VICTIM NAMED IN SATURDAY’S ROUTE 220 CRASH

The Lycoming County Coroner announced the name of the victim who was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident at Route 220 and Reach road.  Police say 30 year old Wayne Allen Gower of Montoursville was towing a hitch trailer and lost control of the vehicle while passing another vehicle along Rt 220 at about 4:45pm. According to the coroner Gower was thrown from the truck and suffered fatal injuries.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Williamsport police are conduction an investigation of the crash.

MAN ARRESTED FOR CARRYING GUN ILLEGALLY

A Williamsport man was arrested outside of police headquarters this April after officers found him in illegal possession of a handgun. According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, 35 year old, Tyran Shareef Fisher pulled up to the station and exited his vehicle, when officers noticed him carrying a clip on his belt that resembled a gun holster. Police conducted a warrant check and confirmed Fischer’s license to carry had been rescinded, and when he was taken into custody he was found to be armed and carrying drugs. Authorities charged Fisher with carrying a firearm without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on $10,000 bail.

PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE EXPIRING SOON

People who live near the Susquehanna Steam Electric station who have been given potassium iodide (KI) tablets as preparation for any nuclear emergency, are reminded that the medication is expiring soon and it can be exchanged at a distribution event June 12^th.  According to The Pennsylvania Dept. of Health, potassium iodide helps to protect the thyroid gland against radioactive iodine and can be taken if ok’d by your  health care provider, and only when instructed to do so by state health officials.  Areas for the exchange day will be Berwick City Halle in Berwick June 12^th from 2pm til 7pm and Butler Township Community Center in Drums also from 2 til 7pm.

TATTOO EXPO IN SUNBURY STARTS FRIDAY

There will be a first annual tattoo expo in Sunbury next weekend June 7^th through 9^th at the James R. Eister Youth and Community Center.  According to the News Item, the “Ink in the Rink” Tattoo Expo will start at noon next Friday and feature local and out-of-state tattoo artists, bands and painters for the three day weekend.  Entertainment and food trucks will be at the expo and according to The Ink in the rink Tattoo Expo Facebook page, some local hotels are providing discounts to guests for the event. 

SUNBURY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR BRANDISHING KNIFE

A Sunbury Woman has been charged with assault after pulling a knife on three people. According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Tiera Diane Jones was apprehended May 18 after police responded to hostilities. Officers entered the home and found Jones who surrendered to authorities, admitting her wrong doing. Two of the victims were found outside the home with cuts and abrasions and one was bleeding from the mouth. Jones was arraigned with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and summary harassment. Her bail is set at $30,000 and she has a preliminary hearing tomorrow.

MAN CHARGED FOR THREATENING FAMILY MEMBERS

A Montoursville man was arrested after pulling a knife on his mother. According to the Sun Gazette police say that 37 year old Jason I. Garg had threatened his mother with a knife in their home at 1920 Walters Road May 16^th . Police were called to the scene and said Garg was visibly intoxicated and uncooperative before they took him into custody.  Police say Garg had a previous altercation with Lewisburg police earlier that day and was on a 302 warrant. He was charged with simple assault and was denied bail.

BACTERIA LEVELS PREVENT SWIMMING AT HALFWAY LAKE

After an elevated coliform count was found during routine testing, authorities have suspended swimming at R.B. Winter State Park Halfway Lake  According to an alert on Pennsylvania DCNR’s website, the day use area remains open at the park.  The park will test the water daily and reopen swimming when bacteria counts fall into acceptable levels.

PENNDOT UPGRADES APP AND WEBSITE

There is a new mobile app and website associated with the PennDOT travel page, 511PA dot com, has been upgraded.  According to PennDOT administrators, the new version of 511pa dot com provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras which is also available on iPhone and Android devices.  Users will be able to customize the app and limit alerts to their specific route.  There is also a “driving mode” allowing users to go hands free while they utilize the app.

