LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK MEETING

Last night, the Loyalsock Township School District held a work session public meeting to discuss their concerns over the school bus driver shortage.  I spoke with President of the District, Dr. Carolyn Strickland. Several ideas were proposed, however, there seems like there is still much to do. The proposal involves staggered start times for the 2021-2022 school term. The next meeting is May 12 and the public is encouraged to attend.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK MEETING

Last night, the Loyalsock Township School District held a work session public meeting. .  I spoke with President of the District, Dr. Carolyn Strickland.  The discussion was transportation and a proposal was put forth to stagger start times for the 2021-2022 school year while keeping the kids needs first. The next meeting is May12 and the public is encouraged to attend.

FUNDS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL AUTHORITY 

A collaborative effort between State Sen. Gene Yaw, State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, and State Rep. Joe Hamm, to announce significant investments for Lycoming County through the Commonwealth Financing Authority yesterday. In Williamsport, the Economic and Community Growth Corp. has been awarded $200,000 as part of a transition of a blighted Brownfield property into a multi-field, regional baseball and softball complex. Jersey Shore borough will receive $78,002 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program to implement the Jersey Shore Active Transportation Plan and $150,000 through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund to assist with a streetscape project. Lycoming County will also receive a grant of $287,379 through the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) to extend a natural gas pipeline in Brady Township.

RECYCLING CHANGES

Recycling ways have changed in Lycoming County to reduce recycling from becoming garbage bins.  For example, bins to recycle plastics are markedly smaller for a reason, as they are for smaller items such as milk and laundry containers that bear a 1 or 2 on the bottom. It is a hope these will reduce the amount of pool liners, lawn furniture and other items from ending up in the recycling bins. With cameras at recycling sites, it is advisable to know what you can and can’t leave at the site.

PENN TECH GRADUATION

Plans are in the works for graduation ceremonies at the Pennsylvania College of Technology on May 14, 15 & 16 to include graduates from Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 in 12 in-person events at the Community Arts Center. Due to  COVID-19, Penn College is modifying the “traditional” approach to graduation in order to satisfy regulations provided by the CDC.

LYCOMING COLLEGE GRADUATION

Lycoming College has elected to have two graduation ceremonies this year. The 173rd, for the Class of 2021, and another for the Class of 2020.The Class of 2021 commencement ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., May 15, on the Fultz Quad, rain or shine. The event will be live streamed and the link will be available on the college’s website five days before graduation. The 172nd commencement for the Class of 2020 will be held at 2 p.m., May 22 on the Fultz Quad.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

A slight increase in real estate taxes, set to help balance next year’s budget, is a consideration of the Muncy School Board.  Business Administrator Andrew Seese posed questions for future consideration. For example the borough is not sure how much  funding the district will receive from the state and federal governments and what about long term financial sustainability? The board is expected to pass a final budget in June.

MONTGOMERY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

A three-year contract agreement, which runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024, between the Montgomery Area School District and the Montgomery Area Education Association was approved.In other district news, Joseph Stoudt, principal at the Jr./Sr. High School announced that graduation will be held June 4 at the football field. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 18.

PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

Gov. Tom Wolf announced the investment of $117 million for 25 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 19 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority on Wednesday where Old Lycoming Township received a $388,757 loan to acquire a new vacuum street sweeper, reducing sediment and debris runoff into nearby waterways.  Other funding includes $1,002,000 loan to Lewis Township in Northumberland County to establish public sewer service for homes in the area of Schell Road and Koch Road.

UPDATED COVID NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers for our area: Locally, Lycoming 35; Clinton 16; Tioga 8; Sullivan 4 and Northumberland 25.

CHIRP

The second phase of Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants is now open for eligible businesses in Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union counties. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses and pay for eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For-profit hospitality businesses can view full guidelines and apply at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/.

