Backyard Broadcasting News

WANTED MAN FOUND IN HARRISBURG

A Harrisburg man, wanted in a city shooting last month was found in Harrisburg yesterday and returned here to face charges.  Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force team found Ejuan Cosby at a residence in the 1200 block of Walnut Street in Harrisburg yesterday and he was taken into custody without incident.  Cosby was wanted for the shooting of Alrashan Jones outside the Mini Mart at High Street and Sixth Avenue on February 15th striking Jones in the leg and foot.  He was returned to Williamsport, arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey and ordered held without bail.

HEARING RESCHEDULED

A hearing into the possible closing of an elementary school in the Jersey Shore School District which had to be postponed due to weather related issues has been rescheduled.  The District has advertised the public hearing on the closing of Avis Elementary School and related facilities for March 28th from 7pm to 9pm at the Jersey Shore Middle School.  District officials continue to wrestle with budget related issues there.  A hearing was held last month to discuss the possible closing of the Salladsburg Elementary School.

SCOREBOARD AND UPGRADES PUT ON HOLD AGAIN

It looks like a new video scoreboard and other upgrades for Bowman Field in the city of Williamsport will not happen in time for the 2019 Crosscutters Baseball season.  During a Bid opening yesterday at city hall for the new scoreboard, two of the companies vying for the contract filed complaints about the bidding process.  Daktronics was recommended to install the scoreboard at a bid of under $600,000 dollars but both Samsung and Visua Companies have filed he complaints.  City officials are also questioning the funding for not only the scoreboard but other upgrades at the city owned ball park. They say that the improvements most likely will not happen now until after the baseball season is over.

AVIS WOMAN ARRESTED IN DRUG INVESTIGATION

An Avis woman was arrested yesterday after a search of her home yielded a large amount of crystal methamphetamine as well as cash.  Following a traffic stop on Tuesday which yielded a substantial amount of the drug, a search warrant was obtained for the Avis home of 49 year old Bobbie Kichman.  The search turned up 25 grams of crystal meth valued at about $2,500 and another more than $1500 dollars in cash as well as various drug paraphernalia.  Kichman was charged with possession and related counts, arraigned and jailed in lieu of $50,000 straight bail.

SUNBURY MAN JAILED

A Sunbury man was jailed yesterday following an investigation into an incident of the sexual assault and possible child pornography at his home.  32 year old Christopher Suarez is accused of the sexual assault with a six year old child, filming it on a cellphone and then sharing it with others.  The investigation was instituted by police and the FBI and Suarez was arraigned yesterday on charges of felony aggravated assault and corruption of minors as well as other counts.  He was jailed in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.

GOOD JOBS FOR PA COMES TO WILLIAMSPORT

Members of the State House Majority Policy Committee will be in Williamsport tomorrow for a visit as part of the House Republican Caucus’s Good Jobs for PA legislative package.  The committee, chaired by Representative Donna Oberlander will visit the Pennsylvania College of Technology as well as Lycoming Engines in the city to discuss the success in linking future workers with viable career fields.  Lycoming Engines has partnered with the college to help build it’s workforce.  The visit will feature briefings and tours at both facilities.

GRANTS AWARDED

Thanks to Lycoming County’s hotel room tax, grants ranging from $75,000 dollars down to $750 dollars were awaded yesterday to 14 different county organizations by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau.  In all, the grants which were awarded on a competitive basis totaled $135,000 dollars and the money will help promote tourism within the county. The Community Arts Center in the city received the $75,000 grant.  The others to receive money were Hiawatha Inc, World of Little League Museum, Lycoming County Fair Association, Muncy Historical Society, Rotary Balloon Fest and Air Show, Thomas Taber Museum, Williamsport Area School District, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Crystal Lake Camps, Repasz Band, Preservation Williamsport for Victorian Christmas and the West End Babe Ruth Baseball League.

TASK FORCE READY FOR ST. PATTY’S CELEBRATION

The Lycoming County DUI Task Force is readying for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration.  Officials with TEAM DUI report they will be out in full force conducting DUI enforcement beginning this week and running through Sunday March 17th, St. Partrick’s Day.  Area motorists are reminded to designate a sober driver before the party begins.  The .08 percent blood alcohol level will be strictly enforced.

