WIRETAPPING CHARGES

On June 28, Kevin Bradley of Williamsport was taken into custody for two felony offenses stemming from recording phone calls—one with Mayor Derek Slaughter and another with an employee of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court—without their knowledge.  Bradley then proceeded to post the videos on his YouTube channel. Both Mayor Slaughter and the employee, who identified herself in the video, said Bradley made no mention at anytime he was recording the conversation.  Bradley was charged with one count of interception of communications and three counts of disclosure intercepted communications.  Bradley was released on June 28 on $25,000 unsecured bail. His hearing is scheduled for July 8.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

A Williamsport man has been charged with two felony counts after a Thursday night altercation between him and a woman that led to him allegedly firing shots off his porch.  Stephen Stavish of Williamsport allegedly fired four to six shots at the alleged victim as she moved personal items out of the house and off the porch at around 10:40 p.m. on July 1.  Unable to post the $75,000 bail, Stavish will remain incarcerated in the Lycoming County Prison until his preliminary hearing before District Judge Christian Frey July 13.

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS

The Pennsylvania Department of Education posted a spreadsheet showing education funding allocations in the state budget for each school district on Wednesday. The latest approved budget includes the largest state funding increase for public schools in Pennsylvania history, with a $416 million increase and the new Level Up initiative, which will distribute an additional $100 million to the 100 lowest-wealth school districts.  The budget includes a $50 million increase to special education funding and $5 million to community colleges.

UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 304 new cases of COVID-19.  There was 1 new case of COVID-19 in each Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union County.

CLINT OWLETT’S BILL

Clint Owlett’s bill to help ensure justice is served in cases where children are victimized has been signed into law by the governor.  Currently, a victim must be age 12 or younger to enable hearsay statements in violent or sexual against children  The new law increases the maximum age to 16, meaning hearsay statements may be presented from child victims aged 16 and under.  Allowing the statements would remain at the judge’s discretion.  This law will go into effect in 60 days.

JULY 4 INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE

There will be a heavy police presence in the valley over the July 4 weekend with law enforcement keeping a watchful eye for drunk drivers.  Northumberland County Regional Police Traffic Services Project coordinator David Everly, along with many other law enforcers, all gathered together this week to offer a warning to the public that law enforcement throughout the valley and state will be looking for drunk drivers this holiday weekend. Everly said the reason the group gathers is to remind the public that making the poor decision to drink and drive could be the worst decision they ever made.

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

The River Valley Regional YMCA Williamsport Branch has partnered with River Valley Health and Dental and Let’s End COVID! to hold four COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout July.  Clinics will be held at the Williamsport Branch YMCA on July 7, 14, 21, and 28.  The clinics will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the YMCA Multi-Purpose Room.  Vaccines will be given by River Valley Health and Dental.  These clinics are open to the public and no appointment is necessary.  Anyone may walk –in to get the vaccine.  Patients must have a valid ID.

RE-CREATION

The United Churches of Lycoming County have sponsored a free concert by Re-Creation, a traveling group of musicians that runs over 300 shows per year and has performed for U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.  The Williamsport show will be held at the New Covenant United Church of Christ in Williamsport.  Though the concert is free, donations are always appreciated. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 18.

TRAVEL OVER THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY

Americans enjoying newfound liberty are expected to travel and gather for cookouts, fireworks, concerts and beach outings over the Fourth of July weekend in numbers not seen since pre-pandemic days.  Yet lingering restrictions, worker shortages may mean longer lines of waiting. AAA forecasts that more than 47 million people will travel by car or plane this weekend in the U.S., a return to 2019 levels and 40% higher than last year.  That includes 3.5 million airline passengers. While masks have been shed around the country even in indoor spaces, the Transportation Security Administration emphasizes that they are still required at airports and on planes.

ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS

In 2020 there were 112 alcohol-related crashes from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, resulting in five fatalities, according  to PennDOT data.  There were 48 also drug-related crashes, resulting in five fatalities. Data from the Fish and Boat Commission shows that there were 60 boating-under-the-influence arrests in 2020, an increase from 45 in 2019.  Pennsylvania is a boating destination state, and boaters drive to and from their boating location. When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a BUI becomes a DUI. This week, representatives from PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner are reminding Pennsylvanians to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend responsibility.

