UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS FROM OUR AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 18 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 51, while Lycoming County increased by 63, Tioga had 12, 40 in Northumberland County, 18 in Union, seven in Montour and two in Snyder.

SNAPCHAT POST TAKEN SERIOUSLY

It was last evening when Keystone Central School District Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin alerted the news media to threats at a “Central High School.”  The post read, “Local police and Keystone Central School District Police have been made aware of a Snapchat post that included threats to students and administrators at “Central High School” by “Alex Anderson.”  Students and parents can expect an “increased police presence” on Monday at district schools. Dr. Martin reported, however, that the investigation, conducted by local police, advised her that the reported post describing a threat to a “Central High School” was not credible to this location. According to therecordonline.com, in fact, it was determined the origin appeared to be Colorado.

SATURDAY MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION

A motor vehicle accident on Saturday, on Route 15, just north of Allenwood is under an extensive investigation, as a trooper was exposed to Fentanyl. According to an online media outlet, the accident was in Gregg Township, Union County sometime around 4:30 pm. Sources reported a trooper and another individual were exposed to the drug Fentanyl and taken to the hospital. Hazmat personnel responded to help with the investigation.

A TRUSTED COUNSELOR HELPS AREA YOUTH

It was the trust of an 11-year-old with her counselor, which led to the arrest of a Jersey Shore man for indecent assault.  According to northcentralpa.com, Christopher Lawrence Nelson is being charged with multiple felony and misdemeanors. He appeared in front of Judge Jerry Lepley for his preliminary arraignment, but was released after he successfully posted $50,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is Nov. 11.

GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES BOOSTER

Following recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Geisinger is offering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines for eligible individuals.Those eligible for a booster dose include people who have received their two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and:Are 65 years and older, Are age 18 and older who live in long-term care settings or have underlying medical conditions or who work or live in high-risk settings.

You can make an appointment for a first, second, third or booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Danville and Lock Haven.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT FROM FRIDAY TAKES A LIFE 

A bicycle accident on Friday night in Union County claimed the life of a 77-year-old Lewisburg man.  According to state police at Milton, the accident happened on Colonel John Kelly Road when, around 7pm, Samuel F. Sauder was struck. He was transported to the Evangelical Community Hospital by EMS. According to the daily item, Sauder died at the hospital. State Police from Milton report the accident is under investigation.

FAILED JAIL ESCAPE

In a letter to his father, a convicted killed was preparing to escape the Northumberland County Jail. The letter, from Matthew Reed, asked his father to “ram a sheriff’s vehicle when he would leave a court appearance,” and then he would “take out the guard and two cops.” The investigation, with assistance from a search warrant, allowed troopers to intercept the letter at the local Post Office. Reed, with new charges of felony escape and aggravated assault for his threats to law enforcement,  will appear before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic. As reported by the Daily Item, Reed was convicted in June for the murders of Susan Williams, 58, James Dicken, 59, and 17-year-old John Paul Dicken, all of Snydertown.

PLANS TO HELP HARDWORKING PENNSYLVANIANS

Governor Tom Wolf believes that hardworking Pennsylvanians deserve fair wages, paid sick leave, safe workplaces and quality jobs. Recently, the governor visited Delaware County to outline his workforce plan to benefit workers across the state, including an executive order issued and a call on the legislature to finally pass several bills that help working families. Governor Wolf is also urging legislative action to help out-of-work Pennsylvanians. The governor supports Rep. Gerald Mullery’s HB 549, which streamlines the process for eligible Pennsylvanians to receive unemployment benefits.

CDC APPROVES MIX AND MATCH

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. Millions of people are newly eligible to receive a booster shot and will benefit from additional protection. More than 65 million Americans remain unvaccinated, leaving themselves – and their children, families, loved ones, and communities– vulnerable.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCL MEETING AND RVT AUDIT

At the most recent Williamsport City Council meeting, audits from the books of River Valley Transit were reviewed. The financial issues with RVT stem beyond 2020. This causes a question from Councilwoman Bonnie Katz, asking for clarification. According to Mark Zettlemoyer, of RKL, PennDot  does a review every 3-5 years, but that only deals primarily with policy and procedures, basically, Penn Dot does not conduct the financial statement audit that was just completed by RKL. This is an independent financial audit. This explains why it is all just coming to light.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL AND RVT HARD QUESTIONS

Williamsport City Councilwoman Bonnie Katz asked the hard questions on Thursday at the Williamsport City Council meeting. She asked, “Who is responsible for this in the end? Does the city have to fund back to RVT?”In the end, according to Mark Zettlemoyer of the accounting firm RKL, anything done with the city, transportation funds is going to be the responsibility of the city to fund back to RVT.

