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BILLS TO JUMP START THE ECONOMY

Looking to get the Pennsylvania Economy jump started, State House Speaker Mike Turzai was joined by 8 other Republican Lawmakers in Harrisburg yesterday as they introduced a package of bills designed to target job growth and infrastructure.  The 8 bills focus on attracting manufacturers using methane production, providing tax credits and speeding up the permitting process for businesses.   It’s hoped the legislation will help bring more family sustaining  jobs to the Commonwealth.

MAN ARRESTED AT THEATRE

Williamsport police had to take down a man who resisted arrest over the weekend at the theatres in the city of Williamsport after causing a disturbance inside.  Police were called to the AMC theatres at 300 West Fourth Street on Friday evening after 34 year old Raymond Brooks refused to leave when asked after causing issues at the ticket window.  Once outside, Brooks resisted arrest and had to be taken down and tased by officers. He is charged with four separate counts and was jailed in lieu of $35,000 bail.

RAIL IMPROVEMENTS COMING

More than $730,000 dollars is coming to Lycoming County for a pair of rail freight improvement projects.  The money comes for the state as part of 27 rail freight projects all together which will create and sustain 255 jobs statewide.  John Savoy and Son in Montoursville will receive a little less than $205,000 dollars to construct an new rail siding and unloading dock to enable new rail service and Lycoming Valley Railroad Company will use more than $531,000 dollars to rehabilitate approximately 3.5 miles of track by replacing tires and surfacing track.

RAPE CHARGES FILED AFTER A DECADE

A Brooklyn New York man faces charges of rape and related counts stemming from an incident on the Bucknell University Campus in Lewisburg more than ten years ago.  Bucknell police have filed charges against Joseph McClain III, now 34 who they say raped a woman in a frat house on campus during a party in October of 2008.  They say the woman did not want to press charges then, but has decided to do so before the 12 year statute of limitations runs out.  DNA evidence points to McClain as her assailant.

WOMAN INJURED IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP CRASH

A crash in Woodward Township yesterday morning has sent a Linden woman to the hospital with a head injury.  The crash occurred as 25 year old Ashley Koppenhaver was driving on Quenenshunkeny Road around 7:40am when she lost control of her vehicle which rolled onto a pairt of utility trailer frames. She was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where her condition has not been released.

MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITON FOLLOWING FIGHT

A fight in Sunbury early yesterday morning resulted in a man being taken to Geisinger Medical Center and another jailed. An altercation allegedly started inside the Eagles Social Club along South Third Street between Jay Boyer of Middleburg and Brian Cox, whose address was not released.  When the two went outside, Boyer allegedly punched Cox, knocking him to the ground and severely injuring the man.  Cox is in critical condition. Boyer has been arraigned on aggravated assault and other charges and jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

REPUBLICAN COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES DEBATE

Residents of Lycoming County can hear from the 9 candidates running for nomination in May to run in the fall for County Commissioner during a forum which will be held in Williamsport tonight.  The formal debate, put on by the Lycoming County Republican Committee will take place at Lycoming College’s Clarke Chapel tonight beginning at 7pm.  All 9 candidates have signified their intent to participate.

MAN SENTENCED FOR INVESTMENT FRAUD

It’s 17 years in federal prison for a Bellefonte man who entered a guilty plea in October of last year to defrauding elderly clients out of close to $1.5 million dollars.  Federal investigators charges 49 year old James Hocker with telling his clients, including his mother he would get them 25 to 30 percent extra on their funds, but he ended up not investing the money, instead using if for his own use. He was sentenced in federal court in Williamsport yesterday and ordered to pay restitution as well.

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MAN VIOLATES PFA

An arrest in the city of Williamsport on Monday as a man allegedly violated his protection from abuse order, showing up at a city home and terrorizing a woman there.  Police say that 43 year old Samuel Treese Jr, went to the Almond Street home of Jamie Lucasi in an intoxicated state and pulled her hair, pushed up against the wall and briefly prevented her from leaving the residence. He then allegedly verbally threatened her. He faces several counts and was jailed in lieu of $60,000 bail.

DEMOCRATS IN LYCOMING COUNTY CALL FOR CHANGE

Calling for change, several Democrats took to the stage during this weekend’s Lycoming County Democratic Committee Spring Banquet.  U.S. Congressional 12th district candidate Marc Friedenberg set the tone by calling out his Republican opponent Fred Keller as doing nothing in Harrisburg as a state representative and being in favor of getting rid of social security and medicare. Other speakers included the two democratic candidates for County Commissioner, as well as for a number of local offices including mayor and city council in the city of Williamsport.

I-180 WORK CONTINUES

Once again this week, the I-180 westbound off and on ramps at the Route 405, the Muncy/Hughesville Interchange will see should closures as part of an 8.6 mile resurfacing project between Fairfield Township and Muncy Creek Township.  A subcontractor continues to construct a new highway lighting system for the interchange which the work taking place daily between 7am and 5pm.  Motorists should be alert and dive with caution through the workzone.  Work is expected to be finished in the fall of this year.

