ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN

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

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN UNION TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY

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

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

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

SPRAYING FOR LANTERNFLIES

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

NEW BUILDING NAMED FOR A LONGTIME TRUSTEE AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

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

VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON EAST 3RD STREET REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

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

GOLD STAR MONUMENT FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IN  WILLIAMSPORT

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

LOST FISHERMAN FOUND

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

SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS MOVED TO TODAY

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

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

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

Today’s softball schedule now looks like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY SHOOTING ON ISABELLA STREET

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

TUESDAY NIGHT SHOOTING ON WEST FOURTH STREET

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

NEXT WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE CHIEF INTRODUCED BY MAYOR SLAUGHTER

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

TAX INCREASE FOR THE SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

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

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTES NOT TO RAISE TAXES     

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

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN MONTOUR COUNTY

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

COURT DATE FOR TEENAGER CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE

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

CHARGES FOR ALLEGED MEMBER OF DRUG-RUNNING RING

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

Sports

District 4 Class AAA Baseball

Central Columbia over Hughesville 8-4

District 4 Class AAA Softball

Lewisburg over Montoursville 9-3

District 4 Class A Softball

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

SENTENCING FOR BATH SALTS POSSESSION

A Jersey Shore man was sentenced for possessing bath salts with the intent to deliver them.  Alex Bower pleaded guilty  May 19 to one felony and two misdemeanors and  sentenced on May 19 by Lycoming County President Judge Nancy L. Butts for 20 to 49 days county jail with 49 days credit for time served. He’ll serve an aggregate three years of probation with three months of electronic monitoring.

PAVING PROJECT IN MONTOURSVILLE

Starting today, a paving project will begin on Broad Street  in Montoursville Borough, Lycoming County, which may cause some delays for drivers.  Paving is expected to be completed by mid-July 2021 and the entire project is expected to be completed by November 2021 and cost is $282,618.

2020 GRADUATION FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

On Saturday, a group, consisting of 130-140 members of the Graduating class of 2020,  returned to the Fultz Quad of Lycoming college for an overdue commencement they never had due to the pandemic. Dr. Kent Trachte, president of the college, “You the class of 2020 have had to navigate uncharted territory. Your first year as a college graduate has been unique in modern history.” According to northcentralpa.com, the 2020 graduates celebrated the milestone one year out from finishing their college career.

JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY’S 18TH ANNUAL AUTHOR GALA

Nationally and internationally known author David Baldacci has been announced as the featured speaker at the James V. Brown Library’s 18th annual Author Gala scheduled for Oct. 6. According to the author’s website, Baldacci published his first novel, “Absolute Power,” in 1996. All together he has published 40 novels for adults and seven for younger readers. The gala is the library’s main fundraiser each year. Details about the event will be made available on the library’s website as they are finalized.

TOWER HOUSE INCIDENT ENDS IN PARTICIPANTS BANNED FROM BUCKNELL GRADUATION

A number of students, involved in the May 13^th harassment of the LGBTQ+ community were banned from yesterday’s commencement at Bucknell University. University President John Bravman made the announcement yesterday in an email to students, parents and employees updating them on the investigation of the incident outside Tower House.  The Community Conduct Board will hear the cases of students identified as participants and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with procedures in the Student Handbook.

FELONY CHARGES FOR MAN HIDING UNDER BED IN SCOTT TOWNSHIP

While searching for a wanted man, Scott Township Police found James Garrett Messner, of Altoona as he was hiding under a bed in an apartment in Scott Township.  Messner was charged with a third-degree felony of flight to avoid apprehension, trail, or punishment. He was also given two additional misdemeanor charges. No bail was listed for Messner.

DANVILLE CENTER STREET BLAZE

Volunteer fire crews from three counties remain at the scene of a Center Street fire in Danville this morning. The blaze was reported just after 3am in a three story building that are the location of four apartments and the Karen Gronsky’s Dance Studio. According to a media source, everyone made it out safely. There is no word as cause. Crews from Montour, Columbia and Northumberland County are on the scene.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Using a sharp instrument, a Cogan Station woman caused upwards of $7,000 damage to vehicles parked in the Tivoli Tavern parking lot in Shrewsbury Township, according to State Police. In an affidavit, on May 6 around 9:30 pm, Kristina Notar, left the tavern and damaged vehicles before leaving the lot. Notar, arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey on a felony charge of criminal mischief and a misdemeanor charge of trespass by vehicle, was released on $10,000 bail.

PRIMARY NEWS: CITY COUNCIL

With all 81 precincts reporting for Lycoming County, the city council  Democrats, Councilwoman Liz Miele, followed by Councilman David Banks and  Jeana Longo.  Only three move on to the general election. Of the Republican nominees, Eric Beiter edged Council President Randall J. Allison , according to the SUN Gazette.

FIRE INVESTIGATION

Investigators are trying to determine what caused a  20 x 20 shed at 2456 Route 973 West in Hepburn Township to erupt into flames around 8:30 a.m. Monday. Beside Hepburn Township, Trout Run firemen also responded.

PRIMARY NEWS: SHERIFF AND DISTRICT JUDGE

Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk, who served as county sheriff for 12 years,  appeared to easily capture the Republican nomination for his office, according to unofficial results of Tuesday’s primary election, according to the SUN Gazette. While,  Denise Dieter, a local attorney, seemed to outdistance her opponent for the Republican nomination for District Judge. The 29th Judicial District includes all of Jersey Shore and several surrounding townships and the position becomes vacant with the retirement of District Judge Jerry Lepley.

