FATAL FIRE IN UNITYVILLE

A woman from Unityville perished in a house fire Saturday.  According to a statement by the Lycoming County Coroner, 78 year old Shirley Puderbaugh of 4047 Route 239 was discovered to be the victim of the fire that started just before 9:30am.  Fire personnel are still investigating the blaze, and PA State police Fire Marshall will release information about the origin of the fire and Puderbaugh’s cause of death when it becomes available.

MURDER SUSPECT’S ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE MAKES BAIL

A Williamsport woman, previously accused of helping Troy Bailey Sr. to conceal his involvement in the double homicide in Williamsport on January 11 was granted bail at a late Friday afternoon hearing.  According to the Sun Gazette, 43 year old Sandy Perez is set to be released on $75,000 unsecured bail under intense supervision. There has been no date set for her release.  Perez is facing multiple charges including criminal conspiracy in kidnapping, receiving stolen property, and obstruction of justice. Bailey was accused of the murder of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr.. There has been no trial date set for Bailey.

REAL ID LAW COMING IN 2025

A new date for Pennsylvania to enforce the Real ID law will be May 7 of 2025.  According to WHTM, the Real ID law was passed in 2005, but enforcement of it has been pushed back 20 years. PennDOT says that once the law is official, a Real ID will be required to board a plane or to enter a federal facility or military base.  A Real ID will not be required to vote, drive, access hospitals or the post office, or have access local and state courts.  Get the details about the Real ID at dmv.pa.gov.

ATV OWNERS CAN PURCHASE  TRAIL PERMIT

Those with Pennsylvania registered ATVs  who want access to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail, formerly the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot, have until Memorial Day to buy a permit for 40 dollars.  According to DCNR, permits are required to use the designated PennDOT and State Forest Connector Roads with access to a 650-mile riding area including parts of Clinton, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga counties.  The ATV will operate through the conclusion of the 2025 riding season.  Visit DCNR’s website for more information about ATV riding opportunities in state forests at DCNR.pa.gov.

WATER RESCUE IN UNION COUNTY RESULTS IN ONE FATALITY

A woman from Minersville died Saturday after a boat she was in capsized on the Susquehanna River at about 7:50pm.  According to the Daily Item, a rescue was called in to Silo Lane, Union Township, Union County, for a man and woman who had fallen into the water and police say  the man was found quickly, but 37 year old Melissa Cummings wasn’t found until after 9m when life saving measures were unsuccessful.  The Union County Coroner said Cummings was taken to Evangelical Hospital and later pronounced dead after 10pm.  The cause of death is listed as an accident.

TWO ALARM FIRE IN SHAMOKIN SUNDAY

A two alarm fire struck a Shamokin winery Sunday around 5pm.  According to the Daily Item, Shamokin fire crews arrived at Firehouse Winery, formerly Liberty Hose Company at 211 East Sunbury St and found heavy smoke coming from the building with fire eventually extending to the second floor and some parts of the third.  There were no injuries reported and there is no danger to the public.  After Liberty Hose company vacated the East Sunbury Street location, the site was transformed into the restaurant and winery in 2021.

FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

In an effort to fund a program at the Lycoming-Clinton County Joinder Board to help reduce gun violence, the Lycoming County Commissioners approved a grant for over $189 thousand dollars from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the Lycoming-Clinton Co-Responder Initiative.  According to the Sun Gazette, the  program will assist Lycoming Regional Police and the L:ock Haven City police to embed a mental health crisis worker into law enforcement to be available to co-respond to law enforcement issues that involve someone with a mental health issue or drug problem.  The hope is that in addition to curbing gun violence, it can also lower the rate of hospitalizations and incarceration.

SENSORY FRIENDLY MOVIE IN LEWISBURG NEXT SUNDAY

There will be a sensory friendly movie event in Lewisburg next Sunday.  According to North Central PA dot com the 2016 film Trolls will be shown on Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at the Campus Theatre, in  Lewisburg, as part of a Geisinger autism initiative.  Part of  the film’s audio will be adjusted to make music and sound effects quieter, and it will be shown in a dimly lit room instead of the complete darkness of a traditional movie theater. Doors will open at 12:30pm. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to fund future screenings. Families may bring or purchase snacks.