ANOTHER SCAM WARNING

Pennsylvania State police over the weekend once again put out the warning about a particular phone scam which has been making it’s rounds.  In the scam, elderly residents are contacted saying that a grand child is in trouble with the law and they are needed to pay for legal expenses.  The most recent example given was a couple which was defrauded out of $48,000 dollars in a week’s time.  Police say anyone receiving calls similar to the scam are o try and verify the origin prior to taking any action and to report it to police if they believe they are being scammed.

MARIJUANA LISTENING TOUR MAKES AREA STOPS

Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman made stops in Clinton and Union Counties over the weekend as part of his listening tour centering on the legalization of recreation marijuana.  Some 100 persons showed up at Lock Haven University on Saturday afternoon, many in favor of legalizing the drug. Concerns brought up included state taxation, as well as the idea that marijuana serves as a gateway drug to other stronger drugs.  Fetterman’s tour will be in Williamsport on Wednesday at the Klump Academic Center at Penn College in Williamsport at 6pm.  The session is open to the public.

10 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Sentencing in Federal Court was held on Friday for a man who is a convicted felon and who sold a gun to someone else in the city back in 2014.  Joseph Colman Jr. was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. He had pleaded guilty back in December of last year to illegally possessing a firearm.  Coleman awaits sentencing in a double murder at a Newberry home, and also was found guilty in the robbery and murder of another man in the city of Williamsport as well.

CLEAN ENERGY GRANT

$300,000 dollars will be coming from the state in order to support a Clean Energy vehicle project in Lycoming County.  The money comes from DEP and will go to the Williamsport Bureau of Transportation for 10 compressed natural gas powered buses that combined with 13 of the same busses will mean that they have not converted over 80% of their fleet to clean energy.  .

FIELD SPRUCED UP THANKS TO CROSSCUTTERS

Thanks to Minor League Baseball and the Williamsport Crosscutters, the Carl E. Stotz Original Little League Field in the city of Williamsport is receiving a facelift.  Over the weekend, about 25 tons of dirt were delivered for the project which will edge the field, put in a new home plate and pitching rubber, as well as other work there. The field is where the Little League World Series was played for the first 12 years of it’s existence and now houses the Original League.  The work is being funded by Minor League Baseball’s Project Refresh program.

LANE RESTRICTIONS ON ROUTES 180AND 15

Motorists are once again reminded to watch out this week for a moving PennDOT project on Interstate 180 westbound and eastbound and on Route 15 north and southbound in Lycoming County.  Crews are installing guide rail mou8nted delineators through the week and there will be alternating lane restrictions.  Motorists are asked to be alert, drive with caution and watch for slow moving vehicles during the daytime hours.

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GUNSHOT VICTIM RECOVERS

An unidentified city man was dropped off at the UPMC Susquehanna ER around 10 pm Wednesday night with injuries he allegedly received in a shooting, according to police.  Investigators have not released any details about the incident, but are checking a few blocks southwest of the hospital for ballistics evidence.  The victim, who is in his 20s, underwent emergency surgery and is recovering from gunshot wounds.  Police say they impounded a car that pulled up to the hospital after the victim arrived because it may be involved in the case.

BIG BROTHER VOLUNTEER CHARGED WITH SEX CRIMES

A Loyalsock Township man has been charged with repeatedly molesting a teenage boy he was matched with through the Big Brother/Big Sister program.  Thirty year-old Logan Lewis of Williamsport was charged with a total of 13 felony and misdemeanor sex abuse counts after police allege he showed pornography and committed inappropriate acts with the local teenager. Geisinger’s Child Advocacy Center in Sunbury was involved in the investigation.  Lewis was arraigned and taken to the Lycoming County Prison under $100 thousand dollars bail.

COMMISSIONERS CONSIDER LOAN FOR WATER LINE

Lycoming County commissioners may loan money to the West Branch Regional Authority to speed up completion of the water line infrastructure at the former West Pharmaceuticals plant in Montgomery.  There is a potential buyer for the property and the authority is waiting on grant funding to finish the water lines.  The commissioners are planning to talk more in-depth about the loan during next week’s meeting Tuesday April 30th at 10am.

PUBLIC OPINION SOUGHT ON MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is coming to Clinton County this weekend to gather input from Pennsylvanians about the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.  Fetterman will hold the public event Saturday at 11am at the Sloan Theater, 401 North Fairview St. on the campus of Lock Haven University..  The Lt. Governor’s listening tour will take him to all 67 counties in PA as he invites residents to share their views and concerns about legalization.  The public is invited.  The listening tour will also stop Wednesday, May 1st at Penn College’s Klump Academic Center at 6pm.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that happened on Green Ridge Road in West Buffalo Township around 9pm last night.  State troopers say 21 year-old Hunter Karchner from Mifflinburg was on a motorcycle and collided with a vehicle driven by 33 year-old Shane Murray.  No word if Murray sustained any injuries in the crash.  The accident is still under investigation.

