VEHICLE CRASHES INTO BUILDING

Emergency crews were called out in the city of Williamsport yesterday a vehicle into a structure. A car crashed into the Family Dollar Store in the 300 block of Memorial Avenue yesterday. No one was reported injured, but an unknown amount of structural damage was reported done to the building.  Crews were on the scene for a short time. No other details were available and city police are investigating the accident there.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

Area veterans groups, businesses and citizens turned out in communities across our region yesterday for Memorial Days parades and services.  The ceremonies took place in cemeteries across the region, ranging from honoring those who fought in the Civil War and are buried in Wildwood Cemetery in the city of Williamsport to those who fought in later wars and are laid to rest across the area.  In addition, several parades took place including the veterans and civics groups.  The nice weather contributed to large turnouts across the region.

GIFTS ACCEPTED

Though Pennsylvania law does not limit lawmakers to a certain amount in gifts they receive from lobbyists and others, it does require them to report those gifts.  A report out this past week shows that lawmaker accepted $83,000 dollars in free trips last year and also collected a variety of gifts, alcohol and free meals.  The travel included trips to Israel, Taiwan and destinations around the United States.  Many of the trips were to meetings organized by various groups pushing their idealogical agendas.

TWO HOMELESS FOLLOWING SNYDER COUNTY FIRE

Fire struck in Snyder County yesterday leaving 2 persons homeless and killing five pets. The fire broke out around 2:30pm in the home along West Ridge Road in Middlecreek Township as a resident there was cooking on the stove.  When firefighters arrived, they found flames quickly spreading through the home and were not able to save it.  The occupant who was home was not injured.  A damage estimate has not been released following that Snyder County fire.

WATER RESCUE

Two persons were reported trapped by swift currents in the Susquehanna River in Fairfield Township yesterday. The call came in with the two trapped in knee deep water there, and a rescue boat from the city of Williamsport was launched into the river from the boat launch along Mill Street in Montoursville. It’s believed the two were rescued without incident and there were no injures. No other information is available.

FIRE SENDS TWO TO HOSPITAL

Two were sent to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries after fire broke out in a Milton home on Sunday night. Firefighters were called to the 500 block of Mahoning Street around 11pm on Sunday for reports of a fire in a second floor bedroom there. Crews reported a tough time getting to the fire due to cluttered conditions inside of the home.  A resident and a volunteer firefighter had to be treated at a nearby hospital. Their conditions were not released. A damage estimate has not been released, it’s not known how many are displaced and the cause is under investigation.

MAN INJURED IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP CRASH

A crash on Sunday in Loyalsock Township sent a man to the hospital with unspecified injuries.  Police say the man who has not been identified, lost control of his vehicle on Interstate 180 near the Faxon exit with the car going through a section guidewire and then crossed both lanes on the opposite side crashing into a guardrail. He was briefly trapped, freed and then transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where his condition was not released. The crash remains under investigation.

MAN ALLEGEDLY PUNCHES OFFICER

City police arrested a Williamsport man on Sunday after he became unruly and allegedly punched an officer.  Police were called to the home of 30 year old Kristopher Fike on Sunday who it was believed was huffing on solvents and started and disturbance.  When an officer tried to take him into custody Fike allegedly punched that officer.  He was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and other counts and was jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail.

FIRE CAUSES POWER OUTAGE

A power outage in a section of Sunbury on Sunday night caused by a fire in an electrical device on a pole there. Firefighters were called to put the fire out as the device caught fire and then fell off of the pole in flames.  Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour there and reported no other damage other than to that device.  The power outage kept customers in the dark for about two hours before things were repaired and the power was turned back on.

ARIBTRATOR RULES IN FAVOR OF EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

A decision by an arbitrator will require the Jersey Shore School District to offer jobs back to 11 teachers who were furloughed there last year  Following the furloughs which the district said was due to declining enrollment, the Jersey Shore Education Association filed a grievance against the district.  The arbitrators ruling says that the district furloughed the teachers due financial reasons only, not declining enrollment and that the district did not go through the steps necessary to furlough the teachers for financial reasons.  The district has 30 days to offer back those jobs.

PRELMINARY BUDGET PASSED IN SOUTH SIDE

The South Williamsport School Board last night passed an proposed 2019-2020 budget which contains more than $19.7 million dollars in expenditures and a tax increase of a little over a mill.  If given final approval next month, District property owners with properties worth $100,000 dollars will have to pay $100 dollars more on their tax bills next year.  The tax increase would still leave a deficit of close to $129,000 dollars.  There could still be some changes made before the final budget is passed.

FATAL CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

The victim of a fatal crash in the city of Williamsport last week has been identified.  Police say 49 year old Phillip Kralick of Williamsport failed to stop at a stop sign at Towncrest Road and West Fourth Street in the city’s West End on May 15^th around 4:20pm and was struck by a pick up truck driven by Lear Engel of Williamsport.  Kralick was pronounced dead at the scene of that crash, while Engel was not injured.

