HEAVY SMOKE DAMAGE AFTER AREA SCHOOL FIRE

Sullivan County schools are closed today following a fire yesterday morning which struck at the High School in Laporte. The fire was discovered around 6am bringing in several companies from around the area.  Firefighters found heavy smoke conditions and with the help of a thermal imaging camera, found fire at an electrical box in the auditorium. They were able to knock it down within 5 to 7 minutes but there is smoke damage throughout the building. No one was injured, a damage estimate was not released and the cause is ruled as accidental

MORE STORMS CAUSE DAMAGE

More storms moved through our area yesterday downing trees and bringing down powerlines. A possible tornado may have touched down in Wellsboro, doing some damage there.  Power outages were reported across our region with close to 750 customers without power for awhile in Union County and another 500 or so in Northumberland County.  Trees also came down in Columbia County with at least one reported on a home in Bloomsburg.  Meanwhile, the National Weather service has confirmed it was a tornado which touched down on Tuesday in Bradford County in Wysox Township causing some damage there.

LOOKING FOR MORE TODAY

Yet another flash flood watch is in effect for most of our area today as more of those afternoon thunderstorms could fire up.  Storms yesterday caused trees to fall across the region, knocking out power to thousands of customers in area counties. The National Weather service will investigate a possible tornado which occurred near Wellsboro in Tioga County.  Heavy damage was also done in the Forest Hill Area all the way up to Halfway Dam in Union County with a possible tornado there as well.

MAN BITTEN BY SNAKE IN CRITICAL CONDITION

An area man is in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center suffering from a snakebite from an Eastern Timber Rattlesnake at a Cogan House Township Property on Friday.  Just hours after a delay in his expected guilty plea to capturing the snakes and putting them up for sale, as well as for killing 12 prized deer at a hunting lodge, Cody Short was bitten several times by the snake around 4:30pm on Friday.  He was flown to Geisinger.  The investigation continues.

WOMAN FACES ARSON CHARGES

A woman who was rescued from her burning apartment in Montgomery back in March of this year, now faces felony arson charges as well as other counts stemming from that fire.  Michelle McMillarn reportedly set her bed on fire at Montgomery Homes on Bower Street on March 17^th, in an effort to end her life.  She was rescued by firefighters. Yesterday charges were filed against her including a charge of recklessly endangering.  She was released after posting $25,000 bail.  The fire caused $3200 in damage all together.

BOWMAN FIELD IMPROVEMENTS POSTPONED

Planned improvements at Bowman Field have officially been delayed.  It was reported today that more than a million dollars in improvements and renovations will now not take place until after the Williamsport Crosscutters season which begins on June 14^th.  Work will include an expanded press box as well as renovations to the visitors locker room and umpire area and will be helped along by a $600,000 dollar grant.  In addition, officials say the fate of a new scoreboard is now in the hands of the Crosscutters.

VOTE COUNT CONTINUES

No major issues are expected as Lycoming County Voter Services officials finish up the official vote count from the May 21^st primary election. The official vote count began on Friday, but was delayed due to the long holiday weekend.  Officials say it will take a few more days to tally up all the votes including the write-in votes and the official vote counts will be posted on the county’s website at www.Lyco.org.

DUI ENFORCMENT RESULTS

State police in Montoursville say they participated in roving patrols and Sobriety Checkpoints over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend in Lycoming County.  Police report that they made five DUI arrests and also issue multiple summary traffic arrests during the details.  They will continue DUI enforcement through the summer months.

STATE FUNDS FOR SUNBURY SAFETY PROJECT

Safety projects in municipalities across the state of Pennsylvania are being boosted by more than $15 million dollars in Automated Red Light Enforcement funding.  The program helps the state make improvements in traffic flow and safety.  In our region, the city of Sunbury will receive $317,000 dollars to improve the traffic signal at the intersection of North Fourth Street and Reagen Street by installing a new mast arm, ADA compliant cub cuts and crosswalk, new vehicle detection and pedestrian signals with push buttons.

COMMITTEE GETS THE SCOOPER ON OLD TOWNE CENTRE

Williamsport City Council’s Economic Revitalization Committee got to hear from a developer, looking to spend $39 million dollars on a complex which would include stores and apartments in the city’s Old Town Area.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports this morning that Daniel Klingerman is pitching a 155,000 square foot building at East Third and Mulberry Streets to be served by a 350 space parking garage.  The development would be called the Old Town Centre. Work is being done to acquire the land needed for that development.