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES FROM FELONY ARREST WARRANT

A Williamsport woman fought and spat officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police when they attempted to take her into custody for on a felony warrant. Jamie Leigh Kennedy, 25, of was charged with multiple second-degree felony charges stemming from an incident May 10.Officers received a warrant for that incident on June 11 and attempted to recover Kennedy at 628 Rose Street in Williamsport. Kennedy was given additional felony and misdemeanors and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 monetary bail.

DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

In an announcement Wednesday, a mixed –use facility on college-owned property, along Basin St and between Third and Fourth Sts., will be the next site for development by Lycoming College with Pine Ridge Construction Management as the construction firm named on the letter of intent. The proposed development plans are for retail and dining establishments, office space, and residential units. Pine Ridge predicts construction to begin this fall in cooperation with the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, and the regional development authority, according to northcentralpa.com.

CRASH OFF ROUTE 15 SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL

The driver sustained serious injuries when his vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer on Route 15, Monday afternoon at 3:17 p.m.  Daniel J. Mitchell of Trout Run, was taken by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport, according to State Police at Montoursville. Both vehicles, Mitchell’s Ford pickup truck and the tractor trailer were traveling south just near the Cogan House exit. The tractor trailer, driven by Timothy P. Gentry of Chaumont, N.Y., struck Mitchell’s vehicle, causing it to veer from the roadway and down an embankment. Gentry were not injured, according to state police.

DRUG WARRANT AND SEARCH LEAD TO ARRESTS 

After witnessing several sales and speaking with an informant, authorities allege that two people ran a drug dealing “business” from a home located on Cherry Street in Williamsport. A warrant was approved and the search produced cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone along with $4,000 in cash. Tiffany Harman, 42, and Bruce Junior Perry, 60, both of Williamsport were charged with multiple felonies. Harman is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 monetary bail as she awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 13. Perry is free on $25,000 monetary bail after a bondsman posted it on June 3. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing  July 27 with Judge Christian Frey.

HOSPITAL UPDATE ON MOTORCYCLE CRASH FROM JUNE 10

The condition of critically-injured motorcyclist Mickel Keeler, 52, of Jersey Shore, has been upgraded to fair, a nursing supervisor at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, said yesterday. Keeler was injured when he lost control of his cycle and crashed in the 2700 block of North Pine Run Road in Woodward Township on June 10, according to state police.

UPMC URGES CAUTION AND SAFETY DURING 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

As celebrations pick up during this year’s Fourth of July, UPMC Williamsport urges the public to take a pause to remember safety precautions. According to a news outlet, common injuries from fireworks include burns to hands, fingers and limbs. “Every year in the two weeks preceding and following the Fourth of July, we see about 70% of all the firework-related injuries that occur throughout the year,” said Dr. Jenny Ziembicki, director of UPMC said in an article on UPMC’s website. Fireworks not only are a threat for injury, but can also be a fire hazard if not handled correctly.

PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1

Governor Tom Wolf announced that 70 members of Pennsylvania-Task Force 1 were dispatched to assist with search and rescue efforrts at the site of last week’s deadly building collapse in Surfside. “We can only imagine the pain of those who have lost loved ones,” Wolf remarked, “Or are still waiting to hear about their loved ones.  PA Task Force 1 is one of 28 teams that are part of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System and is a federal resource that can quickly be mobilized to deploy to incidents anywhere in the country.

NITTANY LIONS IN THE OLYMPICS

Penn State’s Gabe Castaño became the third Nittany Lion swimmer to make an Olympic team roster as the senior earned a spot on the Mexican National Team this week. He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle. As of yesterday, a host of 10 Nittany Lions are expected to represent their respective countries during the Tokyo Olympics, which begin later this month including Women’s volleyball,  men’s volleyball, wrestling and soccer.

WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTERS VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding a virtual food drive at their game on July 8 to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. During the Williamsport Crosscutters virtual food drive, fans can earn prizes by donating money to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Incentive prizes include tickets, limited edition pins, bobble-heads, concession coupons, cutters souvenirs and more. Donation levels start at just $1.The donation portal is now open and will  close during the July 8 game  at the end of the 7^th inning. Fans must attend the July 8 game to collect their incentive prize.

