Backyard Broadcasting Local News

MAN ARRESTED FOR REPEATED RAPE

An Eldred Township man was taken into custody yesterday, charged with the multiple rape and sexual assault of a mentally disabled woman over a ten year period.  59 year old Bruce Stewart is accused of the repeated acts he committed with the woman from 2009 up until last July when the victim reported him. Stuart faces more than 100 counts against him stemming from the incidents which took place at his home including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault and even a count of strangulation. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

MILTON WOMAN AND SON CONFIRMED VICTIMS OF MURDER/SUICIDE

It’s been confirmed that it was a Milton woman and her son who died in a murder-suicide in Lancaster County.  Authorities believe that 32 year old Nicole Welton first shot her 11 year old son, and then shot herself in a motel room in Manheim Township near Lancaster on Wednesday morning.  The boy was a fifth grade student in the Milton Area School District and district officials say they have made grief counselors available at the school for classmates.  Police in Lancaster County are investigating and have not released any information regarding a possible motive.

BASKETBALL TO RETURN TO MEMORIAL PARK

Despite questions over whether it is feasible or not to place basketball courts next to the current pickleball courts at Memorial Park in the city of Williamsport, the city has gone ahead and poured concrete for the poles and hoops, laying the foundation for the sport to return to the park there.  That occurred yesterday despite a call to hold off before a recreation commission meeting last week.  Mayor Campana who had the hoops removed nearly five years ago due to questionable behavior there has said he will have monitors on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly.

GETTING CLOSER TO SALE

City officials in Williamsport believe that they are closer to selling the city’s two pump stations to the Williamsport Water and Sanitary Authority for a million dollars.  As issue is ownership of the pump stations, but as reported in the Williamsport Sun Gazette this morning, city engineer Mark Benfer says he believes that issue can be cleared up with the Army Corps of Engineers.  The authority board would still have to vote and approval would be needed form Williamsport City Council.

PUBLIC TO SEE RESULTS OF STUDY

Lycoming County Commissioners revealed yesterday that the public will get their chance to see an in-depth analysis of the county’s financials and operations.   The $164,000 dollar study was offered by the state Department of Community and Economic Department and is designed to provide insight into how well the county is run generally and financially and provide suggestions for future changes.  County officials say half the cost could be reimbursed by the state, and the suggestions to save money should be well worth the cost.

OVERTIME COSTS CUT

Saving money in Clinton County.  A report from Clinton County Correctional Facility warden Angela Hoover says that thanks to 12 hours shifts and a full complement ot corrections officers that the facility is paying less overtime.  In fact overtime hours were cut back to 445 in the month of December compared to 836 total overtime hours in November. The 12 hour shift was recently implemented with the goal to eliminate the need for the extra hours.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL WEAPONS AND DRUGS

A Milton man was arrested on Wednesday evening after being spotted dropping a needle in the parking lot of a Shamokin Dam Restaurant and then entering a vehicle containing two young children.  28 year old Robert Perez-Irizarry was pulled over by police who were called by a witness who watched him drop the needle.  Inside, police found heroin, a loaded weapon the man was not allowed to possess and two children under the age of 8.  He was charged with a number of counts and jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

 

 

Backyard Broadcasting Local News

An accused killer was taken into custody yesterday and returned here last night to face the charges.  US. Marshals were able to take 30 year old Monica Burns into custody in Philadelphia yesterday morning without incident.  She is accused of stabbing to death 28 year old Ryan Jones on New Year’s morning at an apartment in the city of Williamsport.  She was returned to the city last night and arraigned t hen jailed without bail.

Extra charges have been filed against a city woman.  Jahnasia Wiggs was arrested shortly after she robbed Cupps Vacuum Center of $200 dollars on Washington Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon and jailed. Williamsport police now say that theft related charges will also be filed against Wiggs for walking into the Turkey Hill Market, also on Washington Boulevard on Monday morning and grabbing a money bag.

A woman from Milton and her son are suspected as the two who are dead following an apparent murder-suicide in Lancaster County  The bodies of a mother and her son were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a motel along the Harrisburg Pike in Manheim Township yesterday.  The woman has been identified through the Daily Item Newspaper as Nicole Welton of Milton.  Autopsies have been scheduled for today.

A Milton area man has been charged with terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault following an incident which occurred last week at a residence in Montour County.  State police say that around 11:15pm on January 2nd, two men showed up at the residence along Strick Road in Limestone Township to repossess an ATV vehicle.  That’s when 52 year old David Beachel walked out of the residence with a 20 gauge shotgun firing a shot in the air and then pointing the gun at the two.

