WILLIAMSPORT SOAP BOX DERBY

Eight “celebrity” racers representing the events’ sponsors will take a downhill dive as they race their own scaled-up go-carts at the Williamsport Soap Box Derby Race on Saturday. According to the SUN Gazette, the celebrity participants include;  John Sanders, city engineer; Tanya Weber, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport; Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, and  Blaise Alexander Dealership Vice President Adam Alexander. Come cheer on your favorite racer on Saturday from 12:30 to 7pm.

LAWSUITS AGAINST CITY

Former police Lt Fred L Miller IV of Clinton County has joined a currently working city police lieutenant against Mayor Derek Slaughter, the city of Williamsport and former Mayor Gabriel J. Campana.   Miller and Lt Steven Helm have similar claims regarding claims of being overlooked for promotions, according to papers in U.S. Middle District Court. Miller, who was awarded $35,000 in the prior settlement, is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $50,000 contending violations of his free speech rights. According to SUN Gazette, the case is before U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

SEVEN-FIELD COMPLEX ONE STEP CLOSER

The city planning commission extended a positive recommendation yesterday, for the development plan involving a seven-field sports complex. A vote from City Council is needed before construction can officially begin by Williamsport Baseball Inc., a land-holding entity created by the Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce. According to a media outlet, Williamsport Baseball Inc. was recipient of a $2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and a Greenways Trails and Recreation grant to get the project funding rolling.

STARTUP CHALLENGE

Pennsylvania State System’s Startup Challenge, a competition where students present innovative business ideas for a prize of upwards of $10,000. Lock Haven University’s team claimed sixth place in the five-minute pitch presentation category for their Starlight Café project and received a prize of $500. According to northcentralpa.com, the Starlight Café would be the first café in Lock Haven to open exclusively at night.

CRACK SALES LANDS WILLIAMSPORT MAN IN JAIL

Timothy James Harman, 30, of Williamsport was charged with multiple felonies after police said he sold crack to an undercover agent. Officers said Harman sold crack to a detective three times in March of this year. According to northcentralpa.com, that included twice on the same day. Harman is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in Lieu of $75,000 monetary bail.

MULTIPLE METH SALES EQUAL MULTIPLE FELONIES

A Montoursville woman will face charges regarding the sale of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. State Police in Montoursville reported a CI bought 1.96 grams of methamphetamine from Heather Crispin, 46, in Loyalsock. According northcentralpa.com, a second buy for 2.96 grams of methamphetamine and a third sale of  3.65 grams of methamphetamine resulted in Crispin charged with multiple felonies. She was confined to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 14.

NO AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE SHIKELLAMY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Because the Shikellamy School Board and members of the educational support professionals association could not strike a deal last night,  63 employees could be furloughed before the end of the month. According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Jason Bendle said following the meeting that no deal was made and no upcoming dates are scheduled for another negotiating session. All parties refused to comment following the meeting, however it seems that financial issues are the core of the negotiation failure.

PROWLING AT NIGHT CHARGES IN LEWISBURG

A Milton man was charged for allegedly peeping into windows of female students at Bucknell University’s off campus housing on S. Seventh Street during the evening hours of May 16 and 17.  According to Buffalo Valley Regional Police, they found Brandon Miller, 35, lurking in the trees along the side of 30-32 S. Seventh Street, shortly before midnight on May 17.   Northcentralpa.com reports Miller faces several misdemeanor charges of loitering and prowling at night and his preliminary hearing is set for June 24 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe.

FIREARM VIOLATION

A Williamsport man was charged with a felony after authorities discovered he rented two firearms from the National Range and Armory on April 25. Montoursville State Police report, Akeem Montez Hall, 27, of Williamsport rented a functioning semi-automatic handgun and semi-automatic rifle. Due to a previous conviction, Hall is not permitted to possess a firearm, according to northcentralpa.com. His preliminary hearing is scheduled with  Judge Aaron BEAK LEE (Biichle) and Hall is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $85,000 monetary bail.

JURY DECIDING THE FATE OF A CANTON MAN

A Lycoming County jury heard arguments from prosecutors as well as defense attorneys for a Canton man regarding his alleged sexual abuse of a minor before deliberating last evening. Harris’ case first came to the attention of the Pennsylvania State Police through a cyber tip from a Facebook moderation team in May of 2019, which informed them of the Messenger conversations Harris allegedly had with multiple minors. According to SUN Gazette, Michael Harris, 31, faces 16 counts related to alleged sexual abuse of a female minor.

GROWING GREENER GRANT

The Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority at its recent meeting approved an $80,000 Growing Greener Grant for stormwater infrastructure upgrades in South Williamsport.The grant is addressing the stormwater basin located behind the CVS store along West Southern Avenue, according to SUN Gazette. The project is part of meeting compliance under the Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction guidelines.Construction of the project is expected to begin next year.