MISCONDUCT AT MUNCY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

It was in exchange for sexual favors, where a supervisor at the state Corrections Institution at Muncy passed notes among several female inmates and also provided prescribed drugs to another, according to an agent with the state Department of Corrections in court records. According to Amanda Wtiak in a criminal complaint, from last October and into early January, Scott, 50, of Hunlock Creek Township, Luzerne County, allegedly had indecent contact with five inmates.Scott was arraigned this week before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on two felonies – institutional sexual assault, felony contraband — and two misdemeanors –. He was released on $50,000 bail.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE SUMMER ENROLLMENT

The Uptown Music Collective’s summer enrollment week begins on April 19 through April 24, offering  in-person and virtual private lessons available for guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards, and drums. The semester beginning May 3 and will run for 15 weeks. Everyone can also see the continuation of the Adult Music Program at the Collective known as “AMP,” a program is specifically designed with adult students in mind, while still inside the Collective’s renowned music curriculum. Visit Uptown Music Collective. Online to learn more or to register.

BOMB THREAT

Yesterday at approximately 4:30pm, a bomb threat was made to the Hampton Inn and Suites, 66 Liberty Lane in Loyalsock Township via Telephone. The Hampton inn and suites and all other businesses/residences within the immediate vicinity were evacuated as PSP was on scene and maintained a perimeter with an incendiary device K9 responding. There was no incendiary device and the guests were allowed back to their rooms at 9 pm. Investigative leads were developed and there is no threat to the public at this time.

Sports:

Boys tennis

Williamsport shut out Shikellamy 5-0

Cowanesque Valley topped North Penn-Liberty 3-2

High School Softball

Montgomery shut out Benton 23-0

High School Baseball

Selinsgrove topped Montoursville 6-5

Boys track and field

Shikellamy over Jersey Shore 109-36

Mount Carmel over Hughesville 104-44

Girls track and field

Shikellamy over Jersey Shore 76-74

Hughesville topped Mount Carmel 76-73

ADDITIONAL CHARGES STEMMING FROM STAND-OFF

Late Monday afternoon, additional felony charges were lodged against Shaheed Gindraw, the 32-year-old man who held city police at bay for more than six hours Friday night at Newberry Estates, 2500 Federal Ave. According to the SUN Gazette, initially jailed on $10,000 bail, Gindraw was recommitted in lieu of $175,000 bail following his arraignment on the new charges before District Judge Christian Frey.

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT INVESTIGATION

The Office of  Attorney General Josh Shapiro has been investigating the use of multi-million dollar grants over the past decade at River Valley Transit, and discovered upwards of  $65 million in state Department of Transportation grants were received by the bus system throughout the recent decade and, according to details uncovered by SUN Gazette, this doesn’t include monies provided by the Federal Transit Administration. The Attorney General’s Office investigation continues.

PASSHE NOT INCREASING TUITION RATES

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will not increase tuition rates for the third consecutive year. According to an online news outlet, the move keeps basic in-state tuition for undergraduate students for the 2021-22 academic year at $7,716. The technology fee for students will also remain at $478 for the upcoming academic year. Lock Haven University, Dr. Bashar Hanna, LHU’s interim president noted this was a very positive move for students and community  and for all 14 universities involved in the program.

SHOTS FIRED

Shots fired in Flannigan Park brought officers from Old Lycoming Township, Williamsport, South Williamsport, and Pennsylvania State Police to downtown Williamsport around 8 pm last night. According to Northcentralpa.com, crime scene tape was used to mark off the basketball court and metal detectors  were used in conjunction with the Williamsport Fire Department for lighting and manpower. During this time, an individual was transported to the Williamsport Hospital, however it is unknown if the reason was due to this incident.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

A domestic in the parking lot of Sheetz in Bloomsburg on March 19 began as two people argued over money from the ATM. Willis Vance Person, 57, of Bloomsburg allegedly became physical and assaulted the accuser.  According to a media outlet, Person was charged with multiple misdemeanors stemming from the incident, assigned $25,000 monetary bail and confined to the Columbia County Prison on April 13. His preliminary hearing scheduled for April 28 with Judge Russell Lawton.