FIRE COMPANY AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM

The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program helps relieve some of the challenges faced by first responders in their fundraising efforts. Joe Hopple, of Old Lycoming Township Vol. Fire Co., said the department is looking to upgrade and replace equipment.

The fire department will receive $13,480 and EMS, $8,890.The grant program, administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, is available to all fire and EMS companies as well as volunteer rescue squads, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, Loyalsock Township.

GOVERNOR TOM WOLF VETOED ANTI-VACCINATION LEGISLATION.

Governor Tom Wolf today vetoed Senate Bill 618, anti-vaccination legislation that would severely limit medical providers and the public from having access to vital information on vaccination rates and vaccine efficacy. According to Gov Wolf, This legislation is contradictory, misguided and irresponsible. This bill prohibits basic public health measures, which are necessary to curb infectious disease transmission and save lives.  Specifically, the bill eliminates the Department of Health’s ability to take disease control measures for any future contagious disease, resulting in the inability to contain the spread of infectious diseases in the Commonwealth or long after the current pandemic is over.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RECOVERY FUNDING

Lycoming County commissioners officially accepted the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act recovery funding of $22 million that can be used by the county for such needs as public health, economic impact, essential worker pay, and infrastructure. Municipalities are receiving their own share of American Rescue funding. It was noted that the application deadline for the money is June 30.

PENN COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

Effective July 1, staff working at the Arts Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn College, become employees of the college. According to Penn College, this transition “further strengthens the college’s commitment to the venue’s long-term stability.” Penn College extensively renovated and reopened the Community Arts Center, the former Capitol Theatre, in 1993. Since then, the college has increasingly subsidized operational and infrastructure costs associated with the 2,100-seat West Fourth Street facility.

A NEWLY UPDARTED HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN FOR JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Jersey Shore Area School District is not requiring students to wear masks upon returning to school, as they are keeping with the state ending its mask mandate.  According to a media outlet, the school’s updated health and safety plan states the district “will comply with all state orders in effect and notify staff and families of any necessary changes while operating schools.” Other aspects of the health and safety plan include modifications to allow for physical distancing and handwashing and respiratory etiquettes. The updated health and safety plan takes effect August 1^st.

NEW SPECIES IN THE SUSQUEHANNA

The first evidence of a Golden Redhorse, a smaller-bodied sucker fish, in the Susquehanna River, has been discovered. According to SUN Gazette, in particular, the Golden Redhorse population is abundant in the drainage basins of the lower Missouri River, Ohio River, and the Mississippi River. Ryan Shaw, a recent graduate of the Mansfield University fisheries program, along with his co-authors published findings of his senior research project in the Northeastern Naturalist. Ryan, used a molecular technique called genetic barcoding to provide the first evidence of a Golden Redhorse in the Susquehanna River.

GEISINGER WALK IN COVID-19 VACCINES

Geisinger continuing walk in COVID-19 vaccines this week at its vaccine centers. Thursday, July 1 at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also at Geisinger Hughes Vaccine Center, 9 Stearns Lane, from 9 a.m. to 1130 a.m.. In addition, the vaccines are available by appointment at Geisinger Phillipsburg in Centre County.  Geisinger is offering the Pfizer vaccine; a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart.  They are available to anyone age 12 and older.

ACCUSED MURDERER’S ATTORNEY REQUESTING A MENTAL EVALUATION FOR HIS CLIENT

Accused murderer Matthew J. Reed’s lawyer is asking for a mental health evaluation for his client. Reed, 23, who had been living at Haven Ministry, a homeless shelter in Sunbury, is accused by Stonington state police of killing three people in a Snydertown home earlier this month. Reed walked into Shamokin District Judge John Gembic’s courtroom yesterday and waived his preliminary hearing. According to the Daily Item, Reed was taken back to Northumberland County Jail where he will remain until his trial, as Judge Gembic denied bail.

