WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Armed with a mobile education exhibit used to promote their nationwide cause, The “Wreaths Across America” ambassador bus recently visited the Montoursville American Legion. According to SUN Gazette, Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that seeks to place a wreath on the grave of every military veteran in the nation. The Lycoming County detachment currently places wreaths at cemeteries in Antes Fort, Pine Creek, Jersey Shore, Montoursville, the Fairview Cemetery in Montgomery, the Freedom Road Cemetery and the Williamsport Cemetery on Washington Boulevard with hopes of expanding into Muncy and Hughesville cemeteries.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TAX INCREASE

For the first time in three years, the Loyalsock Township School District School Board approved raising the real estate taxes next year upwards of a .43 mill increase in the rate.According to a media outlet,  the district worked to avoid the increase by renegotiating contracts, installing solar panels on buildings and, more recently, approving construction of a cellular tower on district property. The board also approved the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution, which will enable primary residents of qualifying properties to see a reduction of $130.75 in their property taxes. There are 3,020 homesteads and nine farmsteads in the district that qualify for the exclusion. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 14 at the Board Conference Room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

MY VISION 9 FOUNDATION

A local nonprofit received a $75,000 grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities. The My Vision 9 Foundation, 400 Market St. in Williamsport, was presented with the check at a press conference yesterday afternoon.The My Vision 9 Foundation had initially set a goal to help 42 people when they were founded in 2018 but that number has increased dramatically, according to SUN Gazette. The vision is to improve access to healthcare, according to Executive Director John Crossgrove. My Vision 9 provides transportation, works with counseling services and provides individual coaching and other forms of support for a wide range of people.

JAMES V BROWN ANNUAL AUTHOR GALA

One fan of David Baldacci, will have the opportunity to name a character in an upcoming novel if they are lucky enough to win the bidding at the silent auction held in conjunction with the James V. Brown Library’s annual Author Gala.. Baldacci, an American author who writes suspense novels and legal thrillers,  is the featured author at the James V. Brown Library’s annual Author Gala. According to a media source, the Gala, the library’s main fundraiser, will be held on Oct. 6 this year. Plans are to hold the gala at the Community Arts Center.

KIDS UNITED/COCHRAN PLAYGROUND PROJECT 

It was an allocation for upwards of $45,000 for the Kids United/Cochran Playground Project that was recently approved by the Williamsport Area School Board.Construction of the playground, on the north side of the primary school, is expected to begin next week and it is designed to accommodate play for children of all abilities. In other news from the school board,  the class of 2022’s request to hold the 2022 Junior/Senior Prom at the Genetti Hotel in May 2022 was approved by the board. All costs will be paid by class funds. The next board meeting will be 6 p.m. July 6 at the District Service Center, 2780 W. Fourth St.

ADDITIONAL FELONIES FOR NY MAN

After being released on $150,000 monetary bail, a New York man, who already carries four counts of rape, now faces multiple additional felonies. Casey Lewis Guyer, 37, of Little Falls, N.Y. was charged with corruption of minors, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and statutory sexual assault less than two weeks after posting bail for his previous case. According to northcentralpa.com, Guyer was also charged with two counts each of misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age and indecent exposure stemming from another incident.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ALLEGEDLY FAILED TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A Williamsport man was charged with three felonies after he failed to deliver on a promise to renovate a person’s kitchen, according to northcentralpa.com. Forest Spitzfaden, 27, of Williamsport was charged with multiple felonies. According to Montoursville PSP, Spitzfaden entered into an agreement to renovate a kitchen for a total of $61,400. Spitzfaden was given $30,700 in advance for the job. In Feb. with no work completed, the accuser sent Spitzfaden a certified letter asking for the money back. Troopers said Spitzfaden never returned the money and he was charged on June 7 then released the same day on $15,000 unsecured bail. Spitzfaden is scheduled to meet with Judge Gary A. Whiteman on July 12 for a preliminary hearing.

CONVICTION STANDS

Joseph J. Newman Jr., 50, of Mill Hall, will continue to serve upwards of 29 years in state prison, according therecordonline.com. This was his latest effort to overturn his conviction and win his release from the Department of Corrections. Newman was sentenced by Clinton County Judge Michael Salisbury, October 2017, when a  jury found him guilty of seven charges stemming from a shooting in August of 2016 in Mill Hall.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

The “26^th 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 4^th. 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 26^th 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.

