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.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

SOME SLIPPERY CONDITIONS POSSIBLE

Some snow fell overnight mixed with a little freezing rain but very few problems on the roadway have been reported this morning.  Most roads are wet.  Some back roads and roadways in the higher elevations may be a little slippery though as you head out, so make sure you take your time and leave early for you destination.  At this point there are no school delays as many schools are closed this morning due to the Presidents Day Holiday. In addition, most government offices are closed, there is no regular mail delivery and many financial institutions are closed as well.

UNION COUNTY FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Fire struck in Union County over the weekend destroying a building there.  The fire was reported around 4:20am Saturday morning at 3266 Colonel John Kelly Road in Kelly Township. The building was fully involved when firefighters arrived and fire crews from Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, Milton, Winfield and White Deer Township responded.  They were on the scene for about four hours. No one was reported hurt and no other details are available. A State Police Fire Marshall was called to the scene to investigate the cause of that Union County Fire.

GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE 2ND DEGREE

Following several hours of deliberations, a Lycoming County jury on Friday returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the second degree for a man accused in the killings of two in the city of Williamsport.  37 year old Joseph Coleman had been accused with two other men of entering a home in the 600 Poplar Street on Halloween Night a couple of years ago, with the intent to rob the place of money.  25 year old Shane Wright and his mother, 50 year old Kristine Kibler were shot and killed.  Coleman was also found guilty on robbery charges. His attorney plans on appealing.

REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE TO DECIDE ON CANDIDATE

It’s believed that the State Republican Committee will decide on a candidate to run for the 12th district Congressional Seat vacated by Tom Marino during a meeting early next month.  Several potential candidates have thrown their hat into the ring to run for the seat.  Those candidates include State House members Jeff Wheeland and Fred Keller.  A convention is set for selecting a  Republican nominee on March 2nd at 9am at Farrington Place in Williamsport.   The Democratic Committee has already chosen Marc Friedenberg to run in the special election on May 21st.

MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING SEX WITH TEEN

A Northumberland man was arrested on Friday, charged with the statutory sexual assault of a 14 year old girl which occurred at a Snyder county Hotel earlier this month.  28 year old Shawn Neidig is accused of using an electronic messaging app to meet the girl at a hotel in Shamokin Dam on February 7th where he allegedly had sex with her.  Neidig was arraigned on Friday on a count of statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors, and other counts and was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail.

FIRE IN COLUMBIA COUNTY

Fire struck outside Millville in Columbia County heavily damaging a home there.  The fire broke out around 8:30 in the kitchen of the home along Rohrsburg Road in Greenwood Township. When firefighters arrived they found flames shooting from the home and a second alarm was called in.  No one was injured in that fire and the fire did spread throughout the home with firefighters on the scene for several hours.  It’s not known how many people have been displaced, a damage estimate has not been released, though the home is said to be a total loss.  .

THON RAISES MORE THAN 10 MILLION

Once again this year thousands of Penn State students as well as others descended on the Bryce Jordan Center in participate in the annual THON Dance-a-thon there.  The 46 hour dance marathon is held yearly to raise money to help families of pediatric cancer patients to pay medical bills as well as for research. This year’s event has raised a little more than $10.6 million dollars.  Since the event has begun in 1973, the dance marathon has raised more than $157 million dollars all together.

 

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

JURY TO GET MURDER CASE TODAY

Testimony wrapped up yesterday in the Lycoming County murder trial of a man who is accused with two others of a home invasion and then the murder of two residents in the city of Williamsport on Halloween of 2017.  The defense attorney for Joseph Coleman tried to cast doubt in the jury’s minds regarding testimony of co-defendant Casey Wilson who has already entered a guilty plea to 3rd degree murder in the killings of 25 year old Wright and his mother, 50 year old Kristine Kibler at their Newberry home.  The jury is expected to begin deliberations today.  The trial for a third man involved Jordan Rawls is to take place in April.

PLANS PUT ON HOLD

In an about face, the city of Williamsport has put plans for a new scoreboard and other improvements at BB&T Ballpark at Bowman Field on hold.  A $600,000 dollar grant had been approved for the work, but the city would have to come up with another $600,000 dollars in matching funds.  Saying he doesn’t want the city of have to borrow any more money on his watch, Mayor Gabriel Campana announced that the upgrades may have to wait several more seasons.  Council then pulled a resolution for a contract on the scoreboard from their agenda, giving it at least another two weeks.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DEALING HEROIN

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit arrested a Philadelphia man in the city of Williamsport on Wednesday.  31 year old Nadir Johnson who also goes by the street name of Dom was arrested at First Avenue and Park Place in the city and charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin as well as related offenses.  He was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 dollars bail.