SPORTS

NASCAR
Geico 500 Talladega Motor Speedway
* Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup victory at Talladega Superspeedway sunday, sneaking over the line after front-runner Michael McDowell attempted a block to hold the lead but crashed with the finish line in sight.
* Brad Keselowski was 2^nd, Noah Gragson 3^rd, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr 4^th and Alex Bowman rounded out the Top 5
* It was the first time that Michael Jordan, co-owner of the Reddick’s team, along with Denny Hamlin, have  been at the track to witness a victory.

MLB

Guardians  6        A’s  2
Red Sox  6                     Pirates  1
Phillies  8             White Sox  2
Nationals 6                    Astros 0
Yankees  5                     Rays  4
Reds  3                 Angels  0
Orioles  5             Royals  0
Dodgers  10          Mets  0

MLB Tonight
Brewers  vs Pirates  6:40pm
Phillies vs Reds  6:40pm
Mets vs Giants  9:45pm ESPN+

NBA East

Celtics  114          Heat  94
Clippers  109       Mavericks  97
Bucks  109                     Pacers  94
Thunder  94         Pelicans  92


NBA Playoffs Tonight
East 1^st Round Game 2
Magic  vs Cavaliers  7pm
76ers  vs Knicks  TNT
West 1^st Round Game 2
Lakers  vs Nuggets  10pm TNT

NHL 

Panthers  3                     Lightning  2
Rangers  4            Capitals  1
Jets  7                   Avalanche  6
Canucks  4                     Predators 2


NHL Playoffs Tonight
East 1^st Round Game 2
Maple Leafs vs Bruins   7pm ESPN
Islanders  vs Hurricanes 7:30pm ESPN2
West 1^st Round Game 1 
Golden Knights  vs Stars  9:30pm  ESPN
Kings vs Oilers  10pm ESPN

ONE PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY IN MILTON SHOOTING

Police in Milton are still investigating Tuesday’s double shooting near the 10 block of Broadway that sent both victims to Geisinger Medical Center.  According to the Standard Journal, Milton Police and EMS first responders assisted the two victims Tuesday afternoon around 4pm.  During an investigation, Police discovered a firearm at the scene with an altered manufacturer’s serial number and with a search warrant for Rodriguez Lassalle’s Broadway Street residence, they found a 9mm Diamondback firearm with an altered serial number.  Lassalle was taken into custody for felony possession of a firearm arraigned and committed to Northumberland County Prison. Call the Milton Police Department if you have information that will help the investigation, 570-742-8757.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED AFTER 220 TRAFFIC STOP

A 26 year old woman from Lock Haven was recently charged with hindering an investigation after Lycoming Regional police stopped her car along Route 220 near Jersey Shore with a Lock Haven man who was a known fugitive in her car.  According to the Lock Haven Express,  Makayla Wetzel was stopped December 1^st at about 1:30am and 33 year old Mubarik Graves was forced from the car at gunpoint.  He was then jailed on the felony charges he previously faced.  Wetzel also was also charged for having a controlled substance.  She waived her preliminary hearing and posted 25 thousand dollars bail.

LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA LAUNDRY LOCATION IN CITY TO CLOSE

A federally required notice to close several Pennsylvania industrial laundry facilities, including one in Williamsport has been filed with the state Department of Labor & Industry.  According to PennLive, Paris Uniform Services projected the date to close the Harrisburg, Bradford, DuBois, and the 333 Rose Street location in Williamsport is June 30^th.  The closures are a result of a sale of the business to Cincinnati-based Cintas Corp., and are expected to take away about 138 jobs across the state.