HAIL FALLS IN THE AREA

Though tornado warnings were issued in parts of Lycoming County yesterday it looks like the county escaped any major damage during yesterday’s storms.  Large hail did fall in the Jersey Shore and Avis areas causing some damage to vehicles and homes, and large hail was also reported in sections of Northumberland and Snyder counties. It’s not believed that any tornadoes touched down. We do have a flash flood watch up for much of the area through about 9:15 this morning and more storms are expected later today.

INSTRUCTOR COULD LOSE JOB

A senior prank which occurred at the Shikellamy High School in Danville earlier this month could result in the firing of a district instructor.  The school’s principal, vice principal and the senior class advisor were all placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into students being allowed in the school to pull the prank involving live chickens, toilet paper and flipped desks.  Following a hearing, the principal and vice principal have been reinstated, but it’s possible the teacher may be fired.

MAN INJURED IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP CRASH

An Old Lycoming Township man was injured in a weekend crash in the Township.  That accident happened around 1:20am on Satuday as 31 year old Brad Heffner was driving on Fox Hollow Road at Gordy Lane. He lost control of his vehicle which overturned and then struck a tree.  Heffner was taken to Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries, though his condition was not released. No one else was involved.

ONE WOMAN’S CONDITION UPGRADED

The condition of one of the two women seriously injured in a crash in Montgomery last has been upgraded.  20 year old Kerry Bauer was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 29 year old Alyssa Holmes of Watsontown on the afternoon of May 23^rd when they were struck in the 200 block of Montgomery Street by a garbage truck operated by 33 year old Tyler Comstock of Watsontown.  Both women were taken to Geisinger Medical Center.  Bauer has been upgraded to fair condition,  Holmes remains in critical condition.  Comstock was not injured.

STORM DAMAGE IN BRADFORD COUNTY

Though our immediate area, was spared of any major damage during yesterday’s storms, it’s possible a tornado may have touched down in a section of Bradford County yesterday.  The storm hit the Rome Area uprooting trees and tossing at least one shed, which spread debris around.  National Weather service officials will head to the scene today to see if it was a tornado which touched down there.  More storms expected today.

SPECIAL ELECTION SET FOR STATE HOUSE SEAT

Now that Fred Keller is going to Washington as the 12^th district U.S. Congressman, his seat for the 85^th district as a State Representative representing portions of Union and Snyder counties is open.  It was announced yesterday that a special election will be held on Tuesday August 20^th to fill Keller’s seat.  Candidates for the office will be selected by both the Republican and Democratic parties.  The winner will take office after the results are certified.

PURCHASE OF NEW VOTING MACHINES ON AGENDA

Lycoming County Commissioners discussed the purchase of new voting machines for the county and could vote tomorrow to do so.  A state mandate is requiring all counties in the state to purchase new voting machines which will leave a paper trail, for better election results.  The county is looking at purchasing 180 of the machines from a company called Clear Ballot for a little over a million dollars.  A vote would be contingent on a county solicitor’s review.  If the go ahead is given, the machines should be ready to go for the November General Election.

DUI CHECKPOINT RESULTS

State police in Milton have released results of a DUI checkpoint they conducted over the Memorial Day weekend.  Police did not say where the checkpoint was conducted, but they do say they arrested one driver for DUI.  Two were charged for having a small amount of marijuana and numerous traffic citations were issued as well.  Police say DUI enforcement will continue in Union, Montour and Snyder Counties which are covered by state police there.

FIRE IN MONTOURSVILLE

An unknown number of tenants are temporarily homeless following a Montoursville fire. The fire was reported around 5:30 yesterday in the third floor apartment over the Original Italian Pizza at 313 Broad Street.  Firefighters found fire in the ceiling of the apartment and were able to knock it down quickly. NO one was injured.  There was water damage to a second floor apartment and to the restaurant below.  A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that Montoursville fire is under investigation.

COUNCIL APPROVES THE SEEKING OF GRANTS

With three members absent, the other four members of Williamsport City Council last night approved the submission of a grant for $441,000 dollars which will be used for repairs for cross pipes ass part of the levee recertification project.  The grant will be submitted by the city’s consulting firm and will require a 15% match of close to $14,000 dollas which will be paid through a bond set aside for infrastructure improvements. Council also authorized the consulting firm to seek a $250,000 grant which would go towards replacing an accessible playground at Memorial Park.

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY CRASH

A crash in Montgomery yesterday afternoon sent two women to Geisinger Medical Center with serious injuries. That crash occurred around 4pm in the 200 block of Montgomery Street as a car and garbage truck collided.  The two women were riding in the car.  Their names and conditions not released.  Two children in the car were taken to a local hospital for evaluation. The garbage truck driver was not injured. The crash snapped off a utility pole knocking out power in that area for a time.

