Keith Kitchen

Keith Kitchen

In 1882, Chester A. Arthur was President of The United States, Jesse James was shot by Robert Ford, Thomas Edison threw the switch on the first commercial power plant in the U.S., the Great Comet of 1882 lit up the sky and Keith Kitchen was born on July 4th.

Writing in his autobiography “Did I REALLY Do This?”, Keith says he served on the bridge of the battleship U.S.S. Texas during the Spanish-American War, then went ashore with Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders to storm San Juan Hill.  During World War I he served as the executive officer of the destroyer U.S.S. Clemson and spoke before Congress on why we needed more battleships for the navy.

During the 1920’s he ran a Speakeasy in Newark, New Jersey before heading to Europe to spend the rest of Prohibition in Paris.

During World War II, Keith advised President Roosevelt on the necessity of having more aircraft carriers and then worked at selling War Bonds.

When the 1950’s arrived, he was touring in Hank Williams’ band and was at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when Elvis performed there.  Later that decade, he worked at Columbia Records, training under Mitch Miller.

He made a total nuisance of himself speaking at anti-war rallies during the Vietnam Conflict, supporting the troops but not the war and spent several years in Europe before returning to the U.S. in time to attend the Woodstock Festival in New York.

Reports that place Keith on top of the Apple offices in London during The Beatle’s rooftop concert and at Graceland just before Elvis’ passing are simply not true.

Keith settled down in the mid-1980’s, getting married and raising three children.

The children have now grown up and have moved on and Keith and his wife Jeanette are still together.

Keith has been with Backyard Broadcasting since 2002 and has been with WBZD since 2004, first hosting the mid-day show and now the evening show, as well as presented “Lost Jewelry” and both the daily “Files of The Strange & Deranged” episodes and the weekly podcast.

Jake Michaels

Jake Michaels

Hello there, I’m Jake Michaels and thank you for taking a moment to visit my profile page to learn a little about me.  So what do you want to know?  Haha!

Seriously though, a little about me.  I was born and raised right here in Williamsport, PA.  I grew up in what was commonly known as the East End.  I play at Young Woods Park growing up and loved every minute of my time playing in that park with my neighborhood friends.  I attended Jefferson Elementary School, Curtain Middle School and graduated from the Williamsport Area High School in 1987.  

I’ve been involved in music in one way shape or form for nearly as long as I can remember.  I was a choir geek from elementary school through high school.  When I was around 12, I started learning to play guitar.  It was at that age that I really learned who “The Beatles” were, and well, I wanted to be Paul McCartney.  I played in a few bands in my high school days, never getting anywhere other than the garage and a few talent shows in school.  In 1989, I joined the local band “Toyz” as the bass guitar player and played around the region for years with that band.

It was in 1993 that I started my career in radio.  Yes, that long ago!  I was hired by Ted Minier, the program director of Rock 99.3 WZXR at the time.  I had no radio experience at all, but a love of music and rock and roll.  I started working overnight, from midnight to 6am.  I did that shift for a while before moving up to the 7pm to midnight slot.  I never left the Williamsport area but moved over to WHOT for a short stint before becoming the morning show host on Oldiez 93 WBZD.

Oldiez 93 has now become Classic Hits 93.3 WBZD and I couldn’t be happier.  I’m playing the music that I grew up on, sharing the memories of my youth in the Williamsport area and having a blast.  I live and love music and it’s part of my life every single day, and not just because I play it on the radio.  I’m lucky enough to say that I love my job and enjoy waking up each day to come to work.  

I want to thank you for listening to Classic Hits 93.3 WBZD and allowing myself and this radio station to be a part of your day.

Jake

Local News 12/10/18

TAX HIKE ADJUSTED UPWARDS

It looks like property owners in the city of Williamsport will be paying even more in taxes than originally planned.  Following a long city council session on Thursday night focusing on Mayor Campana’s $37.3 million dollar budget for 2019, council decided to adjust the city tax increase up from .65 mills to .75 mills.  Council members are worried about the low fund balance and say the increase will mean another $87,519 dollars for the city in revenue.  The city faces a $1.5 million dollar deficit with a three year plan in place to bring that deficit down.

