BACKYARD BROADCASTING JULY 2, 2021

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES FROM FELONY ARREST WARRANT

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

DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

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

CRASH OFF ROUTE 15 SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL

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

DRUG WARRANT AND SEARCH LEAD TO ARRESTS 

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

HOSPITAL UPDATE ON MOTORCYCLE CRASH FROM JUNE 10

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

UPMC URGES CAUTION AND SAFETY DURING 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

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

PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1

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

NITTANY LIONS IN THE OLYMPICS

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

WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTERS VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

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

FIRE COMPANY AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM

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

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

GOVERNOR TOM WOLF VETOED ANTI-VACCINATION LEGISLATION.

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 1, 2021

LOCK HAVEN MAN FACES 31 FELONIES

A Lock Haven man faces upwards of 34 years in prison following a conviction of sexual crimes against a juvenile in 2020 when authorities said he intentionally mislead a young girl online to meet for sexual acts and to receive explicit photos. According to Clinton County District Attorney’s Officer, Lionel Darryl Jones, 26, is looking at 31 felony counts. Jones is to be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he should be classified as a sexually violent predator. According to northcentralpa.com, Jones is scheduled for sentencing on September 20 at the Clinton County Court House.

SEXUAL CHARGES SEND MILTON MAN TO JAIL

A Milton man accused of allegedly forcing a juvenile girl under age 16 to perform sex acts, faces charges. In January, a child line tip led police to investigate and then charge Anthony R. Bach, 22, with multiple felonies. Bach was arraigned on June 10 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe in Lewisburg. Bail was set at $150,000 monetary and remanded to Union County Jail with a preliminary hearing July 29.

A HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIP

A partnership to continue providing a high-quality health care system throughout Pennsdale, Muncy, Hughesville and Picture Rocks was renewed between UPMC in North Central Pa and the East Lycoming Ambulance Association.  According to SUN Gazette, this collaboration ensures communities in eastern Lycoming County to have access to superior Emergency Medical Services.

26TH ANNUAL SET THE NITE TO MUSIC

The “26th Annual Set the Nite to Music Fireworks Extravaganza” with UPMC, the city of Williamsport and Backyard Broadcasting is happening, in downtown Williamsport, on Sunday July 4th. A petition filed with PennDOT that was required to close the Market Street Bridge was initially denied. However, the city petitioned for a waiver. The waiver was granted by Governor Wolf’s office. Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter added that approval from the state was received yesterday morning. Backyard Broadcasting’s 26th Annual Set the Night to Music Celebration will be held in the area of the Williamsport Hampton Inn for a world class fireworks display, fired off the Market Street Bridge, and choreographed to a super patriot soundtrack.

EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP SUCCESSFUL IN COURT FINDING

It was a win in Union County Court for East Buffalo Township in its dispute over regional police funding with the Borough of Lewisburg. According to an online media source, County President Judge Michael Hudock ruled in favor of the township, explaining it properly interpreted its intergovernmental agreement with the borough.Court papers say the borough’s lawsuit is now dismissed, but it has 30 days to appeal.

PENNSYLVANIA’S HIGHEST COURT OVERTURNS A CONVICTION

Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction yesterday  after finding an agreement with a previous prosecutor prevented him from being charged in the case. Pennsylvania prison system says Bill Cosby has been released after the conviction was overturned. Cosby has served more than two years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia vowing  to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge any remorse over the 2004 encounter with accuser Andrea Constand, where the 83-year-old Cosby, was convicted of drugging and molesting the Temple University employee at his suburban estate.

