100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PLANNING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY UNITED WAY

The local United Way is preparing to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, next April. The official date of the anniversary is April 14 and the LCUW is planning some events around the Centennial. The local historians are hard at work as they prepare for the centennial by gathering information about the founding members and interviewing descendants of that original group who still live in the area today. Specific plans for the celebration are not firm. More to follow.

MOTION REQUEST FOR NEW TRIAL

A Sunbury woman, who was convicted of lying to police in the Arabella Parker case, claims a change of venue should have happened, because a local newspaper wrote about her case and it caused the public to believe she was guilty. Therefore, she and her attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. .Christy Willis, 52, who was convicted by a jury in April, filed her second motion in Northumberland County Court through her attorney public defender William Cannon. According to the Daily Item, Willis was sentenced to 20 months to 17 years in state prison. The hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. in front of Jones.

A WITHDRAW OF CHARGES IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE 

Multiple charges withdrawn for a Muncy woman, during her time as an employee, was accused earlier this year of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male at a Union County treatment center. Estee E. McLaughlin, 27, is now charged with three third-degree felony institutional sexual assault of a minor and one corruption of minors charge, as the other charges were withdrawn in Union County Court. She has a pre-trial conference scheduled with Union County District Attorney Pete Johnson, according to his office.

JURY SELECTION IN LOCK HAVEN WOMAN’S CASE

The case involving a Lock Haven woman’s homicide of a nine-year-old boy is preparing for court, as the dates have been set for the jury selection.  Jamie Lynn Jackson, 36, of Lock Haven was charged Nov. 30, 2020, when Anson Stover, Jackson’s nephew, was discovered deceased in her apartment. Jury selections were targeted between March 21 and April 8, 2022 for the trial that will be heard in Clinton County. Objections to the motions from the defense must be filed by Aug. 30. The prosecution then must respond by Sept. 14.

FINANCIAL AWARD PROVIDED TO UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE

The Uptown Music Collective, the area’s premier nonprofit school of music, has received an award in the amount of $26,954.23 from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. The allocation, which represents a grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund, is to be used to allow the school’s staff to address four key factors that directly affect the potential to increase capacity, including the ability to find, train and retain local, qualified instructors; time management; the number of spaces in which educational activities can take place simultaneously; and the organizational and technological infrastructure needed for continued growth.

NAMES RELEASED FROM MONDAY’S INTERSTATE ACCIDENT

State Police have released the identities of two people involved in a rollover crash Monday afternoon on Interstate 180, in Northumberland County. Robert Hatzel, 85, and passenger Bishan Wu, 53, both of Danville, were transported to UPMC Williamsport for treatment of injuries, according to State Police in Milton. The accident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 9 in Delaware Township. Police said Hatzel was driving east when a trailer he was hauling lost control, then went onto the west shoulder of the roadway causing Hatzel’s truck to overturn on its passenger side, and slide several feet before coming to rest on the west shoulder facing east. According to a media outlet, the right lane of I-180 was closed for at about an hour.

GEORGE I ALDEN TRUST AWARDED A GRANT TO LYCOMING COLLEGE

The George I. Alden Trust has awarded Lycoming College a grant of $125,000 to support the continued renovation of the genetics teaching lab in the Heim Science Building. The renovations are set to support and further the education and success of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students. In the summer, the lab, in conjunction with other spaces on campus, is used for Lycoming College for Kids and Teens, an educational and hands-on program for students in grades 2-12. According to the Daily Item, lab renovations are underway this summer with anticipated completion by the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

GEISINGER JERSEY SHORE HOSPITAL HELIPAD

It was a big unveiling yesterday at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, as a new helipad was introduced to the public. Sun Gazette reported the price tag for the project at nearly $2 million, and was financed in part by a gift to the Geisinger Health Foundation and through a $250,000 grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. Geisinger Life Flight has moved more than 75,000 patients since 1981 and averages more than 3,500 transports a year.

LITTLE LEAGUE MAJORS

For at least one more day, Hepburn Lycoming’s Little League major division state title hopes remain alive after a 7-5 win Monday over Valley West in an elimination game of the Pennsylvania state tournament. Hepburn Lycoming survived despite three consecutive sixth-inning home runs from Valley West, which cut a five-run lead to just two. Next: Hepburn Lycoming vs. Upper Providence, today, 1:30 p.m.

MOLD IN CITY HALL

Emergency cleaning efforts yesterday improved the air quality, but it was a band-aid on a larger wound. Mold has taken up residence in Williamsport City Hall and employees may be  temporarily relocated to another city-owned building, depending on air and mold test results, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter. The Mayor explained,  “We have mold issues, odor, and the walls are literally melting.”  Council President Randall J. Allison said the immediate primary concern is, of course, the safety and health of the employees and elected officials that work in City Hall.