MAN SENTENCED FOR SHOOTING

A Williamsport man who entered a guilty plea to third degree murder as well as other counts stemming from a November 2017 shooting in  Loyalsock Township will spend the next 18 ½ to 45 years in State Prison.  Zachary Williams shot William Dowling several times during an argument at Poco Farm Road and Poco Farm Road Extension the later disposed of the gun which was recovered in the 500 block of Market Street.  He was sentenced this week.

OLD LYCOMING POLICE WARNING OF POSSIBLE SCAM

Old Lycoming Township police are cautioning residents of a possible scam there this week.  On Tuesday, a man who identified himself as Martin from Pro-Pave Incorporated of Virginia approached an elderly resident saying he would seal that person’s driveway.  He did not provide contract or work order.  A check with the company revealed there was no Martin working for them.  He was last seen operating a Dark colored Toyota Pick up with Virginia plates.  Old Lycoming Police are reminding residents to always get things in writing before any work begins.

SECOND PERSON CHARGED

A second person has been charged for the operation of a meth lab in Danville in which an explosion there this week destroyed the house as well an adjoining one.  40 year old Nikki Doebler faces several charges along with Richard McHugh for the operation of the Meth lab at the home, where fire broke out when a third person, 35 year old Michael Mowrer Jr. dropped a bottle which exploded catching him on fire as well as the home.  Mowrer is listed in critical condition at the burn unit in Allentown and also faces charges upon recovery.

CHECKING ON THE BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL

It is the Holiday weekend. With many drivers expected to hit the road in Pennsylvania, PennDOT is encouraging motorists to use the Historic Holiday Traffic Page at www.511pa.com.  The page can be used to see how traffic speeds on the Friday before and on Memorial Day in 2017 and 2018 compare ot traffic conditions during a typical non-holida week.  users can choose their region and view the information to help determine the best times to travel during the holiday.

EXTRA PATROLS AT READY

There will be extra patrols out across the region during the Memorial Day Holiday weekend watching for motorists who are driving aggressively, not obeying traffic laws and not buckling up.  In addition, both state and local police in our area have already announced that they will be  conducting DUI checkpoints and roving patrols in areas which have seen high incidences of impaired driving.  You are reminded to designate a driver, do not drink and drive and always buckle up.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

It is the Memorial Day weekend and across our area, various observances and ceremonies will be held to honor war dead and those who have served our country.  The Lycoming County Veterans Annual Memorial Day Service is set to take place on Saturday at 11am at the Veterans Memorial Park at West Fourth Street and Wahoo Drive in Williamsport.  The service will feature a partial unveiling of the latest monument honoring those who fought in wars from the Revolutionary war to the Spanish American War.

BEITER WINS NOMINATION IN CITY

There will be a new head man in the city of Williamsport next year.  Incumbent Mayor Gabriel Campana failed in his bid to win a spot on the ballot in the fall for Lycoming County Commissioner.  Meanwhile, businessman Eric Beiter won Republican nomination over Councilman Don Noviello to  run against Democrat Derek Slaughter who was running unopposed.  Beiter picked up 62.7% of the vote.

MUSSARE AND METZGER REPUBLICAN WINNERS

One Republican incumbent survived the field of 9 candidates to earn the nomination for the fall ballot. Tony Mussare will run on the Republican side with former county employee Scott Metzger who beat out incumbent Jack McKernan by more than 1500 votes.  Democrat incumbent Rick Mirabito as well as Elliot Weiss were running unopposed.  Meanwhile, Ryan Tira beat out two other candidate to win both the Republican and Democratic races for County judge, Ryan Gardner was the winner over Nicole Ippolito for the District Attorney’s post, Other county winners were Thomas Heap for Prothonotary, and Cindy Newcomer for Treasurer.

FRED KELLER HEADS TO WASHINGTON

Fred Keller is going to Washington, easily winning the special election for the 12^th congressional district to replace Tom Marino.  Keller picked up more than twice the votes of his Democratic opponent Marc Freidenberg, easily winning Lycoming County

AREA COUNTIES CHOOSE CANDIDATES

Union County Republicans nominated incumbent Preston Boop as well as Jeff Reber to run against Democrats Trey Casimir and Stacey Richards for Commissioner.  In Montour County, Republican incumbent Commissioners Ken Holdren and Dan Hartman will run in the fall as will Democratic incumbent Trevor Finn and newcomer Steven Bennick.

MAN CHARGED IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

A Montgomery man has been charged with making terroistic threats, Recklessly endangering another person and harassment following a road rage incident last week in Clinton Township.  State police say a Hughesville man made a hand gesture towarrrds 76 year old Guy Steinback at Routes 15 and 54 with Steinback then getting in front of the man, brake checking and then getting a handgun out waving it at the other vehicle.  He incident happened on Fridqay afternoon.  No one was hurt.

