MOTHER WHO STARVED DAUGHTERS SENTENCED

It’s two consecutive life sentences for the mother of the two young girls who died of starvation and abuse in 2021 and were buried on a Lycoming County property.  According to North Central PA dot com, Marie Snyder of Williamsport pleaded guilty to two counts of felony first degree criminal homicide, and also faces charges for theft and fraud for obtaining food stamps and assistance while claiming the girls were in her care. Two trees were planted earlier this year during a ceremony in Brandon Park in honor of Nicole and Jasmine Snyder. Two other women involved in the case, Echo Butler and Michele Butler are scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LOAN FOR MALL PROPERTY

After a presentation yesterday by one of the partners of FAMVEST, LLC, the State College-based developers set to purchase the Lycoming Mall, the Lycoming County Commissioners unanimously approved a 5 million dollar loan toward the purchase. According to the Sun Gazette, the loan will assist with the closing costs of the property in Muncy Township that was sold for 15 million.  The closing was rescheduled from earlier in the year to today but has now been shifted to next week.  FAMVEST has purchased the former Williamsport Foundry on Maynard Street and plans to develop a three-tenant commercial property across from Penn College.

VOLUNTARY DROUGHT WATCH FOR PENNSYLVANIA

The Department of Environmental Protection is calling for a voluntary drought watch across Pennsylvania after lack of rainfall is bringing concern for the summer.  According to the DEP, residents are encouraged to cut non-essential water use by 5 to 10 percent.  Examples of that include running the dishwasher and clothes washer less often, shorter showers, or turning off the water when brushing teeth. Eighteen public water suppliers in counties outside Northcentral Pa. are also asking for voluntary water conservation in their communities. DCNR also urges residents to consider the increased fire risk at this time.

LYCOMING COUNTY FAIR COMING IN JULY

The 152^nd Lycoming County Fair is on the way, July 12^th through July 22^nd this year.  According to Fair Director, Mike Bieber, there are some new additions that were announced at media day recently, including the outdoor corner and micro-wrestling as well as the chance to see a glimpse of Elvis.  Adults still only pay 4 dollars for admission and kids under 12 get in free.  Get details at Lycoming fair dot net.

BLOOMSBURG MAN BOUGHT AND SOLD HUMAN REMAINS

A Columbia County man is facing charges after he was found to be involved in buying and selling human organs and other cadaver parts in a case that also implicated the manager of the morgue on the campus of Harvard University.  According to the Daily Item, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania says 41 year old Jeremy Pauley, of Bloomsburg, was indicted along with five others accused of stealing and selling human remains  from 2018 through 2022.  Pauley told federal officials that he sold many of the parts he bought from other suspects.  Many of the remains were donated for research or parts of cremated bodies that were assumed returned to families.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.

MAN CONVICTED IN 20 YEAR OLD RAPE CASE

A 44 year old Williamsport man was found guilty of rape last week after being accused of crimes he allegedly committed 20 years ago when he was 14 years old, with girls who were between 4 and 8 and 8 and 12 at the time.  According to North Central PA dot com, Erick Johnson was interviewed by Williamsport police and the video was shown in court in which he initially denied the charges, but then said some of the accusations “might have happened”.  Johnson will be sentenced for the 10 counts of rape of a person less than 13 in October according to President Judge Nancy Butts.

WILLIAMSPORT FOOD PANTRY HOURS EXTENDED

The American Rescue Workers food pantry has extended their hours into the evening on Mondays to accommodate those who are unable to visit during the day.  According to North Central PA dot com, the food pantry is at 337 Bridge street in Williamsport  and is available to anyone who is facing food insecurity.  New Monday hours for the American Rescue Workers food pantry are 9 til noon and extended afternoon hours from 1 to 6pm.   If you have questions about the other hours of the food pantry 5 days a week, or know of anyone in need, go online to arwwilliamsport.org.