SPORTS

PIAA State Softball Playoffs First Round today
Class 1A – Bucktail vs Old Forge @ Bucktail HS  1pm
Class 2A  Muncy vs Bald Eagle @ Bald Eagle HS 3pm
Class 3A  Midd-West vs Littlestown @ Midd-West HS 4:30pm
   Loyalsock vs Mid-Valley @ Mid Valley Elem. 6:30pm
Class 4A Jersey Shore vs Valley View  @ Valley View HS 4pm
Class 5A  Central Mtn  vs Penn Trafford @ Central Mtn HS  4:30pm
Class 6A  Williamsport vs Downingtown East HS @ Lycoming Valley Intermediate School 4:30pm
PIAA Baseball Playoffs First Round
Class 1A Millville vs MMI Prep @ MMI Prep 4pm
Class 2A  Bald Eagle Area  vs Lakeview  @ Bald Eagle Area HS 2pm
Class 4A  Danville vs Scranton Prep @ Central Columbia HA 4:30pm

NASCAR Sunday
World Wide Technology Raceway
Austin Cindric got the checkered flag by passing teammate Ryan Blaney, who was leading the final lap at the Enjoy Illinois 300 until he ran out of gas.
Denny Hamlin was 2^nd, Brad Keselowski 3^rd, Tyler Reddick 4^th and Joey Logano rounded out the top 5.

NHL
Oilers  2  Stars  1 Edmonton wins the series and makes it to the Stanley Cup finals for the 1^st time since 2006.
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 1
Oilers vs Panthers  8pm ABC Sat. June 8^th

MLB
Nationals 5           Guardians  2
Rays 4        Orioles  3
Blue Jays  5  Pirates  4
D’backs 5             Mets  4
Yankees 7  Giants  5
Cardinals 5  Phillies  4

MLB Today
Brewers vs Phillies 6:40pm
Mets vs Nationals  6:45pm
Orioles  vs Blue Jays  7:07 ESPN+
NBA Finals Game 1 Thursday June 6, 2024
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics  8:30pm ABC
Game 2 Sunday 6/9 8pm ABC

WOMAN SENTENCED FOR ENDANGERING CHILDREN

A Williamsport woman, who pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of children January 26^th, was sentenced to 9 to 23 months in prison Tuesday morning in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Destiny Kellar and 31 year old Crystal Zamorski were found by police last July, to have regularly abandoned three children in an apartment along the 600 block of Hepburn Street that officers say was in deplorable conditions.  Kellar will receive credit for time served and must also serve 2 years’ probation and perform community service.  No word on a court date for Zamorski.

MIDDLEBURG MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT FROM 2018

A Middleburg man is now in the Snyder County prison after CYS was informed by the victim about an alleged sexual assault in 2018 when he was watching two children in his home and an investigation was started.  According to North Central PA dot com, 53 year old Jeffrey Allen Try, first denied the allegations, but according to police, who administered a polygraph test, he showed signs of extreme deception.  Try then said he didn’t remember the incident in an apology letter to the victim. He was charged with felony rape of a child, and other sexual assault charges and is in Snyder County prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

DESIGN FIRM CHOSEN FOR WILLIAMSPORT PROJECTS

A design firm was chosen for work that will bring an outdoor fitness pad to Memorial Park  in Williamsport, and a reconstruction design to an area of Little League Boulevard between Mulberry and Walnut streets.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City engineers say Livic, an engineering firm will do pre-design, final design and prepare for the bidding on the construction that could begin this summer.  Information is upcoming about detours and flag work in the downtown area.  The costs for the full project are estimated at 750 thousand dollars, but that is subject to change.

FREE LICENSE PLATE REPLACEMENT IN JERSEY SHORE THURSDAY

The public is invited to make arrangements to replace their illegible license plate for free at an event this week hosted by State Rep. Joe Hamm who represents parts of Lycoming and Sullivan counties in the 84th District. There will be drive thru service available at the Front Circle of the Tiadaghton Valley Mall in Jersey Shore Thursday from 4 until 6pm for constituents who have license plates that are hard to read.  They should bring an unexpired driver’s license and current registration card and staff will be on hand at the event to help them.  Call Hamm’s Jersey Shore office if you plan on attending, 570-398-4476.

DEFENSE FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN WANTS TO MOVE TRIAL

The defense for Kenneth Michaels, the CEO of Cable Services, who is facing charges related to the fatal shooting of his brother-in-law, John Roskowski, in Williamsport last August, want Judge Ryan M. Tira to disqualify the entirety of DA’s office in the case. According to PennLive, District Attorney Thomas A. Marino voluntarily recused himself from the case in the form of a stipulation among the parties at the beginning of Tuesday’s recusal hearing.  The defense has asked to move the case to the state attorney general’s office.

KITCHEN FIRE IN JERSEY SHORE

Citizens Hose Company responded to a small fire at the 100 block of Oak Street in Jersey Shore Tuesday afternoon that was quickly extinguished.  According to the Sun Gazette, the fire originated in the kitchen of the home and caused a power outage, burning parts of the walls and a few cabinets.  However, fire officials say there was no structural damage to the home and there were no injuries. The family living there has been displaced for now, until arrangements can be made for a repair and electric to be restored.