Planning is already underway for school district budgets for the 2019-2020 school year, and the Loyalsock Area School District is planning ot hold the line on taxes.  The School Board yesterday voted to stay within the state’s Act 1 index, which means that even if they decided to increase taxes, that the increase would not be over 1.8%.  District officials say as it stands now they don’t plan on increasing taxes for the next school year.

The Danville High School school day was disrupted yesterday after officials received what they called a bomb and safety threat.  The threat forced the evacuation of the school yesterday morning and a search was done of the building, turning up nothing.  School resumed as normal around 11am.  District officials say they will take the threat seriously.  If found, the perpetrator will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Lock Haven’s Mayor has announced that he will not seek a second term.  William Baney III who was elected mayor in 2016 after serving two terms as city councilman has announced that he will not seek re-election this year with his term officially expiring on January 6th, 2020.  A pair of councilmen have announced their intentions to run for the job.  They are Republican Richard Conklin and Democrat Joel Long.

The Wolf Administration has announced that the state will invest in efforts to restore the flood damaged Muncy Creek in Hughesville and Wolf Township in Lycoming County.  It was announced yesterday that the DEP has awarded a 2019 Growing Greener Grant of $227,284 dollars which will go towards stabilizing 500 feet of streambank which has been eroded by numerous flood events sending sediment downstream over the past seven years.

Local News 1/9/19

ROBBERY INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The investigation continues into the robbery of a convenience market in the city of Williamsport which occurred on Monday night.  Police now say that a heavy set black male, wearing a green jacket and brown hat was standing in line at the Mini Mart at 1027 High Street around 9:30 on Monday, probably waiting for the cash register to open for the customer in front of him.  When it opened, he pushed the woman out of the way and grabbed an unknown amount of cash then fled on foot.  No one was hurt.  Police are still looking for that man.

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED IN CITY MURDER

A Loyalsock Township woman is wanted for the stabbing death of a man in the city of Williamsport which occurred early on New Years morning.  Police believe that 28 year old Ryan Jones got into a fight with several people at a party in the Timberland Apartments in the city early last Tuesday morning, when 30 year old Monica Burns got out a knife and stabbed Jones.  It’s believed he then left the scene on foot and most likely collapsed in the area of city fire headquarters on Walnut Street where he was found dead later that morning.  He died of a stab wound to the chest.  Police are looking for Burns and the investigation continues.

TWO STORE FRONTS FILLED BEFORE THEY BECOME EMPTY

It didn’t take long to fill two vacancies at the Monroe Marketplace in Hummels Wharf.  It was recently announced that Staples and Bed Bath and Beyond plan on closing next month at the shopping center along Route 15 in Snyder county.  Yesterday, officials announced that Old Navy and Ross Dress for Less will open this Spring, Old Navy in March in the space vacated by Staples and Ross Dress for Less in the soon to be vacant Bed, Bath and Beyond location.

LEFTOVER BLOCK GRANT MONEY TO BE AWARDED

It looks like Lycoming County Commissioners will be awarding leftover Community Development Block Grant funding during the meeting tomorrow.  2014 leftover funding of just over $43,000 dollars is slated for Washington Township Hill Road Reconstruction project.  Some $130,000 left over from 2016 and 2017 could go to Jersey Shore which addresses stormwater issues, and a million dollars is slated for the Lairdsville Sanitary Sewer project.

MISSING WOMAN FOUND DECEASED

The Bradford County Coroner’s office has confirmed that a body found in Athens on Monday is that of a woman reported missing there over the weekend.  The body of 73 year old Isabel Johnson was found in a large field in Athens by police who were searching for her on Monday.  She had walked away from her apartment on Saturday and was last seen walking in the borough.  The woman had suffered from alzheimers and dementia.  An autopsy is scheduled for today to determine the cause of death.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY

Following a robbery at knifepoint at a city business yesterday, a city woman was arrested at her home blocks away.  It’s believed that 22 year old Jahnasia Wiggs walked into Cupps Vacuum Center on Washington Boulevard around 3:10 yesterday afternoon, pulled a knife and demanded money, getting away with an undisclosed amount.  A city police officer spotted the woman on her porch a few blocks away and she was identified as the person who committed the robbery.  She is also suspected of grabbing a money bag at the Turkey Hill Market on Washington Boulevard on Monday morning.  She is jailed in lieu of $90.000 bail.

ATTORNEY ANNOUNCED CANDIDACY

A Williamsport attorney has announced that he will run for the open judicial spot on the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas.  Judge Richard Gray plans on retiring at the end of the year, and Attorney Ryan Tira has announced his intentions to run for the seat.  Tira has practiced law for 16 years with McNerney, Page, Vanderlin and Hall in the city.  Tira points to his experience and community involvement as qualifications for the seat.

