MURDER TRIAL STARTS TODAY IN NORTHUMBERLAND

The trial of accused murderer Ajani Uhuru will start today. According to the Daily Item, 23 year old Uhuru is accused by Sunbury police of shooting and killing Kareem Jakes in May 2022 at the Penn Jersey Food Mart on Fourth Street in Sunbury after an argument. Twelve Northumberland County residents, along with four alternates, were chosen earlier this week for the jury panel.  After the incident, Uhuru allegedly fled the scene and was caught by the U.S. Marshals days after the shooting outside of Philadelphia.  The trial begins this morning after 9am.

WANTED MAN CAPTURED IN WATSONTOWN

Watsontown police say they captured a wanted man May 8^th after a borough resident informed police he was in town.  According to local police, 43-year-old Jamari Brunson, who is was wanted on a prohibited weapons charge in Montour County, was seen by a resident on Main Street in Watsontown.  Police made initial contact and Brunson eluded police, feeling after talking with police on the phone.  He was captured shortly after and taken to Montour County to answer to his charges. Brunson was also charged with fleeing from police.  Milton police also assisted at the scene.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY SET FOR WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport’s  Annual Memorial Day ceremony is Saturday May 25^th at Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park.  According to the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission and the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc. the event will be at West Fourth Street and Wahoo Drive, starting at 11am. The keynote speaker will be Major General Mark J. Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania.  Among other honors, Major Schindler is responsible for the command and control of over 18,000 Army and Air National Guard members. Tents will be provided, and the event will be held rain or shine.

LOCK HAVEN FLY IN SCHEDULED FOR JUNE

Lock Haven’s 38th Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven Fly-in will begin June 18th and continue through Sunday the 23^rd Each day will feature special perks, including Clinton County Day with free admission for Clinton County residents and Veteran appreciation Day, admitting all veterans free of charge.  A banquet is scheduled for Friday evening that requires reservations and the public can enjoy seminars, contests, Fly-Bys, tours, corn roasts and even a kiddie hour is held each day.  Find out more about the event with musical entertainment and camping available at sentimentaljourneyfly-in.com.

 LOCK HAVEN MAN ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS

A Lock Haven man has been charged with felony criminal trespass after he kicked another man’s door in, threatening him April 26^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Thomas Miller  came to the home on Susquehanna Avenue responding to alleged messages and threatening phone calls he had received  and threatened the accuser over a woman he was dating.  Miller kicked at the basement door before the victim ran from the scene and called police.  Officers arrived when Miller was waiting at the scene and took him into custody, his preliminary hearing is May 20^th with bail set at 10 thousand dollars unsecured.

LEGISLATION ABOUT PANIC ALARMS INTRODUCED IN PA

Pennsylvania is one of five states considering silent panic alarms for schools as a defense against campus emergencies.  According to the Center Square, the bipartisan plan was introduced in the Senate Monday, and is named “Alyssa’s Law” for one of the 17 victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla in February of 2018, Alyssa Aldaheff.  A school resource officer faced charges for idling outside the school for 40 minutes while the shooting continued inside.  Senators Art Haywood, a Democrat from Philadelphia, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick, a Republican from Red Hill said the legislation allows for direct contact with local law enforcement and is a critical step in ensuring the safety of students in the Commonwealth.

SHIKELLAMY STUDENTS TO BE FEATURED ON PUBLIC TELEVISION

Students from Shikellamy Middle School will be featured on public television next Tuesday.  According to the Daily Item, professionals from WVIA worked with students to write and produce an episode for a new program called WVIA Youth Voices, earlier this year.  Administrators from Shikellamy expressed gratitude for students to have such a memorable experience, which was made possible by the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation.  The program premiers May 21st at 7:30pm on WVIA.

WSO TO PERFORM AT LYCOMING COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

There will be an outdoor concert at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in June featuring the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra who will partner again for the second year, with the Hughesville Area Public Library.  WSO musical selections are meant to pay tribute to the rugged allure of the Wild West.  The East Lycoming School District’s High School Band will perform at the show, which will also include the Hughesville High School Drama Club. The event is June 2^nd at 7pm and is free and open to the public, who are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. There will be family activities starting at 5:30pm at the fairgrounds, including a balloon performance from Air Weaver Balloons.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Softball
South Williamsport  5  Central Mountain 2
Williamsport  7              Holy Redeemer  6
NP Liberty  10               Williamson  0
Baseball
Milton  6                        Montgomery  1
South Williamsport  2  NP Mansfield  1
Hughesville  11              Lewisburg  7
Canton 9                        Athens  6