LIMESTONE WATER SYSTEM 

The Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority at its recent meeting approved professional engineering services for the Limestone Water System which serves customers in the communities of Oval and Oriole. The state Department of Environmental Protection program will address capital improvements. According to Sun Gazette, the service comes at no cost to the Authority and will include preparation of construction bids.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Mifflinburg man is facing assault charges after a child told police she was being abused.  According to the police affidavit, Brandon Wilson, 31, has choked her and dragged her up the stairs by her hair.  A witness said she has also observed Wilson striking the victim on several occasions, including with a belt. According to a media outlet, Wilson is being charged with harassment, strangulation, assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

BILLTOWN BLUES FESTIVAL

The 31st annual Billtown Blues Festival will be coming next week with “world-class” blues music, musicians, food and all-around experience according to Bonnie Tallman, event producer. The stage will be set and ready for performers from Friday, June 11 through Sunday June 13 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds. Tickets are only available for purchase through the Billtown Blues Association website. There are options for one day tickets as well as a bundle that allows you all three days.

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE

Pennsylvania College of Technology has appointed the Presidential Search Committee charged with the selection of a successor to longtime President Davie Jane Gilmour, who announced recently she will retire next year. The 17-member Presidential Search Committee consists of four members of the Penn College Board of Directors, seven faculty members, five administrators and one student. Their job is to gather input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local community leaders to make the process as transparent and inclusive as possible to attract the strongest pool of candidates.

200 ROBOTIC-ASSISTED PEDIATRIC SPINE SURGERIES IN A PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL

As of May 2021, Geisinger’s Dr Meagen Fernandez has performed more than 200 robotic-assisted pediatric spine surgeries at the Pennsylvania-based Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute. It is the only pediatric hospital in Pennsylvania using robotic assisted technology for pediatric spine surgery. Dr. Fernandez specializes in treating pediatric sports injuries, ACL reconstruction, fractures and traumatic injuries, and scoliosis. For her pediatric spine surgeries, she uses the Medtronic Renaissance™ system, the first robotic spine assist technology used in Pennsylvania to treat pediatric patients with scoliosis that requires surgery. Renaissance™ is designed to improve the safety and accuracy of implant placement in spine surgery.

CUTTERS JOB FAIR

The Williamsport Crosscutters are looking for energetic, motivated individuals to fill part-time seasonal positions in the Food and Beverage Department at Historic Bowman Field for the 2021 Season. Interested individuals must apply in-person at the Cutters Job Fair to be held Wednesday, June 9 from 4-6pm at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, 1700 W. Fourth St, Williamsport.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Jade Michael Brennan was charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault after he became involved in an argument wijth another person over a vehicle. During the argument Brennan pulled out a knife and threatened the individual before throwing at him. Brennan then threw a rock at the residence of the victim, damaging a window. He fled on foot but was later apprehended  by officers of the Lock Haven Police Department. Brennan was remanded to the Clinton County Correctional Facility after he could not post bail.

FATAL ACCIDENT

A fatal early morning crash claimed the lives of two young residents. According to State Police in Montoursville, the crash occurred on the Miller Run Bridge on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township just before 2 a.m. on Monday. Investigators have released the identities of the driver, Sierra Jacobs, 24, and the passenger, Travis Mosteller, 24. According to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office, a ruling on the cause of death was “multiple blunt force trauma and burns.” According to police, the vehicle was traveling east and the driver was unable to negotiate the right curve, by under-compensating, thereby causing the vehicle to leave its lane of travel and jump the sidewalk. The vehicle struck the bridge abutment and fell approximately 12 feet to the creek bed. Police report wet roads and alcohol were possible contributing factors.

HELMET GIVEAWAY WITH EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY  HOSPITAL

Evangelical Community Health and Wellness wants kids and parents to understand the importance of wearing a helmet while biking. Today from 4 – 6 p.m., a free bike helmet giveaway event for children 12 and under is at The Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness outdoor play area, 120 Hardwood Drive, Lewisburg and is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Buffalo Valley in Lewisburg, Inc, according to northcentralpa.com. If your helmet is more than five years old, or has sustained a major impact,  you should consider attending. For more information, call Evangelical Community Health and Wellness at (570) 768-3200.