LANE SHUT DOWN FOR HOURS

A lane of Route 15 North in the Lewisburg area was shut down for hours yesterday following a truck crash there.   A tractor trailer went off of the roadway near Beagle Club Road going down over an embankment and spilling fuel onto the roadway around 8:20 yesterday morning.  Crews were called in for a hazardous materials clean up and a lane closed there for several hours.  The truck driver was not injured.

LOCAL MILLIONAIRE?

It looks like our area may have a Millionaire.  It has been announced that one of four winning tickets in the Pennsylvania Lottery’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle Drawing was purchased over the weekend at Wegman’s Market in the city of Williamsport.  The ticket was sold on Saturday to an as yet unidentified person according to store officials.  As of Monday morning, no one had come forward yet claiming the ticket.   The other three tickets were sold in Susquehanna, Carbon and Crawford Counties.

Local News 1/8/19

SLIPPERY CONDITIONS

Some slippery conditions still this morning, mostly on back roads and in the higher elevations.  You are reminded to take it easy as you head out this morning and leave early for your destination. Most main roads are in good shape, thanks in part to Penn DOT pre-treating roadways yesterday.  We do have some school delays to report this morning.  Here they are.

LOOKING FOR CONCESSIONS

A report in the Williamsport Sun Gazette this morning says Mayor Campana wants to sit down with leadership from both the city police and fire departments to discuss the possibility of a 1% pay cut for members of both departments. The mayor, looking at saving money for the city says the cuts could save the city about $225,000 dollars annually all together.  Leader of both unions say they would be willing to talk with the mayor but the decision would be up to the rank and file of both departments.

SNOW CAUSES ACCIDENTS

Though there were few problems reported on the roadways overnight, a little snow yesterday afternoon caught drivers off guard.  There were several accidents reported across the region yesterday as snow fell, whitening up roads for a short time.  Some minor injuries were reported and emergency crews were kept busy for a time yesterday afternoon.  Road crews were busy into the afternoon making sure roadways were clear and passable.

YAW REGAINS CHAIRMANSHIP

23rd district State Senator Gene Yaw from Loyalsock Township will continue his chairmanship on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the 2019-2020 legislative session.  Yaw announced yesterday that he has been reappointed to head up the committee which has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development including regulations and conservation efforts.  Yaw has been chairman of the committee since 2013, and has helped to sponsor a number of energy related bills.

ROBBERY AND ASSAULT CHARGES

A robbery and assault on Thursday of last week has landed a city teen in jail.  Williamsport police arrested 18 year old Rahshaan Gaines after he allegedly tried to rob a man of money on Thursday night at West Fourth Street and Seventh Avenue and when the man pushed the teen away, Gaines allegedly punched the man in the face several times. He is jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail.  A 14 year old teen has been sent to a juvenile detention center for his participation in the incident.

ROBBERY IN CITY

Williamsport police are investigating a robbery attempt which occurred on the city last night.  The incident happened just past 9:30 as a heavy set black male, wearing a grey knit cap and brow jacket tried a strong armed robbery at the Mini Mart in the 1000 block of High Street.  No one was reported injured, and it’s not known how much the man got away with.  The investigation continues.  No other details are available.

MAN CHARGED WITH FLEEING POLICE

A Milton man has been charged with fleeing and eluding and other related counts following a police pursuit in Northumberland County over the weekend.  State police in Milton say that on Saturday night around 8pm, they attempted to conduct a traffic stop for an equipment violation, when the operator, 27 year old Brandon Kerstetter took off from them leading them on a high speed chase which subsequently ended when Kerstetter pulled over. No one was injured and charged have been filed through district court.

MORE MONEY FOR FIGHT AGAINST OPIOIDS

A year after Governor Tom Wolf issued a statewide declaration to battle the rise in opioid deaths, progress has been made.  A report by state leaders yesterday shows that opioid-related deaths in the state dropped 11 percent last year.  They do say that opioid addiction remains as an epidemic and that the state will spend an additional $56 million dollars on several programs including drug education, helping professionals in the field by repaying college loans and creating a public service campaign to publicize a 24 hour hotline.

Local News 1/7/19

COLUMBIA COUNTY FIRE DESTROYS HOME

Firefighters from several companies were called out last night to a two alarm fire at a Columbia County home. The fire broke out around 7pm at the home along Belles Road in Benton Township and when firefighters arrived, the house was fully involved in flames.  No one was home at the time and no one was injured. The house was a total loss and the cause of the fire is under investigation.  It’s not been reported as to how many have been left homeless.

NEW JERSEY MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

A New Jersey man was charged with aggravated and simple assault as well as harassment following an incident in Loyalsock Township last week.  On Wednesday night, emergency personnel were called to a home on Hazel Drive for reports of an unresponsive man.  Upon arrival, a female paramedic tried to help 38 year old Donald Sims of Jersey City onto a stretcher and he allegedly assaulted her.  He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $90,000 bail.

