MAN WAS OFF MEDICATIONS A MONTH BEFORE SHOOTING

A Bradford County man who struggled with PTSD and anxiety died of a self-inflicted gun-shot wound in a Triple murder-suicide last Friday evening in Wyalusing according to authorities.  The coroner there said 31 year-old Jesse Northrup stopped taking his medications months before the shootings, then lost his job at a meat packing plant.  Police say this may be a catalyst which led Northrup to  shoot his mother, stepfather and another man.  State Police say Candy and Edwin Bidlack along with Johnnie Johnson were shot by Northrup with a semi-automatic handgun he had gotten the day before the shootings.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS CITY  HALL UPGRADES

With the possibility of a relocation of Williamsport City offices due to the high cost of repairs and infrastructure upgrades, the City Council Public Works committee says they will wait for bids to modify and improve the City Hall elevator to determine whether an upgrade should move forward.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, the inspection stamp for the elevator in City Hall has been surpassed but the car IS safe to use. Potential car upgrades alone could cost over 300 thousand dollars, but costs of a combination of security upgrades and other improvements, could be closer to 650 thousand dollars.

MAN SURVIVES MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

A Harrisburg man crashed his motorcycle into a creek Sunday afternoon  in Schuylkill County and was found alive despite the 24 hours it took for him to be rescued.  25 year old Dalton Gross was riding in Butler township and veered off the road crashing into Little Mahanoy Creek.  A local resident spotted Gross off the roadway Monday afternoon.  He was conscious and able to tell emergency responders about the incident.  He was taken to a hospital in Pottsville in critical condition.

FLOUR RECALL ANNOUNCED

Almost five thousand cases of Pillsbury flour are being recalled because officials fear E.Coli contamination.  The potentially tainted Pillsbury best 5 pound bread flour was distributed in Pennsylvania, New York and other surrounding states. The flour is manufactured in Buffalo NY by ADM Milling Company and WNEP reports it’s the second time in two weeks a recall has been issued for lot codes of either 8342 or 8343 with use by dates of June 8^th or June 9^th, 2020.

SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT OF TEN YEAR OLD

Northumberland police have charged a Sunbury man with numerous felony and misdemeanor sexual assault charges from an incident in May.  Thirty four year old Jose Figueroa-Cante is accused of raping a now ten year-old girl who revealed encounters with the man had happened over the past 2 years to authorities at the Child Advocacy Center in Sunbury.  Figuroa-Cante was arraigned in Sunbury after a warrant was issued for his arrest with bail set at 250 thousand dollars.

WOLF URGED TO SUPPORT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

Republican US Senator Pat Toomey is urging Governor Tom Wolf to sign legislation to expand taxpayer support of a tax credit program for private and religious schools in Pennsylvania.  Toomey says doubling the tax credit program to 210 million dollars a year will help over 40 thousand children in Pennsylvania receive scholarships for private tuition.  Wolf’s office said Toomey’s tax credit program lacks accountability and that he’ll veto the measure.

DISTRICT 12 REPRESENTATIVE OPENS OFFICES

The newly elected US Representative, Fred Keller – republican from Mifflinburg has set up shop in his office locations in Washington DC and in Williamsport, Selinsgrove and Tunkhannock.  The Sun Gazette reports Keller’s office in Lycoming County is in the same location as former Congressmean Tom Marino’s office along Commerce Park Drive in Williamsport.  Constituents are encouraged to attend Keller’s future open house events at the 12^th district offices once dates and times are announced.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR CENTRAL PA

The flash flood watch continues today for some parts of central Pennsylvania.  The National Weather Service in State College expanded the flash flood watch area and says a storm front will move more north with repeated heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in Clinton, Lycoming and Sullivan Counties.  The flash flood watch was extended til 4pm today.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Yankees over Tampa Bay 3-nothing, Angels over the Blue Jays 10 -5,  Reds beat the Astros 3-2, Braves thumped the Mets 12-3, Rangers won vs the Indians 7-2,
Red Sox beat the Twins 2-nothing,  Cardinals beat the Marlins 5-nothing, Giants beat the Dodgers 3-2, A’s over the Orioles 3-2, Padres eeked past the
Brewers 2-nothing, Royals bumped the Mariners 6-4, Phillies and Nationals were postponed til tomorrow because of rain.

Crosscutters

In the double header Game 1 yesterday, West Virginia beat Williamsport 2-nothing, in Game 2 it was the Crosscutters over the Black Bears 4-nothing.