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL SATURDAY IN BRANDON PARK

The third annual Juneteenth festival will be held in Brandon Park this Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. with a scheduled Freedom Walk starting at Freedom Road to the park at 11 a.m.The public is invited  to the festival which will feature activities for children, live entertainment, and about 40 vendors. The event is hosted by the Lycoming Tri-County NAACP .   Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is observed on June 19 each year. was recognized as a national holiday in 2021.

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians 8        Padres 6
Orioles 4             Blue Jays 2
Rays 4                 A’s 3
Phillies 5             Diamondbacks 4
Tigers 8               Twins 4
Braves 8              Rockies 3
Angels 5              Rangers 3
Cubs 7                 Pirates 2
Nationals 4         Astros 1
Dodgers 5           White Sox 4

Golf
Second Round of the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club begins today.  *The First Round made history with a pair of record scores. Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele (the “X-man”) both shot a 62.
*Fowler became the first player in U.S. Open history with 10 birdies in a single round.  It’s  par-70 course. 
* In addition to the record scores, they were two 64s two 65s, seven 67s and eleven 68s. No player shot worse than a 79.

MLB Draft League
(4-8) Williamsport Crosscutters are on the road tonight with the (5-7) Mahoning Valley Scrappers 7:05 first pitch

FATAL FIRE IN CLINTON COUNTY

A Clinton County man is dead after a fire at his residence late Saturday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, the remains of 69 year old Gregory Martin were found inside the structure on Tobacco Shed Road after fire crews extinguished the blaze that they were called to about 8pm Saturday night in Dunnstable Township.  Multiple emergency departments were on the scene including Woolrich, Hand in Hand Lock Haven, Avis, Dunnstown, Beech Creek, Jersey Shore and others.  There was no announcement of the cause of the fire, but State fire marshals were on the scene until about 1:30am Sunday.

RIFLE SHOT SENDS YOUNG MAN TO JAIL

A young man from South Williamsport was arraigned in district court after police say he aimed a rifle at a person then raised it in the air and fired one shot in trhe borough on May 21^st.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jacoby Benway was charged with terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault.  He was initially incarcerated but then released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

PHILLY INTERSTATE COLLAPSE TO BE CLEANED UP TODAY

I-95 repair efforts continue near Philadelphia and a demolition of the collapsed structure is expected to be complete by this morning.  According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg who was in Philadelphia yesterday Tuesday to visit the site of the collapse and said upfront federal funding has been released to address the immediate effort to reopen the interstate since it’s a key corridor in eastern Pennsylvania.  PennDOT says detours are in place to help safely accommodate and redirect the traffic.

GROUP FORMS TO ADVOCATE FOR LOCAL AIRPORT

An advocacy coalition has formed, comprising of concerned stakeholders and a group of airports , RESTORE Air Service. According to RESTORE spokesperson and Williamsport Regional Airport Executive director, Richard Howell says the coalition will be working with Congress and the Biden Administration to promote changes in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill to better support rural and small community airports after Williamsport Regional airport lost daily service since the pandemic. There is legislation addressing the small community air issue, including the bi-partisan “Essential Air Service Reform Act”,  introduced by Congressman Dan Meuser and Congressman David Trone, which would re-open the Essential Air Service program for 3 years.

CAR CHASE ENDS IN TASTER FIRE AS SUSPECT TRIES TO FLEE

A 36 year old man from Lycoming County is in custody after a long police pursuit from Muncy to Picture Rocks that occurred June 6^th following the suspect driving the wrong way in an alley outside of Muncy.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Kyle Wesley Keiser drove at a high rate of speed through Hughesville, running several stop signs and recklessly driving past other drivers on 220 and eventually driving through fields before bailing out of the car on Main Street in Picture Rocks and running from the car.  Police used a Taser to stop Keiser who is now in Lycoming County Prison on a probation violation and charged with felony fleeing, agricultural vandalism and more, in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