A VACANCY ORDINANCE IN WILLIAMSPORT CITY

It’s a vacancy ordinance designed with owners of commercial buildings or land with little to no intention of developing them in the City of Williamsport. It was called a city It was called a Williamsport City Blighted Property Review Board Committee meeting and although no action was taken at this time, the conversation was moving towards a resolution. The process begins in the first year of vacancy when the property owner is given notice, advising them the property with a business or development plan.  In the second year, if they need to  have an actual plan and request a waiver on the first year of permitting. The first year permit fee is around $500, but it rises as the years pass by. Those at the committee meeting indicated the issue is likely to be discussed in future meetings.

GRANT MONEY FOR LYCOMING COUNTY UNITED WAY

It’s grant money that Lycoming County United Way plans to use in order to address the issue of vaccine-hesitancy in the community. According to Ron Frick, CEO of Lycoming County United Way, “It’s trauma-informed. We’re not going to go out and be judgmental. We’re going to provide facts. We’re going to provide statistics. We’re going to provide testimonials.”  It was $3.5 million in grant funding, authorized by the Health Resources and Services Administration.  Temple received the grant and then went on to select sub-recipients. United Way was chosen with goals being to prevent transmission of COVID-19, increase vaccine access and decrease vaccine hesitancy, and provide the resources communities need to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic in medically underserved urban, suburban and rural communities.

A NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

There is a  new associate director of admissions at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Previously, Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick was the coordinator of admissions events and communications and also an admissions counselor. Now, Cullin-Hetrick has the title of associate director of admissions Penn College. According to SUN Gazette, in her position, she handles the developing and executing of communications and recruitment plans.

COVID NUMBERS DROPPING IN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

COVID-19 numbers have dropped in the school district, this according to District Superintendent Daphne Bowers, who released the news at the most recent meeting of the Montgomery Area School District. According to SUN Gazette, in total, 42 students and five staff members have been reportedly quarantined. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the district board room.

COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY WEDNESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 25 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 25, while Lycoming County increased by 69, 40 in Northumberland County, 24 in Union, 13 in Snyder and eight in Montour.

AWAITING SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

According to PennLive and another online media source, the drowning death of a 3-year-old boy last year in Northumberland County went to court. There, a  Northumberland County mother has been found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child. Free, pending sentencing, Britney Dawn Bridges of Turbotville, was charged in direct connection to the August 11, 2020, death of her son, Clayton-Lucas Eugene Hamilton, who was found floating face down in a neighbor’s above-ground swimming pool.

CHILDREN’S VACCINE (AGES 5-11)

Governor Tom Wolf today issued a statement on the Biden Administration’s preparations for the COVID-19 vaccine authorization for children ages 5-11. “In Pennsylvania, the vaccine is our strategy out of the pandemic, and Pennsylvanians are doing a tremendous job of protecting ourselves and our loved ones by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. We should all be proud of how far we have come since the beginning of the pandemic as another milestone is upon us – the vaccine authorization for children ages 5-11.

THEFT OF TREE CUTTING EQUIPMENT FROM CLINTON COUNTY

On Oct 7 at approx. 7:58 am, State Police were contacted to report a theft of chainsaws, other tree trimming equip and climbing equip. The theft occurred from the parking lot of 2109 Nittany Valley Dr (penndot parking lot), Bald Eagle Twp, Clinton County.  The thefts occurred over a two day period. Video surveillance was requested from the surrounding area. Anyone with any information is asked to contact State Police in Lamar.

ROLLING ROADBLOCKS

Motorists who travel Interstate 180 eastbound and westbound in Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy Townships, and the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, are advised of rolling roadblocks  Monday, October 25 through Thursday, October 28, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) contractor will place traffic counters along Interstate 180 at multiple locations between the Interstate 180 and Route 15 southbound interchange in the City of Williamsport and the Route 220 interchange in Muncy Township.

