8-YEAR-OLD FATALLY INJURED IN MONDAY’S CRASH

An 8-year-old has died from injuries suffered in a crash Monday afternoon in Union County. According to Montour County coroner Scott Lynn,  Landyn Zerby died at 3:27 a.m. at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Zerby was the passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a three-vehicle crash that shut down Route 45 between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg for nearly four hours, according to the Daily Item.

ACT 66

Parents and guardians can opt for their student-age children to remain at the grade level they were at during the 2020-21 school year, however the deadline for filling out the form is tomorrow — July 15.The law — Act 66, which was signed into law on June 30 by Gov. Tom Wolf —was drafted to allow students to repeat their last grade, even if the requirements for promotion to the next grade level were achieved,  in order to make up any lost educational opportunities due to the pandemic.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT’S HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

Students and staff in the South Williamsport Area School District do not have to wear masks as they head back to classrooms this fall, unless things change and the state Department of Health requires them. The school board affirmed this by unanimously approving the final draft of the district’s Health and Safety Plan, which is required by the state Department of Education for each district that receives funding under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

LET’S END COVID! RECEIVES MORE FUNDING FROM LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Lycoming County commissioners approved a $25,000 allocation to River Valley Health & Dental for the Let’s End COVID group to educate the public about coronavirus and vaccinations. Thus brings the total county allocation to $50,000, as the amount requested by the organization earlier this year. The funds are being reimbursed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency according to SUN Gazette. The next commissioners’ meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

STEP PRESENTATION TO LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Lycoming County Commissioners, at a recent meeting, heard from  Rachelle Abbott of STEP Inc.  She reported the agency received 895 applications for help through the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. At this point, the program has processed $1.53 million in payments to landlords and utilities on behalf of tenants in need of help as a result of losing income amid the pandemic and upwards of 800 adults and children have been helped through the program, according to Abbott. According to Sun Gazette, the next commissioners’ meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

UGI PIPELINE INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The Lycoming County Commissioners, at a recent meeting, approved the UGI Pipeline Investment Program agreement to bring natural gas to the Timber Run Industrial Park. Through this agreement, the county receives $287,379 in grant funding, with the stipulation that matching dollars in the amount of $552,389 from the county’s Act 13 money are allocated. According to SUN Gazette, Timber Run is to be the site of the Digger Manufacturing, which is expected to initially employ 150 people, and is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2022. The next commissioners’ meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

STABBING IN  WILLIAMSPORT

On July 13th, 2021 at 1:49 pm Williamsport Bureau of Police Units were emergency dispatched to the area in front of 452 Market St for an alleged stabbing. Upon responding to the area officers made contact with a male victim with an apparent stab wound to the lower abdomen, which was not life-threatening. The victim was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Health for further medical treatment. Initial information learned from the victim suggests that the attack was an isolated one and not a random act.    This investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information related to this investigation please contact PO Zachary Geary at [email protected] or 570-327-7560 x7623.

SHOTS FIRED HIGH STREET, WILLIAMSPORT 

On July 13, 2021 around 2:00am Williamsport Police units responded to the 400 block of High Street for a report of shots fired. Through investigation officers confirmed multiple shots were fired and collected evidence from the scene. As of this time there is no known damage or victims reported. This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information or video of this event please forward that to Agent Aaron Levan at 570-327- 7548 or [email protected].

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A motorcycle carrying two Danville residents collided with a deer on the 3000 block of Stump Road in Montour County on Sunday at 10:04 p.m. State Police at Milton said both riders were thrown from the motorcycle. According to a media source, the driver, Shawn P. Dunmeyer, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his passenger, Cindy K. Swanger, 37, was transported to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment for her injuries. Neither the driver nor passenger was wearing helmets, according to the news release.