GOVERNOR WOLF SIGNS STATE BUDGET

Gov.Tom Wolf yesterday signed a state budget, his office said in a release, that will help power the commonwealth’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic by making the largest investment in public education in state history, by investing in quality, affordable child care for parents who wish to return to the workforce and by helping Pennsylvanians struggling with mortgage or rent payments stay in their homes. The budget outlined in House Bill 1348 makes a historic $416 million increase in state funding for public education. The budget makes crucial investments to support the needs of schools and students, including a $200 million increase in the Fair Funding Formula, $100 million to support underfunded school districts through the Level Up initiative, $50 million in special education funding, $30 million for early education, $20 million for Ready to Learn, $11 million for preschool Early Intervention and $5 million for community colleges.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD FROM PA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Pennsylvania’s new COVID-19 case total increased for the third day in a row on Wednesday as hospitalizations continued to decline across the state.The Department of Health registered 202 new cases on yesterday, ending a string of four days in a row with fewer than 200 cases. In the Valley, there were four new cases, including two in Northumberland County and one in both Snyder and Union counties. Montour County did not have any new cases for the sixth time in seven days. DOH officials announced that more than 11.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Pennsylvania, the fifth highest in the nation.

STORMS ROCK THE VALLEY

A quick-moving and powerful thunderstorm knocked power out to more than 2,500 homes yesterday in the Valley and tore the roof off of a storage building near a cemetery in Milton. With temperatures hovering near 100, thunderstorms kicked up across the Valley in the middle of the afternoon, sweeping through Union and northern Northumberland County around 4:30 p.m. According to PPL’s outage map, power was out to more than 1,000 customers last evening. Citizen’s Electric’s outage map showed more than 1,600 were left in the dark as well. A National Weather Service severe thunderstorm watch for Valley counties expired at 8 p.m., and by that time the temperature had dropped to 76 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

FELONY CHARGES ON FORMER ASSISTANT PRINCIPLE

Former Selinsgrove Middle School Assistant Principal Christopher S. Morrison pleaded guilty Tuesday to four counts of felony unlawful contact with a minor, involving Morrison soliciting sexually explicit images from four children, ages 11, 13 and 14. Morrison, 40, entered the plea before Snyder County Judge Michael H. Sholley with sentencing to occur this summer, according to the Daily Item. Morrison was serving as an assistant school principal last August according to state police at Selinsgrove when Morrison reached out to underage girls online. In court records, Morrison admitted soliciting young girls while under the influence of alcohol. He resigned from the school district last summer after the criminal charges were filed against him.

ONLINE TOURS OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM

The Little League Museum, 525 Route 15 in South Williamsport, has been closed since March 2020. But, even though their doors to the inside remain closed, the Little League Museum has adapted a sizeable social media presence and an outdoor walk-through exhibit accessible to anyone with a smartphone according to SUN Gazette. The audio-guided tour, with professionally recorded audio, allows visitors to learn about the history of the complex. Officials reported there is no specific timeline to reopen, but they are working toward that goal.

CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET FOR THE CITY

It was on first reading that the city council passed a six-year capital projects budget of $79.5 million, a combination projects to be considered priorities and some that may not receive funding at all. It was called the city version of a wish list and a planning tool that runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. After the planning commission review council holds a second and final reading on the capital projects budget July 8.

AREA FIREWORKS

In addition to the 26 th annual Set the Night to Music Extravaganza, slated to shoot fireworks at 9:40 p.m. Sunday, July 4, sponsored by Backyard Broadcasting. Other fireworks shows include those being held in Montgomery, Jersey Shore, Watsontown, and Millville. Montgomery, Saturday July 3, fireworks at dusk from community park. Rain date is July 5. Watsontown, 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Jersey Shore, 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 10 and also Millville, midnight, Saturday, July 10.

 

 

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RECOVERY FUNDING

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

PENN COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

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

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

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

NEW SPECIES IN THE SUSQUEHANNA

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

GEISINGER WALK IN COVID-19 VACCINES

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

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

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

DANGEROUS DOMESTIC SENDS TWO PEOPLE TO JAIL

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

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

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

WIRETAPPING IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

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

CORONAVIRUS DISASTER DECLARATION 

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

COMMERCIAL FIRE ON GOLDEN STRIP

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 29, 2021

IDENTIFICATION OF DECEASED MAN FROM CRASH YESTERDAY RELEASED

On Sunday, the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene of a Tractor Trailer roll over on the ramp from Rt 15 South onto Rt 220 South. Jason Brown, 47, of Troy, was traveling south bound on the ramp when he lost control of the truck, which rolled over, ejecting him out of the cab due to being unrestrained. The press release indicated he died at 4 am and the cause of death was due to multiple blunt force trauma and head trauma. The investigation continues by the Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office.

