ON SATURDAY MORNING

The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office was called regarding the death of 25-year-old Shawn M. Smith of Trout Run who was pronounced dead in the Emergency Room at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport just after 9:30 am Saturday morning. The deceased was traveling west on East 3rd St. in a pickup truck at an apparent high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle crashing head on into the New Covenant United Church of Christ, leaving a hole in the side of the structure.   He was unbelted suffering multiple blunt force injuries and despite resuscitative efforts he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Emergency Room. No damage estimates were provided for the structure.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE BID

Lycoming County Commissioners approved Wolyniec Construction Inc. to begin the county’s second phase of the bridge-bundling program, with a bid of $1,776,771.  With work to begin sometime in the beginning of April, bridges set for work inside bundle 2 are bridges from Jersey Shore borough and the townships of Loyalsock, Franklin, Susquehanna and Moreland. Also included for bundle 2 is waterline relocation work to be completed in Jersey Shore and Loyalsock Township. All 17 bridges in the program will be built by the end of next year, inside the muti-tiered bridge-bundle methodology, allowing municipalities to contract work with group projects as opposed to individually.

AMISH BUGGY STRUCK ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON

A motor vehicle struck an Amish horse-drawn buggy as it traveled north on Route 44, near Shed Road, Sunday afternoon just before 2:00 pm.  The motor vehicle ran into the rear of the buggy, as both were traveling north, throwing all nine members of the Amish family out of the buggy and destroying the buggy. Four of the nine members of the family sustained non-serious injuries.  As reported by Sun Gazette, the injured were taken to area hospitals. State police said the woman driving the car was not hurt, and neither was the horse.

COVID CASES IN AREA COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported four new cases. Centre County added 38 cases and Lycoming County listed 15 new cases. Tioga County added 12. In the Valley, there were 16 in Northumberland County, six in Montour and two in Union. There were no new cases in Snyder County.

A MONUMENTAL MEETING FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL

The community showed up in numbers to the Williamsport City Council Meeting, the draw seemed to be one of the big ticket items, transportation. It was by unanimous vote that City Council chose to favor the creation of a transit authority with the end goal of relieving the city of dealing with the finances for the local bus system. The authority will begin to oversee River Valley Transit starting on July 1 without effecting either bus day to day operation or employees.

LOOKING TO ADD TO THE WORKFORCE

It is back to work inside the Shop-Vac plant located at 2323 Reach Road in Williamsport. Following the sudden closure, September 2020, the plant was silent until January, when Hangzhou Equipment Holdings LLC acquired the assets of Shop-Vac Corp, including the Williamsport plant. As projected, the group re-hired a number of employees who were separated after the company’s shut down. Charlie Lawrence, chief operating officer of Shop-Vac USA LLC, in a recent interview with SUN Gazette, reported the facility could use another 25 workers. He’s excited to tell more people about the Shop-Vac story and wants employees with the right attitude who want to join a winning team.

GOING TO SALE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

A sheriff’s sale is the final story for a local staple who has suffered greatly through the years. The Lycoming Mall in Muncy Township, with 13 stores left, will see a sale on May 6 due to the failure to pay thousands in water and sewer bills. As reported by northcentralpa.com, overdue bills include those to Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority, who by the way, filed a judgment at the Lycoming County courthouse against Lycoming Mall Realty Holdings, LLC. As reported in court paperwork, judgement total is $240,282.35.

AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE IN LOCK HAVEN

Seven different fire companies responded for a reported explosion and fire at at 725 E. Main Street in Lock Haven last evening. According to Lock Haven Fire Chief Bob Neff the flames caused significant damage to the residence and moderate damage in the neighboring unit at 723 E. Main Street. As reported by therecordonline.com, the occupants of the two-and-half story brick structure escaped without injury. Firemen from all three Lock Haven companies, along with Dunnstown, Flemington, Avis and Castanea responded. The fire remains under investigation.

COVID CASES FOR THE UPPER TIER

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new cases. Clinton County reported 13 new cases Centre County added 48 cases and Lycoming County listed 16 new.

CHARGES FILED IN SUNBURY STABBING

A February 6^th stabbing in Sunbury has two Sunbury men facing charges.  As reported by the Daily Item, Blake Dunbar and Paul Byer were officially charged with simple assault and recklessly endangering, while Dunbar also faces additional tampering with evidence charges. The men will now appear in front of Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey to face their charges.

IN TOUCH SUNDAY MORNING WZXR (6:30 AM), WILQ (6:40 AM), WBZD (7 AM), WHTO (720 AM) AND TWIN VALLEY TALK NETWORK (11 AM)

The Ronald McDonald House in Danville is more than a house. Michael Turless, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House in Danville explains that the house is a place where parents can sleep, eat a meal, wash clothes and take a breath, all without cost, while their child receives the medical care they need. Sitting on the campus of GMC, Danville, the House is also participating in Raise the Region on March 9^th and 10^th. To learn more, tune in to In Touch on Sunday morning.

IN TOUCH SUNDAY MORNING WZXR (6:30 AM), WILQ (6:40 AM), WBZD (7 AM), WHTO (720 AM) AND TWIN VALLEY TALK NETWORK (11 AM)

Emily Gorski, Founder of DIG Furniture Bank, a unique non-profit organization based in Union County. Emily explains they provide furniture, household needs and even art to those who have just experienced a life changing event, such as divorce or incarceration (among others).  DIG Furniture Bank is also participating in Raise the Region Fundraiser on March 9^th and 10^th. But, you can learn more about the DIG Furniture Bank on the Backyard Broadcasting’s In Touch, Sunday morning.