DRUG CHARGES COUPLED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES
Williamsport City Police retrieved needles and other paraphernalia, cocaine, methamphetamine, mushrooms and over a dozen bundles of heroin from 420 Rural Avenue on March 27 in the possession of Alicia Julie Hunter, 32 and Robert Butry Hunter, 33. According to northcentralpa.com both Hunter and Butry-Hunter were charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and incarcerated since March 30, unable to post the $125,000 monetary bail, set for each by Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle.
ASSAULT BY PRISONER
A cup of cold urine thrown in the face of a prison guard at the Bradford County Correctional Facility as he was assaulted by a prisoner, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Towanda. Dennis Smith, 28, of Troy, threw the urine covering the guard’s face and clothes. According to northcentralpa.com, Smith was charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault by a prisoner in April 2020 and the same charge in July 2020.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE
Following six reports of blood clots after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine in women 18-47 years old, the Pennsylvania Dept of Health directed vaccine providers in the commonwealth to pause using the vaccine until April 20. According to northcentralpa.com, some providers are giving people the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, instead.
BOIL ADVISORY
The Williamsport Water Authority’s boil water advisory will remain in effect through at least this afternoon according to Wendy Walter, the Director of Compliance and Safety. Testing protocols are strictly followed by the water authority based on guidance from the Pennsylvania DEP. The water boil advisory affects city residents on West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street; and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue.
TENNIS IN THE PARK
Tennis in the Park, a series of one-week camps for area youths at the South Williamsport Park Tennis Courts, will provide instruction for all levels of play – beginner to high advanced – for participants between the ages of 5 and 18. According to northcentralpa.com, the Central PA Tennis Center camps scheduling is Monday through Friday, June 21 through August 2 and times vary with age of the participant. For more details or to register, you can visit the Central PA Tennis Center on their website.
STAFF TRANSFER
Citing a need to improve fiscal affairs, issues involving financial over cite and to provide better training to carry out their responsibilities, in a vote of 3 to 1, the Lycoming County commissioners voted to transfer second deputy/general accountant, general accountant and two financial technicians, from the controller’s office to the budget and finance department. According to the SUN Gazette, the action did not sit well with Controller Krista Rogers, claiming the move taken was in direct violation of the county code.
SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY ORDINANCE
At the meeting yesterday, Lycoming County Commissioners advised they do not plan to pass the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, citing they have no authority to draft the ordinance or the prosecutorial powers to enforce it. According to the SUN Gazette, at this time, two or three counties in the state have approved resolutions to support the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.
TAX INCREASE
Although not included in the initial 2021-22 budget draft, the South Williamsport Area School Board is considering a tax increase. According to Jamie Mowrey, district business manager, an increase of .32 mills would be needed to offset the deficit. If passed the increase would add $32 to the tax bill of a property assessed at a $100,000 value. The current tax rate for district property owners is 16.78 mills. According to the SUN Gazette, the main concerns of the deficit are the lease agreement for iPads and an increase in costs for cyber schools. The final budget will be approved at the June 21 meeting. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. May 3 in the high school auditorium.
SURPLUS SALE FROM SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL
South Williamsport Borough Council Monday approved the surplus sale of police equipment to South Williamsport Area School District. Pending the school board approval, the surplus equipment will yield $19,858 for the borough. The pending sale includes a 2015 Ford Explorer, camera, firearms and ammunition and a non-lethal Taser. A proposal to hire Officer in Charge Norman Hager as chief was tabled until further details could be worked out. The council voted to remove a residency requirement for police chief in the borough job description.
UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided update COVID-19 numbers for our area, locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 24; Tioga 5; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland 39.
SPORTS:
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:
DANVILLE SHUT OUT CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 2-0, WARRIOR RUN SHUT OUT HUGHESVILLE 4-0, JERSEY SHORE OVER MIDD-WEST 8-3, WELLSBORO OVER ATHENS 5-4, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER LOYALSOCK 5-3, MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 11-0, NORTH PENN LIBERTY DEFEATED GALETON 16-3, MONTGOMERY SHUT OUT SUGAR VALLEY 15-0
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
ST. JOHN NEUMANN OVER BUCKTAIL 18-1, BELLEFONTE OVER WILLIAMSPORT 5-4, CANTON OVER NORTHEAST BRADFORD 8-4
BOYS TENNIS:
MILTON SHUT OUT LOYALSOCK 5-0, CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER MIFFLIN COUNTY 4-1, ALTOONA OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 3-2 AND CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT TYRONE 5-0
Mark Killian, chief of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the City Fire Department are giving away smoke detectors, free of charge as a donation of the Montoursville Lowe’s .. who donated more than 1,000 detectors, to city residents. The program is called the S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms for Everyone) and it began on Saturday , the objective, to install smoke alarms in every home in the city by simply knocking door-to-door. According to the SUN Gazette, residents can set up appointments to have the department come install detectors in their homes by calling. the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.
ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD
A 27-year-old mother, while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamines and fentanyl as she remained the only caretaker of her young infant daughter, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to the SUN Gazette, Cayleigh Jean called police to her home at 1512 Light St. on the afternoon of Jan. 10 to report that “an electric device was sewn in her daughter’s cheek,” according to the police affidavit. Recently arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey, Jean was released on $10,000 bail. She waived her preliminary hearing.
VACCINATION RATES IN CLINTON COUNTY
Clinton County is ranked as one of the lowest counties in total vaccinated thus far with only 14.92% of the county residents vaccinated. In comparison, Cameron and Clearfield counties are at the top of the vaccination list with approximately 20% of the populations vaccinated. When questioned, according to the SUN Gazette, Clinton County Commissioner Miles Kessinger commented Clinton County doesn’t have a go-to vaccine destination for the mass public, beyond UPMC’s efforts.
ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY
A 32 year old Montoursville man handed a teller a note and demanded $500,000. Although he left the M&T Bank, Montoursville driver through without money on August 15th , he was later apprehended. Following a preliminary hearing before District Judge Gary Whiteman, Timothy Maddox was held for court on most Montoursville police charges. He remains jailed at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.