LANE CLOSURES TODAY

Motorists on Routes 11 and 15 in Shamokin Dam and Monroe Township in Snyder County will encounter intermittent lane closures on that busy stretch of roadway today.  PennDOT reports that they will inspect drain pipes located along the roadway between the hours of 9am and 3pmm today.  Most work will be performed along the roadway shoulders with minimal impacts to traffic, however there will be some lane closures and motorists are asked ot be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER COCAINE FOUND IN CHILD’S SYSTEM

An arrest last month of a Williamsport woman on several charges has been revealed following an investigation in which high levels of cocaine were found in her infant daughter.  Police raided the home of 33 year old Maria Sweeting in the city a day after her 1 month old daughter was taken to the hospital with injuries, transferred to Geisinger Medical Center, and found with high levels of cocaine in her system.  Officers raided Sweeting’s Brandon Avenue Home and found a safe with 58 grams of drugs as well as a stolen handgun.  She faces a number of counts, was charged on Friday and was originally jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail, since released.

MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, IDENTIFIED

The identity of a man who was struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport on Saturday night has been revealed.  Officials say it was 61 year old Mark Carlisle who stepped out in front of a vehicle driven by Eugene Caudell of Williamsport  at East Seventh and penn Streets around 9pm on Sunday night.  The city man was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where he is recovering from his injuries though his condition has not been released.  It’s not believed any charges have been filed.

RURAL HEALTH CARE PLAN

Residents in rural areas including those who seek help at the Geisinger Jersey Shore facility will see new ways in healthcare is administered thanks to a new state initiative. It’s been announced that the hospital in Jersey Shore will be one of five across the state to participate in the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model  The program will provide the hospital with stable funding while transitioning away from a traditional fee for service reimbursement model.  Officials say the program will allow the hospitals to focus more on the needs of their patients and communities.,  It also emphasizes closer relationships with community organizations to address social issues impacting patient care.

POSSIBLE SCHOOL CLOSING

Another area school district may be closing one of it’s elementary schools.  Officials in the Milton Area School District presented a plan for  the closing of the Montandon Elementary School to the board last night.  Declining enrollment there is being blamed on the possibility of the school’s closing.  The students would be transferred to another elementary school in the district which has close to four times the number of students.   School officials in Milton say the earliest they could make a decision on the school closing would be 90 days from now.

PRISON INMATE FACES CHARGES

A Northumberland County prison faces multiple charges following an attack on a prison staffer there.  The County DA’s office has announced the arrest of inmate David Klinger Jr. who they say attacked a prison records officer causing injuries to the man’s face, neck and leg.  It took other staffers to pull Klinger off of the man, and at least two other staff members suffered injuries in the attack.  Klinger faces three felony counts of aggravated assault as well as several other misdemeanor charges including simple assault and strangulation.

MAN JAILED AFTER MAKING THREATS

A Watsontown man was jailed last week after making threats there.  Police there say that on February 28th, 54 year old Kevin Houser started making threats that he had to kill people, while labeling himself as a guardian angel and former military sniper.  Houser, also reportedly said he was going to avenge the action of others.  He was arrested and arraigned on charges of making terroristic threats as well as harassment and was jailed in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

REAL ID AVAIALBLE

PennDOT has announced that Real ID compliant driver’s licences and photo ID cards are now available for  Pennsylvania residents who want one.  After October 1st of next year, the federally-accepted form of identification will be required to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door.  State officials say that currently there is no requirement that any resident obtain a Real ID and that they will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo ID’s.  The Williamsport driver’s license center is currently equipped to allow for over-the-counter issuance of Real ID.

NCCS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

North Central Sight Services in Williamsport has announced the appointment of their new president.  Current President Robert Garrett is retiring as of June 30th of this year, and after an in-depth national search, the organization has chosen Brian Patchett as it’s new president.  Patchess was most recently CEO of Easter Seals Nevada for 15 years and will join NCCS in April. NCCS officials say Patchett is a proven leader with excellent leadership skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together.

MORE ROAD CLOSURES

The Duke Street Reconstruction project in the borough of Northumberland is back in full swing, and Penn DOT reports that several streets are closed at Front Street due to the work there.  Prince Street at Front Street was closed on Friday and yesterday, Hanover Street and North Avenue were closed.  Those closures are expected to remain in effect until the end of June and Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.  Excavation also continues on the northbound lane of Route 11 from the railroad underpass toward King Street and a detour is in effect there.

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

WOMAN CHARGED FOLLOWING CITY INCIDENT

Following a disturbance in the city of Williamsport last month, a city woman was originally jailed and and has since been released on bail.  City police say that 35 year old Maleeka Smith went the the Grier Street home of Pierce Nowlin on February 20th, caused a disturbance, kicking in his door and grabbing the man’s handgun then waving it around outside the residence. She allegedly also bit the man.  She was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespassing, with bail set at $100,000 dollars.

FINDING WAYS TO ATTRACT CITY WORKERS TO LIVE IN THE CITY

During a meeting of an ad-hoc committee looking into residence requirements for city workers, various city and other officials discussed ways be better marketing the city in order for workers to want to live within city limits.  Ideas were discussed such as improved housing, demolition where appropriate and conducting an inventory of commercial and residential properties to attract new developers.  Currently the city does not require it’s workers to live within city limits, only elected officials.