SELF-INFLICTED CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MALE FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

The SUN Gazette reported that the male body found in a parked vehicle, just off of Lycoming Creek Road and north of Hays Lane at 7:15 pm Monday evening has been ruled as self-inflicted, according to Jerold Ross, the county’s chief deputy coroner.

A RALLY AND A DANCE PARTY PROTEST

While the Lycoming County Commissioners were holding their weekly meeting inside the Executive Plaza building yesterday, outside, a rally and dance party was held in support of the LGBTQ+ community and to protest requests from 2 County Commissioner to re-shelve books from the Pride month display at the James V. Brown library. According to northcentralpa.com, the request to the library’s executive director to take down the pride display, and a subsequent Facebook post made by County Commissioner Metzger provoked a widespread and vocal reaction.

THIRTY-SIX PEOPLE SPOKE TO THE COMMISSIONERS AT THEIR MEETING LAST NIGHT

The Lycoming County Commissioners meeting last evening was inundated with the issues surrounding the request to the library’s executive director to take down the pride display, and a subsequent Facebook post made by County Commissioner Metzger provoked a widespread and vocal reaction, one that occupied most of the meeting. According to a media source, upwards of thirty-six people addressed the commissioners from the microphone which varied for support of their library to support of the commissioners. In the end, “It was a request,” said Metzger, who made it clear that the library’s funding is not in jeopardy over the issue.

COVID-19 PARTNERS TO HOLD DRIVE-THRU CLINICS

UPMC in North Central Pa. is set to partner with Lock Haven University, Clinton County and Keystone Central School District to host drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Friday, June 25 and Monday, June 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at Lock Haven University’s Student Recreation Center, 550 Railroad St., Lock Haven. Both clinics are free and open to the public. According to a media source, the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to community members ages 12 and over. Registration is not required.

2021 CITATION OF EXCELLENCE FOR DISTRICT 8

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) recently honored Williamsport Area High School teacher Kent Weaver with its 2021 Citation of Excellence for District 8 and is given to  “PMEA members who have made lasting contributions in their area of teaching.”  According to northcentralpa.com, Weaver received his citation from Head Principal Dr. Brandon Pardoe during a surprise break in the high school’s annual “Poptastik!” concert on June 2.Weaver, who retired on June 10 after 31 years at WAHS, is the only K-12 teacher in the state to have been awarded the citation twice since 2000.He last received the award in 2010.

A PURSUIT ENDED IN MULTIPLE FELONIES FOR A MIFFLINBURG MAN

Officer Shaffer, a Middleburg police officer responded to screams coming from a parked car and found a Mifflinburg man in the act of allegedly physically and sexually assaulting a woman. According to a media outlet,  Shaffer was at Penns Creek Pit Stop on June 2 when he saw a woman in a black sedan screaming for help. Pennsylvania State Police at Milton filed multiple felony charges at District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch’s Office for both the pursuit and assault cases. Irvine’s bail $230,000. Irvine has a formal arraignment on July 26 in front of Judge Michael Hudock at Union County Court of Common Pleas.

300,000 COVID-19 VACCINES AND COUNTING

Geisinger has reached another milestone as we work to move past the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Geisinger has administered COVID-19 vaccine number 301,306. Geisinger continues its vaccination efforts by offering walk-in vaccines. The next one is tomorrow at the Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Vaccine Center from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday at the Geisinger Hughes Center from 9am to noon.

PASSPORT PREP AT JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY

The James V. Brown Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility . Library staff also can take your passport photo, making the library a one-stop shop for all your passport needs. Passport books are required for all air travel. According to a media outlet, State Department officials also encourage renewing soon because many countries are now enforcing a requirement for at least six months’ validity on a United States passport. Renewals are expected to take about six weeks. Most Americans can renew passports by mail for a fee of $110.

GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR THE MILTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Milton Area School Board will move forward with an estimated $5 million project in an effort to reduce energy costs and eliminate conditions that led to previous mold problems in the 2018-19 school year. During the public meeting last night, school board members approved the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project Proposal with a pricetag of $3.04 million. They now seek bids for controls and equipment using $1.96 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding. A news media outlet reported, the goal is to have bids ready for consideration in July with the work completed by the end of February 2022.

CHANGE IN LITTLE LEAGUE BRACKETS FOR THIS YEAR

Traditionally designated as the US and International brackets for the Little League World Series this year will be a little different. With only teams from the US participating this year, the Little League World Series is naming its brackets after MLB Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Tom SEAVER. 8 teams will play in each bracket with the championship team in each playing in the World Series Championship Game.  The World Series begins on August 19^th in South Williamsport and wraps up on Sunday, August 29^th.