FIVE HOMELESS AFTER NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FIRE

A family of five is homeless following a fire which destroyed a Northumberland County home yesterday.  The fire broke out before noon in the home along Old State Road in Lewis Township just outside of Turbotville. Firefighters from several companies were called in to fight the blaze. The unidentified family was home at the time but was able to make it out without injury. It took some time to bring that fire out and damage was extensive, though an estimate was not release.  It’s believed the cause of that fire was an overheated chimney flue.

WORK ON THE RIVER ROAD

A detour goes into effect this week as crews commence a flood repair project on the River Road in White Deer Township, Union County.  A contractor will replace a pipe under the road near the intersection with Tabernacle Road. The project is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete and a detour will be in place using Route 642 and Old Route 15.

WOMAN CRITICAL AFTER CRASH

A crash on Interstate 80 late last week resulted in a woman from Cambria County being hospitalized in critical condition.  State police in Milton report that the crash happened on Thursday morning around 6am in the westbound lanes in White Deer Township, Union County as an SUV driven by Prokash Potluri of Altoona collided with a tractor trailer driven by a Florida man.  Potluri’s car then spun after impact and his passenger, 72 year old Maria Ignacio of Hastings Pennsylvania was transported to Geisinger Medical Center where she remained in critical condition over the weekend.  Potluri’s was treated a Geisinger and later released.  The truck driver was not injured.

COPPER WIRE STOLEN

A theft which occurred late last month in Old Lycoming Township has police there looking for more information.  On November 26th someone got onto the grounds of Stallion Gas and Oil Field Services along Beauty’s Run Road and proceeded to take a large amount of power cord copper wire.  They then loaded it into a Stallion pickup truck on the property and drove off with it with the truck later found abandoned in the Cogan House Township area, but the copper was gone.  Police are asking anyone with information regarding that theft to give them a call at 570-3213-4987 or 570-329-4060.

CITY POLICE OFFICER REINSTATED

It’ s back to work for a city police officer in Williamsport who was suspended with pay in 2017 and then fired last summer by city council.  Eric Houseknecht who was a corporal at the time of his suspension in August of 2017 for several incidences of insubordination and misconduct which were never specified, will go back to work today as a patrolman according to city officials.  It was decided he would be fired last July, but the police union was appealing that firing.  Houseknecht’s demotion is a result of a settlement between the city and the police.

WATER BOIL ADVISORY

A water boil advisory which was issued by the Crawford Township Authority remains in effect for part of it’s water system.  A 6” water main lead occurred late last week with repairs completed over the weekend.  Consumers that are affected live in the area north of 2999 Rauchtown Road into Limestone Township at Middle Road.  Customers are reminded to boil their water for 1 minute before using. The advisory will remain in effect until testing is of the water supply is deemed satisfactory.

STATE GRANTS AVAILABLE

State Senator Gene Yaw is reminding local municipalities, colleges and community groups that they have until February 7th to apply for state grants which would boost safety and reduce violence.  Yaw says that a new program included in the 2018-2019 state budget will hand out a total of $7.5 million dollars through June 30th stateside to support the violence prevention programs.  Yaw says the grants awarded through the program will help build stronger partnerships in the community with the goad of creating a safer environment for children.  More information and applications are available at www.pccd.pa.gov.

FLOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL

PennDOT reports that flood debris removal will take place in our area at both I-80 and Route 147.  The work will take place during daylight hours beginning today and occur at the I-80 westbound piers of the River Bridge between Route 15 in Union County and Route 147 in Northumberland County and also on Route 147 northbound between Packer Island and Northumberland.  Lane restrictions will be in place and there could be possible delays. Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with caution in the work zone.

Local News 12/7/18

COUNCIL GOES LATE INTO THE NIGHT

A late night for Williamsport City Council. During their meeting last night, Council tackled the proposed $27.2 million dollar budget for 2019 which contains a .65 mills tax increase. As it stood going into last night, owners of properties worth $100,000 would have to pay $1500 in property taxes to the city. Council discussed adjusting that tax hike even higher. The budget still contains the elimination of seven job, 4 of them on the police force. Mayor Campana says the jobs would be cut through attrition and retirements and that there would be no layoffs. The city faces a $1.5 million dollar deficit with a proposed reserve of only a little over $107,000. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for next week’s council meeting.