BICYCLIST STRUCK

Emergency crews were called out last night in the city of Williamsport to the corner of West Fourth and Walnut Streets for reports of an accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle. That accident happened around 9:45 last night and Walnut Street north from West Fourth Street was closed down so emergency crews could get to and  work at the scene safely.  No word on the extent of injuries and not other details were available regarding that city accident.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF STABBING HUSBAND

]A Danville woman was arrested yesterday morning after stabbing her husband in the neck with a pen.  The incident happened just before 7am as Brenda Solorzano went ot the Spirit Gas Station at A Street and Route 11 in Danville where her husband, Julio was having coffee.  After having words with the man, she allegedly pulled out the pen and stabbed him in the neck causing an abrasion.  She was charged with simple assault and harassment and released after posting $10,000 bail.

$15,000 IN WATER DAMAGE

State police in Milton are investigating a large amount of damage done to a residence in Union County.  The incident happened sometime between January 17th and February 4th at a residence owned by Pedro Valdes along County Line Road in Union Township.  Someone broke into the rear of the house and cut here water lines.  The water subsequently did $15,000 dollars damage to the home.  Anyone with information is asked ot contact State Police in Milton.

TWO MORE EXPRESS INTEREST

Two more persons have announced that they would like to be the Republican Candidate for the special election to the U.S. 12th District Congressional seat recently vacated by Tom Marino.  Bradford County resident and Global Tungsten Vice President Stacy Garrity has announced her interest and Clarion County resident Robert Noerr has also announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination.  They join a group of others who have also expressed interest in running in the May 21st election.  The State Republican Committee is expected to choose a candidate soon to run against Democratic choice Marc Friedenberg who lost to Marino in November.

HIGHWAY SAFETY LAW AWARENESS WEEK

As the state of Pennsylvania gets set to observe Highway Safety Law Awareness week, officials with Penn DOT and the State police are urging drivers to review and obey driver safety laws that were recently updated and that impact crash rates yearly.  Those laws include automated speed enforcement in work zones, the State’s Steer Clear law, a recently updated DUI law which enforces stiffer penalties for repeat offenders as well as others.  Each is the subject of a short video which can be viewed on the PennDOT Facebook page.

LANDSLIDE WORK TO COST $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS

Work continues to get Slate Run Road in Brown Township repaired following multiple landslides in the area last September.  It is estimated it will cost $1.5 million dollars to repair the roadway.  The affected area runs 725 feet and the road has been closed to traffic since the slides affecting both homes and businesses and causing a 16 mile detour.  It’s hoped the work to fix the road can be done by summertime.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

COUPLE FACES FIREARMS CHARGES

A Lycoming Township couple have been charged with firearms violations after illegally obtaining a handgun at a Williamsport dealer.  Old Lycoming Township Police went to the Dewey Avenue Extension residence of Timothy Kuhns II and Amanda Kuhns yesterday for reports of Kuhn’s possessing a firearm he was not allowed to have due to being on probation.  There they found a 9mm handgun which Amanda Kuhns had completed the background check on but lied about purchasing it for her husband.  Each have been charged with three counts with Mr. Kuhns jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail and Mrs. Kuhns released after posting $25,000 bail.

TWO ARRESTED FOR ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

A Williamsport couple faces charges of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children after being arrested for purchasing and smoking marijuana with a 10 year old child present.  Between May of last year and January of this year, 36 year old April Seagraves and 39 year old Michael Fitzwater are accused of purchasing the drug at different spots in Williamsport and Lycoming County on at least four occasions with the ten year old female in the back seat and Ms. Seagraves is accused of smoking the drug in front of the child.  Bail was set at $25,000 for both.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT

Talk at tonight’s Williamsport City Council meeting will center on a proposed $1.2 million dollar project at BB&T Ballpark at Bowman Field.  A new scoreboard is planned as well as other upgrades including for the offices there.  The city has said they will match a $600,000 dollar grant , but council members are wondering where the money is coming from.  A bidding process for the scoreboard had already been held up once, and a second bidding process has found that the low bidder has filed bankruptcy.  It’s hoped that all the upgrades would be ready for the Crosscutters season which begins in June.