UNITYVILLE CRASH VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

Two victims involved in a vehicle crash this week near Unityville have been identified.  Sixty-one year old Thomas Weaver of Muncy and 53 year old Susan Napkora of Dallas we both injured when Weaver’s 2011 Camaro failed to negotiate a left turn from Route 43 North onto Route 118 hitting mailboxes, a guard rail and Napkora’s 2019 Nissan Altima.  Both were taken by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center.  Weaver was admitted in fair condition, but police say Napkora suffered very serious injuries.

FORGERY CASE DROPPED

Authorities have dropped  a felony forgery case against a Trout Run woman.  Police originally charged Ashley Giacomi with felony forgery and misdemeanor theft for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill at the Shell Gas Station on Lycoming Creek Raod on April 24^th.  The Sun Gazette reports there was insufficient evidence for police to charge Giacomi.

GRANT WILL ASSIST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Additional housing for domestic violence victims is possible after Lycoming County commissioners have agreed to apply for over 50 thousand dollars in grant money to help the YWCA’s Liberty House program.  The Sun-Gazette reports that if approved, the grant includes matching funds from the Lycoming County United Way.  The YWCA provides housing for domestic violence victims until they can become self-sufficient.

EARTHQUAKE FELT NEAR HARRISBURG

Residents in Juniata County may have felt the earth move this week.  The US Geological Service confirmed a 3.4 magnitude earthquake in Central PA around 8:30 pm Wednesday night.  The epicenter was 11 miles southwest of Mifflintown.  This is the largest of eight total earthquakes reported in the state.

EMERGENCY SINKHOLE REPAIR FOR TWO WEEKS

If the weather cooperates, Williamsport’s Campbell Street sinkhole should be repaired in about two weeks, according to engineers at the Municipal Water Authority.  The Sun-Gazette reports crews working to repair the line between Grace and Third streets found worse damage than originally expected when they opened the street June 1^st.  Much of the brick and mortar in the century old lines is eroding and collapsing.  Emergency repairs could cost the city 550 thousand dollars.

ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND TO BE DISMANTLED

The City of Williamsport has applied for a grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Administration for a new handicapped accessible playground at Memorial Park in 2020.  According to the Williamsport Sun- Gazette, Mayor Gabriel Campana’s office has ordered the old playground at the park be dismantled today and the pieces recycled.

PENN TECH TUITION INCREASE

Tuition at Penn College is going up.  The board of directors approved a new budget which includes a decrease in spending by 7.1 million dollars, but increases tuition by 2.51 percent, and fee increases for residence life and dining services.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that overall, the amount of tuition goes up by $14 per credit hour for in-state students and $21 per credit hour for out-of state students.

MARCH FOUNDER WILL BE MISSED TONIGHT

The 36^th annual newly renamed “Anthony DiSalvo Flags Across America Flag Day March in Williamsport will take place without its’ namesake tonight.  Founder of the local march and a lifelong member of the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Anthony “Tony” DiSalvo passed last February at age 89.  The  parade will step off from Nichols Place at 6:30.   At 7 at Penn College, where the parade ends, there will be a National Pledge of the Allegiance recited by all those in attendance.

Sports

In HS Baseball Playoffs

Class A Final  – West Middlesex beat Greenwood 2-1

Class 3A Final Mount Union over NotreDame GreenPond 9-1

HS Softball playoffs

Class 6A Final Central Dauphin beat Hazelton 3-1

Major League Baseball

Braves over the Pirates 6-5, Twins thumped the Mariners 10-5, Blue Jays over the Orioles 12-3,  Arizona blanked Washington 5- nothing,
Angels over Tampa Bay 5-3, Cardinals tied with the Mets at four – game was suspended in the 9^th.  Play resumes 6 PM Friday.  Rangers lost to the Red Sox 7-6, Royals beat the Tigers 7-3 White Sox edged the Yankees 5-4, Rockies beat the Padres 9-6 and the Dodgers beat the Cubs 7-3

NBA FINALS

Toronto Raptors edged the golden State Warriors 114-110 last night in Game 6 of the NBA finals.  Taking the series 4-2

Williamsport Crosscutters – Opening night tonight 7:05 against the State College Spikes.  Their 2^nd game is Saturday

MUNCY WOMAN ROLLS CAR INTO DITCH

A young woman from Muncy escaped serious injury after she was involved in a rollover accident last Wednesday along Warrior Run Boulevard in Northumberland County. Eighteen year-old Cassidy Thomas was driving her 2002 Pontiac GrandAm an eighth of a mile south of Trent Road and went off the road.  Thomas’ car hit a ditch which caused her car to flip and rollover coming to rest on it’s roof.  She was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital with minor injuries.