LOCK HAVEN MAN CHOSEN IN MLB DRAFT 

Central Mountain High School graduate Alex Garbrick, in round 17 of the MLB Draft, has been drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies.. Garbrick, who recently finished his fourth year of college ball, has been drafted in 2019,  40^th round, by the New York Yankees. recently finished his fourth year of college ball at South Carolina Upstate. Draft information out of Philadelphia said “his fastball sits in the low 90-s…6-1, 210-pounder from Lock Haven, PA.” According to therecordonline.com, his Philly bio also notes he played in the 2011 Little League World Series for Keystone Little League.

TERRORISTIC THREATS 

While inside the Eldred Township home he shared with his parents, Cortland Stahl made several threatening statements to them on July 5, state police alleged in an affidavit. According to SUN Gazette, state police were dispatched to the home at 409 Chapel Mountain Road , the following night, to investigate a disturbance. With permission, troopers searched Stahl’s bedroom and found an AR-15 rifle, loaded AR-15 magazines, ammunition, and drugs. Stahl was arraigned hours later before District Judge Gary Whiteman on multiple charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

FLIGHT 800 MEMORIAL RACE

The Flight 800 Memorial Race is set to run July 17, the 25th anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of 21 people from the Montoursville area, including 16 students. According to a media outlet, the event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Indian Park with a 5k cross country race. Organizers expect upwards of 400 people to participate, in every capacity. Proceeds from the race this year go to two charities, ThinkBIG and Helping Hands from Hudson, which are both involved in fighting childhood cancer.

FOUR ALARM BLAZE

It was a four-alarm blaze, Saturday night,  on Park Avenue that swept through a four-unit apartment building before radiant heat from the fire set a double home about eight feet away ablaze as well, according to city fire officials. Two firemen were treated for heat exhaustion. The local chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting those who suddenly found themselves without a home. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

CHARGES FILED IN DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Williamsport Bureau of Police said they responded to a domestic on July 4 at the Residence Inn on Church Street. Once at the location, officers observed a woman, covered in blood with facial injuries, accompanied by two small children. According to a media outlet, Rakeem Ginyard, allegedly punched the woman so hard she lost consciousness, had several teeth knocked out, and had a laceration on the left side of her face. He was charged with multiple misdemeanors with no bail was listed.

SECOND READING OF THE AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE

It was the second reading amendments to the zoning ordinance which city council approved.  After speaking with planning commission, zoning hearing board, and officials at Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming College zoning amendments were considered. Following heavy discussions on regarding off-street parking, swimming pools, hedges, fences and walls, the amendments were approved.

FLEEING AND ELUDING CHARGES ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man attempted to flee a state trooper in Loyalsock Township, according to court records at District Judge Gary Whitman’s office. Kevin Lee Stabler, now faces a felony charge of fleeing from police following a brief pursuit 6:20 a.m. on June 20, without insurance, he ran 7 stop signs and the red light at Sheridan Street and Northway Road. He is free on bail.

TERRORISTIC THREATS CHARGES FILED ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN HARASSING BUSINESS/EMPLOYEE

After allegedly threatening and harassing an employee at a Loyalsock Township business, a Williamsport man faces criminal charges, according to state police. On April 13, John Anthony Calle, entered the business and told the employee “I’d take you out, toss you into my basement and torture you for days,” police alleged in an affidavit. On a separate date, Calle grabbed the employee by the hand and refused to initially let go.  Following his arraignment last week before District Judge Gary Whiteman on charges of terroristic threats and harassment, Calle was jailed in lieu of $7,500 bail.

WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

The state Department of Labor & Industry is reminding Pennsylvanians receiving unemployment benefits that work search requirements will resume this week. Because claimants always file for benefits the week after they are unemployed, individuals will start certifying they looked for work beginning July 18. According to therecordonline.com, PA CareerLink® offices across the commonwealth can help job seekers bridge the gap by providing high quality, individualized assistance free of charge to Pennsylvanians who are unemployed and looking for a job.” Job seekers to register on the PA CareerLink®website or reach out to their local PA CareerLink® office directly to learn about the free programs and resources that are available, including; job search and training assistance;adult education classes and workshops; résumé assistance; and referral services to partners.

