BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 1, 2021

CONTACT  YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE

At the most recent school board meeting for the East Lycoming School District, officials provided much needed answers with suggestions on the masking issue to parents while offering an update on state legislation that may address the matter. Donna Gavitt, the board’s legislative representative, prompted parents to contact state Sen. Gene Yaw, imploring him to support a senate bill that would allow parents to choose whether their kids mask up for school. According to SUN Gazette, the bill also would legally prevent what it defined as harassment or discriminatory treatment, which includes isolation or exclusion from activities or events.

LAIRDSVILLE SEWER PROJECT

At the most recent school board meeting for the East Lycoming School District, the district is moving forward with connecting its Renn Elementary School sewage system to the Lairdsville sewer project. Superintendent Michael Pawlik said the board is doing what it can to secure grant funding in hopes to prevent additional tax assessments to property owners. Pawlik went on to say, the project will require very little construction as the sewer runs right next to the parking lot of the elementary school. According to SUN Gazette, however, there is no timeline for the project and it has not gone out to bid.

MUMMERS PARADE HAS NEW FEATURES

The 75th annual Mummers Parade returns to South Williamsport this month with a bang and added festivities for the first time in its rich history.  With a schedule that start at 2 p.m. on Oct. 16, the parade this year features several acts and participants, including circus performers, multiple high school bands, a calypso band and the much-anticipated return of the Swinging, Sagging Seniors. As reported by an online news outlet, the conclusion of the parade features a smorgasbord of goodies, including food, games and live music and a fireworks display will take place later in the evening, near dusk.

CRACK SALES EARN WILLIAMSPORT MAN FELONY CHARGES

Detectives with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Narcotics Unit have filed charges against a man after two undercover purchases for crack were completed. Quantte Hanes was charged with several felonies after two controlled buys in Aug. and Sept. Hanes was charged with two counts each of felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility. Hanes posted $99,000 unsecured bail on Sept. 28. As reported by a news outlet, he is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 21.

INTENTIONAL FLOOD DAMAGE DURING BREAK-IN

State Police at Milton are investigating a burglary incident in Montour County in which the suspect caused $15,000 damage when they entered a residence on Kellys Dam Road in Liberty Township and plugged the kitchen sink, causing flooding in the kitchen and basement, according to state police. As reported by a news media outlet, the incident occurred between Sept. 23 and Sept. 24.

CONTROVERSY AND CONSPIRACY IN WILLIAMSPORT

Over four years after an alleged sexual assault involving members of the Williamsport Area High School baseball team during a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a search warrant issued by the state Attorney General Josh Shapiro alleges a conspiracy involving high school Principal Brandon Pardoe and former Lycoming County Chief Detective William Weber to cover up the incident. According to the affidavit of probable cause,  “The affiant is investigating the alleged conspiracy between Weber and Pardoe to violate PA Title 18, Section 5101: Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Functions,” the affidavit of probable cause states. According to northcentralpa.com, the attorney general’s warrant, which was delivered to Williamsport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers and Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner, seeks data from Weber and Pardoe’s cellphones as well as their email contents.

COVID RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 25 new cases were reported yesterday,Centre County saw an increase of 33, while Lycoming County increased by 112. 42 new cases in Northumberland County, 22 in Snyder County, 17 in Union and six in Montour.

JUDGE DENIES INJUNCTION ON MASK POLICIES

Saying a mask does not pose a potential of harm to others, U.S. Middle District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann on Thursday denied an injunction regarding a requirement in the Montoursville Area School District that students wear masks. As reported by SUN Gazette, in Brann’s opinion, “No one except perhaps a bank robber likes to wear a mask — and even then with reluctance, but as a concession to professional attire. But the Constitution does not shield us from all things we dislike. Here, parents of schoolchildren in Montoursville.” The parents “asked the court to take the extraordinary step of suspending the Montoursville area schools’ mask mandate, thus permitting students to attend school without masks in direct contravention of the state Department of Health’s masking order,” Brann said. “But to receive such a drastic remedy, the plaintiffs must clear several significant legal hurdles. They failed to do so.”

 

GUILTY VERDICT ON UNION COUNTY WOMAN

A Union County jury returned a guilty verdict against Melissa Keister on Thursday, culminating a three-day trial of the New Columbia mother accused of intentionally starving a young girl placed into her guardianship and forcing her to sleep for weeks, at times with little clothing, on a hardwood floor. The jury deliberated more than 5-1/2 hours before reaching the verdict. Keister, 39, a mother of seven children, faces a standard range sentence of 3 to 12 months with a maximum of 7 years and a $15,000 fine. As reported by the Daily Item, she was prosecuted on a felony count of endangering the welfare of a child. President Judge Michael Hudock ordered a pre-sentencing report from the adult probation department. He said Keister would be sentenced by Dec. 23, his last day on the bench.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

LAST COMMERCIAL FLIGHT FROM WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL AIRPORT … FOR NOW

As the last commercial flight is slated to leave the Williamsport Regional Airport this afternoon, Richard Howell, executive director says he remains “cautiously optimisitic” for a new carrier by spring. Howell went on to remind residents the airport is not closing with the ending of commercial flights. “We run 20,000 operations a year,” he said. According to a media outlet, the market here is healthy with businesses, colleges and factories that “call this airport home.”

LIVE LINE ELECTRICAL SAFETY EXHIBIT BY PPL

PPL Electric Utilities recently offered a Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibit used to teach first responders, contractors, businesses, school students and the public about the dangers of live wires and how to stay safe around them at Pennsylvania College of Technology on Sept. 15. Total attendance was more than 100 for the day with more than 20 first responders from Lycoming County, including local firefighters and paramedics. According to SUN Gazette,  PPL is slated to return  for the spring semester on Monday, April 18.

YOUTUBE BOOTING LOCAL VIDEOS

A Jersey Shore Area School Board meeting was initially among the videos booted when YouTube announced a sweeping crackdown of vaccine misinformation Wednesday. According to Jersey Shore Area School District Superintendent Brian Ulmer,  the district learned last week that its Sept. 13 board meeting was removed from YouTube, but it has since been reuploaded to the platform. According to SUN Gazette, the video-sharing platform said it will no longer allow users to baselessly speculate that approved vaccines, like the ones given to prevent the flu or measles, are dangerous or cause diseases.