RENOVO WOMAN CAUGHT SELLING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

An arrest warrant was recently served on a woman from Renovo who allegedly sold prescription medication to an undercover informant June 7^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 64 year old Jenean Mace was the subject of an investigation involving the unlawful sale of Suboxone pills between December 2022 and May 2023. Police say Mace was handed a dozen felony counts including possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance.  She is in the Clinton County Correctional facility in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

LEWISBURG FLOOD MEETING LEADS TO PUBLIC PRESENTATION

A public presentation is coming up June 20^th to consider the adoption of the Lewisburg Borough Flood Mitigation Study after the final public meeting was held last week where they decided next steps to develop programs and create flood plans.  According to the Daily Item, Lewisburg Borough Community Development Grant Manager Shannon Berkey said the final study will provide the Borough a planning tool in the short and long term to address additional needs to continue to make the borough a thriving community despite the threat of flooding.  The project is being funded by a $100,000 grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program Grant program.

FIRST LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES SCHEDULED

The first matchups are set for the summer as the Little League World Series arrives in August.   According to Little League International the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series starts August 16 through the 27^th and will feature 20 teams from around the globe competing through the U.S. and International brackets. The first game is between Europe-Africa and Panama on August 16^th in Volunteer Stadium starting at 1pm.  Game 2 will be in Lamade and is between Mountain Region vs. Metro Region.  Get the full bracket listing at little league dot org.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball State Championship Final
Class 2A
Bald Eagle Area 4        South Williamsport 0

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 5
Golden Knights 9        Panthers 3
Vegas tops Florida and Panthers win the series to capture their first Stanley Cup Title

NBA Finals Game 5
Nuggets 94                   Heat 89
Denver wins their first NBA Finals Championship

MLB
Padres 6               Guardians 3
Orioles 11            Blue Jays 6
Rockies 7             Red Sox 6
Yankees 7            Mets 6
Twins 7                Brewers 5
Giants 11             Cardinals 3
Angels 7               Rangers 3
Cubs 11                Pirates 3
Reds 5                  Royals 4
Astros 6               Nationals 1
Mariners 9            Marlins 3
Phillies 15            Diamondbacks 3
A’s 2                              Rays 1
Dodgers 5             White Sox 1
Braves and Tigers were postponed

MLB Draft League
Monday’s game was canceled…
Last night
WV Black Bears 3       Crosscutters 1
Williamsport tries again tonight at home 6:35pm 1^st pitch
Crosscutters get an off-day Thursday

CODE RED AIR QUALITY AGAIN TODAY

The Environmental Protection Agency continues the Code Red Air Quality alert today after  the haze and smoke smell in the air yesterday caused Loyalsock Township to dismiss students early.  According to the Sun Gazette the weather pattern is expected to shift today but those who are vulnerable to issues from the particulates in the air are still advised to stay careful about breathing the outdoor air.  The burn ban remains in the City of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township in effect until Friday evening. 

BAIL DENIED FOR MAN WHO SCUFFLED IN COURTROOM

A man facing charges in district Judge Gary Whiteman’s courtroom Tuesday caused a disturbance during a lull in court proceedings, which resulted in damage being done to a wall.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mark Taylor Kuntz, who was handcuffed and awaiting prison-commitment papers got into a struggle with troopers who were securing him.  After learning of the disturbance, Judge Whiteman said that his original determination that Kuntz was eligible for 50 thousand dollars bail would be changed to no bail.  Kuntz is in custody over a domestic disturbance in Plunkett’s Creek Saturday.

EYEGLASSES THEFT IN MONROE TOWNSHIP

Pennsylvania State police at Selinsgrove have reported a theft incident at an eyewear store in Monroe Township. According to  North Central PA.com, The suspect allegedly made off with a significant amount of eyeglasses, estimated to be worth between $2,000 and $2,500. The incident took place on May 9 after 2pm at the LensCrafters store located in Monroe Marketplace. In case you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Selinsgrove at 570-374-8145.