UNPAID SUSPENSION

A prison guard in Northumberland County who is facing obstruction of justice charges is now placed on unpaid leave.  On February 4th, a drug sniffing dog found evidence of illegal drugs in guard Holly Olvaney’s locker at the Prison Coal Township, and Olvaney then took off in her vehicle, almost running over an officer.  She was later found and placed on paid administrative leave, but on Friday she was ordered to be placed on unpaid suspension while the investigation continues and she faces those charges.

FIVE YEAR PLAN IN LOCK HAVEN

Lock Haven City Council last night got a look at the city’s five year improvement plan.  It’s hoped that some $43 million dollars can be spent over the next five years with the money coming from a variety of funding sources including the city’s general fund, liquid fuels money, Community Development Block Grants and borrowed money.  City officials are hoping the projects can include street paving, lighting, rehabilitation of buildings, downtown improvements, as well as work at the fire department, parks and property, water and sewer and at the airport.  City officials expect to spend $6 million dollars on improvements this year alone.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN HIT AND RUN

A Sunbury man was in court to plead guilty in the hit and run death of a Northumberland man which occurred last August.  82 year old Wayne Wetzel entered guilty pleas to homicide by vehicle, failing to stop at a stop sign and hit and run for striking Ron Clark with his vehicle at Orange and Second Streets in Northumberland on August 17th.  Clark later died at Geisinger Medical Center.  Wetzel’s vehicle was found a few days later at his Sunbury residence.  Sentencing is set for May 20th and he faces a combined 17 years in prison and combined fines of up to $40,000 dollars.

TEEN ARRESTED FOLLOWING PURSUIT

Following a brief police pursuit on Sunday morning in the city of Williamsport, a Williamsport teen was jailed.  Police tried to pull over a vehicle driven by 18 year old Izek Brooks at West Fourth and Grier Streets on Sunday morning, but the he took off, leading them on a brief pursuit which ended at his home on Baldwin Street.  Brooks was charged with fleeing and eluding, DUI, possession of marijuana and parapherneilia, as well as recklessly endangering and reckless driving and was jailed in lieu of $35,000 bail.

MAN ARRESTED ON WEAPONS CHARGES

A Mt. Carmel man was jailed over the weekend on weapons charges following an incident in Shamokin Dam.  Police there spotted a vehicle without it’s headlights around 7pm on Saturday night in the area of Route 11 and Stetler Avenue and upon pulling it over, found a fifteen year old unlicensed driver in the driver’s seat.  The passenger was 25 year old Alex Gomez Jr. of Mt. Carmel, who was the registered owner.  Behind his seat they found two handguns, of which Gomez was not in possession of a valid concealed carry permit.  He was charged wih firearms no to be carried without a license as well as traffic violations and jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.

FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Firefighters from several companies in Northumberland and Montour Counties were called out early yesterday morning to an Eastern Northumberland County fire which extensively damaged a home.  Fire broke out at 12:30 yesterday morning at the home along Gravel Lan in Rush Township and when firefighters arrived, they found the home fully involved.  No one was reported injured, and the homeowner was not identified.  A damage estimate was not released and the cause of that fire is under investigation.

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

SLIPPERY ROADS

Waking up to the work week with a couple of inches of snow on the ground.  Crews are out working trying to clear things off, and most main roads are in good shape this morning, but side streets and roads in the higher elevations could be snow covered an slippery so take it easy as you head out, clean off your vehicles and leave early for your destination.  Speed limits and commercial vehicle restrictions have been restored on Interstate’s 80 and 180 and all other main roads in our area.  Schools are on delay.  Here is that list.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK

A man was taken to the hospital on Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport.  That accident happened as the man stepped into the roadway on Washington Boulevard near St. Bonafice Church and was struck by a white SUV.  He was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where his name and condition were not released.  The driver of the vehicle has not been identified and Williamsport police continue their investigation into that pedestrian accident.

KELLER CHOSEN TO RUN

85th District State Representative Fred Keller has been chosen as the Republican nominee to run for the 12th U.S. Congressional District seat vacated in January by Tom Marino.  Keller who represents Union and Snyder Counties in Harrisburg survived four rounds of voting by Republican conferees in the city of Williamsport as he was one of fourteen candidates vying for a chance to run against Decmocrat Marc Fridenberg in a special election on May 21st.   It took nearly seven hours of debate and the four votes before the five term state representative from Kreamer was chosen.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HELD

Some 40 people walked from the Lycoming County Courthouse to the County Prison on Third Street on Saturday night in a vigil to bring awareness to what they say is the need for better healthcare in the prison system.  The candlelight vigil was organized by a group called the Recovery Community Connection not only to protest, but to remember the life of 30 year old Ashley Cupp who died in a cell at the prison while incarcerated there on February 22nd.  A cause of death was not released, though it wasn’t suspicious.