DANGEROUS DOMESTIC SENDS TWO PEOPLE TO JAIL

On June 20, Kyle Lee Crain and Lena Ann Jenkins, both of Williamsport, reportedly engaged in an argument. Jenkins told Williamsport Bureau of Police that the fighting, at first verbal, turned physical. June 21 at 6:24 p.m., police units were dispatched to 1500 High Street with shots fired. According to northcentralpa.com, Crain and Jenkins, each armed with a firearm, threatened each other to the point of shooting.  Crain and Jenkins face multiple felonies and misdemeanors and their bail was denied. Both are in Lycoming County Jail.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. But according to a recent NPR report, rising prices for some metals has led to a rise in thefts. State Police in Milton are investigating a catalytic converter theft, from a parked, broken-down vehicle on Interstate 180 in Northumberland County. According to a media source, police received a report on June 26 that the catalytic converter was removed from a 2002 Honda Civic Del Sol parked near mile marker 5 in Delaware Township. The Milton State Police are investigating.

WIRETAPPING IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

An Old Lycoming Township resident did broadcast recorded conversations without permission onto YouTube, a social media site. Kevin Ray Bradley faces wiretapping and related offenses alleging he did not inform Mayor Derek Slaughter, or a state Supreme Court Deputy Prothonotary, Amy Dreibelbis, that he was recording their conversations. Arraigned before District Judge Aaron Biichle, bail was set at $25,000 with a preliminary hearing before Biichle on July 8.

CORONAVIRUS DISASTER DECLARATION 

Lycoming County commissioners voted to extend the Coronavirus Disaster Declaration for 90 days during its regular weekly meeting. According to a media source, with an extension, the county remains eligible for federal funding to help organizations and individuals impacted by COVID-19. According to Jeff Hutchins, director of Public Safety noted even though numbers of COVID-19 infections have significantly dropped, it would be prudent to extend the declaration at least one last time.

COMMERCIAL FIRE ON GOLDEN STRIP

The McDonald’s on the Golden Strip will be out of commission for due to a commercial fire that affected parts of the restaurant on Monday night, according to an online media outlet. Nobody was harmed in the incident, which was quickly put out, according to Asst. Chief Rich Caschera of the Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company. “Loyalsock and Montoursville units arrived to find a fire in a fryer that extended into the ventilation system.”  McDonald’s will remain closed for around a week until the damage is repaired.

PHELPS MILLS CANOE LAUNCH

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Deputy Secretary John Norbeck joined the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) for a dedication ceremony at the Phelps Mills Canoe Launch on Pine Creek in the Tiadaghton State Forest in Clinton County. According to northcentralpa.com, the ceremony formally welcomed Phelps Mill Canoe Launch on Pine Creek under the Bureau of Forestry umbrella, which has been managed as a part of Tiadaghton State Forest since late 2019 when DCNR purchased the property.

USE OF STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

When city police accused John Dennis Best of allegedly using a woman’s missing credit card three times, Best told them “the devil made me do it,” according to an affidavit filed at the office of District Judge Christian Frey. The card belonged to Lisa Rollins. Best first used it at Conoco Gas Station, Weis Market, then it was on to Shoe Carnival. Police report Best has been sent a summons to appear before the judge for the multiple charges that were filed on him.

CONCERT CANCELLED

Without much warning, the Bloomsburg Fair announced the Brad Paisley concert, Sept. 26 at the Fairgrounds, cancelled without any reason as of yet. However, the fair reported the tickets will be automatically refunded.

MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE

Muncy man was charged with rape. Muncy Borough Police allege Patrick Racey, raped a woman, despite her yelling for him to stop, according to court papers filed last week with District Judge John E. Kemp. According to a media outlet, the incident occurred inside a residence between Nov 29^th and Dec 7^th.  Following his arraignment last week on multiple assault charges and rape, he was released on $50,000 bail.

75TH ANNIVERSARY FOR LOCAL FIRE COMPANY

The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company celebrates their 75^th anniversary with the arrival of a new pumper truck and receipt of a proclamation acknowledging their anniversary from the Lycoming County Commissioners. Also, Congressman Fred Keller was on hand to present the fire company with recognition from Congress. The fire company handles about 600 calls for fire, rescue and ambulance services per year.