WELFARE OF CHILDREN CHARGE AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

A 20-year-old Williamsport mother is facing a felony endangering the welfare of children charge. Williamsport Bureau of Police responded on May 15 at 8:25 p.m. for three juveniles being left unattended in a vehicle for several hours. Naionna Marie Banks, who officers said left the kids in the parking lot, was discovered around midnight when authorities received a call for an overdose  nearly two blocks away from where the children were found. No bail was listed for Banks.

DRUG CHARGES FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP

South Williamsport Police officers said as they spoke with the driver of a recently pulled over vehicle, they could smell marijuana almost immediately. Police identified the driver as Kyle Rashawn Scott, 32, of Philadelphia, who was then taken into custody and his vehicle impounded. Scott was charged with felony manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver. He was detained on $75,000 monetary bail to the Lycoming County Prison and scheduled to appear before Judge Aaron Biichle on July 12 for a preliminary hearing.

FORMAL ARRAIGNMENT FOR 19 YEAR OLD 

Monday, July 26 is the date set for the first appearance in Clinton County Court for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of Jakob Lee Haines on Feb 26 in Woodward Township. Brian St. John III, 19, is set for a formal arraignment in court on July 26. He remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES FOR MONTOURSVILLE MAN

A Montoursville man allegedly sexually assaulted a female minor earlier this month, as reported by a media outlet. Kryshane K. Go as, 25,  allegedly assaulted the girl on June 13 at a gathering and later at a residence, according to state police. Go as faces sexual assault and related offenses in the case. Go as was arraigned by on-duty District Judge Jerry Lepley over the weekend and is awaiting a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Gary Whiteman.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS IN THE CITY

A meeting is set to occur in mid-July, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter for his administration and City Council to have a joint public working session to discuss use of the $25.8 million of American Rescue Plan funds. The funds, part of a $1.9 trillion package signed by President Joe Biden in March, as reported by a media outlet. The funds are expected in two installments and must be spent by the end of 2024.

FORMER GOVERNOR RIDGE RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania, from 1995-2001,  and the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Washington, D.C., according to the Daily Item. Ridge, 75, suffered a stroke at his residence in Bethesda, Md. on June 16 and underwent a successful procedure to remove a blood clot.

FELONY SEX OFFENSE CHARGES FOR LOCK HAVEN MAN

Lionel Darryl Jones, 26, of Lock Haven pled guilty in Clinton County Court yesterday to several sex offenses that he committed in early 2020. Jones plead before President Judge Craig P. Miller to four felony sex offense charges. Jones was ordered to be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). Sentencing will be held on Sept. 20 at the Clinton County Court House.

PPL’S COVER TO COVER INITIATIVE

The focus of a $2,500 grant given to the James V. Brown Library is improving literacy for children. The grant is from the PPL Foundation and Cover to Cover, according to northcentralpa.com, helps children who would otherwise miss out on reading and learning opportunities in the summer.  The funds support the library’s Summer Learning 2021 Program as part of PPL’s Cover to Cover initiative to improve child literacy. PPL Foundation has supported literacy programs by providing approximately 400 books for children in grades K-3 to build their home libraries.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JUNE 28, 2021

PHELPS MILLS CANOE LAUNCH

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

USE OF STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

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

CONCERT CANCELLED

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

MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE

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

75TH ANNIVERSARY FOR LOCAL FIRE COMPANY

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

FATAL SUNDAY MORNING CRASH

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

GAS PRICES ON THE RISE

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

LYCOMING COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN MEETING

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

EMERGENCY OWNER-OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME REHABILITATION