GRANT TO HELP WITH TREE PLANTING

The city of Williamsport will benefit from a more than $8200 dollars State Grant which will allow it to plant some 80 trees at various sites int the city, replacing ash type trees which were diseased. The tree planting is expected to take place in April along Little League Boulevard with 40 being planted there, as well as parts of Mulberry Street, First and Second Avenues.

METH LAB FOUND

Two persons have been charged following the discovery of a methamphetamine lab in Tioga County.  Police were called on Thursday to a house in Lawrence Township for a child welfare check, and detected a gaseous smell coming from a garage.  Upon a search they found meth making materials, and evidence of a one pot lab there.  The items were removed and a 29 year old man from Tioga and a 58 year old woman from Lawrenceville have been charged.

CRASH ON FRIDAY INJURES MONTGOMERY MAN

A crash on Friday afternoon of last week in Clinton Township resulted in a Montgomery man being taken to Geisinger Medical Center with unspecified injuries.  Police say 54 year old Thomas Plank was driving on State Route 405 near State Home Road when he lost control went onto a property, struck a tree an then a dirt bank. He was taken to the medical center and treated. He was released over the weekend.

MISSING PERSON IN BRADFORD COUNTY

A woman is missing in Bradford County.  Police in Athens say that 73 year old Isabelle Johnson was last week walking on Church Street in Athens around 4pm on Saturday.  The is described as a white female, 5 ft. 2 inches tall, 100 lbs wearing a pink winter coat and blue jeans.  It’s believed she could be at special risk of harm or injury and may be confused. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 in Bradford County.

ROLLING ROADBLOCKS PLANNED

Later this week, there will be some slowdowns on Interstate 180 in the Muncy Creek Township area near the Northumberland County line. A contractor is working for PPL and will be replacing  utility lines on Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 9am and 3pm.  Due to the work and removal of the old lines, rolling roadblocks will take place and traffic will be slowed at various times both days in both directions.  Motorists are reminded to watch for slow moving vehicles in that area.

WOMAN JAILED

A woman was jailed last week, after showing up at a district judge’s office to pay a fine and taken into custody on criminal charges.  58 year old Sherry Minner was wanted for obtaining a prescription drug at the Weis Market Pharmacy which was in the name of her boyfriend.  She was arrested on Thursday and charged with theft, receiving stolen property and forgery and was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.

 

Local News 1/4/19

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Few other details have been released into the homicide of a city man found dead behind the Williamsport Fire Department Headquarters on Walnut Street around 6:30 on New Year’s morning.  An autopsy on 28 year old Ryan Jones was performed on Wednesday with the cause of death being ruled as a homicide.  Other media outlets are reporting Jones was stabbed though that hasn’t been confirmed, and it’s believed that the murder did not take place at the site where he was found.

COUNCIL VOTES TO EXPAND BUSINESS DISTRICT

Williamsport City Council held it’s first meeting of the New Year last night voting to accept a zoning map amendment which will expand the city’s Central Business District.  The expansion will take the district which had ended at Hepburn Street, up to Center Street and it’s hoped the decision will help a local developer to restart construction on a restaurant at Third and Hepburn Streets thanks to relaxed parking regulations.  The decision is expected to help other business owers as well in that area.

5 TO 10 YEAR SENTENCE IMPOSED

A 19 year old Selinsgrove man will spend the next 5 to 10 years in state prison for his part in two drug related armed robberies in the state as well as his role in a drug ring in and around Snyder County.  Noah Hendricks was sentenced in Snyder County Court yesterday.  He had been charged for his part in an armed robbery at Susquehanna University and the attempted armed robbery at Clarion University, pleading guilty to several charges. His arrest touched off an investigation which resulted in the arrests of 15 people as part of the drug ring there.

MILLIONS IN IMPACT FEES UPHELD

A ruling by the state Supreme Court may put Natural Gas companies across Pennsylvania on the hook for millions more dollars in impact fees.  Some 17 gas companies had challenged fees charged on stripper wells, or a well that is nearing the end of it’s life.  Drillers had wanted the court to expand on the definition of those wells which would mean more wells would be exempt from the fees, but the court has ruled against them.

MAN FOUND WITH DRUGS AND A WEAPON

A Lumberton North Carolina man was pulled over for speeding last month in Loyalsock Township and found with drugs, as well as a firearm he did not have a license for. The traffic stop occurred on December 12th on Interstate 180 in the Township as 22 year old Tristen Welch was found in possession of Suboxone without a prescription, marijuana and the firearm.  He was also charged with resisting arrest and was originally jailed, but since released on $15,000 bail.

LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOUND

A Maine man faces a count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity for possessing bulk U.S. currency as well as possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in Union County on Wednesday morning.  State police stopped a pickup truck driven by 27 year old Sean Bastian of Portland Maine on Interstate 80 around 10:30am finding a large undisclosed amount of cash as well as several jars containing a wax like marijuana substance and some meth pills.  He was released after posting $25,000 bail.

SALVATION ARMY IN LOCK HAVEN RIPPED OFF

Police in Lock Haven are looking for the person or persons who stole from the Salvation Army there over the New Year’s Holiday.  It’s believed someone broke a latch on a window at the building on East Church Street, then climbed through the window, then forced doors open to offices there taking about $400 in cash and another $300 in gift cards intended to help the community with meals and other services.  Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Lock Haven.

FARM SHOW BEGINS

It’s Farm Show time in Harrisburg.  The Pennsylvania Farm Show opens up tomorrow at the complex and will run through January 12th. This year’s theme is Inspiring Pennsylvania’s Story.  New to the show this year is a craft beer competition and a market inside the main hall with cheese, honey, maple products and vegetables for sale by the state farmer’s market association.  Of course there will be over 12,000 agricultural exhibits.  Admission is free.  Parking on the complex’s lots will cost $15.

 

Local News 1/3/19

MAN IDENTIFIED, MURDER THE CAUSE OF DEATH

Williamsport police have identified the man found dead in the city on New Year’s morning as 28 year old Ryan Jones of the city and say his death is being ruled as a homicide.  Jones was found around 6:40 on Tuesday morning behind city fire headquarters along Walnut Street and pronounced dead there by the deputy coroner.  His body was sent to Allentown for an autopsy where it was confirmed that someone killed the man.  Police are remaining tight lipped on just how he was killed, and are not releasing any other details.  They are asking anyone with information to give police a call at 570-327-7560.  Detective Justin Snyder is the lead investigator.

BANK ROBBERY IN SNYDER COUNTY

Police in Snyder County continue their investigation into yesterday’s bank robbery which occurred in Selinsgrove.  Around 2:15pm, a man described as a white male, about 5 ft 6 inches tall, with a medium to medium heavy build 30-45 years old and was wearing a blue parka with white striped down the sleeves and horned rimmed glasses, walked up to a teller’s window at Northumberland National Bank on North Market Street with a note, then reached over and grabbed cash the teller was counting and took off.  He ran for a short time before jumping in a blue sedan.  No word on how much money was taken and no one was hurt.

STRONG ARMED ROBBERY IN CITY

A strong armed robbery was reported at a convenience market in the city of Williamsport early yesterday morning.  Somewhere around 2:40 in the morning, a black male with a mustache/bear, and brown hair walked into the Turkey Hill Market at 700 Washington Boulevard and attempted to rob the place.  It’s not known if he got away with any money but he was last seen riding along Railway Street on a bicycle.  No other information has been released and Williamsport Police are investigating.

BASKETBALL COURTS TO RETURN

Williamsport’s Mayor wants to return the basketball hoops to Memorial Park in the city.  In April of 2014 Mayor Gabriel Campana ordered the basketball hoops taken down and pickleball courts as put in due to what he called gang activity at the basketball courts which were used pretty much daily.  Campana says that after much consideration and a willingness of community leaders to form a Memorial Pak Committee that he has instructed city streets and parks employees to install a full basketball court next to the pickleball court.  He also said that the blighted rubberized playground surface at the park will be replaced with a high grade playground mulch.

EVERETT APPOINTED TO CHAIRMANSHIP

84th District State Representative Garth Everett was appointed yesterday as chairman of the House State Government Committee for the 2019-2020 legislative session.  Everett is beginning his sevent term in the state house and says he is excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to head an important House committee that is largely responsible for holding government agencies accountable and keeping them transparent for the public.  The committee is charged with reviewing legislation dealing with aspects of state government abuse of taxpayer dollars as well as other aspects of state government such as election code, lobbyist disclosure, legislative term limits and campaign financing.

NEW JOB FOR FORMER COP

A former Williamsport Police Captain has a new job within the Williamsport Area School District as the Supervisor of Pupil Transportation and School Safety/School Police Officer.  Miller who joined the police force in 2000 and who was most recently a captain before leaving the force replaces Scott Williams who resigned for the district in December for other employment.  It’s hoped that in his expanded role, that Miller can help further the district’s commitment to student and staff safety.

AUTOPSY PERFORMED ON MAN SHOT BY POLICE

Results will not be released until later regarding the autopsy of a man who was shot and killed by police on Monday at his Waterville home.  62 year old Brant Hartung engaged police in a standoff beginning on Monday morning and ending after he fired several shots at officers, and then was shot when officers returned fire early on Monday afternoon.  An autopsy was performed yesterday.  The Lycoming County Coroner say no further details will be released until state police complete their investigation an turn their findings over to the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office.

