WOMAN TOOK MONEY FROM LOCAL VFW
A Jersey Shore woman has been charged with taking almost 8 thousand dollars from a local VFW.  Fifty nine year old Dianne McAlister, who was a former employee at the west third street VFW in Williamsport, had access to the all the accounts and according to police, wrote checks to herself and deposited money in her personal accounts 16 times from 2012 up until it was discovered in 2016.  McAlister is facing charges of felony theft by taking and will be arraigned at the Lycoming County Courthouse on July 29^th.

INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS APPROVED
There will be insurance settlements for three Williamsport city police officers after resolution of their claims against the city that their civil rights were violated.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, the city finance committee approved the settlements to promote workforce harmony and control costs.  In the resolution, Williamsport City Council consents to the insurance payments but says that is no admission of wrongdoing or other basis for claims.

NEW PRINCIPAL FOR EAST LYCOMING SCHOOLS
At the East Lycoming School Board meeting Tuesday night, a new high school principal was approved for the 2019-2020 school year.  Ronald Lorson, who has been with the district for 30 years, submitted his retirement – affective January first – which was also approved by the board last night.  Tom Coburn will replace Lorson and begin his acting principal duties this fall.

COMMUNITY STILL MOURNS TWA FLIGHT 800
Today is the day 23 years ago when this community lost 21 people from Montoursville Area High School when TWA flight 800 crashed in New York in.  Sixteen students in the school’s French club and their 5 chaperones were heading to Paris, France when the plane exploded and crashed just off the coast of Long Island.  USA Today reported that some who lost classmates in 1996, are now teachers at Montoursville High School, where students still tend a memorial garden.

OVERNIGHT SHOOTING IN WILIAMSPORT
Scanner reports and social media indicate that there’s been a shooting overnight in Williamsport.  Emergency crews responded to witnesses saying there were 5 or 6 shots heard in the area of the 600 block of Maple Street.  There are possibly two victims in the shooting, 1 male who is being treated for a head wound and another injured person with no further details disclosed.  We’ll continue to follow this story today.

CAR CHASE THROUGH SUNBURY
State police in Northumberland county arrested a Montandon man after he fled and led police in a chase through Sunbury after a traffic stop on June 22^nd.  24 year old Antonio Carpenter was stopped on Bridge avenue in Upper Augusta Township.  Police say that Carpenter tried to flee on foot, but was apprehended and taken into custody on DUI and drug possession.

TRANSPORTATION STUDY HIGHLIGHTS SPEEDING CONCERNS
In a transportation survey conducted by the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, traffic congestion and safety were the issues that generated the most concern for Valley residents.  Chamber president Bob Garrett says there is also concern about speeding and safety on area roads around Shamokin Dam, but pending legislation about police radar would be a big help to alleviate a speeding problem – especially he says, if communities invest in local police services.

PA TURNPIKE TOLLS TO GO UP
If you plan to use the Pennsylvania Turnpike next year, prepare for a fare increase.  The Pennsylvania Turnpike commission will raise tolls by 6 percent, raising cash customer’s payment by about 20 cents and the EZ pass customers charge goes up about 10 cents.  WNEP says that the increase will be used for the increasing costs of mass transit and turnpike improvements.   The commission has raised tolls every year since 2007.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FUNDING ON THE WAY FOR LOCK HAVEN
Lock Haven University will benefit from recent budget approvals in Pennsylvania.  250 thousand dollars has been earmarked for a healthcare simulation lab that will be located at UPMC Susquehanna Lock  Haven.  The simulation lab will help expand the nursing school and other healthcare programs at the University.  Senator Joe Scarnati was instrumental in securing the funding for this collaborative effort between government, healthcare and education.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Yankees over the Rays 8-3, Phillies squeaked by the Dodgers 9-8, Nationals bumped the Orioles 8-1, Indians blanked the Tigers 8-nothing, Blue Jays beat the Red Sox 10-4, Marlins thumped the Padres 12-7, Diamondbacks stomped the Rangers 9-2, Cubs over the Reds 4-3, Brewers slammed the Braves 13-1, Mets over the Twins 3-2,  Royals blanked the White Sox 11-nothing, Pirates over the Cardinals 3-1, Giants beat the Rockies 8-4, Angels over the Astros 7-2, A’s routed the Mariners 9-2