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED

State police in Milton over the weekend reported that an unidentified 17 year old female from Mifflinburg was seriously injured in a crash near Lewisburg on Thursday afternoon.  Police say the crash happened on Route 192 just west of Beaver Run Road around 2pm when a vehicle driven by 18 year old Tyler Manis of Mifflinburg went off the roadway, swerved and hit a grass embankment, spinning around twice. The 17 year old passenger was taken to Geisinger. Her condition not released.  Two other teens were treated at Evangelical Hospital.  Manis was not injured.

WOLF IN TOWN TO TALK FUNDING

Pennsylvania’s Governor appeared in the city of Williamsport on Friday to highlight his plan to push for additional funding to assist communities with storm preparedness and disaster recovery.  Wolf wants to institute a severance tax on the gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania and says he believes some $4.5 billion dollars could be raised which will be used for various projects including the flood levee recertification and repair in Lycoming County.  Republicans in the State Legislature remain continue to be against the severance tax.

HEARING SESSION CANCELLED

Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor was to make a stop in Lock Haven yesterday as part of his listening tour to gather comments from the public about legalizing recreational marijuana, but due to the threat of inclement weather, that stop was cancelled.  State officials say they will make an announcement soon about when Lt. Governor John Fetterman will reschedule..  He is stopping in each of the 67 counties to talk to residents about legalizing recreational marijuana.  A Lycoming County stop has not yet been announced.

WORK TO CONTINUE

Work will continue this week in the city of Williamsport this week to cut down trees along West Fourth Street in the Newberry section as the road rehabilitation project gets underway there.  Motorists are reminded that things can be slow going as the flow of traffic will be directed by flagpersons.  You are reminded to be patient and drive accordingly.

 

Local News

Last night, around 20 people attended the first public hearing conducted by the Jersey Shore School District  board to give residents of the district a chance to voice their opinions on the possible closure of district schools.  The schools in question are the Avis and Salladasburg Elementary schools and if closure of both or either is ultimately approved, the action won’t take place until the 2020-2021 school year.  The board also is exploring the possibility of closing the District Administration Building at 175 A&P Drive.

 

Williamsport City officials yesterday said that City Council is not expected to review a proposed $600,000 scoreboard purchase and ways to match the grant.  Councilman Randall J. Allison said that the issue remains prescient but not ready for discussion as it is in legal hands.   Mayor Gabriel Campana has said the scoreboard and upgrades are among the promises the city made to satisfy the Williamsport Crosscutters, but Campana has said he opposes any borrowing for the scoreboard or stadium improvements.  While City Council did not review the proposal, the Council’s finance committee did review monetary accounts for Bowman Field, Brandon Park and a city hazardous tree removal program.

 

TWO AREA DRUG DEALERS JAILED

Two alleged area drug dealers are in jail after trying to force an undercover officer to shoot up heroin.  The officer had met up with the two men, Shyheem Gadson and Timothy Kelly to make what police call a “controlled buy” in the 700 block of West Fourth Street..  The situation became very tense  within minutes when both men demanded the officer to  use a bag of heroin in his car.  The officer was able to call for backup officers who were in the area.  Kelly ran but was nabbed near Sixth Avenue without a struggle.  Gadson did struggle and it took four officers to get him under control.  Both men were arrested on drug charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison without bail.

MONTOURSVILLE SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES POSSIBLE REPAIRS

The Montoursville Area school board will soon look at the general condition of school buildings in the district.  A report outlining some of the infrastructural needs, deficiencies and other aspects of the different schools has been put together.  Specifics of the report were not shared with the public during Tuesday’s board work session.  While the board feels the report is important and will be shared with the public, Board President Scott Konkle, for one, said he has not had a chance to study the report.

LYCOMING COUNTY ZONING BOARD REVERSES DECISION

The Lycoming County Zoning Hearing board voted last night to reverse a partial decision from June to approve construction of a venue and winery along Rose Valley Lake in Gamble Township.  A public hearing on Wednesday allowed citizens to voice concerns and support.  The board approved both the venue and winery with restrictions.  The conditions state that outdoor music cannot be amplified and stated a maximum allowable parking space.  In addition, the venue can only be open from noon till 10 pm.

U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS TO PLAY IN WILLIAMSPOR

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette and Lock Have Express have partnered with The Williamsport Community Arts Center to bring the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors to downtown Williamsport for a free concert on March 12th.  Tickets for the show will be available at both the offices of The Williamsort Sun-Gazette and The Lock Haven Express.

