EVENT AND GATHERING MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY LIMITS

The Wolf Administration announced yesterday that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 am. Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home.  Current maximum occupancy is 25 percent for indoor events and 50 percent for outdoor events.

“TREE CAMPUS”

Aided by its knowledgeable team of foresters, along with academic programs, Pennsyvania College of Technology has been chosen as a national “Tree Campus” for the sixth  consecutive year. The Arbor Day Foundation’s  Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging employees and students in conservation goals.

NARCOTICS RING ARRESTS AND SENTENCING 

Two out of three people accused by county detectives of operating a lucrative narcotics ring have been sentenced, according to a media outlet. Courtney F. Smith was sentenced on April 13 after pleading guilty to one ungraded felony. Lycoming County President Judge Nancy L. Butts sentenced Smith to a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 23 months in county jail. Smith’s boyfriend, Robbert Hanner of Williamsport, and Erick M. Dapp of Montoursville were also arrested in the sting. Hanner currently is at SCI Mahanoy serving a five-to-ten year sentence and Dapp’s next scheduled hearing is on June 19.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS QUESTIONED

A Hughesville man,  charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana,  claims his Constitutional rights were violated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Joseph Clements, was stopped by Pennsylvania State Police at Montoursville Trooper Garrett Shnyder on U.S. 15 South on Sept. 29, 2020. With an active warrant for his arrest, Cllements’ was taken into custody,  his vehicle searched and the drugs found. Clements is charged with one misdemeanor count. Arguments in the matter are scheduled for July 2 before President Judge Nancy L. Butts.

NEW SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT POLICE CHIEF

After 21 years as a Milton Police Officer, Dan Embeck is now the new Police Chief of the South Williamsport Police Department. Norm Hager, the current acting Assistant Chief will assume the role of Assistant Chief on July 1. Also effective July 1, the department will have three operations supervisors, including a patrol corporal, to oversee and assist with critical incident response management.

SUSPICIOUS CALL FOR HELP

Officials began a water rescue around 1:30 Tuesday morning when they  received a report that an unknown female had jumped into the water, allegedly  from the Maynard Street Bridge. The unknown woman was reported to have exited her vehicle and jumped over the rail in the 10 block of S. Maynard St. in Williamsport,  which caused officials to close the bridge.The woman was later found safe in her home. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire had three boats in the water and the rescue team anticipated a possible water rescue. She did not jump..It is unknown at this time where or from whom initial reports of the woman jumping originated.

FIRST FRIDAY STREET FESTIVAL

This year’s restart of the monthly First Friday Street Festival, postponed for more than a year, due to COVID-19 pandemic, was basically washed out by inclement weather. Beth Armanda one of the co-chairs for the First Friday Committee, said to never count First Friday out. Armanda added that June’s First Friday will be back to normal, with anywhere between 50 to 70 vendors on West Fourth and Pine Streets, including arts and crafts, non-profits, food and live music to be seen on Pine Street and out front of the Community Arts Center. Lycoming Arts will also have another art project going on in their building.

RIDDELL HELMET LAWSUIT

The co-guardians of a Jersey Shore youth seriously injured in a football practice have sued the helmet manufacturer in a federal court. Danielle Leone and Jacob Leone, co-guardians of Caleb Leone, have sued Riddell, Inc. according to the U.S. Middle District Court records. They alleged Leone was wearing a Riddell helmet when injured during an August 14, 2018 high school football practice when he sustained an impact to his head. They alleged the helmet was defective and are seeking damages for various personal injuries as a result, according to the complaint. The Leones’ claim these companies were aware of the helmet defects. The plaintiffs in the case are seeking interests in excess of $75,000.

DROPPED CHARGES

In a plea agreement, this one before District Judge William Solomon, Maleak Benjamin 24, of 1638 Andrews Place, pled guilty to Old Lycoming Township Police charges of possession of marijuana and driving without a license. He has been ordered to pay the $250 fine plus court costs. As part of the arrangement, police dropped a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stemmed from an incident in the 1800 block of Lycoming Creek Road on Feb. 13.

FELONY BURGLARY CHARGE

A man in Tioga County was charged after he allegedly entered a victim’s residence through a window and stole power, police report. Darren Hudick, Mansfield, allegedly entred through a window and used extension cords to steal power. Hudick had a preliminary hearing on May 5 at the office of District Judge Tiffany Cummings in which a felony burglary charge and misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking charge were dropped. Hudick is now in Tioga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 monetary bail.