COUNCIL TO MEET FOR FIRST TIME THIS YEAR

Williamsport City Council has it’s first meeting of the new year tonight.  Amongst it’s agenda is the second and final reading of a zoning ordinance which would expand the city’s Central Business District, amongst other things helping the owner of one city building restart construction on a building he owns that he wants to turn into a restaurant.  The approval would help eliminate some parking restrictions there.  Council also will review a grant which will help purchase trees which would be replanted in various sections of the city, and review a collective bargaining agreement between the city and it’s employees.

HAZMAT CLEAN UP ON 80

A HazMat Cleanup is scheduled for a section of I-80 eastbound in Montour County.  The work will take place today from 7:30am to approximately 3pm at Mile 221 about three miles west of Danville in Liberty Township. Due to that cleanup the left passing lane will be closed.  Motorists should be alert and drive with caution through that workzone there today.

 

Local News 1/2/19

FIRE STRIKES IN PENN TOWNSHIP

Firefighters continue to mop up at the scene this morning of a fire which struck a home in the Beaver Lake Area of Penn Township in Lycoming County.  Fire was reported in a house in the 100 block of Maple Lane just before 2am and when firefighters arrived, they found the house fully involved in flames.  At one point it was reported that ammunition was heard exploding inside the house and firefighters had to fight flames from the outside when a partial collapse occurred. That fire was not brought under control for more than an hour and not reported completely out until around 4:40 this morning.  Two persons are reportedly displaced.  A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that Penn Township Fire is under investigation.

MAN DIES WHEN BUGGY STRUCK FROM BEHIND

A Snyder County man died on Friday when his horse and buggy were hit from behind by a vehicle near Middleburg. The accident happened just after noon on Friday along Route 522 near Pinecrest Drive in McClure as a buggy operated by 62 year old Rufus Yoder of McClure was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by 84 year old Randall Bonnie of Middleburg.  Yoder was thrown from buggy, taken to the hospital and pronounced dead there.  Route 522 was closed for five hours and the accident continues to be under investigation.

CRASH NEAR HUGHESVILLE

A crash last night outside of Hughesville sent at least one person to the hospital.  The crash occurred just before 9pm in the 200 block of Wolf Run Road.  One vehicle was reported into a pole with the driver reported as unresponsive.  It’s not known if anyone else was involved or as to what hospital that person was taken to. Crews were on the scene for about 2 hours.   No other details are available regarding that Hughesville Area crash.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR NEGLECT AND ABUSE OF CHILDREN

A Montgomery area woman was arrested over the weekend for neglect and abuse of her three children.   Following an investigation in which one infant child was taken to the hospital for severe malnutrition and signs of abuse, Police went to the Clinton Township home of 36 year old Sheketh Dyer and found both a 4 and 6 year old in a filthy home suffering from signs of abuse themselves.  An arrest warrant was issued for Dyer and U.S. Marshals were called in to help, finding Dyer concealed in the home in the 200 block of West Houston Avenue around 5pm on Saturday.  She has been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children and was jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail.

MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

A Williamsport man who had been found guilty in September of sexually abusing two 12 year olds as well as a 5 year old girl and videotaping some of the activity was sentenced late last week in Lycoming County Court.  37 year old Carlos Castro had been found guilty of some 40 counts and was sentenced on Thursday to 67 to 189 years in state prison. If he ever gets out, he will also have to register as a sex offender with the state for the rest of his life.

FORMER COACH SENTENCED

A former basketball teacher and basketball coach was sentenced last week to 1 to 2 years in county prison as well as 10 years of probation for the sexual assault of two minors.  38 year old Kelly Vasallo has pleaded guilty to two counts of institutional sexual assault as well as three counts of corruption of a minor.  She was accused of having a sexual relationship with a 13 year old girl who was on her basketball team that she coached back in 2013 and 2014 and then with another girl who was 17 at the time of that sexual relationship.  She had already been suspended from her job as a teacher in the Williamsport School District.

BEAR ATTACK VICTIM IMPROVING

It was reported over the weekend, that the victim of a bear attack which occurred December 12th at her Muncy Creek Township home continues to improve.  Melinda Lebarron who originally was reported in critical condition following the attack which injured her ribs, collar bone and head has been upgraded to fair condition following multiple surgeries at Geisinger Medical Center.  The bear who attacked her has not been found.