81^ST ANNUAL LAUREL FESTIVAL STARTS THIS WEEK

The 81^st Annual Pennsylvania Laurel Festival starts this Saturday and continues through June 18^th in Wellsboro. The public can enjoy events in town all week, Family Day will be on the Green Saturday and their pet parade Sunday  in the Packer Park Picnic area.  Free entertainment continues all week and Friday at noon is the welcome for last year’s Laurel Queen and the 2023 queen candidates on the Tioga County Courthouse steps with the Queens Preview & Laurel Concert Friday at 4:30 p.m on the Deane Center Outdoor Stage. Get details about the Tioga County Laurel Festival at wellsboropa.com.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING WITH A GUN

A Williamsport woman who is on probation for a previous felony is in custody again after witnesses say she brandished a firearm on her front porch May 14^th and threatened a person in front of neighbors and others who were outside her home.  According to the Sun Gazette, 37 year old Keira Elouise Blunt  was interviewed by responding police and found to have the unauthorized loaded firearm which they seized.  She was taken into custody on charges of terroristic threats, convicted felon not to possess a firearm, simple assault and more.  Blunt is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.  

NAME CHANGE FOR THE PA DEP

The state Senate approved legislation to change the name of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to the Department of Environmental Services according to sponsor of the bill Sen. Gene Yaw , chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.  Senate Bill 691 will have no effect on the jurisdiction or current statutory or regulatory authority of the department. Yaw said shifting the focus to services implements a much-needed culture change at the department. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

PENNDOT JOB FAIR IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

PennDOT has announced a job fair for people to work with the department in Northumberland County. The job fair will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, June 21, at the Northumberland County Maintenance Office, 355 Dewart Street, Sunbury.   Recruiters will be available to discuss current and future openings within the commonwealth for CDL operators. Some positons must have a valid CDL permit on their first day of employment.  On-the-spot applications will take place. Applicants for the Transportation Equipment Operator A positions must bring their current CDL license.  For more information, please call 570-286-7178.

TURBOTVILLE FIREWORKS CANCELLED AGAIN TONIGHT

Officials from the Turbotville Area Community Carnival postponed their fireworks show last night and now the decision has been made that they will cancel again tonight due to visibility issues again from the Canadian wildfires.  The fireworks are rescheduled for Turbotville’s August 19^th event. The Roost also sponsors entertainment tonight by Milltown Blues starting at 7pm and there are always games nightly on the midway.

SPORTS

PIAA High School Baseball Quarterfinals Today
Class 2A
South Williamsport vs Kutztown @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 6pm
Class 3A
Hughesville vs Saucon Valley @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 3:30pm
Class 4A
Montoursville vs Archbishop Wood @ Wenger Field – Fredericksburg noon
Class 5A
Selinsgrove vs Strath Haven @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 1pm

HS Softball Quarterfinals Today
Class 2A
South Williamsport vs Bristol @ Patriots Park – Allentown 3:30pm
Class 3A
North-Penn Liberty vs Palisades @ Central Columbia HS Bloomsburg 2pm
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs Blue Mountain @ Bloomsburg University 4pm

MLB

Guardians 5               Red Sox 2
A’s 9                           Pirates 5
Padres 10                  Mariners 3
Marlins 6                   Royals 1  
Rays 2                        Twins 1
Diamondbacks 6      Nationals 2
Blue Jays 3                Astros 2
Reds 8                        Dodgers 6
Braves 7         Mets 5
Brewers 10    Orioles 2
Cardinals 1   Rangers 0
Giants 5         Rockies 4
Angels 6         Cubs 2
Phillies & Tigers and the
Yankees & White Sox were postponed due to the air quality on the East Coast.

MLB Draft league
Crosscutters 13 WV Black Bears 1
Crosscutters stay in West Virginia tonight but return to Bowman Field Friday night against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 6:35 first pitch.

