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

SUSPECT CONSIDERED ARMED & DANGEROUS

The 15 year old who is wanted by Coal Township police for a shooting earlier this week in Shamokin is still at large and police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.  According to the News Item, 15-year-old Aiden J. Scott, allegedly shot another 15-year-old male in the upper right chest Tuesday afternoon and the vctim was hospitalized in serious condition.  In a press release from Coal Township police, Scott is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs about 135 pounds.  Scott has been charged as an adult in the case.  If you have information about the shooting or Scott’s whereabouts call Coal Township Police Department at 570-644-0333.

MUNCY INMATE DIES IN WILLIAMSPORT HOSPITAL

A female inmate was found unresponsive in her cell at SCI Muncy in April and after being transported and treated at UPMC Williamsport, passed away in the hospital Wednesday around 4:30am.  According to North Central PA dot com , 25 year old Ashley Hernandez had been at SCI Muncy since October 26, 2023, serving a 1-to-2-year sentence for simple assault out of Schuylkill County. The official cause of death will be determined by the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office following and investigation by the PA state police.

LUCKY LOTTERY TICKET SOLD IN LOYALSOCK TWP

A 3 million dollar scratch off lottery ticket was recently sold in Loyalsock Township.  According to the PA Lottery, the retailer at 330 Westminster Drive in Williamsport sold the winning ticket for the 30 dollar Mega Stacks Scratch-Off game. The Sheetz off the Golden Strip will receive a $10,000 bonus for the sale.  Scratch-off prizes expire one year from the game’s end-sale date posted at palottery.com. 

WALKING TOUR IN MONTOURSVILLE SUNDAY

The public is invited to take an historic walking tour of Indian Park in Montoursville on Sunday from 2 til 4pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, the tour will highlight the spirit of the vibrant era of 1905 with a curated collection of photographs and artifacts depicting the glory days of ‘Starr Island,’ originally known as Indian Amusement Park.  The tour is free and all ages are welcome to connect with the rich heritage of Montoursville.  Attendees canpark at the old pool complex and walk back to the soccer fields to start the walking tour, sponsored by the General John Burrows Historical Society.

TWO WOMAN ARRESTED FOR CAUSING DISTURBANCE

A woman from Muncy and her mother, from Williamsport were charged with riot, simple assault, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct after they contributed to a fight between two families last Saturday afternoon at an apartment on Louisa Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, the altercation escalated when 50 year old Naja Maureen Moore, starting with yelling, punching and then used pepper spray before officers arrived.  The daughter, 32 year old Tanayah Nakiyah Moore, arrived with a handgun and brandished it while continuing to yell.  Police say the mother requested her daughter bring the gun to the gathering, and later the woman was disarmed and no one was injured.  Both women were arraigned and committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail each.

SUSPECT FOUND NOT GUILTY OF FIRST, THRID DEGREE MURDER

Ajani Munsch-Ousha Uhuru was found not guilty of first and third degree murder charges Thursday in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, the 25 year old was found guilty of felony voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault charges.  A jury decided on the case after Uhuru testified on his own behalf about shooting 30-year-old Kareem Jakes in self-defense at the Penn Jersey Food Mart on Fourth Street in Sunbury in May of 2022.  He was granted 500 thousand dollars bail after being held without bail since being brought back to Northumberland County by US Marshals from Philadelphia shortly after the shooting. Uhuru’s sentencing hearing is August 8^th.

NATURAL GAS PRICE INCREASE

The price of natural gas is going up June 1^st and again later this year. According to UGI Utilities, Inc,  customers will see an initial 4.5 percent increase, and then  by December 1^st a just under 3 percent increa, for a total increase of 7.3 percent for their residential bill. Commercial and Industrial retail customers will separately see a slightly larger increase, ranging up to 10.3 percent. UGI is obligated to file its gas cost rates annually for review with the PUC and may make quarterly adjustments to reflect changes in wholesale natural gas prices, passing  the cost of the gas they purchase directly to customers without any markup.

ANNUAL 100 MILE YARD SALE PLANNED FOR SUMMER

The summertime 100 mile yard sale in our region is set for Friday and Saturday July 19^th and 20^th. According to a social media post by PA Bucket List, the annual event is headquartered in Clearfield County and stretches through Cameron, Elk, and Centre counties, and attendees are encouraged to buy from official paid participants along the route.  Access to a free 100 Mile Yard Sale Directory and map is available at visitquehannaarea.com.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Softball
Montgomery  7    Canton  2
NP Liberty  1       Muncy  0
South Wmsprt 13  Danville  5
Baseball 
Midd-West  8       Central Mountain  4
Bloomsburg  5     St John Neumann 3

NBA West Semifinals
Timberwolves  115        Nuggets  70  tied 3-3
NBA Tonight East Semifinals
Knicks vs Pacers  8:30pm ESPN  NY leads  3-2

MLB
Yankees  5          Twins 0
Mets  6                 Phillies  5
Rays 7                  Red Sox 5
Pirates 5               Cubs  4
MLB Today
Pirates  vs Cubs  2:20pm
Nationals vs Phillies  6:40pm
White Sox vs Yankees 7:05pm
Twins vs Guardians  7:10pm AppleTv

NHL
Rangers  5           Hurricanes 3 NYR wins  4-2
Canucks  3          Oilers  2  VAN leads 3-2
NHL Tonight
Panthers vs Bruins  7pm TNT FLA leads 3-2
Stars vs Avalance  10pm TNT  DAL leads 3-2

NASCAR
All-Star Open/All-Star Race North Wilkesboro Speedway, NC
Pre-race 5pm
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network / WILQ’s HD3

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