SUNBURY CITY POLICE GETTING A NEW  HOUSE

The new home of the Sunbury Police Department, 337 Arch Street, is expected to be completed by Sept. 3, according to the Daily Item. Hepco Construction, of Selinsgrove, was awarded the $829,235 project earlier this year. The 5,900-square-feet building is currently having essential electrical completed, including installation of cameras and high-speed internet. The building, according to Councilman Jim Eister, will be a staple in the city.

AUTOPSIES PERFORMED ON SHOOTING VICTIMS FROM SNYDERTOWN

Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley has named 17-year-old John Paul Dickens as the third victim in a triple homicide June 9 in a Snydertown home. Kelley, said the deaths of Susan Williams, A news source reported state police have charged Matthew J. Reed, 23, with the murders. Reed, who was denied bail by Shamokin District Judge John Gembic, is due back in court on June 22.

ALL CHARGES BOUND OVER IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY HOMICIDE CASE

Homicide charges against the Mount Carmel man accused in the death of 21-year-old Cheyenne Swartz were bound to Northumberland County Court on Tuesday, following a two-hour preliminary hearing.  Accused murderer Stephen Kruskie, 26, of West Third Street, will now face trial. Kruskie and his attorney,appeared before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic yesterday in an attempt to get homicide and homicide by vehicle charges thrown out. Coal Township Police charged Kruskie with running over Swartz on May 21. According to the Daily Item,  Judge Gembic listened to the testimony and, after both defense and prosecution ended their closing arguments, he bound all charges to county court.

GO FUND ME SUPPORTING FAMILY OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS

GoFundMe page has more than 300 donors . . . According to a media outlet, the tragic murders of Susan Williams and James Dicken Senior and Junior  left Anthony Dicken of New Jersey grieving over the loss of his family. A GoFundMe page was created Saturday and community support has been constant, with more than 50 donors that pledged at least $200.

POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING COVID-19 UPDATE FROM GOV TOM WOLF

Gov. Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam had good news in a Tuesday update on COVID-19: a seven-day case increase of 2,044 (a decrease from a week ago), a statewide percent positivity of 1.9% , while locally Clinton County remains in the “low” transmission category, Centre and Lycoming counties in “moderate.” According to the Daily Item, Gov Tom Wolf notes,  we are seeing COVID-19 case counts increasing at a much lower pace, but we still see Pennsylvanians contract the virus each day,

OFFICER INVOLVED FATAL SHOOTING 

A state trooper first responded to the home just after 3 p.m. following a 911 hangup call. Outside a residence, just south of Watsontown, a 70-year-old Northumberland County man shot at  police and was fatally wounded when state police returned gun fire, according to State Police in Stonington. William Michael Kradlak Jr. died on Friday at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, at 4:41 p.m., less than one hour after the shooting, as reported by a media source. Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl, Milton, issued the warrant Friday night to state police. Investigators sought evidence inside the home owned by Kradlak’s half-brother, Dirk van Heiningen, 78. Items sought include firearms and ammunition, cellphones and electronic communication devices, documents including potentially a suicide note, recording devices and video surveillance footage, the warrant states. According to the State Police did not release the name of the officers  involved.

SHOTS FIRED SUSPECT FACES HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING

In a preliminary hearing before District Judge Christian Frey, Bryce Zimmerman — the man who fired shotgun at the feet of a landlord in Newberry on May 26 —  found out  all but one felony charge held over for court. The shooting occurred just before noon outside where Zimmerman lives, police said. The one hour standoff ended peaceful when he came out and surrendered.Frey ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold Zimmerman on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering, simple assault and possession of an instrument of crime. Zimmerman remains incarcerated in the Lycoming County Prison.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CLOSED FOR JUNETEENTH

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Friday, June 18, 2021, in observance of Juneteenth.  According to a media outlet, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

HUNTING LICENSES GO ON SALE TODAY

Hunting and fur-taker licenses go on sale today and the new license year begins July 1,  with more Sunday hunting opportunities on the way, additional days available for hunters to fill their antler-less deer tags and the biggest allotment of elk licenses yet, the 2021-22 . You can purchase your license online or at any licensing issuing agents statewide. General hunting licenses and fur-taker licenses each cost $20.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.97 for nonresidents. A complete list of licensing requirements can be found on the Pennsylvania game commission website.