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

MCCRACKEN HEATING & COOLING

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

LIFE SKILLS AND GOLF PROGRAM

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

WOODCOCK FOUNDATION APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS GRANT

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

$40 BILLION STATE BUDGET

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 27, 2021

ASSAULT IN PARKING LOT

A Sunbury woman was charged with summary harassment after she allegedly struck a male victim several times in the Selinsgrove Walmart parking lot in Monroe Township.  Alexis Hummel, 24, assaulted the male victim shortly before 5:30 p.m. June 24, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Selinsgrove. According to police, Hummel confronted the 26-year-old man with insults before striking him three times in his right eye with a closed fist and fleeing the scene. Northcentralpa.com reported charges were filed at the office of District Judge John H. Reed in Selinsgrove.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY MAN’S DEATH REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Pennsylvania State Police at Stonington are investigating the death of a man found at a residence in Rockefeller Township, Northumberland County, according to northcentralpa.com. Ambulance personnel responded to a call for an unresponsive male around 11am last Sunday at the 700 block of Twin Hill Rd. Justin Brosious, 23, of Sunbury was deceased and the county coroner’s investigation and toxicology report is pending. According to State Police spokesman, Mark Reasner, the incident remains under investigation.

RAPE CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man alleged raped a woman in Bloomsburg. Anthony Alar Hutchinson, 20, was charged with three felonies when, on Jan. 16 of 2021, the Bloomsburg Police Department was contacted by a woman while visiting Bloomsburg University. According to the complaint, the charges stem from an incident in November. Hutchinson was charged with multiple felonies on June 21 and released the same day on $50,000 unsecured bail. A media outlet reported, hee is scheduled to appear before Judge Russell Lawton on July 14 for a preliminary hearing.

16TH ANNUAL TEXTILE SHOW

The Muncy Historical Society is gearing up for its 16th annual Textile Show, highlighting antique, vintage, and contemporary quilts in the Celebration Centre and Living Water Café at First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market St. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 9, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10. Judith Cole Costello, quilt designer, lecturer, and author serves as the show chair. A three-person panel will judge the quilt entries and first, second, and third place ribbons will be awarded. In addition, Best of Show, Best Original Design winner, and a Judge’s Choice winner will be awarded. According to a media outlet, the 2021 Challenge Quilt theme is “Log Cabin and Variations.”

FREE BIKE HELMET GIVEAWAY IN LEWISBURG

On Thursday, July 15 from 4-6 p.m., Evangelical Community Hospital and the Kiwanis Club of Buffalo Valley will host a free bike helmet giveaway for children age 12 and under at the Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness outdoor play area on 120 Hardwood Drive. Children taking part in the event will be fitted with a CPSC regulated bike helmet. According to a media outlet, anyone age 12 or under who does not own a helmet or who has a helmet that is more than five years old or has sustained a major impact should consider attending. No registration is required to attend this event. For more information, call Evangelical Community Health and Wellness.

EARLY MORNING ACCIDENT AND TRAFFIC LANE CLOSURE

As of 457 am this morning, the SR15 off ramp at US 220 Southbound was closed due to an accident. According to police, PennDot crews were on the scene.

FATAL ACCIDENT, PASSENGER NAME RELEASED BY LYCOMING COUNTY CORONER

On Friday at 2:17 pm a single vehicle left the roadway while traveling North in the 2000 block of Lycoming Crek Rd. The vehicle traveled through several yards before striking a business. An officer from Old Lycoming Police Department arrived on scene immediately and began rendering aid to the occupants.  The Old Lycoming Township Vol Fire Co, UPMC Susquehanna and the Duboistown Vol Fire Co assisted on the scene.  Shortly after her arrival at the hospital, the passenger was pronounced deceased. The Lycoming County Coroner’s office, Alice Schramm, died as a result of blunt force trauma. The accident remains under investigation.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JUNE 25, 2021