STUDENT STRUCK BY VEHICLE

A Montoursville Area High School student was transported to the UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment after being struck by a vehicle while on his way to school yesterday. The accident happened around 8:15am at Mulberry and Bennett Streets in the borough as the unidentified teen was crossing in the crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle driven by another High School student.  Police believe the driver did not see the student as he was blinded by the sun.  The injured student’s condition has not been reported.

BRINKER UNOFFICIALLY WINS SPOT ON FALL BALLOT

Though still unofficial, it looks like write-in votes for Republican Mayoral Candidates in the city of Lock Haven from Tuesday’s primary election will send Jeff Brinker to the fall election.  Election officials stress that the results have not yet been certified, but it looks like Brinker picked up 166 votes to Rick Conklin’s 105 votes on Tuesday.  The official vote recount will begin on Friday.   If confirmed, Brinker will run against Democrat Joel Long in November.

ANOTHER AREA STORE TO CLOSE

Another area store has announced that it will be closing.  Pier 1 Imports, a home goods retailer along Lycoming Mall Circle will be closing effective on June 27^th.  Store closing signs are up.  Employees at the store found out last week they would be closing as part of the shutdown of some 145 stores nationwide for the chanin in the fiscal year.  The company reports that profitability in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year decreased 19.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.  It’s not been reported how many employees will lose their jobs.

COUNCIL TO TALK GRANTS

Williamsport City Council meets tonight with review of a couple of important grant applications on their agenda.  Council is expected to hear a proposal for a $441,000 grant of which the money will be used for a portion of cross pipe replacement needed as part of the levee recertification which in all is expected to cost about $16 million dollars. In addition, they will review a grant application of which the money will be used for new playground equipment and facilities to replace the accessible children’s playground at Memorial Park.

WARRIOR RUN HS TO RECEIVE BREAKFAST GRANT

It has been announced that the Warrior Run High School in Turbotville will be receiving state grant money to provide breakfasts to students there.  107^th district State Representative Kurt Masser made the announcement that the school will receive a grant of up to $5,000 through a $600,000 statewide initiative to make breakfast available to all students in the school.  Mt Carmel High School, also in Masser’s district will also receive money.

SCOUTS GET CEMETERIES READY FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts across Lycoming County made sure that servicemen from across the area who have passed, will be honored on the upcoming Memorial Day.  The scouts with the help of area Veterans Groups placed flags on the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the county yesterday.   A number of area observances are planned beginning this weekend and running through Monday to honor those who have fought for our country.

SPECIAL ELECTION TODAY

It is primary election day.  The polls open up at 7am and they close at 8pm.  In addition to the primary election though, there is a special election which will send one of two candidates to Washington to represent the 12^th congressional district.  Republican State Representative from Snyder and Union Counties, Fred Keller will run against Democrat Marc Freidenberg.  Both candidates made appearances here yesterday.  Keller appearing with President Tump and Friedenberg canvassing door to door with supporters.

THE PRESIDENT COMES TO TOWN

Thousands waited in line for hours yesterday with more arriving all day to see President Trump speak in a rally at the Williamsport Regional Airport in Montoursville.  Air Force One flew in a few minutes past 7 with the President speaking before a cheering crowd. The president here to boost the chances of Fred Keller, also  touted his administration’s part in boosting the economy and spoke on such subjects as immigration, health care, second amendment rights and the military.  Despite some protestors and a few health issues with attendees, Officials reported a smooth day in Montoursville.

MEMORIAL DAY DUI ENFORCEMENT

With the Memorial Day Holiday on the way, the Lycoming County DUI Enforcment team has announced that they will be conducting DUI Checkpoints and Roving patrols through Monday May 27^th.  Team DUI is encouraging everyone to designate to celebrate the holiday safely saying that the .08% blood alcohol limit will be strictly enforced.

GUN LAW SEMINAR SCHEDULED

Area residents interested in in safe and responsible gun ownership will be able to hear from members of law enforcement regarding that subject next week in Lycoming County.  State Representatives Garth Everett and Jeff Wheeland will present a Gun law seminar at the Loyalsock Township Volunteer Fire Company, at 715 Northway Road in Williamsport on Wednesday May 29^th at 6pm.  Presentations will be presented by an officer of the Game commission, a county judge, Sheriff Mark Lusk and a State police officer.  Residents can RSVP by contacting Everett or Wheeland’s office.

SEVERAL CONTESTED COUNTY OFFICES TODAY

It’s off to the polls today for residents across Pennsylvania as the primary elections are here.  In Lycoming County there are a number of contested races including that for the Republican nomination to run for County Commissioner in the fall.    9 candidates are vying for two slots including the two incumbents.  Incumbent Rick Mirabito and Elliot Weiss are running on the Democratic side.  Three candidates are looking to be the next Lycoming County Judge. There are also contested races on the Republican side for District Attorney, as well as Prothonary and Treasurer.   Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.