LOCAL FIRES
Monday morning marked the third time in a span of eight days, that a fire has left people homeless. A mother and her two children safely escaped the fire in their home at 1605 Scott St., around 2:50 am yesterday, according to fire officials. According to Sun Gazette, there were no injuries and the American Red Cross was assisting the family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Also under investigation are Friday’s late-afternoon blaze at a two-unit apartment building at 645 Campbell St. with five people homeless and two porch fires that occurred a little more than two hours apart on Thursday night, the first fire 2500 W. Fourth St. and the second at 2116 Newberry St.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION MODIFICATIONS FOR 2021-2022 LICENSE YEAR
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2021-22 license year. Modifications adopted include a statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season, expanded Sunday hunting opportunity, and the moving up the start of the extended bear season to begin on the firearms deer opener and include Sunday, Nov. 28. The board voted to allocate 925,000 antlerless deer licenses statewide, which is down from the 932,000 licenses allocated for 2020-21. For more details and to see WMU map for your specific region, you can visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
TAP WATER BOIL ADVISORY
The tap water boil advisory remains for a portions of the city through at least Wednesday, Williamsport Municipal Water Authority officials have reported. According to the Sun Gazette, approximately 112 households are affected from West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue. Do not drink the water without boiling it first
UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated COVID-19 results for our area Locally, Lycoming 10; Clinton 7; Tioga 4; Sullivan 0, Union 16, Snyder 4 and Northumberland 8.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCING
A 36 year old Centre County man was sentenced in Federal Court to 240 months or 20 years imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. In November 2020, Michael Dashem, 36, of Port Matilda, pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, according to acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Bandler. Dashem will be serving consecutive to a state prison sentence he is currently serving, according to a press release on therecordonline.com.
THE SOLAR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT
State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) introduced legislation prohibiting tax dollars or tax credits from being used to purchase solar panels and related equipment that were manufactured or assembled outside of the U.S. According to northcentralpa.com, the Solar Environmental Justice Act will require that any solar panels or components purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be manufactured and assembled in the United States.
CHILD ENDANGERMENT
State Police at Milton discovered 29-year-old Zeb Butler of Bradford County unresponsive, with a three-year-old child seat belted in a car seat, in the parking lot Route 54 in Lewis Township. Police retrieved the child and Butler submitted to a field sobriety test, showing he was impaired. According to a media outlet, police filed charges in district court in this case of child endangerment in Northumberland County.
SPORTS:
BOYS TENNIS:
MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT 5-0, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER HUGHESVILLE 4-1, HOLIDAYSBURG OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 4-1, WILLIAMSPORT SHUT OUT DANVILLE 5-0
The Lycoming College Senior Show for all Lyco students with a major in studio art and runs from April 22 through May 15. According to northcentralpa.com, the 2021 Senior Art Show features works and artist statements from the following graduating seniors: Inga Brostek (Williamsport) –Megan Snyder (Milton, Pa.) Martina Westcott – (Clearfield, Pa.) The Lycoming College Art Gallery is located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth Street.
BOIL WATER ADVISORY
A water main break occurred on Sunday, April 11, 2021 on West Fourth Street in the City of Williamsport. The following area of the City of affected: West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue, Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street, Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue If you are in the affected area, until further notice, please boil the water before consuming it. You will receive an additional notice when all corrective actions have been completed and customers no longer need to boil the water. If you have any further questions, contact the WMWA office.
SVOG PROGRAM
Applications are now open for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). According to northcentralpa.com, the funds will help those businesses which suffered early on and throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are a valuable lifeline for operators of live venues, performing arts organizations, museums, movie theaters, promoters and producers, and talent representatives. The SVOG program appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan.
CALL OUT TO ACTORS
Hamilton-Gibson Productions is planning a return to in-person shows, but first they need some help in the form of a stage manager, backstage crew members, and six actors/actresses for an upcoming production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” According to northcentralpa.com auditions to fill roles for four women and two men will be held on Friday, April 16 starting at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m., and Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Warehouse Theatre, 3 Central Avenue.
BURGLARY OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
According to their facebook page, the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police report that the Piatt Township Building was burglarized sometime between April 8 and April 9 and a variety of tools were stolen including a straight air grinder, a kobalt circular saw and dewalt power tools with batteries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department.
RESIDENTIAL EXPLOSION SATURDAY NIGHT
Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville released additional information about a home explosion Saturday night in Lycoming Township, Lycoming County. Trooper Nathan Birth reported the explosion was heard from the vicinity of the 3500 block of Linn Street in Lycoming Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. Both occupants, a male, 46, and female 48, were able to exit the structure, but the male sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Leigh Valley Burn Center and the female was uninjured. The State Police Fire Marshal continues to investigate, as the origin and cause are undetermined. “PA State Police request neighboring residents and businesses to review and provide any type of security video or digital video that may show the explosion or early stages of the fire to PSP Montoursville,” Birth said.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS PENALTIES
Four Northcentral Pa. establishments were recently cited by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for allegedly failing to abide by COVID-19 disaster emergency restrictions. Penalties could include $50-$1,000 for minor offenses to up to $5,000 for more serious offenses, according to State Police. Also, establishments could face license suspension or revocation and mandated training for licensees. BLCE’s Williamsport District Enforcement Office, according to an April 5 press release, cited the Clinton County County Club, Lock Haven, J.P.’s Sports Bar and Grill, South Williamsport, Venture Inn, Jersey Shore, Speedy’s Place, Milton, Tiffany Lounge, Shamokin, and Washington Tavern, Northumberland.
WATER UTILITY SHUT OFF FOR NONPAYMENT
Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority customers who fail to pay their monthly bills once again face possible utility shut-offs. According to the SUN Gazette, the shut-off policy had been suspended for delinquent customers since the beginning of COVID-19. The Authority, at their monthly meeting, voted to resume the policy.
LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON NUMBERS ON THE RISE
Inside a report of statistics, released at the Lycoming County Prison Board monthly meeting, inmate numbers have increased in the month of March. Warden Brad Shoemaker, according to the SUN Gazette, reported that the average daily overall figure for male and female inmates was at 264.26 during the month compared to 243.04 in February, with an increase in every category.
THE NEW LOVE CENTER
It is a program, focused on educating — and help feed — diabetic patients looking to get their health under control in the Jersey Shore community headed by the Geisinger Health System. The Fresh Food Farmacy program with help from a local coalition of ministries is called The New Love Center and they provide food at no charge through their cafe and food pantry.
CLEAN STREAMS FUND
Major streams such as the Susquehanna River and Loyalsock Creek would most certainly benefit from the plan to protect and restore many of the waterways across the state resulting in improved drinking water and investments in tourism and agriculture. According to the SUN Gazette, State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, is working to allocate $250 million of the state’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish a Clean Streams Fund.
ARMED ROBBERY AT JERSEY MIKE’S
An armed robbery at Jersey Mike’s, 201 Basin St at 5:46pm on Friday April 9th. According to a press release from the Williamsport Bureau of Police, preliminary information stated the actor entered the restaurant, brandished a pistol and robbed the business of cash before fleeing westbound on Canal Street and then northbound on Academy St. The actor is described as a white male, approx. 6’2” tall, 250 pounds wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, gloves and an orange and white baseball cap. Please forward any leads to the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
Sports:
ALIZE JOHNSON
Williamsport Native and Neumann grad Alize (al-ee-ZAY) Johnson signed a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. In his first game suiting up for Brooklyn on March 24 at Utah, Johnson registered team highs with 23 points and 15 rebounds to go with three assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action off the bench.