NBA Playoffs
Knicks  121        Pacers  91  NY leads  3-2
Nuggets  112      Timberwolves  97  DEN leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Cavaliers vs Celtics  7pm TNT  BOS leads 3-1
Mavericks vs Thunder  9:30pm  TNT  tied 2-2

MLB 
Guardians  7       Rangers 4
Phillies  4            Mets  0
Nationals  6        White Sox  3
Red Sox  5          Rays  4
Yankees  5          Twins  1
Brewers  4           Pirates  3
Blue Jays vs Orioles postponed/rain
MLB Tonight
Blue Jays vs Orioles  12:35pm
Pirates vs Brewers 1:10pm
Mets vs Phillies 6:40pm
Yankees vs Twins  7:40pm  Prime VideoNHL 2nd Round
Bruins  2             Panthers 1 FLA leads 3-2
Oilers 3               Canucks  2  tied 2-2
NHL Tonight
Avalanche vs Stars  8pm ESPN  DAL leads 3-1

MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO TRAFFICK TEENS SENTENCED

A man who pleaded no contest to attempting to traffic his 12 year old child and another 16 year old was sentenced to state prison after his hearing Tuesday in Lycoming County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records say 41 year old Victor Eugene Booth and 36 year old Jennifer Lynn Gibbs, approached another man, and co-defendant Allen Arthur Frazier about trafficking the girls and were taking steps to groom them att he time.  Gibbs was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison earlier this year, and Booth agreed to testify against Frazier whose trial was set to start last week, but was continued.  Booth was sentenced to 2 to 4 years and will be on the sex offender registration and notification act (SORNA) list for 15 years upon release.

DRIVE-THRU RAGE BRINGS ABOUT AN ARREST FOR NC WOMAN

A 34 year old woman from North Carolina was arrested at the Dairy Queen in Selinsgrove after she became angry and threw a sauce cup at the drive-thru workers.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, State troopers responded when Toneika Askew was in the drive thru line on April 30th at about 1:30pm and while shouting threw the sauce back through the windowstriking a 50 year old victim.  The woman was cited with disorderly conduct at the office of District Judge Scott A. Zeigler in Selinsgrove.

TONS OF TRASH COLLECTED IN APRIL FOR EARTH DAY IN NEPA

During Earth Day inspired cleanup activities between April 1^st through the30th, over 950 volunteers collected over 40 thousand pounds of trash from 24 locations across the region.  Partnering communities and local organizations held events in partnership with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful initiative which supported the volunteers by helping to secure no-cost cleanup materials such as bags, gloves, and safety vests.  Volunteers from Williamsport, South Williamsport,  Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Newberry, Montgomery, Milton, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Sunbury and other regions participated.

WILLIAMSPORT FOOTBALL STANDOUT, GARY BROWN, TO BE HONORED

One of the best running backs to ever play football at Williamsport Area High School will be memorialized with a street named for him where he grew up.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City Council anticipates approving an upcoming ordinance that will call a portion of Lycoming Street – the blocks between Walnut and Elmira Streets , Gary Leroy Brown Way.  Brown, who passed in 2022 from cancer at age 52, played college football for Penn State, and was then drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1991 beginning an NFL career that lasted 8 seasons, resulted in 4300 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.

SHAMOKIN MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

Police in Shamokin observed a man assault a woman and threaten with a handgun at the House of Wins on Monday, and took him into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Terrance G. Mitchell, known as Razor, was seen at the East Independence street establishment arguing with and assaulting the victim, before police arrived on the scene.  Police say Mitchell is not able to carry a gun from a prior conviction, and they arrested him on charges of felony aggravated assault, possession of a firearm and other charges.  He was taken to Northumberland County Prison in liue of 75 thousand dollars bail.  His preliminary hearing is May 28^th.

NURSE WHO KILLED 22 PEOPLE SENTENCED TO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE

A Butler County woman who, as a nurse, intentionally administered lethal doses of insulin to patients at several skilled nursing facilities in 2022, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  According to North Central PA dot com, Heather Pressdee pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, and 19 counts of criminal attempt to commit murder after 22 patients in her care at different facilities in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, and Westmoreland counties , died immediately or soon after from the insulin injections.  The PA Attorney General said that Pressdee was given three consecutive life sentences regarding three counts of first degree murder, plus 380 to 760 years of consecutive incarceration for the 19 counts of criminal attempt.  She was arrested and has remained incarcerated since May of 2023.

NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

There was a groundbreaking in Danville recently for a new mental health treatment facility that will be for in and outpatient treatment, for all ages to be run by Acadia Health care for Geisinger.  According to Geisinger, construction has begun on the state-of-the-art site at 206 Maria Hall Drive, and it will feature a 96-bed behavioral health hospital to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services in central Pennsylvania.  The facility is expect to open during the summer of 2025.

UPCOMING TALK ABOUT FLOODING AT LYCOMING COLLEGE

There will be a free talk about the history of flooding in Lycoming County by an award winning author who publishes books and photographs about rivers, conservation, and adventure travel, hosted by the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute this month.  According to North Central PA dot com, Tim Palmer, who wrote, “Seek Higher Ground: The Natural Solution To Our Urgent Flooding Crisis,” will speak May 17^th at 2pm in the Barclay Room at Lycoming College and discuss how global warming will sharply intensify flooding, and will also provide an account of the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972.  Find out more at Lycoming.edu.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball
Hughesville  5      Jersey Shore  4
Muncy  17                     Sugar Valley  5
Montgomery  15  Bucktail  0  /3
Softball  
Loyalsock  8         Warrior Run 1
South Wmsprt 7  Danville  5
Muncy  15                     Sugar Valley  0 /3
Selinsgrove  6       Williamsport 2

NBA
Knicks  130          Pacers  121 NY leads  2-0
NBA East/West Semifinals Tonight
Cavaliers  vs Celtics  7pm    BOS leads 2-0
Mavericks vs Thunder  9:30pm    OKC  leads 1-0

MLB
Guardians  5        Tigers  4
Angels 5               Pirates  4
Blue Jays  5          Phillies  3
Diamondbacks 4            Reds  3
Orioles  7             Nationals  6
Yankees  9                     Astros  4
Braves  5              Red Sox 0
Mets vs Cardinals postponed/rain
MLB Today
Arizona vs  Cincinnati 1:10pm
Houston vs NY Yankees  5:05
Cleveland vs Chicago  White Sox 7:40pm

NHL
East/West  2^nd Round Playoffs
Panthers  6  Bruins  1  tied 1-1
Canucks  5  Oilers  4  VAN leads  1-0
NHL Tonight 2^nd Round
Rangers vs Hurricanes  7pm TNT  NYR lead 2-0
Avalanche  vs Stars  9:30pm TNT  COL leads  1-0

UPDATE ABOUT VICTIMS IN ROUTE 15 SOUTH SPUR CRASH

One of the two men involved in the tractor trailer accident that occurred on the Route 15 south Spur on May 2^nd, remains hospitalized with serious injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette, the driver of the truck hauling dog biscuits that flipped over Thursday evening and rerouted traffic for a few hours was identified as 24 year old Quamir Boyd of Philadelphia, and after treatment at UPMC Williamsport was discharged.  His passenger, 46 year old Angel Garcia Jr, of the Bronx, NY was still at Williamsport’s Intensive Care unit in serious condition.  The accident was cleaned up on Friday. 

MAN CHARGED WITH STRANGLING HIS WIFE

A man from Waterville has been arrested for strangling his wife during a domestic disturbance April 5^th and again in an incident the day after.  According to the Sun Gazette, 42 year old Brett Wayne Rogers, faces felony charges of strangulation, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment that allegedly took place inside the couple’s home at the 10 thousand block of Route 44 North.  Rogers was arraigned and jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

NEW TOP EXECUTIVE AT PA GAME COMMISSION

The top official at the PA Game Commission has resigned after the Board of Game Commissioners determined a side job as a wellness coach created inappropriate business relationships within the department.  According to North Central PA dot com, the board said they have voiced concerns, but they are not about the leadership abilities of the executive director.  Bryan Burhans, who has held the directorship for 7 years, stepped down last Monday.  His replacement, Stephen Smith, the commission’s deputy executive director since February said he would call for an independent third-party review of the commission’s supplement employment policies.

FISH LADDER IN WILLIAMSPORT IS MALFUNCTIONING

The fish ladder, near the Hepburn Street Dam in Williamsport is not operating properly and DCNR Tiadaghton Forest District officials say they need a diver to go in and check the condition of a broken gate that is blocking the flow through the structure.  According to North Central PA dot com, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association officials say  the passageway for fish to swim upriver past the structure is not getting enough water flowing through it for fish to move.  DCNR recently improved the cleaning schedule of the area and has cleaned debris from the structure which they say helps, but a timeline for the repair of the gateway has not yet been announced. 