LYCOMING COLLEGE RANKED ONE OF THE NATION’S BEST

Lycoming College was ranked once again as one of the nation’s best liberal arts colleges in a series of rankings released this fall by the Princeton Review, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. Lycoming ranked No. 124 in U.S. News & World Report National Liberal Arts Colleges list for 2022, and ranked No. 32 on the publication’s Top Performers on Social Mobility list. In addition to academic excellence, U.S. News cites Lycoming’s strengths in alumni giving, financial resources and faculty resources. Lycoming was recognized as one of the nation’s “Best 387 Colleges and Universities” in the 2022 edition of the annual college guide published by the Princeton Review. In this year’s Washington Monthly Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings, Lycoming College took the No. 77 spot, with a No. 30 ranking in social mobility. According to a media outlet, the Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education U.S. College Rankings, ranked Lycoming as being among the top 37 percent of nearly 800 colleges and universities in its database.

45TH SEASON FOR THE COMMUNITY THEATRE LEAGUE

The Community Theatre League as it celebrates its 45th season entertaining and educating Greater Williamsport. The league of thespians and educators was recently awarded a $47,800 grant awarded by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. According to a media source, the money will be used to update equipment and websites and to provide training to employees.

DOMESTIC BRINGS CHARGES FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP MAN

Charges lodged against Loyalsock Township man Brandon Mull of Country Club Lane, faces several charges following a domestic disturbance with a woman at their home in which he said he was going to shoot her and himself, according to court records filed by state police at DJ Whiteman’s office. According to a media outlet, Mull has been charged with terroristic threats, false imprisonment, simple assault and harassment and although initially jailed, Mull is now free on $15,000 bail.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN WILLIAMSPORT

Detectives with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office said a search of a person’s phone turned up multiple videos and images of a child being assaulted. Tyree Hakim Holly, 26, of Williamsport was in custody when authorities received a search warrant for his iPhone. Detective Loretta Clark said Holly’s phone possessed images of him with a juvenile engaged in several sexual acts. According to a media source, Holly was charged with multiple felonies is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail waiting a preliminary hearing Sept. 30.

COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 20 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 40, while Lycoming County increased by 77, 40 in Northumberland County, 19 in Snyder, 13 in Union and nine in Montour.

RETIREMENT FOR FORMER CHIEF LYCOMING COUNTY DETECTIVE

Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner announced the retirement of former Chief Lycoming County detective William Weber yesterday. In a press release, “Upon arrival to the office Tuesday, September 28, I was provided with a copy of the Attorney General’s Sealed Search Warrants in the Myrtle Beach/Williamsport Baseball matter. I immediately requested a meeting with Detective Weber. During this meeting, Detective Weber informed me that he was retiring, effective immediately. Today is Detective Weber’s 40th anniversary as a law enforcement officer. The “Myrtle Beach/Williamsport Baseball matter” referenced in the DA’s statement is related to an investigation into allegations of sexual assault of a former Williamsport Area High School baseball player in March of 2018 during a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. According to northcentralpa.com, Detective William Weber was involved with handling the DA’s investigation at the time of the allegations.

INFORMATIONAL PICKET ALONG ROUTE 15

A Presidential Executive Order to enforce vaccinations of Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) staff (not inmates) will begin on Oct. 8, 2021. If staff are not fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021, they will face employment termination. Andy Kline, the President of the Council of Prison Locals, Local 148, USP Lewisburg, relayed the following details on the Bureau Of Prisons response to the national mandate. As reported by a media source, in opposition to the mandate, union members from USP Lewisburg, USP Allenwood, FCI Schuylkill  and others will organize an Informational Picket along Route 15 in Lewisburg and Montgomery on Thursday Sept. 30 from 7am-12pm.

BOOMER’S TRICK OR TREAT DRIVE-THRU

 Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat is a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark, Historic Bowman Field parking lot on Friday, October 29 from 6pm-8pm and is sponsored by UPMC & Backyard Broadcasting.


BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

It was a crash in South Williamsport and upwards of nine people were injured, but all declined treatment except two who were taken to UPMC Williamsport following this four-vehicle chain-reaction crash at East Southern Avenue and Hastings Street in South Williamsport about 12:30 p.m. yesterday, according to borough police. The names of those involved were not available. According to SUN Gazette, multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

VOTE AUDIT QUESTIONS FOR LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Both county commissioners Tony Mussare and Scott Metzger are open to additional audits of votes if there is a need for it, referring to possible audits in Tioga County and in the southeastern part of the state. According to a media outlet, no audits have been suggested for here. According to Rick Mirabito, the lone Democrat on the Board of Commissioners, unless someone can bring evidence of wrongdoing, it would not be fruitful to spend taxpayer dollars to do another audit.

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL BOARD MASK DIRECTIVE QUESTIONED

 “Do what’s right for the kids,”  a parent,  Ann Marie Pfirman, spoke up to the Jersey Shore Area School Board at their meeting as she made the case for a masks-optional policy for district students. Pfirman noted that because of what she claimed is inaction by the board, some of the parents and citizens have taken action by sending a letter from their attorney to the school board. Pfirman went on to ask the school board to work with the parents to get masking optional and also to stop the segregation practices that the district has allowed the teachers and the administrators to do in our classrooms. As reported by SUN Gazette, the board did not respond to the comments. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Middle School Auditorium, 601 Thompson St.

