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.

 

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

LARGE AMOUNT OF COCAINE FOUND

A traffic stop by state police in the city of Williamsport on Tuesday morning yielded one of the biggest cache’s of drugs ever found inside a vehicle in this area.  Police say they pulled over 48 year old Franklin Mejia of Patterson New Jersey for speeding on I-180 around 9am Tuesday morning.  Following discovery of a specially designed compartment under the front seats, and a check of Mejia’s record, police towed the vehicle back to the barracks where over 2 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $100,00 was discovered.  Mejia was charged with possession with intent to deliver and jailed without bail.

RIVER LEVELS TO RISE

The Susquehanna River is back on the rise due to rain and snow melt.  Officials believe the river could rise to anywhere from 14 to 18 feet by this weekend.  That means that city officials will have to fire up the city’s pump stations to prevent any flooding.  Officials say the operation of the four pump stations could cos up to $5,000 dollars in overtime expenses. They are expected to be operated on Saturday and Sunday of this week.

STRUCK PEDESTRIAN IDENTIFIED

An update on a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport on Tuesday.  Police say 22 year old Raheem Vincent of Williamsport was crossing in the 500 Block of West Third Street around 7:45 on Tuesday evening when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Kathryn Keller of Montoursville.  It’s believed Vincent stepped out in front of the vehicle.  He was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.  His condition not released. No charges have been filed.

RADIO SYSTEM APPROVED

Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday voted by 2-1 to lock in to a contract which will replace the countywide radio systems and equipment.  The final contract is for $4.2 million dollars.  The county had until January 31st to pull out and put the project out to bid or pursue other options.  It’s believed the county will be able to save some money from the original $4.95 million dollar cost, saving on system maintenance.

AUTHORITIES SEEKING FEMALE GUARD

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of that Northumberland County Prison officer who had an unidentified substance found in her locker after a search at the prison this week.  Following the discovery, police tried to talk with Holly Olvaney, but she sped off in her vehicle and hasn’t been found since.  As of right now she is just wanted for misdemeanor charges of reckless and careless driving. The substance which was found is being tested at a lab and Olvaney when found will be questioned regarding that substance and the possibility she may have been smuggling it into the prison.

DUI TASK FORCE RESULTS

Officials with the Lycoming County DUI Task Force have released the results of their recent Super Bowl weekend DUI Enforcement.  Officers stopped 16 vehicles across the county resulting in 5 DUI arrests over the weekend.  They also handled a bar fight and issued non traffic cictations for public drunkenness.  One of the DUI arrests was the result of a hit and run accident with a brief vehicle pursuit.  Other vehicle code citations were also issued during the enforcement.

CAMPANA TO RUN FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Williamsport’s Mayor has his sights set a little higher this year.  Mayor Gabriel Campana who has been the city’s mayor since 2008, and who would be up for re-election has announced instead that he will seek the Republican nomination in the May Primary to run in the fall for one of three Lycoming County Commissioner seats.  Campana says eliminating waste and lowering taxes are his priorities if elected., saying he would bring vision, leadership and decisiveness to the position.

GARDNER ANNOUNCED CANDIDACY

Another local attorney has announced his candidacy for Lycoming County District Attorney.  Ryan Gardner, who practices law with Callahan, Gardner LLC will seek the Republican nomination in May for the DA’s post.  Gardner, a Montoursville native says he has prior experience in criminal and civil litigation across the state at both the common pleas and appellate levels and has also practiced in federal court.  He also has experience as an assistant DA.  He says he would emphasize the importance of the safety of community and families.

MAN FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE

A Northumberland County man has been found guilty on all charges relating the rape of a Turbotville girl over a seven year period.  42 year old Jarret Kinley of Lewis Township began sexually assaulting the girl when she moved to the Turbotville Area with her family at the age of 9 and the assaults continue until 2016 when she was 16 and Kinley was arrested.  He was convicted yesterday of multiple counts. No word on when he will be sentenced.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

WOLF DELIVERS BUDGET PROPOSAL

Calling for more spending, but no new tax increases, Governor Wolf issued his budget address for the 2019-2020 fiscal year in Pennsylvania yesterday.  Wolf wants to spend $34.1 billion dollars which is an increase of more than $925 million dollars over this year.  He called for more spending for public education, as well as an investment in the workforce saying he want to continue the strides the state has made in creating businesses and jobs.  Legislative leaders, especially on the Republican side said they will take a wait and see approach to Wolf’s spending proposal as hey begin to delve into the full budget over the next few months.

CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

The Bradford County Coroner’s office has identified the victim of a Monday night crash in the borough of Sylvania.  The Coroner says that 26 year old Ceaira Kirkner was driving one of two vehicles which collided head on with one driven by 26 year old Samuel Lee Corey of Mansfield.  Kirkner was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.  Corey had to be extricated but refused treatment.  There were two small children in car seats in the read of Kirkner’s car.  No word on whether or not they were injured.  An autopsy will be performed today on the woman to determine the cause of death.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH SENDS TEEN TO HOSPITAL

A teen was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment following a motorcycle crash in Montoursville yesterday.  Police say Mikel Thomas was riding on Interstate 180 in the eastbound lanes around 11:30am when he went off the roadway and struck a snow pile with the bike overturning. His condition was not released.  No one else was involved in that crash.

DRUG SEARCH AND BUST IN WATSONTOWN

Two are jailed following a search and drug bust in Watsontown this week.  Following an investigation police served a search warrant on a residence on Main Street in Watsontown on Monday turning up numerous drugs, currency, paraphernalia, and distribution scales containing narcotics residue.  They arrested 31 year old Rachel Anderson and 42 year old Tyrone Wade and charged them with several felony and misdemeanor counts.  Anderson is jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail and Wade in lieu of $100,000 bail.

CORRECTIONS OFFICER FACES CHARGES

A corrections officer at the Northumberland County Prison in Coal Township faces numerous drug counts following a K-9 search of his vehicle and locker at the prison. The search was prompted by the jail’s warden, with evidence suggesting inmates were using illegal drugs and officers went toe the jail with the dog finding unknown substances in the officer’s locker and vehicle.  The officer took off in his vehicle almos running over a deputy warden.  He has not been named.  The investigation continues.

SANDUSKY TO BE RESENTENCED

Due to recent court decisions regarding mandatory minimum sentences, convicted child molester and former Penn State Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky has been ordered back to court for resentencing.  Sandusky had been looking for a new trail, but the State Superior Court has turned down that request, but say that the man who is serving 30-60 years for his 2012 conviction will be resentenced.  No word on when that will take place.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK IN CITY

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport last night. That accident occurred around 7:40pm in the 500 block of West Third Street as the person was struck while crossing the street. It’s not known if they were transported to the hospital, and the victim has not been named, neither has the driver of the vehicle.   Williamsport police are investigating that city incident.

OFFICERS HONORED

PennDOT and the Highway Safety Network honored officers from across our region for their work in Aggressive Driving Enforcement Efforts in 2018. The event was held on Monday and individual awards were presented to several officers including Lycoming County patrolman Robert Mausteller of the Old Lycoming Police, and officer Deb Wasiluski with the Williamsport Bureau of Police.  In addition, several local municipal police departments were honored including Old Lycoming and Williamsport Bureau of police, as well as Tiadaghton Valley Regional and Sunbury Police departments.

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

A FATAL CRASH IN BRADFORD COUNTY

State police in Towanda are investigating a Bradford County crash in which a woman died last night.  The crash occurred around 8:45pm at Porter and Sylvania Roads in Columbia Township.  Police say that vehicles driven by a 26 year old woman and a 26 year old man were traveling in opposite directions and collided nearly head on.  The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bradford County Coroner.  The names of those involved have not yet been released, and police continued their investigation into the overnight hours.

MONTGOMERY MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD

A Montgomery man was arrested yesterday, charged with the sexual abuse of an 11 year old.  46 year old Michael Sweet allegedly raped the minor multiple times in the Montgomery area, the most recent on January 31st.  Sweet has been charged with multiple charges including 11 felony counts and was arraigned then jailed in Lycoming County Prison with bail denied after being deemed a flight risk. He has a prior record of possessing child pornography and for violating Meghan’s law.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for February 15th.