CITY FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSES MONETARY ACCOUNTS

On Tuesday, monetary accounts for Bowman Field, Brandon Park and a city hazardous tree program were reviewed by Williamsport City Council’s finance committee.  Bowman Field has $150,000 available for use including use of it to match a $600,000 grant for a new video scoreboard and office upgrades.  City Finance Director William Nichols Jr. says that Council will hear how the city can find the match for the grant in the coming weeks.  The committee also gave a positive recommendation to adjust compensation for the mayor, controller, treasurer and council over the next four years.

Local News

FIRE CAUSE LIKELY TO REMAIN UNDETERMINED

The fire at 627 Third Avenue in Williamsport on Monday left three people homeless and the cause of the fire will likely remain undetermined.  Michael and Chyanne Mattern and their five-year-old daughter lost everything they owned in the blaze.  Luckily, they were not home at the house they rented from Alpha Student Housing of Williamsport.  The blaze broke out at 12:15 and went to three alarms in fifteen minutes.  According to Assistant Fire Chief Mark Killian, the cause of the fire will likely remain undetermined because the building is unsafe for investigators to enter.

SIDEWALK WIDENING PROJECT UNDERWAY

Yesterday, contractors began removing trees from along West Fourth Street in Newberry between Route 15 and Arch Street.  Heidi Lozano, Project manager with the State Department of Transportation told Newberry residents at a public meeting that the project will widen sidewalks to five feet to make them compliant with The Americans With Disabilities Act.  Wolyniec Construction, Inc. is the prime contractor on this project which also includes relocating water, sewer and storm water lines, according to a news release from PennDot.

FIREFIGHTERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT PRESCRIPTION ISSUES

Speaking through a spokesman at Williamsport City Council’s finance committee Tuesday, several city firefighters say they are owed prescription reimbursements, some of which are approaching thousands of dollars.  Kevin Breen, a firefighter and spokesman for the Local 736 union told the committee that one is in arrears approaching $10,000. Council chairman Liz Miele said that Breen was right to bring the matter forward and that Megan Dayhoff, human resources director is doing her job and must review the reimbursements.  Breen says the matter is known among elected officials and that the mayor has been apprised about the prescription issues.

PA STATE UNIVERSITIES TACKLE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

Efforts by Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities to help combat the commonwealth’s opioid epidemic was discussed at yesterday’s Senate Appropriations Committee on the state budget, according to committee member Senator Gene Yaw.  Yaw has led a series of statewide hearings on the epidemic, which claims an average of 15 Pennsylvanians each day.  At the budget hearing, he sought the input of the leaders of Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University.  Penn State President Eric Barron said the school is hiring additional faculty to address the issue across several disciplines, including medical, science and social.

WILLIAMSPORT SYMPHONY RECEIVES GRANTS

The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra received a $1,500 Community grant for the 2018-2019 season in support of the Symphony’s educational youth programs.  PPL Foundation provided a $5,000 grant in support of Williamsport Symphony’s educational program for the same period.  The programs introduce students to orchestral music through presentations, free tickets and music training that includes the Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings programs.

CIT GLASSES ARE UNDERWAY

A Group of emergency responders in Lycoming County is learning how to better respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis.  It’s called the Crisis Intervention Team or CIT and this is the second year Lycoming County has offered this class.  The Crisis Intervention Team has been implemented to divert people away from incarceration and into treatment.  Law enforcement hopes those in need during a crisis can see them as a resource.

PA FOOD BANK’S SOUP AND A BOWL FUNDRAISER FRIDAY

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s 13th annual Soup and Bowl fundraiser take place this Friday at the Genetti in downtown Williamsport.  There will be three seatings offering a light lunch of soup, bread dessert and beverages at 11 a.m., 1 pm and 4:30 pm. Attendees can select a handcrafted pottery bowl as a keepsake.  One in nine of our neighbors struggles to put enough food on their tables and all proceeds of the fundraiser will support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank directly and the proceeds will provide more than 20,000 meals in our community.

LOCAL NEWS

CITY FIRE RESULTS IN FOUR INJURIES

A fire at 627 Third Avenue which was fed by the windy conditions in Williamsport yesterday led to four firefighters being taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center.  The blaze, which went to three alarms, broke out about 12:15 pm.  The second alarm brought more firefighters from the city as well as Old Lycoming Township and Montoursville.  The third alarm was called at 12:30, bringing firefighters from Duboistown and Loyalsock Township.  The injured firefighters suffered first or second degree burns on their hands or ears.  The house was lost and resulted in damage to a neighboring house.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

NUMEROUS POWER OUTAGES DUE TO HIGH WINDS

Numerous power outages were caused by the heavy winds which hit the area Sunday night through Monday afternoon, also bringing tree parts to fly apart and limbs and branches to fall down across Williamsport.  According to The National Weather Service, the winds, which gusted at times up to 50 mph, brought down weaker and older parts of trees as well as some larger trees with weakened trunks.  Students at Williamsport Area High School were dismissed early due to no electricity at the school.