POLICE DROP HARRASSMENT CHARGES

South Williamsport police have withdrawn some stalking and harassment charges filed against 34 year-old Keith Eck of Williamsport.  Eck was originally charged after police say he repeatedly called and texted his estranged wife, Courtney, on May 18^th.  Eck who waived his preliminary hearing, still faces one count each of harassment and public drunkenness.  He is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

MONTGOMERY COUNCIL MEMBER RESIGNATION APPROVED

The Montgomery Borough Council may reorganize after council member, Mark Barbier’s resignation was approved at last night’s commissioner’s meeting.  Barbier resigned due to personal issues according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  The council voted to reorganize after a new member is appointed  – a task that needs to be done by June 24^th.  The next council meeting is July 16^th in the borough office in Montgomery.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP ROAD STAYS CLOSED ANOTHER DAY

A local road in Montour County remains closed after additional work was needed yesterday.  Klondike Road is still closed through this afternoon between Route 642 and Valley Road in Liberty Township due to a damaged drainage pipe. A detour is in place using Route 642 and Route 54.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP GRADUATE HEADS TO WEST POINT

A young woman from Loyalsock Township has been accepted to West Point.  Alessia Antonacci told the Sun Gazette that even the application process to the military academy is a challenge since she had to be triple qualified through a congressional nomination.  Antonacci who just graduated from Loyalsock Township High School, is the principal nominee from former State Representative Tom Marino’s office.  Antonacci will head to the Army’s West Point Academy for basic this summer and then has a goal to be a military anesthesiologist.  The school typically accepts about a thousand men and between 200 and 300 women each year.

TROY MAN ARRESTED FOR DUI

A man discovered to have violated his bail from a fatal DUI accident last February was arrested for suspected DUI and drug use Monday in Burlington Township.  Samuel Lee Corey of Troy was found sleeping behind the wheel of his Green Plymouth Neon while parked at a Dandy Mini-Mart on Berwick Turnpike.  State Police found multiple suspected heroin needles and a marijuana pipe inside the car.  Corey was taken into custody.

PRIMARY BALLOT BECOMES OFFICIAL

The official list of nominees for Lycoming County offices, municipal and school board positions has been released following the May 21^st primary election.   The list was  unofficial until the official vote count required by the state took place. Two candidates for the Loyalsock Area School Board received the same number of write-in votes. There will be a special drawing at noon Monday to decide the winner between Garth Gelnett and Valerie Komarnicki.

TAX INCREASES IN JERSEY SHORE

Tax increases for the Jersey Shore area school district have been approved and the millage has been determined for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.  Home owners can expect to pay $49.97 for every 100 thousand dollars of assessed property value in Clinton County and $54.02 in Lycoming County.  The board discussed the need for tax increases citing wages, benefits and the bill for student’s attending charter schools the driving force behind the increase.  According to the Sun Gazette, without the increase, the board would be making up a 1 million dollar deficit for the upcoming year.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS FACE POTENTIAL CHANGES

A bill has been introduced in the PA State Legislature that will separate the high school state championship tournaments between public and non-public schools.  House Bill 1600 of the Parity in Interscholastic Athletics Act was introduced by Republican Aaron Bernstine representing Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties.  According to the Sun Gazette, the separation supports teams facing competitive balance challenges and then the two teams would meet for a final state championship.  Football, baseball, girls and boys’ basketball, girls and boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball and softball would be subject to the separation.

CONTRACTOR SOUGHT FOR FRAUD

State police in Montoursville are investigating reports of a roofing contractor who has allegedly committed fraud in Lycoming and surrounding counties.  Francis Fredin, owner of PA Metal Roofs & Vinyl Siding LLC, signed a contract was paid a more than 12 thousand dollar down payment last November and never did the work according to the homeowner.  Police say there are similar reports involving Fredin and another fraud charge pending in Milton.  If you have been a victim in a similar case with this company, contact your local police.

Sports

HS Baseball

Devon Prep outplayed South Williamsport yesterday in the PIAA Class Double AA Semi-finals yesterday, 3 -1.