DECISION ON GOLF COURSE TABLED

Talk at yesterday’s Lycoming County Commissioners meeting centered on whether or not the county should renew it’s contract with the management company for the county owned White Deer Golf Course. Commissioners are deciding whether or not to extend the contract with Billy Casper Golf for another three years, a contract which they could opt out of at any time. Commissioners heard from those in favor of the county holding onto the course, and from those who would rather see any county money sunk into the course to go elsewhere to benefit more county residents. Following the debate, Commissioners voted 2-1 to table a decision to next week.

NEW FIELD AT PCT

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s sports programs will receive a boost following a decision made by the board of directors yesterday to spend $1.4 million dollars for a new synthetic turf field for athletics such as soccer. The board voted yesterday to replace the current athletic field of which students have played through poor conditions. It’s hoped that the funds for the field will be replaced through naming opportunities and fundraising. Construction is slated to begin shortly after the 2019 spring sports schedule is completed and be ready for the Fall of 2019.

VEHICLE BREAK-INS CONTINUE IN SUNBURY

The vehicle break-ins continue in Sunbury. Residents in the city were warned last week, about several vehicle break-ins in the Hill Section there with various items taken including cash, computers, cellphones and even Christmas Presents. Since then, Sunbury police have investigated more of the incidents in the Hill Section as well as other parts of the city. So far, over two dozen incidences have been reported. Some of the vehicles were unlocked, while others were broken into. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is asked to call 570-988-4539

COLUMBIA COUNTY MAN ARRESTED

A Columbia County man is charged with aggravated assault and other counts following an incident at his home on Wednesday of this week. Police say they were called to the Pealertown Road home in Fishing Creek Township of 50 year old David Albertson who they say arrived at his home, grabbed a shotgun and threatened to shoot his girlfriend. He then proceeded to throw her against a washer and dryer and head butted her. When police arrived, Albertson would not come out of the house and the State Police SERT Team was called in. He did come out carrying his child and was arrested and jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

AREA AIRPORT WILL GET SOME FUNDING

An area airport is amongst 26 across the state which will receive state funding for improvements. Governor Wolf yesterday announced more than $6 million dollars in state investments which will go to equipment and infrastructure upgrades to maintain safety and expand aviation-related operational and economic opportunities. Included in this round of funding is $39,109 dollars at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven to acquire equipment to maintain the airfield.

NEWBERRY MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT

A Williamsport man was jailed earlier this week for an assault at his Newberry home. City police say they arrested 41 year old Jason Reese early on Tuesday morning. They say he allegedly struck Tonya Chambers in the face at his Newberry Street home. He has been charged with simple assault, was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail.

NALOXONE DISTRIBUTION

In an effort to curb drug overdoses in Pennsylvania, the state will make the anti-overdose medication Naloxone available to the general public next week. The distribution will take place in 80 locations across the state, most of them state, county and municipal health officers. The Naloxone will be available on Thursday December 13th from 11am to 7pm. It’s believed that over the past four years, more than 20,000 peole have been revived in Pennsylvania by police and medical responders, using Naloxone.

MEETING SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK

A proposed project in the Loyalsock Valley by Pennsylvania General Energy and DCNR will be the subject of a public informational meeting next week. State Representative Garth Everett and State Senator Gene Yaw will host the meeting which will outline the project on a proposed water withdrawal and pipeline project in the Loyalsock Creek Valley just below the former Best Beach. The meeting will be held at the Plunketts Creek Township Fire Hall at 327 Dunwoody Road on Wednesday December 12th at 7pm.

Local News

WORKPLACE ACCIDENT TAKES A LIFE IN CLINTON COUNTY

State police in Lamar continue their investigation into a workplace accident which killed a man in Clinton County on Monday.  Police say around 4;30, the as yet unidentified male was working at a site along East Valley Road in Greene Township when he was struck by a piece of equipment.  He was pronounced dead.  It’s not believed that anyone else was injured.  No other details have been released regarding that accident, and State police say that their investigation continues.