HORSEBACK RIDING FACILITY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

A non-profit horseback riding facility in Montgomery that offers therapeutic riding sessions for riders with special needs and other traditional riding activities is looking for volunteers as they begin their spring season.  According to North Central PA dot com, Sunny Brook Meadows with 10 horses on site, is looking for helping hands to maintain upkeep and help breathe new life into the stables.  Individual volunteers and groups, can log hours at the stable to work with the horses or assist outside the arena or in the office.  Volunteers under 12 must have an adult with them.  Check out sunnybrookmeadows.com for information about volunteering.

SAYRE MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING METH LAB IN HIS HOME

A man from Bradford County who police were investigating for making and selling methamphetamine earlier this year has now been charged with operation of a methamphetamine lab out of his Linden Street home in Sayre.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were alerted to suspicious trash outside of 44 year old Sean Hall’s home that they found contained precursor chemicals for making methamphetamine and it was seized in a trash pull for evidence.  Police say Hall was tracked attempting to purchase pseudoephedrine products 47 times in the last year, and was successful at purchasing it 29 times.  He is being held at the Bradford County Prison on $200,000 monetary bail.

US MARSHALS SEEK A SHAMOKIN MAN

A Shamokin property at 21 N. Market St. was raided Wednesday morning after members of the US Marshals  Fugitive Task Force sought a suspect they believed was there, but the apprehension was unsuccessful.  According to the Standard Journal, the owners of the business at that location said the fugitive was not a legal resident of the property.  Police shut down Market and Diamond Streets for about two hours during the raid and were later reopened to vehicle and foot traffic around noon.  52 year old Matt McElhone of Shamokin was charged with disorderly conduct for shouting vulgarities at police during their presence there yesterday.  The search for the original suspect is ongoing.

MIFFINBURG POOL NEEDS APPLICANTS FOR LIFEGUARDS TO OPEN

The Mifflinburg Community Pool may not be able to open this year without employees and lifeguards to maintain the facility safely.  According to the Daily Item, Mifflinburg borough council members voted to open the pool at North Fifth Street if they could find enough employees, saying they need to fill 22 summer positions with only 14 applicants, so far.  Borough officials say there will be employment interviews within a week, along with lifeguard certification courses, and if they can hire enough staff, the pool will open on May 25 and will remain open until Aug. 18, with rates and hours to be determined.

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER FRIDAY

A fun evening is planned for Friday as Lycoming College’s Beta Phi Gamma sorority hosts a fundraising event for annual Relay for Life a nationwide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  According to North Central PA dot com, the community is invited to the Keiper Recreation Center for a variety of activities and a chance to sign up as a team to participate in the relay, with walkers taking turns around a track non-stop, to symbolize that cancer never sleeps.  There will be a signature Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have been lost and to support those who fight.  The evening is from 4pm to 8pm and features a Taylor Swift theme.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Jersey Shore 5  Danville  4
Shikellamy  9  Lewisburg  2

HS Softball
South Williamsport  17  Bloomsburg  2

College Wrestling
The Nittany Lion Wrestlers are hosting the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center this Friday and Saturday.  19 Penn State athletes have qualified to compete in the event.

MLB
Red Sox  2          Guardians  0
Orioles  4            Twins  2
Mets  9                 Pirates  1
Braves  5            Astros  4
Yankees  6          Blue Jays  4
Nationals  2        LA Dodgers  0
Phillies  7            Rockies  6
MLB Today
Cleveland vs Boston  1:35pm

NBA Playoffs
76ers  105  Heat  104
Bulls  131  Hawks 116
NBA Friday 8^th seed games
Bulls vs Heat  7pm ESPN
Kings vs Pelicans  9:30pm TNT

NHL
Lightning  6        Maple Leafs  4
Islanders  5         Penguins  4
Stars  2                 Blues 1
Coyotes  5           Oilers  2
NHL Tonight
Kraken vs Wild  7pm ESPN
Oilers vs Avalanche  9:30pm  ESPN

DRUG CHARGES LEAD TO STATE PRISON

A Williamsport woman who pleaded guilty to drug charges that were connected to the death of a 30 year old city woman in July of 2020 was sentenced in Lycoming County court this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kijifa Anderson was given 27 months to 15 years in state prison for one count of delivery of a controlled substance, but the charge of drug delivery resulting in death was withdrawn.  Police say Darcia Stewart died in the backyard of her Eldred Street home just a few  hours after purchasing an unidentified drug from Anderson.