POLICE PURSUIT RESULTS IN ARREST

A Winfield man has been charged with DUI, Fleeing and eluding, drug possession, as well as other counts following a police pursuit over the weekend in Northumberland County.  Police say a man later identified as 51 year old Frank Beitz was observed speeding and committing multiple traffic violations in White Deer Township around 9am on Saturday morning.  When police tried to pull him over, Beitz took off, leading them on a pursuit over several roads before crashing his vehicle.  He was taken into custody, and found to be under the influence, and was jailed in Union County Prison.

MAN HELD ON 66 OF 108 CHARGES

Following his preliminary hearing, an Eldred Township man has seen some 40 of 108 charges against him dropped, but has been ordered held over for court on the others.  Bruce Stewart is accused of the sexual assault and rape of a mentally disabled woman over a period of time at his Eldred Township home over an 8 year period.  His victim testified against him during the hearing with 66 of the 108 charges against him sticking, including a count of strangulation.  Stewart remained jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

GOVERNOR TO RELEASE BUDGET TODAY

Governor Wolf will go before the State Legislature in Harrisburg today and unveil his 2019-2020 budget plan for Pennsylvania.  In a plan expected to exceed $33 billion dollars, the governor is expected to seek more money for education again this year.  Though Wolf has said he will not seek a broad-based tax increase, he is expected once again to ask for a tax on Marcellus Shale drillers to finance a multi-billion dollar capital plan for various projects including flood mitigation. Senate House and Republican Leaders say they will put forth their opinions following Wolf’s address.

ANOTHER PERSON CHARGED

A second person has been charged with the burglary of dorm rooms at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.  19 year old William Silva-Gautier had already been announced for his part in taking $1,400 worth of items and $300 in cash from rooms at a dorm at the school in late January.  Now Penn College Police have also announced the arrest of former student 20 year old Giovanni Davis of Williamsport for his part in the thefts.  He also faces several counts and was released after posting $75,000 bail.

BILL TO DENY PENSIONS FOR WRONG-DOERS

State Senator Gene Yaw has announced that the senate has passed a bill which he supports that would ensure that public employees including lawmakers who commit job-related felonies are stripped of their taxpayer-funded pensions.  Senate bill 113 would require pension forfeiture if an employee or official is convicted of or pleads guilty or no contest to any felony offense related to his or her employment.  Yaw says that rewarding bad behavior is something that cannot and should not be tolerated in state government or anywhere.   The bill will now go to the state house for their consideration.

AGREEMENT FINALIZED

An agreement between Geisinger Health System and Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg has been finalized according to officials for both entities.  The ground-breaking agreement will allow Evangelical to strengthen it’s relationship with Geisinger and it’s health plan while maintain it’s independence. The two organizations are expected to invest $265 million dollars over the next five years to enhance the health of their share communities.

MARKET STREET WORK IN LEWISBURG

There could be some slow going on Market Street in Lewisburg this week.  Penn DOT has announced that a contractor will be working this week on railroad signals on Market Street in the borough thorugh Thursday of this week during the daylight hours.  Two way traffic will be maintained on Market Street, though motorists should be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

BARN DESTROYED BY FIRE IN UNION COUNTY

Fire struck a barn in Union County early yesterday morning destroying it. The fire broke out around 12:30am at the barn along Polly Pine Road in Hartley Township at Millmont.  Several fire companies from Union County were called to the scene to fight the blaze which took several hours to put out.  It’s not believed anyone was injured, and the owner of the barn was not named. A damage estimate has not been released the cause of that Union County fire is under investigation.

MORE CHARGES FILED AGAINST COUPLE

Already accused of breaking into two businesses back in Mid-January, a man from Milwaukee Wisconsin and a woman from Jersey Shore have now been charged with breaking into a home in Linden as well.  43 year old Charles Buday and 30 year old Rachel Hamilton had already been accused of stealing items from Lewis Veterinary Clinic in Linden and the Gamble Farm Inn in Jersey Shore, and now face charges for breaking into a home along Antlers Lane owned by Deborah Steppe and taking several pieces of jewelry then trying to get money for them at a local pawn shop. They face charges of burglary as well as other counts.