GUILTY PLEA FOR 2017 INFANT DEATH

Abdullah Friend, 30, of Williamsport, pleaded guilty to his responsibility in the death of his infant child in April of 2017. By his admission in court yesterday, Friend reportedly handled the child in a reckless manner in such a way that led to death, eventually resulting in asphyxiation, according to District Attorney Ryan Gardner. Prescient Judge Nancy Butts sentenced Friend to one to two years in the Lycoming County Prison, with credit for time served, as well as a consecutive six and a half years of probation. As reported by a media source, Friend’s actions included reckless batter and a tight swaddle that resulted in asphyxiation, said District Attorney Ryan Gardner.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The South Williamsport Area School Board elected Todd Engel as its President and Steve Rupert as Vice President and accepted the resignations of two school directors at this week’s meeting. The recent resignations of former president Nathan Miller and vice president Nicholas Fiorini left the board with two vacancies. In other matters, Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm reported to the board that since August the district has had 26 cases of positive COVID-19 infections at the high school, 15 at Central Elementary School and four at Rommelt Elementary School. According to a media outlet, the board met in executive session following the meeting to consider personnel matters.

CONVICTED FELON UNABLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS

As a convicted felon, Susquehanna Township resident Edward Jay Manley, is prohibited by law to possess a firearm at any time. Armed with a search warrant, police took from the home numerous rifles, handguns and shotguns on Aug. 4 after receiving a tip, according to an affidavit. As reported by a media source,  he was arraigned last week on 15 felony counts of convicted felon not to possess a firearm, Manley, convicted of felony burglary in 1990, was released on $15,000 bail.

SECOND AMENDMENT SUPPORT AT LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING TUESDAY

Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk spoke before a group of community members as the county commissioners considered a resolution in support of the Second Amendment. “You won’t find this sheriff enforce anything that the federal administration tries to shove down our throats, because we have the right to bear arms,” …Matthew McDermott, director of administration and chief clerk then read the resolution before the crowd. According to the SUN Gazette, the resolution stated that the commissioners “wish to express their intent to stand for Second Amendment rights and oppose any effort to unconstitutionally restrict such rights of citizens to keep and bear arms,” McDermott read. By a unanimous vote, the commissioners passed the resolution. The next meeting of the commissioners will be at 10 a.m., Oct. 5 in the Commissioner’s Board Room, 1st floor Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.

COVID-19 LOCAL CASES FOR TUESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 11 new cases were reported on Tuesday, Centre County saw an increase of 58, while Lycoming County increased by 72, 29 in Northumberland County, 23 in Union, 20 in Snyder and seven in Montour County.

MASK EXEMPTION BILL PASSES STATE SENATE COMMITTEE

AP is reporting… A bill that would allow parents in Pennsylvania to exempt their children from wearing a mask at school cleared a state Senate committee on Tuesday as Republican lawmakers started making good on their pledge to counter the governor’s statewide mask mandate.  The legislation would hand the ultimate decision on masking at school to parents and guardians, allowing them to overrule any face-covering mandate imposed by the state Department of Health, a local health department or a school board.  The Senate Education Committee approved the bill on a party-line vote. It requires passage by the full Senate and the House before going to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, whose office said he opposes the bill.

STORMREADY HOSPITAL DESIGNATION

Evangelical Community Hospital is now ‘StormReady,’ that’s an official designation from the National Weather Service.  During a news conference yesterday, the weather service recognized Evangelical Community Hospital as the second hospital in Pennsylvania to gain the Storm Ready status.  Features of a  StormReady Hospital includes having a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center in the building – but it also meets virtually – one aspect of it allows hospital staff access to a chat program with the National Weather Service to get their gut feeling on incoming severe weather, according to a media outlet.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE SENTENCES      

The verdict is in and Ikeem Fogan of Williamsport will be spending the rest of his life in state prison for a conviction of criminal homicide in the August 2019 slaying of Rhonda McPeak in the Newberry Uni-Mart. According to SUN Gazette, Fogan was also found guilty of 10 other counts related to the robbery and wounding of JoBeth Wetzel, the clerk at the Uni-Mart the night of the robbery. Fogan will be paying $7,000 in restitution to McPeak’s daughter, as to cover the costs of the funeral. He is doing this in addition to serving  two minimum life sentences.

WRONGFULLY FIRED MAN TAKES BUSINESS TO COURT

A Clinton County man has taken First Quality Tissue of Lock Haven to court, alleging he was wrongly fired in September 2020 for using prescribed medical marijuana. According to a media outlet, Kevin Dennis of Renovo was hired July 2019 as a warehouse worker.  Dennis is seeking an award of liquidated and/or punitive damages in an amount believed by the court as appropriate. Furthermore, Dennis asked the court to award him damages for emotional distress and/or pain and suffering and that his claims are to receive a trial by jury. A summons has been sent to First Quality Tissue.

ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

On Sunday, Oct. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. there will be an annual fall festival at Little Pine State Park that focuses on the natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities in northcentral Pennsylvania. According to a report from a media outlet, displays and scheduled programs by state and county conservation agencies, local conservation organizations, and businesses related to the outdoors will be at the fall festival. There will also be live animals, crafts, demonstrations, and more.

VOTER ID REINTRODUCED IN STATE HOUSE

A comprehensive election reform measure vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf has been reintroduced in the state House. A key component of the bill – to expand voter ID guidelines to require all voters to present ID each time they cast a ballot – was initially cited by the governor as a main reason for his veto, but he has subsequently said he is open to expanded ID requirements. The Voting Rights Protection Act, now House Bill 1800, would expand ID requirements but also ensure ALL registered voters can comply by calling on counties and the Department of State to issue durable voter registration identification cards, similar to those already provided. Voters also would be able to use other types of identification, including their state-issued driver license or ID card.

FALSE REPORTS TO GET SOMEONE ARRESTED
Donovan Fraunfelter, Jersey Shore, faces misdemeanor charges of false reports to law enforcement and making unsworn falsification to authorities stemming from an incident on Sept. 14, according to court records filed at District Judge Jerry C. Lepley’s office. Police said Fraunfelter didn’t like a certain individual so he notified police and submitted a bogus report that the person “threatened to kill him and chased him with a machete,” officers alleged in an affidavit. According to Sun Gazette, Fraunfelter has been sent a summons to appear before the judge.

DUI TURNS DISORDERLY

A traffic stop brought DUI charges to a Jersey Shore man. The driver, identified as Samuel Henry Collins, told troopers they “would need to shoot him” if they wanted him out of the vehicle. According to the police report,  Collins attempted to start the vehicle and drive away from authorities, which prompted them to deploy a taser. Collins was issued several charges that ranged from third-degree felony criminal attempt at fleeing, second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia, two misdemeanor DUI charges, and two summary traffic offenses. According to a media source, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Collins on Oct. 14. Collins is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail.