NEPA OFFICER ON HOUSE ARREST

An Ex-Hazelton Cop who detonated an explosive device in Kline Township is to be placed under house arrest. According to North Central PA dot com, 33 year old Ladell E. Hannon set off the device at the home of Harrison Jordan on Dec. 21, 2021. The explosion caused damage to multiple buildings and injured Jordan’s neighbor. At his bail hearing last Friday, Hannon’s lawyer requested that he be placed under house arrest awaiting his trial in September. He is set to live with his mother in East Stroudsburg.  Hannon’s bail is posted at one million dollars.

ROAD WORK IN MONTOUR AND LYCOMING COUNTY

A resurfacing project on Route 642 in Derry and Valley Townships in Montour County continues this week.  According to PennDOT, through Thursday, there will be  single lane conditions between Welliver Road in Valley Township and Stine Road in Derry Township. Flaggers are expected to be on scene where work is being performed during daylight hours, weather permitting.  Then starting Thursday in Lycoming County,  I-180 westbound in Muncy Creek Township, will have a lane restriction for a bridge deck patching project over Route 405.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Softball
Class 2A Semi Finals 
South Williamsport  3          Troy  0
Muncy  1  NE                        Bradford 0
Class 2A Championship Thursday
South Williamsport  vs Muncy 4:30pm Elm Park

NBA West Finals
Timberwolves 105      Mavericks  100  DAL leads 3-1
NBA West Finals Game 5  Thursday
Timberwolves vs Mavericks  8:30pm TNT

MLB
Guardians 13      Rockies  7
Game 1 Dodgers 5       Mets  2
Game 2 Dodgers 3       Mets  0
Red Sox 8           Orioles  3
Braves  2             Nationals 0
Angels 4              Yankees 3
Giants  1              Phillies  0
Pirates vs Tigers postponed /rain
MLB Today
Doubleheader – Pittsburgh vs Detroit  12:40pm /4:10pm
Phillies vs Giants  3:45pm
Red Sox vs Orioles  6:35pm
nationals vs Braves  7:20pm ESPN+
Yankees vs Angels 9:38pm
NHL East Final
Panthers  3                     Rangers  2  tied 2-2
NHL Tonight West Final Game 4
Stars vs Oilers  8:30pm TNT DAL leads 2-1

PLEA DEAL FOR WILLIAMASPORT SEX OFFENDER

A 35 year old man from Williamsport was sentenced to up to 6 years in prison yesterday after a plea agreement will see him plead guilty to one count of statutory sexual assault for crimes he engaged in with a teenage minor in the spring of 2023 in Old Lycoming Township. According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Assistant District Attorney said Kyle Lee Cassler had remorse and took responsibility for his actions early in the process, allowing them to come to a deal.  He will receive 266 days credit for time served, 3 years parole and must register as a sex offender for life.

CAR BREAK-IN AT CLINTON COUNTY HOTEL

Two guests at a Clinton County hotel were robbed after a suspect or suspects broke into their respective cars overnight  May 17^th and 18^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Lamar say an unknown suspect entered a 2009 Dodge 1500 Ram Promaster and a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado which were both locked overnight.  Luggage, food, tools and other valuables were taken from the vehicles parked at the Lamar Hampton Inn Hotel on Hospitality Lane.  If you have information about the thefts, call state police at 570-726-6000.

LOCAL JUDGES RECERTIFIED

After completing an annual continuing education requirement, District judges in Lycoming and Tioga Counties have been recertified as members of the Pennsylvania Judiciary.  According to the Sun Gazette, Tioga County Magisterial District Judges Robert Repard and James Edgcomb and Lycoming County Magisterial District Judges Christian Frey and Gary Whiteman completed the weeklong course given by the Minor Judiciary Education Board in Harrisburg.  Thru the virtual and in-person program gives their Honors updated information on a variety of legal topics and practices to help manage their magisterial district courts.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK IN SELINSGROVE

Those interested in a proper fitting for child safety seats for their car, can head to a car seat safety event in Selinsgrove this Saturday.  According to the PA state police,  participants can have their car seats checked and properly installed at the Weis Markets, on State Route 522 in Selinsgrove, from 1pm to 5pm. This safety seat check is just one of several child seat checks across PA as part of National Child Safety Week.  In Lycoming County, Montoursville State police offer free walk-in child safety seat checks on the 1^st Tuesday of each month, call to check availability of a certified technician.