SHOT PUT OLYMPIC TRIALS

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

LAW SUIT FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES 

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

MONTGOMERY MAN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

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

MULTIPLE FELONIES FOR LOCK HAVEN MAN

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

TOWN HALL MEETING

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

PARALYMPIAN TO REPRESENT USA

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

BARIATRIC CENTER IS MOVING

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

THREATS WITH A REPLICA OF A GUN

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

SELLING AMPHETAMINE TO A CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT

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

THIRD-FLOOR SPACE LEASE

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

FIREWORKS

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

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 24, 2021

SCHOOL DO OVER

A bill that would allow parents to give their kids a do-over extra year of school to make up for the 2020-2021 year disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic closings and operating changes, passed unanimously in the state House on yesterday. The measure already passed the state Senate in May but the House amended the bill.. A media outlet reported, the Senate could vote on whether to concur on the House changes as soon as today. Gov. Tom Wolf hasn’t taken a position on the legislation, yet, according Lyndsay Kensinger, a spokeswoman for the governor.

LOCK HAVEN’S FLOATING STAGE

American Idol alum, Aaron Kelly will be the first to perform this summer on Lock Haven’s floating stage. The concert will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Saturday Corman Amphitheater setting is a change from previous years, when the concerts along the river were held on Sunday evenings. The recordonline.com reports, Pennsylvania Native Aaron Kelly is a singer-songwriter best known for his run as the youngest artist ever to reach the Top 5 on American Idol. To learn more about the 2021 Summer Concert Series, check the City of Lock Haven’s website.

FORMAL ARRAIGNMENT SET FOR JULY

Defense counsel has waived the first court appearance for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of his friend.A preliminary hearing for Brian St. John III, 19, had been scheduled for today, but defense counsel yesterday morning notified Clinton County Court the decision to waive. St. John’s formal arraignment in court will be scheduled for early July. St. John remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest following the Feb. 26 incident.According to therecordonline.com, he was arrested and charged with the killing of Jakob Lee Haines during a gathering at the St. John home atop Brewery Hollow Road in Woodward Township.

MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD COVID-19 VACCINE NEWS

The Montoursville Area School Board voted to approve a resolution stating that the district would not require students or staff to have the COVID-19 vaccine. The nearly full-capacity crowd attended the Montoursville Area School Board meeting to voice their fears that children and staff in the district would have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to return to classes in the fall.According to SUN Gazette, Board President David Shimmel noted that the district had never mentioned the idea of mandating vaccines for students.

STREAM BANK AND STREAK REHABILITATION PROJECT

A $390,000 stream bank and stream rehabilitation project leading to James Short Park in Loyalsock Township may be possible after obtaining a state Department of Environmental Protection “Growing Greener” grant later this year. Township supervisors gave approval to the township administration, in partnership with the Williamsport Sanitary Authority, to apply for the grant to cover costs connected with the bank project on the Miller’s Run waterway.

FIRE DESTROYED A HOME IN SUNBURY

A fire late Tuesday night extensively damaged a two-story wood-plank house at 185 Holly St., according to Ralston Fire Chief John Orr.. Flames destroyed the roof and burned away much of the second floor, according to a media source. There were no reports of injuries. Ralston was assisted by departments from Trout Run, Canton, Hepburn Township and Old Lycoming Township. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is providing her with emergency assistance. The fire remains under investigation.

ELEVATOR UPGRADES FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The City Hall elevator has passed inspection and functions to take people up and down, but it still needs the upgrades, such as a wider entrance and buttons accessible from a wheelchair as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tonight, City Council is expecting to look at bids by elevator and construction companies to complete the elevator modification and accessibility work and upgrades, according to SUN Gazette. Bids include Otis Elevator, Lundy Construction and Gannett Fleming. Tonight’s meeting is the first in-person since they were moved to a virtual format on YouTube due to COVID-19. The digital format will still be available to watch through YouTube and will be made accessible through the City’s website.