BRUSH FIRES LEAD TO OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP BURNING BAN
Firefighters in Piatt Township, amongst other locations throughout Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, have been battling multiple brush fires. Dry conditions, have prompted Old Lycoming Township to issue a burning ban Campfires, burner barrels, brush piles are on hold in the township. According to the Pa DCNR website The greatest danger of wildfires in Pennsylvania occurs during the spring months of March, April, and May. and 99 percent of all wildfires are caused by people.
PP&L FUNDS TO MECHATRONICS STUDENTS
Pennsylvania Power and Light, in giving back to the community, has provided $13,000 to the mechatronics students of the Pennsylvania College of Technology for the purchase of training gear. According to northcentralpa.com, the resources were utilized to mechanical and hydraulic components as well as a flammable liquid cabinet to fulfill safety requirements.
STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
Pa Attorney General Shapiro’s office on Apr. 6 adopted an agreement that will cancel private student loans held by 1,300 Pennsylvania students. The agreement alleges that the student debts were the result of misrepresentations of schools’ educational quality, accreditation status, career services, and overall financial condition. Due to these allegations, collecting the debts violates Pennsylvania’s debt collection law.
US REP FRED KELLER MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS
Federal legislation, which may help UPMC Susquehanna, has been re-introduced by U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, who recently sat down with UPMC administrators to discuss health systems based in rural communities. To assist with vital Medicare issues, Keller’s Rural Help Act, attempts to bring parity to inpatient Medicare reimbursement payments. According to northcentralpa.com, operational costs may be causing some rural hospitals to close. Sunbury has recently suffered such a loss and it is something that is felt close to home, and as Keller noted, he was returning to his team to draft legislation to continue the fight.
BRUSH FIRES LEAD TO OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP BURNING BAN
At least three separate fires kept volunteer firefighters and state forestry crews busy throughout yesterday afternoon along the mountain range of Cement Hollow Rd in Piatt Township. Around 2pm, two small brush fires began a series of events, which eventually made its way up and over the mountain. In a related matter, due to the dry and windy conditions, Old Lycoming Township issued a burning ban late yesterday afternoon and will remain in effect until further notice.
MUNCY BOROUGH COUNCIL LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME
The Muncy Borough Council is looking for a new borough hall to seat its operations. Their current location, a historic building, sits inside a floodplain and is not accessible to disabled residents. According to the SUN Gazette, the borough is open relocation through construction, expansion or renovation. At present, an option could be the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company, which is available. The price tag is the issue. The Muncy Borough Council will next meet May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Muncy Volunteer Fire Co. fire hall.
LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SUMMER PLANS AND MEETING SCHEDULED
Students in the Loyalsock Township School District have been given the opportunity to continue their education for approx five weeks this summer for remediation summer school. In addition, the summer vacation months, the board approved the 2021 summer school breakfast and lunch program. The next meeting of the board, 6 p.m., April 21, in the auditorium to discuss the proposed changes to transportation and school start times in the fall. Around 130 people are permitted to attend in person. The meeting will also be held virtually.
PROBATION ON MOLESTATION ALLEGATIONS
A Mifflinburg man received a sentence of 60 months probation stemming from his April 2020 arrest on molestation allegations. Union County President Judge Michael Hudock ordered Brian K. Gemberling, 57, to maintain lifetime registration with the state’s Megan’s Law list.
FATAL STABBING
Rockview state police report a Spring Mills man died in an overnight stabbing incident in Haines Township, Centre County. According to therecord-online.com, the victim was identified as Robert William Farwell, 26. PSP responded at 4:30 a.m. yesterday to the 200 block of Mountain Avenue for an assist to an EMS call. Farwell had sustained a stab wound and EMS treated and transported Farwell to the Mount Nittany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The police release said, “This investigation is a homicide in relation to a domestic incident. There is no immediate threat to the public.”
GLENN O HAWBAKER ALLEGATIONS
Attorney General Josh Shapiro reported Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., of State College, was charged with four counts of theft relating to violations of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and the federal Davis-Bacon Act. According to northcentralpa.com. Hawbaker, one of the largest contractors to complete projects on behalf of the Commonwealth, received an estimated $1.7 billion in funding as of 2021. AG Shapiro reported, “This is the largest prevailing wage criminal case on record — under Pennsylvania prevailing wage law and across the United States under federal law.” Hawbaker is accused of stealing its workers retirement, health and welfare money adding up to tens of thousands of dollars.
MULTIPLE MISDEMEANORS INVOLVING CHILDREN
A man in Union County was charged with misdemeanors for allegedly touching himself in front of two minor children. PSP Milton filed charges against Steven A. Mowery Jr., 31, of West Buffalo Township, The incidents involved two children, with one as young as 11 years old. Mowery was charged with multiple misdemeanors. A preliminary hearing is set for May 18 with District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch.
COVID-19 NUMBERS REPORTED FOR APRIL 8
The Pennsylvania Dept of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers and locally, Lycoming 41, Montour 3, Northumberland 29, Clinton 11, Union 18, Snyder 5 and Centre County has 56 new COVID-19 cases reported.
A Lock Haven man will be spending up to upwards of 30 years in prison followed by an additional 10-year term of supervised release for producing child pornography. Michael Grenninger, 38, was sentenced on April 6 following incidents involving children as young as 8 years old.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Pennsylvania State Police in Selinsgrove responded to the Selinsgrove Center for a reported assault March 31 at approximately 5:12pm. According to northcentralpa.com Denise Lynn LaRoche, 26, Selinsgrove, called PSP and reported she had assaulted several staff members. LaRoche was charged with multiple felony counts of second-degree aggravated assault. According to court records, LaRoche was given $15,000 and $30,000 monetary bail for the incidents. LaRoche was held at the Snyder County Prison.
ERAP FOR LYCOMING COUNTY RESIDENTS
Lycoming County renters who need assistance with rent or utilities are now able to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which was established to provide financial assistance to pay rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, and other related housing expenses incurred due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. The Lycoming County Commissioners have authorized STEP, Inc. to administer the ERAP to all Lycoming County residents. Customers may apply online at www.stepcorp.org/LycoRent now.
LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
A tentative 2021-22 budget showing a .43 tax increase was set for discussion at the Loyalsock Township School Board meeting Wednesday evening. In addition, real estate taxes could increase from 14.67 mills to 15.10 mills if the proposed budget is approved. According to the SUN Gazette, with that millage increase, it could result in residents paying $43 more on each $100,000 property assessed value.