MISSING TEEN

Pennsylvania State Police in Bloomsburg are looking for a 16-year-old, last seen Saturday night at 11pm. Sage Rossi, Bloomsburg,  did take her cell phone, which provided a ping that placed it within in a three-mile radius of 1345 Mount Road, Huntington Township, Luzerne County. According to Troopers, they searched the area with negative results. According to Northcentralpa.com, the report says there has not been any activity on the phone or Rossi’s social media accounts since the ping. Anyone with information should call the Bloomsburg State Police.

COVID-19 NUMBER TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided updated COVID-19 totals for our area: Locally,  Lycoming 16; Clinton 8; Tioga 7; Sullivan  2 and Northumberland 8.

LOCK HAVEN ALL IN DAY OF GIVING

Lock Haven University’s All In Day of Giving, the 24-hour fundraiser, held from 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15 to 10 a.m. Friday, April 16, was set to support academic and athletic scholarships for LHU students. According to Northcentralpa.com,  this year, the effort raised more than $150,000 in support.  During the event, various challenges were announced with donors having a chance to unlock additional funding for the academic or athletic programs they care about most. Some of these included; the LHU Foundation First-Time Donor Challenge, the LHU Foundation Soaring Higher Challenge and the PSECU Most Money Raised Athletics Challenge.

ACCIDENT ON SR 15

An overturned tractor-trailer truck, carrying wood, rolled down an embankment, when negotiating a turn on the Route 15 South spur yesterday around 12:45pm. According to an online media source, the driver, Jose Diaz, 55, New Jersey, was transported and treated at UPMC for injuries sustained. Although not fully blocked to traffic, the area was reduced to a single lane during clean up. Fire police from area departments responded and assisted with traffic direction.

GOVERNOR WOLF VACCINE

Governor Tom Wolf received his first COVID shot yesterday at Family First Health in York. In keeping with his word, Governor Wolf waited until all Pennsylvanian adults were vaccine eligible. He sent a message on Twitter saying he was excited to be just one of more than 2.7 million Pennsylvanians who have received at least one dose. It is not known which does he was given.

CROSSCUTTERS FAN CUTOUTS

With state mandated capacity limits and social distancing expected to be part of the Williamsport Crosscutters upcoming season, the team has announced the availability of Fan Cutouts for the 2021 campaign. All orders will be verified by the Williamsport Crosscutters, as there is a short list of things not permitted on the photo. Fans wishing to order a cutout can do so by visiting Crosscutters website and following the easy step by step process. To have your cut out in the stands for Opening night, May 25^th, orders must be in by May 13.

Sports:

High School Baseball

South Williamsport shut out Towanda 18-0

Montoursville over Mifflinburg 6-4

Canton over Wyalusing 5-4

High School Softball

Wellsboro defeated Coudersport 16-6

Galeton over Port Allegany 8-7

Cowanesque Valley defeated Oswayo Valley 17-3

Boys Tennis

Williamsport shut out Jersey Shore 5-0

Muncy over South Williamsport 3-2

Central Mountain shut out Danville 5-0

RETAIL THEFT

A Walmart Asset Protection Associate was the key to Rebecca Austin, 40, of Illion, N.Y. getting charged for her role in a retail theft operation. Austin, charged with a third-degree felony of retail theft, when at the Walmart in Athens, she attempted to push a cart of merchandise, valued at $1,058.84, out of the store.  According to Northcentralpa.com a video was provided to Athens Township police. Austin was stopped and questioned by the Walmart associate. She provided a McDonald’s receipt and left without the merchandise. Court records show Austin entered a guilty plea on April 12 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

MONEY LAUNDERING

Approximately $300,000  of COVID-19 relief funding involved in a  money laundering scheme landed charges for two Bloomsburg residents. Darryl Corradini, 63, and Vicki Hackenberg, 57, were charged on April 13, 2021, by a federal grand jury. The two were charged with perpetrating a bank fraud and money laundering scheme.The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, reported the money was relief dollars which were  guaranteed by the Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to a news outlet, the case was investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