WOMAN DIES IN COLUMBIA COUNTY CRASH

A New Jersey woman died in a one vehicle crash in Columbia County on Wednesday.  The crash happened along Snyder School Road in Mifflin Township yesterday as a vehicle driven by an as yet unidentified man went off of the roadway and struck a tree.  A passenger in the vehicle, 92 year old Regina Cannistraci of Clifton New Jersey was transported to the hospital where the Columbia County Coroner says she died from her injuries.  The driver was also taken to the hospital.  No word on his condition.  No one else was involved and the investigation continues into that Columbia County Crash.

COUNCIL TO TAKE UP BUDGET DURING TONIGHT’S MEETING

Williamsport City Council meets tonight and will tackle the city budget which if passes as stands would contain a $1.5 million dollar deficit.  The proposed $27 million dollar spending plan for 2019 contains a tax increase of 0.65 mills and would see the elimination of seven jobs within the city, four in the police department, two in codes and an assistant general manager of streets and parks job, all of which would be eliminated through retirements and attrition.  Mayor Gabriel Campana says no current city workers would be losing their jobs.  Council is expected to take a vote on first reading tonight and adopt the budget later this month.

COUPLE STRUCK, WOMAN FACES CHARGES

A woman from Richfield faces charges of failing to drive at a safe speed and failing to yield to a pedestrian after striking a husband and wife crossing the street in Selinsgrove on Tuesday evening.  The incident happened around 7:15 on Tuesday as 65 year old John and 65 year old Patricia Wendt of Selinsgrove were crossing North Market Street.  They were struck by a vehicle driven by 20 year old Melody High.  John Wendt was treated at the scene, his wife taken to Geisinger Medical Center.  Her condition has not been released.

BAIL DENIED AFTER MAN THREATENS WITNESS

A Williamsport man is back in jail with bail denied after facing a second set of charges stemming from an assault which occurred in Muncy last month.  On November 10th, 47 year old Arthur Reed allegedly assaulted Nicole Trimble-Warzel at a residence in Muncy, causing her to be treated at the hospital for her injuries.  He was originally jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail but was released after posting bail. The next day, he allegedly threatened a witness to the assault.  He was arraigned this week on felony charges of intimidation of a witness and hindering prosecution as well as a misdemeanor count of obstructing the administration of law.  Bail has been denied.

FORMER NORTHUMBERLAND COMMISSIONER TO RUN AGAIN

A former Northumberland County Commissioner who held the post from 2008 through 2015 has decided that he would like to become commissioner there again.  Vinny Clausi of Coal Township has announced that he will run for an open commissioner post in 2019.  Clausi who says he was often the sole voice for county taxpayers during his term as commissioner says he wants to restore fiscal responsibility to county government.  He says he also wants to work to bring more jobs to the county.

THEFT LEADS TO FOUR ARRESTS

A theft of a little less than $21 dollars worth of items has led to the arrest of four persons on various drug counts in the Lewisburg area.  Police say that back on November 2nd, Ashlee Austinson of Shamokin took items from a Lewisburg Hardware store commonly used in the manufacture of meth.  Surveillance video caught the woman and three others leaving in a vehicle which was later pulled over in Lewisburg.  Inside the vehicle police found heroin as well as other drugs, and parapherneila.  Arrested were Austinson, Bruce Cos of Watsontown, Nicholas Norman of Milton and Brody Reibsome of Lewisburg. Each face multiple counts.

RATE HIKES APPROVED

Rate hikes are on the way for customers of the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority. The Authority yesterday approved its 2019 budget bringing with it rate hikes for all customers served by the system except those on the Beaver Lake Sewer System who thanks to their partnership with Penn Township, will see their rates remain the same for next year.  Officials say the rate hikes are needed for operation and maintenance costs, upcoming repairs needed and bolstering each system’s capital fund.

CITY BUILDING TO SEE TRAINING SESSION

Extra police and law enforcement personnel will be spotted in downtown Williamsport late this afternoon into early this evening, but it’s only a training session.  Officers will conduct a hostage negotiation practice today from 4 to 7:30pm at the county owned building at 33 W. Third Street in the city of Williamsport.  The session which is being put on by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office will include officers carrying firearms.  The session will provide precautions to minimize any impact on routine business and the building will remain open to the public.