LYCOMING COUNTY CONTROLLER KRISTA ROGERS ADDITIONAL LAWYERS

Lycoming County Controller Krista Rogers will now have more lawyers in her case following action by commissioners at their meeting. Following two days of testimony, Potter County Senior Judge John Leete on May 17 made no ruling, but instead, gave attorneys 20 days to submit post-hearing briefs. Commissioners took legal action against Rogers for not handing over functions from her office to the budget and finance department. Rogers has contended commissioners illegally directed such action and of engaging in a power grab. Commissioners indicated they had no choice but to approve funding for Rogers’ request for additional legal counsel. Attorneys from Hummel, Lewis & Smith, LLP, Bloomsburg, will be paid $150 per hour with paralegals from the firm receiving $125 per hour. Commissioner Scott Metzger indicated a decision in the case should be forthcoming before the end of this month. in addition, Mya Toon, chief procurement officer, reported that the Lycoming County is seeking bids for emergency repairs to a streambank stabilization project along Muncy Creek in Hughesville. Work on the project is set for this summer.

STATE POLICE STATS FROM HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Pennsylvania State Police report 8 people were killed in memorial day holiday crashes investigated by state police. In fact the state police investigated 844 traffic crashes during the four day memorial day holiday driving period from may 28 through may 31. Alcohol was a factor in 63 of the crashes. Troopers made 596 arrests for driving under the influence,  issued 9,624 speeding citations and cited 1,025 for not wearing seat belts and 144 for not securing children in safety seats.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN

A Williamsport woman recently was sentenced in Lycoming County Court for drug use near children. Williamsport Police accuse Cayleigh M. Jean of methamphetamines use with a three year old child present on Jan. 15. Jean was sentenced on May 27 by Lycoming County Common Pleas Judge  Marc Lovecchio and  after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children Jean was  sentenced to 24 months of probation, according to northcentralpa.com.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN UNION TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY

State police at Milton are investigating a criminal mischief incident inside a garage on George Lane in Union Township, Union County, causing upwards of $4,000 damage. Items were found to be intentionally broken or damaged, included a 2004 Ford, tools, vehicle detailing supplies, a propane heater, stereo equipment, weightlifting equipment, a large mirror, a marble table top, motorcycle racing helmet, pictures and a trophy. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at Milton, according to an online media outlet.

A DAY OF ACTION FOR UNITED WAY OF COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES

The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties is launching a Day of Action. On and around June 21, volunteers will start an annual tradition of traveling around Columbia and Montour Counties to help local nonprofits in their areas of need and to give local residents opportunities to make a difference in their community. United Way reached out to their partner agencies to see where they needed support, and seven nonprofits responded with twelve different projects they are looking to complete.Anyone interested  in participating in United Way’s Day of Action can sign-up on the United Way’s website, according to SUN Gazette. The Day of Action is set to run starting Saturday, June 19, 2021, through Monday, June 21, 2021.

SPRAYING FOR LANTERNFLIES

Pennsylvania has started spraying insecticide on spotted lanternflies, a new strategy that state officials are using in an attempt to slow the spread of the invasive pest.  Crews using backpack sprayers and truck-mounted spray equipment are spraying the bugs along railways, interstates and other transportation rights-of-way, the state Department of Agriculture reported Friday. He also went on to say the “Spotted Lanternflies threaten our quality of life outdoors and destroy valuable products that feed our economy and we are working diligently and strategically to control this pest in ways that are safe for the people, pollinators, plants and animals that share the environment it threatens.Spraying is underway in southeastern and south-central PA,  and thirty-four of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are now under quarantine, requiring businesses that move products, vehicles and other items in and out of the quarantine zone to obtain a permit, according to an online media source.

NEW BUILDING NAMED FOR A LONGTIME TRUSTEE AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

At Bucknell University, Holmes Hall will be the new home for the Freeman College of Management and the Department of Art and Art History,  named for Trustee Steve Holmes and his wife, Bonnie, who both graduated in 1979. Bucknell recognizes the significant commitments by the Holmes couple, according to SUN Gazette.  The almost 80-thousand square foot facility is set to be equipped with labs, art and design studios, and teaching spaces.  Steve Holmes says he believes in strengthening opportunities for students to explore interest across different majors as he was able to do when he was a student.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON EAST 3RD STREET REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

A vehicle accident occurred this morning, reported with people trapped and fire, on East Third Street and Northway Road in Loyalsock Township. A vehicle reportidly went over the embankment, off the bridge at Miller’s Run, in the area of the 1600 block of East Third Street. Pennsylvania State Police Forensics and Accident Reconstruction officers were on the scene. They report the accident remains under investigation.

GOLD STAR MONUMENT FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IN  WILLIAMSPORT

A Gold Star monument, honoring military families, from the region, is set to be unveiled in September at Veterans Memorial Park in Williamsport. The Lycoming County event, the date of which is being finalized, will be the dedication of what is to be called the Central Pennsylvania Gold Star Memorial, said John Markley, secretary of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission.Dennis Norman, a Marine Corps veteran from the Jersey Shore area, first presented the memorial concept, estimated to cost $75,000 and it was paid for through donations and a brick marker fundraiser, Markley said.