COVID TEST FOR TRAVELING 

Geisinger is looking to help those traveling this summer who still need to have a COVID-19 test before leaving by offering PCR tests for those 12 months and older at 18 Convenient Care walk-in clinics throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania. You don’t need an appointment and tests are offered for a self-pay fee of $140. To get a test, you must have legal identification, such as a driver’s license, and anyone between age 12 months and 17 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them. Results will be available within 24 hours through myGeisinger.

DAY OF ACTION

Lycoming County United Way with upwards of 25 community volunteers representing local industry and other nonprofits spent several hours working together on June 23 as part of United Way World wide’s National Day of Action, a Global Day of Service. According to he Day of Action in Williamsport, volunteers including the Lycoming County United Way staff, and employees of multiple local businesses and organizations, painted, cleaned, landscaped, and organized for four of our community partners. About 60 hours of community service was completed.

SUNBURY 3 ALARM BLAZE

Two families are displaced after a three-alarm fire at a double home in Sunbury yesterday afternoon. Sunbury Fire Chief Brad Wertz says no injuries were reported from the fire at 231 North Sixth Street. Two pets perished in the blaze and the house is considered a total loss. A state police fire marshal is still investigating the cause. According to a media outlet, crews were on scene for about eight and a half hours. Dozens of volunteer fire crews from Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties were dispatched just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Daily Item blaze was first reported as a two-alarm fire, but a third alarm was called shortly after. There is minor smoke and water damage to some surrounding homes. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.

OLYMPIC TRIALS 

Williamsport grad Rachel Fatherly is competing today in Eugene, Oregon, for a spot in the Olympics. According to SUN Gazette it’s day 7 of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials for the Tokyo games this afternoon. The former Millionaire state champion is set to compete in the shot put at 1:30 p.m. for the qualifying round, with the finals at 8 p.m. tonight. Fatherly qualified for the US Olympic Trials when she finished 22nd with a throw of 50 feet, 8 inches, according to SUN Gazette.

INDECENT EXPOSURE AT BRANDON PARK

Williamsport Police discovered a man, with his pants down, engaged in a public display inside a dugout at Brandon Park, as they patrolled the area. Ronald Stephen Wisor, 58, was charged with indecent exposure and defiant trespass after officers found him inside the dugout despite repeated warnings to stay away. According to northcentralpa.com,  Wisor was previously warned to stay away from the area after it was discovered he defecated inside dugouts. With no bail recorded for Wisor, he is scheduled to appear before Judge Aaron Biichle  on Aug. 5.

COVID-19 POSITIVITY PERCENTAGES

According to the data from the state’s COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System dashboard, Clinton County this week has a percent positivity of 1.9%, compared to 8.2% a week ago. The percent positivity rates for Centre and Lycoming counties saw little change: Lycoming County this week has a percent positivity of 3. According to therecordonline.com, Clinton is among 37 counties in the “low” level of community transmission, while Centre and Lycoming counties are among 30 counties listed in the “moderate” level of transmission.

TAX INCREASE

The South Williamsport Area School District School Board, in a 5-2 vote, approved  a tax increase in the 2021-22 school year.  The .57 mil increase is actually less than the previous version of the budget, which proposed a .7 mil increase.  Sun Gazette also reported the board also approved the tax levy resolution, for the same term, which sets real estate taxes at 17.25 mills, the earned income tax at 1.1 percent and the realty transfer tax at .5 percent.

AMERJICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING

At last evening’s Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners said they are preparing a plan to effectively utilize the county’s portion of the American Rescue Plan funding. The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is assisting and has been task to help determine which projects should receive funds. Lycoming County is projected to receive upwards of $22 million over two years. Areas under consideration, according to a media outlet, include infrastructure upgrades and housing needs.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT 

At last evening’s Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved  the agreement with Montoursville Borough for the Community Development Block Grant funding regarding COVID-19. The funding, with a price tag of $56,163 will provide assistance for rent, mortgage and utilities for those who had been unable to maintain these monthly payments.  According to a media source, in other meeting news, Karen Mitchell was appointed to the assessment appeals board.