COVID-19 CLOSURE

An employee who tested positive for COVID-19 closed the library Thursday afternoon. The Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, to open on Thursday, April 22.All library staff who were potentially exposed will be screened and monitored before returning to work and the building will undergo a thorough cleaning during its closure, according to an online media source. Visit the library’s website for updates and online services available

CHILD ENDANGERMENT AND ASSAULT

Seven felonies, stemming from an incident April 1, were charged by the Hemlock Township Police on a 22-year-old man from Haverford. Matthew Burnham Abraham is charged with fleeing from police and allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old juvenille. The short lived pursuit ended when Abraham’s vehicle struck a curb that caused significant damage. Officers reported to Northcentralpa.com,  the 13-year-old juvenile admitted to having sex with Abraham, who was held on $150,000 monetary bail that was set on April 1. His bail was posted on April 6 by Surety Bonds.

STATUTORY SEXUAL ASSAULT

A preliminary hearing on charges of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault and other charges was bound over trial for a Hughesville man. Aaron L. Clark, of Boak Avenue, Hughesville, is alleged, on three occasions in 2016 in Porter Township, to have had sexually assaulted a 9-year-old female child, according to the office of Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse. The victim, now 15, testified at the preliminary hearing. Clark was originally released on unsecured bail in the amount of $50,000. According to a media outlet, the DA’s office has a pending motion filed with the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas to amend bail to a monetary amount, describing the current bail as “ridiculous.” A bail modification hearing is anticipated to occur in the coming days, the DA’s office said.

MILL HALL ELEMENTARY REMOTE LEARNING TODAY

Due to the number of COVID cases in the student population, the Mill Hall Elementary is  remote learning for today, according to an online media source. Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin made the announcement yesterday afternoon. She continued by saying, the building will be closed for sanitation and deep cleaning. We expect to return to regular instruction on Monday, April 19, 2021 and will make updates if additional closure days are necessary.

COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers and locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 30; Tioga  5; Sullivan 1 and Northumberland 24. At Bucknell University, 57 have active cases on campus (55 students and two faculty/staff and 47% of the university’s isolation space is in use.) At Susquehanna University, there are 12 active cases overall, 11 among students and one among faculty/staff.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE PAUSE

Pennsylvania on Thursday extended its “pause” on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by another four days after federal government health advisers said they need more time to investigate reports of rare blood clots. The state Health Department told vaccine providers to refrain from using J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine until April 24, or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration issues new guidance.The CDC said Wednesday that one of the cases involved a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman who has since recovered.Vaccine providers in Pennsylvania had administered more than 6.7 million vaccine doses to date, of which a small fraction, about 247,000 doses, were supplied by J&J, according to the Health Department.

FELONY CHARGES ON EX-POLICE OFFICER BOUND OVER FOR COURT

All felony charges filed against ex-Williamsport Police officer Eric B. Derr are now bound over for court. The case went before Union County Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe yesterday. Derr, 36, a former police officer, is accused by the Pa. Attorney General’s Office of running unauthorized JNET searches between 2015 and 2020 on approximately 26 different women. According to a media outlet, the Pa. Attorney General’s Office re-filed the charges, previously dismissed by Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Allen P Page III on Feb 9, against Derr in a new criminal complaint on Feb. 25. Judge Rowe determined that the Commonwealth established their prima facie case against Derr and his case now advances to the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas. Derr is scheduled for a formal arraignment on May 3.

911 MEMORIAL RIDE

State Rep. Joe Hamm, visited the Muncy Township Supervisors’ meeting to address the rescinded motorcycle ride in memory of the September 11 attacks. According to Hamm, PennDOT discovered a regulation requiring each municipality the memorial ride travelled through to approve and carry insurance and also hold harmless PennDOT during the event. According to the SUN Gazette, when the host municipalities failed to accomplish this, the memorial ride could not continue last year. So, Hamm said the general assembly is trying to fast-track a bill to override these requirements before May.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH.