UPDATED DASHBOARD FOR COVID-19

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 2,986 cases of COVID-19. There were 22 new cases in Centre County, 21 in Columbia, 20 in Union , 20 in Northumberland, 15 in Lycoming and 6 in Montour.

COMMUNITY THEATER LEAGUE

The Community Theater  League is vacating the third floor space at the Trade and Transit Center Building on West Third Street in Williamsport as early as next Friday. Presently, the CTL occupies the first and third floors of the building. The first floor houses the main stage and the box office, while the third floor holds the administrative offices and almost all of the educational/workshop space. The hope is that all parties involved in the dispute can come to an agreement.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Weldon Fletcher, 1421 West Fourth Street, has been jailed on charges of allegedly threatening a woman and her son with a machete and a handgun. Police responded to Fletcher’s home to handle a domestic situation around 4:30 am Thursday. Police said Fletcher allegedly threatened Shawee Gaines and her son with a machette following an argument between Fletcher and Gaines inside  the  home. Following his arraignment before District Judge Christian Frey on charges of aggravated and simple assault, terroristic threats. recklessly endangering and possession of an instrument of crime, Fletcher was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

Conspiracy child endangerment charges were added yesterday to the cases of Matthew and Christine Zeigler, accused of abusing their either children over a decade. Three if Zeigler’s children are minors and remain in the dependancy system. With all Lycoming County Judges recused, Potter County Court of Common Pleas Senior Judge John B Leete presided. Leete gave the Commonweath a 30-day extension to attempt to gather more discovery materials.

SNYDER COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT TREES

Flats of blueberry, serviceberry, eastern redbud, river oak and eastern sycamore trees arrived at the Snyder County Conservation District on Tuesday, May 4. PPL Electric Utilities staff with distribute thousands of these trees this coming week to conservation organizations, municipalities, and fourth graders as part of its free tree program. Started in 2017, the PPL Community Roots program has brought more than 90,000 free trees to 29 counties in Pennsylvania. This week’s delivery is just in time for spring planting.

NEW BUSINESS IN LOCK HAVEN

Ashey Foltz came to Lock Haven University in 2003 to pursue her dream of becoming a physician assistant. Five years later, after completing LHU’s  “3+2” PA program, Foltz graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She has now opened the Skeleton Key Boutique in Lock Haven. The Skeleton Key Boutique mainly sells women’s clothing, but also offers accessories, shoes, a beauty collection and home selection. There is also a small selection of men’s clothing. Sizes range from XS-3X, with a wide array of sizes.

UNSWORN FALSIFICATION CHARGES

In a plea agreement before District Judge Jerry Lepley in Jersey Shore, Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police dropped a charge of illegal sale of a firearm against Aidan Sweeley, 21, of Avis, after he agreed to plead guilty to a charge of making unsworn falsification to authorities. The charges stemmed from Sweeley putting down false information on a form where he attempted to purchase a firearm at  National Sporting Goods on Allegheny Street in the borough last June 24, police alleged. Sweeley made arrangements to pay a $495 fine plus court costs.

WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTERS

Williamsport Crosscutters single game tickets for opening night and all home games will go on sale Saturday, May 15 at 10 am for the inaugural season in the MLB Draft League. The Cutters open the 2021 campaign on Tuesday, May 25, hosting the rival State College Spikes at 7:05pm. Opening night 2021, presented by UPMC and WILQ, will feature a schedule magnet giveaway and post-game fireworks. The Crosscutters box office at Muncy Bank Ballpark is open Monday-Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays, prior to Opening Night, from 10am to 2pm on May 15 and 22. Tickets can be charged by phone at (570) 326-3389 or online at crosscutters.com. Opening night, May 25, will be limited to 600 fans duet o capacity and social distancing restrictions.

CROSSCUTTERS ON UPCOMING RELAXED MANDATES

Following the Governor Tom Wolf’s orders, 33 of the Cutters’ 34 home games in the first year of the MLB Draft League will be able to have as many fans as Bowman Field can hold. According to SUN Gazette, the home opener on May 25, is the only event subject to limitations at sports stadiums including capacity at 50% and 6 feet social distancing. The relaxed mandates forced the Cutters to shut down its online ticketing system temporarily. The availability of single-game tickets to the general public has also been put on hold until the middle of next week.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR STATE FUNDING

Public school superintendents spoke at the PA Schools Work Campaign Regional press conference at the district service center yesterday, warning that a “flat funding” model of state aid to districts won’t meet educational needs and can result in tax increases with fewer services now and in the future. Federal funding was not advised for reoccurring costs to the districts. However, one example of a recurring cost is cyber charter tuition. Those expenses are increasing by nearly $500,000 or 21 percent in Williamsport.