Motorists can expect multiple 15-minute rolling roadblocks in the City of Williamsport, Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy Townships where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting

APPEALS ARGUMENT HEARD BY PA APPEALS COURT YESTERDAY

AP is reporting… A Pennsylvania appeals court yesterday heard arguments Wednesday on if the Wolf administration had the legal right to impose a mask mandate on K-12 schools and child care facilities.  The state’s acting health secretary ordered students, teachers and staff to wear face coverings when inside, which has reversed an earlier pledge from  Gov. Tom Wolf saying masking in schools would remain a local decision.  Commonwealth Court is set to decide on a pair of lawsuits filed by parents who have contended the  masks interfere with their children’s breathing and actually cause other problems. The plaintiffs include the GOP leader of the state Senate, Jake Corman, State Representative from Centre County.

PRESS CONFERENCE INVOLVING NATURAL GAS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Gene Yaw (R-23) and John Yudichak (I-14) joined Jim Gallagher with Steamfitters Local 420 and Matt Toomey with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 to discuss the need for responsible natural gas infrastructure. Senator Gene Yaw speaks to what he learned from Dr. Scott Tinker of the University of Texas …With United States households already projected to see heating bills jump as much as 54 percent compared to last winter, speakers warned how the ill-conceived call for a moratorium on natural gas development will not only increase energy costs on consumers but be detrimental for the environment and good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth.

CLEAN WATER ACTION PLAN

Lycoming County’s Clean Water Action Plan offers a way to proactively address flooding and pollution that affects county farms and homes with increasing occurrences. The price tag, however, is $36.7 million. According to Eve Adrian, the county’s natural resources planner and the plan’s coordinator, the cost of resources needed to implement the plan will be grant-funded who presented the plan to the Lycoming County Commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. Adrian stressed Lycoming County has endured severe rainfalls over several decades, “the unfortunate reality is that without mitigation, farmers pay the cost of these intense rain events because soil has value.” According to SUN Gazette, the plan is being implemented, set to start this month and run through 2025.

UPMC HOSPITALS AFFECTED BY COVID

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the country, hospitals are seeing spikes in cases of patients being admitted because of pre-existing conditions, many of which have gone without medical care over the course of the pandemic. According to SUN Gazette, Dr. Michael C. Gerst, chief medical officer of emergency services for the North Central Region, UPMC says,“We have a population that was concerned and frightened to come to the hospital, to perhaps go see their doctor, or come to the E.R. when they were experiencing certain symptoms, so they put it off,” he said. “Putting it off has allowed that disease process to progress and become more significant and by the time they must come to the E.R., they are very, very sick.”

UPMC HOSPITALS REPORTING EMERGENCY ROOMS BUSY

According to Sun Gazette,  Dr. Michael C. Gerst, chief medical officer of emergency services for the North Central Region, UPMC, stresses the emergency room is not a “convenience.” “One of the things we would really appreciate in the emergency department… (is) responsibility in seeking out these services. They are time consuming, they are expensive and we are currently managing a lot of sick people,” Gerst said. “So if you can get the same at your private care physician or an urgent care, that would be optimal versus going to the E.R. where we are taking care of the sickest of the sick in the community currently.”

RETAINING WALL DELAY

The state Department of Transportation says a retaining wall project along Little Pine Creek Road in Cummings Township has delays. The project began April of 2021 and is located along Pine Creek Road. As reported by SUN Gazette, less than a mile north of the intersection of Route 44 and Little Pine Creek Road, are unforeseeable delays. These delays are due to subsurface rock quality conditions, a news release from PennDOT said, and will delay the completion until September of 2022.

MURDER DENIED MOTIONS

I-Keem Fogan, convicted murderer, was denied multiple motions by  Judge Marc Lovecchio which could have granted him a new trial in Lycoming County Court. Fogan’s public defender, Nicole Spring, reported an appeal is set to be filed on Fogan’s behalf within the 30-day time frame. Fogan,  convicted of the 2019 killing of a woman during an attempted robbery of a Newberry convenience store, had a trial, which started in late September and concluded in early October and ended with a life sentence and no possibility of parole.

DERR RETURNS FOR COURT

Ex-Williamsport City police officer Eric Derr was back in court yesterday, arguing  an omnibus motion before a Sr. Judge. Derr, charged with 28 felonies in connection to his alleged use of the police’s JNET system, and running 93 illegitimate searches of 28 different women from the dates of June of 2015 through December of 2019. Today’s motion centered around whether or not Derr “exceeded his authority” in terms of his use of the JNET system and whether or not a police officer was deemed a “public employee.” According to northcentralpa.com, Derr is due to return to court December 14, for a criminal pre-trial hearing.