COVID TESTING NOT RECOMMENDED FOR EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS

With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in our communities, Geisinger wanted to remind citizens on the appropriate locations to go for COVID-19 testing. “A hospital emergency room is not an appropriate location, but Geisinger offers several locations for more efficient and timely COVID-19 testing,” according to a statement released by hospital spokesperson Marc Stempka. “Our emergency rooms are busy, and staff there are needed to treat patients with serious illnesses and injuries.””COVID-19 testing in the emergency room takes staff away from these patients and increases wait times. Hospital emergency rooms are for emergencies, such as life-threatening injuries and illness, including symptoms of strokes, heart attacks and broken bones,” Stempka’s statement continued.

COVID UPDATE FOR VALLEY COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19. In Clinton County seven new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 20, Lycoming County 34, 22 in Northumberland County, 21 in Snyder, 18 in Union and three in Montour.

DAMAGES AND ROAD CLOSURE WHEN TRUCK LOSES LOAD

Two people were reportedly sent to the hospital when granite slabs fell onto a passenger vehicle after breaking loose from a tractor-trailer driving on Route 15 on Monday. All five lanes of Route 15 were closed following the crash that occurred about 12:40 p.m. near the intersection of Loan Road and Route 15, just south of Evangelical Community Hospital. The tractor-trailer stopped at the traffic signal, a truckload of granite fell off the left side of the trailer. Some pieces hit the ground and shattered, while one piece struck the rear passenger side of a Nissan Versa in the passing lane.

LYCOMING COUNTY COURT SENDS THREE TO STATE PRISON

Three people were sentenced to state prison recently in Lycoming County Court, according to SUN Gazette.  Christopher Warns, Watsontown, 50 to 100 months for aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children, Daniel Rankins, Williamsport, 18 to 36 months and three years probation for indecent assault of a person younger than 13 years of age and endangering the welfare of children and Samantha Kay Bankes, 26, of Bloomsburg, nine to 24 months for escape.

BURGULARY CHARGES TO WILLIAMSPORT MAN

Taahir Stowe, Williamsport,  has been jailed on charges of illegally entering Joshua King’s home at 501 Park Ave. and stealing a handgun on March 12 after a juvenile had entered through a window and unlocked the back door for him so he could get inside, city police alleged in an affidavit. Within a week, officers recovered the stolen handgun, which was located in a backpack at 615 Court St. Stowe was arraigned last week before District Judge Aaron Biichle on charges burglary, felony trespassing, theft, receiving stolen property, carrying a firearm without a license and corrupting the morals of a minor. He remains behind bars in lieu of $100,000 bail.

WALK ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA

On Sunday, Oct. 3, a “Walk in Penn’s Woods” event will be taking place across Pennsylvania. The walk begins in Union County  and it will be 8-11 a.m. at R.B. Winter State Park in Mifflinburg. It’s hosted by Seven Mountains Audubon. In Lycoming County,  the walk is from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as part of the 40th anniversary hike on the Old Loggers Path. At 1:30 p.m., the Central Susquehanna Woodland Owners Association will sponsor a “Walk in Penn’s Woods” at the Montour Preserve on 374 Preserve Road in Danville.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

On Sunday, September 26th at approximately 2:36 pm, officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Park Avenue for multiple shots fired and several vehicles fleeing the area. Upon arrival to the scene, officers located several vehicles and residences struck by gunfire as well as other corroborating evidence to the shooting.  The scene was closed off to traffic and officers maintained a presence in the area until the collection of evidence was completed. Officers also located evidence related to this incident in the area of the 300 block of Brandon Place.  If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Agent Brittany Alexander at the Williamsport Police Department.

COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 24 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 65, Lycoming County increased by 67, 32 in Northumberland County, 13 in Union and eight each in Montour and Snyder counties.

CLINTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 100 YEARS OLD

Clinton County Historical Society celebrates 100 years of charter, by continuing to collect and preserve the history of Clinton County.  A celebratory banquet will be held on Oct. 17 at the Lock Haven Elks, 109 E. Main Street to include a special presentation by ; Thomas “Tank” Baird is at 7 p. m. According to therecordonline.com, Mr. Baird is the past president/current vice president of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and has eleven seasons of historic and pre-historic archaeological excavation experience. He published an article “Mysterious Mound Builder Artifacts Found in Rural Clinton County.”

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL PERFORMED AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

A NBA Hall of Famer was in the Valley this weekend…as a DJ.Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal performed at Bucknell University’s annual Fall Fest, but was held for the first time in two years due to the pandemic. According to campus newspaper, The Bucknellian, O’Neal performed under his stage name, ‘DJ Diesel.’ The event occurred Friday night at Sojka Pavilion.

OVER THE EDGE GOES OVER THE TOP

It was the annual “Over the Edge” fund raising event and it sent participants down 150′ from the top of the Genetti Hotel to the street on Saturday. The event is sponsored by UPMC and is a fundraising partnership between the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, River Valley YMCA and the YWCA of Northcentral Pa. According to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter’s Facebook page, It was an honor to kickoff this year’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser alongside Mr. Steve Johnson to benefit three of our amazing local non-profits. Mayor Slaughter and UPMC Northcentral President Steve Johnson kicked off the historic event by rappelling and helping to raise over $16,000.

HARASSMENT BY COMMUNICATION

From July 16 to Sept. 10 of this year, a Danville woman received 47 calls and 53 text messages, many of which threatened her. According to Danville Borough Police, Jamie Alisha Adams, 31, of Bridge City, TX, was charged multiple felonies. As reported by a media outlet, onn July 20, Adams sent a text message that read, “Please drop the charges…” allegedly in reference to another case that charged Adams with similar offenses. Adams was released on $100,000 nominal bail, meaning she only had to pay a small amount, as she awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled at the end of the month.