POLICE SEEK MISSING JERSEY SHORE MAN

A Jersey Shore man is missing and police are seeking his whereabouts.  According to North C entral PA dot com, the Lycoming Regional Police Department says 64-year-old David Benis and his German shepherd left for a trip to Pittsburgh Tuesday morning around 6:30am and never arrived at his son’s home.  Police say family members say Benis has several medical issues.  If you have information, call Lycoming County Regional Police Department.

NEW FACILITIES ON THE WAY FOR THE  LYCO CORONER

The Lycoming County Coroner may finally have adequate space to work after the Williamsport City Council recently said construction can begin after approving a building land development plan.  According to North Central PA dot com, Charles E. Kiessling Jr. said many people and agencies worked hard to plan and design a proper facility to handle day to day operations as well as help with emergencies while working with other county coroners through mutual aid agreements in the area.  Kiessling also said the new building will allow autopsies to be performed in Lycoming County again, a service that has not been available here since 2008.  There will be an addition to the existing structure at 3341 Wahoo Drive for a total of 12,922 square feet.

FISHING WITH FLICK AND SLAUGHTER SATURDAY

Area families can “Fish with Flick and Mayor Slaughter” this Saturday at Lycoming Creek.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Rep. Jamie Flick and Mayor Slaughter invite kids ages 4 to 16 years to come can come to the creek across the street from Bowman Field, near the Original League baseball field in Williamsport and pair up with a parent or mentor for a Mentored Youth Trout Day and learn how to fish.  Younger anglers from 4-6 will learn about fishing basics with a special activity organized by the local Trout Unlimited chapter.  Partners will offer short clinics and activity stations at the beginning of the event that will go from 10am til 2pm April 20^th.  Get your required fishing permit online at huntfish.pa.gov.

DOUBLE SHOOTING IN MILTON

There was a shooting reported in Milton Tuesday that shut down the 10 block of Broadway around 4pm.  According to the Standard Journal, multiple police and emergency responders arrived on the scene, where one victim was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, and police say an ambulance responded downtown to treat a second shooting victim who was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Police activity was then reported at a fast food restaurant parking lot outside of Milton, but no word on whether there are suspects in custody this morning or the condition of the victims.

ALLEGEDLY IMPAIRED WOMAN STRIKES PEDESTRIANS

A woman from Sunbury with a 12 year old child in the car was charged after police say she was allegedly impaired and hit two pedestrians who were crossing in the street on April 10th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 49 year old Erin Wagner was driving at South Seventh and Market streets and struck an 83 year old man with a walker and a36 year old man who were crossing  the intersection.  The men were transported to to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with suspected moderate to serious injuries.  Police said they noticed Wagner seemed impaired and through a breath test report she had a .235 blood alcohol level.  She faces felony aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, DUI and more, and is free on 75 thousand dollars bail.

PRESIDENT BIDEN CAMPAIGNS IN PA THIS WEEK

President Joe Biden was in Scranton yesterday for the first of three days in the Commonwealth.  According to WHTM, Biden talked about inflation and elevated interest rates despite low unemployment, as well as higher taxes on the rich.  The President heads to Pittsburgh this morning, then back to Washington until he returns for an event in Philadelphia.  Biden is taking advantage of campaigning in PA, since former president Donald Trump is in New York City for his criminal trial this week.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY RECEIVES SCIENCE RESEARCH GRANT

A 300 thousand-dollar grant for 15 students to participate in a paid, eight-week Summer Research Partners Program in the sciences has been awarded to Susquehanna University.  According to the university, the three year-grant will support wages, housing, research supplies and conference travel for students who will be able to spend their summer in a full-time, faculty-mentored research position. The grant was made possible by the Sherman Fairchild Foundation.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Muncy  19                      Sullivan County 4
Montoursville 10           Danville 0
Canton 9               Troy  7
NP Mansfield  3  Sayre  2
Millville 5             St John Neumann  1