LOST FISHERMAN FOUND

Rescue crews were called shortly before 5 p.m., yesterday,  for a report of a lost fisherman in rural Brown Township. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry and local fire departments and a K9 search team met at the 3000 block of Slate Run Road at a parking area to begin the  search. He was found, unharmed around 620pm.

SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS MOVED TO TODAY

District 4 has moved all of its softball playoff games scheduled for today in Williamsport  because of heavy rains expected spread across the state over the weekend.

The moves impact four Valley teams: Line Mountain, East Juniata, Lewisburg and Shamokin.

The district announced all seven softball games will now be played at Elm Park.

Today’s softball schedule now looks like this:

Class A: Millville vs. Montgomery, noon, on field 3

Class A: Canton vs. Northeast Bradford, 2 p.m. on field 3

Class AA: East Juniata vs. Wyalusing, noon, on field 2

Class AA: Muncy vs. Line Mountain, 2 p.m., on field 2

Class AAA: Lewisburg vs. Central Columbia, noon, on field 1

Class AAA- Bloomsburg vs. Loyalsock, 2 p.m., on field 1

Class AAAA- Athens vs. Shamokin, 4 p.m., on field 1

SATURDAY SHOOTING ON ISABELLA STREET

A man, a woman and a baby were inside a home in the 1100 block of Isabella Street when unknown gunmen fired multiple shots into their house early Saturday morning, according to SUN Gazette. No one was injured in the shooting that was believed to have occurred between 1 am and 2 am near Eighth Avenue and Isabella Street, neighbors told the Sun-Gazette. It was reported that two of the bullets went through the walls and into rooms on the first and second floor of the adjoining property. The investigation continues.

TUESDAY NIGHT SHOOTING ON WEST FOURTH STREET

Last night police and emergency vehicles have responded to a shooting on the 700 block of West Fourth St. in Williamsport, outside the Shamrock. According to northcentralpa.com, the windows of multiple vehicles and the Shamrock were damaged by gunfire and one victim was transported to the hospital. The investigation continues.

NEXT WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE CHIEF INTRODUCED BY MAYOR SLAUGHTER

Mayor Derek Slaughter announced yesterday that he elevated two police captains to serve as chief and assistant chief. Capt. Justin Snyder was chosen to become the new chief of police and Capt. Jason Bolt the new assistant chief of police following Chief Damon Hagan’s retirement, according to the Sun Gazette. Snyder brings nearly 16 years of experience and Bolt more than 17 years. The swearing-in ceremony will be held Friday, May 28th at 9:30 a.m. at City Council chambers. Chief Hagan announced his retirement Monday, stating his final day is Friday after a 22-year career with the city.

TAX INCREASE FOR THE SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Although the proposed final 2021-22 budget by the South Williamsport Area School Board has an increase of .7 mills in taxes for district property owners, it also comes with a caution that rates are not final and can change before the final vote is at end of June. Also approved, an agreement with Nutrition, Inc. to oversee the district’s food service program for the upcoming school year. With waivers from the USDA, the cafeteria will operate under the Seamless Summer Option for the entire school year which means that all students qualify for free breakfast and lunch. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m., June 7.

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTES NOT TO RAISE TAXES     

Jersey Shore Area School District faces rising costs for budget items which elevated the budget deficit to $880,000 over the next fiscal year. District Superintendent Brian Ulmer noted that if the governor’s current plan to put a cap on cyber charter school costs were enacted the district could immediately realize approximately $300,000 in savings. According to a media outlet, the board decided by a 6-3 vote to not raise the tax rates, but to rebalance the tax rates for the two counties in the district.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN MONTOUR COUNTY

A motorcycle crash on Old School Road, Montour County yesterday morning claimed the life of a 44-year-old Danville man. Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn says Paul Costa died of multiple blunt force injuries.

COURT DATE FOR TEENAGER CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE

A court date has been announced for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of Jakob Lee Haines in Woodward Township. Brian St. John III, 19, is scheduled for his preliminary court appearance on Thursday, June 24 at the Clinton County Courthouse before Magisterial District Judge Frank Mills.St. John remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility, according to therecordonline.com.

CHARGES FOR ALLEGED MEMBER OF DRUG-RUNNING RING

One of several men implicated in a drug-running ring  was sentenced on May 18 in the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas. Kalief Bradshaw, pleaded guilty to one felony count of delivery of a controlled substance and was sentenced by Lycoming County Judge Ryan M. Tira to 27 months to 60 months in state prison. Bradshaw, one of several drug runners for Akmed Green , Philadelphia, was  arrested by the Lycoming County Detectives on Dec. 28, 2018.

Sports

District 4 Class AAA Baseball

Central Columbia over Hughesville 8-4

District 4 Class AAA Softball

Lewisburg over Montoursville 9-3

District 4 Class A Softball

Millville over Bucktail 15-3 in the first round of District 4 Class A playoffs