ARRESTED FOR STABBING A MAN WITH A KEY

Matthew Armani Lassus, 23, of Philadelphia was charged with a felony after he allegedly stabbed another man in the face with a key. Scott Township Police responded Geisinger Hospital in Bloomsburg to investigate the incident to discover the victim in the emergency room. The black plastic of the key fab was protruding from the left side of his upper jaw/cheek area. The victim reported an argument over dinner prior to his injury, according to northcentralpa.com. Lassus was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and was released from Columbia County Prison when he posted bail. His preliminary hearing is June 23.

COVID-19 DISASTER DECLARATION TERMINATED

Covid-19 disaster declaration terminated. According to State Rep Jeff Wheeland, he was proud to vote with the majority of his colleagues to fully terminate the governor’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration.  The measure was also approved by the senate Thursday and is effective immediately. It brings to a close the governor’s ability to tell private businesses if they can stay open or how many people they can have walk through their doors. It also ends his ability to command people to stay at home. Now we can focus on reviewing the hundreds of regulations that have been waived or suspended during the pandemic.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS CHARGES EARNED FOR FAILURE TO OBEY AUTHORITIES

After warnings from the Bloomsburg Police Department, a Bloomsburg was arrested, as he hid in a shed.  Chad Young, of Bloomsburg was warned on May 26 and  27 by officers, that he was not welcome on a property located on Wirt Street. On May 29, officers return to the property and find Young, inside a shed in the backyard. Young was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing after Bloomsburg Police responded to reports of him being on the property. According to northcentralpa.com, Young was also charged with third-degree misdemeanor defiant trespass law and legal definition and misdemeanor marijuana possession. Young was given $5,000 unsecured bail, which he posted on June 9.

VEHICLE THEFT AND DRUG USE

A 28-year –old homeless woman is scheduled to appear in Bradford County Court on April 23. Liza Johnson of Athens was initially charged with a second-degree felony of theft for an incident on March 4.  According to Towanda State Police, Johnson allegedly took a vehicle from a residence in Athens after she was denied a ride. Johnson allegedly was in possession of hypodermic needles, small plastic baggies, alcohol prep pads, and a modified spoon.  Troopers said they also discovered Johnson had an active warrant of arrest in Pennsylvania. Johnson was charged with unauthorized use of motor vehicles, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license. Johnson is being held at the State Correctional Institution in Muncy on $50.000 monetary bail.

LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

New Jersey. New York. Virginia. One by one, Pennsylvania’s  neighbors are moving to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. And after years of saying he wouldn’t endorse such a move, Gov. Tom Wolf changed his position in 2019 and has committed to signing a bill, if it reaches his desk. But, in order for that to happen, the idea would need to gain backing among the Republican lawmakers who control both the state House and Senate. House Speaker Bryan Cutler opposed medial cannabis when it passed in 2016 and said in 2019 that legalization wasn’t the right move in helping the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are battling drug addiction.” Democrats in the chamber, as they have in past sessions, are still pushing for legalization, but with one major difference this spring – a Republican sponsor.

RIVER RESCUE IN LOCK HAVEN

Emergency officials responded to a call of an individual in the Susquehanna River on Thursday in Lock Haven. At approximately 4:40p.m. crews were alerted to a water rescue.  Upon assessing the situation, the call was upgraded to a technical rescue. “Typically a technical rescue is more complex or out of the                               ordinary,” said Tyler Wooding, Assistant Fire Chief of the Lock Haven Fire Department. In this case, additional resources, including rope rescue systems, were necessary to retrieve the person from the water. The effort took around one hour and 20 minutes, according to the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services. The cause of the incident is under investigation by law enforcement.

COMMUNITY THEATRE LEAGUE

For many students throughout Lycoming County and the surrounding area, theatre camps at the Community Theatre League in Williamsport are a highlight of the summer. CTL is excited to announce six weeks of theatrical education and fun for students entering Kindergarten through 12^th grade, beginning July 12. This year’s theme is “Dream. Bigger.” It encourages ‘campers’ to grow through the arts. Taught by local theatre artists  and creative professionals, the three-hour day camps, which range from one to three weeks , engage local students through hands-on, active learning opportunities, with each camp culminating in a performance or presentation for families and friends. Fifteen separate camps offer students learning opportunities to expand onstage and backstage creativity. The Community Theatre League has been operating on a limited basis since March 2020, but is working to reopen under CDC and Department of Health guidelines.

SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A MINOR

A Shamokin man pled guilty on Friday to inappropriately touching  a teenage girl while he was free on bail for a different sexual assault accusation. Hunter Dannheimer of Shamokin , pleaded guilty in front of Northumberland County Judge Paige Rosini to one misdemeanor count of indecent assault of a person age 16 or under. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered before he is sentenced within 90 days .  Dannheimer faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine as well as being a lifetime Megan’s Law registrant.  A felony count of unlawful  contact with a minor and a felony count of corruption of minors were dropped as part of the plea deal.

TAX INCREASE LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Residents of the Loyalsock Township School District could face just under a half mill increase in real estate taxes next year if the tentative budget introduced  this week is approved as the final budge by June 30. Dan Egly, district business manager, introduced the 2021-22 budgets reflecting a .43 mill increase in real estate taxes for residents of the district. If the millage increase is approved in the final budget, township residents would pay an extra $43 per $100,000 of the assessed value of their property.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed 5,048 additional positive cases of COVID-19. There were 77 new cases in Centre County, 35 in L ycoming County, 32 in Northumberland, 13 in Clinton, 12 in Snyder, 10 in Montour, 7 in Union, and 7 in Tioga.

STRUCTURE FIRE IN THE CITY

Williamsport Bureau of Fire responded to a fire Friday evening around 5 pm on Campbell Street. The fire was called in as a porch fire with two possible entrapment. Williamsport Bureau of Police units blocked traffic on Park Avenue from east of Campbell Street, including the Campbell and Park intersection. The fire damaged at least one house next door by melting the siding.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE LIVE

The Uptown Music Collective is bringing back live shows this month. The music school in downtown Williamsport is well known for its big performances at the Williamsport Community Arts Center. The upcoming show is called “Good Times, Bad Times” and it is a tribute to Led Zepplin. There will be three live performances. One of the shows will be streamed for folks who feel more comfortable staying at home. You can buy tickets to the live shows or buy access to the live stream on the Uptown Music Collective website.

SMUGGLING TOBACCO INTO ALLENWOOD LOW

A Northumberland County man has admitted he accepted bribes to smuggle tobacco products into inmates at the Allenwood low-security prison.  William Lokitis, of Marion Heights, on Thursday in the U.S. Middle District Court pleaded guilty to a charge of bribery of public officials. The prison is smoke-free so possession of tobacco is considered contraband. Inmates are known to sell tobacco using postage stamps as money. Lokitis was released on personal recognizance pending sentencing.

JERSEY SHORE OFFICER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON MINOR

A Jersey Shore cop who once received a “key to Ocean City” is charged with sexually assaulting a minor. Tyrone Rolls turned himself in at the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday. Rolls was charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault  of a domestic violence victim, official misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said. If convicted on all charges, Rolls could be sentenced to 65 years in prison.

APPLE TREES AND OTHER TREES TO BE PLANTED IN CENTRALIA

The mostly abandoned coal mining town of Centralia will soon see new life when an environmental group plants 250 apple trees during an event on April 17, hosted by the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. The planting is part of a plan to restore the ecosystem in the town and improve wildlife habitats. Executive director Bobby Hughes says the group will be planting 16 varieties of trees next weekend in an effort to beautify the properties there that are vacant.

MUNCY BOROUGH COUNCIL LOOKING FOR NEW SEAT

The Muncy Borough Council is in the early stages of finding a new borough hall to seat its operations. The current borough hall is a historic building and is not accessible to disabled residents. So, the borough council is working on finding the best location for a borough hall – either through construction , expansion or renovation.  An option standing at the forefront  of the borough’s conversation is purchasing the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company’s fire hall, which it intends to sell, then  renovating it. However, Borough Council President Ed Feigle said the cost may be too high. The fire department is asking for $275,000 but Feigle anticipates renovations to make the building functional as a borough hall might push the total cost up to half a million dollars.

SENATE BILL 465

Legislation creating a new agricultural conservation assistance program was unanimously approved yesterday by the senate agriculture and rural affairs committee according to sen gene yaw, who sponsored the bill. If funded, senate bill 465 would provide additional tech support to expand on farm conservation practices throughout pa including high priority areas such as the Chesapeake bay watershed.

VOTE FOR ADDITIONAL EMS STAFF

The Montoursville Fire Department voted to move forward with additional ambulance staffing provided by UPMC North Central/Susquehanna Regional EMS.  The additional coverage will be one EMT to assist with staffing the ambulance from 6 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This move is proactive in nature and one of several steps until a full time paid service is feasible.  According to their facebook page, their mix of home responders, live ins and day time paid staff have not allowed a single failure to respond for 2021.