NBA Finals Game 3
Nuggets 109 Heat 94 – Denver/ 2-1
NBA Finals Game 4 Friday
Denver @Miami  8:30pm on ABC

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Tonight
Vegas @ Florida  8pm on TNT Vegas / 2-1

WARRANT OUT FOR MAN WHO SET FIRE TO STOLEN TRUCK

Police are looking for a Muncy Borough man who allegedly stole a box vehicle from Geisinger Medical Center and set it on fire May 14^th at the Muncy Heritage and Nature Trail kin Muncy Creek Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say after an investigation, 39 year old Joseph Artley is responsible for the theft of the truck and the fire that brought the Muncy Area Fire Company to the scene.  Damages are estimated at 83 thousand dollars.  Arson and theft charges have been filed by authorities and if you know of Artley’s whereabouts contact State Police 570-368-5700.

MAN SHOT IN FOOT WITH CONCEALED PISTOL AFTER FALLING

A man from Cogan Station who was carrying another person’s 9mm pistol on May 15^th without a concealed carry permit, tripped on a rock while walking near Brass’s Bridge and shot himself.  According to North Central PA dot com, Brian James Wagner called 911 after seriously injuring his foot before Lycoming Regional Police and EMS arrived on the scene, which disrupted traffic for about an hour. Investigators discovered that Wagner had been drinking alcohol the night the shooting happened, and charged him with disorderly conduct and carrying a firearm without a license.

SHADE MOUNTAIN FIRE MOSTLY CONTAINED

Fire risk is a serious problem in our region as we wait for more significant rain, and a fire that started Friday around Shade Mountain in Snyder County has recently been contained.  According DCNR, containment lines are now around the fire that ravaged a portion of forest about 150-200 acres in size.  According to North Central PA dot com, crews from Freeburg, Freemont, Middleburg, Milton, and Penns Creek worked the blaze and then cleaned up hotspots and smoldering fires around the edges Monday. According to a social media post by the Freemont Fire Department, rain late Saturday helped the firefighters gain control of the fire. The cause is under investigation – there was no prescribed or controlled burn scheduled.

APPLY TO BE A FISH AND BOAT COMMISSIONER

Qualified candidates are being sought to serve as commissioners with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.  According to North Central PA dot com, four Districts including Lycoming and Northumberland County’s District 5 need representation and the Shapiro Administration is seeking a diverse group of applicants.  Interested volunteers who are well informed on conservation, restoration , and fishing as well as knowledge of boats and boating can write a letter of intent and submit a resume  through June 30^th  to DEEberly @ PA dot GOV, in order to schedule an interview with the advisory council.

THREE SHEDS DESTROYED BY FIRE

With dry conditions, fire risk is very high for the region and more property was destroyed in Moreland Township Monday before 8am after a shed caught fire and spread to others along Ridge Road according to Muncy Area fire officials.  The Sun Gazette reports that the original fire started in one 12 by 20 foot shed and two others next to it caught fire with a fourth shed saved by crews who responded from Hughesville, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale, Clinton Township, Lairdsville and Millville.  The fire could be seen by witnesses for miles and there were no injuries, but the fire remains under investigation.  An unknown number of chickens in the first shed perished in the blaze.

MAN CRASHES INTO WILLIAMSPORT BUSINESS

A 41 year old Williamsport man was hospitalized in critical condition last Thursday after he rammed his Jeep into the front steps of Castle Furniture and Bedding on West Fourth and Cemetery Streets at about 8:45 pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Seth Allison was admitted to intensive care at UPMC Williamsport after he was pulled from the fiery wreckage by an off-duty paramedic who was nearby and an unnamed bystander who was visiting a home near the store.  Witnesses say Allison was headed west when he jumped the curb and struck the building causing a fire in the engine and undercarriage.  An investigation is pending according to city police.  No word on Allison’s condition today.

SUN GAZETTE HONORED

The Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association presented a set of top 2022 Keystone Media Awards to the Sun Gazette for feature and sports page design as well as other awards in photo illustration, investigative and sports reporting and headline writing.  According to the publisher of the Sun Gazette, Bob Rolley, the honors reflect the whole staff who is recognized for their daily work behind the scenes. 