NARCOTICS CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

A 57-year-old Williamsport woman is facing felony charges after detectives with the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit purchased 11 prescription pills from her. On June 10, a confidential informant placed a call to Brenda Allison Jones in the presence of Detective Robert Anderson to arrange the purchase.  Jones was charged with third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility and felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Court records show Jones posted $50,000 unsecured bail and agreed to show up in person for her preliminary hearing.A formal arraignment with Aaron Biichle is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 8:30 a.m.

ASSAULT CHARGES ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

Williamsport police charged a man with second-degree simple assault, first-degree terroristic threats, and second-degree false imprisonment after they said he locked a woman inside a bedroom. All charges are misdemeanors filed against Joshua Tito Kendall, 36, of Williamsport, who allegedly told the woman he would “kill her” if she ever tried to leave him. Kendall posted $50,000 monetary bail on Sept. 16 through a professional bondsman located in Unityville. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Aaron Biichle on Oct. 14 at 8:45 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

LAWSUIT GOING  TO COURT REGARDING STATE OF HEALTH MANDATES

The Montoursville Area School District mask lawsuit by parents will continue for at least another week. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann said he would decide Friday whether to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the district from enforcing a mask policy mirroring what the state health department mandates. Parents of 15 district students are seeking an injunction.

MIFFLINBURG MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY FOR LEAVING DOGS IN HOT SUN FOR HOURS

A Mifflinburg Man was arrested recently for animal cruelty. State police say 50-year-old Daniel Moll was arrested for leaving three dogs in a parked car with the windows up for 4-5 hours. By the time they were found, one dog had succumbed to the heat. Troopers have charged Moll with felony animal cruelty and neglect charges .

A DANVILLE BUSINESSWOMAN DIED FOLLOWING EXPLOSION

A long-time Danville businesswoman had died following a welding accident Thursday afternoon. Mahoning Township Police Chief Fred Dyroff says 64-year-old Kathy Snyder died from her injuries overnight at Lehigh Valley Health Network Regional Burn Center near Allentown. As reported by the Daily Item, Dyroff says the accident occurred just before 2 p.m. Thursday at her shop when a diesel tank she was welding exploded. Snyder had operated Haupt Welding for more than 30 years, which was founded by her father in 1960.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

As the Commonwealth marks National Suicide Prevention Month in September, legislation to hold accountable a person who instructs, causes or solicits another person to commit suicide is now awaiting the governor’s signature.  “Shawn’s Law” is named after Shawn Shatto, a young woman who took her own life in her parent’s Newberry Township home after she received a step-by-step guide on how to die by suicide from an online chat forum. She was provided the instructions to make the poison to take her own life.  House Bill 184 calls for sentences for a person who encourages another person who is under the age of 18 or has an intellectual disability to die by suicide to be increased.

A COMPREHENSIVE ELECTION REFORM

A comprehensive election reform measure vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf has been reintroduced in the state House. A key component of the bill – to expand voter ID guidelines to require all voters to present ID each time they cast a ballot – was initially cited by the governor as a main reason for his veto, but he has subsequently said he is open to expanded ID requirements. The Voting Rights Protection Act, now House Bill 1800, would expand ID requirements but also ensure ALL registered voters can comply by calling on counties and the Department of State to issue durable voter registration identification cards, similar to those already provided. Voters also would be able to use other types of identification, including their state-issued driver license or ID card.

STATE PRISON TIME FOR PHILADELPHIA MAN

State prison is what is in the future for a man who was found guilty of selling heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to Williamsport residents in 2019. William Lincoln, 39, of Philadelphia, recently received a state prison sentence of 20 years and nine months to 34 years and six months for multiple drug charges, according to a media outlet. According to a media source, the jury in his March 2021 trial determined he intended to sell 87 bags of fentanyl and cocaine and 15.7 grams of meth, among many others, across three different court cases he stood trial for at once.

DEBT CEILING

With Pennsylvania’s lawmakers in Washington sharply divided, the Senate is set for a showdown that could end in an unprecedented debt default or a government shutdown. Battles over the debt ceiling and government funding have become an almost perennial tradition in Washington, particularly when the president and Congress are at odds. On Tuesday, the House voted 220-211 to keep the government funded and to raise the debt limit, allowing the United States to pay off its bondholders for a while longer. Pennsylvania’s delegation was split along party lines, with every Democrat voting to raise the limit and every Republican voting against it. The measure now moves to the Senate, where Republicans have shown little interest in helping to raise the ceiling — despite having voted to do so two years ago.

TRANSFER MONEY APPROVED FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY

Williamsport City Council approved a transfer ordinance totaling $100,000 to cover costs associated with three tasks. The transfer of money in the 2021 general fund will be used to pay$20,000 as part of the city obligation to have its buildings meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, secondly $70,000 for foundation cost for the Muncy Bank Stadium scoreboard, and, finally, $50,000 is for a pickup truck that will not be able to be delivered until next year, as reported by the SUN Gazette.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

EXPLOSION SENDS DANVILLE WOMAN TO HOSPITAL

The Sunbury Daily Item reported a Danville woman went to the hospital after suffering injuries from an explosion at a welding shop yesterday afternoon in Mahoning Township.  According to Mahoning Township Police Chief Fred Dyroff, the explosion happened when Kathy Snyder was welding a diesel tank around 2pm.

KRAYNAK PLEAD GUILTY TO 12 FELONY COUNTS

Dr. Raymond Kraynak yesterday unexpectedly ended a four-year-long legal battle, by pleading guilty to 12 felony counts of illegal distribution or dispensing of prescription drugs. The plea was made 10 days into the trial in Williamsport. U.S. Judge Matthew Brann accepted the plea and Kraynak will be sentenced at a later date in federal court. As part of the plea deal, Kraynak is likely to face a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine and probation to be determined, potential restitution to the victims and additional court fees and costs. Brann ordered a pre-sentence investigation and report before Kraynak is sentenced. According to the Daily Item, a sentencing date is not yet scheduled. Kraynak remains free on $500,000 bail until the sentencing date.