WOMAN SCAMMED OUT OF 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS

State police are investigating an instance where an elderly woman from Muncy Creek Township was scammed out of more than 15 thousand dollars in March.  According to Troopers from Montoursville, a man called the woman claiming he was a District Attorney, that her daughter had been in an accident and she was required to pay legal fees.  Arrangements were made to pick up the cash at the woman’s home and an unidentified white male arrived in a grey sedan with tinted windows.  The victim did not get information about the registration or license plate of the car.  If you have information about the scam, call PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

PSP TO CONDUCT ROVING DUI PATROLS FOR HOLIDAY WEEKEND

PA State Police at Montoursville are announcing ahead of the Memorial Day weekend that  they will be conducting roving DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints during the upcoming  holiday.  According to the Troopers, they will be targeting high DUI related crash areas, where statistical data shows high probability for DUI incidents.  Motorists are reminded of the Duty of Driver in Emergency Response Areas law, requiring drivers move over a land or slow down when they see emergency lights activated along the roadway, always wear a seatbelt.

NEW BRANDING FOR PA TOURISM

Governor Shapiro and the first family are out on a week-long RV tour ahead of the Memorial Day Weekend to promote a new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign; “Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway”.  PA of course, boasts nearby major urban hubs, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC, is a top tier destination for sports and events, a place with incredible hikes and state parks, as well as the most important historic sites in the country.  According to the campaign itinerary, Shapiro’s RV Tour will make 50 stops in 14 counties over six days.  The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, our tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Get details of the new “PA – the Great American Getaway” brand at VisitPA.com.

JUNIOR GAME WARDEN CAMP

Junior Game Warden camps are planned this summer with the Pennsylvania State Game Commission.  According to the PGC, the one-day camp will host registered youth ages 12 – 14 to train alongside wardens in light physical fitness activities, confidence-building exercises and hands-on learning, as well as assist in the daily responsibilities.  Several regions in Pennsylvania will host the camps in several counties.  Get the details about the registration for the camps that will take place starting July 11^th at pgc.pa.gov under PGC Outreach.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Softball
Quad A Semifinal
Montoursville  6 Shamokin  2             
Single A Semifinal
Sullivan County  8  Montgomery  4

Baseball 
5-A Quarterfinal 
Selinsgrove  5           Shikellamy  4
Quad A Semifinals 
Danville  8                 Milton  5
Montoursville  6       Mifflinburg  0

NCAA Football News
The Penn State Board of Trustees have approved by a 26-2 vote, a $700 million dollar renovation project of Beaver Stadium, which has a goal to be completed before the 2027 college football season. It will paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics through fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships and ticket sales, including new premium seating options.

NBA East Finals Game 1
Celtics  133          Pacers  128
NBA Tonight West Finals Game 1
Mavericks vs Timberwolves 8:30pm TNT

MLB
Guardians 7         Mets  6
Reds 2                  Padres  0
Pirates  7              Giants  6
Phillies  5             Rangers  2
Twins  10             Nationals  0
Red Sox 5            Rays  2
Mariners  6                    Yankees  3
Cubs  4                 Braves  3 /10 innings
MLB Today
Twins vs Nationals 1:05pm
Mets vs Guardians  1:10pm
Orioles vs Cardinals 1:15 and  3pm Doubleheader
Giants vs Pirates 6:40pm
Rangers vs Phillies 6:40pm
Mariners vs Yankees  7:05pm

NHL Tonight – East Final Game 1
Panthers vs Rangers 8pm TNT

SHOTS FIRED AT WILLIAMSPORT BAR

Shots were fired into a bar on West 4^th Street in Williamsport Sunday and police are searching for a suspect. According to WNEP, around 11pm Sunday night officers responded to a call at the  Shamrock Six Pack and Grill along West 4th Street where several shots were reported.  Police say shots struck the building and several cars at the property, but there weren’t any injuries.  An investigation continues, and if you have information, call city police. 

DUBOIS WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN MONTOURSVILLE

A woman from Dubois who argued with staff at the Montoursville Weis Market and refused to leave the parking lot from the day before, was arrested May 5^th.  According to State Police, they responded to the N. Loyalsock Ave  store after 42 year old Courtney Lynn Sheesley refused to leave and had locked herself in her car that had run out of gas, allegedly insisting she didn’t have to pay for gas while claiming she was a “royal”.  She also refused to allow police to take her to a different location, and just prior to being forcibly removed from the car through the window, she unlocked the car and was taken into custody.  Sheesley was charged with defiant trespass.