The death of a gas drilling company worker is under investigation by both state and federal authorities. Cabot Oil & Gas reported a contract worker required an ambulance on Monday night, shortly after midnight in Rush Township, Susquehanna County. The company released a report, saying the person was transported to Montrose Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FROM THE BOARDER

About 150 unaccompanied children found at the southern border of the U.S. have arrived in northwestern Pennsylvania and will be housed at a dormitory at the Pennsylvania International Academy. The Pennsylvania International Academy is designated as an emergency intake site by the department. Six children were assigned to each room in the 648-capacity dormitory, with more children expected in the future, the department said. Governors of two states, Iowa and Nebraska, are refusing to house the children.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT DRIVER SHORTAGE

The Loyalsock Township School District is suffering from a driver shortage. According to Dan Egly, business manager, the district lost four drivers this year and has even  used other methods, such as double-shifting and taking students out of school early to accommodate. The district currently has nine bus drivers and this creates problems for daily bus runs, field trips and extracurricular activities. The answer could be in staggering starting and dismissal times for the high school-middle school students and those at Schick Elementary. According to the SUN Gazette, in order to inform residents of the district about the proposed plan and to get community input, the district is holding a meeting at 6 p.m., April 21 at the High School/Middle School Auditorium. Limited seating of about 100 is available for public attendance. The meeting will also use a virtual format with the link available on the district’s website prior to the start of the meeting.

OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP TO SWEAR IN NEW POLICE CHIEF

The Old Lycoming Township Supervisors, set to swear in the next township police chief at their May 7 meeting according to the SUN Gazette. The new chief will replace Joe Hope, who retired at the end of March. In other township news, the township extended its COVID-19 emergency declaration by 90 days to July 2, 2021.The supervisors will next meet May 7 at 7 p.m.

ACCIDENT FIRE RULINGS

The early-morning fire Monday at 1605 Scott St.  has been ruled accidental, according to city Platoon Chief Sam Aungst. A media outlet reported the fire, originated around a humidifier in the basement and spread on all three floors, Aungst said. Two porch fires that broke out on April 8 in the city’s Newberry neighborhood have been ruled accidental, Aungst said. The fires at 2500 W. Fourth St. and 2116 Newberry St. were both caused by smoking materials

JULY 2016 ATTACK ARREST 

Recently there has been another arrest for the alleged involvement in a burglary and subsequent attack on a couple that occurred nearly five years ago in the 300 block of Yeagle Road in Wolf Township. Convicted felon Ronald Shoop Jr., 31, was arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on numerous felony charges in connection with the attack that occurred on July 7, 2016. The SUN Gazette reported the kidnapping charge stems from him and co-defendant Sheldon Spotts, tying up the couple with electric cords and duct tape in the basement.

DRUG CHARGES COUPLED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES

Williamsport City Police retrieved needles and other paraphernalia, cocaine, methamphetamine, mushrooms and over a dozen bundles of heroin from 420 Rural Avenue on March 27 in the possession of Alicia Julie Hunter, 32 and Robert Butry Hunter, 33. According to northcentralpa.com both Hunter and Butry-Hunter were charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and incarcerated since March 30, unable to post the $125,000 monetary bail, set for each by Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle.

ASSAULT BY PRISONER

A cup of cold urine  thrown in the face of a prison guard at the Bradford County Correctional Facility as he was assaulted by a prisoner, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Towanda. Dennis Smith, 28, of Troy, threw the urine covering the guard’s face and clothes. According to northcentralpa.com, Smith was charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault by a prisoner in April 2020 and the same charge in July 2020.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE 

Following six reports of blood clots after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine in women 18-47 years old, the Pennsylvania Dept of  Health directed vaccine providers in the commonwealth to pause using the vaccine until April 20. According to northcentralpa.com, some providers are giving people the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, instead.

BOIL ADVISORY

The Williamsport Water Authority’s boil water advisory will remain in effect through at least this afternoon  according to Wendy Walter, the Director of Compliance and Safety. Testing protocols are strictly followed by the water authority based on guidance from the Pennsylvania DEP. The water boil advisory affects city residents on West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street; and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue.