FRIDAY FIRE DISPLACES FIVE

Fire on Friday in the city of Williamsport damaged a home to the tune of $20,000 dollars and displaced five persons. That fire broke out late Friday morning in a six unit apartment building at 332 Campbell Street and was reportedly caused  by dog which jumped up on the stove, turning on one of the burners.  The flame then ignited items on the stove catching the kitchen in a unit occupied by Ronnie Schley and Betty Watson on fire.  Firefighters were able to bring that fire under control within minutes of arrival.  It’s not known how long the tenants will be displaced.

NEW YEARS ENFORCEMENT

The New Year is almost here.  State and local police say will continue aggressive enforcement on roadways through the holiday looking for motorists who are driving aggressively and who may be drinking and driving.  Extra DUI patrols will be out during the overnight hours watching for New Year’s Eve revelers who may be behind the wheel after drinking and driving.  You are reminded to get a sober ride home if you are planning on celebrating.  There will also be patrols looking for drivers who may be speeding or committing other aggressive driving practices and as always, make sure you buckle up.

 

Local News 12/31/18

FIRE STRIKES IN PENN TOWNSHIP

Firefighters continue to mop up at the scene this morning of a fire which struck a home in the Beaver Lake Area of Penn Township in Lycoming County.  Fire was reported in a house in the 100 block of Maple Lane just before 2am and when firefighters arrived, they found the house fully involved in flames.  At one point it was reported that ammunition was heard exploding inside the house and firefighters had to fight flames from the outside when a partial collapse occurred. That fire was not brought under control for more than an hour and not reported completely out until around 4:40 this morning.  Two persons are reportedly displaced.  A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that Penn Township Fire is under investigation.

MAN DIES WHEN BUGGY STRUCK FROM BEHIND

A Snyder County man died on Friday when his horse and buggy were hit from behind by a vehicle near Middleburg. The accident happened just after noon on Friday along Route 522 near Pinecrest Drive in McClure as a buggy operated by 62 year old Rufus Yoder of McClure was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by 84 year old Randall Bonnie of Middleburg.  Yoder was thrown from buggy, taken to the hospital and pronounced dead there.  Route 522 was closed for five hours and the accident continues to be under investigation.

CRASH NEAR HUGHESVILLE

A crash last night outside of Hughesville sent at least one person to the hospital.  The crash occurred just before 9pm in the 200 block of Wolf Run Road.  One vehicle was reported into a pole with the driver reported as unresponsive.  It’s not known if anyone else was involved or as to what hospital that person was taken to. Crews were on the scene for about 2 hours.   No other details are available regarding that Hughesville Area crash.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR NEGLECT AND ABUSE OF CHILDREN

A Montgomery area woman was arrested over the weekend for neglect and abuse of her three children.   Following an investigation in which one infant child was taken to the hospital for severe malnutrition and signs of abuse, Police went to the Clinton Township home of 36 year old Sheketh Dyer and found both a 4 and 6 year old in a filthy home suffering from signs of abuse themselves.  An arrest warrant was issued for Dyer and U.S. Marshals were called in to help, finding Dyer concealed in the home in the 200 block of West Houston Avenue around 5pm on Saturday.  She has been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children and was jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail.

MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

A Williamsport man who had been found guilty in September of sexually abusing two 12 year olds as well as a 5 year old girl and videotaping some of the activity was sentenced late last week in Lycoming County Court.  37 year old Carlos Castro had been found guilty of some 40 counts and was sentenced on Thursday to 67 to 189 years in state prison. If he ever gets out, he will also have to register as a sex offender with the state for the rest of his life.

FORMER COACH SENTENCED

A former basketball teacher and basketball coach was sentenced last week to 1 to 2 years in county prison as well as 10 years of probation for the sexual assault of two minors.  38 year old Kelly Vasallo has pleaded guilty to two counts of institutional sexual assault as well as three counts of corruption of a minor.  She was accused of having a sexual relationship with a 13 year old girl who was on her basketball team that she coached back in 2013 and 2014 and then with another girl who was 17 at the time of that sexual relationship.  She had already been suspended from her job as a teacher in the Williamsport School District.

BEAR ATTACK VICTIM IMPROVING

It was reported over the weekend, that the victim of a bear attack which occurred December 12th at her Muncy Creek Township home continues to improve.  Melinda Lebarron who originally was reported in critical condition following the attack which injured her ribs, collar bone and head has been upgraded to fair condition following multiple surgeries at Geisinger Medical Center.  The bear who attacked her has not been found.

FRIDAY FIRE DISPLACES FIVE

Fire on Friday in the city of Williamsport damaged a home to the tune of $20,000 dollars and displaced five persons. That fire broke out late Friday morning in a six unit apartment building at 332 Campbell Street and was reportedly caused  by dog which jumped up on the stove, turning on one of the burners.  The flame then ignited items on the stove catching the kitchen in a unit occupied by Ronnie Schley and Betty Watson on fire.  Firefighters were able to bring that fire under control within minutes of arrival.  It’s not known how long the tenants will be displaced.

