PENNSYLVANIA COURTS ACCUSED OF VIOLATION OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The U.S. Dept. of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing the Pennsylvania Judicial System of violating federal law, saying several lower court judges have barred defendants from taking their prescribed medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder while in drug treatment courts.  The lawsuit comes a week after attorneys from the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division sent a letter to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.  It cited at least three complaints from people being forced off their legal medication by courts in two Pennsylvania counties in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

RATE INCREASE PROPOSED

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted Thursday to investigate the proposed natural gas service rate increase filed by UGI Utilities, Inc. The rate changes proposed by UGI would generate $82.7 million, a 7.8% increase in annual revenues.  The commission voted 3-0 to suspend and investigate UGI’s rate increase request.  Under the rate increase proposed by UGI, the total average monthly bill of a residential customer could increase from $98.62 to $108.01 per month or by 9.5%.  The suspension is set for 7 months while the investigation continues.

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES IN THE AREA COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released new COVID-19 numbers for our area.  There were 18 new cases in Union, 17 in Montour, 8 in Northumberland and 4 in Snyder County. In Lycoming County there were 22 new cases. Center added 30, Clinton 8, Tioga 7 and there were 22 cases added yesterday in Columbia County.

PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LANDS MAN IN FEDERAL PRISON

A Northumberland County man faces charges of producing child pornography.  On Thursday, Scott Eric Snyder was indicted and faces upwards of 30 years in a federal prison stemming from incidents on July 7, 2012 and July 13, 2013 in Northumberland County.  As reported by the Daily Item, the case began with a state police investigation in 2019, which was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

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.

APPROVED REVISED SITE PLAN

Dunkin Donuts drive through on E. Third Street in Loyalsock Township may soon be getting a much needed face lift. At the Loyalsock Township Supervisors meeting last evening, PennDot and the township approved the revised site plan. In such, Dunkin is set to begin the reconstruction of its drive through to include two lanes and stretch through its property and wrap around the building. According to Loyalsock Township Manager William Burdett, this may reduce traffic tie ups on 3^rd E. Street, by allowing upwards of 25 more cars to be in line and not on the street. The time required to begin or complete the construction has not been discussed.

YEARLY BIDS APPROVED

Competitive bids were received and accepted at the Tuesday night Loyalsock Township Supervisors meeting. According to Loyalsock Township Manager William Burdett, the township obtains various competitive bids, once a year. These bids not only assist in saving the township money, but they allow any contractor to enter a bid, with the possibility they would be chosen. Approved at the meeting were bids for paving and paving materials, line painting, tree removal, stones and others.

BUS SERVICE UNDER AGREEMENT

It was called an intergovernmental agreement and it was signed by the Loyalsock Township Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday night. This agreement is a contract between Loyalsock Township and River Valley Transit. Although it is unclear when River Valley Transit completes the move to the authority, this contract covers bus service in the township until a new contract is constructed with the new entity, the authority.

SPLIT INTO TWO DISTRICTS

Following the Wednesday ruling by the state Supreme Court, Lycoming County officials are left scratching their heads as the Lycoming County is fractured into two distinct districts. As reported by Sun Gazette, the updated redistricting map illustrates the City of Williamsport and Loyalsock Township in the 9^th Congressional District under U.S. Representative Dan Meuser. Meanwhile, Jersey Shore borough and Old Lycoming Township fall into the 15^th Congressional District and under U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson. Now, election petitions for congressional and statewide offices can move forward.

FRACTURED DISTRICTS IN COMMONWEALTH

Split into two districts. Following the Wednesday ruling by the state Supreme Court, Lycoming County officials are left scratching their heads as the Lycoming County is fractured into two distinct districts. But the ruling did not do is address party offices and state legislative offices. As reported by the SUN Gazette, the ruling however, did set the amount of time congressional and statewide candidates have to file petitions to run in the primary, which remains slated for May 17. Prospective candidates can file their petitions Friday through March 15.

FALL AND SPRING HEAD COACHES APPROVED

The Muncy School Board approved the reappointments of several head coaches for varsity sports teams and approved the official school calendar. As reported by SUN Gazette, the returning head coaches for upcoming spring and fall seasons are: Sean Tetreault, football; Jason Gresh, girls’ soccer; John Karichner, boys’ soccer; Rae-Ellah Biddle, field hockey; and Joann Reeves, girls tennis. The board approved Shawn Finn and Michael Weber Jr. as assistant baseball coaches and Bob Koslop as an assistant softball coach. The board approved the calendar for the 2022-23 school years. The first day of school is set for Aug. 29, 2022. The last day will be June 2, 2023.