Local News

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT VOTE TOMORROW

It looks like the Lycoming County owned White Deer Golf Course will remain under the current management.  Commissioners are expected to vote tomorrow to extend the contract with Billy Casper Golf to run the course near Allenwood for another three years.  Commissioners Jack McKernan and Tony Mussare seem in favor of that agreement while Commissioner Rick Mirabito would like to see the county and management company get together to find a new way to finance the course.  Officials say that the course did turn a profit this year, despite the number of rounds being down due to all the rain.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT VICTIM IDENTIFIED

A Northumberland County man has been identified as the victim of a pedestrian accident which occurred on Monday evening.  The Northumberland County Coroner’s office says it was 76 year old George Schindler who was struck by an SUV while crossing Route 11 in Point Township near his home on Monday evening around 6:30.  He was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma injuries around a half an hour later.  The road was shut down for about 2 ½ hours during the investigation.  The driver of the vehicle has not been identified and it’s not known if any charges will be filed.

DOG LICENSES NOW AVAILABLE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

Lycoming County Dog owners can now purchase their 2019 dog licenses.  The licenses went on sale on Monday at Lycoming County Treasurers office at 33 West Third Street in Williamsport.  An annual og license is $8.50. if the dog is spayed or neutered, the cost is $6.50.  $2.00 less for people with disabilities.  Licenses are also available to be purchased online at www.lyco.org by clicking on the Top Ten links.  The Lycoming County SPCA on Reach Road in Williamsport will also have the licenses available for purchase beginning next month.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT ON OFFICER

South Williamsport police on Monday arrested a man, formerly from Virginia who assaulted a police officer at a borough hotel.  Police were called out on Monday to the Red Roof Inn on Route 15 for reports of a disturbance.  When they arrived, 24 year old Taylor James-Hill reportedly became unruly and spit in the face of one officer.  He was arrested and charged with aggravated and simple assault, as well as harassment and disorderly conduct and was jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

NO TAX INCREASE IN MONTOURSVILLE

Following a 0.7 mills tax increase this past year, Montoursville Borough property owners will not see their tax bills go up for 2019.  Borough Council yesterday adopted a $2.3 million dollars budget which will include a 2.5% salary increase for the borough’s 15 unionized workers.  The budget will not have a tax increase though with the tax rate staying at 4 mills.  They say the tax increase last year brought in an extra $75,000 dollars.

WASD BOARD APPROVES LERTA

The Williamsport Area School Board has fallen in line with Williamsport City Council and the County Commissioners, unanimously approving the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Ordinance, better known as LERTA.  That means that the city of Williamsport will be able to offer tax abatement to businesses and developers looking at building or expanding on otherwise unused or underutilized properties within three sections of the city.  The tax breaks would start at 100% and then be reduced on a sliding scale.  It’s hope that the ordinance will help spur on development with in the city.

CHRISTMAS TOYS STOLEN

State police in Bradford County are looking for a grinch.  Police say that in the early morning hours of November 23rd, that someone broke into storage facility along the Berwick Turnpike in Gillet and removed approximately 15 plastic totes full of toys meant for children for Christmas.  The theft happened between midnight and 6am and police are asking anyone with information into that burglary to give them a call at the state police barracks in Towanda.

NO INCREASE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Northumberland County is another step closer to a no tax increase budget for 2019.  Saying that they have finished up large projects from 2018 including the new prison and replacement of the 911 radio towers in the county, Commissioners unveiled a 2019 spending plan of $76 million dollars which is $18 million dollars less than in 2018.  Following a tax increase last year, Commissioners voted 2-1 to keep the tax millage at about 30.22 mills all together which would mean an average bill  for county property owners of $388 dollars.  The vote yesterday was 2-1.  A final adoption is scheduled for December 27th.

REVENUES UP, BUT………

Good news and bad news on the state budget front.  Though tax revenue reports in Pennsylvania show an increase of $913 million dollars in collections for the first five months of the 2018-2019 fiscal year, warnings have been put forth about the state’s overall fiscal health.  A fiscal watchdog for the state has predicted as much at a $1.7 billion dollar shortfall for next year’s budget.  Factors include a large growth in expenditures including more than a billion dollars in one-time funding sources used to balcne this pas year’s budget and an increase in state costs associated with health and human services programs.