ROUTE 220 SAFETY CORRIDOR GIVEN PROJECTED START

The long expected Route 220 safety corridor project, spanning from the Fourth Street interchange in Williamsport to Route 287 in Jersey Shore has finally been given a projected start date.  The 37.6 million dollar project is expected to be bid this summer and begin in earnest in October, according to Chris King of the state Department of Transportation.    He also commented that because the project has so many different points of focus that the construction staging is complicated to say the least.  The work will included bridge work over Larry’s Creek and Queenshukeny Run, eliminating u-turns, some median openings and reducing redundant access points.

TWO AREA INDIVIDUALS ACCUSED OF FALSE REPORTS

Pennsylvania State Police hare reported that two area individuals are accused of filing false reports that occupants of a white van tried to lure people into it.  An allegation was received on Friday of the van attempting to lure a woman into it at a convenience store in Loyalsock Township and as the allegation spread on social media, a second complaintant came forward on Sunday evening claiming that a white van started to follow her when she left work in the area of the Lycoming Mall.  Police added that social media is not necessarily a factual platform with verifiable information and that sharing of such information can lead to unnecessary public alarm or compromise an ongoing investigation.

WILLIAMSPORT POLICE OFFICERS PROMOTED

The Williamsport Bureau of Police announced yesterday that as a part of the new plan to restructure and reorganize the Williamsport Bureau of Police, several promotions have been made.  Sergeant Marlin Smith II has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be in command of the Morning Watch.  Agent Frederick Miller IV was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be in command of the Night Watch and Corporal Justin Ottaviano was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be the acting Watch Commander of The Day Watch.

LEADING STATE SENATE REPUBLICAN OPENS DOOR TO MINIMUM WAGE

Pennsylvania State Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman is opening to door to raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, but also insisted Monday that Democrats lower their sights from a proposal by Governor Tom Wolf that would give the state one of the nation’s highest.  He wouldn’t define what he views as a reasonable increase, saying he is trying not to stake out a number that he can’t negotiate from.  Corman feels there is enough Republican support in the Senate for a modest increase if Republicans and Democrats can agree on a figure.  Governor Wolf issued a proposal las month to raise Pennsylvania’s hourly minimum to $12 an hour this year with increases to bring the minimum up to $15 an hour by 2025.

Backyard Broadcasting News

SCOREBOARD COMPANY CRIES FOUL

The saga of the new scoreboard at Bowman Field continues.  One of the companies which bid on a new scoreboard. Visua of LaCrosse Wisconsin has alleged a conflict of interest saying the original bids for the new scoreboard at the Ballpark used by the Williamsport Crosscutters, saying that a consultant from a competitor was allowed into a closed door meeting where officials were selecting who would be awarded the bid.  The city denies that claim.  A second bidding process was ordered anyway, and last week, city council postponed awarding a contract for that and other work until a full financing package is revealed.

MUNCY POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE MOVE

The Muncy Police department will be on the move.  In a contested vote of 4-2, borough council approved the move of the police department there from Borough Hall on North Washington Street to the city’s water building on Old Glade Run Road.  The move is in order for the department to have more space.  Councilpersons Elaine McAleer and Richard Baker voted against the plan saying they would have liked toi hear more public input on the move.

FEDERAL INDICTMENT HANDED DOWN

A New Jersey man who was found transporting a large amount of cocaine through the city of Williamsport earlier this month, faces charges in federal court.  Franklin Mejia of Paterson New Jersey was pulled over in the city by State Police on February 5th with 500 grams of cocaine found in a hidden compartment in the car.  It was the largest seizure ever of the drug in the area.  He has been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison followed by probation as well as a fine.

NO HEARING

Clinton County Commissioners yesterday refused to schedule a public hearing concerning a zoning change in which a drug treatment center would be allowed at the historic Woolrich lodge in Gallagher Township.  Acting on the County Planning Commission’s vote to recomemened to commissioners that an exception for the center not be allowed, Commissioners yesterday said no to develolpe Robert Wise II to conduct a public hearing.  He is looking for a special exception ot the Woodland Conservation District zone in order to get the rehabilitation center established.