16 AREA SENIORS RECEIVE STOTZ SCHOLARSHIP

Recognizing academic excellence of high school students in the community the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarships have been awarded to 16 area seniors.  According to North Central PA dot com, the scholarship program started in 1994 to perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder and recognize his commitment to the development of the young people of Lycoming County.  The seniors who won the $750 dollar scholarship money applied with an essay on “The importance of Little League Baseball to me. The list of students include;

• Carter Cowburn and Cedar MucCusker (Hughesville High School)
• Luke Springman and Breanna Corlew (Jersey Shore Area Senior High School)
• Luke O’Brien and Emma Strickland (Loyalsock Township High School)
• Westin Pick and Samantha Goyer (Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School)
• Matthew Conklin and Hanna Klotz (Montoursville Area High School)
• Benjamin Manning and Hannah Boyles (South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School)
• Benjamin Manetta and Aubrianna Blair (Williamsport Area High School)
• Alaina Brelsford (Muncy Senior High School)
• Lily Reed (St. John Neumann Regional Academy)

SPORTS

PIAA Baseball Playoffs
Class A
NE Bradford 5          Susquehanna Community 3
Class 2A
So. Williamsport 3               Schuylkill Haven 1
Mount Union 7                     Wyalusing 3
Class 3A
Hughesville 3                        Riverside 1
Class 4A
Montoursville 7                    Blue Mountain 5
Hanover 6                              Mifflinburg 2
Class 5A
Selinsgrove 6                        Warwick 1

PIAA HS Softball Playoffs
Class A
Old Forge 8                             Bucktail 2
Class 2A
South Williamsport 15 Newport 0   /3
Bald Eagle Area 1                   Muncy 0
Class 3A
North Penn Liberty 3     Susquenita 2
Mid Valley 7                  Warrior Run 1
Class 4A
Jersey Shore 7               East Pennsboro 6

MLB
Rays 4                 Red Sox 1
Phillies 8             Tigers 3
Marlins 9            Royal 6
Pirates 5              A’s 4  
Astros 11            Blue Jays 4
Reds 2                 Brewers 0
Rangers 4            Cardinals 3
Padres 5              Cubs 0

NHL
Stanley Cup Final Game 2
Golden Knights 7        Panthers 2 Vegas leads 2-0
NHL Thursday Stanley Cup Final Game 3  – 8 PM on TNT

NBA Finals Game 3 Tomorrow (Wed.)
Nuggets vs Heat in Miami
8:30 PM on ABC

MAN JAILED FOR ARSON IN LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

A Lycoming Township man who was arrested for arson in March had his arraignment yesterday and is now in custody on several felony and misdemeanors.  According to the Sun Gazette, police allege Dustin Hargenrader set fire to a mobile home he had just signed over to the lot owner to settle back rent and other debts.  Hargenrader suffered severe smoke inhalation during the incident and was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown from UPMC Williamsport.  Hargenrader faces charges of failure to prevent a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.  He is in Lycoming County prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

ONE ABUSER OF SEX-TRAFFICKED MINOR ARRESTED IN WELLSBORO

A 17 year old girl called police from a motel in Tioga County this spring asking for help from the people who held her captive and trafficked her sexually since she was 14 years old, and a woman from Mississippi who worked at the Green Home in Wellsboro was taken into custody on May 3^rd by FBI agents.  According to First News Now, 25 year old Aubreanna Marie Barbara Odendahl most recently stayed in the motel with the victim after an unnamed male suspect brought her to the area in April.  Odendahl was employed as a transport driver for the Green Home. She faces numerous charges including unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault and more.  Her preliminary hearing is August 15^th, she is out on 100 thousand dollars bail through a bondsman. No word on the identity of or charges against the male suspect.