PIAA HS Softball
Jersey Shore  16  Danville 3
Muncy  15                     CMVT  0 /4
Loyalsock  12       Midd-West  2 /5
Montoursville 16           Lewisburg  5  /6
Warrior Run 11    Southern Columbia  2
Shikellamy 8        Williamsport 6
Neumann 20         Millville 5
Shamokin  12       Milton  2
South Wmsprt 12          Berwick 0 /3

MLB
Guardians  10     Red Sox 7
Orioles  11          Twins 3
Phillies  5            Rockies  0
Blue Jays 5         Yankees  4
Mets  3                Pirates  1
Braves  6             Astros  2
Dodgers  6          Nationals 2
MLB Today
Minnesota vs  Baltimore  1:05pm
Pittsburgh vs NY Mets  1:10pm
Rockies vs Phillies  6:05pm
Cleveland vs Boston  7:10pm

NBA Playoffs
West
Lakers 110          Pelicans  106
Kings  118          Warrior 94
NBA East Tonight
Miami  vs 76ers 7pm ESPN
Atlanta  Chicago  9:30pm ESPN

NHL
Senators  3           Bruins  1
Capitals  2                     Flyers  1
Blue Jackets  6    Hurricanes 3
Gldn Knights  3  Blackhawks 1
Canucks  4           Flames  1
NHL Tonight
Toronto vs Tampa Bay 7pm TNT
Pittsburgh  vs NY Islanders  7pm
St Louis vs Dallas  9:30pm TNT
Edmonton vs Arizona 10pm

ROADS AFFECTED BY FLOODING AND DOWNED UTILITIES

Rain has affected some area roadways with flooding or trees down affecting utilities.  According to PennDOT, in Lycoming County, Route 642 between Nisbet Terrace and Valley Road in Susquehanna Township has reopened this morning.  In Northumberland County, a new spot to watch includes Route 147 south of Herndon at the split with Route 225 to Carls Hill Road in Lower Mahanoy Township. Check 511PA dot com for road conditions of flood prone roadways near you. 

MIFFLINBURG TEEN FIRE VICTIM SERVICES SET FOR SATURDAY

Services have been set for a 16 year old sophomore at Mifflinburg Area High School who was killed after he was trapped in a house fire early Friday morning in Buffalo Township.  According to the Daily Item, Reese Donovan Conklin, was the victim in the fatal fire.  State police at Milton say Conklin’s mother and brother, who were in the home at 6491 Buffalo Road at the time of the blaze, escaped and were treated at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg for smoke inhalation.  State police are investigating the fire.  A visitation for family and friends is scheduled at 10am on Saturday, April 20^th  at St. George Roman Catholic Church in Mifflinburg, before a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. 

VOLLEYBALL APPROVED FOR MONTOURSVILLE GIRLS

There will be volleyball for junior and senior high school girls at Montoursville after school board directors this week approved the creation of the club.  According to the Sun Gazette, support for the club by students,  parents and school officials was given at the March 26^th school board meeting and was approved with some debate over start-up costs.  The estimated cost to start-up the program was 70 thousand dollars, but the Montoursville superintendent said as a yet to be developed program, the costs would likely be less and also spread over two years.

BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR

PennDOT and the PA department of Health, Gift of Life Donor Program  and others put out a call to action Friday for  National Donate Life Day – a day asking residents to become organ donors by updating their driver’s licenses.  According to PennDOT, if you’re considering it, you don’t have to wait until you have to renew your license, you can opt-in anytime at dmv.pa.gov.  About 5 million Pennsylvanians are organ donors – about 49 percent of all current drives and ID holders.