TENNIS IN THE PARK

Tennis in the Park,  a series of one-week camps for area youths at the South Williamsport Park Tennis Courts, will provide instruction for all levels of play – beginner to high advanced – for participants between the ages of 5 and 18. According to northcentralpa.com, the Central PA Tennis Center camps scheduling is Monday through Friday, June 21 through August 2 and times vary with age of the participant. For more details or to register, you can visit the Central PA Tennis Center on their website.

STAFF TRANSFER

Citing a need to improve fiscal affairs, issues involving financial over cite and to provide  better training to carry out their responsibilities, in a vote of 3 to 1, the Lycoming County commissioners voted to transfer second deputy/general accountant, general accountant and two financial technicians, from the controller’s office to the budget and finance department. According to the SUN Gazette, the action did not sit well with Controller Krista Rogers, claiming the move taken was in direct violation of the county code.

SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY ORDINANCE

At the meeting yesterday, Lycoming County Commissioners advised they do not plan to pass the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, citing they have no authority to draft the ordinance or the prosecutorial powers to enforce it. According to the SUN Gazette, at this time, two or three counties in the state have approved resolutions to support the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.

TAX INCREASE

Although not included in the initial 2021-22 budget draft, the South Williamsport Area School Board is considering a tax increase. According to Jamie Mowrey, district business manager, an increase of .32 mills would be needed to offset the deficit. If passed the increase would add $32 to the tax bill of a property assessed at a $100,000 value. The current tax rate for district property owners is 16.78 mills. According to the SUN Gazette, the main concerns of the deficit are the lease agreement for iPads and an increase in costs for cyber schools. The final budget will be approved at the June 21 meeting. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. May 3 in the high school auditorium.

SURPLUS SALE FROM SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

South Williamsport Borough Council Monday approved the surplus sale of police equipment to South Williamsport Area School District. Pending the school board approval, the surplus equipment will yield $19,858 for the borough. The pending sale includes a 2015 Ford Explorer, camera, firearms and ammunition and a non-lethal Taser. A proposal to hire Officer in Charge Norman Hager as chief was tabled until further details could be worked out. The council voted to remove a residency requirement for police chief in the borough job description.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided update COVID-19 numbers for our area, locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 24; Tioga 5; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland 39.

SPORTS:

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:

DANVILLE SHUT OUT CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 2-0, WARRIOR RUN SHUT OUT HUGHESVILLE 4-0, JERSEY SHORE OVER MIDD-WEST 8-3, WELLSBORO OVER ATHENS 5-4, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER LOYALSOCK 5-3, MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 11-0, NORTH PENN LIBERTY DEFEATED GALETON 16-3, MONTGOMERY SHUT OUT SUGAR VALLEY 15-0

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:

ST. JOHN NEUMANN OVER BUCKTAIL 18-1, BELLEFONTE OVER WILLIAMSPORT 5-4, CANTON OVER NORTHEAST BRADFORD 8-4

BOYS TENNIS:

MILTON SHUT OUT LOYALSOCK 5-0, CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER MIFFLIN COUNTY 4-1, ALTOONA OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 3-2 AND CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT TYRONE 5-0

2021 SENIOR ART SHOW

The Lycoming College Senior Show for all Lyco students with a major in studio art and runs from April 22 through May 15. According to northcentralpa.com, the 2021 Senior Art Show features works and artist statements from the following graduating seniors: Inga Brostek (Williamsport) –Megan Snyder (Milton, Pa.) Martina Westcott – (Clearfield, Pa.) The Lycoming College Art Gallery is located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth Street.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A water main break occurred on Sunday, April 11, 2021 on West Fourth Street in the City of Williamsport. The following area of the City of affected: West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue, Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street, Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue If you are in the affected area, until further notice, please boil the water before consuming it. You will receive an additional notice when all corrective actions have been completed and customers no longer need to boil the water. If you have any further questions, contact the WMWA office.

SVOG PROGRAM

Applications are now open for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). According to northcentralpa.com, the funds will help those businesses which suffered early on and throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are a valuable lifeline for operators of live venues, performing arts organizations, museums, movie theaters, promoters and producers, and talent representatives. The SVOG program appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan.