Section 3 Major Baseball Final
Orwigsburg beat Warrior Run 6-5

I-80 TRAFFIC AFFECTED BY TWO PROBLEMS TUESDAY
There’s now an accident in the back-ups where Milton State Police were already working an overturned truck.  Emergency crews are working to clear a fuel spill that closed the ramp from Rt. 15 northbound from Lewisburg to the I-80 East Bound ramp in White Deer township at exit 210 this morning around 3:30am.  State Police in Milton say the ramp from Westbranch Hwy southbound from White deer to I-80 eastbound is not affected.

PER DAY RATE FOR OUT-OF-COUNTY INMATES INCREASE
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has approved a contract modification that will increase the daily rate for housing out of county prisoners at the Clinton County Correctional Facility in Lock Haven.  According to the Sun Gazette, prisoners from federal prisons and out of county inmates now get a per diem rate of 74 dollars and 25 cents – just shy of the requested 75 dollars per day.  Previously the facility had an average of 90 per diem prisoners per year, but with the new contract, they can have an unlimited number of DOC per diem detainees.

NEW TEACHER JOINS MUNCY FACULTY
The Ward L. Myers Elementary School will have a new teacher who will join the faculty this fall.  The Sun Gazette reports that the Muncy School Board met Monday and approved the hire of Katrina Fry as well as got information about construction upgrades at the high school. The next Muncy School Board meeting is August 19^th at 7pm in the elementary cafetorium.

YOUTH DAY AT LYCOMING COUNTY FAIR
Today is Youth Day at the Lycoming County Fair.  There will be children’s entertainment throughout the day along with 4-H exhibits and animal shows including the open mounted fun horse games this evening and a swine show.  The free entertainment tonight is the Lycoming County Best School Talent Challenge in the Grandstand at 7pm.

FATHER SON TEAM SOLD DRUGS TO UNDERCOVER OFFICERS
A father and son team who sold crack cocaine to an undercover informant between December of 2018 and May 2019 have been arrested.   Central PA dot com reports that 44 year old Darien C. Robinson and 20 year old Unique T Robinson worked together to deliver drugs to the officers at different locations in Williamsport.  Officers say that the Robinsons also distributed cocaine out of a resident along Park Avenue. A formal arraignment is slated for July 29^th, both are in Lycoming County Prison.

TRAILER FIRE AFTER TIRES IGNITE
A trailer caught fire after its’ tires ignited along the 1600 block of John Brady Drive in Muncy Creek Township and much of the contents inside were destroyed Sunday.  A man relocating from Texas was hauling the trailer with his pickup truck and once the fire started it only took a few minutes to spread through the trailer.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muncy area and volunteer firefighters from Pennsdale responded to the incident.

FISHING HOLE MAY CLOSE
A local fishing hole in Clinton County may have to close up.  According to WNEP, a manmade pond in Wayne Township’s nature park has been approved for trout fishing for the past two years by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission but this year, was denied.  The Department of Environmental protection reports that the fishing area is actually on a protected waterway that doesn’t allow for dams or stocking. State agencies and Wayne Township officials will meet this week to discuss the options for the fishing area designated for kids 12 and under and those with disabilities.

ONLINE GAMING ARRIVES IN PENNSYLVANIA
Online Gaming has come to Pennsylvania. According to online Poker report dot com, The Pennsylvania Gaming commission has approved online gaming and sportsbook and casino gambling for a three day trial through July 18^th.  State regulators on Monday allowed Parx Casino in suburban Philadelphia and Penn National’s Hollywood Casino near Hershey to launch online gambling portals to patrons statewide. Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are the only other states where online casino gambling is legal.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Giants slammed the Rockies 19 – 2, Dodgers rout the Phillies 16-2, Rays beat the Yankees 5-4, Indians over the Tigers 8-6, Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 10-8, Reds thumped the Cubs 6-3, Braves beat the Brewers 4-2, Royals over White Sox 5-2, Cardinals blanked the Pirates 7-nothing, Giants beat the Rockies 2-1, Angels over the Astros 9-6.