GAS TAXES FOR POLICE SALARIES, NOT BRIDGE REPAIR

According to PA’s Auditor General, Eugene DePasquale, there have been over 4 billion dollars in transfers of gas tax money from the state’s road and bridge work fund to cover the cost of state police patrols since the 2012-13 fiscal year.  DePasquale says his new audit of PennDOT shows that the state could addressed a growing list of rough highways and almost 3 thousand structurally deficient bridges with those funds instead of paying state police.  Under the State Constitution, proceeds from the Motor License Fund are to be used solely for maintenance and repair of highways and bridges.  PennDOT has scheduled contracts through the end of 2019 to address over 15-hundred poor-condition bridges.

MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH IN RIVERSIDE

The intersection of Boyd Station Rd. and Route 54 in Riverside was closed for about an hour Tuesday afternoon after a 3 vehicle crash caused multiple injuries.  State police say 53 year old Linda Duell was driving toward Elysburg and attempted to turn when she was hit by 28 year-old Christina Rebuck.  Duell and Rebuck were treated and released from Geisinger, but two passengers, 34 year-old Arvin Shicora Jr and 21 year-old Nathan Duell are still hospitalized.  Passengers in the third  vehicle, including a 2 year old child were not injured.

DUI CONVICTION FOR MAN WHO HIT A BUILDING

A 53 year old Old Lycoming Township man was charged with DUI and other charges resulting from an October 2018 incident where he first rear-ended a van along the 3700 block of Lycoming Creek Road and then plowed into the front of the Allison Crane and Rigging building at 2817 Lycoming Creek Road.  Police say David Smith had a blood-alcohol content of 0.22 and was driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI conviction when he was injured in the crash.    Smith was released on 15-hundred dollars bail.

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AUTHORITY TURNS DOWN REQUEST

The Williamsport Water and Sanitary Authority has turned down a request from Lycoming County for a million dollars to go towards the levee recertification project.  The ten person board voted unanimously yesterday against that request.  County officials say it’s possible that the authority may be working on a long term strategy to take over storm water management in the city of Williamsport which would incorporate part of the levee operation into that responsibility.

TRUCK OVERTURNS, IMPACTS TRAFFIC

Traffic was slow going heading south on Route 15 in South Williamsport yesterday after a tractor trailer could not make the turn from Market Street onto 15 south yesterday morning.  The crash happened around 9:15am as the truck carrying over 50,000 pounds of lumber and being driven by a New Jersey may overturned.  The driver was able to climb out of the vehicle without injury.  The road was down to one lane, with traffic actually detoured for awhile as crews worked on putting the vehicle back on it’s wheels. Traffic returned to normal around noon.

MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITON

A Columbia County man was listed in critical condition yesterday at Geisinger Medical Center following a crash in Northumberland County which occurred on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred at Route 54 and Boyd Station Road in Rush Township as a vehicle driven by 53 year old Linda Duell of Catawissa turned in front of another driven by 29 year old Christina Rebuck of Shamokin.  It then struck a truck driven by Eugene Hoover of Danville.  21 year old Nathan Deull was taken to Geisigner.  One other person is in fair condition and one treated and released.

MAN ARRESTED FOR FEBRUARY CRASH

An Old Lycoming Township man faces charges of DUI and other counts stemming from a crash which occurred in the Township.  On February 23rd Thomas Anderson was involved in an accident in the 2500 block of Bottle Run Road in which two other vehicles were involved, with one of the drivers trapped for a short time.  Anderson then crashed into the side of his residence just down the road. He was found to have a blood alcohol level four times over the legal limit and has a prior DUI conviction out of Ohio while being wanted in Florida for a DUI offense. He was arraigned yesterday and jailed in lieu of $7500 bail.

COUNCIL BUSY TONIGHT

Williamsport City Council will be busy at their meeting tonight.  They are expected to review a $5.2 million dollar contract for the East Third Street/Old City Gateway Project, take a look at spending borrowed bond money on an elevator upgrade at city hall, not expected to pass inspection, review an application for a $250,000 grant which would be used to replace and repair handicapped accessible equipment at the playground at Memorial Park, review upgrades at Bowman Field and discuss a request to apply for a grant for the Russell Inn Heritage Park at East Third and Mulberry Streets.

CYCLE CRASH IN MIFFLINBURG

A motorcycle operator was flown to Geisinger Medical Center following a crash in Mifflinburg yesterday.  That crash occurred on Green Ridge Road.  A Life Flight helicopter was requested which landed at the Mifflinburg High School.  No word on the identity of the injured person and their condition has not been released.  It’s not known if anyone else was involved and no other information was available.