CONSTRUCTION DELAYS

Muncy Township supervisors at their meeting yesterday learned that a construction project on an assisted living apartment complex in the Township has been delayed due to winter weather and other factors.  It was hoped that tenants could begin to move into the Muncy Green Apartments along Brady Drive but construction there has been delayed.  According to the story in this morning’s Williamsport Sun Gazette, a grant, received to help with construction is in danger with a mandate that tenants move in by spring.  A three phase plan is now in place. It’s hoped the first tenants can be moved in next month.

WATER LINE REPLACEMENT PLANNED

A busy intersection in the Newberry section of Williamsport will soon be impacted due to a water line replacement.  The City Council public works committee found out at their meeting yesterday from the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority that there is a broken water pipe at the intersection of West Fourth and Arch Streets, necessitating a replacement there.  Water Authority officials told the committee that an alert will be put out ahead of time giving a heads up to motorists who use that intersection.

WOLF PLAN TO FUND STATE POLICE

Part of the budget talk in Harrisburg this session will center on Governor Wolf’s proposal to impose an annual fee for all state residents to fund the state police.  Wolf’s plan would require municipalities with fewer than 2,000 people to pay $8 per person and those with more than 20,000 residents would pay $166 per person.  The governor says the fees are needed due to the increased demands for state police protection as municipalities continue to eliminate police forces.  The plan is expected to get heavy opposition in the state legislature.

SAFETY PROGRAMS GET UNDERWAY

The State of Pennsylvania is getting ready for motorcycle season.  PennDOT reports that now through October they are offering a line of PA Motorcycle Safety program clinics focusing on developing operator proficiency free-of-charge to prospective, experienced and new Pennsylvania riders who have a motorcycle learners permit or motorcycle license.  Registration for the training season opens tomorrow.  A Facebook live Q&A session will take place today from 1 to 1:30pm on the Live Free Ride Alive Facebook page.  For more information or to enroll in a clinic go to www.pamsp.com.

MONTOUR COUNTY PROJECTS MOVE FORWARD

Things are moving forward in Montour County for renovations to both the County Jail and the Courthouse.  According to the Daily Item Newspaper, Montour County Commissioners on Tuesday accepted a loan proposal from Mifflinburg Bank and Trust which could be worth up to $2.5 million dollars.  County officials have also agreed to sell two buildings on Woodbine Lane in Danville along with some land as they work to consolidate the county’s offices in the courthouse and the former Danville Elementary School.

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Harrisburg man accused of shooting and wounding another man in the city of Williamsport early on Saturday morning.  Williamsport Police believe that 21 year old Ejuan Cosby pulled a gun and fired several shots at the man outside the Mini-Mart at Sixth Avenue and High Street around 2:10am on Saturday.  The wounded man was treated for gunshot wounds to the leg and foot the released.  Cosby faces charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and other counts.  It’s believed a verbal confrontation between the two led to the shooting.

SLIPPERY SPOTS

Slippery conditions across the Susquehanna Valley this morning as we clean up from yesterday’s storm which dumped a couple of inches of snow, then sleet and freezing rain on top of it.  Most main roads are in decent shape, but side streets and back roads are snow covered and slushy.  You are reminded to take it easy as you head out this morning and leave early for your destination. Area schools are on two and three hour delays. Here is that list.

WORK BEGINS THIS WEEK ON IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Preliminary work is slated to begin this week on an Intersection improvement project at Routes 220 and 405 in the Borough of Hughesville and in Wolf Township in Lycoming County.  PennDOT reports that the work will include structure demolition and tree removal. They say intermittent lane closures will take place during this phase of the project which is expected to last into Mid-March.  The two year project will realign the intersection of Route 220, Route 405 and RRace Street and include traffic signals, drainage, new pavement, pavement markings, utility relocations and new curbs and sidewalks.

SEARCH BACK ON IN SUNBURY

The search is back on for a new place for Sunbury police to work out of.  Back in 2017 it was determined that the police station in Sunbury was in need of major repairs and a committee was formed to find a new spot for the police department, but due to major legal bills incurred by the city, that search was put on hold.  New city administrator Jody Ocker has announced that she will head up the committee and it’s hoped that the city will have a building plan and financing all set up in the next six months for a new facility.