LYCOMING COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL
On Wednesday, Lycoming County Fair officials announced country artist RaeLynn is set to perform at the Lycoming County Music Festival at 6:30 p.m., July 16. “Two-time ACM New Female Vocalist nominee RaeLynn is continuing to redefine country music with her gift for storytelling through songwriting,” Lycoming County Fair organizers reported in a news release. According to the SUN Gazette, tickets will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. April 12.To purchase please check out the facebook page Lycoming County Fair, or head straight to the website Lycomingfair.net.
SUNBURY CITY POLICE AND BODY CAMS
According to Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, before the end of April, city police will be using body cams. He also reported body cams and cameras in cars were purchased through a grant. According to a media outlet, Chief Hare is quoted as saying, “Not only does it hold the officers accountable, it holds the public accountable.”
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, RESISTING ARREST, DUI
Milton state troopers report 41-year-old Mellissa Yoder of West Milton was arrested for the incident occurred last Friday in Watsontown, where Yoder was seen hitting a vehicle and fleeing the scene, and then refusing to pull over for officers. Yoder was stopped and remained defiant, both physically and verbally combative to PSP, Milton and Watsontown Police. According to a media outlet, Yoder faces several charges, including DUI, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest and others. She’s now jailed at Union County Prison in lieu of $3000.00 bail.
UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released updated COVID-19 numbers, locally: Lycoming 37, Tioaga 6, Clinton 10, Union 19 and Northumberland County reported 31 new COVID-19 cases.
Sports:
High School Baseball:
Mifflinburg over Central Mountain 11-7, St. John Newman defeats Muncy 6-3, Hollidaysburg over Williamsport 13-3, Southern Columbia over Hughesville 8-6, Lewisburg defeats Shamokin 17-1, Bucktail over Sugar Valley 15-5
Boys Tennis:
South Williamsport over Shikellamy 4-1, Williamsport shut out Jersey Shore 5-0, Galeton shut out NP Liberty 5-0
He faces 20 counts of statutory sexual assault and attempted rape of a child, which lasted over a five-year-period in Union County. Timothy Troxell, 42, according to northcentralpa.com, allegedly assaulted the child at three different residences in Mifflinburg Borough as well as at a Best Western Inn in King of Prussia between Nov 2015 and Nov 2020. Troxell was arraigned at Mensch’s office and bail was set at $100,000 unsecured and $50,000 unsecured for Montgomery County. A preliminary hearing for both cases for Troxell is set for 3 p.m. May 11 at Mensch’s office.
WARRANT FOR FELONY THEFT CHARGES
Picked up by South Williamsport Police on a felony warrant, Allison Rae Sechrist, 24, is accused by Woodward Township Police of taking money from a relative’s bank account, without their knowledge, by stealing account information. According to northcentralpa.com, Sechrist was charged on March 26 with multiple felonies and arraigned on March 30 by Clinton County Magisterial District Judge John W. Maggs. She posted bail and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27.
CURRENT COVID-19 LOCAL NUMBERS
The PA Dept. of Health reports COVID-19 numbers, locally Lycoming: 43, Montour: 5, Northumberland: 10, Snyder: 10, Union: 22,Centre: 52, Clinton: 8 new COVID cases reported.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT FEATURING CONGRESSMAN FRED KELLER
It was called a roundtable discussion,yesterday at UPMC Williamsport, as Congressman Fred Keller sat down with leaders at UPMC and discussed the a variety of current issues including COVID-19. According the Medical Director of Infectious Disease at UPMC, “There has been a lull in new cases, but over the last two weeks we’ve seen a small spike.” Also, according to northcentralpa.com, behavioral changes, incl hand washing, social distancing and masks have reduced occurrences of flu, common cold and RSV cases.
UTILITY PAYMENTS APPROVED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL
It’s considered a second chance to avoid utility shutoffs from the Borough of Montoursville. According to SUN Gazette, a large amount of bills have been in arrears since COVID-19 began over a year ago. But now, the Montoursville Borough Council has voted, 3-2, to allow customers to pay their overdue water bills in three installments. It was noted that customers in arrears will not face late penalty fees on their past due bills.The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, May 3.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODIFICATIONS FOR COVID-19 IN THE CLASSROOM
The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Education yesterday announced modifications to their instructional model recommendations for Pre-K to 12. K-12 public schools in counties with a moderate level of community transmission of COVID-19 now consider returning students to full in-person instruction in addition to blended/hybrid learning model. Counties with a substantial level of community transmission should consider blended/hybrid learning in addition to remote learning for K-12 student. Currently 17 counties in the moderate level of transmission, and 45 counties were in the substantial level of community transmission:
It appears Lock Haven University has achieved a significant victory. According to Shawn O’Dell, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the jobs that were critical to being lost to outsourcing have been saved. These jobs include custodians, groundskeeper, secretaries, etc.
According to northcentralpa.com, when it came down to it, the savings as a whole were not significant enough for LHU to outsource. As of right now, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) is still risking the cut of 30% of faculty jobs that will see loss of 67 members at LHU.
Sports
High School Softball
Bucktail defeated Sugar Valley 16-1 , Montoursville shut out Hughesville 11-0, Muncy shut out Neuman 15-0, Coudersport over Galeton 19-12, Loyalsock over Bloomsburg 12-1,
High School Baseball
Jersey Shore over Danville 7-4, Wellsboro defeated Troy 25-3, Montgomery over Bucktail 19-3
Boys Tennis
Montoursville shut out Milton 5-0, Jersey Shore over Danville 4-1, Bloomsburg over Loyalsock 3-2, Central Mountain shut out Shikellamy 5-0, Central Columbia over Muncy 4-1, Williamsport shut out Mifflinburg 5-0
It was a long night for Verizon Wireless customers in multiple Northcentral Pennsylvania counties, as many reported outages beginning around 9:30 p.m. According to northcentralpa.com, cities impacted include Williamsport, Berwick, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, Scranton, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Danville. Verizon customers reported inabilities to make phone calls with dropped or disconnected calls and slow speed problems
WARRANT FOR HER ARREST
A Lock Haven woman is accused of creating a disturbance on a school bus. Woodward Township Police have an active warrant for a Jolene Renee Fisher, 37, was charged on March 26 by Officer Miles Houseknecht with multiple charges. According to northcentralpa.com, on March 19, Fisher allegedly forcefully entered a school bus, shoved an individual and interfered with the custody of a child.. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Jolene Fisher is asked to contact the Woodward Township Police.