NO MEMORIAL PARADE IN MUNCY BOROUGH 

Muncy Borough Council turned down a request from the Muncy Veterans of Foreign Wars to host a Memorial Day parade citing compliance issues with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation policies. PennDOT also requires an indemnification releasing the department from liability if there is an accident or injury during the parade. In addition, condition of the route is questioned. There are safety concerns if the road is milled and not paved.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP ODYSSEY OF THE MIND COMPETITORS 

The Loyalsock Township School Board approved a request from Michelle Bartley, Loyalsock’s Odyssey of the Mind coordinator, for a contribution of one-third of the total expenditures for student participation in the World Finals Odyssey of the Mind Competition. The World Final Competition will be held in Orlando tentatively from June 9 through June 14. According to the SUN Gazette,the next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 12 at the district board room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

CITY SURVEY FOR CITY PARKS

A community survey of city parks is the next project for the city accessibility advisory commission. The survey is a query of city residents and others offering them a chance to answer questions on their viewpoints of city parks, to ensure accessibility needs are met throughout the city. The commission also aims to gain a perspective on how much each of the city-owned parks are used, according to a media outlet.

COVID DASHBOARD FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released an updated COVID-19 dashboard and locally Lycoming County 27 cases; Clinton 6; Tioga 12; Sullivan 3; and Northumberland 15 cases.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2001

A bill has been introduced which could amend the Workforce Development Act of 2001 of which Pa. is not fully in compliance, according to Northcentralpa.com. The bill goal is to get our state into compliance with federal requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill would establish state and local workforce development boards aimed at creating  and maintaining effective programs, training, and best practices which would prepare workers for higher-paying, family-sustaining jobs.

HOMICIDE SUSPECT WAVES PRELIMINARY 

Homicide suspect Tracy Ray Rollins Jr., 29, a truck driver from Dallas, Texas, waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday in front of District Justice Jeffrey Mensch. Rollins is accused of slaying former model Rebecca Landrith, of Virginia,  and allegedly leaving her body off an Interstate 80 ramp near Loganton in western Union County, sometime overnight between Feb. 6 and 7. His formal arraignment is at 8:30 a.m. July 26 at the Union County Court. According to an online media outlet, the maximum penalty for criminal homicide ranges from the death penalty to life prison.

FELONY SUSPECT EXTRADITED FROM SOUTH CAROLINA

The office of Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse said yesterday that Terrence Summers, has been extradited from South Carolina to answer charges stemming from an incident that allegedly took place on June 21, 2019 on South Hanna Street in Castanea Township:. According to therecordonline.com, Summers faces multiple charges when, according to Pennsylvania State Police, Summers is alleged to have committed an armed robbery of the Fuel On Convenience Store, stole several items and held the store clerk at gunpoint. Summers had been lodged in the Clinton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. The DA’s office said Summers subsequently posted bail and was released, pending his preliminary hearing.

Sports

High School Baseball

Central Mountain tops Hollidaysburg 6-5

St. John Neumann over Sugar Valley 5-2

Northeast Bradford tops Cowanesque Valley 8-7

Muncy over Montgomery 9-1

Central Columbia over Hughesville 11-1

High School Softball

Montgomery shut out Muncy 7-0

Central Mountain over Mifflinburg 4-2

Bucktail over Sugar Valley 21-3

Montoursville over Southern Columbia 14-1

Loyalsock over  Central Columbia 4-2

Williamsport over Hollidaysburg 12-1 (game 1)

Williamsport over Hollidaysburg 4-1 (game 2)

Warrior Run over Hughesville 6-2

Girls Track and Field

Loyalsock over Warrior Run 77-59

Boys Track and Field

Loyalsock over Warrior Run 79-60

GAS PIPELINE EXPANSION

At the latest Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved a proclamation acknowledging this week as Institutional Parole and Corrections Employee Week. A $287,379 state grant to fund a gas pipeline extension to the Timber Run Industrial Park was recently approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners. According to a media outlet, Digger Specialties, Inc. is opening a facility and employing up to 150 people. Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Executive Director Shannon Rossman said the grant will fund a portion of the project. The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the grant for the project in April.