HOMELESS MAN THREATENS LAUDROMAT EMPLOYEES

A homeless man previously from West Milton was taken into custody April 4^th for threatening employees of a local laundromat in east Buffalo Township.  .  According to North Central PA dot com, 26 year old Gustavo Alexander Gutierrez, allegedly ran into the business  on North Derr Drive with a rock, throwing a cart, and threatening one employee and then yelling at, and threatening the manager when she arrived asking him to leave the premises.  Gutierrez fled out the back door when the police were about to be called, and was later taken into custody for misdemeanor simple assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and more and was incarcerated in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.  His preliminary hearing is May 2^nd.

MAN DRAGS WOMAN WITH MOVING CAR

A man from Trevorton has been charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment after he drove away with a person hanging on to his vehicle Thursday at about 7pm.  According to the Daily Item, 30 year old Jonathan Martinez was arrested after police responded to a domestic incident at the intersection of Race and Second Street, where a woman was laying in the roadway.  Police say Martinez said the woman was trying to hit him when he drove away trapping the victim’s arm in the car window causing her to grab the roof rack of the car. She fell and was injured and treated at the scene.  Martinez was located and arrested, and is incarcerated in lieu of 5 thousand dollars bail. He has an upcoming preliminary hearing.

POWER OUTAGES IN NORTH CENTRAL PA

Just over 900 customers in Clinton County are dealing with power outages this morning from heavy rains recently.  There are only about 100 customers affected by power issues in Lycoming County this morning.  PennDOT is reporting some flooded roadways this morning.  In Columbia County Back Branch Road between Whites Church Road and Millertown Road in Mt. Pleasant Township still has downed utilities, so watch for a lane restriction there.   Check 511PA dot com for road conditions of flood prone roadways near you. 

TAX DEADLINE DAY TODAY

Today is Tax Day in the United States, and millions of Americans are racing to file their 2023 income tax returns before the midnight deadline.  However, there are some exceptions. If you request an extension, your deadline to file will be October 15, 2024. For various tax information and forms in Lycoming County, go to lycomingtax.org.

SPORTS

NASCAR Sunday – Auto Trader 400,  Texas Motor Speedway
*  Chase Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the first lap after the second restart in overtime Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, ending his 42-race winless streak.
*  The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps. 
* Brad Keslowski was 2^nd, William Byron 3^rd, Tyler Reddick 4^th and Daniel Suarez rounded out the top 5.
* It was the fifth win this season for Hendrick Motorsports, the 306th for NASCAR’s winningest team, but the first for Elliott in this No. 9 Chevrolet since Talladega in October 2022.

Golf – Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Course, Augusta, GA
* Scottie Scheffler got his second Green Jacket in three years at the 2024 Masters Sunday.
* Tiger Woods is the only other player who has won multiple majors as World No. 1.
* Scheffler finished 68 in Round 4 Sunday and completed the tournament at No. 1 winning a 3.6 million dollar purse. 
* Tiger Woods who made the Master’s Cut for the weekend and shot a 77 Sunday, finished in the last position for the Tournament – he won $44K.

MLB
Guardians  8        Yankees  7
Red Sox  5                     Angels  4
Orioles 6              Brewers 4 
Pirates  9              Phillies  2
Braves  9              Marlins 7 
Mets 2                  Royals  1
A’s  7                   Nationals  6
MLB Today
Cleveland vs Boston  11:10am
Twins vs Orioles 6:35pm
Rockies vs Phillies 6:40pm
Yankees vs Toronto 7:07pm
Pittsburgh vs NY Mets  7:10pm
Washington vs LA Dodgers 10:10pm

NBA
Celtics  132          Wizards  122
NY Knicks  120  Bulls 119
76ers  107            Nets  107
Warriors  123       Jazz 116
Rockets  116        Clippers  105

NHL
Blues  4                Kraken  1
Golden Knights 4           Avalanche  3
Hurricanes  4        Blackhawks  2
Flames  6              Coyotes  5

NHL Tonight
Canadiens  vs Red Wings  7pm
Islanders vs  Devils  7pm
Predators vs Penguins  7pm
Senators  vs NY Rangers  7:30pm
Sharks vs Oilers  9:30pm
Wild vs Kings  9:30pm ESPN