UPDATED COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 31 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 58, Lycoming County increased by 84, 48 cases in Northumberland County, 24 in Snyder, 14 in Union and three in Montour.

CLINTON COUNTY PRESIDENT JUDGE DENIES PARTS OF A PRE-TRIAL MOTION

Clinton County President Judge Craig Miller has denied nearly all parts of a pre-trial motion submitted by Jamie Lynn Jackson’s defense in an attempt to challenge evidence accusing her of killing her 9-year-old nephew. Jackson, 36, is accused of abusing Anson Stover and leaving him for dead in a bathtub in her home along East Bald Eagle Street in November 2020. She faces criminal homicide and six other charges by the Lock Haven City Police Department. According to a media outlet, Jackson’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 28, 2022, and may last until April 8, 2022. Jury selection will begin on March 21, 2022.

EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SALARY INCREASE

In what seems to be a step in the right direction, and after Geisinger announced a wage increase last week, the Evangelical Community Hospital announced this week approximately 700 employees will see an increase in their wages as the Hospital moves to make the minimum base pay for all positions $15 per hour. The new wages take affect October 3.  According to a media outlet, the Evangelical’s Vice President of People and Culture Rachel Smith says the increase shows commitment to being a strong employer of choice in the region, and the hospital’s desire to continually recruit high caliber individuals to be part of the healthcare environment.

STATE SENATOR GENE YAW SPEAKS UP FOR FIREFIGHTERS

The Senate this week approved a bill establishing statewide uniform requirements restricting the use of certain “Class B” firefighting foams for training purposes and testing, according to a press release. The legislation, known as the Firefighting Foam Management Act, would restrict the use of foam containing added (PFAS) beginning July 1, 2022. According to state Sen. Gene Yaw, Township, the bill’s prime sponsor, this bill will undoubtedly protect firefighters moving forward, while also safeguarding our ground and surface water from contamination.

SENTATE RESTRICTING USE OF CERTAIN “CLASS B” FOAM

The Senate this week approved a bill establishing statewide uniform requirements restricting the use of certain “Class B” firefighting foams for training purposes and testing, according to a press release. The bill would further direct the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), in consultation with the State Fire Commissioner, to assist firefighting entities with evaluating and determining how to transition to the use of class B firefighting foam that does not contain a PFAS chemical. Yaw indicated the legislation would not impact the continued use of firefighting foams during emergency situations.

SECOND ALARM FIRE IN WILLIAMSPORT

T&T Nail in the River Valley Plaza at 201 Basin St. was expected to remain closed at least two to three weeks after a smoldering electrical fire was discovered inside the business about 8:40 a.m. Thursday, according to city Platoon Chief Samuel Aungst. A fire that consumed a small cabinet filled with nail polish and nail removal was smoldering when firefighters arrived, Aungst said, adding that damage was estimated at about $25,000. No one was injured, and damage was limited to the one business. Both the woman and child were taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, officials said.

MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES IN WILLIAMSPORT

The trial of Ikeem Fogan, a man accused of killing a Newberry woman in 2019, finished its final session of the week with testimony from forensic scientists and a member of the county sheriff’s office. Nicholas Plumley, a state police forensic scientist in Harrisburg, said his office found “gunshot residue” on Fogan’s hands or back.“Fogan may have recently handled or discharged a firearm,” Plumley told the jury. “He could have been near a discharged gun.” Fogan is accused of killing Rhonda McPeak in the Newberry Uni-Mart in August 2019 during a failed robbery. Police found and arrested him around 30 hours after the shooting occurred.

MONDAY WITNESSES PLAN FOR THE END OF THE TRIAL

The trial of Ikeem Fogan, a man accused of killing a Newberry woman in 2019, finished its final session of the week with testimony from forensic scientists and a member of the county sheriff’s office.On Monday, the jury will hear from the remainder of summoned witnesses, including DNA evidence, before both parties make their closing statements around noon. Then, the jury will deliberate through the rest of the day as long as it takes to reach a verdict.

PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE ALL-ELECTRONIC TOLLING

The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s switch to all-electronic tolling has been anything but quick or painless. In fact, an internal turnpike report was issued in July: that more than $104 million in tolls went uncollected last year. Some troubling facts, as reported in just one paragraph of a recent AP article: “Last year, license plates could not be identified in 1.8 million Pennsylvania Turnpike rides, bills were undeliverable in just over 1 million instances, and motor vehicle agencies failed to provide vehicle owner addresses more than 1.5 million times. An additional 6.7 million transactions were marked as ‘not paid.’ “

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

WIRES DOWN, CLOSING ROADS

Motorists are advised that part of Route 2039 (Warrensville Road) is closed between Route 2014 (East Third Street / Broad Street) and Four Mile Drive in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County, due to downed utilities. A detour using local roads is in place.  The road is expected to be closed for several hours. Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FOR MONTGOMERY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Montgomery Area School Board held a virtual meeting and parents joined to express their views on the order from the state Department of Health requiring students, staff and visitors to be masked in district buildings. Visitors, who included concerned residents and family members, cited the inconsistencies in the mask/no-mask issue, claiming that although the state created the order, there is no way of enforcing it, along with concerns which included students suffering from trouble breathing and concentrating. According to SUN Gazette, a concerned mother asked for a special meeting and the board did not respond. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 19.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY HIT BY VANDALS

The city has been hit by vandals who have caused about $800 in damage to the street pedestrian crossing buttons and spray painted derogatory words about city police at the Brandon Park bandshell. The matter was addressed at the public works committee meeting this week. The most recent affected pedestrian crossing buttons, which are affixed to poles at intersections, were unscrewed and taken, according to SUN Gazette.

RECORDED PHONE CONVERSATION AS EVIDENCE IN COURT PROCEEDING

In a recorded phone call to a relative submitted as evidence, Ikeem Fogan said police caught him on camera while shirtless the night he was accused of shooting a convenience store clerk and killing a customer in 2019. As reported by SUN Gazette, this ties together two threads of testimony in the case that alleges Fogan wounded JoBeth Wetzel and killed Rhonda McPeak in the Newberry Uni-Mart on Aug. 4, 2019, and fled the scene, ditching articles of clothing on the way, according to Martin Wade, the first assistant district attorney prosecuting the case its a subtle confession.