ANTER-LESS DEER LICENSE

The Pennsylvania’s 2021-22 hunting season antler-less deer license application schedule, or more commonly known as, the day the pink envelopes can hit the post office, is July 12 for residents, July 19 for nonresidents, August 2 for unsold 1^st round and then August 16 for unsold, 2^{nd round.} Hunters are required to purchase a 2021-22 general hunting license BEFORE applying for an antler-less license. All antler less deer license applications must be mailed in the official pink envelopes to a county treasurer; applications are accepted by mail only until over-the-counter sales begin.

UNIVERSITY CONSOLIDATION VOTE WEDNESDAY

The Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is scheduled to vote Wednesday to move forward with a plan to consolidate six universities into two regional universities. The plan would create a Western merged university consisting of California, Clarion and Edinboro, universities, and a Northeastern merged university combining Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities. If the plan is approved, the system would move toward launching the merged universities in the Fall of 2022.The proposed merger comes as the state system as a whole has seen its enrollment drop and the universities involved in the merger plan have seen their enrollments drop even more than the system as a whole. Officials at PASSHE have said that each existing university will be able to keep its local name and mascot and brand identity to continue competing in sports, despite the consolidation.

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lycoming County SPCA Board of Directors have announced the retirement of Executive Director Victoria Stryker and hiring of Alyssa Correll as her replacement. According to northcentralpa.com, in her 22 years at the facility she played an intricate role in operations, for example; she expanded the shelter to add more space for incoming cats, trained as a Humane Society Police Officer and developed a week long camp for children to learn about animals and how to care for them, amongst many other things.

ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION

U.S. Rep Fred Keller, sat down with local banking and business officials to discuss moving forward from COVID-19.  According to the SUN Gazette, the round-table discussion  was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. All agreed no one wants to struggle through another pandemic, “Quite frankly, I don’t know whether we can afford to do it again,” Keller said. Other concerns, among the group, included the nation’s growing debt, hiring employees and the surplus inventory that many businesses are maintaining, causing a potential loss when selling it.

SAFE KIDS PA

At a recent Kiwanis meeting, Kate Nickles, Lycoming County Coroner administrative assistant, and Charles Keissling, Lycoming County Coroner, spoke on behalf of Safe Kids Pennsylvania and discussed concerns including; child seat, teen driver, bicycle and water safety among others. This weekend, there will be a Splash Event, at Memorial Pool, where Safe Kids PA will be holding water safety games, as well as giveaways to families in need. To learn more or if you are interested in joining the local partnership, visit Safe Kids PA on Facebook.

EXTENSIVE PRE-TRIAL MOTION

Jamie Lynn Jackson, charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children and others, is accused of abusing her 9-year-old nephew, Anson Stover, and leaving him for dead in a bathtub has attorneys who have filed an extensive pre-trial motion. The motion includes but is not limited to, suppression of evidence, moving the trial outside of the county and finding the death penalty unconstitutional. Jackson entered a not guilty plea in February and remains at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. According to Sun Gazette, a hearing on the pre-trial motion will be held before President Judge Craig P. Miller on July 28 at 8:30 a.m.

GREEN LIGHT-GO PROGRAM FOR UNION COUNTY

PennDOT’s Green Light-Go Program has brought Union County nearly $550,000 to upgrade two traffic signals in Kelly Township. Gov. Tom Wolf announced this week that 50 municipalities will share $15.6 million to support traffic signal upgrades, increasing mobility and efficiency across the state. Two of the grants are heading to Kelly Township. According to the governor’s office, $297,665 for the signal at Route 15 and Hospital Drive, which will cover full signal replacement.. Another $248,559 will be for the signal at Route 15 and William Penn Drive, including a signal replacement, re-timing, and more..