TRAFFIC SWITCH AT UNDERPASS PROJECT

Traffic heading southbound on Route 11 at the railroad underpass in Northumberland will encounter a change at the construction site there. On Saturday, the contractor for the work there switched traffic from the left lane to the right lane.  The work continues to reconstruct the road under the bridge as part of the Duke Street Reconstruction Project.  The Route 11 northbound detour remains in effect.  Duke Street will remain open to car traffic.  Duke Street will remain open to car traffic until the multi-year reconstruction project resumes this spring.

FOUR HOMELESS

A couple along with their two grandsons are homeless following that Friday morning fire near Exchange in Montour County.  That fire broke out in the farmhouse owned by Michael and Patricia Hans along Foggy Mountain Road quickly spreading through the home.  Everyone was able to make it out okay, though a friend staying there had to jump from a porch roof.  One firefighter suffered a broken leg after falling on the ice while fighting that blaze. A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that Montour County Fire is under investigation.

THIRD DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED

Charges of third degree homicide as well as other related counts have been filed against a Shenandoah man after a several month investigation into a crash which killed a woman, also from Shenandoah in Northumberland County.  Kaylee Pukiewicz was found dead inside a car along Snydertown Road near Sunbury on April 11th after it had crashed.  A search of the area turned up 37 year old Christopher Weston who had been driving.  It’s believed that he was driving under the influence of drugs.  And he is jailed awaiting arraignment on several counts.

THOUSANDS TAKEN IN THEFT

An investigation is underway into the theft of thousands of dollars from a local business.   State police in Montoursville say that between October 10th of last year, and January 31st of this year, that someone somehow got the account information for the corporate Payroll office for the local McDonalds and used that information to make online transactions.  Total of loss is estimated at more than $48,000 dollars.  State police are looking for anyone with information into the thefts to give them a call at 570-368-5700.

MAN JAILED

An Old Lycoming Township man was jailed last week, accused of trying to make arrangements ot have sexual relations with a ten year old child.  61 year old Anthony Agnone reportedly made the arrangement with an uncover officer to commit the acts on Academy Street in the city last Tuesday.  He was charged by city police with criminal solicitation, sexual exploitation of children and related offenses. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $75,000 dollars bail.

WORKERS WANT TO LIVE OUTSIDE CITY

As the city of Williamsport looks into what is best to do in order to attract workers, a  city council ad hoc residency committee has released results of an online survey filled out by more than 100 city workers, showing that the majority of those workers don’t want to be required to live within the city.  About 42% of city workers responded to the survey with a majority of those workers feeling they didn’t want residency requirements.  Recently the residency ordinance was revoked in order for the city to hire the former police chief.  Council has been exploring that issue.

VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE SLOWDOWN

A traffic slowdown is set to go into effect on Route 61, the Veterans Memorial Bridge between Sunbury and Shamokin Dam. Tomorrow between the hours of 8am and 2pm, the right lane on Route 61 Northbound on the bridge will be closed as a crew does survey work there.   The left lane will remain open and motorists are urged to be alert and drive with caution through that workzone.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

SCOREBOARD BIDS REJECTED

Williamsport City Council met last night and rejected five bids for a new scoreboard at BB&T Ballpark at Bowman Field.  The bids ranged from $525,000 to $675,000 dollars, but did not meet all the specifications set forth by the city on six major requirements. The scoreboard will be re-bid. In addition last night,  The new scoreboard is slated to be installed before the opening of the Williamsport Crosscutters season on June 14th. Council did accept a grant in which totals $150,000 to move ahead on the refurbishing of the Brandon Park Bandshell which will cost about $280,000 all together.

LEVEE RECERTIFICATON DISCUSSION

Area officials joined with members of the Army Corps of Engineers yesterday in the city of Williamsport to discuss the levee recertification process which it’s estimated will cost some $16.5 million dollars over the next five years.  Officials discussed the various work that needs done to the levee system which protects Williamsport, South Williamsport, Loyalsock and Old Lycoming Township from flooding saying it will have to be done in phases.  Funding is a problem, and everything from creating an authority to oversee the work, to using county hotel tax was discussed.

AREA STUDENT CHARGED

A 19 year old Pennsylvania College of Technology student was locked up in Lycoming County Prison on Monday after being arrested for stealing from dorm rooms at the school.  College police say William Silva-Gautier took personal items totaling $1700 dollars worth from three unlocked dorm rooms at Dauphin Hall on campus.  He has been charged with three counts each of burglary, felony trespassing, theft, and receiving stolen property and was jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.