COVID-19 NUMBERS IN OUR AREA FROM TUESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 11 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 22, while Lycoming County increased by 39, 17 new cases in Northumberland County, six in Union, and five in Snyder and Montour counties.

POSTING CURRICULUM ONLINE IS SET FOR A VOTE

The Center Square is reporting….. A bill that would require school districts to post curriculum online received approval from a key Senate panel on Monday. The Senate Education Committee voted along party lines to advance House Bill 1332 to the chamber floor for consideration. According to a representative from Gettysburg, “[The bill] allows parents to play a greater and more active role in the oversight of what their children are being taught and  that giving online access to the course information will help “restore trust.” But Democrats on the committee warned that unfunded mandate will further burden school staff and invite unwarranted criticism. “The curriculum plan, including textbooks, needs to be online for parents to review at any time, and those websites need to be updated each time the curriculum is revised,” he said. “Too many parents have no idea what is being taught until they see their children’s homework.

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT BOOKEEPING ISSUES

A “shell game” may have been played by prior management of River Valley Transit located in Williamsport and the use of state and federal grants for non-transportation purchases may have occurred, based on what auditors discovered in the fiscal books maintained by prior bus service management. According to SUN Gazette, a draft audit by RKL, the firm which was hired by Mayor Derek Slaughter, and shared yesterday at the Williamsport City Council’s finance committee. It spanned the dates of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and included the notation of an “adverse opinion.”

LAWSUIT THROWN OUT REGARDING PRISON GUARDS AND VACCINE-OR-TEST

Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports…. A state appeals court has thrown out a lawsuit challenging Gov. Tom Wolf’s vaccine-or-test requirement for prison guards, among thousands of other state employees in congregate settings.  In a Sept. 28 decision, a three-judge panel of the Commonwealth Court dismissed the challenge, brought by the Pennsylvania State Correctional Officers Association, which represents 11,000 prison workers, on technical grounds. The union had requested an injunction to block the policy. According to PSCOA President John Eckenrode, “We’re disappointed and disagree with the court’s decision.”  It applies to 25,000 state employees who work in state prisons, hospitals, centers for people with disabilities, and other similar facilities.

STATE GRANTS REPORTED TO RVT

PA state grants received between 2009 and 2019, showing River Valley Transit, received $64,735,716 in department grants. According to SUN Gazette, for example, when the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would provide a grant, those funds are recorded as a liability until they are used for specific grant purposes and they require a local match. This is where problems were found throughout the books. Williamsport City wrote RVT a check, they then needed to get localities to pay them. The whole idea was to for RVT to provide the state with a match for the grant. RVT either went to localities and they didn’t bill them or they didn’t follow up to collect funds, which went against the state requirements for the grant.

HEARING AIDS TO MORE THAN JUST THE ELDERLY

Hearing problems are not just an elderly issue; in fact, upwards of 37 million Americans experience symptoms of hearing loss. New technologies are available to help those who want to get a hearing aid without official physician approval. According to SUN Gazette, this builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to expand access to high-quality health care and lower medical care costs for the American public.

SHOTS FIRED … AGAIN … IN WILLIAMSPORT

According to Williamsport City Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt yesterday, a single gunshot was fired near Grace and Walnut streets about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. No one was injured, but reports from an online news agency state an unoccupied vehicle was secured by police. However, no further details were provided as to why. Bolt went on to comment on the 25-year-old mother shot near the “vicinity of her home” in the 600 block of Maple Street about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. He reported she “remains hospitalized, and her medical condition remains unknown.” According to SUN Gazette, in both cases, no arrest has been made.

BOUND OVER FOR COURT

All charges against Kiam Alford, the man accused of shooting into an Isabella Street residence earlier this year, passed through to the Court of Common Pleas at a preliminary hearing earlier this week. Alford, 24, of Elmira Street, is alleged to have opened fire on an Isabella Street residence at around 2 a.m. on May 22. He was taken into custody by the United States Marshal Service in Harrisburg on June 16. According to a media source, Alford remains in the Lycoming County Prison without bail.