NEW YEARS ENFORCEMENT

The New Year is almost here.  State and local police say will continue aggressive enforcement on roadways through the holiday looking for motorists who are driving aggressively and who may be drinking and driving.  Extra DUI patrols will be out during the overnight hours watching for New Year’s Eve revelers who may be behind the wheel after drinking and driving.  You are reminded to get a sober ride home if you are planning on celebrating.  There will also be patrols looking for drivers who may be speeding or committing other aggressive driving practices and as always, make sure you buckle up.

Local News 12/28/18

HEAD OF DRUG RING CHARGED

Finishing up an investigation that began with a drug raid in the city of Williamsport back in August, charges were pressed against a Philadelphia man on Monday, said to be the head of a large local drug ring, dealing in both heroin and cocaine.  It’s believed that Azmed Greene had at least ten runners working underneath him from Mid July through Mid December of this year.  The investigation was done through the County’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit and involved buys of drugs at several different locations.  Originally jailed on a probation violation in Mid-December, Greene was arraigned on Monday on 78 charges and recommitted in lieu of $150,000 bail.  Ten others face charges as well.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE RAISES

At their meeting yesterday, Lycoming County Commissioners handed out raises for elected county row officers as well as for commissioners over the next few years, no matter who may be elected to the posts.  Row officers such as treasurer, controller, register and recorder, prothonotary and the coroner as well as the commissioners will receive pay raises of 1.86% bringing their salaries in line with that of the county sheriff over a four year period.  By 2020 the row officers will make close to $72,000 dollars while commissioners will be up to over $79,000 dollars.   The sheriff who was on a different pay cycle will see a slower pay cycle in order for the other elected officials to catch up.

NO TAX INCREASE IN MUNCY

Taxpayers in the borough of Muncy will not see their taxes go up for 2019.   Borough Council last night unanimously passed a no tax increase budget for next year.  Real Estate taxes will stay at 5.3 mills.  With real estate taxes as well as income taxes contributing, the borough expects to see a little more than a million dollars in revenues.  The Police Department will take up nearly a third of the revenue in expenses followed by the public works department.

MAN ARRESTED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT

A Hughesville man faces counts of indecent assault, and corruption of minors following an incident with a 12 year old girl.  42 year old Kevin Pletz allegedly engaged in a game of Cops and Robbers with  the girl over a time period ranging from November 1st through the 28th, allegedly touching the girls underneath her sports bra during a search for contraband.  The incidents happened at least twice and Pletz has been arraigned on the charges with bail set at $15,000 dollars.

SENTENCED TO LIFE

Sentencing was held yesterday in Columbia County Court for 77 year old Anthony “Rocco” Franklin who was found guilty for killing his former son in law outside his home near Millville back in July of 2012.    Spencer who fought extradition, living in Venezuela until he was brought back to face the charges last year was convicted by a jury in October in the killing of Frank Spencer.  He also was convicted on a count of arson which will bring an additional 11 to 45 years.  His daughter, Maria Sanutti-Spencer was convicted back in 2015 and is currently serving a life sentence.

NO TAX INCREASE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Northumberland County Commissioners voted 2-1 yesterday to pass a nearly $76 million dollar county budget which will not contain a tax increase.  The budget includes about $6 million dollars which commissioners say will be needed to operate the new county prison in Coal Township, about $2 million dollars more than it cost the county in 2014.  Commissioners say it is increasingly tough to keep up with higher expenses for medical Coverage for inmates and staff along with higher wages.    They say they worked hard, trying to keep other expenses down in order to avoid a tax increase.

MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED ARSON

A dispute at his family home on Christmas Night landed a New Columbia Man in jail after he tried to set fire to the house. The incident happened around 8pm on Tuesday at the Elm Street home of 39 year old William Roup.  Police say Roup ignited a stack of papers and books inside the living room of the home.  A family member was able to run the burning materials outside before the house caught on fire.  Roup reportedly also loaded a rifle, asking one of the family members to join him.  No one was hurt.  Roup faces two separate charges of arson as well as reckless endangerment counts, disorderly conduct and harassment and was jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.

EXPANSION RECOMMENDED

A decision which could make it easier for businesses to open up in a section of the city of Williamsport will now make it to city council.  The City’s Economic Revitalization Committee yesterday recommended that the city approve an amended original ordinance to expand the Central Business District to include both sides of West Third Street running from Hepburn, west to Center Street.  Originally the expansion was to only include the south side of Third Street, but after hearing from business and property owners on the north side, a recommendation was given to include the north side as well.

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