FATAL SUNDAY MORNING CRASH

Early Sunday morning, the driver of a rig hauling fracking water used in the natural gas industry was killed when his vehicle rolled over at the Route 220 spur in Williamsport, heading towards Lock Haven, according to the county coroner. The driver from Bradford County lost control of the rig about 3 a.m. His name was withheld pending notification of the family, according to Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. Police are investigating as to a cause of the crash.

GAS PRICES ON THE RISE

Pennsylvania gas prices have risen 0.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.19/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,269 stations in Pennsylvania. Gas prices in Pennsylvania are 75.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Pennsylvania is priced at $2.92/g today while the most expensive is $3.85/g. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “As we approach July 4, it appears the only way forward is for gas prices to continue their rise motorists should prepare to dig deeper for the second half of the summer.”

LYCOMING COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN MEETING

Candidates for local elected and state judicial seats met with a Lycoming County Democratic Women group to speak to members about why they represent the best choices for voters. Among the Democrats talking to the gathering at Susquehanna Park Thursday night were Lauren Baumann Frisco, who is running for Loyalsock Township supervisor, and McKenna Long, a candidate for Hughesville Borough Council. Judicial candidates were Laurie Dumas, Maria McLaughlin, and Timika Lane, as reported by SUN Gazette.  The common thread, which spread from local government to the state was the need to listen to constituents.

EMERGENCY OWNER-OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME REHABILITATION

City Council approved a resolution for an “Emergency Owner-Occupied Single Family Home Rehabilitation” application for Ronald Rummings and Linda Woodring who are qualified for the program. Woodring is the daughter of Margaret Woodring, city controller and loan review committee member. As reported by SUN Gazette, the notice of the proposed repair resolution was advertised in the newspaper or record and was reviewed by council and the city finance committee, which gave it a positive recommendation.

MCCRACKEN HEATING & COOLING

The Lycoming County Housing Authority, at its regular monthly meeting, approved McCracken Heating & Cooling for work involving installation of 80 furnaces and 80 water heaters at the Michael Ross development in Williamsport. McCracken’s bid of $89,000 was the lowest of among several firms for the work set for July with the purchase of the heaters and furnaces was approved by the board in April, according to a media outlet.

LIFE SKILLS AND GOLF PROGRAM

The Lycoming County Housing Authority, at its regular monthly meeting, approved a partnership with Williamsport Area Junior Golf to provide a golf and life skills program for youths, a program is similar to the First Tee program backed by the Professional Golfers Association. In other news, according to a media source, the authority reported that charge-offs, uncollected rents or unpaid expenses, for the month of May amounted to $728.94, bringing the total charge-offs to $11,295 for the year.

WOODCOCK FOUNDATION APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS GRANT

The Community Arts Center announced it is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from The Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts. The funds will be used to underwrite the Student Summer Stock production of “SpongeBob the Musical.” According to SUN Gazette, every summer, the Student Summer Stock extends an offer to 7th through 12th grade students with the opportunity to participate in the production of a Broadway-type musical onstage at the Community Arts Center in the historic Martin Theatre.

$40 BILLION STATE BUDGET

Gov. Tom Wolf has announced his support for a nearly $40 billion state budget that was passed by the legislature on Friday. The state House approved the measure, 140-61, the Senate a short while later, 43-7. This budget adds $416 million, the largest single-year education funding increase in state history, raising the increase in annual education funding during Gov. Wolf’s term to more than $1.8 billion. The governor said he will sign the budget next week.

SHOT PUT OLYMPIC TRIALS

Rachel Fatherly’s quest to get to the Olympics came up just short yesterday afternoon in Eugene, Oregon, at the 2021 Olympic Trials. According to SUN Gazette, the Williamsport graduate, a former state champion and later a Penn State standout, was unable to get into the top 12 in the qualifying round to move onto Thursday night’s finals. Fatherly finished 14th in the qualifying round thanks to her final throw.

LAW SUIT FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES 

It is now two insurance companies who are being taken to court for their failure to provide adequate coverage during law suits. Plaintiffs Mayor Derek Slaughter, former mayor Gabriel Campana and the city are taking legal action in the Lycoming County Court against The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company and Brit Insurance Services USA. SUN Gazette reported, his civil suit stems  from a complaint Steven Helm, a city police lieutenant, filed with federal courts which alleged Slaughter, Campana and the city violated his First Amendment rights when they failed to promote him.