BRIDGE BUNDLING PROJECT

At the latest Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved a proclamation acknowledging this week as Institutional Parole and Corrections Employee Week. Lycoming County Commissioners have approved McTish, Kunkel & Associates for inspection work for the first phase of the county bridge bundling construction project, which involves repairs to 17 structurally deficient bridges and costing upwards of $76,734. They also approved Smith Excavating & Construction LLC for right-of-way access work to the Shriver’s Ridge Tower site at a cost of $29,600. Also,  a three-year agreement with Schuylkill Mobile Fone for pagers was approved at the cost is $10 per pager per month, according to a media outlet.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL BOARD TAX INCREASE

In the South Williamsport School Board, in order to address issues resulting from the shutdown of schools last year, the motion for adding the second grade teacher and the elementary instructional intervention teacher passed unanimously. Also passed, a motion about hiring the position of director of student services, with a 5-2 vote, according to a media outlet.

STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MONTOURSVILLE

Montoursville Borough Council approved Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. for street improvement work at a cost of $402,598 during its meeting this week. The project, set to get under way this summer, is to include paving of Walnut Street and replacement of curbs. According to SUN Gazette, the council also approved the paving of Church Alley for $4,200. Kristin McLaughlin, of SEDA-Council of Governments, which administers the dollars, said the borough could potentially receive $98,000 this year.  The borough also adopted the Lycoming County Mitigation Plan. and reported the community-wide yard sale will be June 4 and 5. The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday, June 7 at the John Dorin Municipal Building, 617 N. Loyalsock Ave.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX INCREASE

Jamie Mowrey, business manager at the South Williamsport Area School District, repeated her recommendation that the board increase real estate taxes in the district by .32 percent for the 2021-22 fiscal year, but action on the measure will not be taken until the next meeting. According to a media outlet, the lease for iPads and cyber school tuition were the main costs driving up the deficit.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD POLICE PURCHASES

The South Williamsport Area School Board approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford Explorer Utility Interceptor for $11,000 from the South Williamsport Borough Police. Along with the vehicle, the board OK’d purchasing vehicle equipment for $3,000; firearms and safe, $1,250; personal protection, $130; and a taser, $500 for a total cost of $15,380. The items will be used by the school’s police program, according to a media source.In addition, the 2021 graduation list was approved by the board. Graduation is scheduled for June 4. The board’s next meeting date to Aug. 9.

LYCOMING COUNTY JUDGES RECUSED

All of the judges in the Lycoming County are recused from the case of Jonathan Kula, of Pennsdale. State police and county detectives allege that Kula had unlawful sexual contact with multiple minors on multiple occasions between 2018 and 2020. According to Lycoming County President Judge Nany L Butts,”…The defendant is the son of a deputy sheriff and based upon long-standing county court policy, it is ordered and directed that all of the county judges are recused,” The county judges can still handle administrative matters pertaining to Kula’s case, like scheduling.  According to an online media outlet, while Kula awaits a hearing before an out-of-county judge, he remains free on unsecured bail in all three child sexual abuse cases filed against him. His next scheduled court date is June 4.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA LITTLE LEAGUE

Williamsport Area Little League President Ron Diemer has headed a campaign to return WALL to its original home in Brandon Park.  Recently, Williamsport City Council gave the league a five-year lease to revitalize and create a new beginning to a city staple. According to Northcentralpa.com, Brandon Park was the longtime home for Brandon Little League until it changed its name to represent the city. When the fields fell into disrepair, the WALL moved Old Lycoming Township. That will change as Diemer and his team look to start practicing on the field as soon as possible.

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS MITIGATION RESTRICTIONS RELAX

With careful exception to masking requirements, Mitigation orders—all COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses –will be lifted in Pennsylvania on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 12:01 a.m., according to an announcement from the Wolf administration in coordination with the COVID-19 Vaccine Joint Task Force.The current order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. In accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities.

PORCH FIRES

Three porch fires kept area fire personnel busy on Saturday. The first was around 11 a.m. on 3847 Wallis Run Rd. in Gamble Township remains under investigation. Careless discarding of smoking materials caused a fire at the rear of 225 Washington Blvd, during the afternoon. The third fire was in a planter at 2010 Mosser Ave. at 10:10 p.m. and careless discarding of smoking materials the cause.  According to SUN Gazette, while all fires caused minimal damage and were out quickly, city fire officials urge a metal can with water for disposing of cigarettes.

