CHARGES HELD OVER FOR COURT

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

NATURAL GAS LINE SUPPORT APPROVED

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

PENNSYLVANIA VOTING PROCEEDURES

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

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

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

WILLIAMSPORT CODES OFFICE MOVED

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

TENSION RAISED AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

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

RADAR SET UP IN DUBOISTOWN AND SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

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

COVID-19 RESULTS FOR AREA FROM YESTERDAY

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

IT WAS RULED A SUICIDE IN CLINTON COUNTY

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

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING TOPICS

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

JEDI THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG NEEDS YOUR HELP

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

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

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

CHOKING A PREGNANT WOMAN GETS BLOOMSBURG MAN FELONY CHARGES

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

VEHICLE THEFT DISCOVERED WHILE STOLEN CAR WAS AT GAS PUMPS

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

DOG ATTACK SENDS SUNBURY RESIDENTS TO GEISINGER

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

DEFENSE CLAIMS WRONGFUL CONVICTION

A Williamsport man accused of selling fentanyl to a confidential informant filed a motion to receive a new trial after a jury found him guilty in September. A motion for a new trial was put into play after Nathaniel Hill of Williamsport says he was wrongfully convicted of a 2019 fentanyl transaction.  The defense motioned for a new trial based on several discoveries that involved the credibility of a confidential informant used to allegedly make the controlled buy from Hill.  The motion will be heard by Judge Ryan Tira on December 1^st.

SHOTS FIRED INTO APARTMENT COMPLEX

Ukashah Ford of Philadelphia was denied bail on Thursday after allegedly firing several gunshots into the Timberland Apartment complex early Thursday morning.  Ford allegedly fired 5 shots into Building 5 of the complex, none of which entered the living quarters of the complex. He fired a 6^th shot that hit the passenger door to a Kia in the parking lot.  Ford was arraigned and locked up on charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and recklessly endangering and is sentenced to the Lycoming County Prison.

ANIMAL CRUELY CHARGES FOR SLAUGHTERHOUSE

A slaughterhouse in Centre County is facing charges for alleged animal cruelty charges.  Abattoir Industries is being accused by PETA after an August 31^st report stating at least 6 federal violations happened at the business.  The company received a suspension notice on August 6^th after doing multiple stuns of an animal before killing when USDA only allows one stun per animal, and they continued working with multiple stuns.  They have also been other reports of workers shooting animals multiple times, while still conscious.

COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR FRIDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 5, 583 new cases of COVID-19.  There were 92 new cases in Lycoming County, 76 in Northumberland County, 64 in Centre, 33 in Union, 24 in Snyder, 15 in Potter, and 14 in Montour.

METHAMPHETAMINE SALES BRINGS FELONY CHARGES

An agent with the Attorney General’s office said he waited for more than two hours after his confidential informant gave a man $3,000 for a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Dustin Kemp through a C.I. The agent and the informant met with Kemp at a predetermined location.  Kemp was given $3,000 in cash to make the purchase.  Kemp was arrested and charged with one count each of felony conspiracy, third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility, and third-degree theft.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A 13-year-old juvenile was pulled from under her bed and raped by a relative.  Officer Damon Cole arrived at the scene in Williamsport when a man had admitted he had molested the juvenile.  Corey Branch of Williamsport was arrested and charged with several felonies of sexual assault.   Branch was denied bail and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison with a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 14^th.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES FOLLOWING HOME RAID

State Police raided a house in Catawissa to find 575 images and 19 videos containing child pornography.  Dallas Wehner of Catawissa was charged with 25 counts each of second-degree child pornography and third-degree criminal use of a communication facility.  A search warrant had been issued and State Police took several electronics to investigate.  Wehner is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of a $50,000 monetary bond.