TRACKING WILD TURKEYS FOR THE GAME COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania State Game Commission is tracking wild turkeys  and monitoring their reproduction and population models, helpful in tracking long-term turkey population success.  A new survey period began on July 1 to help track the wild turkey population in the state.The two-month window is used every year by state wildlife agencies. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey relies on and encourages state residents to report sightings to the state Game Commission through the agency’s website or mobile app.  Access the survey by selecting “Turkey Sighting Survey” in the “Quick Click” section of the website. To use the app you can search Pennsylvania Game Commission in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.

FIREFIGHTERS RECOVERING FROM FIRE IN LEWISBURG

Two firefighters taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion following a fire at a double home in Lewisburg have been released from the hospital. William Cameron Engine Company Chief Jamie Blount says Thursday both firefighters are now recovering. The fire started around 4 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of North Fourth Street.  Blount says crews were challenged by heat index temperatures of over 100 degrees, and additional personnel were requested. According to a media outlet, two families with a total of five people are now displaced. The cause remains under investigation. Lewisburg, Milton and Shamokin Dam fire companies responded.

SENATE BILL 618 VETOED BY GOV TOM WOLF

Gov Tom Wolf has vetoed legislation that would have preserved medical freedoms for Pennsylvanians by prohibiting the use of vaccine passports and narrowing the powers of the Department of Health. According to Rep Jeff Wheeland, the governor’s actions mean our health care privacy remains at risk. Senate Bill 618 would have prohibited a school district, institution of higher education or other government entity from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to use a service, for example to enter a building or undertake an activity. The bill would have also prohibited the expenditure of tax dollars to create an electronic vaccine tracking system.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SUNBURY WOMAN

Christy Willis faces up to 17 years in state prison after a judge delivered the maximum sentence allowed on Friday following her conviction earlier this year for providing false and misleading statements to police about the case surrounding the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker in 2019.Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones delivered the sentence on Friday morning and also admonished Willis, 51, of Sunbury, in Northumberland County Courthouse.”You failed to protect an innocent child and I hope you can live with yourself for the rest of your life,” Jones said before delivering the sentence of 20 months to 17 years in state prison. Burgess was charged with homicide after Arabella died Nov. 22, 2019. The girl spent 44 days at Geisinger Medical Center before her death.

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JUDGE DENIED BAIL AND THREATENS TO EXCUSE HIM FROM HIS HEARING

Harry Warren Delong, 58, of Williamsport earned warnings from Judge Butts,  as court officials attempted to conduct a hearing on Jan. 19. Judge Nancy Butts warned Delong multiple times throughout the proceedings, according to the complaint. Butts said, “Mr. Delong, if you refuse to stay seated, I’m going to have to excuse you from this hearing. Mr. Delong, I’ve muted you intentionally because the way I perceive you’re acting is trying to intimidate the witness.” Delong was denied bail and charged with three third-degree felonies and one count misdemeanor. He remains in the Lycoming County Prison as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 8

CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY AGAINST WIFE 

A woman was charged with homicide and arraigned Monday after her husband was found dead at their home in the village of Dooleyville in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County. Lisa Karlaza, 53, faces criminal homicide charges and she was arraigned and denied bail on Monday by on-call District Judge Michael Diehl. Police were called to the home of Richard and Lisa Karlaza Sunday evening at 21 Back Street for a report of a home invasion. When police arrived, Lisa yelled out that she could not open the front door because her husband’s foot was against the door, according to the arrest affidavit. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set for Lisa Karlaza.

WOMAN MOWING GRASS ASSAULTED WITH CROSSBOW BOLTS

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville are reporting the investigation of an  assault with a weapon on a woman mowing her lawn in Loyalsock Township. According to a police press release, an unknown suspect was firing miniature crossbow bolts at the woman as she mowed the lawn shortly before noon June 22 at a residence at Elwood Cres W. State police continue to investigate. Anyone with information may contact the barracks in Montoursville.