DRIVER IDENTIFIED

The driver who was found dead in his overturned pickup truck in a ditch along Spook Hollow Road just before 9 a.m. Sunday has been identified as Reynold Snyder II, 67, of Linden, according to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office. It appeared that he likely suffered a medical episode behind the wheel as he was traveling north on the two-lane road, according to investigators. The investigation continues.

TRAFFIC VIOLATION YIELDS DRUG ARREST

Based upon the driver failing to use a turn signal on Memorial Avenue, officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police initiated a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up more than 500 grams of cocaine. According to the report, the driver, who was identified as Tammy Lou Sewell, 44, of Jersey Shore was the only occupant of the vehicle.  Through a series of text messages viewed by authorities, they were able to connect Damion Garland Thompson, 44, of Selinsgrove to the deal. Thompson was charged with multiple felonies and initially held on $99,000 monetary bail and detained at the Lycoming County Prison. On July 16, his bail was changed to unsecured with supervised bail. Sewell was charged with multiple felonies.

UPWARDS OF ONE MILLION GALLONS OF WATER LEAKED

One million gallons of water was lost in leaks from the pool at Memorial Park in 2019, , according to Mayor Derek Slaughter.  “One million gallons is unacceptable,” said Slaughter. The goal this year is to locate the source of the leak, or leaks, and properly fix the issue.”  The pool is expected to be repaired and re-opened for the 2022 summer season. The city has hosted “Community Splash Days,” free for residents. The last one of the season is planned for Aug. 13 from 4-7 p.m.

FOOT PURSUIT NEAR SUNBURY INVOLVING WILLIAMSPORT MAN

An armed man led state police on a foot pursuit on Sunday afternoon. The incident on Packer Island Sunday resulted in an extensive law enforcement response, and the arrest of a Williamsport man. It started around 4pm, when court papers say state police tried to stopped a car on Packer Island. One passenger in the vehicle took off on foot, and while running, discarded several things, including a loaded 40-caliber Glock handgun. Eric Locke of Williamsport, was apprehended and is facing weapons charges, as well as counts of tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and drug charges. Locke was arraigned in district court and is now jailed on $200,000 bail.

ALIZE JOHNSON VISITS FROM BROOKLYN TO HIS ROOTS

Alize Johnson, a professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets, is originally from Williamsport and a graduate of St. John Neumann Regional Academy and recently held an event at Williamsport’s Flanigan Park complete with a car giveaway, basketball tournament, dance competition, local venders, free food and flavored ice. Johnson thanked his fans and went on to say …“Anytime I’ve been around you guys in the off season, just celebrating and having a good time, it’s really good for me.”

CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 21^st annual Cup Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for the Muncy Historical Society’s community outreach objectives, begins at 8:30 a.m. on August 14 at White Deer Golf Complex.  A four-person scramble, with the $75 registration fee ($300 per team) includes  refreshments; green fees; a cart; lunch; a “goodie” bag; and on-course contests, including a “hole-in-one” contest. The registration deadline is August 7, and is limited to amateur golfers age 18 and older. Registration forms are available at the Historical Society, or may be downloaded.

CHILD INDANGERMENT AND DUI STEMMING FROM FIERY CRASH IN UNION COUNTY

At least six passengers in a fiery crash in Union County were children, according to State Police in Milton, where a  New York City man was charged with child endangerment and driving under the influence.  Georgie F. Caraballo, now sits in Union County Jail with bail set at $40,000 monetary, according to northcentralpa.com. At 5:46 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Troopers were called to the New Columbia and Baker roads in White Deer Township for a motor vehicle accident with fire.  F. Carballo was taken into custody and arraigned in front of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe with multiple felonies. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch in Mifflinburg.

BODY OF MAN FOUND IN TRUCK ALONG SPOOK HOLLOW ROAD

Along the Spook Hollow Road in Piatt Township, the body of a man was discovered inside his overturned pickup  truck yesterday morning around 9 a.m. , according to SUN Gazette. Reports from the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police suggest the victim lost control of his truck, as he traveled north in the 300 block of Spook Hollow Rd. The vehicle came to rest at the bottom of a 10-foot-embankment and was discovered by a passerby.  The driver’s body was taken to the Forensics Center at UPMC Williamsport. The investigation continues.

INMATE OBTAINS TWO DAY POST CONVICTION RELIEF ACT HEARING

She claims her defense attorney did not allow her to take the stand to defend herself, therefore, convicted murderer Maria Sanutti-Spencer will appear in Columbia County Court for a two-day Post Conviction Relief Act hearing. Sanutti-Spencer was granted the two-day hearing which will take place Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 in Columbia County in front of Centre County Senior Judge David Grine. Sanutti-Spencer was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and is currently incarcerated at SCI-Muncy, in Muncy.