SUPER SATURDAY FLU VACCINE DAY

It’s not too late to get your flu shot – the best defense against getting the virus. Geisinger is hosting its final Super Saturday Flu Vaccine Day on Saturday, Oct. 16 for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older. Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May. There are 23 Geisinger community medicine offices hosting the drive thru flu events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, including:

Geisinger Bloomsburg Reichart Road (2407 Reichart Road), Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane, Danville), Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.), Geisinger Lock Haven (68 Spring St.),  Geisinger Lycoming (780 Broad St., Montoursville), Geisinger Milton (155 S. Arch St.), Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

According to Jay Bagley, a supervisor with the state Bureau of Plant Industry, a spotted lanternfly colony has been discovered in Old Lycoming Township. Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species of insect that, without natural competitors, have spread throughout several east coast states. They have had an impact on agricultural industries, such as logging, fruit-bearing trees and more, because they tend to damage and kill plant life and trees.  According to a media outlet and economists at Penn State University, the spotted lanternfly could drain Pennsylvania’s economy of at least $324 million annually if not contained.

DISTILLERY  PROPOSAL IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

An open a distillery proposal in Old Lycoming Township drew concerns about noise and light pollution from residents. According to Drew Lomison, who made the request, the business is intended to be a quiet and relaxing atmosphere that distills and bottles beverages on-site and allows for brief tasting. According to Supervisor Linda Mazullo, “We need to set ground rules for hours, lighting, et cetera. I don’t think we should give him a license for some of those things until they are answere.”  According to a media source, Lomison said the business, which has been a decade in the making, is planned to be launched in 2023 if approved.

TRICK OR TREAT IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP MOVED

At the lastest Old Lycoming Township Supervisors meeting, the township’s trick-or-treat night was moved to Sunday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Fall leaf collection will begin in the township Oct. 25. According to Matt Aikey township manager, residents are encouraged to rake leaves into a pile at the curb of their property. As reported by SUN Gazette, Aikey went on to say after four budget work sessions, the budget for 2022 is close to completion and should be advertised soon.

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ASKS A JUDGE TO DISMISS LAWSUIT

Montoursville Area School District officials have asked a federal judge to dismiss a mask mandate lawsuit brought by parents of students. Superintendent Christina Bason, school board president David Shimmel and the school board through their counsel asked U.S. Middle District Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the plaintiffs, Mark and Brenda Oberheim. Bason acted on a mandate by Alison Beam, acting state Department of Health secretary that masks be worn with certain exceptions. According to SUN Gazette, as of Thursday, Brann had not ruled on the district officials’ motion to dismiss.

TERRORISTIC THREATS IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

On the morning of Sept. 18, Seth Eugene Fisher walked into the Cogan Station Market at 3725 Lycoming Creek Road and told the employees “If I don’t get my money back, I’m going to blow this place up,” According to Old Lycoming Township Police. Fisher, 29, now homeless, has been charged with a single count of terroristic threats. As reported by a media source, jailed last week for violating a protection from abuse order, he was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge William Solomon and recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

JERSEY SHORE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

Jersey Shore Borough Council, at their most recent meeting, passed a resolution to apply for a state grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development for $1 million to help fund the public safety building. It also approved a tentative five-year paving plan roadmap, which will set the borough up for announcing formal paving plans in the spring, Hoover said. In addition, the Future Business Leaders of America were approved to use the gravel parking lot across from the middle school Nov. 4, 5 and 18 to help collect food items for the weShorecare Community Service Project, which will eventually go to the New Love Center. Council unanimously voted to allow Jersey Shore Town Meeting to use the gazebo lot and electricity on Dec. 4 for its Santa Hut event. Town Meeting also received approval to host its Santa Parade on Dec. 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. from Locust Street to South Broad Street, then to Smith Street. According to a media sourece, Town Meeting’s tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. that day.

MISSING PORTABLE NUCLEAR GAUGE

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pennsylvania State Police are assisting in the search for a missing portable nuclear gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material that belongs to Pennsylvania-based CMT Laboratories. The company is offering a $1,000 reward for its safe return. Anyone who finds the gauge should not handle it directly, but rather maintain distance, limit time of proximity, and immediately contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks and a trained individual will recover the gauge. “It is critical for anyone who has information about the lost nuclear gauge to contact state police immediately,” DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director David Allard said. “As long as the device is not tampered with or damaged, it presents no hazard to public safety.” The gauge’s authorized user completed their work at approximately 6:00 PM and inadvertently departed the job site without properly securing the gauge in its case. As reported by northcentralpa.com, the vehicle left the job site, in the proximity of E. Valley Road, Logan Township, Clinton County, and traveled toward Loganton when the loss of the gauge was noticed.