FATAL CRASH IN GAMBLE TOWNSHIP

A woman from Trout Run was killed in an accident Monday after the SUV she was driving went off the road and struck three trees as it plunged down an embankment in Gamble Township.  According to the Sun gazette, the driver has not yet been publicly identified as authorities were notifying family members, but police say the Lycoming County coroner pronounced the woman dead at the scene of Sugar Camp Road where the vehicle went off the road at about 3:15pm.  State police at Montoursville completed an investigation of the crash site and will release more information as it becomes available.

SELINSGROVE NURSE CHARGED WITH STEALING MEDS

An RN at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg allegedly stole pain medication while she was on duty there; logging that she had administered the medicine to patients.  According to North Central PA dot com, 40 year old Stefanie Ann Kreamer, of Selinsgrove is facing several felonies over two incidents police say occurred in March.   After several interviews and denying her involvement, Kreamer eventually admitted to authorities that she falsified some patients’ pain levels in order to justify administering the Oxycodone and took the pills home. Officials were alerted to the missing drugs through a report from an automated pill dispenser. Kreamer was arraigned, with bail set at 10 thousand dollars and a preliminary hearing coming up May 23^rd.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO HELP DESIGN LOCK HAVEN PARK

There is a Design Day planned in Lock Haven for May 9^th  so that kids and adults can come and give input for a redesign of Hoberman Park this summer.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the city and partners, ‘Kaboom!’ and the Pennsylvania Municipal League are planning a kid-designed play space that they hope will spark joy and unite communities.  The meeting will be at the STEP community center on East Walnut Street in Lock Haven this Thursday from 5 to 6:30pm.  Those unable to attend are encouraged to go online and participate in a survey at lockhavenpa.gov.  The build will be at Hoberman Park August 1^st through the 3^rd.

MS SEMINAR FOR THE PUBLCI AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

Doctors from UPMC are hosting a discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of MS for interested members of the public next Thursday evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, neurology experts will hold the discussion about signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, diagnosis, treatment and support, as well as information for caregivers and loved ones.  Registration is required for the event at UPMC Williamsport’s Walnut Room at 700 High St., on May 16^th at 5pm, call 570-320-2135.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Williamsport  9    Central Mountain 6
Loyalsock  11       Sayre 1
Hughesville  3      Wellsboro  1
South Wmsprt  4           Midd-West  1
Line Mountain  9           St John  Neumann  7
Warrior Run 6      Jersey Shore  1
Canton  11                     Sullivan County 2
Softball 
South Wmsprt 14          Shikellamy  3
Muncy  9              Bloomsburg 5
Boys Tennis 
Holidaysburg  4  Central Mountain  1

NBA Playoffs
Knicks  121          Pacers  117 NY leads 1-0
Timberwolves  106  Nuggets  80 MIN leads 2-0
NBA Tonight
Celtics  vs Cavaliers  7pm TNT East Semi-finals  Game 1
Mavericks vs Thunder West Semi-finals  Game 1

MLB
Guardians  2        Tigers  1
Phillies  6             Giants  1
Pirates  4              Angels  1
Mets  4                 Cardinals  3
MLB Tonight
Detroit vs Cleveland  6:10pm
LA Angels  vs Pirates 6:40pm
Toronto vs Phila  6:40pm
Houston vs NY Yankees  7:05pm  TBS
Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves  7:20pm

NHL
Bruins  5     Panthers 1
NHL Tonight
Hurricanes vs NY Rangers  7pm ESPN  East 2^nd Round Game 2 NYR lead 1-0
Avalanche vs Stars 9:3pm ESPN    West 2^nd Round Game 1

POLICE STANDOFF LOCKS DOWN JERSEY SHORE HOSPITAL

Following a domestic disturbance between a mother and her adult son Wednesday, there was a stand off  between police and a Jersey Shore man, who is now  in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to the 300 block of Glover Street just before noon yesterday, after the home owner called police when Matthew James Munro had kicked the door in and entered without permission.  As Lycoming Regional police negotiated with Munro,  who was still inside, he threatened to unload  a 9mm service weapon, and they called for more officers.  Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital went on lock down yesterday out on abundance of caution, but Munro surrendered about 1:30pm and was taken to Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

FIRE ON PACKER ISLAND WEDNESDAY

Dozens of firefighters responded to a blaze on Packer Island Wednesday morning after crews were called just before 2am.  According to the Daily Item, the three people who lived at the home along East Drive in Upper Augusta Township escaped uninjured along with their pets, but have been displaced after there was heavy fire and water damage to the second floor.  Over ten companies from the area assisted with the blaze.  The state fire marshal was on the scene but the fire was not considered suspicious. 

CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS

Police are investigating an accident Tuesday afternoon that involved a Jeep and a Warrior Run School District school bus. According to the Daily Item, Watsontown police were called to the rear-end crash that happened at the intersection of Sixth and Main Streets while both vehicles were traveling south.  Twenty-five students were on the bus and EMS responded and evaluated the passengers.  No one was injured, and all parents were notified after the incident. 

SPRAYING FOR SPONGY MOTHS TO START

As spongy moth caterpillars have emerged, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is announcing the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat the outbreaks.  DCNR says 185 sites totaling over  227 thousand  acres in portions of 12 state forests and 18 state parks, in 20 counties throughout Northeast and central PA will be sprayed using two helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft.  The insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on foliage.  The substances are regularly used in agriculture and are subject to State and Federal environmental review – deemed safe for use.

MAN WANTED IN PHILLY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a man yesterday in Williamsport who was wanted on murder charges in Philadelphia.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Calvin Solomon was taken into custody without incident at the 700 block of West Edwin Street.  Solomon is facing homicide, and abuse of a corpse charges and lesser charges from an investigation of case from June of 2022, and awaits extradition in Lycoming County Prison following his preliminary hearing during which he was denied bail.

MORE DETAILS ON MILTON SHOOTING

The third man involved in the Milton shooting last week has been identified by police after more details were released about the case.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say Nathaniel Rivera was shot by 21 year old Victhian Jovier Pitre-Rodriguez, of Sunbury after a fight at the 20 block of Broadway Street in which the two struggled over a firearm.  Rivera was shot twice, Pitre-Rodriguez shot himself in the leg when the gun malfunctioned, and both were hospitalized.  With a search warrant, following reports of the shooting, police discovered 28-year-old Jose A. Rodriguez Lassalle who lived near the shooting scene, had a firearm with a destroyed serial number in his apartment similar to one found near the scene of the shooting, and he was incarcerated.  Rivera has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized.  Pitre-Rodgriguez was charged with aggravated assault and more and is in Northumberland County Prison.

RESTING PLACE SOUGHT FOR MONTOUR COUNTY CREMAINS

Montour County Commissioners are seeking a way to appropriately manage 90 sets of cremains that the coroner has stored from people who have died in the county whose remains are unclaimed.  According to media outlets,  the Chief Deputy Coroner in Montour County said at the commissioners meeting this week that unclaimed ashes from about 90 people have been stored in the facility from as far back as 2005.  Officials in Danville say a donated spot in Odd Fellow’s Cemetery could hold a small mausoleum, and if donations could support it, provide a permanent resting place for the cremains.  They expect to propose  fundraising endeavors to fund this project.

NO POINT-DRIVE IN THIS YEAR

Owners of the Point-Drive in theater have announced on social media that they will not be opening their business for the 2024 season.  According to the Daily Item, the family that owns the drive-in says they would love to see someone new step up to  run the place, since after some health issues within the family, they cannot handle running the business this year.  The theater first opened as the Arrow Drive-In in June of 1952, closed in 1956 for a year and then reopened as the Point drive in 1957 under the 35 year ownership of Dave Renn.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball

Central Mountain  7      Jersey Shore  2
Hughesville  10    Southern Columbia 4
Loyalsock  15                Bloomsburg  0
Danville  8                               Montoursville  7
South Williamsport  15           Wellsboro  3

Softball 
Muncy  15                     Sullivan  County 0
Montoursville  6  Milton  1
Montgomery  14  Sayre  7

MLB
Guardians  3        Astros  2
A’s  4                   Pirates 0
Braves  5              Mariners  2
Phillies  2             Angels 1
Padres  6              Reds  2
NY Yankees  2     Orioles  0
Cubs  1                 Mets  0
Red Sox  6                     Giants  2
Nationals  1          Rangers  0
MLB Today
Yankees vs Orioles  1:05pm
Cubs vs Mets  1:10pm
Giants vs Red Sox  1:35pm
Washington vs Texas  2:35
Cleveland vs Houston 8:10pm

NBA
Celtics  118          Heat 84  BOS wins series 4-1
Mavericks  123    Clippers  93  DAL leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Bucks vs Pacers  6:30pm TNT  IND leads  3-2
Knicks vs 76ers  9pm TNT  NY leads  3-2NHL
Stars  3  Golden Knights  2  DAL leads 3-2
Oilers  4  Kings  3  EDM wins series 4-1
NHL Tonight
Bruins  vs Maple Leafs  Game 6  8pm TBS  BOS leads  3-2