UPDATED COVID-19 LOCAL REPORTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 23 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 62, Lycoming County increased by 70, 51 in Northumberland County, 19 in Snyder, 17 in Union and 9 new cases reported in Montour County.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THEFT IN MILTON

It was a sexual assault and theft case out of Milton. Martin Esperanza, 27, of Milton, now faces a third-degree felony charge of robbery for an incident that occurred Sept. 12 on Eschbach Road, Turbot Township. According to State Police at Milton, a woman was her vehicle with Esperanza when he allegedly assaulted her, took the woman’s cell phone and left her along the roadway. He was committed to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Judge Diehl’s office.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADUATE WINS AWARD

After earning her second MAC Freedom Offensive Player of the Week award, junior Bella Green, a South Williamsport graduate, has earned her first United Soccer Coaches Division III Offensive Player of the Week award. Green leads the MAC Freedom in goals (8), assists (6) and points (22). As reported by Sun Gazette, just seven games into the season, the junior is tied for 15th in the program’s single season history in goals, tied for ninth in assists and tied for 14th in points.

ELECTRONIC SIGNS TO HELP PREVENT COVID-19 IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport City Council’s regular meeting is tonight and they are expected to look into a company who specializes in electronic signs, which could help provide guidance on preventing COVID-19 and produce some revenue through advertisement. According to Skip Memmi, Williamsport City director of community and economic development, Community Development Block Grant money of $60,000 would bring five signs into low to moderate income neighborhoods. Company representatives will be on hand to further explain the sign benefits, as reported by a media outlet.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING IS TONIGHT

Williamsport City Council’s regular meeting is tonight and they are expected to review an ordinance to transfer money in the general fund budget to pay for various projects. Specifically, the transfer for the $64,000 change order for the video scoreboard foundation costs at Muncy Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field, will be inspected. According to SUN Gazette, other transfer requests will be for the accessibility inspection of city-owned buildings other than City Hall, and the treasurer’s office is looking for an additional $10,000 in legal services relating to more work in audits, and their consultants are doing related to collecting additional business privilege and mercantile taxes.

SENIOR EXPO IN MONTOURSVILLE TODAY

To better serve seniors in our region, a group of state, local, and county representatives from various organizations will be on hand to offer information and services. More than 75 vendors will be participating in the event. State Representative Joe Hamm and State Senator Gene Yaw will host a Senior Expo this Thursday, today  9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church, located at 700 Fairview Drive in Montoursville. Complimentary document shredding will be provided by North Central Sight Services. There is a limit of two boxes per person. Organizers ask that shredding services only be used by individuals, not businesses. In addition, the Lycoming County Sheriff will provide an unused prescription medication return drop box for visitors to safely dispose of any unwanted medications.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

SENATOR YAW SUPPORTING FIREFIGHTERS 

A bill establishing statewide uniform requirements restricting the use of “Class B” firefighting foams containing added (PFAS) for training purposes and testing … was approved today by the full Senate, according to prime sponsor Sen. Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. According to Senator Yaw, “Firefighters can face an extremely higher level of PFAS exposure compared to other emergency responders.” “This bill will undoubtedly protect firefighters moving forward, while also safeguarding our ground and surface water from contamination.” If approved, Pennsylvania would follow Colorado, Kentucky, Virginia and Washington that have enacted laws banning the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams.  The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

PENNDOT TALK BACK PLAN

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the launch of a Public Comment Period for the draft 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Freight Movement Plan (FMP). The plans are available for review through October 19, 2021. According to PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We need Pennsylvanians to join this conversation to help us make these plans even more responsive to future public needs. Whether we are speaking about more efficient freight movement, modernized public transit, reduced highway congestion or increased options for bicyclists and pedestrians, these improvements are only possible with a public commitment to a sustained level of investment for years to come,” All information is available online under Tell Us What You Think at penndot.gov/planning.

GEISINGER VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Beginning today, Geisinger’s updated visitation policy will go into effect for all hospital locations. Changes include: Admitted patients will be allowed two designated visitors through the duration of a hospital stay, meaning visitors may not switch out with other visitors. Emergency room patients will be permitted one visitor for the duration of their stay once the patient is in the treatment area. Emergency room patients who are positive for COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19 are not permitted visitors. Geisinger encourages alternate means of visiting with a loved one in the hospital, including phone calls and virtual visits through Facetime, Skype or other means.

GEISINGER VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Beginning today, Geisinger’s updated visitation policy will go into effect for all hospital and outpatient locations. At all outpatient locations, changes include: No visitors are permitted during outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary. Outpatient appointments include certain surgeries, mental or behavioral health, primary care and others. Geisinger encourages alternate means of visiting with a loved one in the hospital, including phone calls and virtual visits through Facetime, Skype or other means.

BENNINGHOFF SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF IDA DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff yesterday voted in support of House Resolution 139, which would extend the provisions of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Aug. 31 disaster emergency declaration relative to the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Ida. “When Pennsylvania voters approved two constitutional amendments in May giving the Legislature a greater say in the management of disaster emergency situations, this is the exact type of cooperative management they expected,” Benninghoff said. “Tropical Storm Ida had a serious impact on many communities across Pennsylvania. As that extensive recovery effort continues, renewing the disaster declaration is clearly necessary.” House Resolution 139 would extend the disaster emergency declaration until Oct. 27, 2021.

BENNINGHOFF VOTES FOR GREATER INFORMATION SHARING TO HELP COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff yesterday voted in support of an amendment to House Bill 1774 that would allow for increased information sharing between departments of material from the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program as a tool to help the Commonwealth combat the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. This legislative fix was identified by Gov. Tom Wolf as a helpful component of the opioid disaster emergency declaration, which expired in August after being renewed 15 different times by the governor. “Cooperative government means that when a disaster declaration is extended 15 times, maybe it is time for permanent solutions, instead of a permanent emergency. That is the essence of what we are doing today: We are providing a permanent fix to help combat the opioid addiction epidemic in Pennsylvania,” Benninghoff said.