TEDxWILLIAMSPORT

Returning this fall on October 16^th is TEDxWilliamsport. Ten speakers who have ideas worth sharing around the theme of “InterconnecTED were chosen.” According to a media outlet, October’s speakers include: Sandra Lane, Lisa Longo, Mallori DeSalle, Adriana Richard,  Jennifer Demchak,Star Poole, John Shableski, Shaheem Hill, Dan Brauning, and Dr. Howard Woodruff. Tickets will go on sale in September. More information is available on the TEDxWilliamsport web page.

DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION 

Today is the deadline to sign up for Pennsylvania residents wishing to vote in the May 18 municipal primary election. Clinton County Government on Saturday posted a reminder on social media: The Clinton County Board of Elections encourages all eligible Clinton County voters to make sure they are registered and that the information is up to date. Voters can choose the online voter registration system  or obtain a copy of the voter registration form at the Clinton County Piper Building located at 2 Piper Way in Lock Haven.

FELONY CHARGES FOR FIREARMS CRIME

After allegedly stealing a pickup truck near Elimsport and driving it to 2394 Old Lairdsville Rd in Moreland Township, Lucas Drick, Allenwood, fired a shotgun round into the widow of an occupied residence on Wednesday afternoon. According to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Logan Webb, Drick was charged with multiple felonies, arraigned before the Honorable Judge Jerry Lepley and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD 

The 2021-22 budget was released for the Montoursville Area School District and is projected to have no increase in real estate taxes for borough homeowners, according to an online media outlet.  Although no tax increase is expected,  there has been an increase in the revenue from real estate taxes of $26,580 can be attributed to tax assessment changes.

EAST LYCOMING SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET

The East Lycoming School Board approved next year’s proposed district budget that includes a 0.58 tax millage increase. The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11.

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION LEAK

According to the Pennsylvania Dept of Health, private information of over 70,000 Pennsylvanians may have been exposed by a data security breach at an Atlanta-based company. The company was contracted to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing in Pennsylvania but the Associated Press reported the company’s employee’s apparently shared confidential information via unauthorized Google accounts, Some of the leaked information included Pennsylvanians’ phone numbers, emails, genders, sexual orientations and COVID-19 diagnoses.

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

United Plate Glass,  Sunbury was named 2021 Green Business of the Year by the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. According to the Daily Item,  company President  Nate Lawrence, who co-owns the business at 4762 State Route 890 with Dave Zartman, says the company recycles 30,000 pounds of glass a year and 200 pounds of aluminum a week. The Green Business Award is made from the top of a recycled steel drum container and was presented on April 27. The previous winner of the Green Business of the Year Award was Bear Rental, Northumberland (2020).

BUSINESS IN LEWISBURG CLOSING

The Purple Platypus in Lewisburg will close on May 29, according to a post on the store’s Facebook page and a sign on the door. Tabitha Geise, a second-generation owner of Purple Platypus at 335 Market St., said in the post on social media that the demands of running the shop have become too much and she wants to focus on her family. Geise was unable to be reached for additional comment. The store was opened by Geise’s mother-in-law Jody Geise from 1988 to 2015. Tabitha Geise took over ownership in 2011.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

On March 5, 2020, police received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child pornography was uploaded by a Microsoft OneDrive user on Dec. 22, 2019. With that, Timothy Wayne Chrisenberry was charged on April 15 with 49 felony counts of sexual abuse of children (possession of child pornography) and one felony count of criminal use of a communication facility. According to Northcentralpa.com,  Chrisenberry is incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $150,000 monetary bail.

UPDATED INFORMATION ON DRUG CHARGES IN LOCK HAVEN

Authorities yesterday released details on two arrests following an early Wednesday morning search of a Lock Haven apartment. The officers and agents from the Region 4 East Drug Task Force, entered the residence using a narcotics search warrant at 5 Corning St. 3rd Floor Apt. Lock Haven. According to a media outlet, two individuals were located inside the residence, Janet Evans and Jason Young were charged with multiple violations and arraigned by District Judge Frank Mills with bail on Young at $20,000 monetary and $10,000 unsecured on Evans. Both will make their first court appearance on Tuesday, May 4 in Clinton County Central Court.