 VOTING RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the Pennsylvania Voting Rights Protection Act by a vote of 110 to 9  yesterday. The resulting bill, which passed the House yesterday, includes provisions providing for early in-person voting, the protection of voting rights for handicapped and older Pennsylvanians, and historic amounts of state funding for county election administration.According to House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff,  “Over the last two presidential election cycles, there have been voting integrity concerns leveled by both parties and failures in our election administration have continued into the 2021 primary election. It is heading for the senate.”

DUI ENFORCEMENT OVER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY

The Lycoming County DUI Task Force will be conducting aggressive DUI Enforcement during the 4th of July Holiday season. Our mission is to arrest drunk and impaired drivers. During the July 4th Holiday we will be conducting both stationary checkpoints and roving patrols to aggressively find those that don’t heed the advice “Designate a sober driver”. Police Officers from Old Lycoming, Tiadaghton Valley, Montoursville, Williamsport, South Williamsport, Lycoming County Sheriffs and the PA Fish and Boat Commission will be patrolling country roads, local neighborhoods, city streets and on and around waterways looking for people impaired on drugs and alcohol. DO NOT DRIVE IMPAIRED.

SPLASH COVE REPAIRS SET 

The city’s closed Memorial Park pool, shut down due to a leak of water and chemicals, but repairs are set to begin after July 4. Mayor Derek Slaughter told members of City Council’s finance committee yesterday that the plan is to begin to excavate in an attempt to find a leak at Splash Cove. Mayor Slaughter said the intent by the administration is to see a permanent repair of the pool, which was first constructed in 1965. According to SUN Gazette,the next council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Trade and Transit Centre II. It can als  be viewed remotely on YouTube.

BAIL DENIED

Bail denied for two charged with assault It was the ongoing issues including threats, damaged property, assault and shots fired between  Lena Ann Jenkins and boyfriend Kyle Lee Crain, both of whom were arrested Monday night,  according to SUN Gazette..Shots fired brought officers to  1500 High St. about 6:30 p.m. to investigate.  Jenkins, 33, admitted to police that she fired a rifle multiple times according to an affidavit. Crain, 32, had left the house and returned with a rifle. Several minors were inside the home at the time. Jenkins and Crain have been charged with multiple charges. Both were arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp and automatically placed in the Lycoming County Prison on no bail

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JUNE 22, 2021

PROJECT LIFESAVER

Local authorities have been working with the Hope Foundation for upwards of 15 years on Project Lifesaver, a system that provides life-sustaining protection to families and caregivers of those with special needs. The nonprofit operation supplies bracelets with small transmitters attached to them intended to find those with disabilities who have a tendency to wander. Each year in Lycoming County, the tracking system is said to find people who have wandered from home. Altogether, the international organization has rescued 3,786 lives and counting. According to the SUN Gazette, the Hope Foundation continues to raise funds so that the service can remain free to families in need.

KELLER REQUESTING US CAPITOL TO BE OPEN TO PUBLIC

US Rep Fred Keller, whose 12th Congressional District includes Lycoming County, recently signed a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging the U.S. Capitol to no longer be shut off to the public. “The United States Capitol has been closed to the public for over a year, despite plummeting COVID-19 case rates and increased vaccine availability. As Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has a duty to reopen the House and respect the constitutional rights of American citizens to participate actively in our democracy.”

LOCK HAVEN CITY’S FEDERAL FUNDING FROM AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

Lock Haven city council, last night, held a meeting to effectively budget upwards of $950-thousand in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. In total, the Commonwealth received $6.15 billion. According to a letter to the city from Gov. Tom Wolf, there are a number of permissible uses for the dollars, approved by the federal government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to therecordonline.com, these include public health expenditures, replacement of lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The city manager told council a budget will be presented to council during its July 12 meeting. He called the unanticipated money “a great opportunity for the city.” Wilson said a public hearing on plans for the money will be held prior to the July 12 meeting.