WAITING LIST BEING COMPILED

South Williamsport home owners are being urged to get on a waiting list for home repairs which could be helped out by a half million dollar housing rehabilitation grant which may be coming to the borough next year.  Up to $65,000 could be available for the homeowners.  The homeowners would have to maintain residence over a five year period from signing.  The program is managed through SEDA Council of Governments and homeowners can get on the waiting list by calling Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310.

METH LAB EXPLOSION CAUSED DANVILLE FIRE

A man faces several charges following an explosion and fire in Danville yesterday morning. The fire destroyed one side of a double home on Chamber Street, damaging two other homes and was caused by an explosion in a suspected meth lab operated by 33 year old Richard McHugh. He faces multiple charges and is jailed in Montour County Prison in lieu of $250,000 dollars bail.  Another man Michael Mowrer Jr. dropped a bottle causing the explosion. He was flown to Allentown for treatment of burns he suffered and is expected to be charged.

CLINTON AND NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY CHOOSE

In Clinton County..Incumbent Jeff Snyder and former commissioner Mike Kessinger will run on the Republican side in November with incumbent Paul Conklin and Angela Harding on the ballot on the Democratic side.  In Northumberland County Incumbent Kym Best and Tom Aber will run on the Democratic side and Incumbent San Schiccatano and Joe Klebon on the Republican side.

TIPS FOR ATTENDEES

On the way to see President Trump today, be advised that traffic will be heavy.  You are urged to park at the Lycoming Mall and take the shuttle busses that run all day beginning at 9am.  The gate to the airport will not open until 4am and access will only be through South Loyalsock Avenue.  No access will be available across the railroad tracks along any other Street and there will be no access at Mill Street as it is closed today.  No chairs, coolers, travel mugs, bags or any other items will be allowed in.  You are only allowed to take water in sealed water bottles.  There will be facilities on the site, but no handicapped parking is available there.

MONTOURSVILLE IS READY

With president Trump’s appearance in town, Montoursville officials are reminding residents there that there could be 10,000  or more people making their way around town today.  Residents are reminded to leave early for their destinations this morning as traffic is expected to be heavy. They are also being reminded to be respectful and hospitable to visitors.  School has been closed in Montoursville today.  Businesses in Montoursville say they are ready for the onslaught there today.

GRADUATION FOR 950 PLUS

More than 950 students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology were handed their degrees at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport in three ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.  The College also recognized three alumni including John Estep of Troy, a 1974 graduate of WACC who earned the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and three faculty members including Ryan Good, a, assistant professor of welding who was awarded the Veronica M. Muzic Master teaching award.

STORMS ACROSS THE VALLEY

Storms hit across our region yesterday bringing with it at least one tornado warning for northern Lycoming County as well as Sullivan County.  High winds brought down trees and power lines with scattered power outages.  It’s not known at this time if any tornados touched down in the region.  There was damage reported in Bradford County and also in the south portion of our region.

LANE RESTRICTIONS

Traffic on I-180 in the area of the Lycoming Mall will be slow going especially during the busy hours due to long term lane restrictions there.  The passing lane in both directions is closed from approximately a half mile west of the Lycoming Mall Interchange to the Pennsdale Interchange.  Today and tomorrow the westbound passing lane will actually be closed all the way to the Muncy/Hughesville Interchange.  Motorists are reminded to watch for the work and drive accordingly.

MASSIVE FIRE IN BLOOMSBURG

Fire destroyed a double block home in Bloomsburg yesterday morning and was so intense it damaged three other properties there.  Four persons lived in apartments in the one side of the home on Fair Street and one is still unaccounted for.  Dogs will be on the scene to search for that person today.  The fire broke out around 1am and took about 5 hours to bring under control. A cause may not be able to be determined due to the extent of damage.

INJURED CYCLIST IDENTIFIED

That motorcyclist seriously injured in a crash on Lycoming Creek Road in Loyalsock Township last week has been identified.   On Wednesday morning, a vehicle driven by 85  year Fred McClain of Williamsport entered Lycoming Creek Road from Motter Lane and struck a motorcycle operated by 46 year old Casey Metzger of Williamsport.  Metzger was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center.  His condition not released. McClain was not injured.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES FILED

A Williamsport man was charged last week with possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication’s facility by the state attorney general’s office.  A search of Stephen Vail’s residence on Hepburn Street turned up illicit photos of minors.  He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $150,000 dollars.