NEW DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS
The Lycoming County Democratic Committee created a Democratic Black Caucus, which, according to northcentralpa.com, supports an effort to recognize loyalty, dedication, and contributions of the Black community to the Democratic Party. The newly formed group is busy organizing events to raise political awareness, build membership while providing citizens a venue to discuss issues by working closely with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. The Caucus’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. over ZOOM. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
2021 NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK AT THE BLOSSBURG MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The Blossburg Memorial Library will celebrate 2021’s National Library Week with the theme “Welcome to Your Library.” Stop in to say “hi” to staff as they welcome patrons back to the library and receive a free bookmark. According to northeastpa.com, visitors to the library may join a National Library Week raffle. Raffle entries apply to each visit without limits, and anyone is eligible. The Library is open Tuesdays from 12-6 p.m.; Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m.; Thursdays from 12-6 p.m.; and Fridays from 2-4 p.m.
FIRE ON LLOYD STREET IN WILLIAMSPORT
Flames quickly spread throughout the home, Unit 5, of 621 Lloyd Street around 9:30 am. Approximately a dozen residents, from other connected units, were able to get to safety. According to the SUN Gazette, the cause of the fire remained under investigation, city fire Platoon Chief Sam Aungst said. However, two residents reported they were trying to carry a smoldering matteress, when it suddenly erupted in flames, before the two women could get it outside.The fire went to a second alarm, bringing additional city firefighters and volunteer firemen from Old Lycoming Township, South Williamsport and Montoursville to the scene. The local chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting the displaced families. A total of six people were left homeless.
NEW MUSIC FACILITY FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE
It is a few steps from construction, the $5.5 million Lycoming College music facility is planned for the East Third Street Old City Redevelopment area.. Gary Knarr, City Zoning Administrator, noted no noticagle impediments to the construction plans, according to SUN Gazette. The music building represents the first significant capital investment in the music program in more than 75 years, college officials said. The college said the facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.
DUBOISTOWN WEBSITE
.During a recent borough council meeting, DuBoistown Borough Manager Ann Baker announced the borough’s website will launch April 24. Residents, however, can visit the DuBoistown PA Borough Facebook page in the meantime. Both sites are set to update residents and visitors with current and upcoming events , projects and informative messages.The DuBoistown Borough Council will next meet in-person May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the borough’s municipal building.
COVID-19 NUMBERS THE AREA
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, update COVID-19 numbers, locally, Lycoming 34; Clinton 9; Tioga 2 ; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland 9.
BIRDING
The Tiadaghton Audubon Society has announced that guided, in-person bird walks at Hill Creek State Park, 111 Spillway Road, Charleston Township, may begin as soon as Saturday, April 17. To get you ready, the Audubon Society is hosting the first in a series of 30-minute “Birding at Hills Creek Virtual Programs” on Friday, April 9 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and continue every other week. Register online to receive a Microsoft Teams link to the program. For best viewing, use a desktop computer or larger tablet.
UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE CONCERT
The Uptown Music Collective, superbly talented musicians between the ages of 12 and 18, are returning to the stage at the Community Arts Center with “Good Times Bad Times: The Music of Led Zepplin” on Friday, April 16 and Saturday April 17th. Tickets for the performance are $20 in advance and $25 on performance nights. Tickets for the Saturday night live stream are $15. Advance and streaming tickets are only available through the Community Arts Center (Box Office & Website). For details about the show visit uptownmusic.org .
IMAGES DISPLAYED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE PRIZES THAT WILL BE AWARDED
THIS CONTEST ENDED ON JUNE 10, 2023.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER, BILL FLYNN OF MONTOURSVILLE. BILL WON A COMPLETE GE KITCHEN SET THAT INCLUDES A REFRIGERATOR, ELECTRIC STOVE, OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER. NOT ONLY THAT, A GE WASHER AND DRYER. IT’S A PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER $7,000 FROM SPOTTS APPLIANCE IN HUGHESVILLE.
IT’S THE SPOTTS APPLIANCE SPRING SPECTACULAR WITH 93.3 WBZD
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS. LISTEN FOR OUR WEEKLY CUE, BE CALLER NUMBER 9 AT 570-327-9331 OR TOLL FREE AT 888-468-4933 AND YOU’LL BE REGISTERED TO WIN OUR GRAND PRIZE, A COMPLETE GE KITCHEN SET THAT INCLUDES A REFRIGERATOR, ELECTRIC STOVE, AN OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE AND A DISHWASHER, PLUS A GE WASHER AND DRYER, A TOTAL PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM SPOTTS APPLIANCE IN HUGHESVILLE!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! YOU’LL ALSO BE REGISTERED TO WIN ONE OF OUR WEEKLY PACKAGES THAT INCLUDE PRIZES FROM ELITE FEET, WINNER CARPET ONE, PENNYCOFF LANDSCAPING, STOLTZFUS WOODCRAFT, J.L. WINTERS JEWELERS, AAA TRAVEL, KLINEY’S HOME FURNISHINGS, KEN BERGREN INC, C&S GRANITE AND MARBLE AND FORSBURG FURNANCE AND AIR CONDITONING.
YOU MAY REGISTER JUST ONCE PER WEEK ON AIR, WIN JUST ONE WEEKLY PRIZE PACKAGE PER HOUSEHOLD AND YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21 TO PLAY. WEEKLY WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.
YOU CAN STOP INTO ANY OF OUR PARTICIPATING SPONSORS NOW AND REGISTER TO WIN!!!