CALL OUT TO ACTORS

Hamilton-Gibson Productions is planning a return to in-person shows, but first they need some help in the form of a stage manager, backstage crew members, and six actors/actresses for an upcoming production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” According to northcentralpa.com auditions to fill roles for four women and two men will be held on Friday, April 16 starting at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m., and Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Warehouse Theatre, 3 Central Avenue.

BURGLARY OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

According to their facebook page, the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police report that the Piatt Township Building was burglarized sometime between April 8 and April 9 and a variety of tools were stolen including a straight air grinder, a kobalt circular saw and dewalt power tools with batteries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department.

RESIDENTIAL EXPLOSION SATURDAY NIGHT

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville released additional information about a home explosion Saturday night in Lycoming Township, Lycoming County. Trooper Nathan Birth reported the  explosion was heard from the vicinity of the 3500 block of Linn Street in Lycoming Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. Both occupants, a male, 46, and female 48, were able to exit the structure, but the male sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Leigh Valley Burn Center and the female was uninjured. The State Police Fire Marshal continues to investigate, as the origin and cause are undetermined. “PA State Police request neighboring residents and businesses to review and provide any type of security video or digital video that may show the explosion or early stages of the fire to PSP Montoursville,” Birth said.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS PENALTIES

Four Northcentral Pa. establishments were recently cited by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for allegedly failing to abide by COVID-19 disaster emergency restrictions. Penalties could include $50-$1,000 for minor offenses to up to $5,000 for more serious offenses, according to State Police. Also, establishments could face license suspension or revocation and mandated training for licensees. BLCE’s Williamsport District Enforcement Office, according to an April 5 press release, cited the Clinton County County Club, Lock Haven, J.P.’s Sports Bar and Grill, South Williamsport, Venture Inn, Jersey Shore, Speedy’s Place, Milton, Tiffany Lounge, Shamokin, and Washington Tavern, Northumberland.

WATER UTILITY SHUT OFF FOR NONPAYMENT 

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority customers who fail to pay their monthly bills once again face possible utility shut-offs. According to the SUN Gazette,  the shut-off policy had been suspended for delinquent customers since the beginning of COVID-19. The Authority, at their monthly meeting, voted to resume the policy.

LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON NUMBERS ON THE RISE

Inside a report of statistics, released at the Lycoming County Prison Board monthly meeting, inmate numbers have increased in the month of March. Warden Brad Shoemaker, according to the SUN Gazette, reported that the average daily overall figure for male and female inmates was at 264.26 during the month compared to 243.04 in February, with an increase in every category.

THE NEW LOVE CENTER

It is a program, focused on educating — and help feed — diabetic patients looking to get their health under control in the Jersey Shore community headed by the Geisinger Health System. The Fresh Food Farmacy program with help from a local coalition of ministries is called The New Love Center and they provide food at no charge through their cafe and food pantry.

CLEAN STREAMS FUND

Major streams such as the Susquehanna River and Loyalsock Creek would most certainly benefit from the plan to protect and restore many of the waterways across the state resulting in improved drinking water and investments in tourism and agriculture. According to the SUN Gazette,  State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, is working to allocate $250 million of the state’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish a Clean Streams Fund.

ARMED  ROBBERY AT JERSEY MIKE’S

An armed robbery at Jersey Mike’s, 201 Basin St at 5:46pm on Friday April 9^th.  According to a press release from the Williamsport Bureau of Police, preliminary information stated the actor entered the restaurant, brandished a pistol and robbed the business of cash before fleeing westbound on Canal Street and then northbound on Academy St. The actor is described as a white male, approx. 6’2” tall, 250 pounds wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, gloves and an orange and white baseball cap. Please forward any leads to the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

Sports:

ALIZE JOHNSON

Williamsport Native and Neumann grad Alize (al-ee-ZAY) Johnson signed a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. In his first game suiting up for Brooklyn on March 24 at Utah, Johnson registered team highs with 23 points and 15 rebounds to go with three assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action off the bench.