CHILDREN FOUND ALONE INSIDE 600 BLOCK OF 2^ND ST

Maintenance staff, while inside the 600 block of 2^nd Street in Williamsport, made an unfortunate discovery. Williamsport Bureau of Police arrived on scene to find a 23-month –old and 11-month-old with no adults present. Deionne Morton of Williamsport returned and reported she was gone for three or four minutes, according to police. According to the affidavit, Children and Youth said they had an allegation that one of the children was malnourished and they advised police they had previously responded to a call for one of the children being left alone on May 18. As reported by northcentralpa.com, Morton was charged with two counts of second-degree felony endangering the welfare of children. She is currently being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail as she awaits an Oct. 19 preliminary hearing.

CHARGES HELD OVER FOR COURT

Curtis Kinney, while on the stand, in front of District Judge Christian Frey, pointed to Eric Tyson and testified that Tyson was the one who allegedly stabbed him on Sept 20, during an argument, inside 213 Campbell St. Tyson was taken into custody near the apartment shortly after the stabbing and has since remained behind bars at the Lycoming County Prison without bail. According to a media source, at the conclusion of the hearing, Frey held him on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and tampering with evidence.

NATURAL GAS LINE SUPPORT APPROVED

At the latest meeting, the Lycoming County Commissioners voted to approve upwards of $551,000 toward the extension of the natural gas lines. These lines are part of the Timber Run Industrial Park, located in Brady Township, across from the county’s landfill along Route 15.  In all, the price tag for the project is $870,000 with a state grant covering $280,000. As reported by SUN Gazette, Shannon Rossman, director of planning and community development, presented the agreement with UGI Natural Gas for the commissioners’ approval. “As soon as this is done, they should be able to start work very quickly,” Rossman said.

PENNSYLVANIA VOTING PROCEEDURES

Complicated is a word not often associated with voting. However, Pennsylvania’s election rules can confuse the best of us.  According to Lycoming County Director of Voter Services Forrest Lehman  “Mail ballots may only be returned to Voter Services to be counted — they cannot be turned in at a polling place, unless the voter is surrendering the mail ballot in order to cast an in-person vote on a precinct ballot,” Lehman went on to say. “Polling places are not statutorily permitted to serve as mail ballot drop-off sites.” According to SUN Gazette, prospective voters have until Oct. 18 to register to vote through one of the three options provided by the state. Lehman advised voters to handle the process in-person as much as possible due to slower Postal Service deliveries.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

Last evening at 8:28 p.m. Williamsport City Police were dispatched to the area of the 600 Block of Maple Street for a reported shooting.  Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious 25-year-old female gunshot victim, who was taken to the hospital via EMS.  Officers were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Services Unit. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information  related to this shooting, please contact Agent Brittany Alexander at 570-327-7640 or [email protected]

WILLIAMSPORT CODES OFFICE MOVED

The move has been made and Williamsport Bureau of Codes office has checked into the River Valley Transit headquarters at 1500 W. Third St.. According to Joseph Gerari, City Codes Administrator, residents who need permits and have codes-related business can drive to RVT headquarters, find ample parking, enter the lobby and finish paperwork or ask for an officer right there.  According to a media source, Gerardi said for a temporary relocation, he and the department personnel are happy.

TENSION RAISED AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Tense moments as residents stepped to the podium at the Jersey Shore Area School Board meeting expressing opinions on vaccines and masks, with some even calling out school directors for complying with Gov. Wolf’s order on masking. According to a report from an online media outlet, in the end, District Superintendent Brian Ulmer briefly noted several court cases involving the masking of students, including Montoursville Area School District, where a federal middle district judge denied an injunction by residents who challenged the constitutionality of masking.

RADAR SET UP IN DUBOISTOWN AND SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

A new way to gain information on traffic patterns, speed and other useful data will be set up in DuBoistown and South Williamsport boroughs. According to South Williamsport officials, motors will notice a radar speed alert sign set up in various locations. As reported by a media source, the sign, leased by Old Lycoming Township with a price tag of $52 a week, according to South Williamsport Borough Manager and Public Safety Director, Steven W. Cappelli.

COVID-19 RESULTS FOR AREA FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County six new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 21, while Lycoming County increased by 36, Northumberland County posted 23, Union County added 20, Snyder County had nine new cases while Montour added four more.