STAR PARTY AT RIDER PARK

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is hosting  a Star Party at Rider Park on Friday, July 16. According to northcentralpa.com, NASA engineer Glenn Bock and local geologist Edie Gair Shull will be the night’s guides to the wonders of space viewable from the park. Learn how to identify galaxies and constellations and view the moon will be near its first quarter, allowing guests to view some of its unique geological features. Guests should arrive between 8:30 – 9:15 p.m. Bring jackets, telescopes, binoculars, lawn chairs, blankets, and flashlights. Due to limited parking at Rider Park, participants are asked to pre-register for this event by calling the Community Foundation at (570) 321-1500.

CORONER RELEASES NAME OF DECEASED IN JULY 4TH FATALITY

The Lycoming County Coroner released the name of the victim struck by a vehicle on the 900 block of High Street on July 4.  Christopher Welch, 24, was crossing HIgh Street around 10:40 p.m. with a second man when they were both struck by a car traveling westbound. Welch was in cardiac arrest at the scene and transported to UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. He was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m. from multiple blunt force trauma.  The second victim, a 35-year-old man was also transported to UPMC.  The driver of the vehicle is a juvenile and will not be named, according to a news release from city police on Tuesday.

LUMBER BARON AND INDUSTRIALISTS

Thad Meckley, a local historian and member of Wildwood Cemetery’s board of trustees, is researching the history of the area through some of the key players buried at Wildwood with a goal of creating in-person and virtual tours. He is working with three interns in Lycoming College’s WISE program, whose job is to reach out to heirs and descendants of the lumber barons and industrialists to compile photos, histories and stories about that time period. Meckley hopes to get a state marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission attesting that Lycoming County is the largest accumulation of lumber barons and industrialists while we were the lumber capital of the world.

FORMER ASSISTANT TEACHER CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN

A former assistant teacher at Fun Academy Daycare, Muncy, who, according to a Muncy Township Police affidavit, “mishandled” a 1 year old toddler and dropped him, causing him to strike his head. Muncy Township Police have filed charges against Tina Marie Mosteller, of Cogan Station, has been charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of a child and one count of simple assault, according to court records filed at the office of District Judge Jon E. Kemp. The child was injured on May 7, and was treated at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, for a concussion, according to northcentralpa.com. Following her arraignment Friday before Kemp, Mosteller was released on $35,000 bail.

SHOTS FIRED

City police are investigating reports of several shots fired on the corner of West Fourth Street and Oliver Avenue.Authorities are working to determine whether a residence in the 2600 block of Grand Street may be involved in the incident.With no injuries reported, at least two residential structures were struck by bullets.Penn College, Old Lycoming and State police aided in investigating the scene. Oliver Avenue was blocked off to the public.

STABBING VICTIM  NEAR EIGHTH AVENUE  AND MEMORIAL AVENUE IS A JUVENILE FEMALE

A female juvenile, who was stabbed near Eighth Avenue and Memorial Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Monday, was seen at UPMC Susquehanna, according to city police.In a police report, the girl, whose age was not released, sustained lacerations to her arm and wrist, and an apparent stab wound to her upper chest, according to SUN Gazette. There was no word on whether she was admitted to the hospital or discharged.After being assaulted, the girl left a trail of blood droplets as she headed north on Eighth Avenue, before she was picked up by a passerby, who drove her to the hospital. The girl was stabbed during an altercation with another juvenile, police were told, with no other details were available.

CHARITY BIKE TOUR

It is a charity biking event across country that is stopping in Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township for an overnight stay. The Director of Emergency Services at Old Lycoming Township Fire Company, Joe Hopple, explains. The bike riders will be welcomed by the Williamsport City and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire along with fire fighters from Old Lycoming Township Fire Company.