MUNICIPAL OFFICES UP FOR GRABS

There are also a number contested municipal races during today’s election. Republicans in the City of Williamsport will choose amongst City Councilman Don Noviello and businessman Eric Beiter to run in the fall against Democrat Derek Slaughter for Mayor.  In addition, there are three Repoublcians and Three Democrats on the ballot for City Council. Four slots will be open in the fall.  There are also various school district races across the county s well as municipal offices.

POPULATION DOUBLES

The population of Montoursville at least doubled yesterday as thousands flocked to the Williamsport Regional Airport to hear from President Trump as he made a rally stop at the Energy Aviation Hanger.  Many stood in line for hours to hear from the President who spoke after Air Force One landed at the airport just past 7pm.  The president was hear to boost the prospects of Republican Fred Keller running in today’s special election in the 12^th congressional district against Marc Freidenberg. He also touched on several subjects including the economy, immigration and health care.

ROBBERY REPORTED

A strong armed robbery reported in the borough of Montoursville overnight.  Police and an ambulance were sent to the Turkey Hill Market in the 300 block of Broad Street for that reported robbery. No word on if anyone has been arrested, it’s not sure if anyone was injured, and police have not said what if anything has been taken.

PA NOW REAL ID COMPLIANT

Pennsylvania is now Real ID compliant.  PennDOT announced yesterday that the Federal Department of Homeland Security has proclaimed the state as compliant of the federal law to offer Real ID’s well ahead of the deadline for the state to do so.  They say that since Real ID’s have been avaialable since March, some 138,000 have bene issued with many more on the way.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with what were believed to be serious leg injuries following a morning crash in Loyalsock Township yesterday.  Emergency responders were called out just before 7:30am to the 2800 block of Lycoming Creek Road for a motorcycle down.  The operator who was not identified was reported to have severe leg trauma and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.  That person’s condition has not been released.  Crews were on the scene for close to an hour and a half.  No one else was reported involved.

LOGISTICS STILL BEING WORKED OUT

Though complete logistics have not yet been announced yet for President Trump’s rally at the Williamsport, Regional Airport, Montoursville police on their Facebook page yesterday warned residents of heavy traffic and the difficulty of finding parking  in the borough on Monday.  Police say that accessibility to the airport will only be available from South Loyalsock Avenue and that protestors are expected with an area set up for them in the 200 block of Jordan Avenue at South Loyalsock Avenue. More details are expected to be released in the next day or two.

MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT

A Jersey Shore man was jailed earlier this week after attacking a woman in his home.  Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police have charged 40 year old Scott A. Marshall with strangulation, simple assaults and terroristic threats for the incident which occurred on Wednesday at his home along Route 44.  Police say that he jumped on Rebecca Peters while she was sleeping, proceeding to choke the woman. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.

MAN JAILED FOLLOWING DRUG SALE

The Lycoming County District Attorney’s office has filed several drug charges against a Williamsport man.  They say 25 year old Akeem Hall, tried to sell $100 of crack cocaine to a confidential informant at the Weis Markets on River Avenue on Wednesday.  He was charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility and jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

WANTED MAN IN CUSTODY

State police in Selinsgrove say a man wanted for assaulting two women on Sunday in Snyder County has been taken into custody.  On Sunday, 40 year old Christopher Hare of Sunbury allegedly assaulted the women, strangling one, and hitting another causing both to go to the hospital for treatment.  He then fled the scene.  Police reported yesterday that he was taken into custody but they had no other information as to where and exactly when. He assault charges as well as several other counts and is jailed.

GEISINGER TO MOVE LIFE FLIGHT 1

Geisinger is moving it’s base for Life Flight one.  The helicopter and it’s crew was based at the hospital in Danville, but officails say they are getting set to create more space at the Danville facility for the Life Flight maintenance team, and will move Life Flight One and it’s crew to be based out of the Penns Valley Airport near Selinsgrove early this summer.  They say the move will help the maintenance staff to better take care of the Lifeflight fleet which has nine medical helicopter with 6 operating around the clock from bases in Central and Northeaster Pennsylvania.

CAR INTO PORCH IN SUNBURY

A section of Reagen Street in Sunbury was shut down for several hours yesterday into last night when a vehicle went off the roadway, striking a house there.  Officials there say the car went off of the roadway into a the porch of a home and then slid into the basement.  The road has to be shut down to cars from Catawissa Avenue to 6^th Street and to trucks between 4^th and 11^th streets as crews worked to remove the car and shore up the home.  No one was reported injured. The driver was not named.