SCAM IN UNION COUNTY

State police in Milton report that a Union County woman has been scammed out of $8500 dollars.  They say the incident happened late last month when the 76 year old New Columbia Woman was persuaded to send $3500 dollars in Amazon Gift Cards and transfer $5,000 dollars in cash convincing her she would receive $75,000 dollars through a FedEx delivery.  State police say they continue their investigation and are warning other residents to be vigilant of such scams.

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY SATURDAY

This Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day.  23rd District State Senator Gene Yaw reports that Take Back sites will be set up throughout communities across his district allowing residents to return their unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.  Drop off locations can be found by going to www.SenatorGeneYaw.com.  In 2018 alone, Pennsylvnaia law enforcement collected 36,000 pounds of unsued or expired medication at 306 collection sites.

ROAD IMPACTS TODAY

It’s construction season and there will be lane restrictions and traffic tie-ups on some roads in our area today.  The left passing lane of the Route 15 Southbound ramp to Interstate 180 will be closed today from 9am to 2pm with guide rail repair and centerline pavement patching happening there.  Work is taking place on the Lycoming Mall Road Bridge over I-180 today from 9am through 5pm with intermittent lane closures under flagging there and a diesel fuel spill cleanup continues on Route 15 northbound in at River Road in East Buffalo Township in Union County from 7am to 7pm with traffic reduced to a single lane and intermittent traffic stoppages there.

 

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WOMAN INJURED IN CITY CRASH

A crash in the city of Williamsport yesterday resulted in an injury to an unidentified woman. The crash occurred at noon on Campbell Street near High Street as a vehicle driven by a male who has not been identified crashed into a utility pole.  His female passenger was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries.  Her condition was not released. The crash remains under investigation.

PROJECTS GET COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

Williamsport City Council’s Public Works Committee has sent recommendations on two projects onto city council for their consideration tomorrow night.  They recommended that council say yes to work at city hall on an amended basis which would repair the elevator there to bring it up to standards.  That would be followed by work on a  new handicapped accessible ramp and security upgrades.  They also recommended council approve work at BB&T Ballpark at Bowman Field which would include an expanded media box, and expanded umpire rooms and upgrades to the visitor’s locker room.

FUEL CLEAN UP TODAY

Work continues today on a diesel fuel spill clean up on Route 15 in Union County.  The clean up is occurring in the Northbound lanes at River Road and will take place from 7am through 7pm.  Route 15 northbound in that area will be down to a single lane during the work. There will also be intermittent full traffic stoppages.  Delays are expected and motorists should be alert and watch for stopped or slow-moving vehicles.

REASSESSMENT BROUGHT UP DURING MEETING

The subject of a property tax reassessment project came up again yesterday at the Lycoming County Commissioners Meeting.  In the wake of appeals by both Sam’s Club and Lowes, which if approved would mean a loss of almost $4 million dollars, Commsioners are in agreement that it’s time for a reassessment which hasn’t; happened in the county in years.  They say the county currently is assessing properties on the value of a dollar in 2004.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT VICTIM IDENTIFIED

The Lycoming County Coroner’s office has identified the victim of that industrial accident in Eastern Lycoming County on Monday.  35 year old Jill Greninger of Williamsport was working at an Industrial Meat Grinder at the Economy Locker Storage Company in Pennsdale around 11:40 on Monday when for an unknown reason she either fell in or was pulled in.  She was discovered by another employee and pronounced dead at the scene. That accident in under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OLD CITY/GATEWAY PROJECT POISED TO MOVE AHEAD

If approved by Williamsport City Council tomorrow night the first phase of the Old City/Gateway Project will be getting underway soon.  Council’s finance committee recommended yesterday that council approve a $5.2 million dollar contract which will mean work on Franklin and Basin Street’s as well as streetscape within that area.  The committee also recommended that council take a look at a plan for a park at East Third and Mulberry Streets which will contain historical aspects of that area in the city.

JERSEY SHORE AREA MAN CHARGED

A Jersey Shore area man was arrested by State Police over the weekend after assaulting a woman at his home.  Police say that 31 year old Gerald Rennicks and an unnamed 34 year old female were engaged in a physical altercation at a home along Harer Park Road in Mifflin Township around 6am on Sunday.  During that altercation, Rennicks allegedly grabbed the woman from behind, took her to the ground and places her in a choke hold causing her to begin to lose consciousness.  She was able to escape.  Rennicks was charged with strangulation and other counts with bail set at $15,000 bail.

TWO JAILED FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP

Two men were jailed earlier this month after a state police stop in Interstate 80 in Clinton County turned up cocaine and marijuana. The stop occurred on April 15th in Lamar Township as a vehicle driven by Taj Lasane of Boalsburg was pulled over for a violation.  Officers smelled raw marijuana and after a search of the vehicle not only turned up pot, but also more than 100 grams of cocaine.  Lasane, and Matthew Horner of Dubois were charged with possession with intent to deliver and related counts and jailed in Clinton County.