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR JERSEY SHORE MAN

It was a three-day-long competition in Fort Bragg, North Carolina last week, where Logan Engel of Jersey Shore won Noncommissioned Officer of the year for the United States Army. Engel, the second time this year,  broke records during the Army Combat Physical Fitness test. In addition to the honor of winning NCO of the year, Engel also won an Army Commendation Medal and Army school of choice for future education.

HERYN PROGRAM

Prior to attending the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association’s HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) program day on June 22, is a great resource to connect young people with aquatic resources and spark a lifelong appreciation for our river and the tributaries that feed into it. The program drew 73 participants — most of which were in the 10-13 year-old age category — from 10 different counties. According to SUN Gazette, participants caught more than 725 fish over the six-day span, releasing all but a few used for a cooking demonstration for each day’s participants.

Join me on Sunday morning as Executive Director,  John Zack tan ski visits with me on In Touch.

LAGGING VACCINATION RATES
A certain internet rumor might be one of the causes for Lycoming County’s lagging vaccination rates. According to an online media outlet, concerns from wariness about the haste in development to numerous internet hoaxes, including the claim that there are microchips in the vaccines, many people are not keen on getting the jab. One of the more prevailing rumors deals with women’s health.“Some people mistakenly believe that the vaccine will render them infertile,” According to Ms. Hemmendinger of Let’s End COVID! People should speak to their doctors about any COVID-19 vaccine concerns.

STABBING IN THE CITY

A man was in the UPMC Williamsport emergency room getting treated for stab wounds he suffered near Eighth and Memorial avenues about 8:30 p.m. last night, according to SUN Gazette. Police report, the perpetrator may have been a woman. The assailant was being sought.Following the assault,  the victim went south on Eighth Avenue, west through an alley next to a church and then north on Grier Street, where he was picked up by a passerby who drove him to the hospital, as police reported. The extent of the victim’s injuries were not known.

FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

Williamsport Bureau of Police officers were forced to push a door open to an upstairs apartment after they said a woman barricaded herself inside with a juvenile. On June 26, officers responded to a call and spoke with a witness who said Brittany Dale Goehrig, 34, of Williamsport had a knife with her.. Several attempts were made to get Goehrig to release the juvenile.  She was charged with second-degree felony false imprisonment of minor/parent and two counts of first-degree misdemeanor endangering welfare of children. She posted $25,000 unsecured bail and was released from custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6 with Judge Christian Fry.

STOLEN VEHICLE FROM TREATMENT CENTER

A patient at a treatment center in Union County was charged after he allegedly stole a vehicle from the parking lot and fled on Interstate 80.Ryan C. Goodwin, 31, of Wilmington, Delaware, was arraigned Wednesday at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch on felony charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. Goodwin’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27 at Mensch’s office.

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

Around 10:40 Sunday night, police were called to the scene around the 900 block of High Street near Fourth Avenue where two male adult pedestrians were reported to have been struck by a vehicle, traveling westbound, on High Street.Two men, one 24 years old, the other 35, were reported to have severe injuries and were transported to UPMC Susquehanna at Williamsport for medical treatment. The 24-year-old later succumbed to his injuries, according to a news release. According to northcentralpa.com, members of the Pennsylvania State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit did respond to assist Williamsport Police with the investigation.

SUNBURY WOMAN SENTENCING FRIDAY ON FALSE STATEMENTS CHARGES

A Sunbury woman will be sentenced on Friday after being found guilty in April of providing false and misleading statements to police about the incident that led to the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker in 2019. It was less than an hour for a Northumberland County jury on April 15 to convict Christy Willis, 51, of lying to authorities about her knowledge in the alleged beating death. Arabella, who state troopers say was severely beaten in October 2019 by Jahrid Burgess, 20, of Port Trevorton. Burgess was charged with homicide after Arabella died Nov. 22, 2019. The girl spent 44 days at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, before her death. Willis, who is currently incarcerated at the Northumberland County Jail, is scheduled to appear in front of Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones at 9:15 a.m. Friday for sentencing.