BUILDING SOLD

The Clinton County Conservation District now has their very own building.  The seven agency staff members had been working in a county owned building along Cooperation Lane in Mill Hall, and yesterday county commissioners there approved the sale of that county owned office building and land to the District for a price of $150,00 dollars.  The building will be bought through a no interest loan.  The sale was pursued when the county bought a building at the Piper Memorial Airport, moving offices there.  Officials with the Conservation District said they preferred to stay in the country and not move their offices.

JOB UP IN THE AIR

The family of a greeter at an area WalMart are scheduled to meet with store officials there as the 30 year old man with cerebral palsy tried to keep his job.  Adam Catlin was told that his job description was changing and that he would need to be able to lift 25 pounds, stand ofr long periods of time, write reports and read receipts.  Catlin used a walker and is legally blind.  Catlin has been welcoming customers there for more than a decade and if a compromise doesn’t happen, he would lose his job in April.

SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT HAS PARENTS UPSET

A seemingly minor accident involving a school bus in Shamokin yesterday morning has some parents up in arms there.  The accident happened around 10:45 as the bus carrying elementary school students brushed bumpers with another vehicle.  No children were treated at the scene and they were told to report to the school nurse. Several parents report they took their kids to the hospital to be checked out. Some had concussions and other minor injuries.  Parents are also unhappy with the way the accident was reported to them by the district.

LAWSUIT FILED

A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a former inmate at the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary following a 2016 assault which has rendered the man incapable of taking care of himself.  The other of inmate Charles Coma alleged the Warden and saff at Lewisburg were negligent and failed to protect him when they moved him into a small cell with another inmate that he feared.  In February of 2016 that inmate tied a bedsheet around Coma’s neck and strangled hime leaving Coma with a debilitating brain injury.  The lawsuit claims negligence, battery and assault, reckless disregard of safety and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting News

SLIPPERY CONDITIONS OVERNIGHT

Snow turned to sleet and freezing rain last night making for slippery conditions across our area into the overnight hours.  Several accidents were reported including a collision which shut down the Market Street bridge for about a half an hour and briefly trapped the driver.  No one was injured. .  Main roads are clearing up, but back roads and roads in the higher spots are slippery.  You are reminded to leave early for your destination.  Rising temperatures should contribute to melting today, but area schools are on delay this morning.  Here is that list.

ACCUSED MURDERER WAIVES HEARING

A Williamsport woman was in court yesterday to face a preliminary hearing in the New Year’s stabbing death of a man inside a city apartment.  Monica Burns is charged with homicide and aggravated assault in the stabbing death of 28 year old Ryan Jones following a fight amongst Jones and others in the unit at the Timberland Apartments. It’s believed the stabbing occurred shortly after 1am, and Jones then left the apartment on foot and was found dead behind city fire headquarters several hours later.  Burns, who is said to have not be cooperating with investigators waived her preliminary hearing yesterday and faces further court proceedings.

NEXT STEP FOR FLOOD GRAFIUS RUN FLOOD MITIGATION

It’s hoped the city of Williamsport can get some help from the state for a flood mitigation project along Grafius Run in the city which has been causing issues during heavy rain over the past several years.  It was reported in the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the city has completed ht stage of handing out and getting back surveys by residents along the run, documenting flood damage over the past ten years. The surveys have been delivered to the State’s Department of Environmental Protection for review and consideration of the state’s involvement in the project.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DEALING

Williamsport police have arrested a city man who they say tried to deliver a large bag of marijuana at his city home earlier this month.  30 year old Quinton Drummond is accused of the delivery of the drug as well as related charges at his Rose Street home on February 9th.  He was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 dollars bail.

PRELIMINARY BUDGET POINTS TOWARDS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE

One Lycoming County School district may be looking at a substantial tax increase in their next budget.  The East Lycoming School Board this week adopted a 2019-2020 preliminary budget which has with it an increase in spending close to a million dollars.  Increases are expected in salary and wages, retirement contributions and other aspects of the budget.  It’s possible a 1 mill tax increase could be instituted which would mean the board would have to apply to go above the Act 1 index.  District officials say the budget is preliminary and there are several things that need to be factored in before a final budget is passed.

CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE

The candidates continue to line up for county and municipal primary elections in May.  In the city of Williamsport, City councilman Derek Slaughter has announced that he will run for the Democratic nomination for Mayor in May.   Slaughter is in his first term on council.  Local business owner Jon Mackey will seek the democratic nomination to run in the fall for city council, and City treasurer Nicholas Grimes has said he will seek the Republican nomination to run for another term.  In addition, Steve Brady, the Covation Center executive director will seek the Republican Party nomination to run for Lycoming County Commissioner in the fall.