LAWSUITS FILED

As some 900 former employees of Wood-Mode in Snyder County continue to attend various meetings and try to decide their next moves after being abruptly let go this week, two separate class action lawsuits are being filed on their behalf.  The two petitions were filed Wednesday in Federal Court in Harrisburg alleging the company violated the WARN Act by failing to provide a 60 day notice to employees that the company would shut down.  Each action seeks a judgment equal to pay wages, vacation time, retirement, health benefits and more for a period of 60 days.

WORK TO BEGIN ON WEST END OF FOURTH STREET

While work continues on the East End of the West Fourth Street Reconstruction Project in Newberry, PennDOT has announced that beginning on Tuesday of next week, work will begin on the West End of the project between Mahaffey Street and Foresman Street.  The contractor will begin to install water lines and sanitary laterals on that section of Fourth Street and a barrier will be installed ot maintain a single lane of traffic in both directions with a 10 foot width restriction in place.

MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING DISTURBANCE

A disturbance in Montoursville on Monday evening resulted in the arrest of a man at his home there.  Police were called to the North Loyalsock Avenue home around 8:30pm finding that 23 year old Robert Oeler had allegedly thrown his girlfriend to the ground, smashed out a window on the back porch door, and then destroyed items in the woman’s bedroom.  Oeler was charges with simple assault, criminal mischief, public drunkenness and harassment and was jailed in lieu of $35,000 bail.

PRELMINARY BUDGETS PASSED IN TWO DISTRICTS

Two area school boards passed proposed budgets for the 2019-2020 school year during their meetings last night.  The East Lycoming School Board said yes to a balanced spending plan of a little more than $26.5 million dollars with a tax increase of .44 mills.  The Muncy School board meanwhile passed proposed expenditures of $18,9 million dollars with a tax increase set at 0.74 mills.  A budget shortfall of a little more than $352,000 dollars is expected.  Both budgets will be on display before final approval is given.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND ENFORCEMENT

The Memorial Holiday Weekend is still more than a week away, but State Police in Montoursville say they are ready and will be conducting roving DUI Patrols and DUI Checkpoints during the weekend.  Police say the checkpoint will be targeting high DUI related crash areas according to compiled statistical data.  They are also reminding motorists of their Duty of Driver in Emergency Response areas and to always buckle up.

HELP FOR DISPLACES WOOD-MODE EMPLOYEES

Following Monday’s announcement that Wood-Mode, the largest employer in Snyder County is closing, putting 900 people out of work, the community there is stepping up in a variety of ways.  Reports are that other companies in Snyder County have already put out the help wanted signs hoping to get some of those skilled workers on board.  Governor Wolf will send his rapid response team for a meeting at Susquehanna University next Tuesday for Wood-mode employees to give them help and options, and other efforts are underway to help the displaced workers.

MAN CHARGED FOR CITY ACCIDENT

Charges have been filed by city police against a man who crashed into an apartment complex in the city back on March 30^th.  Police say 30 year old Clifford Deljonavon was drunk that night when he slammed into the Memorial Homes complex along Memorial Avenue injuring himself and his passenger.  He has been charged with DUI, as well as careless driving and driving with a suspended license stemming from that incident.

CHARGES FILED FOLLOWING CRASH IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

State police have filed charges against a Williamsport man who they say was drunk the night he lost control of his vehicle in Loyalsock Township crashing head-on into a vehicle containing two teens.  The crash happened on Northway Road extension on March 15^th as 31 year old Andrew Watson lost control of his truck.  Watson was hurt as was the 17 year old driver and 17 year old passenger in the other vehicle. He now faces counts of DUI, accidents involving death or personal injury, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property and other related offenses.

THREE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ON SUSPENSION

Three Shikellamy High School Administrators in Sunbury are on paid administrative leave following a reported senior prank that went wrong at the school last week.  The school’s principal, vice principal an senior class adviser are accuses of letting students in the school on Thursday night for a prank involving live chicken’s toilet paper and flipped desks. The three were suspended yesterday and according to the district superintendent will defend themselves in a hearing next week.

FIRE DESTROYS CLINTON COUNTY HOME

Fire struck in Clinton County yesterday morning leaving a family of four homeless. The fire broke out around 7:15am at the home owned by John and Jodi Eck along Aaron Drive in Wayne Township.  Firefighters from several companies in Clinton and Lycoming Counties responded to the scene but were not able to save the home.  Eck’s wife and two children were able to escape without injury.  A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that fire is under investigation.

DRILL SCHEDULED TODAY

Emergency vehicles and personnel will be on the scene through the morning hours at the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority facilities in Fairfield Township, but it will only be a drill. The Authority has announced that between 7:30am and noon today, that the emergency exercise will involve multiple systems and partners throughout Lycoming County and will take place at the Administrative offices and the Regional Sewage Treatment plant along Old Cement Road.  They say the objective is to test internal procedures and coordination with emergency services there.