Local News

FIREFIGHTERS LAUDED FOR THEIR WORK

Damage is estimated at about $100,000 dollars stemming from that Sunday afternoon fire in the city which began in a five unit apartment building on Memorial Avenue and quickly spread to another house next door.  Williamsport’s Fire Chief Todd Heckman is giving kudos to the first seven city firefighters who responded to the scene at 1526 Memorial Avenue and says that all the firefighters who responded to a the three-alarm blaze did a great job of keeping structural damage to a minimum.  One resident suffered a minor injury when they fell. Ten are currently homeless. The cause of that city fire remains under investigation.

A THIRD DEGREE MURDER CONVICTION FOR GROVES

Guilty of murder in the third degree.  A Clinton County jury yesterday found Loyd Groves guilty of the 1991 murder of Kathy Heckel of Lock Haven.  During the nearly two week trial, the prosecution painted a picture of Groves involvement in the disappearance of Heckel who he was having a romantic relationship at the time, though it’s believed the woman was trying to break it off.  Her body has never been found.  Groves who was arrested in 2015, but who has been a suspect ever since her disappearance was found not guilty of first degree murder.  He will be sentenced next month and could spend the rest of his life in prison.  took about ten hours all together for them to come up with their verdict.

LEWISBURG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO SHINE

The lights will go back on in Downtown Lewisburg.  Last week, officials in Lewisburg say that the lights which usually are strung along Market Street to light up the holiday season would not be put up due to the fact that they were in bad shape and the borough did not have enough funds to replace them.  A Go Fund Me page was set up and money raised, and council last night voted to use area power company bucket trucks to string up less expensive non commercial lights. It’s hoped that the lights can be on in time for Lewisburg’s Late Shoppers Friday night this week.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AND THREATS

Police have arrested a Barbours man accused of assaulting and threatening his daughter during a disturbance in Upper Fairfield Township.  The incident happened on Sunday along Back Street as 38 year old Bradley Stewart allegedly assaulted the unidentified female, also allegedly threatening to beat her to a bloody pulp and to stab her in the face. He was charged with simple assault and terroristic threats and was jailed in lieu of $15,000 bail.

CRASH ON 220 INJURES 1

A man was sent to the hospital for treatment following a crash on Route 220 in Woodward Township last evening.  The accident happened around 6pm in front of the Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Company as a vehicle rear-ended another.  The driver of the first car was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries.  That person’s name and condition have not been released. The second driver who has not been named was not injured. State police are investigating the crash.

MAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY VEHICLE

A section of Route 11 in Point Township, Northumberland County was shut down for about 2 ½ hours last evening after a man was struck and killed by a vehicle.  The Daily Item Newspaper reports that the as yet unidentified 75 year old man was crossing the highway from the Sunoco Quick Shop Convenience store to the Witmer Drive Mobile Home Park around 6:30pm  when he was struck by an SUV. That man was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the SUV was not hurt.  The investigation continues.

APPROVAL FOR BRIDGE BUNDLING LOAN RECIEVED

Approval has been given for a $7 million dollar loan which will go towards the replacement and repair of bridges in Lycoming County. The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank loan which was requested back in June will pay for the costs to replace or repair 17 municipally owned bridges.  Debt service will be paid for with help from the $5 registration fee on county vehicles as well as natural gas impact fees that have been set aside, plus a 5% local match from the participating municipalities. County Commissioners will have to approve receipt of the loan.

NO SCHOOL CLOSING MEETINGS YET

The Jersey Shore School Board has decided not to hold hearings on the closings of two elementary schools in the district, at least for the time being.  A vote last night to set dates for public hearings to discuss the possible closings of both the Avis and Salladsburg Elementary Schools, next month deadlocked at 4 with one board member absent.  The district almost closed the schools last year, to help with a large budget deficit, but it was decided not to do so.  The district continues to discuss ways to head off another budget deficit.