HELLBENDER, OFFICIAL STATE AMPHIBIAN

As students from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation looked on, Governor Tom Wolf yesterday signed into law a bill which makes the Eastern Hellbender the first official state amphibian.  23rd district Senator Gene Yaw who crafted the bill with help from the student organization an the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute says that the bill is not just about naming a new symbol for the state but also about fostering youth involvement in the legislative process and advocating clean water in Pennsylvania and promoting conservation programs that improve water quality for all of our species.

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MAN WAIVES HEARING

After waiving his preliminary hearing on attempted homicide, as well as other counts stemming from an incident last month at his home, a Montoursville man was returned to Lycoming County Prison without bail yesterday.  41 year old David Hill is accused of pulling a knife on his mother and threatning to kill her at their Chestnut Street home on March 12th.  He then chased her to the neighbors where she ran to seek help following the incident.  He will face all charges in a future court appearance.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT RESULTS IN WOMAN’S DEATH

An industrial accident in the Pennsdale area yesterday resulted in a woman’s death.  The as yet unidentified woman in her 30’s was working at Economy Locker Storage Company along Worthington Lane around 11:40 when she either fell or was pulled into a meat grinder there.  Emergency crews responded but the woman had already died before they were able to get to her.  It’s not known who she ended up in the machine and it took crews about 35 minutes to dissemble it and recover her body.  A team from OSHA was on the scene are are investigating the accident.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Area graduating seniors will once again have a chance at a piece of over $10,000 dollars in scholarships made available by the New York Penn League, which includes the Williamsport Crosscutters.  The annual 2019 scholarship contest is open to graduating seniors planning on furthering their education.  Applications will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had in their lives.  Applications are available by visiting crosscutters.com. or at the Crosscutters office at BB&T Ballpark.  Deadline to submit is June 7th.

WOMAN ATTACKED BY DOG WHICH WAS SHOT BY POLICE

A Shamokin woman was seriously injured in a dog attack yesterday in which police had to shoot the dog in order to stop it from attacking her.  The incident happened at a Sunbury Street home as the dog owend by Gidget Demas boyfriend attacked her and began to bite the woman, dragging her out of the house onto a porch.  Police arrived, and tried to separate the dog from the woman, but ended up t having to shoot it.  She was taken to the hospital, her condition not released. The dog will he tested for rabies. It’s not known if charges will be filed against her boyfriend.

COUPLE FOUND WITH DRUGS IN HOME

Muncy police have arrested a couple after drugs were found in their home.  On April 9th police went to the Mechanic Street home of 36 year old Max Newman Jr., and 38 year old Arlene Knowlton finding 424 LSD laced tabs as well as marijuana. The two were charged with possession with intent to deliver the drugs as well as related counts. They were arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $250,000 dollars bail.

MAN HELD ON ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE CHARGE

Following a preliminary hearing yesterday, a Drexel Hill man was ordered held over on charges which include attempted homicide stemming from an incident in Loyalsock Township which occurred late last month.  The hearing was held for Norman Dennis who it’s believed was driving a car which struck Chaz Turner as he was walking along Robbins Road in Loyalsock Township on March 31st. A second man in the car, Robert Vettese then allegedly fired a shot at Turner, missing him.  Dennis was returned to Lycoming County Prison where he is being held without bail. Vettese is awaiting his preliminary hearing scheduled for early next month.

UNEMPLOYEMENT RATE AT LOWEST

Though officials say Pennsylvania’s economy still lags behind that of many others, the unemployment rate in the Commonwealth has hit an all time low.  The latest unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a percentage point to 3.9% for the month of March. Department of Labor and Industry officials say that payrolls hit a new record high and the unemployment shrank to it’s lowest level since 2000.  The national unemployment rate sits at 3.8%.

MAN ATTACKS OFFICER

A Bradford County man faces charges of aggravated assault as well as other counts after allegedly attacking a police officer earlier this month.  State police in Bradford County say two officers were dispatched to Thompson Hill Road in South Creek Township on the evening of April 15th for a crash and found 37 year old Daryl Barnes of Gillette allegedly under the influence.  Barnes resisted arrest at one point biting one of the officers.  He is jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

BRUSH PICK UP BEGINS IN CITY TODAY

Williamsport City workers begin their sweep today of city streets to pick up brush and yard debris which are said to be littering city streets.  City officials estimate that several hundred piles need to be piekcd up and chopped up into mulch.  In addition officials say the city mulch pile which is under lock and key and is usually open from 7:15am to 3:15pm weekdays will see extended hours on Saturday from 9am to 1pm every other Saturday beginning on May 3rd.

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LOOKING TO HELP OUT STATE RESIDENTS WITH RETIREMENT

Wanting to help out some 2.1 million Pennsylvanian’s who do not have a retirement plan, State Treasurer Joe Torsella  has organized a task force looking into the creation of a state run savings program administered by the treasury department.  Torsella says that six other states have authored similar programs with success. He sayst that key legislations are working on writing legislation which would help with the creation of that program in a state where the population is getting older with many approaching retirement age.