MONTOUR COUNTY FIRE

Fire struck overnight in Montour County.  Fire broke out shortly before 1:30 in the 500 block of Foggy Mountain Road in Anthony Township, just outside of Clarkstown off of Muncy Exchange Road.  A second alarm was quickly called in when firefighters arrived at the scene. It was first thought someone may have been trapped inside, but the occupants were reported out of the structure.  The house was fully involved in flames. It’s not believed anyone what hurt, a damage estimate not released and the cause is under investigation. No word on how many have been displaced.

WOLF CALLS FOR SEVERANCE TAX AGAIN

For the fifth time in five years, Governor Wolf wants to impose a severance tax on the Marcellus Shale Industry.  Wolf unveiled a plan yesterday in which the tax would be used to pay down a $4.5 billion dollar bond that the administration would spend over four years on projects including expanding high-speed internet access, improving flood control and cleaning up brownfields and blight in hopes of luring new business.  Republican legislative leaders released a statement, supporting their continued opposition to the tax.

BIG GAME DUI ENFORCEMENT

It is Super Bowl weekend, a time when many individuals host parties to watch the Big Game.  I’ts also a time for increased DUI accidents and deaths.  The Lycoming Count DUI Task Force reports that they will be conducting DUI enforcements utilizing multiple police agencies within Lycoming County through the rest of the weekend.  Officials are reminded party hosts to Host Responsibly as fans don’t let fan’s drive drunk.  They say the .08% blood alcohol limit will be strictly enforced

ACT 13 FUNDING AVAILABLE

Today is the day that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development begins accepting applications for the ACT 13 grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. According to State Senator Gene Yaw, eligible entities are encouraged to apply for the funding which is paid for by natural gas drillers and allotted to the state’s Marcellus legacy fund.  Eligible projects include flood mitigaoin, watershed restoration improvement and restoration.  Applications will be accepted until May 31st.

DUKE STREET RECONSTRUCTION MEETING

Residents in Northumberland will get a chance to find out the impacts of the next phase of the Duke Street Reconstruction project there during a public meeting later this month.  The meeting will be hosted by PennDOT and will take place on Wednesday February 13th beginning at 6pm at Front Street Stations in Northumberland.  It will include a presentation and an opportunity for attendees to review and comment on the project and traffic control plans.

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

A COLD MORNING

The cold snap is here.  Temperatures are below zero across our area this morning, with wind chills even lower.  Area residents are having a tough time starting vehicles and area garages expect to be busy this morning.  In addition, you are reminded that if your pipes freeze, to not try and thaw them out with a blow torch or flame, instead with hot water and a blow dryer.  Make a check on elderly neighbors and make sure they have adequate heat sources and keep those pets inside.  All area schools are closed including Penn College, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University with the exception of Sullivan County schools still on a two hour delay this morning.

POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED RAPE

A Montgomery man, formerly with the Montgomery police department and now working part-time in Muncy and Duboistown has been charged with the attempted sexual assault of a woman.  69 year old Larry Wilcox was arrested yesterday and charged with the attempted rape of a 39 year old woman in July of 2018 at a private residence in Clinton Township.  He is charged with attempted rape, attempted sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault and was jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail.

MIDDLEBURG WOMAN DIES IN CRASH

A crash on Tuesday afternoon in Snyder County took the life of a Middleburg woman and has critically injured a Selinsgrove man.  That crash occurred just before 12:30pm on Route 522 in Middlecreek Township.  A vehicle driven by 21 year old Laurie Stoltzfus went out of control on a snow covered roadway, going into the northbound lane, striking another vehicle then sliding sideways into one driven by 25 year old Tyson Mowrey of Selinsgrove.  Stoltzfus was pronounced dead from her injures at Geisinger Medical Center.  Mowrey is in critical condition.

TWO POSSIBLE NEW HIRES IN COUNTY

Lycoming County Commissioners during their meeting today are poised to decide whether or not to hire on a new public defender.  The current public defender who has been working on an independent contractor basis is set to retire next month. The prospective new hire, who is capable of handling murder cases does is currently an assistant in the officer and does not want to work independently.  County Commissioners also are looking at hiring a new bail release officer for the county prison.

MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A Coal Township man is in critical condition after striking a truck with a snowplow on the front head on on Tuesday evening.  The crash occurred around 6:30pm as 55 year old James Wehr lost control of his vehicle on State Route 61 in Shamokin Township, going over the center line and striking that pick up truck with a plow on the front driven by Donald Wolfgang of Kulpmont.  Wehr was trapped and had to be extricated taken onto Geisinger Medical Center.  Wolfgang was not injured.

GOVERNOR WOLF PROPOSES MINIMUM WAGE HIKE

Pennsylvania’s Governor wants to give a million or so workers in the state of Pennsylvania a raise.  Wolf yesterday proposed the increase in the state’s minimum wage to $12 dollars this year which would put it in line with the highest state minimum wages.  He also would like to eliminate the tipped wages minimum which is now set at $2.83.  Wolf says the move would provide more than $100 milllion dollars in sannual savings in state programs for the poor.  He would need approval from the Republican controlled legislature.

BONE FRAGMENTS DISCOVERED

A possible break in a Northumberland County murder case which was reopened in 2017.  It’s been revealed that bone fragments were found in the wall of a home in Milton searched back in 2017 and could be that of Barbara Miller of Sunbury who went missing back in 1989.  The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System is checking DNA and say it could be months to determine if the fragments belong to Miller.  Sunbury police say the case remains open.

COUNCIL TO DISCUSS GRANTS

Williamsport City Council meets tonight and is expected to vote on a grant agreement between the city and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for $150,000 which would go towards restoration of the Brandon Park Bandshell.  The full cost would be about $280,000 with other funds coming from Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $100,000 an $20,000 from the county.  They also will hold a first reading on a proposed zoning map amendment to extend the Central Business District west of Hepburn Street.

 

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COMMITTEE GIVES APPROVAL TO DONATION

Another step closer to a restoration project at the Brandon Park Bandshell.  A positive recommendation was given yesterday by the Williamsport City Council Finance Committee for a $150,000 dollar donation from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for the estimated $300,000 dollars project.  Council meets on Thursday night.  Also yesterday, city finance director William E. Nichols suggested that bids for a new scoreboard at BB&T Ballpark be rejected and a rebidding take place. The bids range from $525,000 to $675,000 dollars.

NEWBERRY PROJECT DRAWING NEAR

A meeting held in Newberry last night centered on the upcomign improvement project for West Fourth Street there stretching from Hillside Avenue to the Route 15 on and off ramps.  Some 40 residents attended hearing from PennDOT, water and sanitary authority and city streets department officials about the impacts.  The major discussion centered around trees which will need to be cut down as the project progresses, and the possibility that they may not be replaced.  Most of the residents saying they were against the tree removal.

CANTON OFFICER JAILED

A Canton police officer is locked up on Bradford County prison following his arrest on charges of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a juvenile there from June of 2017 to June of 2018.  State police report that 27 year old Joshua Gleco used his cellphone for images of child pornography, illegally recorded phone calls, and images of him and the juvenile in inappropriate interaction.  He faces counts of sexual abuse of children, corruption of minors and felony wiretap violations.

MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

An area young man was charged last week after threatening a young woman in Hepburn Township.  Old Lycoming County Police say that 18 year old Richard Bergman Jr. allegedly put a handgun to the head of the woman, and struck her with a laptop during a disturbance on January 23rd.  He was arrested and charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and related counts and was released after posting $25,000 bail.

PAROLE APPROVED

Parole has been approved for another defendant convicted in the rock throwing incident which critically injured an Ohio Woman along Interstate 80 in Union County back in 2014.  22 year old Dylan Lahr will be released on parole on March 11th.  He along with his brother and two others were convicted for seriously injuring Sharon Budd as she was travelling with her family by throwing a large rock over an overpass onto the highway which smashed the windshield.  Union County’s District Attorney opposes the parole.  Lahr’s brother was denied parole. It was granted for the other two.

KATZ RUNS FOR RE-ELECTION

A Williamsport City Councilperson would like to continue in that position.  Republican Councilperson Bonnie Katz has announced that she will seek the nomination in the May primary for re-election.  Katz, who owns a downtown business with her husband says that she hopes she has earned a reputation for independence and hard work, and says she wants to continue to work to hold the line on property taxes, creat family sustaining jobs, keep families safe from violent crime and drugs and rebuild city parks and streets.