MONTGOMERY MAN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A Montgomery man was found guilty of several counts of child pornography in Lycoming County Court. According to reports fom a news outlet,  Wayne Benson, 44, according to prosecutors, on June 23, 2020, had used his phone to collect photos of  female minor using the restroom.  As a result, he has been found guilty on all counts of photographing, filming and depicting on a computer a sex act, child pornography, amongst others. Benson has not yet been scheduled for sentencing.

MULTIPLE FELONIES FOR LOCK HAVEN MAN

Police Officers from the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department said an early morning crash led to multiple felonies for a Lock Haven man.The caller explained to officers she discovered Jamison Sinkus, 21,  inside a home located on Ramsey Drive in Cumming Township. Sinkus was seen coming out of a bedroom at the residence, which the caller knew had a gun inside. He fled from the scene and crashed his vehicle. Sinkus was on parole and not to be in possession of a firearm. According to a media source, officers quickly recovered the firearm and charged him with five felonies and taken to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 monetary bail. A preliminary hearing is on June 30 with Judge Jerry Lepley.

TOWN HALL MEETING

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, will hold a telephone town hall meeting Monday, July 28 at 7:30 pm. According to a news outlet, the town hall will provide an opportunity for constituents to talk with the congressman about issues and learn about legislative updates and priorities.

PARALYMPIAN TO REPRESENT USA

Area college paralympian runner heads to Tokyo. According to a news outlet, Bucknell Bison track star Rayven Sample will represent Team USA in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Sample qualified for the international competition when he placed second in the 400M race during the US Paralympic Trials, nearly beating his personal best time in the event.

BARIATRIC CENTER IS MOVING

Beginning July 1, 2021, the Bariatric Center of Evangelical is moving to the  Surgical Specialists of Evangelical, 25 Lystra Rogers Drive, Lewisburg. A news outlet reported, they are streamlining service to offer a positive and supportive patient experience. According to northcentralpa.com, the Hospital has been offering bariatric services since 2003. Bariatric services help individuals who struggle unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet and exercise thereby achieving  life changing results through bariatric surgery.

THREATS WITH A REPLICA OF A GUN

It was a replica gun that looked much like the real deal. Gerald Theodore Johnson, 52, brandished the replica when he chased and threatened other through the apartment building at 747  W Fourth St  on June 14 at 540 p.m. Officers were told and they obtained a search warrant and found the replica under a mattress. A media outlet reported, Johnson was arraigned before District Judge Jerry Lepley on charges of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering and simple assault, Johnson remains jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail.

SELLING AMPHETAMINE TO A CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT

Devin Tyler Sunderland, 31, of 306 Arch St., has been charged with delivery of a controlled substance for allegedly selling two amphetamine pills to a confidential informant in an apartment at 312 High St. on Feb. 9, according to court records filed at the office of District Judge Christian Frey by the county’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU). According to a media outlet, he is free on $15,000 bail as reported by a media source.

THIRD-FLOOR SPACE LEASE

The third-floor space in a city managed building was paid for five years, in a lease by a theater group in the city. The checks, upwards of $90,000 were turned over to River Valley Transit, the transit arm of the city, as reported by the Sun-Gazette. The lease payments or receipts were paid and recorded by the city with the Community Theatre League listed as client. Even though, a signed lease amendment for CTL never went before City Council for review, Mayor Derek Slaughter said. The non-binding lease resulted, earlier this year, in the city legal counsel advising CTL to vacate the building’s third floor.

FIREWORKS

In addition to the annual Set the Night to Music Williamsport Light up the Night, slated for 9:40 p.m. Sunday, July 4, sponsored by Backyard Broadcasting. It is a downtown celebration during the day which includes food, live music and more. According to the SUN Gazette, other fireworks shows include those being held in Montgomery, Jersey Shore, Watsontown, and Millville.Montgomery, Saturday July 3, fireworks at dusk from community park. Rain date is July 5. Watsontown, 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Millville, midnight, Saturday, July 10. Jersey Shore, 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 10.