COMMISSIONERS TO DECIDE ON PUBLIC DEFENDER

Lycoming County Commissioners will meet tomorrow and decide whether or not to keep the current public defender on for some cases as the new public defender assimilates into the job.  William Miele who had been earning a salary of $105,000 as the county’s public defender, but working independently has announced that he will retire soon.  Nicole Spring has been hired on as the chief public defender at a salary of $98,305 dollars.  Commissioners will decide whether or not to pay Miele $100 an hour for work on certain cases.

WANTING TO BRING THE PARADE BACK

After a year’s hiatus, Recreation officials in the city of Williamsport say they are beginning plans now to bring back the City’s Christmas Parade.  They say the event right now is planned for November 22nd, and that last year’s cancellation met with disappointment from residents following it’s cancellation last year.  According to this morning’s Williamsport  Sun Gazette, City Recreation Director Jesse Novinger says the commission has started to develop a game plan and will oversee collection of a list of individuals including families with children and organizations who either to see or can help participate in and fund the parade.

DEMOCRATS CHOOSE CANDIDATES

The man who ran on the Democratic ticket against Tom Marino in November of last year, will get another chance to go to Washington in the wake of Marino’s resignation.  Marc Freidenberg who ran on the Democratic ticket for the 12th congressional district seat, but lost to the Republican Marino has been chosen by the state Democratic Committee to run in the May 21st special election.  Marino resigned last month due to health reasons.  A Republican candidate has not been chosen yet.  There have been several persons who have put their name in to the committee, the latest being 26 year old Milton resident Joe Moralez.

OVERHAUL PROMISED

With declining enrollment, rising costs and a smaller amount of support from the state, the State’s System of Higher Education is working on a transformation.  For the first time since 2001, enrollments at the state universities which includes Lock Haven, Mansfield and Bloomsburg has fallen below 100,000, and it’s believed the number of high school graduates in the state of Pennsylvania will keep falling.  Officials promised changes during a state house committee meeting yesterday.

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

SLIPPERY CONDITIONS

The snow is falling this morning.  We could see anywhere from 3 to 6 inches across the area before it then turns to some freezing rain.  Roadways are snow covered and slippery this morning and you are reminded to take it easy and clean off your vehicles when you head out this morning.  Speed limits have been reduced to 45ph on I-180 from Route 15 to the Northumberland County Line, and I-80 from Clinton County all the way to Luzerne County.  There are both school delays and closures as we get started this morning and here they are.

MAN CHARGED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Williamsport man was jailed last week following a domestic incident at his Arch Street home.  Williamsport police were called to the home of 50 year old Calvin Spann on February 4th following an incident where he is accused of striking a woman multiple times, and then putting his hands around her neck and choking her.  He was charged with strangulation, simple assault and harassment and was jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $30,000 bail.

BUDGET TALKS BEGIN

The State House Appropriations Committee began hearings yesterday concerning Governor Wolf’s $34.1 billion dollar budget proposal.  Leaders of the Republican controlled legislature centered talk on the governor’s proposal to raise the minimum wage in the state.  Republicans on the committee repeatedly criticized the broader impact of the wage hike questioning whether it might choke of entry level jobs, squeeze small businesses or drive up inflation.  The hearing signaled a tough road ahead for the Democratic Governor to get the minimum wage increased.

HUGHESVILLE NOT THRILLED TO CONSOLIDATE VOTING

Hughesville borough council held discussion last night on a suggestion by the Lycoming County Department of Voter services that they consolidate their voting wards in order to help with the cost of new voting machines which has become a state mandate.    Borough officails say they are leaning against doing that saying that a consolidation would mean that Hughesville would have to go to seven person borough council as voters would have to vote for candidates instead of those just in their ward.  Officials say they are having a tough time getting candidates to run for the current six seats.

CLAUSI DROPS OUT OF RACE

A former Northumberland County Commissioner who announced in December that he was interested in running there again, has pulled his name from that candidates list.  Vinny Clausi who was a commissioner there from 2008 to 2015 released a statement yesterday saying that following a long conversation with family and friends that he was withdrawing from the race.  Clausi says that the hardest part about reaching the decision is letting down county voters who offered their support, but says that despite not being an elected official he will continue to stay active and continue to expose corruption in county government.