AMISH REBUILDING SUGAR VALLEY GREENHOUSE THAT BURNED

The community has gathered around the family who suffered a fire Tuesday afternoon at the Sugar Valley Greenhouse owned by Sarah Stolzfus and managed by Feenie Esh in Limestone Township.  According to the Express, the Sugar Valley Fire Company arrived so fast, it’s why many think only a work area, a tobacco shed and some equipment was destroyed.  No other structures, flowers or plants were lost and no official cause of the fire was announced yet, but witnesses say filling their forklift with propane could have been the origin of the fire.  Almost a dozen companies responded after 2:30pm Tuesday, but building of a new facility was already underway on Wednesday.

SUNBURY INSTALL NEW CAMERA SYSTEM

A new camera system is now online in Sunbury and there are more cameras on the way.  According to Sunbury police, 11 total cameras are set to be installed with the first in place covering most of Front Street, including the intersection with Market Street and the riverfront gazebo.  The previous system of cameras had been offline since 2016, with funds only available recently to upgrade the system and make it operational.

HUGHESVILLE WOMAN LEAVES TODDLER HOME ALONE TO GO DRINK

A Hughesville woman has lost custody of her two year old daughter after she told police she didn’t realize she left her 2 year old alone at home while she went out to drink alcohol.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 35 year old Tamika Mickel Koons was drunk when she said she was unaware her boyfriend had left her home before she did on May 13^th.  Police say witnesses heard the child crying inside the home after 10pm when Children and Youth Services were called and took custody of the child.  Koons was charged with 3^rd degree felony endangering the welfare of a child and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars monetary bail, with a formal arraignment on June 12^th.

70 YEAR SENTENCE FOR VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

A 28 year old man from Mount Carmel who faced charges of voluntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle this spring was sentenced up to 70 years in state prison in Northumberland County court Wednesday.  According to the Daily Item, court records say Stephen Kruskie pleaded guilty in March to the death of 21-year-old Cheyenne Swartz that occurred when the two allegedly argued in a car in Coal Township and Kruskie said Schwartz attempted to get out of the vehicle while traveling at a high rate of speed.  The Montour County Coroner said Schwartz died from blunt force trauma.

DRIVER WHO RAMMED CROWD IN BERWICK PLEADS GUILTY

The man who intentionally drove his vehicle into a crowd gathered for a fundraiser in Berwick before he killed his mother with a hammer last August, pleaded guilty in Columbia County Court Wednesday.  According to the News Item, 25 year old Sura Reyes of Nescopek allegedly killed 50 year old Rebecca Reese of Wilkes-Barre and injured about a dozen others, some critically, who were struck while they were gathered to raise money for a family of 10 who had perished in a house fire August 5th.  Reyes is facing two counts of criminal homicide and 19 counts of attempted homicide.

ROADWORK CONTINUES ON THE SOUTHSIDE

Road work will continue into next week on Route 15 in South Williamsport with resurfacing complete southbound and one lane to go northbound  between the McDonalds today  and West southern Avenue.  According to PennDOT, Glenn O. Hawbaker will continue placement of the new scratch and wearing course from this Sunday, June 4 through Friday, June 9.  Work includes resetting a temporary concrete barrier in the northbound lane over Hagerman’s Run.  Work will be performed between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 4          Williamsport Crosscutters 0
They meet up again tonight 6:35 first pitch

MLB
Twins 7               Guardians 6
Blue Jays 3         Brewers 1
Mets 4                 Phillies 2
Padres 10            Marlins 1  
Diamondbacks 5 Rockies 4
Red Sox 8           Reds 2
Astros 5               Angels 2

NBA Finals Game 1
Nuggets 104       Heat 93
NBA Finals Game 2
Sunday 8 PM on ABC

NHL
Stanley Cup Finals Game 1
Florida vs Vegas
Saturday, 8 PM on TNT.

NASCAR SUNDAY
Enjoy Illinois 300 from Madison, IL Pre-Race Coverage @ 2:30 – Green flag racing @3:30 on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3