SNYDER COUNTY PRISON CONSIDERING CLOSURE

Snyder County Commissioners say the county prison near Selinsgrove is set to close later this year after they are experiencing lower inmate numbers and higher costs.  According to WVIA, agreements are in place with other counties that will allow inmates who are unable to post bail or serve out their sentence in Snyder County to transfer to a different prison.  County officials say after two studies they’ve funded, it was determined that closing the prison and transferring prisoners to other facilities would save tax payer money.  The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections says the prison is about one quarter full – with 38 inmates housed there as of now.

TWO LOCOMOTIVES TO HONOR VETERANS

Northumberland’s North Shore Railroad recently introduced two locomotives painted to honor veterans that will run on Lycoming Valley Railroad.  According to the rail company, a private ceremony was recently held to dedicate the LVRR 9052  which represents the Veterans Unit and LVRR 9050 representing a Memorial Unit.  The Veterans Unit is painted in Camouflage Dark Sandstone with three saluting soldiers with the words “All Gave Some”, the Memorial Unit is dedicated to fallen soldiers with the phrase “Some Gave All”.

NURSING HOME FIRE CAUSES EVACUATION

A fire broke out at the Jersey Shore Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and forced the evacuation of almost 100 people in the center.  According to the Sun Gazette, there were no injuries at the Thompson Street facility, but around 11:30 staff and first responders moved the patients to the Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and officials say the fire was extinguished before 12:30pm.  During a news briefing, Jersey Shore emergency officials said the fire originated from one air conditioning unit on the roof and did not spread, but forced a large amount of smoke into the third floor of the building.  One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion at UPMC Williamsport.  A portable air conditioner will be used to cool common areas for the facility until a repair of the roof condenser can take place.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN MAKES FALSE REPORT ABOUT BURGLARY

A Williamsport man called in an emergency and told city officers that someone had broken into his home, but upon an investigation, police discovered it was a false report.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Landon Washington called 911 May 6^th around 6:30pm and said someone had broken into his Ellinger Street home.  When police arrived and saw the glass broken from the inside out, they left to question neighbors who said they heard glass break and say Washington was walking around in his yard after that.  Later, Washington allegedly yelled threats toward a neighbor through their mail slot, and when police were called back, they were told Washignton’s ring camera had been stolen, but they found it in his pocket.  Washington was charged with terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, false report to law enforcement, misusing 911, and other charges. 

SOME COUNTY OFFICES MOVING TO EAST THIRD STREET

A few Lycoming County government offices will be changing locations next week.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Commissioners, Controller, Human Resources, and Community Planning and Economic Development offices will move over several days between May 28^th through the 31^st, from 330 West Pine Street to the third floor of the Third Street Plaza at 33 W. Third St. Residents who need to schedule a visit to these offices should schedule an appointment before May 28^th, and expect the new locations of the offices to be operational again beginning June 3^rd.

DMV TO CLOSE STATEWIDE FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

PennDOT will be closing all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, Saturday, May 25, 2024, through Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day.  Customers can still get  driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website dmv.pa.gov  available 24 hours a day, seven days a week There are no additional fees for using online services.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball
Class AA Quarterfinals  Montgomery  8  Northwest 0
Red Raiders earned a spot in tomorrow’s semi-finals vs Wyalusing @ Williamsport’s Millionaire Mountain @ 6:30pm.
Troy defeated Southern Columbia 10 -0. It’s Troy vs South Williamsport tomorrow @ Mansfield University 4:30pm

MLB
Guardians 3                  Mets  1
Game 1      Padres  6  Braves  5
Game 2      Braves 3  Padres 0
 Nationals 12                Twins  3
Mariners  5                   Yankees 4
Cardinals 6                   Orioles  3
MLB Tonight
Mets vs Guardians 6:10pm
Giants vs Pirates  6:40pm
Rangers vs Phillies  6:40pm
Mariners  vs Yankees 7:05
Orioles vs Cardinals  7:45pm

NHL
Oilers 3      Canucks 2  Edmonton wins 4-3
NHL tomorrow
East Final Game 1 – Panthers vs Rangers  8pm ESPN NBA Today
East Finals – Pacers vs Celtics  8pm ESPN/ESPN2
NBA Wednesday
West Finals – Mavericks vs Timberwolves  8:30pm TNT