CONSUMER-GRADE FIREWORKS ILLEGAL IN WILLIAMSPORT

According to Sun Gazette, State law in 2017 made it legal for consumer-grade fireworks to be purchased. With that in mind, the Williamsport Bureau of Police Assistant Chief Jason Bolt reminds residents the Use of consumer-grade fireworks in the city of Williamsport is illegal. It is important to remember, that punishment includes A fine of not more than $600, 90 days in jail or both can be imposed and is upon discretion of the district magistrate judge.

LYCOMING COUNTY HEALTH CARE CENTER

On Tuesday, the Lycoming County commissioners approved an agreement with Palumbo Group Architects for engineering and design services for the county health care center, with a proposed price tag of   $89,400. The facility, in the county’s Third Street Plaza building, is set to serve as a preventative medicine site specifically for county employees. Commissioners believe the health center will help save money on health insurance costs as they keep employees more productive and healthy. According to a media outlet, the county now spends upwards of $14 million per year on health coverage.

DR GRACE SHU, LYCOMING COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

At the latest meeting, Lycoming County Commissioners appointed Dr. Grace Shu to serve as the county’s international affairs director. Shu’s position is to  help facilitate business connections and investments with overseas markets. It is thought, according to SUN Gazette, Shu will be able to bring more jobs to the area through her connections.

HILLMAN CANCER CENTER FOR UPMC

Yesterday, the ceremonial ribbon was cut on the newly renovated and expanded Hillman Cancer Center for UPMC, designed to improve the treatment and care process for patients in the battle against the disease. The $15 million project includes the creation of 22 physician examination room and 28 chemotherapy bays as well additional space for therapy programming and  and a new linear accelerator located on the ground floor can target small cancer areas for more effective treatments. Each year, the Cancer Center has more than 32,000 outpatient encounters and performs 45,000 procedures.

TABLED ELEVATOR RECOMMENDATION

On Tuesday, the City Council’s finance committee tabled a recommendation to have the City Hall elevator replaced in a $312,828 contract to Otis Elevator Co. until the recommendation can be reviewed by the city legal counsel. The issues surround the need for accessible upgrades to the exterior doors, according to Sun Gazette. Although a larger price tag, $552, 268, the Lundy Construction bid is all-inclusive to include the accessible upgrades. The discussion continues at the next meeting.

SERVICE BUILDING AND ADDITIONAL PARKING FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

A service building and additional parking spaces at its Shangraw Athletic Complex has been approved by city planning commission for Lycoming College. The building is expected to house locker rooms and training rooms with a replacement of bleachers and additional parking at the existing parking area.The additional parking plan was based on includes 41 more spaces on the existing area for parking. According to a media outlet, the land development plan is expected to be voted on by City Council next, said Gary Knarr, city zoning officer.

BRIDGE NUMBER 1 OF 17 BRIDGES IN THE BUNDLING PROGRAM

It’s the first of 17 bridges to be part of the inaugural bridge bundling program sponsored by the Lycoming County Commissioners began construction yesterday at the small bridge located along Mill Road over a tributary of Antes Creek in Limestone Township near the Village of Collomsville. According to a media outlet, the new bridge will consist of installation of an aluminum box style bridge, which replaces the deteriorated steel plate pipe culvert. Mill Road will be closed by the Township and a one mile detour will be in effect for about five weeks.

PHASE 2 OPENS IN EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL’S PRIME PROJECT

Evangelical Community Hospital is set to open Phase 2 of its now-completed PRIME project with spaces they say are new, ultra modern, designed with patient comfort, privacy, adequate space, and healing in mind. Hospital President and CEO Kendra Aucker says newly completed PRIME just adds to the extraordinary healthcare offered in the area: “Between us and our tertiary partner Geisinger, you can get incredible healthcare in this region. The community has supported this hospital for 100 years. It’s the support and the management of this facility over the years that has allowed the hospital to continue to reinvest.”

GEISINGER WALK-IN COVID-19 VACCINES OPEN THIS WEEK

Geisinger continuing walk-in COVID-19 vaccines this week for anyone ages 12 and over. In fact, the Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Vaccine Center is open Thursday, June 10^th from 9am to 330pm and Geisinger Hughes Center Vaccine Center in Danville on Friday June 11 from 9am to 1130am. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart.