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.

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 21^st 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.

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 31^st 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.

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 31^st.  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 15^th.

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.

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 14^th. 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 31^st.

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 13^th 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.