VICTIM OF DITCH ACCIDENT IDENTIFIED

A 65 year old Bastress Township man has been identified as the man who died Friday when a ditch he was digging on his property collapsed with him inside.  State police say David Baier was working in a six foot deep trench trying to find a water problem at his Mountain Springs Lane home around 10:30am when a good portion of the wall collapsed in on him, covering the man.  It took several emergency personnel about three hours to recover the man who showed no signs of life and he was pronounced dead of asphyxiation.

1-180 PROJECT CONTINUES

Shoulder closures continue this week on the I-180 westbound off and on ramps at the Muncy/Hughesville Route 405 Interchange as the resurfacing project continues on 180 between Cemetery Road in Fairfield Township and the Muncy Creek Bridge in Muncy Creek Township.  The closures will be implemented between 7am and 5pm daily as a subcontractor constructs a new highway lighting system. Motorists are reminded to be alert and drive with caution through the workzone.

FINAL DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

It’s the final day to get registered to vote for the May 21st primary. If you are looking at changing affiliations, or have moved and have not registered in your new place of residence yet, you can go online at VotesPA.com or stop by your county voter registration office by five today to register to vote.  In Lycoming County there are several candidates running for nomination for various county and municipal offices, as well as the special election that day for the 12th congressional district between Republican Fred Keller and Democrat Mark Friedenberg.

SELINSGROVE MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE

Selinsgrove police have charged a man there with rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident at a borough hotel there last week.  Police were asked to look for a woman last Wednesday, last ween at the Freeburg Hotel there and later found the woman in a parking lot along Spruce Street.  She reported that she had been raped by a man at the hotel and police later arrested 50 year old Rickey Lee Spriggle.  He was charged with multiple counts and jailed in Snyder County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CRASH DURING POLICE PURSUIT

A police pursuit in Lock Haven yesterday morning resulted in a South Carolina man being flown to Geisinger Medical Center with serious injuries.  Around 2am police observed a vehicle driven by 22 year old Jacob Boyles of Estill South Carolina committing traffic violations and began pursuing the man who took off on North Fourth Street, running several stop signs and eventually crashing into a metal park Bench at Water Street.  He was lifeflighted to Geisinger where his condition was not released.  The investigation continues.

WORK ON 1-180 AND ROUTE 15

Traffic on Routes 180 and 15 in Lycoming County will see some alternating lane restrictions this week , as PennDOT crews install ground mounted and guide rail deliniators along both the east and westbound lanes of 180 and the north and southbound lanes of Route 15.  PennDOT says the project is a moving operation with alternating lane restrictions and motorists should be alert and drive with caution in the workzone there.

MUNCY BOROUGH TO CRACK DOWN

With 40% of the borough of Muncy in the so called floodplain, Borough Council last week voted to tighten up on it’s codes enforcement.  Officials say that residents there have to keep their properties in compliance with national standards or face the possibility of the borough losing it’s national flood insurance which could put those properties in default of their mortgages.  Included in the enforcement will be inspections to make sure that residents are not doing any work on their homes without getting permits first, one of the stipulations in the National Flood Insurance program.

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CRASH INJURES TWO

Two were injured in a violent crash in Old Lycoming Township yesterday afternoon. The crash occurred around 3:15pm as a vehicle driven by 34 year old Tyler Hanley of Linden went out of control in the 2600 block of Bottle Run Road colliding with a truck driven by 47 year old Cliff Bower of Williamsport with Hanley’s car flipping over.  Hanley was trapped for about 20 minutes before being freed and taken to Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for serious injuries. His condition not released. Bower was treated and released.  The road was closed for about three hours during the crash investigation.

COMMISSIONERS HIRE PART-TIME PLANNER

Saying it will facilitate a smooth transition in the Lycoming County Planning Department, County Commissioners yesterday approved the hiring on a part-time basis of current planning commission director Kurt Hausammann who is retiring effective on May 3rd.  Commissioners say he will be paid $50 an hour not to exceed 1,000 hours of work. They say his expertise will be used to continue working in special projects and to help train a new director who has not been chosen as of yet.

ZONING HEARING BOARD GIVES APPROVAL

The Williamsport City Zoning Hearing Board yesterday gave unanimous approval for a parking plan which will help create retail shops in the former Weldon’s Factory and Trebecca buildings at 600 Cemetery Street adjacent to the Pajama Factory in the city.  Don and Carol Slout have purchased the building and are said to want to create the retail shops, a plan which is similar to the Street of Shops in Lewisburg.  The approval was given based on the number of parking spaces at the adjoining Pajama Factory

THREE VEHICLE CRASH IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

A crash involving three vehicles occurred on Lycoming Creek Road in Loyalsock Township yesterday morning.  That crash occurred in the 2400 block of Lycoming Creek Road just before 7:15 and involved two vehicles and a school bus.  The two vehicles were heavily damaged with one running into the back of the school bus.  There were no serious injuries, and no students on the bus were injured.  Emergency crews were on the scene there for about an hour before things were cleared up and the roadway cleared.