NOVIELLO TO RUN FOR MAYOR

A second candidate has come forward saying he will seek nomination to run for mayor in the city of Williamsport next year.  Republican Don Noviello, a current city councilman says he will seek the Republican nomination in the spring primary.  Noviello says the city needs to evelop more opportunities to bring it into the 21st Century and cited outdated and ineffective codes and other regulations that should be updated or eliminated in order to entice new businesses. Previously city resident Eric Beiter had announced his candidacy.  Current Republican Mayor Gabriel Campana has not announced yet whether or not he is running for re-election.

Local News

VEHICLE RUNS INTO STRUCTURE

A vehicle went into a structure in Duboistown last evening shutting down the street at a popular Christmas Display for a time.  The accident happened in the 6pm hour on Summer Street, better known as Candy Cane Lane. It’s believed that the vehicle lost it’s brakes as it was going up the hill, and started going backwards down the street crashing into the structure in the 200 block. It’s not believed that anyone was injured.  Emergency crews had to close down the street as they worked at the scene.  No word on the extent of damage.

11 DISPLACED FOLLOWING CITY FIRE

A three –alarm fire in the city of Williamsport yesterday left 11 people, including three children homeless. The fire broke out shortly past 1pm in a five unit apartment house in the 1500 block of Memorial Avenue.  A woman and her great grandson had to be rescued by neighbors on the second floor balcony of her apartment while the fire was spreading next door to that neighbor’s house. It took almost an hour to bring that fire under control.  Damage was extensive, though an estimate has not been released. No one was hurt, and the cause of that city fire is under investigation.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FIRE DESTROYS A HOUSE

Fire struck yesterday in Northumberland County leaving several people homeless and sending one person to the hospital.  Firefighters were called out around 3pm at the apartment house on South Oak Street in Mt. Carmel Township.  Two persons had to be rescued with one person taken to the hospital. Their condition not released.  The fire caused destroyed the building and caused smoke damage at a neighboring house next door.  A damage estimate has not been released and the cause of that Northumberland County fire is under investigation.

FOUR CHARGED IN SELINSGROVE DRUG BUST

Four persons were arrested in Selinsgrove on Friday after police served a search warrant on a home finding drugs there.  Police were tipped off to the drug activity at the North Market Street home and on Friday arrived with a warrant.  When they went to the door, one of the occupants shut and locked the door.  Police forced entry and four persons inside tried to flee but were all taken into custody.  There they found a large amount of marijuana packaged for sale, as well as methamphetamines.  Dustin Kline and Austin Fetterman of Selinsgrove, Uriah Fausey of Watsontown and Christopher Levan of Florida all face felony drug charges and are jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail each.

JURY BACK IN DELIBERATIONS TODAY

It’s back to the Clinton County Courthouse today for a 6 man, 6 woman jury charged with deciding the fate of Loyd Groves, a man accused in the 1991 cold case murder of Kathy Heckel.  It took about three hours for closing arguments on Friday and the jury was sent out to deliberate around 6pm.  They were excused for the weekend at 9pm but told to report back this morning at 8am.  Groves is charged with 1st and 3rd degree murder in the disappearance of Heckel whose body has never been found.

DUKE STREET REOPENED TO CARS

Duke Street in Northumberland is back open to car traffic for now.  Work has wrapped up for the winter on the Duke Street Reconstruction project there with the road reopened to car traffic until the multi-year reconstruction project starts back up next year.  A truck detour remains in place for trucks over 36 feet in length. Meanwhile work continues on the railroad underpass there and some work continues on front street though parking is now permitted on the right side of the street.  ]

TWO VEHICLES BROKEN INTO

Two trucks were broken into at a Clinton Township, Lycoming County property last month with more than $5,000 worth of items taken. The incident happened around 7am on the 21st of November as someone broke into the two vehicles parked in a lot in the 5600 block of Route 15.  The person or persons took various items including cooper wire, batteries and other items from the trucks. Anyone with information regarding that theft is asked to contact State Police in Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

Local News – November 28th

GOLF TALK

As it stands right now, it looks like Lycoming County will continue to be in the golf business at least for 2019.  During their meeting yesterday, a long time employee of the golf course inquired to Lycoming County Commissioners as to the status of his job at the White Deer Golf Course.  Commissioners have said they are happy with the job that the management company, Billy Casper Golf has done there in 2018 despite the tough weather and the number of rounds played being down.  Two of three commissioners seem committed to giving the company another year there.