FELONY DRUG CHARGES FOR TWO NORTHUMBERLAND RESIDENTS

Two Northumberland borough residents are jailed and face felony possession with the intent to deliver after Sunbury Police set up a sting operation and were able to purchase drug.  Horace White and Reader Moten are jailed after appearing before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic on felony possession with the intent to deliver charges after city police said they used a confidential informant to purchase crack cocaine on Thursday.  Both appeared before Gembic Friday morning and were sent to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail each.

HALL OF FAME ADDITIONS

Muncy announced its Class of 2021 for the Muncy High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The class consists of Bill Hughes (1959), Jordan Rishel Sarginger (2008), Galen Miller (1972) and Justin Grenoble (2001).  They will be inducted at halftime of Friday’s football game against South Williamsport. They will be the 71st through 74th members inducted since the Hall of Fame was established 45 years ago. According to a media outlet, the Committee’s President Roger Campbell will be in attendance to present honorary picture plaques to its four newest members.

MONEY DONATED FOR MUCH NEEDED CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

AdoptaClassroom.org and Subaru teamed up to help five teachers at Williamsport Area High School. As a national effort to buy school supplies and other classroom tools as part of its Subaru Loves Learning initiative, the corporation and its 600 retailers, including Blaise Alexander Subaru, partnered with the educational nonprofit. This summer, 5 WAHS teachers received $500 to support their classroom supply needs. According to a media source, the group of teachers was able to purchase items, such as lab equipment, educational technology and other general classroom supplies to help enhance student learning.

A MOBILE VACCINE SITE POSSIBLITY

At their most recent meeting, Williamsport Area School Directors discussed a mobile vaccine site in the district. Lisa Nible, board member, advised the River Valley Health and Dental Center would partner with the district and make the vaccines available. However, several other board members questioned the idea of having the site and even questioned the use of vaccines. According to a news outlet, this discussion may arise again in future meetings.

“ABANDONING” ALLEYWAYS IN MUNCY

Muncy Borough Council at their most recent meeting discussed the possibility of looking into “abandoning” alleyways and right-of-ways in town which serve no purpose to the borough. According to Borough Manager Charley Hall, borough employees will review alleyways and determine if they are “abandoned,” which means they will revert back to subdivisions established before they were alleyways. There will be opportunities for residents who own subdivisions that were part of those alleys to challenge abandonment through public hearings. According to SUN Gazette, Muncy Borough Council will have a brief meeting Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. to formally approve the carpool purchases and will have its next full meeting Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

BUDGET READY FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REVIEW

Muncy Borough council also previewed the 2022 budget, and sent borough council members to review it for its Nov. 2 meeting in order to advertise to the public. The bottom line, according to Hall, is that the borough has an estimated surplus of $86,000, which will drop by around $74,000 due to the invoice for the truck the borough purchased earlier this year. The number leftover could fluctuate beyond that, as well. Also, Leaf collection in the borough will begin Nov. 2 and will continue to a time that has yet to be advertised. As reported by SUN Gazette, Muncy Borough Council will have a brief meeting Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. to formally approve the carpool purchases and will have its next full meeting Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

JUVENILE JUSTICE WEEK

Lycoming County Courthouse officials recognized the efforts of its Juvenile Probation Staff earlier this week for Juvenile Justice Week. As reported by a media outlet, the county’s Juvenile Probation team focuses on community protection, victim restoration and youth redemption, as they go above and beyond in terms of counseling, advocating, listening, coaching and disciplining juveniles in the system.

TREE REPLACEMENT PLANS FOR SPRING

It was two years ago, during street construction, when upwards of 40 street trees on West Fourth Street were removed by the state Department of Transportation. Now, the trees may be on target to be replaced as early as spring according to city officials. Chad Eckert, city arborist, and Adam Winder, acting general manager of the streets and parks department, said they are reaching out to various utility companies to check where the gas, water and electrical lines were buried. In all, 51 trees were removed and eight have been replaced. Eckert and Winder have told the group they are working on a plan with the goal of breaking ground in the spring, a target time set by the city department.  According to SUN Gazette, regarding the upcoming spring replanting, Winder noted,  “We’ll start slow and see how much we need.”