In Major League Baseball

Yankees beat the Mets 12 – 5 in the 1^st game and it was the Mets over the Yankees in the second game of the doubleheader yesterday,10-4, Baltimore over Toronto 4-2, Cleveland edged Cincinnati 2-1 in 10 innings, Oakland over Tampa Bay 4-3, Rangers clunked the Red Sox 9-5, Houston hit Milwaukee 10-8, Twins over the Mariners 6-5, Chicago White Sox over the Nationals 7-5, Kansas City beat Detroit 3-2, Philadelphia bounced Arizona 7-4, Cleveland tripped Cincinnati 2-1 in 10 innings, St. Louis routed Miami 7-1, Braves beat the Pirates 7-5, Rockies trounced the Cubs 10-3,  Giants inked the Padres 6-5, and it was the Angels over the Dodgers 5-3.

ELDERLY DRIVER IDENTIFIED IN CRASH

The Loyalsock Township building struck by an elderly man driving a Toyota Tacoma Sunday has sustained structural damage.  Police report Cummings Power Systems has damage to the outer corner and office area of the building after 84 year-old John Pepperman of Williamsport crashed into the structure.  Pepperman was trapped in his car after the crash and was taken to UPMC in Williamsport with injuries.

CHARGES FILED FROM CRASH IN MAY

A serious accident on Route 220 in Woodward Township sent a 23 year-old Mill Hall man to the hospital in May.  State police report Zebadiah Allen was driving his 2018 Jeep Wrangler and failed to make the left curve on State Route 220 near Henry’s Barbeque and went off the road.  After hitting a sign near Reynolds road, the Jeep hit an embankment, rolling back toward the roadway and sliding several more feet.  Allen was ejected from the vehicle and was taken to UPMC Susquehanna with suspected serious injuries.   Police charged Allen with failing to maintain a safe speed.

SCAM TARGETS SEX OFFENDERS

There are reports of attempts to defraud individuals who have been required to register as sex offenders in Pennsylvania.  State police say individuals are calling registered sex offenders informing them that they are not in compliance with registration requirements, or that there is a warrant for their arrest, and that the matter can be resolved with a money transfer or cash card transaction.  Authorities with the State Police say they never solicit money from offenders for registration as a sex offender.  If you have been a victim of this fraud, contact your local police department.

BLACK BEAR SIGHTED IN STATE CAPITOL

Authorities in Harrisburg say a black bear was captured about a mile from the state capitol last week.  Local radio and TV issued emergency broadcasts after there were sightings of the bear climbing a tree in midtown Harrisburg.  Officers from the Pennsylvania Game Commission say the young 100 pound animal probably left its’ mother only recently.  It was tranquilized and will be relocated 100 miles north of the city – much closer to our area.

TAX ASSESMENT BOARD APPOINTED

The Lycoming County commissioners have voted to re-appoint two members to the board of assessment appeals, putting the board in place and allowing any future commissioners to focus on tax exemptions and other tasks – not real estate tax appeals directly.  Robert E. Moore and Frank V. DeAndrea were re-appointed during last week’s meeting to serve until December 2022.

JERSEY SHORE RAISES SCHOOL TAXES

The Jersey Shore Area School District has voted to raise taxes.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, the measure passed by a 5-3 vote and one member of the board was absent.  Expect exact details about millage rates and tax-rate specifics after reports of the board’s most recent executive session become public.

BOAT LAUNCH PROPOSALS SOUGHT

The Borough Council of Jersey Shore will seek proposals to replace the boat launch along the Susquehanna River that was lost in flooding last year.  There’s hope that they will receive funding for the project, however, it’s unlikely because borough officials say the dock was lost after Governor Wolf declared a state of emergency for the area.  The dock was also uninsured.  The council’s next meeting is July 8^th at the municipal building at 7pm.

FLAG DAY MARCH HONORS BOY SCOUT LEADER

With Flag day approaching, the “2019 Flags Across America March Honoring God, Country and Community” will take place this Friday beginning at 6:30pm beginning at Nichols Place and ending at the iconic flag at Penn Tech.  The Sun-Gazette reports that the march is officially named for Anthony “Tony’ DiSalvo a lifelong member of the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the founder of the march in Williamsport.  DiSalvo passed in February of this year at age 89.