NY Penn League

Aberdeen IronBirds over Williamsport Crosscutters 4-3

Section 3 Major Baseball Tournament
Orwigsburg defeated Keystone 13-9

MAN FLEES POLICE, CRASHES VEHICLE, FLEES AGAIN
A Williamsport man ran from an accident scene after he fled from police and crashed his car following an officer’s request to search his vehicle for suspicion of marijuana.  Twenty seven year old Earl Taylor of Cherry Street, was stopped by police, who suspected Taylor of smoking the drug in the parking lot of the River Valley Regional YMCA.  Taylor then fled the interview in his 2001 Chrysler Voyager van, crashing into a utility pole a few blocks away.  Taylor then exited the van and ran from the accident scene.  Police captured Taylor in a nearby alley after 6pm Wednesday night and found him with almost 24 grams of marijuana.  Police took Taylor to UPMC Susquehanna for treatment, then to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

PENN TOWNSHIP MAN ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT
A domestic dispute has landed a Penn Township man in jail.  Selinsgrove state police say that 41 year old Joseph Loduca assaulted and threatened a female victim at a home along Devon Court at 5:30 pm Tuesday.  Loduca was taken into custody and arraigned on the charges.  He is in Snyder County Prison on 75 thousand dollars straight bail.

JEWELRY, CASH STOLEN IN HOME ROBBERY
Police say they are investigating an incident at a home in Snyder County in which a burglar broke in to the home and stole cash and jewelry worth over 6 thousand dollars.  Selinsgrove State Police told WKOK that the robbery occurred June 22^nd at a house on Penn Street in Center Township.  Items stolen include wedding rings and over 4 thousand dollars in cash.  The investigation is ongoing.

STORMWATER FEES COULD CHANGE IN BOROUGH
Residents in  the South Williamsport Borough may be the first local area to adopt fee-based revenue instead of tax-based for stormwater usage through the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that the borough will adopt a four tier fee chart which is dependent on average amount of acreage owned by residents there.  The authority says they are working on creating a system of reporting and regulation that will adhere to the Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan.

CODE VIOLATIONS RAMPANT IN CITY
Code violations in the City of Williamsport for overgrown lawns and garbage at the curb are numerous, according to the city codes administrator, Joseph Gerardi.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gerardi says there it’s the worst year for grass and weeds with the heat and wet weather and some residents also ignore the code restrictions.  Authorities are struggling to keep up with the violations in the city with only 4 code enforcement officers to dole out the warnings.  A property owner can be charged up to 2 thousand dollars per code violation.

LOCAL VO-TECH GETS SURPRISE GRANT
State Senator John Gordner of Berwick and Representative David Millard of Millville presented a million dollar grant to Columbia Montour Area Vo-Tech School in Bloomsburg on Wednesday.  WKOK reports that the funds are from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and will help the school add workshop space, allow more students to be enrolled, and provide local employment.  The surprise grant will boost the funding for the already planned expansion at the school.

TWO DISORDERS ADDED TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA LIST
Two disorders have been added to the conditions that can qualify people to obtain medical Marijuana according to the Pennsylvania Health Department.  Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says the recommendation to include anxiety disorders and Tourette’s syndrome to the list came from the state Medical Marijuana Advisory board and physicians will be able to include it with other therapeutic approaches beginning July 20^th.  Over 110 thousand state residents are certified to use the medical marijuana program.

MILTON TEEN SPEAKS TO CONGRESS
A Milton teen has traveled to Washington DC to speak to Congress to advocate for juvenile diabetes recently.  WNEP reports that 16 year old Adriana Richard was chosen out of 1000 other kids with diabetes to speak about her experiences.  The Milton High School senior who wrote a book about the disease, joined other students in the nation’s capital as part of the Children’s Congress in conjunction with Senator Bob Casey’s bill to cover costs for most children with type 1 diabetes.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Rangers over the Astros 5-nothing

Wimbledon Women’s Tennis Singles
American Serena Williams defeated Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-2
Romania’s Simona Halep defeated Czech Republic’s Elina Svitolina  6-1, 6-3

NY Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters beat the Vermont Lake Monsters 3-2

9-11 Softball
Loyalsock defeats Jersey Shore 17-7 for the District 12 Title

APARTMENT FIRE SET INTENTIONALLY
A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal determined that a fire that began in a Muncy apartment early Wednesday morning was intentionally set.  All the tenants escaped serious injury when they were alerted by smoke alarms and evacuated their 4-unit building on Water Street at about 3:30am.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that the tenant, who lived where the fire was determined to be originated, was evaluated at Muncy Valley Hospital.  No charges have been filed, but an investigation is ongoing.

POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT
Police are searching for the driver of a vehicle who had an accident in a construction zone on EB I-180 around 5pm on Sunday, June 28th and then fled the scene.  The vehicle, believed to be a blue Chevy or GM should have damage to its left and front sides after striking a traffic sign and several pylons, and spinning out in the construction zone.  Police say the vehicle went off the roadway on EB I-180 near Pennsdale. If you have information about the incident, please call State Police.

VACANT BUILDING HAS NEW PURPOSE
The vacant Weis Market building on West Third Street in Williamsport is about to be repurposed.  City officials say there will be a future plasma donation center on the site, but no information has been released about when that facility will open.  The empty building, which recently went through a real estate assessment, will benefit the city once it’s ready for opening due to the business being returned to the tax rolls according to the Sun Gazette.

BOTCHED BID PROCESS CAUSES CALLS FOR REBIDDING
Confusion during the bid process for construction improvements at City Hall has forced the City Council to rebid the project including elevator modifications, a front door ramp and security upgrades. According to the Sun Gazette, the need for elevator modifications were pending an inspection of the car, which it recently passed.  Several contractors bid wildly different after confusion interpreting what parts of the project were the base-bid and which parts were add-alternate bids.  The 3-fold project will be re-bid and council will review the costs estimated to total close to 650 thousand dollars.

SHOTS FIRED OUTSIDE HOME
A man allegedly fired a gun toward a home in Lairdsville Sunday and police have taken him into custody.  Central PA dot com reports that 56 year old Randy Swank of Benton was charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and other charges after he was found on the scene at the 1200 block of Funston Road in Franklin Township where shots were reported.  Swank is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail and will face District Magistrate John E Kemp in Muncy tomorrow.

BROADBAND FEASIBILITY DISCUSSED
There was a public meeting Wednesday on the feasibility of bringing high speed broadband internet to rural areas of Lycoming, Union, Clinton and Northumberland Counties.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports about 35 residents attended the Lycoming County  Commissioner’s meeting in which broadband experts shared the importance of high speed internet in areas where attracting industry and business growth is so essential.  An 80 thousand dollar study funded by Appalachian Regional Study including  matching funds from the four counties will determine where connection is most critical.  Another public meeting about rural broadband options is expected to be held in August.

2 ALARM FIRE IN SHAMOKIN
There was a late night fire in Shamokin Tuesday, according to Northumberland County Communications.  WKOK reports that volunteer firefighters responded to a call about a fire at an apartment complex at the intersection of East Lincoln and North Liberty Streets.  A second alarm was called just after 11pm.  Witnesses say flames were shooting through the roof at the structure when emergency crews arrived.  No injuries were reported.

BOND ISSUE ALLOWS GEISINGER TO IMPROVE CAMPUSES
The improvements to several campuses of Geisinger Medical Center have been approved after massive bond issues were addressed this week.  For now, about 470 thousand dollars of bond money will go toward upgrades to urgent care, intensive care and emergency departments at Geisinger’s Danville Campus and about 50 thousand dollars will be put toward improvements on their Shamokin campus.  WKOK reports that Geisinger locations in Centre, Mifflin and other counties are also on track for upgrades, but each county must approve the local funding.

Sports

NY Penn League

Lake Monsters over the Crosscutters 11-2

Major Softball State Tournament

South Williampsort defeated Back Mountain 10-nothing in 5 innings.

Wimbledon Men’s Tennis Singles

Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated American Sam Querry 7-5,6-2,6-2

Switzerland’s Roger Federer defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4

HOUSE FIRE CLOSES ROADS

Several local hose companies responded to a house fire in Mifflinburg Monday which closed some roads there for several hours.  The Mifflinburg Hose Company reports through social media that Chestnut Street and Forest Hill Road were closed while volunteer firefighters worked on the house fire that began around 8am.  All lanes are open again today and no injuries were reported.