CAR RUNS STOP SIGN AND CRASHES INTO HOUSE ON WHITE DEER PIKE

There was a lot of damage to a home and minor injuries reported after a car crashed into a home in White Deer Township, Union County. State police say 60-year old James Ellis and 61-year old Faith Ellis, both of Watsontown, were traveling north on Gray Hill Road just before 6:30 p.m. on July 21 when their vehicle failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection with White Deer Pike, traveled 50 feet through a nearby yard, and struck a house causing major damage. Charges were filed by Milton State Police.

COURT DATE RESET FOR AUGUST 23

Today was the date set for the first appearance in Clinton County Court for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of his friend. However counsel for Brian St. John III has waived his formal court arraignment which had been listed for 8:30 a.m.. According to the court docket, St. John is now scheduled for “Call of the List” on Monday, Aug. 23 at 8:30 a.m., described as essentially a status conference on the case to determine if it may be ready to move forward. St. John, 19, remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest following the Feb. 26 incident. He was arrested and charged with the killing Jakob Lee Haines, during a gathering at the St. John home atop Brewery Hollow Road in Woodward Township.

WATER DAMAGE IN CITY HALL

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter released a press release Friday evening stating that City Hall has sustained water damage due to a roof leak, and may need to be temporarily relocated.  City Hall’s roof started to leak due to last week’s thunderstorms and as a result, the building sustained significant water damage. Mayor Slaughter stated that City Hall now has “an awful odor inside,” as well as mold.  A company will come to City Hall early this week to conduct an air quality test, mold test, and overall general assessment of the conditions.

LITTLE LEAGUE TO ALLOW 3,000 FANS

After talking with medical consultants and based on guidance by the Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission, Little League International and its president and CEO, Steve Keener, made the announcement Friday afternoon to allow 3,000 fans entry into this year’s Little League World Series. The seating is limited to the hill beyond the Lamade Stadium fence and the area beyond the outfield fence at Volunteer Stadium. Family and friends from the communities the 16 United States teams come from, and a few officials will be the only fans permitted inside the stadium. Little League is giving 250 stadium access passes to each of the 16 teams.

COVID DISAPPOINTMENT FOR AREA LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM

Due to a positive COVID test on the team, Mifflinburg Major Division All Star Little League Softball Team was forced to leave the Eastern Regional Tournament yesterday in Bristol, Conn.  The team wanted another test, but Little League said on its website Sun afternoon that because of at least one positive COVID-19 test within the Pennsylvania State Little League Champions, they were told they could no longer participate in the tournament.

HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

It was a tweaked plan, but it was unanimously approved by the Montoursville Area School District School Board. The 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan has kept masks options, vaccinations not required, for staff or students, and  no testing or screening for COVID-19 will be permitted on any district property, according to SUN Gazette. The district, however, agreed to comply with modifications for facilities to permit physical distancing at “the greatest extent possible,” and maintain healthy hygiene practices with cleaning and sanitation routines.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

The $25.8 million in American Rescue Plan dollars was the focus of the City Council’s Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday. After receiving the general guidelines on proper spending of the U.S. Department of Treasury, Mayor Derek Slaughter is prepared to organize a joint-work session next week with council. According to a media outlet, Slaughter said he met recently with the county commissioners, as the county is set to receive $22 million, and has plans to meet with the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority.

FIREWORKS 911 POLICE CALLS

Williamsport Bureau of Police logged calls for fireworks activity over the Fourth of July weekend. According to City Police Chief Justin Snyder, a check of the city police records system from June 1 through Sunday indicated city officers responded to upwards of 30 fireworks-related calls. The difficulty of enforcement is compounded because commercial-grade fireworks are being sold legally and by the time they respond to fireworks complaints, most of those lighting them have fled the scene. “Many people will not call in,” Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt said. “A lot come in as advisement,” he said.

JUDGE WILLIAM SOLOMON’S OFFICE RECONSTRUCTION

Construction material deliveries, arriving late, have unfortunately postponed the relocation of District Judge William Solomon’s office, according to Lycoming County Commissioners. According to a media source, Judge William Solomon will continue to conduct business out of his existing office at 1965 Lycoming Creek Road. Commissioners will next meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT AND MORE

Kristin McLaughlin, of SEDA-Council of Governments, reported to the Lycoming County Comissioners that the county will receive $291,230 in Community Development Block Grant funding this year, according to a media source.  In orther news, the Commissioners approved several CDBG 2020 funding agreements for projects. American Rescue Workers and Jersey Shore Borough will each receive $55,000 for rent, utility and mortgage assistance to help those impacted by COVID-19. Commissioners will next meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

SHOTS FIRED NEW COLUMBIA

A man was sitting in his vehicle early Sunday morning in New Columbia when another man fired at him with a shotgun, police said. Zakary J. Walls, 27, of New Columbia, remains in Union County Jail in lieu of monetary $100,000 bail after he was arraigned by District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe. It was the 1200 block of Bostion Road in White Deer Township where Walls now faces multiple felony charges and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch in Mifflinburg.