WOLF CALLING FOR STRONG BACKGROUND CHECKS

In the wake of a synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh of 11 people and other shootings in the state, Governor Tom Wolf reiterated his call yesterday for expanded background checks on firearms as well as to end an exception for shotguns, sporting rifles and semi-automatic rifles that are sold at gun shows.  Wolf is calling on lawmakers to advance legislation to do so this year.

GAME COMMISSION GIVES TENTATIVE APPROVAL

Saying it better fits the schedules of young hunters who work or go to school, the Pennsylvania Game Commission tentatively approved a change in the day that the state’s rifle deer hunting season begins.  A vote was taken yesterday to change opening day from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after Thanksgiving instead. It’s hoped that the proposal would help get a younger generation of hunters interested.  The Monday opening day has been in effect for decades in Pennsylvania.  A final vote would need to be taken in April

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS

THE DEEP FREEZE IS ON THE WAY

It is going to get cold out.  Our snow will give way to a polar plunge with frigid temperatures coming from the north over the next few days.  Daytime highs could be in the single digits with overnight lows below zero. That coupled with winds of up to 25 mph will drop windchills to dangerously low levels. You are reminded if you have to go up to layer up and to cover up exposed skin.  Check on elderly neighbors to make sure they have adequate heat sources and to make sure your pets are kept inside to keep them from freezing.

WHEELAND WANTS TO GO TO WASHINGTON

A current Republican state representative has his eyes on Washington.  83rd District State Representative Jeff Wheeland of Williamsport has announced that he intends to participate in the Republican conferee process to run in the special election in May for 12th district congressman Tom Marino’s seat.  Wheeland noted his experience in county and state government as some of his qualifications for the job.  It is up to the State Republican committee to choose a candidate to run against one chosen by the Democratic State Committee.

STABBING IN CITY

A stabbing reported in the city of Williamsport on Sunday Night.  Police and emergency personnel were called to an apartment at 705 Hepburn Street around 8pm on Sunday and there found a man bleeding from a stab wound.  It’s not known if the man was treated at the hospital, but police say they believed he was stabbed by his girlfriend.  No charges were filed though as the victim became uncooperative with officers at the scene.  He was not identified.

TWO INJURED IN SEPARATE CRASHES

Two separate crashes in Loyalsock Township, sent a pair of people to the hospital yesterday. The first crash occurred around 11:45 and Sheridan Street and Lafayette Parkway as a car and pick up truck collided. The woman in the car was taken ot the hospital for treatment. Her name and condition not released.  It’s not known if the pick up truck driver suffered any injures.  The other crash happened later in the day along Four Mile Drive, as the driver of an SUV suffered what appeared to be a medical issued and sideswiped a vehicle then went off the roadway. That person was treated.  Their name and condition not released.

ANOTHER COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE

A Loyalsock Township resident has announced his intention to run for the Republican nomination for Lycoming County Commissioner.  30 year old Christopher Benson who works overseeing with Whole Foods Market, an Amazon-owned company says he wants to expand county revenue not through taxes but to explore tested alternative ways.  He says he would like to. improve roads and bridges and create programs to train the workforce amongst his vision for the county.

FUGITIVE FOUND IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

A wanted man out of Centre County was taken into custody in South Williamsport yesterday morning.  The USMS Task Fugitive Task Force, Lycoming County Sheriff’s Department South Williamsport police and other law enforcement took Justin Jonson into custody in South Side.  Johnson was wanted in Centre County for a state parole violation and has other charged pending including burglary, a felon not to possess a firearm and receiving stolen property.  He will be recommitted to state prison.

OPENING DAY ON SATURDAY?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is exploring a change in the way rifle deer season would be run.  The Commission will take a preliminary vote at their meeting today to change the opening of the season from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after Thanksgiving instead.  It’s believe the change would help more hunters get out into the woods, as they would not have to take off work on the first day and increase interest.  If a yes vote is given today, a final vote would have to be taken in April.