STAKEHOLDERS TABLED AGAIN

Once again, the Williamsport Area School Board this week discussed the policy for allowing public participation at meetings.  A revision to the policy would allow stakeholders to publicly comment as well as residents and taxpayers. With questions regarding the policy revision and non-residents taking time from residents during meetings, the board agreed to table the matter until its next meeting. In other matters, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers said there are a number of job openings in the district and encouraged people to apply for positions. “We need more employees,” he said, according to SUN Gazette.

MULTIPLE FELONIES FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

An investigation into the assault of a child started in July of 2020 when PSP Stonington received information from Children Youth Services. According to the affidavit, the accuser told authorities Michael Bishop, 44, of Sunbury would come into her room and touch her. Bishop allegedly touched the accuser on more than 20 to 30 occasions during a time span of June 1 to Sept. 2020. Bishop has been charged with multiple felonies. According to a media source, courts records show Bishop bail has been paid through a professional bondsman on Sept. 30.

COVID-19 LOCAL NUMBERS FOR WEDNESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 16 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 64, Lycoming County increased by 79 to 14,873. Northumberland County had 50 more cases, Union had 18 and Montour and Snyder both had 12.

PROFESSIONAL FAILED TO COMPLETE PROJECT

Woodward Township police have charged a Lock Haven man with theft over his alleged failure to complete a remodeling project. Police said Kenneth Richard Caris Jr. has been charged with three felonies: violating the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Police allege Caris was contracted and paid $10,550 to remodel a property; they said he failed to complete the work on the property and failed to return any monies paid to him. According to therecordonline.com, Caris was taken into custody on Sunday, Oct. 3 and placed in the Clinton County Correctional Facility in default of $5,000 bail to await further court proceedings

DANVILLE AREA SCHOOL NUMBER TWO TO VIRTUAL LEARNING

A second school within the Danville Area School District will shift to remote learning for the next week, superintendent Ricki Boyle said yesterday afternoon. Boyle said an increase in cases and the number of students quarantined led to the closure of Liberty Valley Intermediate School, which houses third through fifth grades. According to a statement to parents, “Due to rising cases and contact tracing, Liberty Valley will switch to virtual instruction.”  Students will shift to remote learning Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday with plans to return to in-person instruction on Oct. 13. As reported by Daily Item, Danville’s Primary school is closed this week due to an increase in COVID in that school as well.

PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD GRANTS

Governor Tom Wolf today announced the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) approved grants totaling $1,925,319 for 15 projects to increase the production of Pennsylvania-made malt and brewed beverages and enhance the Pennsylvania beer industry through promotion, marketing, and research-based programs and projects, and to enhance the Pennsylvania wine industry and increase production of Pennsylvania-made wines. “Pennsylvania industries have to adopt new ways of doing business in the COVID-19 world, and these grants will provide substantial funding to help two vital parts of our agricultural community not only explore ways of improving production methods, but also boost marketing efforts that reach beyond our borders,” said Gov. Wolf.

PA National Guard first to receive new Army Black Hawk helicopter

During a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS), located at Fort Indiantown Gap’s Muir Army Airfield, the new Black Hawk UH-60V was formally introduced. According to an online media source, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site received the first fielding of UH-60V Black Hawks from the Utility Helicopter Program Office (UHPO) on July 27. EAATS is the first unit in the U.S. Army – active or reserve component – to receive the new variant.

UPDATE ON TUESDAY’S FATAL SHOOTING

The truck driver from Bucks County killed by state police at an Interstate 80 rest area had a weapon and did not give troopers any warning before he drove his rig into two of their vehicles. That was the update provided Wednesday by Cpl. Tyler R. Morse on the ongoing investigation into the shooting that occurred early Tuesday in southeastern Clinton County. While the man’s name has not been released, police have said he’s 27 and is from Langhorne. According to an online media source, Morse would not disclose how many troopers are on required administrative leave for participating in a shooting. He plans to discuss the investigation with Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse but there is no indication anyone will be charged, he said.