PRIMARY NEWS: MONTOURSVILLE AND MUNCY

The 2021 Primary Election touched every corner of Lycoming County last night as returns in municipal government set up November’s races, according to the SUN Gazette. In Montoursville, Steve Bagwell secured his position for mayor with 686 votes. Three seats for Muncy Borough Council are in play come November. Bill Scott grabbed 300 votes, or 31.12 percent, a significant portion of the primary votes, placing him ahead of Jason E. Mausteller, and Steven M. Shank.

PRIMARY NEWS: JERSEY SHORE BOROUGH COUNCIL

The 2021 Primary Election touched every corner of Lycoming County last night as returns began the set up  to November’s races, according to the SUN Gazette. Jersey Shore Borough Council — Third Ward The candidates vying for a chance to hold the Third Ward’s seat on Jersey Shore Borough Council were neck-and-neck. Kimberly Scott led for the Democratic nomination with 29 votes, or 55 percent of the votes. Incumbent Kenneth J. Scheesley racked up 119 unofficial votes for the Republican nomination to hold onto the Third Ward’s seat in the district.

PRIMARY NEWS: WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

The following candidates for the Williamsport Area School Board have been nominated to appear on the ballot in November. Democratic nominees: Barbara Reeves; Scott Williams; Jamie Sanders; Fatima Royal; Adam Welteroth. On the Republican side the nominees: Adam Welteroth, Cody Derr, Jamie Sanders,  Michelle Deaver, and Barbara Reeves. The Williamsport Area School Board has five seats open in the November election, according to the SUN Gazette.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING MONTOURSVILLE

Lycoming County commissioners acted on personnel and other this week approved a budget revision for Community Development Block Grant funding for the borough of Montoursville. Under the CDBG budget revision, the borough will now receive $52,527 for Phase III of it curb cuts construction plan, an increase of $6,142. The revision includes a transfer of $6,142 from the borough homeowner sidewalk reconstruction project, now set at $18,857, according to the SUN Gazette.

FELONY FAILURE TO REGISTER

A  Montoursville man failed to register as a sex offender.  Robert E. Martinez, was convicted of unlawful contact with a minor in 2007 for an Aug. 2, 2006 offense. He was determined by the Pa. Sex Offender Assessment Board to be a sexually violent predator.  Martinez failed to register with state police on May 7. He was charged on May 12 with one felony count of fail to register with PSP and is currently  incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail set by county Magisterial District Judge Gary Whiteman. His preliminary hearing is May 24^th.

NATIONAL CREATIVITY DAY

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., is observing National Creativity Day,  Sunday, May 30. Library officials recommend you set  aside some time on May 30 as an opportunity to refocus your energy on your craft. Recommit to your talent and goals. This day is all about your creative energies and where they will take you.  To help you achieve your creative goals, the library now has several free DIY kits for all ages available at the Holds Pick Up Desk at the Market Street entrance, while supplies last, according to a media outlet.

BODY FOUND IN DANVILLE

A female was found dead in a hot tub on West Mahoning Street in Danville on Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm, according  Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn reported. With no cause of death, an autopsy has been scheduled. The body was discovered at about 7:30 p.m., he said. Lynn did not say if foul play was suspected and no further information was released, pending family notifications.

ASSAULT CHARGES 

Sunday morning 2am, State police at Milton allege Nathan Snyder of Limestone Township assaulted a woman at his residence. Snyder, charged with felony aggravated assault, and multiple misdemeanors. He was arraigned at 2 a.m. Monday and incarcerated in Union County Jail.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 1.

THEFT ON THE WORKSITE

While working on a construction site at Bucknell University, a Trevorton man allegedly stole a credit card from another construction worker and made purchases totaling $649.54, according to a criminal complaint filed by Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Ettinger of Bucknell Public Safety. Chris A. Ney, faces a combined 122 criminal charges filed yesterday at the office of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe and his preliminary hearing June 24. Ney was permanently banned from campus.

CLINTON COUNTY PRIMARY 

With Clinton County’s municipal primary complete, there was a light voter turnout,  local approval for four state constitutional amendments and the sitting mayor defeated by a former mayor in Beech Creek Borough. Justin Kline appeared to have successfully moved to the November ballot in Beech Creek Borough. Out of the 21,929 registered voters in Clinton County,  6,330 county voters went to the polls, a nearly 29 percent voter turnout. The county board of elections will meet on June 4 at noon if there are any tie votes and the election will be certified on June 7.

High School

Boys Tennis:

Montoursville’s outstanding season came to an end yesterday at the Hershey Racquet Club. The Warriors fell to District 3 champion Lancaster Catholic 4-0 in the first round of the PIAA Class AA team tournament.

Andrew Stapp and Jared Matlack will compete in PIAA Class AA doubles tournament Friday, May 28 at the Hershey Racquet Club at 10 am with quarterfinals at 4:30 pm.

Baseball:

Hughesville over Columbia Montour VoTech 10-3; St. John Neumann over Bloomsburg 11-9; Selinsgrove over Jersey Shore 3-1; Wyalusing over South Williamsport 6-2

Softball:

Southern tops Muncy 11-10