COVID CASES IN AREA COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new cases. Clinton County reported 12 new cases. Centre County added 36 and Lycoming County listed 20. In the Valley, there were 24 in Northumberland County, 14 in Union, eight in Snyder and seven in Montour. Tioga County added 13.

NEW MAP APPROVED

Pennsylvania’s highest court broke a partisan deadlock Wednesday over a new map of congressional districts by selecting boundaries that broadly adhere to the outlines of current districts, even as the state loses one seat because of sluggish population growth. The Democratic-majority state Supreme Court in a 4-3 decision picked a 17-district map that had been proposed by a group of Democratic Party-aligned voters who sued last year in an effort to get the court involved. It is unlikely to create a big shift in the makeup of the congressional delegation, as the state loses a seat, going from 18 to 17, to account for relatively stagnant population growth in census findings over the past decade, particularly in rural white areas predominantly represented by Republicans.

RAPE CASE SOLVED WITH MAN ARRESTED AND IN JAIL

An 8-year-old girl was victim of rape to a 33-year-old Milton man upwards of 30 times throughout 2017. As reported by the Daily Item, Milton Police charged Jose Hernandez of multiple felonies including rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. He was arraigned on Feb 18 in the District Court of Judge Diehl and committed to Northumberland County Jail in Coal Township in lieu of $150,000 bail.

PUBLIC HEARING WITH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

A public hearing dealing with the nearly 100-year-old Stevens Primary School was last week with the Williamsport Area School District officials. The public will have the opportunity to provide the district comments and opinions for the next three months on the district’s website or by attending meetings. As reported by the Sun Gazette, construction of a new school on the site or renovation of the structure carries a price tag of roughly the same amount, $23 million.

POSSIBLE SAVING GRACE FROM THE SHERIFF SALE

Although the Lycoming Mall in Muncy Township faces another sheriff’s sale, the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority wants to work with the owner to resolve the issue. According to the Executive Director of the Lycoming County Water and Sewer, Christine Weigle, a sheriff’s sale is considered a last resort to collect an overdue payment. As reported by SUN Gazette, Kohan Retail Investment Group is the owner of the mall and needs to pay their bill in full in order to stop the upcoming May 6 Sheriff Sale.  According to reports, the total owed for water and sewer bill is upwards of $240,000. However, the mall is not new to this issue; in 2019 it faced a sheriff sale as well for the same reasons.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

A Williamsport man charged a city police car, screaming at an officer who simple asked him to move from the middle of the roadway. Shannon Mitchell was seen wandering down the middle of the street as the office was attending to a traffic stop. Her concern was for Mitchell safety, as traffic on the street had to swerve to avoid striking him. Instead, Mitchell, who was under the influence of alcohol, continued his verbal assault on officers as he was taken into custody.  As reported by Sun Gazette, Mitchell was arrested under multiple charges and after the arraignment with District Judge Christian Frey, Mitchell was committed to the Lycoming County Jail in lieu f $15,000 bail.

TWO ALARM BLAZE AND A BURN VICTIM IN SERIOUS CONDITION

Multiple fire crews, including Life Flight, responded to a two-alarm garage fire in East Buffalo Township, Union County Monday afternoon. As reported by an online news media, crews received the call just before 3 p.m. for a fire in the 3,300 block of Stein Lane, south of Lewisburg.  A second alarm was called a short time later. Life Flight was on scene on reports of a possible burn victim. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze about a half hour later after encountering heavy flames. The investigation into this fire continues.

GUILTY VERDICT IN CLINTON COUNTY

Friday night, a Clinton County jury found Shawn Michael Mills, 43, of North Bend, guilty of Aggravated Assault for a bar parking lot attack that occurred in the Renovo area in October of 2020.  Following a two-day trial before visiting Senior Judge David Klementik of Somerset County, the jury deliberated for just over two hours Friday evening before returning their unanimous verdict.  Mills was convicted of multiple charges including Felony 1 Aggravated Assault – Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Felony 2 Aggravated Assault – Causing Bodily Injury With a Deadly Weapon.  Mills faces a maximum of 35 years in prison on the three charges.  The Court permitted Mills to remain on house arrest pending sentencing, over the objection of the Commonwealth.  Sentencing will be scheduled within 90 days.   Source:  Clinton County District Attorney’s Office

PA MAP DECISIONS FOR JUSTICES

Ranks of lawyers packed the courtroom of Pennsylvania’s state Supreme Court on Friday, with most of them arguing for their clients’ preferred map of new congressional districts as justices weighed how to decide which one is best. Meanwhile, justices did not necessarily embrace a Republican-backed map recommended by a lower court judge, but viewed by Democrats in the presidential battleground state as blatantly partisan. The justices on Pennsylvania’s Democratic-majority high court repeatedly said they did not want to have the political task of picking a map in the once-a-decade exercise of adjusting for demographic shifts. Still, they are faced with more than a dozen maps, drawn primarily by partisans, and are stuck with the decision because of deadlock between Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled Legislature. One thing seemed clear: justices will not give any special deference to the recommended map just because it passed the Legislature.

IDENTITY THEFT

A homeless couple was accused of stealing a wallet in order to use their identity to rent a room and purchase food at a Lewisburg hotel. As reported by the Daily Item, Melvin Rivera and Keisha Figueroa, both of Florida, were charged with multiple felony counts of identity theft and unlawful taking. Milton Police filed the charges with District Judge Michael Diehl, who arraigned the couple and committed them to the Northumberland County Jail in Coal Township in lieu of $25,000 bail each. They have their preliminary hearing tomorrow.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR MAN IN JAIL

Additional charges for an already incarcerated Jersey Shore man. As reported by Sun Gazette, Dartagnan Zuback allegedly assaulted another inmate in August and then spit at a corrections officer November, bringing additional criminal charges. According to the police affidavit Zuback responded by saying, “What’s a few more charges?” He faces felony aggravated harassment by a prisoner and simple assault and recommitted in lieu of additional $75,000 bail.

DISTURBANCE IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

It was Friday morning just after 9 am when the Old Lycoming Township Police were dispatched to McDonalds, 1940 Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township. Police were advised that a disorderly male had entered the restaurant and, after causing a disturbance and threatening employees and customers, refused to leave when asked by employees. Azeem Burton did flee when police were summoned and was located with the assistance of McDonalds staff and customers. Burton was taken into custody in the nearby parking lot of Weis Markets. He was arrested on charges of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, trespass and harassment, arraigned by District Judge Frey, denied bail and remanded to Lycoming County Prison.

SUIT GOING TO COURT

A sexual harassment suit involving an 8-year-old boy in a local school district is moving to federal court. As reported by an online media outlet, US Middle District Judge Matthew Brann denied a previous motion for a summary judgement. Parents claim the Shikellamy school district’s failure to act on a complaint led to an even more severe incident. They seek unspecified damages.

CONVICTION IN 2019 KILLING IN MONTOUR COUNTY

A St. Louis man was convicted in the 2019 killing of Derrick Potts in a Montour County motel. As reported by the Daily Item, David Downing has been sentenced 45 months to 12 years in state prison. He has received credit for 875 days he has been incarcerated.  Miquel Brown, Downing’s then girlfriend also faces multiple charges for her role in the December 2019 killing.

LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT CHARGE

A Watsontown man struck a pedestrian with his vehicle and left the scene. As reported by the Daily Item, 75-year-old Larry Larue Watkins, allegedly struck Theresa Wetzel on December 16^th around 10 am, as she walked South on Matthew Street in Watsontown. Watkins’ passenger side mirror allegedly impacted with Wetzel’s left arm. Watkins faces multiple charges and has a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Michael Diehl on March 23^rd.

THE FILING OF AN AMICUS WITH THE STATE

The redistricting battle has gained yet another participant. The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is contesting the U.S. Congressional reappointment map. According to Bob Garret, CEO and President of the chamber, along with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce have filed an amicus brief with the state supreme court. As reported by an online media outlet, the brief allows the chambers to have input on the court discussions.

PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTER OF A PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing dealing with the nearly 100-year-old Stevens Primary School was last week with the Williamsport Area School District officials. Including in the hearing was an architect and concerned residents in an attempt to decide to repair or sell. The public will have the opportunity to provide the district comments and opinions for the next three months on the district’s website or by attending meetings. As reported by the Sun Gazette, construction of a new school on the site or renovation of the structure carries a price tag of roughly the same amount, $23 million.

COUNTRY CUBPORD DINING HALL CLOSES ITS DOORS

Saturday was the final dining day for the Country Cupboard.  As reported by an online media outlet, the Union County restaurant says they have had an overwhelming response in the dining room, but they have a lack of staff and must close. The Country Cupboard will be closed with only the gift shops and the bakery open from Wednesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.  The Country Cupboard announced its permanent closing, through a press conference, late last month, after 49 years in business.