GRAND PRIZE FROM SPOTTS APPLIANCE:
A GE KITCHEN APPLIANCE PACKAGE AND MORE, VALUED AT $7,342.62, WHICH INCLUDES:
“GE ENERGY STAR 25.7 CUBIC FT. STAINLESS STEEL FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR”
“GE STAINLESS STEEL FREE STANDING 30″ ELECTRIC RANGE”
“GE STAINLESS STEEL OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE”
“GE SLATE TOP DISHWASHER”
“WHITE GE 4.6. CU. FT. CAPACITY WASHER”
“WHITE GE 7.2 CU. FT. CAPACITY ELECTRIC DRYER”
61 N. MAIN STREET IN HUGHESVILLE
ELITE FEET CUE TO CALL (WEEK 1)
WEEK One (April 7th Giveaway) Prize: An in store gift card to Elite Feet, 932 Plaza Drive in Montoursville, valued at $500. Elite Feet, your running connection with expert fitting. Run over to Elite Feet today, your feet will thank you.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK ONE WINNER: KRISTEN FORTIN OF WILLIAMSPORT
932 PLAZA DRIVE IN MONTOURSVILLE
WINNER CARPET ONE CUE TO CALL (WEEK 2)
WEEK Two (April 14th Giveaway) Prize: A $500 gift certificate to Winner Carpet One, Lycoming Creek Road in Williamsport. Call Bill for service.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK TWO WINNER: SHIRLEY HOUSEKNECHT OF PICTURE ROCKS
1920 LYCOMING CREEK RD IN WILLIAMSPORT
PENNYCOFF LANDSCAPING CUE TO CALL (WEEK 3)
WEEK Three (April 21st Giveaway) Prize: A $500 gift certificate to Pennycoff Landscaping, 3728 Lycoming Creek Road, Cogan Station. Includes product and cost of delivery. Quality stone, mulch and topsoil with excavation and hauling.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK THREE WINNER: KATHY BILBAY OF MONTOURSVILLE
3728 LYCOMING CREEK RD IN WILLIAMSPORT
STOLTZFUS WOODCRAFT CUE TO CALL (WEEK 4)
WEEK Four (April 28th Giveaway) Prize: A handcrafted Amish made TV stand, valued at $600 from Stoltzfus Woodcraft, 820 Westminster Drive, Williamsport. The area’s largest display of handcrafted Amish furniture and country home decor.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK FOUR WINNER: ROD ANSPACH OF ALLENWOOD
820 WESTMINSTER DRIVE IN WILLIAMSPORT
J.L. WINTERS JEWELERS CUE TO CALL (WEEK 5)
WEEK Five (May 5th Giveaway) Prize: A sterling silver opal and turquoise bracelet valued at $500 from J.L. Winters Jewelers, your diamond superstore, 1.7 miles East of the Lycoming Mall.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK FIVE WINNER: NOREEN SMITH OF WILLIAMSPORT
1460 JOHN BRADY DRIVE IN MUNCY
AAA TRAVEL CUE TO CALL (WEEK 6)
WEEK Six (May 12th Giveaway) Prize: A tailgating package for four (4) to a Penn State home game valued at $1,000 from AAA Travel. Includes ticket and bus transportation. AAA Travel goes beyond just making airline reservations.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK SIX WINNER: DAWN GRESH OF MUNCY
11 6TH AVENUE IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
KLINEY’S HOME FURNISHINGS CUE TO CALL (WEEK 7)
WEEK Seven (May 19th Giveaway) Prize: A gray Flex Steel recliner from Kliney’s Home Furnishings valued at $1,380. It’s just like coming home when you go to Kliney’s Home Furnishings.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK SEVEN WINNER: JEFF WEAVER OF SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
2311 WOODWARD AVENUE IN LOCK HAVEN
KEN BERGREN INC. CUE TO CALL (WEEK 8)
WEEK Eight (May 26th Giveaway) Prize: A Cub Cadet LT42 Gas Mower valued at $2,399 from Ken Bergren Inc. 1360 Dix Street in Williamsport. Ken Bergren Outdoor Power Equipment. Sale and service dealer serving Central PA since 1953.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK EIGHT WINNER: GARY DANISON OF WILLIAMSPORT
1360 DIX STREET IN WILLIAMSPORT
C&S GRANITE AND MARBLE CUE TO CALL (WEEK 9)
WEEK Nine (June 2nd Giveaway) Prize: Granite countertop with installation valued at $3,500. Must be in stock granite. C&S Granite is the largest in stock inventory of stone paired with in house design and fabricated. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK NINE WINNER: THOMAS SMITH OF MUNCY
4884 LYCOMING MALL DRIVE IN MONTOURSVILLE
FORSBURG FURNACE CUE TO CALL (WEEK 10)
WEEK Ten (June 9th Giveaway) Prize: A 1 1/2 ton Mitsubishi Single Zone Ductless Heat Pump System valued at $5,000 from Forsburg Furnace and Air Conditioning, Williamsport. Forsburg Furnace is a full service family owned commercial and residential heating and air conditioning company.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK TEN WINNER: TRACY BLAKER OF MONTGOMERY
OFFICIAL RULES
WBZD 2023 SPOTT’S SPRING SPECTACULAR
ADDITIONAL CONTEST RULES OF THE WBZD SPOTTS 2023 SPRING SPECTACULAR!
All Backyard Broadcasting standard official contest rules apply unless otherwise noted below:
Beginning Monday, March 27th and Ending with the drawing of the Grand Prize Winner April 10th, 2023, WBZD will be starting the 2023 Spott’s Spring Spectacular promotion. It is your chance to win the Grand Prize of a Household Appliance package or one of 10 other Weekly Prizes.
There are two separate ways to qualify to win the Grand Prize or one of the 10 Weekly prizes during the 2023 Spotts Spring Spectacular contest.
1. There will be registration boxes at each of the participating sponsor locations (see complete list of locations below). You can acquire the official entry blank at one of these locations. You must then provide the information requested on the official entry blank and insert your completed entry blank into the official entry box that is located in or at the location.
2. Listen to WBZD Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 6am and 5pm between April 3, 2023 and June 9, 2023. WBZD will play a Cue To Call. When you hear this Cue to call, call the WBZD phone numbers indicated (888-468-4933 or 570-327-9331). If you are the designated number caller answered, you will be registered to win that week’s prize and will also be entered to win the Grand Prize at the end of the Contest
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
There are 10 weekly prizes. To win one of the weekly prizes, you must register at the sponsor location of that week’s prize (as outlined above) or be one of that week’s designated on-air callers (as outlined above). A random drawing of all eligible weekly entries will be conducted on each Friday after 2pm each week of the contest (all designated on air caller qualifiers will be added together with entries received at that week’s sponsor location for the random drawing that week).
The Grand Prize will be awarded by random drawing on June 10th, 2023 from all eligible entries.
You may only enter once per week on air as a designated caller and only one entry will be added to that week’s drawing for that week’s prize. You MAY enter once each week as a designated on air caller for each week of the contest. ALL listeners who qualify as a designated on air caller, will stay in the box for the Grand Prize drawing and will increase your odds of winning the grand prize if you are able to qualify as a designated on air qualifier in more than one week of the contest.