FORMER LAWYER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORN CHARGES

A man from Lycoming County has pleaded guilty in a child pornography case.  Sixty-six year old James Protasio faces a state prison term of 36 to 96 months for the 11 counts against him.  Police told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that they found pornographic images of children on a computer in Protasio’s residence in May of 2010.  The former Lycoming County lawyer represented himself in court and will undergo an evaluation with the state sexual offenders assessment board to determine his classification as a sexual predator.

POLICE CHIEF URGES RESIDENTS TO LOCK CARS

At the Williamsport Borough Council meeting last night, the chief of police stressed the need for residents to lock their vehicles.  A rash of vehicle robberies recently in South Williamsport have occurred with no evidence of forced entry into the cars.  Police are working on identifying the suspects in the alleged robberies that have occurred in DuBoistown, Williamsport and the borough.

SELINSGROVE PLAYGROUND VANDALIZED

There’s been some vandalism reported at the soon to open All Inclusive Playground at East Snyder Park in Selinsgrove.  The playground, built to address the needs of those with disabilities and service dogs, was vandalized over the weekend according to a volunteer.  Some say the damage might just be sloppy parking near the newly seeded ground.  All the damage is reportedly repairable.  WKOK reports that the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation provided the funding for the facility in the East Penn Township recreation area – about 600 thousand dollars.

LIVING ROOM FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY

Four people were displaced after an electrical outlet caught fire in the living room of the house in Williamsport.  A neighbor saw smoke coming from the home at 527 Wolf Place and called emergency crews around 11 am yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the landlord, Derreck Cimini, was aware that the family was having electrical issues in the home.   Lycoming County Fire authorities said the fire did about one thousand dollars damage. A Williamsport couple and their two toddlers are able to stay with family members

ANONYMOUS REPORTING LAW STRENGTHENS STUDENT OPTIONS

Lawmakers in our state have strengthened a law to help students in Pennsylvania feel safer while on university campuses here.  The “It’s On Us” campaign requires PA’s colleges and universities to develop online anonymous reporting systems for complaints from students and employees about sexual assault, and the law will also excuse victims from their violation of any conduct or drug policies.  Administrators say anonymous reporting of assault is a faster way to get a snapshot of actual abuse on campuses, allowing authorities to act quicker and solve the problems they face.

BRIDGE TO CLOSE WEDNESDAY

PennDOT will close the Veteran’s Bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven Wednesday to test the floodgate system there, weather permitting.  Crews will close Route 664/ Jay Street during daylight hours and there will be message boards in place to alert drivers to new additions to local detours.  Motorists who use Paul Mack Boulevard there are encouraged to use Church Street instead of Jay Street or Water Street.  Crews will work Thursday this week if weather keeps the tests from being completed.

FALLINGWATER DESIGNATED WORLD HERITAGE SITE

If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and a Pennsylvanian, then the latest news that Fallingwater in Mill Run has gained the lofty status as a World Heritage Site is good news.  Fallingwater was designed in 1935 by Wright who is widely considered the greatest architect of the 20^th century. The home was built over a 30 foot waterfall and shows Wright’s philosophy, the harmonious union of art and nature.  In October 1963, Fallingwater, its collections and 469 acres of surrounding natural land were entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which continues to own, operate and preserve Fallingwater.  PA’s other World Heritage site is Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Sports

Major League Baseball

In the Home Run Derby last night, the Met’s rookie Pete Alonso outlasted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the final round and collected the million dollars. Alonso will play tonight in the All Star Game.

NY Penn League

Mahoning Valley Scrappers defeated the Williamsport Crosscutters 4-nothing
in Game 1 of the doubleheader – and in Game 2 Crosscutters over the Scrappers 3-nothing

9-11 Softball

Loyalsock 17 Jersey Shore nothing in 4 innings

Wimbledon
Women’s Singles – Romania’s Simona Halep defeated US’s Coco Gauff in the 4^th Round yesterday 6-3, 6-3