CHIRP FUNDS TO HELP STRUGGLING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Eighty-three restaurants, bars and other businesses in Northumberland, Snyder, Montour and Union county are approved for $2.1 million in pandemic relief funds. Last week in a press conference,  the state Department of Community and Economic Development,  announced 19 businesses in Union County received $502,354 in COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funds. There are pending CHIRP announcements expected for early July for 38 businesses in Northumberland County, 16 in Snyder County and 10 in Montour County, according to SEDA-COG Community Relations Director Kristen Moyer. The Daily Item reports CHIRP funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is allocating $145 million to hospitality industry businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic. In total, 311 businesses in 11 Valley counties received a total of $7.1 million in CHIRP funds, including $1,028,268 in Northumberland County, $457,268 in Snyder County and $206,480 in Montour County.

COURT RULED NCAA AND EDUCATION-RELATED BENEFITS FOR ATHLETES 

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously yesterday  the NCAA can’t limit education-related benefits — like computers and paid internships — that colleges can offer their sports stars, a victory for athletes that could help open the door to further easing in the decades-old fight over paying student-athletes. Schools recruiting top athletes could now offer tens of thousands of dollars in education-related benefits that also include study-abroad programs and graduate scholarships. A media outlet reported that under current NCAA rules, students cannot be paid, and the scholarship money a college can offer is capped at the cost of attending the school. As a result of yesterday’s ruling, the NCAA itself can’t bar schools from offering Division I basketball and football players additional education-related benefits. But individual athletic conferences can still set limits if they choose.

NAMES RELEASED BY LYCOMING COUNTY CORONER REGARDING SUNDAY’S MOTORCYCLE CRASH

The Lycoming County Coroners office along with Pennsylvania State Police  and Montoursville Fire Department personnel were called to the scene of a motorcycle crash on I-180 just east of Fairfield Road exit on Sunday. A  motorcycle traveling west struck a deer, and the two occupants were thrown from the motorcycle. The Lycoming County Coroners office determined that Ralph and Susan Strieby, of Williamport,  died on the scene from multiple blunt force trauma at 8:05 p.m..

NURSING EDUCATION SUPPORTED BY GEISINGER FOR EMPLOYEES

According to Geisinger, employees interested in a nursing career will be provided financial, educational, and wellness support to its employees. The program is open to any employee who has worked with Geisinger for a year or more and isn’t already a registered nurse or provider. While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program will also mitigate a shortage of nurses across the organization and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation needs 1.1 million new RNs by 2022 to avoid a nursing shortage.

DUI AND OTHER CHARGES FOR DUBOISTOWN WOMAN

A DuBoistown woman told city police she had driven because at home, she was hearing and seeing things and needed a Catholic priest to  bless her house. On  March 15, she got in her car and drove. Whitney Steele-Phillips, 35, of Euclid Ave., was found passed out in her car in the 300 block of Locust Street about 7:30 a.m. During a series of field sobriety tests, her actions led the officer to suspect she was under the influence of a depressant and stimulant. In the vehicle, police seized pills and drug paraphernalia, according to a media source. Steele-Phillips was charged with DUI and other charges. She is to appear before District Judge Christian Frey.

2021 PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAUREL QUEEN

The 2021 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen was crowned on Saturday, June 19th, in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts in Wellsboro. Jocelyn Renninger, a June graduate of Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, was crowned and awarded a $1,500 educational scholarship. First runner-up Miss Williamsport Alayna Dake received a $750 scholarship and second runner-up Miss Saegertown Amber Costello, a $500 scholarship. According to northcentralpa.com, the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Wellsboro Foundation, sends the scholarship funds directly to the college each young lady attends to help pay tuition.

2020 PROPERTY TAX / RENT REBATE PROGRAM

Eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older now have until December 31, 2021 to apply for the state’s 2020 Property Tax and Rent Rebate program. Income limits for claimants are $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 per year for renters. According to a media source, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will begin distributing rebates starting on July 1, 2021.

 

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