IT WAS RULED A SUICIDE IN CLINTON COUNTY

Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna has determined that suicide resulted in the death of a Central Mountain Middle School support staff employee. Hanna on Tuesday issued a release on the Monday morning incident at the middle school. He identified the victim as Elvis E. Cardona, 43, from Mill Hall. The coroner’s statement: On October 11, 2021, I, Zach Hanna, Clinton County Coroner, responded to the Central Mountain Middle School, 200 Ben Ave., Mill Hall, PA 17751 per the request of the Pennsylvania State Police to assist in a death investigation following the discovery of a body in the school by a staff member prior to the start of the school day on Monday. Following a thorough investigation by myself and PSP, including their Forensic Specialist Unit, it was determined that Mr. Elvis E. Cardona, a 43-year-old male of Mill Hall, PA, died as a result of suicide. Out of respect to Mr. Cardona’s family, the cause of death will remain private at this time. To address public concerns, a firearm was not involved in this incident. Classes at the middle school were conducted online Tuesday for a second day in a row. In-class instruction is to resume on Wednesday.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING TOPICS

At the latest South Williamsport Borough Council meeting, the council approved purchase of six trees replacing six dead trees that were removed from the community park complex, with a cost of $2,229. In addition, council approved engineering with HRG for the pool demolition in the amount of $19,996. Also,  Mayor Marlin Angelo reported the Christmas donations for the police department distribution of toys has topped $5,000 and this first year project continues to grow. According to a media outlet, for the November meeting, the borough general fund, storm water, and sewer proposed budgets are expected to be reviewed.

JEDI THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG NEEDS YOUR HELP

He was there calming and comforting children going through the impossible Jedi, the emotional support dog at the Lycoming County Courthouse, now needs support as he faces a cancer diagnosis and the treatments that follow.  Jedi, a labrador and golden retriever mix, has been on duty at the courthouse for almost four years. His treatment cost $1,000 per month. According to a media source, if anyone wants to help defray the expense of his treatments, they should send them to Children and Youth which has taken care of Jedi’s expenses or to the Animal Hospital.

TREY POTTS RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL BUT MAY NOT PLAY REMAINDER OF SEASON

Minnesota running back and Williamsport graduate Trey Potts will miss the remainder of the season with an undisclosed injury serious enough to keep him hospitalized for six days after it occurred in the last game. Coach P.J. Fleck said Monday that Potts was “doing very well” and expected to be present at the practice facility this week to visit with the team. As reported by an online media outlet, Fleck praised the effort and expertise of the medical staff for quickly determining Potts needed to go to a hospital after the initial evaluation on the sideline became a “really scary” situation. The door has not closed on Potts resuming his career next season, Fleck said.

CHOKING A PREGNANT WOMAN GETS BLOOMSBURG MAN FELONY CHARGES

He admitted to choking a woman .. twice .. and he admitted that to an officer wearing body cam.  Diego Luis Otero of Bloomsburg was charged with two counts of second-degree felony strangulation and one count of summary harassment on Oct. 5. According to police, Otero allegedly put the woman, who was 10 weeks pregnant at the time, into a rear naked choke hold until she “tapped out” from lack of air. According to a media outlet, Otero is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for today.

VEHICLE THEFT DISCOVERED WHILE STOLEN CAR WAS AT GAS PUMPS

He said he knew there was something off about the vehicle she purchased for $750.  Accoring to police, Robert Larkin of Bloomsburg and Tia Maria Fenstermacher, 30, of Bloomsburg were at the Sheetz in Bloomsburg, filling the vehicle with gas when officers took them into custody. Larkin was charged with third-degree felony receiving stolen property and a summary charge of driving with a suspended license. He was released on Oct. 1 after posting $25,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing with Doug Brewer is scheduled for today in Millville. Fenstermacher was charged with third-degree felony receiving stolen property and misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a media source, unlike Larkin, Fenstermacher is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $10,000 monetary bail as she awaits today’s preliminary hearing.

DOG ATTACK SENDS SUNBURY RESIDENTS TO GEISINGER

Three Sunbury residents are recovering following a dog attack on Julia Street and Susquehanna Avenue last evening. According to  Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Susquehanna Avenue, at around 6:15 p.m. for a report of an animal attack. According to the Daily Item, two individuals sustained major injuries and were transported to Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, while a third was taken by relatives to an emergency care clinic for treatment. Hare said the Sunbury Animal Hospital was contacted and arrived on scene to help with the situation. The dog was eventually tranquilized and taken into the custody of the animal hospital, Hare said.