DAISY AWARD FOR UPMC NURSES

It was a total of five amazing  nurses from UPMC in North Central Pa. were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. These folk are chosen based on nominations from coworkers, patients, patients’ family members, or physicians that describe exemplary acts of service and compassion. Congrats to these two heros … Cathy Brandt, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient., Julie Foresman, RN, UPMC Muncy Place, was nominated by a resident’s family member. …Kate Yost, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s family member.Steven Davis, RN, Emergency Department at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s parent. And Caroline Troutman, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s family member.

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PRODUCT  RECALL

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) is voluntarily recalling all lots of five NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines to the consumer level. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. Consumers should stop using the affected products and follow the instructions set forth . Product images and lot information is available on www.Neutrogena.com .This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products, specifically:

• NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
• NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
• NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
• NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
• AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES ON 17-YEAR-OLD … CHARGED AS ADULT

A 17-year-old Williamsport juvenile was charged as an adult due to the severity of the offenses committed, according to a release by the Williamsport Bureau of Police. Yelena Justine-Kay Olson was charged with multiple felonies.  Authorities said Olson brandished a knife and stabbed and sliced a victim on the arm, wrist, and upper chest. According to the report, the victim was taken to UPMC Williamsport to receive emergency surgery.  Police served a warrant on July 13 and Olson was taken before Judge William Solomon for an arraignment. Olson was held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN IN WILLIAMSPORT

Lying in the middle of a bed, unattended, and surrounded by trash, an eight-month-old child was discovered by Williamsport Police in a Maple Street home. Following the discovery of the child, Danielle Dominique Johnson, 34, of Williamsport was charged with multiple felonies.  On July 14^th, police reported the infant was discovered and two juveniles were walking through the neighborhoods, alone. Johnson came back to the home as Child and Youth Services and EMS arrived on scene. Johnson was taken into custody as authorities continued to investigate the home. According to the report, the infant and both juveniles were taken into custody by authorities. No bail was listed for Johnson.

A HEALING GARDEN

UPMC, and Sojourner Truth Ministries in Williamsport have partnered to offer residents of the House of Hope access to a new healing garden designed for improving physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The holistic program integrates spiritual healing, counseling, life-skill development, mentoring, relationship building, budget coaching, and work readiness. The Sojourner House of Hope offers temporary housing to 12 residents facing homelessness, and provides them with support during their transition.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN EMERGENCY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

The federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund require districts that receive the funds to submit a Health and Safety Plan by July 30 detailing what they will do to facilitate the safe return to in-person instructional and non-instructional activities this fall. With questions and concerns from parents and public and with little time to prepare and properly review of the plan, the Loyalsock Township School Board decided to table any vote on the plan until a special meeting July 21. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the board conference room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

TERRORISTIC THREATS LANDS WILLIAMSPORT MAN IN JAIL

Driving a pickup truck, Nicholas Wright, 43, Williamsport, was pulled over near West Fourth and Park streets about 4:40 p.m. on June 3 when an officer recognized him and knew his license was suspended. Upon speaking with Wright, the officer “detected an extremely strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from the vehicle, court records stated. He was taken into custody and to police headquarters, where he threatened and attempted to become physical with officer. Wright was arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, resisting arrest, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia. and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail.

BACK TO IN-PERSON MEETINGS FOR CITY GROUP

The city Accessibility Advisory Commission voted to move to in-person meetings with the first meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 12 at Trade and Transit Centre II.  The city continues to provide the meetings over YouTube, accessible on the city website. City Councilman Jon Mackey said that would give the city time to advertise the meeting and get other people and organizations interested in improving accessibility throughout the city parks and facilities involved, according to SUN Gazette.

CONTRACTED ORDINANCE WRITER FOR MUNCY TOWNSHIP

Muncy Township Supervisors agreed to contract an ordinance writer in preparation for the township to establish self-direction from the county’s zoning authority. The township will contract Douglas Hovey, an experienced ordinance writer, who has more than 25 years of experience in writing, drafting and formatting ordinances across Pennsylvania, and is very familiar with ordinances concerning land partitioning and zoning. The supervisors will next meet Aug. 11.

BACKUPS AND SLOWDOWNS FOR ANTLERLESS LICENSES 

The new licensing system now used to issue all hunting licenses, including antlerless licenses, has experienced slowdowns during peak sales periods, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is working with NIC Inc., the vendor that operates the new HuntFishPA licensing system, toward a solution that will speed up the sales process and enhance system performance. Hunters wishing to check whether their license has been awarded can do so through HuntFishPA at https://huntfish.pa.gov.