VOTE AGAINST AN INSPECTION

It was a no go on Thursday night for awarding upwards of $10,000 in professional architecture/engineering services to evaluate City Hall.  As reported by Sun Gazette, the Williamsport City Council City Engineer Jon Sander, reported he presented the request for the inspection of the condemned building.  However, the vote was unanimous against the inspection.  The reasons included such things as the final costs to make the building functional for government workers and visitors.

IMPORTANT MEETING TONIGHT FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL

A public hearing discussing the transit authority its creation, use and how it affects the public will be held tonight at the Williamsport City Council Meeting. The meeting will be tonight at the Trade and Transit Center 2 at 7pm. The public is welcome to attend and to voice concerns and opinions.

BURNING ORDINANCE FOR SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

An amendment based on a dimensional setback allowance with a fine increase to $300 per offense was approved by the South Williamsport Borough Council for their outdoor burning ordinance. As reported by SUN Gazette, the setback is written to be 15 feet requirement for a fire pit or fireplace away from the homeowner’s structure or the adjoining property. According to South Williamsport Borough Manager and Public Safety Director Steven W. Cappelli, this amendment is to help improve the safety of the residents while burning outdoors and to prevent fires.  Enforcement of the ordinance will be done by borough codes, South Williamsport Fire Department and/or South Williamsport Police Department.

COVID UPDATES FOR LOCAL AREAS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 31 new cases. Centre County added 35; Tioga County added 16 and Lycoming County listed 29. In The Valley, there are 38 in Northumberland County; 10 new cases in Snyder County; 18 new cases in Union County and 11 new cases in Montour.

MS-13 TRANSFER TO USP LEWISBURG

The U.S. Penitentiary at Lewisburg is bracing for some new guests. Many of the members of the violent MS-13 gang are held across the country are being transferred to Lewisburg, Pa. As reported by the Daily Item, staffs at USP Lewisburg were advised Monday that current inmates would need to be moved in order to make room for an undisclosed number of gang members who are being transferred in. According to Fred Keller, the chairman of the House Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, his office is investigating the reports and remains in communications with officials from the Bureau of Prisons and the Council of Prison Locals.

WOLF RENEWS HIGHER-ED SCHOLARSHIP IDEA, AMID WORKER SHORTAGE

Gov. Tom Wolf says it’s time for lawmakers to get on board with his proposed college scholarship program, saying it’s urgently needed because of difficulties finding workers across industries. In an interview Wednesday, Wolf said the program makes sense because Pennsylvania’s state government is currently in a strong financial position, and because of a growing demand for workers, including college graduates. But, by just about every measure there is, Pennsylvania is still ranked at the bottom among states in the level of state aid for higher education, size of student debt and affordability of its colleges.

WOLF ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES INCREASE PROTECTION FROM WILDFIRES IN RURAL AREAS

​ The Wolf Administration today announced that the application window is now open for grants to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities increase protection from wildfires. Acting State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook pointed to volunteer fire companies’ service to communities close to home, noting that many volunteer firefighters often join DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry crews battling wildfires across the U.S. Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s grant website by 4:00 P.M., Thursday, May 12, 2022. To expedite applications and decision-making processes, DCNR is accepting only online applications. Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.

ARREST OF WATSONTOWN MAN ON FELONY CHARGES

On Tuesday at approximately 1750 hours, Officers from the Watsontown Police Department, Milton Police Department and Troopers from the Milton State Police Barracks, arrived at a Delaware Drive address in Delaware Twp. in an attempt to take Logan Mathias, of Watsontown, into custody on felony forgery charges. Mathias fled, but was taken into custody by troopers. Mathias was arraigned by District Judge Michael I Diehl and incarcerated at the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

PENNDOT, STATE POLICE HIGHLIGHT LAW AWARENESS WEEK, URGE SAFE DRIVING

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) came together with Penn State Health at their Life Lion Hangar to highlight driver safety laws and urge motorists to put safety first. According to early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), national traffic fatalities in the first nine months of 2021 rose approximately 12 percent over 2020. In Pennsylvania, 2021 preliminary data shows deaths on our roadways increased by as much as 10 percent, including increases in fatalities in speeding crashes, distracted driving crashes, crashes involving a 16- or 17-year-old driver, as well as unrestrained fatalities. While fatalities in crashes involving impaired driving have remained relatively flat in recent years, data shows fatalities in crashes involving drinking drivers have been declining, while fatalities in crashes involving drugged drivers have been increasing.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING 1980 BABY DOE COLD CASE, SEEKING TIPS

​ The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today that it continues to investigate a 1980 cold case involving the homicide of Baby Boy John Doe in Larksville Borough, Luzerne County. In addition to a partnership with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and Othram Inc. to modernize the investigative response, PSP encourages the public to submit tips to Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.