WEISS TO RUN FOR COMMISSIONER

Another candidate has thrown his hat in the ring to run for Lycoming County Commissioner.  Retired Attorney Elliot Weiss has announced that he will run for the democratic nomination in the May 21st primary to run in the fall.  Weiss who serves on multiple boards and who also was a Williamsport City Councilman from 1990-1996 the first responsibility of a county commissioner is to promote economic growth through fiscally responsible actions.

CSVT SECTION APPROVED

It looks like another section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway is a go.  At last week’s meeting of the Grater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, PennDOT Assistant Plans Engineer Mark Beck announced that the eastern alternative for the southern section of the Thruway is a go.  Beck says environmental clearances have ben finalized and fini9shed plans could be announced as early as next month.  The eastern alternative is PennDOT’s preferred choice meeting traffic needs with the lease impact on homes, farms and is less noisy.  It also avoids fly ash basins which were discovered in Shamokin Dam and Monroe Township.

MEETING TOMORROW FOR DUKE STREET PROJECT

Residents and business owners in Northumberland are reminded that a public meeting regarding the next phase of the Duke Street Reconstruction project there is scheduled to tomorrow evening beginning at 6pm at Front Street Station, 2 Front Street in Northumberland.  The meeting will include a presentation and an opportunity for attendees to review and comment on the project and traffic control plans.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, KILLED

A Thursday night accident in Old Lycoming Township resulted in a the death of a man there.  Around 9pm last night, an elderly man was struck by a pick up truck at Lycoming Creek Road and Roosevelt Avenue in the Township.  He was pronounced dead at the scene by a member of the Lycoming County Coroner’s Staff.  The driver of the truck was questioned by police.  It’s not known if the man was walking along the road of if he was trying to cross.  The identities of those involved have not yet been released and Old Lycoming Township police say they will release more details today following an investigation.

NO MAJOR FLOODING ISSUES

Rain fell overnight into this morning, causing some rise in small creeks and streams.  No major flooding problems are expected though residents are reminded to keep an eye on those streams.  There is a flood watch out for parts of Tioga County through the morning hours.  The Susquehanna River is expected to rise as high as 18 feet in the Williamsport area due to the rain and melting snow, but there, no major flooding problems are expected.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH THE ABUSE OF 2 KIDS

Following an investigation which began in 2017, a Williamsport couple has been charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of children and a count each of unlawful restraint.  54 year old Donald Kiper Jr. and 41 year old Nicole Engler-Harper are accused of emotionally neglecting their children, ages 3 and 5 at the time in their Washington Boulevard home between April of 2015 and September of 2017, locking the boys in their rooms and committing other acts of child abuse.  They were both arraigned yesterday morning and released on $25,000 bail each.  Their parental rights were terminated last month.

HEALTH ISSUES MAY HAVE LED TO RESIGNATION

A spokesperson for former 12th district U.S. Representative Tom Marino has shed more light on the congressman’s resignation.  It was revealed yesterday that Marino who has been in a battle with cancer for 20 years had emergency surgery several weeks ago to find the source of his kidney problems, right around the time he announced his resignation.  The spokesperson said that Marino felt his focus on health issues would make it tough to serve the constituents in the 12th district.  Marino is reportedly at his home in Cogan Station, looking for a job in the private sector.

GRANT TO HELP LOCAL ORGANIZATION

A local organization which operates a Community Center in the city of Williamsport will benefit from a $100,000 grant from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.  Firetree Place has received the grant which will be used to replace the heating and air conditioning system in the gymnasium at their facility at 600 Campbell Street.  Firetree Place is is a licensed child-care community center that offers before and after school programs aimed at youth in the area.  The project will go out to bid and it’s hoped the project can be completed by Mid-May.

CITYH RESIDENT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY

Another city resident has announced that she will run for a seat on city council this year.  Tiasha Machuga will seek the Democratic nomination to run in the fall for one of four city council seats which will be up for grabs.   Machuga, a life-long city resident is the manager of Old School Pizza in the city and says she will run a door knocking and grass roots campaign saying the city needs fresh ideas and to stop putting serious problems on the back burner.

WORK IN NORTHUMBERLAND

There will be a traffic slowdown in the borough of Northumberland today.  Excavation work is scheduled to take place on King Street between Water Street and the Joseph Preistley Bridge to Packer Island between the hours of 8am and 3pm today.  There will be a lane restriction with flag persons on duty.  Delays are expected.  Motorists are asked to be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.

 

 

 

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