EX-WIFE TESTIFIES

The jury could begin deliberations later today in the Clinton County murder trial of Loyd Groves.  Groves is accused of killing Kathy Heckel back in 1991.  Heckel left her job in Lock Haven and was never seen again.  Final prosecution testimony took place yesterday including testimony from Grove’s wife at the time, Kathy who told the court that she did not come forward when Groves was first tabbed as being a suspect on advice of counsel.  Kathy Groves said the first time she talked to police since them is when she was subpoenaed to testify in his trail this past June.  Closing arguments could take place as early as this morning in the Clinton County Courthouse.

SEAT BELT AND DESIGNATED DRIVER EVENT

An event in the city of Lock Haven today will stress the importance of seat belt use and designated driving as part of the National Operation Safe Holiday enforcement initiative.  The event will take place at the Parsons Union Building at 401 North Fairview Street between the hours of 6 and 8pm with PennDOT and Lock Haven City police on hand to conduct mock sobriety checks with participants wearing alcohol impairment simulation goggles.  Participants will also be able to operate the impaired/distracted driving simulator sponsored by State Farm Insurance and UPMC in Erie.

MAN BUSTED FOR SELLING DRUGS

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit has announced the arrest of a city resident on drug and theft charges.  24 year old Bruce Jackson is accused of selling heroin to an undercover officer on two separate occasions in September in the city and then following a third sale, he is accused of theft in taking $200 from an undercover officer.  He is charged with possession with intent to deliver, theft and other related counts. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $150,000 dollars bail.

POSSIBLE DONATION FOR RECREATION

Though they made no type of decision, the Williamsport City Council Economic Revitalization Committee yesterday heard from a Lock Haven businessman and philanthropist who wants to make a donation for recreation in the city.  Steven Poorman whose family is active in Lock Haven and Clinton County in a number of civic organizations told the committee he would like to make a $240,000 dollars donation as part of a legacy fund, hoping that would spur on other donors.  The money would be used towards making improvements at Shaw Place Park as well as upkeep at the city owned Splash Cove.  In return, a recreation facility would be named for the Poorman family.

MONTGOMERY MAN INJURED IN CRASH

A crash on Sunday in Clinton Township sent a Montgomery man to Geisinger Medical Center with unspecified injuries.  The crash occurred around 9:30 in the evening on Sunday as 28 year old Jeremy Winder lost control of his vehicle on State Route 54 near Chevy Lane. The truck went across the roadway, into a field and overturned, at one point striking a tree. Winder had to be extricated and was taken onto Geisinger where his condition was not released.  No one else as involved in that Clinton Township crash.

FORMER AG HEADED TO JAIL BY TOMORROW

It’s onto jail for a former state attorney general who was found guilty on several charges including perjury back in 2016.  Appeals by Kathleen Kane have been turned down by several courts and on the State Supreme Court made the final determination that Kane will have to serve her 10 to 23 month sentence in prison.  Yesterday afternoon, a Montgomery County judge revoked Kane’s bail and ordered her to report to jail by 9am tomorrow.

FEDERAL FUNDING ON THE WAY

Hoped for federal funds will be coming to some areas counties to help with repairs which either have been made or need to be made following flooding and damage from severe August storms.  Governor Wolf announced yesterday that he has had his request for FEMA funding approved by the federal government.  The money which will be distributed amongst several counties including Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan, Tioga, Bradford and Columbia Counties will be used to either facilitate or reimburse repairs by state agencies, county and municipal governments and other eligible private non-profits affected by the storms.

STORE ORDERED SOLD

The future of the Kmart Store in the Loyal Plaza in Williamsport is up in the air.  U.S.  Bankruptcy Court has approved Sears Holdings Inc. proposal to sell more than 500 Sears and Kmart stores.  Amongst the list of 504 stores to be sold is the Williamsport area store at 1915 East Third Street.   Sears is considering offers from liquidation firms that sell company assets in pieces an then shuts them down. The company has a Mid-December Deadline.   Kmart is a subsidiary of Sears which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year and closed the Sears Store at the Lycoming Mall as well as the Kmart Store in Shamokin Dam.

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