ROBBER SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON

Sentencing was held this week for a man who walked into the Nittany Minit Mart on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township and robbed the place back in 2017.  38 year old Jeffery Wiestling whose address is listed as the State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon was sentenced to 7 ½ to 15 years in State Prison.  He walked into the Minit Mart around 11pm on March 3rd of 2017, jumped over the counter, threatened the clerk and took money.  DNA evidence helped lead police to the man.

SELINSGROVE ASSAULT UPDATE

An update on the woman who was assaulted in Selinsgrove last week.  The 46 year old woman from New Jersey who was found with serious injuries after begin assaulted near the Susquehanna University Campus on April 8th has been released from Geisinger Medical Center and has returned to New Jersey.  Police say she is still suffering from trauma induced memory loss and cannot recall what happened after she arrived in Selinsgrove the day before, got a flat tire and began walking.  They say their investigation continues and are asking anyone with information to give them a call.

DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE NAMES SPEAKER

The Lycoming County Democratic Committee has announced attendees and speakers for their annual Spring Banquet at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport on Saturday April 27th.  State Senator Sharif Street of Philadelphia who is the vice chair of the State Democratic Committee will be the keynote speaker.  Democratic Candidate for the 12th congressional district in the May 21st special election, Marc Friedenberg will also be on hand to give an update on his campaign. In addition, several democratic candidates running for local offices will also be on hand.

FLOOD WALL BEING REPLACED

Work will begin Monday to repair and replace the stone wall along the River in the city of Sunbury.  Sunbury Municipal Authority officials say a recent inspection of the wall built in 1936 and last repaired in 2008 is deteriorating and is no longer able to help protect the community.  The project is expected to cost in the $625-$650,000 range.  A $500,000 dollar grant has been secured and the rest of the money will come from the authority.  The project is expected to last at least a month.

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

FATAL NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY CRASH

A crash in Northumberland County yesterday morning cost a man his life. The crash occurred just before 9am on State Route 225 in Little Mahonoy Township as the as yet unidentified 20 year old driver went off the roadway and struck a utility pole with the car then rolling across the other lane and coming to rest on the southbound side of the road. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the crash investigation continues.

TORNADO CONFIRMED IN SULLIVAN COUNTY

Clean-up continues across our area following storms which struck across our region early on Monday morning.  Another tornado has been confirmed, this one in Sullivan County which the National Weather Service says touched down with winds of up to 110mph in Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County and continued into Dushore where it damaged 7 or 8 homes as well as a church.  In all, three tornadoes have been now confirmed in our region.  Crews continue to try and restore power in Millville where that school district has once again cancelled classes today.

EVERETT HOLDS TELE-TOWN HALL MEETING

Constituents of 84th district State Representative Garth Everett who represents sections of Lycoming and Union County can participate in a Telephone Town Hall meeting with the legislator later today.  The discussion will begin at 5:30 and Everett will give updaes on state legislative issues including the state budget,.  Residents can submit questions while on the line.  If no initial call is received at 5:30, you can dial 1-877-229-8493 and when prompted, use code 13279.

FORMER YMCA BUILDING SPARED

The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports in their morning edition that the former Williamsport YMCA building at West Fourth and Elmira Streets as been bought.  The report says a Scranton developer is buying the building and will turn it into market-rate apartments.  The building had been in danger of the wrecking ball after it was found that millions of dollars of work would have to be done just to bring it up to codes.  Next stop for the current developer is to meet with city codes and to begin the process of getting city permission and permits to renovate the building which was built in the 1920’s.

FIRE UPDATE

Six are displaced following that Monday fire at a three story apartment building the city of Williamsport. The fire which broke out arounde 5:30 at 672 Sixth Avenue caused about $20,000 dollars in damage to the three unit building owned by David Sweely of Williamsport.  No one was injured and it’s not known how long the tenants will be out of the three unit building.  It’s believed the fire started accidentally in a utility room on the third floor of the building, though fire officials have not said what the exact cause was.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

More bridge maintenance in Northumberland County today could impact traffic there.  PennDOT reports that crews will be on the Route 643 bridges between Milton and West Milton today between the hours of 8am and 2pm.  Traffic will be restricted to a single lane with flaggers controlling traffic there and motorists are reminded to be be alert and drive with caution in the workzone.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LANDFILL FIELD

Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday approved a contract for a company to develop a new field at the Lycoming County Landfill.  R&L Development Company was awarded the contract for a little over $5.3 million dollars which is about $4 million dollars below the other bid that the county received.  It’s estimated that construction on the new field at the landfill at the southern end of the county will begin in June.