THE WEEKLY SPONSORS/PRIZES:
WEEK 1 – April 3rd – April 7th,2023 – A in store gift card Valued at $500.00 from
Elite Feet, 932 Plaza Drive, Montoursville, PA,
WEEK 2 – April 10th – April 14th, 2023 – In store gift card valued at $500.00 from
Winner Carpet One, 1920 Lycoming Creek Road, Williamsport, PA
WEEK 3 – April 17th, – April 21st, 2023 – In Store Gift Card valued at $500.00 (can only be used for product or toward a combination of product and delivery of that product) at
Pennycoff Landscaping, 3728 Lycoming Creek Road, Cogan Station, PA
WEEK 4 – April 24th, – April 28th, 2023 – A Handcrafted Amish Made TV Stand valued at $600.00 from Stoltzfus Woodcraft, 820 Westminster Drive, ,Williamsport, PA
WEEK 5 – May 1st, – May 5th, 2023 – A Sterling Silver, Opal and Turquoise Bracelet, valued at $500.00 from J.L. Winters Jewelers, 1460 John Brady Drive, Muncy, PA
WEEK 6 – May 8th, – May 12th, 2023 – Tailgating Package for 4 to a Penn State College Football Home game,, valued at $1000.00 (which includes transportation and Tickets) from AAA Travel,11 6th avenue, South Williamsport, PA (date for the game and trip being won or offered has yet to be determined by AAA and is not the winners choice)
WEEK 7 – May 15th, – May 19th, 2023 – A specific, Gray, FlexSteel Recliner, Valued at $1,380.00 from Kliney’s Home Furnishings, 2311 Woodward Avenue, Lockhaven, PA
WEEK 8 – May 22nd, – May 26th, 2023 – A Cub Cadet LT42 gas riding tractor/mower, valued at $2,399.00 from Ken Bergren, 1360 Dix Street, Williamsport, PA
WEEK 9 – May 29th, – June 2nd, 2023 – Choice of Granite Counter Tops up to a $3,500.00 (Includes Installation, must choose from In stock items) from
C&S Granite, 4885 Lycoming Drive, Montoursville, PA
WEEK 10 – June 5th, – June 9th, 2023 – A 1 and ½ Ton Mitsubishi Single Zone Ductless Heat Pump/a/c system and installation, valued at $5,000.00 from Forsburg Furnace and Air Conditioning, 1920 Mahaffey Lane, Williamsport, PA
GRAND PRIZE Package Includes:
GE Energy Star 25.7 Cubic Ft. French Door Refrigerator: $2,837
Fridge is Stainless Steel. Model #GFE26JMFS
GE Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Range 30″ : $998
Model # JB645RKSS
GE Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave 1.7 Cubic Ft.: $478
Model # JVM6172SKSS
GE Slate Top Control , Plastic Interior Dishwasher : $848
Model #GDT550PMRES
White GE 4.6 cu. Ft. Capacity Washer/Stainless Steel Drum: $848
Model# GTW500ASNWS
White GE 7.2 cu. Ft. Capacity Aluminized Alloy Drum Electric Dryer: $848
Model #GTD45EASJWS
Pricing on Each Item Includes Delivery & Installation
TOTAL GRAND PRIZE VALUE: $7,342
*Prizes may change or be deleted. Pick up and/or delivery of prize(s) are the responsibility of the winners unless otherwise noted. The winners are responsible for all local, state, federal taxes, titles, tags and registration fees that may be required. See #11 on official contest rules for additional information that will be needed from the winner. No purchase necessary. You must be at least 21 years of age with a government issued photo I.D. Must be able to pass a background check if required and comply with all rules necessary to receive a prize of a firearm or prize will be forfeited. Must have proper identification and be able to pass security checks to redeem airline travel, prize will be forfeited if unable to redeem as noted.
He was discovered, hiding out with a stockpile of weapons, inside a mountain cabin by the Kentucky State Police. According to northcentralpa.com, Clinton County fugitive Donald Lee Adams, Jr., who burglarized the Clinton County Infant Development building in 2013. Adams fled the state after the burglary. The investigation continues into the owner of the cabin and the collection of weapons which were located with Adams.
COVID-19 UPDATED NUMBERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers, locally, Clinton County, 7 , Centre County, 31, Lycoming County 15 , Northumberland County 13 , Union 8, Snyder 3, and Montour County 2.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
In a report, prepared by Officer Derek Watkins, Sayre Borough Police responded to a call at the Hampton Inn in Athens Township for a female who was reportedly out of control. According to northcentralpa.com, Sally Jo Wildrick, 35, was charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault and multiple misdemeanors. Wildrick is being held on $75,000 monetary bail at the Bradford County Prison. According to court records, Wildrick is still in custody.
POLICE DEPARTMENT AT ODDS OVER ARREST
A dispute was created when a Milton Police Officer’s wife was arrested, accused of trespass, by the neighboring police department. Jill E. Derr, 63, of Watsontown, charged by Watsontown Police with felony criminal trespass at 1:35 am on March 26, when the homeowner found Derr in their daughter’s room, “hovering over the juvenile’s bed.” According to the report filed by Watsontown Police, the child was uninjured. Following the arrest of Derr, Watsontown Police Chief Rodney Witherite alleges he went to Milton Police Department, on an unrelated incident and was told, by Milton Police Chief Curt Zettlemoyer, he was not welcome in Milton. The following day, a joint statement from Chief Zettlemoyer and the Borough of Milton appeared in the Standard-Journal. According to the Standard-Journal, the statement denied said allegation, citing their willingness to respond to either borough. Derr is scheduled for a preliminary hearing by Magisterial District Judge Michael Patrick Toomey on April 27.
REAL ID
With six months left until the federal enforcement of REAL ID begins for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reminding Pennsylvania residents who want a REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards to gather their needed documents as soon as possible to ensure they leave plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date. To date PennDOT has issued approximately 1.1 million REAL ID products. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes. According to therecord-online.com, there is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.
COVID RESTRICTION LOOSENED IN MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENTS
It started yesterday, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has resumed outdoor programming at state parks and expand occupancy limits within state park and forest buildings. The loosened restrictions include: an increase to the amount of participants in an area or project. The Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission (PHMC) will resume welcoming visitors to state-owned historic sites and museums beginning Friday, April 3. Although the restrictions have been loosened, certain restrictions and requirement still apply. According to northcentralpa.com, all visitors, volunteers, and staff must wear a face mask when entering and visiting sites and while near others on the grounds. Social distancing of at least six feet from anyone who is not a member of the same household is required. Capacity will be limited, and handwashing and sanitizing stations will be available for those entering or leaving sites.
CITY HIRING FIREFIGHTERS
The Williamsport Bureau of Fire reported, they are looking for dedicated individuals to join their team, saying the application process is open. According to northcentralpa.com, the Bureau’s application process is outlined on their facebook page. Requirements such as a written exam, physical agility test and oral interview are mentioned. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers benefits that included health, vision and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time, pension benefits and others. Those interested can apply https://www.cityofwilliamsport.org. All applications are due by June 18.
MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT AND THE UPCOMING INTEGRATION
According to Charles Patterson, Mansfield’s president, university integration is meant to provide additional opportunities for Mansfield students to earn a degree or credential. As reported by the SUN Gazette, opportunities for students should expand without the loss of each individual school’s characteristics. Mansfield is set to participate in proposed integration with Bloomsburg and Lock Haven Universities. Sustainability was behind the push by PASSHE to explore integrating some of the universities in the system. According to the SUN Gazette, the plan calls for Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities in the northeast and California, Clarion and Edinboro universities in the western part of the state to be integrated into two entities. Each would have a single leadership team, a single faculty and staff, a single program array and a single, combined budget, while each university would maintain its own identity. Once the integrations are completed, the Integrated University will hold the accreditation for the three campuses.