BENNINGHOFF SUPPORTS WARD RESOLUTION ON PRISONER REALLOCATION

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff yesterday morning voted in support of a resolution offered by Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward during a meeting of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission that would put additional guidelines on how prisoner reallocation data is to be compiled and counted by, among other things, ensuring that individuals incarcerated to a minimum sentence expiring after April 1, 2030, will be counted at the prison at which they reside. The resolution further fleshes out the decision by the commission at its last meeting to adopt a prisoner reallocation proposal that changes the long-standing practice of having state inmates counted where they eat, sleep and live at the time of the census—like every other Pennsylvanian—and instead counts them where they resided prior to incarceration.

STRIPE OUT GAME 

Contest with the Hoosiers on Oct. 2 is a Stripe Out Penn State Football’s contest against Indiana on Oct. 2 will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, it was announced Monday. The game will also be available on the Penn State Sports Network (6 p.m. airtime) and GoPSUsports.com.
The Nittany Lions hold a 22-2 all-time record vs. Indiana, with Indiana winning last year’s matchup 36-35 in overtime. Penn State faces off with Villanova in Beaver Stadium on Saturday at noon ET on Big Ten Network. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 28-20 victory over Auburn.

GOVERNOR WOLF AND IT’S ON US

Continuing his commitment to combatting campus sexual assault, Governor Tom Wolf announced that $1 million in It’s On Us PA grants are available to colleges, universities, and other postsecondary schools in Pennsylvania. Since 2016, the Wolf Administration has awarded over 190 It’s On Us PA grants totaling nearly $5 million to more than 75 postsecondary institutions, including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will accept applications for grants of up to $30,000 through October 20, 2021. Grant applications are available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website.

PROSECUTION IN MURDER TRIAL

In the prosecution’s opening statement on Tuesday in the Criminal Homicide trial of I-Keem Damont Fogan, 23, District Attorney Martin Wade told the jury the story of a “robbery executed very poorly.”  Wade walked the jury through the night of August 4, 2019, showing still images of the shooting that occurred at the Uni-Mart, 1944 W. Fourth St., that injured JoBeth Wetzel, the cashier on duty that night, and took the life of Rhonda McPeak, a customer in the store. In her opening statement, public defender Nicole Spring drew attention to the potential trauma the jurors may experience while serving at the trial,  acknowledging the shocking crime that took place the night of Aug. 4, 2019. They would, she said, have to witness surveillance footage of the two women being shot, a difficult thing to bear.The trial continues this morning in the Lycoming County Courthouse.

COVID-19 LOCAL UPDATE

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County six new cases were reported on Tuesday, Centre County saw an increase of 40, Lycoming County increased by 49, 41 in Northumberland County, 14 in Union County, 21 in Snyder, and four in Montour.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA STOLEN

State Police at Montoursville are investigating a burglary in Fairfield Township in which medical marijuana was stolen. The residence, on O’Dell Road, was entered sometime during the day on Sept 7th.  The suspects took upwards of $60 in medical marijuana and fled the scene. If you have any information, please contact the State Police in Montoursville.

THEFT IN MIFFLINBURG

A victim is out $850 after a Union County man allegedly stole parts from an auto he was expected to repair. David Walls, 47, of Mifflinburg, is accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of parts from the victim’s vehicle and keeping the $850 she paid for repairs, according to State Police at Milton. The vehicle was taken to Walls’ residence to make the agreed repairs, after several months the vehicle was not returned. The victim went to get her vehicle and realized several parts were missing.  Items missing included; the transmission, battery, catalytic converter, and starter, according to state police. According to northcentralpa.com, charges against Walls are being filed at the office of District Judge Jeffrey Mensch.

MONTOURSVILLE grad gets Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Football Co-Offensive Athlete of the week

Shippensburg University red shirt junior quarterback Brycen Mussina was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Football Co-Offensive Athlete of the week after equaling a career high with five touchdown passes in Saturday’s victory at Clarion. Mussina, a Montoursville graduate, was 23 of 37 for 350 yards and equaled a career high with five touchdown passes before he was relieved in the fourth quarter. As reported by SUN Gazette,  it was the first time a Shippensburg player has been named the PSAC Eastern Division Football Offensive Athlete of the Week since Mussina was recognized during his redshirt freshman season on October 22, 2018.. it is Mussina’s second career PSAC weekly award.

MURDER TRIAL IN WILLIAMSPORT

On Tuesday in the Criminal Homicide trial of I-Keem Damont Fogan, public defender Nicole Spring, in her opening statement, drew attention to the potential trauma the jurors may experience while serving at the trial,  acknowledging the shocking crime that took place the night of Aug. 4, 2019. They would, she said, have to witness surveillance footage of the two women being shot, a difficult thing to bear. According to the SUN Gazette, the trial continues this morning in the Lycoming County Courthouse.

MANDATED MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION FOR WILLIAMSPORT PUBLIC SAFETY

The Williamsport City’s mandated minimum contribution to police, fire and employees’ pension funds is $4.1 million.  According to city officials  $1 million less than the previous obligation. On their regular meeting, Williamsport’s City Council’s Finance Committee gave the minimum municipal obligation a positive recommendation.  Broken down, contributions for police are $1.8 million; fire, $1.1 million and officers and employees, $1.1 million, this according to city interim finance director, Joseph Paw Lak, who goes on to say the city must approve the obligation to pay pensions by Sept 30, as reported by SUN Gazette.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS FOR TREE REPLACEMENT 

The city may be able to use a portion of the $25.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds to replant trees removed when the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reconstructed West Fourth Street in Newberry two years ago. In total, 51 trees were taken out overnight in an area less than a mile in length, leading to outrage from West End residents impacted who are asking for 40-plus trees.  Chad Eckert, city forester, said if the funds are approved for the replacements, there are a variety of tree species that might work. However, PennDOT reported it will not be able to return to the project until 2028. According to a media outlet, a second work session on the use of the American Rescue Plan funds is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 30. The meeting will be held remotely on YouTube and accessible on the city website.

Facebook