TWO ROAD CLOSURES IN TWO COUNTIES

There are two closures motorists should be aware of on area roads.  In Montour County , Klondike Road is closed between Route 642 and Valley Road in Liberty Township due to a damaged drainage pipe.  PennDOT plans to replace the pipe and reopen the road by tomorrow afternoon.  A detour is in place.  And in Columbia County, Route 11 northbound is reduced to a single lane just off Interstate 80 at Lime Ridge due to a tractor-trailer rollover. The right travel lane and shoulder is closed so the vehicle can be removed. The left passing lane is open.

Sports

HS Baseball

Double A semifinals rescheduled for today:  South Williamsport vs Devon Prep @ Pine Grove at 4:30.

Major League Baseball

Mets at Yankees postponed til June 11^th, Tampa Bay over Oakland 6-2, Texas over Boston 4-3 in 11 innings, Washington rout the White Sox 12-1, Angels take the Dodgers 5-3, St. Louis over Miami 4-1, Atlanta stomps Pittsburgh 13-7, Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 12-8, Colorado over the Cubs 6-5.

NASCAR

Joey Logano won his second NASCAR Cup Series race for the season yesterday at the Firekeepers Casino 400 in overtime.

NBA finals

The Warriors beat the Raptors 106 to 105.  Toronto leads 3-2

MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING AT KIDS

State Police in Selinsgrove say they have arrested a man from Freeburg who shot a BB gun at young children.  Forty-three year old Robert  Olds  was arrested for assault charges occurring May 22^nd at a home on East Front Street in Freeburg against 3 boys, ages eight, 10 and 13.  WKOK reports police observed Olds shooting the gun by video surveillance.

ROUTE 87 VEHICLE CRASH VICTIM UPDATE

State Police told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette that the three women who sustained serious injuries Wednesday in the vehicle crash on Route 87 south of  Barbours, remain in serious condition.  Tammy Yourish of South Williamsport crossed the center lane southbound on Rt 87 in her Toyota Rav 4  and hit Kristin Confer who was driving, and her mother, Jean, in their Hyundai Santa Fe.  Both drivers were taken to UPMC, Yourish is at in intensive care.  Jean Confer is in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center.

REVITALIZATION PROJECT GETS FUNDING

The East Third Street Gateway project got a boost last night when Williamsport City Council Approved the use of a $621 thousand dollar grant for new pavement, sidewalks and lighting.  The multi-modal transportation grant was secured by Delta Development Group and is to revitalize the areas on E. Fourth Street between Franklin and Penn Streets.  According to City Council officials, the money comes from state taxpayers and not city funds.

MONEY TO PROTECT INFRASTRUCTURE APROVED

The Water and Sewer Authority in Fairfield Township has secured funding to complete the plan for their Tules Run Well Project.  During the process of providing fire protection and a secondary water source for the township, authorities found they needed to protect certain electrical elements that crossed a stream.  Five thousand nine hundred and twenty dollars will provide concrete cover over electrical lines in an erosion prone area of the water source.

ROBINSON GRANT FEATURES NEWBERRY STUDENTS

When Construction is complete in Newberry, folks will see new “Welcome to Newberry” banners hanging from street posts in the neighborhood.  The Newberry Community Partnership featured the art at the West Branch School Fair showcasing the student artists.  Williamsport’s Robinson  Grant will fund the banners.

MISSING ELDERLY MAN MAY BE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The Pennsylvania State Police in Columbia County say a missing man from Orange township who may be in Lycoming County.  Sixty-two year old Stuart Glazer, is a White male at 6’01”, 190 lbs., Bald, with a Gray Beard, wearing glasses. a White T-Shirt, Gray Zip Sweatshirt and blue jeans. Glazer was last seen in the area of Mill St., Orangeville, june 6^th around 2:00 PM. Police think Glazer may be confused and headed North on State Route 47. If you have information please contact police immediately by calling 911 or PSP Bloomsburg.

MUNCY POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE LOCATIONS

The Muncy Borough Council has approved a new location for their police department.  In a five to two decision, the council voted to move the department from the borough office to the same building occupied by the West Branch Regional Authority on Old Glade Run Road.  There is language in the new lease that allows them to take back the property if they find they need the space back within 90 days, but the Muncy Chief of Police, James Dorman says they agreed on the floor plan that suits everyone.

WILLIAMSPORT CONTRACTS FOR THREE NEW BUSES

Use of funding has been approved for River Valley Transit Authority to contract with bus producer Gillig, for 4 more compressed natural gas busses in Williamsport bringing the current fleet total to 23.  There is a community match of funds for River Valley transit to use as part of the State Operating Financial Assistance program, totalling about 210 thousand dollars required from the city.