DRUG CHARGES
For his part in a heroin and carfentanil distribution conspiracy, a Philaedelphia native, who resided in Williamsport, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Markeese Askew, 28, one of three men involved in distribution of the drugs, which resulted in a rash of overdoses in summer 2017 in the city and Lycoming County. Brann’s sentence was 192 months and six years supervised release after his prison term. According to SUN Gazette, Askew previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and carfentanil, a horse tranqualizer used in cutting the drug for users, resulting in serious bodily injury. Two other men, Nathan Crowder Jr., 32, and Wayne S. Davidson, 27, each were sentenced to 17 1/2 years prison on the charge.
CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS VOTING FOR UPGRADES AND DECLARATION OF DISASTER, AMONGST OTHERS
Locally elected and appointed officials, participated in voting on important issues in their communities. According to SUN Gazette, Lycoming County commissioners voted 3-0 to approve funding requests from 11 agencies amounting to more than $1.5 million. Commissioners Scott Metzger, Rick Mirabito, and Tony Mussare voted yes.• Lycoming County commissioners voted 3-0 to extend the Declaration of Disaster Emergency for another 90 days. The Declaration allows the county to continue to be eligible for government funding related to COVID-19 issues. Commissioners Scott Metzger, Rick Mirabito, and Tony Mussare voted yes.• Williamsport City Council voted 5-0 to approve a contract with Larson Design Group to do design for renewal of Lose Park. Councilmen Jon Mackey and Vincent Pulizzi were absent.
Sports:
NCAAWomen
Stanford over Arizona 54-53
Cardinal wins 1st title in 29 years
High School Softball:
Williamsport over State College 7-5
High School Wrestling:
Keystone State Championship
Muncy’s Austin Johnson 1st place
Central Mountain’s Dalton Perry .. 117-pound title in junior high divison
Central Mountain’s Jacob Weaver … 147-pound championship
A Mansfield Borough Police Officer was on duty when he embarked on an offensive rant, live, on Tik Tok. According to the Mansfield Borough Police Department’s Facebook page, on Wednesday, “The Mansfield Borough Council is aware that a borough police officer posted offensive videos on a social media platform which were recorded and posted while he was on duty. The Borough Council is appalled and outraged by this conduct. The officer has been suspended and an investigation is proceeding. The views expressed in these videos do not reflect the values of the Borough government.” As the Mansfield Borough Council noted, the incident with Officer Brian Gossert is being investigated during his suspension from duty.
DRUG CHARGES
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reports Markeese Askew, age 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment followed by a six-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann on drug trafficking charges. In total, Askew and the three co-conspirators were charged with delivering a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in serious bodily injury to eight individuals. Where in a three-day period in June 2017, there was a rash of drug overdoses in Williamsport in which UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro reported treating 51 such cases within a 48-hour period.
SHOTS FIRED PSP MONTOURSVILLE
PSP Montoursville yesterday responded to a report of gunshots fired into an occupied structure at 329 Ross Rd. in Cogan House Twp. at approximately 11:20 a.m. As the troopers investigated and photographed the scene, they heard additional gunshots fired in their direction at 12:45 p.m., this according to a news release from PSP Montoursville. Troopers at the scene took cover and called for assistance from PSP Aviation, the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), and multiple local police departments. At approximately 4:40 p.m. Nakoma Ross, 21, Trout Run, surrendered and was taken into custody, according to PSP Montoursville. Ross was charged with multiple felonies including 4 felony counts of Assault of Law Enforcement Officer, and several misdemeanors. PSP reported the incident remains under investigation.
COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT SCHEDULED
River Valley Health & Dental is holding a second Covid-19 Vaccine Event Saturday, April 3 from 7:45 to 11:45 am, to provide second dose vaccines to 360 eligible patients and community members. The event will take place from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. According to northcentralpa.com, this event is due, in part, to the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program which was launched by HRSA and the CDC. The River Valley Health and Dental Center, located at 471 Hepburn St in Hepburn Plaza.
CITY PLANS FOR LOS PARK
A contract for about $31,655 with Larson Design Group for a design for Los Park, has become a planned project with $395,000 of planned investment for improvements to the park, which sits on Memorial Avenue. According to the SUN Gazette, the monies for this project and subsequent improvements will be paid for through the city and the State Department of Conservation and National Resources grant worth $145,000 and last year’s Community Development Block Grant worth $250,000. Projects include; improvement to the basketball court and access from Memorial Avenue, while trees will be planted and seating will be put around a pavilion. Councilwoman Bonnie Katz reported, drawings of the improvements are expected to be provided soon to the public works committee.
COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY
The PA Dept. of Health COVID-19 reports updated numbers for today: Locally, Lycoming: 6, Potter: 3, Tioga: 12, Bradford: 24, Sullivan: 1, Columbia 11, Montour: 3, Northumerland: 14, Snyder: 3, Union: 5, Centre: 22 and Clinton: 15.
DRUG CHARGES AND DUI IN WEST CHILISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP
He was slumped over his steering wheel, a bag of heroin on his lap, when Pennsylvania State Police found him, shortly after 4 am on March 6 at Housels Run Rad and Main Street in West Chillisquaque Township. According to northcentralpa.com, Dalton Smith, 29, of Montandon, was arrested for drug possession and driving under the influence. Charges were filed at the office of District Judge Michael Diehl in Milton.
ANIMAL CRUELTY
State Police, responding to a call for a deceased dog, find distressing living conditions for dogs and one animal, deceased, with a plastic bag around its head. Cody Collins, 28, Springfield Township, was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and other misdemeanors. Collins was held on $45,000 monetary bail at the Brady County Prison.
GROUNDBREAKING OF NEW MILTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX AND WELLNESS CENTER
Milton athletics will see a big boost in the 2021-2022 Season. Yesterday, a crowd waited with anticipation as the Milton Area High School held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new athletic complex and wellness center. Included with the $14.2 million are significant upgrades to boost Milton’s student athletes and allow them to remain strong competitors with the larger school districts. According to a media outlet, district taxes are not expected to increase due to the project, which should be completed in time for the 2021-22 school year.
LAURELTON CENTER SALE
The former Laurelton Center in Hartley Township sold Tuesday in the Union County Courthouse at judicial sale for $1,005,000, according to the Daily Item. Laurelton Center, a 266-acre complex along Route 45 as well as a separate related parcel just shy of 6 acres was purchased by Jay Fulkroad, of McAlisterville, who operates a family construction firm. Laurelton Center was the final name of a state-owned mental health institution, which closed in 1998. Its creation as an all-female facility was authorized by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1913 and in January 1920, it received its first patient. There has been no indication as to how the facility will be used.