PRISONER DEATH IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Police and other Northumberland County officials are investigating the death of a prisoner at the new Northumberland County Prison.  45 year old Tara Yancheski was found unresponsive in her cell in the prison in Coal Township around 5:15 on Sunday afternoon.  Emergency personnel were not able to revive her.  Yancheski was serving time on a parole violation and an autopsy and toxicology results are pending to determine the cause of death.

OLLIES TO COME TO AREA

The former Toys R Us store along Lycoming Mall Circle will soon be occupied by another store.  It has been reported that Ollie’s Discount Department Store which sells overstocked or old-packaged name brand items will soon be opening in the former Toys R Us Store.  The company is seeking employees through on-line ads. The closest Ollie’s location is currently in Mill Hall.  It’s not been reported as to an opening date.

 

Backyard Broadcasting News

SAFE 2 SAY SOMETHING HOTLINE OFF TO BIG START

A statewide hotline created to lessen the threat of school violence had been deemed a success so far.  The Safe 2 Say something program is a hotline in which anonymous callers can report possible threats in schools to the State Attorney General’s office.  Officials say that in it’s first month in January, the hotline fielded more than 4,900 tips, about a third of them considered serious enough to pass along ot local police and school officials.  The goal of the hotline is to respond to any troubling behavior, unsafe school situations and anything else tipsters deem appropriate to report.

SCHOOL BOARD SAYS YES TO PRELMINARY BUDGET

The Muncy Area School Board last night gave approval to a preliminary budget for the 2019-2020 school year.  Though they say tweaks will be made, the budget as stands would spend an estimated $18.6 million dollars in the district and would raise taxes just a bit over a mill.  With that tax increase the deficit would still be around $300,000 dollars and would be covered by the district’s fund balance.  Final passage does not have to happen until June.  In addition, it was learned last night that bids are slated to be opened for the High School’s construction and renovation project during a special meeting next Monday.

TWO MORE CANDIDATES FOR CLINTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

The candidate list for Clinton County Commissioner continues to grow.  Current four term commissioner Steven Dersham has announced that he will run for the Republican nomination in May for a fifth term as Commissioner there, saying he will continue to work to keep allof the county part of the growing prosperity.  Angela Harding, currently working in a public relations capacity in the Keystone Central School District has announced that she will seek the Democratic nomination to run for a commissioner seat in the fall.  Harding says running for commissioner has always been a professional goal and that the timing feels right for this election.

MUSSARE AND NASSBERG ANNOUNCE

A current Lycoming County Commissioner has announced that he will run for a third term on the board.  Tony Mussare who has served as a commissioner for the past seven years will seek the Republican nomination during the May 21st primary in order to run in the fall for another term.  Mussare says he will work on regionalization efforts, level recertification, as well as other issues to help save the county money and keep it moving forward.  Also announcing her candidacy is Kathryn “Tabby” Nassberg who will seek the Republican nomination in May saying she believes county taxpayers should not have to pay for the current board’s mistakes and bad spending.

MAN SUFFERS SMOKE INHALATION IN COLUMBIA COUNTY FIRE

Fire struck in Columbia County last night, sending a man to the hospital after he breathed in too much smoke while trying to quell the flames.  The fire broke out around 7pm on the kitchen of a home along Central Avenue in Scott Township as a woman was cooking on the stove.  Fire quickly spread up the wall behind the stove and the man suffered the smoke inhalation while trying to put it out. His condition was not released.  The couple is temporarily homeless following that fire. A damage estimate has not been released.

WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH

A Williamsport woman was injured in a one vehicle crash in Loyalsock Township yesterday morning.  The crash occurred on Cemetery Road just north of Cemetery Street shortly past 7:30 as 22 year old Meika Aeppli was travelling northbound when her vehicle slid off the road and struck a tree then went into a roll, striking another tree. She was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center where her condition was not reported. No one else was involved in that Loyalsock Township crash.

ALBRIGHT TO SPEAK AT BUCKNELL

Bucknell University has announced their keynote speaker for this year’s graduation ceremonies.  Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright will headline the Lewisburg University’s 169th commencement ceremonies on May 19th.  Albright served as the country’s first female secretary of state from 1997 to 2001.  Albright is currently a professor on staff at Georgetown University and remains active in government affairs.

CLINTON COUNT RESIDENT WOULD LIKE TO GO TO CONGRESS

A 7th person has come forward saying they would like the blessing of he Republican Committee to run for Tom Marino’s vacant seat in the U.S. Congress.  Jessica Bowman-Hosley of Mill Hall who is a professor at Lock Haven University has announced that she would like to run for the seat in the 12th district vacated when Marino resigned last month.  Hosley, a conservative is said to be ready to relentlessly fight for President Trump’s America First Agenda.  A candidate for the special election is expected to be chosen next week in Williamsport.

 

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