WOMAN BILKED OUT OF A LOT OF MONEY

State police in Milton are investigating a dating site scam of which an Allenwood woman was bilked out of a large amount of money.  Police say between November 1st of last year and January 17th of this year, the 70 year old woman was speaking with an individual on a dating website and sent a large amount of money to that person.  She is believed to have been scammed out of some $163,000 dollars according to police. They say their investigation continues.

UGI WANTS TO RAISE RATES

Saying that they need the money for systems improvement, UGI Utilities has filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to increase it’s rates for residential, commercial and industrial customers effective March 29th.  If approved, residential rates would go up 8.5% which would mean an average of about $7 more a month.  Commercial customers would see an increase of 17.4%  and industrial rates would go up by 18%.

Backyard Broadcasting News

HOMICIDE CONVICTION DROPPED

A Williamsport man saw a homicide conviction against him thrown out in court last week and will now be able to plead to a lesser charged.  Da’Ran Sears was serving a 21-50 year sentence in the July 2013 shooting death of Donte Marks in Williamsport.  Sears contended he did not know the gun was loaded when he pulled the trigger.  His current counsel successfully argued that Sears was ready to plead to involuntary manslaughter, but his former counsel was trying to get a lesser charged dismissed, taking too much time, with homicide charges filed against the man.  A hearing will be held on March 1st for Sears to plead to a lesser charge.

FIRE IN JERSEY SHORE

Firefighters in Jersey Shore as well as surrounding companies were alled out over the weekend to a home there.  Fire officials say it’s believed that a fire which broke out around 6:30 on Saturday morning at the home on Wilson Street started in the vicinity of a wood burning stove in the dining room area.  Police arrived first and were able to keep things from gong totally out of control with extinguishers.  The fire still heavily damaged the home.  No one was injured.  It’s not been reported as to how many persons were displaced.

SAFE HOUSE BURNS

A safe house in Shamokin which provides temporary housing for people fleeing domestic violence or other family crises was damaged by fire yesterday morning.  The fire broke out at the Transitions Center in Shamokin bringing in firefighters from several Northumberland County companies.  Both staff and residents were able to make it out without injury.  The place was extensively damaged though and estimate was not released. The cause is under investigation. Those who were staying the facility have been placed elsewhere.

MAN HELPS TO SAVE HOME

A fire in Nisbet on Friday late last week could have been much worse if not for the help of two men. Fire broke out in a four wheeler at the home along First Avenue in Nisbet.  Len Schenk of Mill Hall was traveling along Route 654 when he noticed the smoke and stopped to see what was going on.  With the help of a neighbor’s truck, Schenk was able to attach a strap to the four wheeler and pull it away from the house.  The homeowner was not named.  There was some damage to the siding of the home, but no major damage reported.

SCOREBOARD BIDS OPENED

It looks like Williamsport City Council will get to review the bids for a brand new scoreboard at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field during their meeting this Thursday night.  Bids were opened for the new scoreboard last week.  There were five of them ranging from $520,000 to $675,000 dollars.  They are under review to determined technical details, to meet specifications and intent.  It’s believed the scoreboard will be installed and operational by the beginning of the Crosscutters season in June.

WOMAN KILLED IN TIOGA COUNTY CRASH

A crash in Tioga County late last week cost a Middlebury Center woman her life. The crash happened on Route 414 in Liberty Township as 76 year old Herbert Harrison Jr. of Middlebury Center lost control of his vehicle on a curve which struck a sign, and went down over an embankment striking a tree.  His wife, 77 year old Darlene Harrison was flown to Geisinger Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.  Mr. Harrison was treated for minor injuries.

UNITED WAY AT CRITICAL STAGE

The Lycoming County United Way is into the critical stage of their fundraising efforts. A  campaign that was kicked off several months ago is lagging behind last year’s total by about $200,000 and according officials the next thirty days is critical as they need to know how much will be in the budget to help the program partners.  Officials say they began the campaign hoping to serve 55,000 people in Lycoming and well as Tioga and Sullivan Counties in coming year.  More information is available online at LCUW.org.

YAW GETS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

It was announced on Friday that 23rd District State Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock will serve on five standing senate committees in Harrisburg during this legislative session.  Yaw who already was announced as chairman for the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will also serve on the Senate Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Judiciary and Law and Justice Committees.  He also will continue serving as vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee.

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