MAN WHO SHOT AT FIREFLIED SENTENCED

A Clinton County man who caused a disturbance in a neighborhood near Mill Hall last June while high in batch salts has been sentenced to prison.  Jesse Shields of Mill Hall, fired shots at what the thought were alien lasers but turned out to be fireflies ran into a nearby home and allegedly asked the owner to take a shower so he could get the goo off of him that was burning his skin. He was sentenced on Monday to 3 to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal trespass and firearms without a license.

YAW LEGISLATION WOULD CREATE WINE AND SPIRITS FRANCHISE SYSTEM

Legislation which would create a franchise store system for the sale of wine and spirits in the State of Pennsylvania has been introduced in the State Senate.  23rd District State Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock is the sponsor and says the goal of the bill is to expand consumer convenience, improve the long-term financial position of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and generate significant new revenues for the Commonwealth. Yaw says the legislation will maintain the over 600 PLCB retail outlets, retain existing jobs and allow the PLCB to continue to control the wholesale distribution of spirits and wine.

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

FIRE STRIKES IN CITY

A two alarm fire damaged an apartment house in the city of Williamsport yesterday afternoon.   Fire broke out around 5:45pm at the three story house at 672 Sixth Avenue.  Firefighters found flames and smoke coming from the third floor when they arrived, and called in a second alarm bringing in extra manpower. They were able to bring it under control by 6:10pm.  No one was reported injured, it’s not known at this time, how many people have been displaced. A damage estimate was not released and the cause is under investigation.

TWO TORNADOES IN OUR AREA

The wild weather in our area Sunday night into Monday morning spawned two confirmed tornadoes.  An EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of 86-110 miles per hour was confirmed for Columbia County in the Benton area which damaged several homes and businesses there, twisting up trees, but resulting in no injuries.  Another EF-1 tornado touched down in the Buffalo Valley of Union County.  That one also damaged, homes barns and outbuildings and also damaged the Buffalo Valley United Methodist Church.  Power was knocked out in both areas as well and the clean up continues.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES TODAY

Bridge maintenance today in Northumberland County.  PennDOT reports that crews will be on the Route 61 Veterans Memorial Bridge between Sunbury and Shamokin Dam this morning between 8am and 1pm with a lane of the bridge shut down during that time.  Then a lane restriction will be in place on the Route 147 Packer Island and Thomas A Edison bridges between Sunbury and Northumberland this afternoon from noon to 3pm.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

State police have arrested a Montgomery man following an assault in Fairfield Township.  Police were called out on April 1t0h to a residence along Reuben Kehrer Road for a disturbance and found that Jeremy Winder had struck his wife with steel toed boots, hit her in the face multiple times and dragged her by her hair.  He was charged with strangulation, simple assault, recklessly endangering and harassment and was jailed in lieu of $35,000 bail.

NEW LIFE FOR ELM PARK?

According to this morning’s Williamsport Sun Gazette, the City of Williamsport has a draft sales agreement with the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to sell the long time city owned Elm Park Complex. Chamber officials say plans are to create a $6 million dollar sports complex consisting of five artificial fields for college, high school and tournament softball and baseball games.  It’s hoped that the complex can be opened by next year.  The sale still has to be finalized.

STORM DAMAGE IN OUR REGION

Storm damage in Lycoming County yesterday morning was not as widespread as in other counties but there were still trees knocked down, properties damaged and power knocked out by the high winds.  Old Lycoming Township was hard hit, especially in the Bottle Run area where one farm house and barn were damaged with outbuildings blown down and destroyed.  There was also damage reported to at least one home in Loyalsock Township.  Damage in Sullivan County was more extensive, especially in Dushore where homes and businesses were damaged and at least one church also suffered damage there.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO BEATING

The mystery continues in Selinsgrove into how and why a woman from New Jersey was severely beaten, suffering serious injuries after getting a flat tire near the Susquehanna University campus.  Investigators say the 46 year old woman is physically and mentally unable to help in the investigation. She was found along Industrial Park Road around 7am on April 8th this severe injuries to her face and torso.  It’s still not known she was there.  She remains at Geisinger recovering from her injuries.

DRUG CHARGES FILED

Drug charges have been filed against a Williamsport man after he was arrested for attempting to sell crack cocaine earlier this month.  City police say 25 year old Rasheed Brown attempted to sell 11.2 grams of the drug in the 500 block of West Edwin Street on April 5th.  He was charged with possession with intent to deliver and related counts, originally jailed on a probation violation and then recommitted in lieu of $75,000 bail.

MAN LOOKING TO BE RESENTENCED AFTER 24 YEARS

A 42 year old man who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his friend in Milton in 1993 when he was 15 is set to undergo resentencing.  Norman Gundrum Jr. is taking advantage of the Post-Conviction relief act law and is seeking parole. He was found guilty and sentenced as an adult in 1995 and has been incarcerated ever since.  He appeared in Northumberland County Court for a status conference on Monday and is scheduled for a two day resentencing hearing in October.

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