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

RALSTON MAN DIES AFTER HIGH VOLTAGE ACCIDENT

A man from Ralston was found deceased in his garage after an electrical incident overnight Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling, Jr., said that Joseph Sechrist was using a fractal wood burning technique that he had allegedly learned online, using high voltage electrical current, and a short in the device caused the fatal accident.  Sechrist, who lived off of Route 14 was found at 6am Monday when he was to go fishing with a relative.  First responders from Ralston said Sechrist had been dead several hours before they arrived on the property.

MOTORCYCLE WRECK CLOSES ROUTE 405

Noon traffic was snarled yesterday when Route 405 was closed for a short time in Muncy Borough from a crash at Armstrong Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Police say a 40 year old man from Williamsport who was traveling on a motorcycle collided with a van with unknown occupants at Route 405 and Armstrong in Clinton Township.  He was transported to Geisinger in Danville with suspected serious injuries.  No word on the condition of the driver of the van.  The detour that took southbound traffic from Route 405 to Angletown Road was used until about 1:30pm yesterday when both lanes reopened.

TRAFFIC DOWN TO ONE LANE IN LOYALSOCK TODAY

Watch for slow traffic on Warrensville Road starting today between Third Street and Four Mile Drive, as crews are out today through this Friday, June 9^th working on soil borings.  According to PennDOT, the work in Loyalsock Township is projected to start at 6am and continue through the afternoons at 3pm.  Single lane conditions will be in place with a flagger on the scene.  Use 511pa dot com to check traffic conditions across the state 24/7.

LAWMAKERS PUSH BACK ON AIR FORCE LOW ALTITUDE PLAN

Joining several state organizations in the pushback against using the PA Wilds Region airspace for low-altitude military training by the Air Force and National Guard Bureau, State Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman have sent a letter stressing the negative impact such a proposal could cause in this region. They asked the  Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the plan.  The disputed proposal intends to lower the current altitude for jets flying in the area, currently at 8 thousand feet, to as low as 100 feet above sea level, three days a week, up to 4 hours a day over parts of Elk, Cameron, Clinton, McKean, Potter, and Tioga counties.

HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED AFTER DISTURBANCE

A 51 year old man has been jailed after he came to a family property and caused a disturbance in Porter Township when he is prohibited from being there.  According to the Sun Gazette, a protection from abuse order had been filed by a family member against Shannon Marshall Bowes who has no permanent address, and when he arrived on the property at the 1500 block of River Road, police had to remove him from the scene.  Bowes, who was given the option of going to a motel, kicked officers and struggled with police before he was taken into custody for resisting arrest, terroristic threats and aggravated assault. He waived his preliminary hearing.

MAN JAILED FOR SOLICITING NAKED PICTURES FROM MINOR

A 26-yr-old Danville man will appear for a preliminary hearing next month after state police allege he received naked photos of a juvenile. State police received a Childline Referral and CyberTipline report and arrested Christopher Watson on May 10. According to the Daily Item, Watson allegedly solicited the nude photos of the teen through Snapchat. Watson was incarcerated at the Montour County Prison before posting the $25,000 bail. His preliminary hearing, in front of District Judge James Tupper, is June 20.

HELP SHIKELLAMY FAMILY AFTER WEEKEND FIRE

HELP SHIKELLAMY FAMILY AFTER WEEKEND FIRE
The family of Shikellamy teacher and soccer coach Jon Steese lost many belongings in a devastating house fire on Saturday and friends are working to raise funds for them.  According to media outlets both Jon and his wife Leslie work at Shikellamy School district and are grappling with the aftermath of the blaze that brought first responders to their Northumberland County home over the holiday weekend.  There were no injuries, with their dog located, but they are still holding out hope for their still missing cat. Those interested in supporting the family can search GoFundMe.com for “Steese Family PA Fire”.

YOUTH CAN LEARN TO ROW

A Learn-How-To-Row  program is being offered in Sunbury for new rowers ages 12 to 18 beginning next Wednesday June 7^th.  According to the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, this free program will be held at the CPRA boathouse at Shikellamy State Park.  Rowing sessions will be Mondays Wednesday and Fridays from 8:15 to 10:15 am.  The program is free thanks to donations from Raise the Region and the Degenstein Foundation.  Participants will need to purchase a $25 US basic rowing membership.  The public is invited to a sneak peek of the program in the boathouse at the park for National Learn-to-Row Day this Saturday, June 3^rd.  Details at rowpa.org/youth-learn-to-row.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Softball Championships
Class A
Bucktail 10                             Canton 2
Class 2A
South Williamsport  3          Muncy 2

HS Softball Championship Today @ Elm Park – 4:30pm All Games
Class 3A
Warrior Run vs Liberty
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs. Montoursville

MLB

Orioles 8              Guardians 5
Padres 9               Marlins 4
Rangers 10           Tigers 6
Blue Jays 7                     Brewers 2
Reds 9                  Red Sox 8
Mets 2                  Phillies 0  
Cardinals 2                    Royals 1
Cubs 2                  Rays 1
White Sox 7                    Angels 3
Astros 5                Twins 1
A’s 2                              Braves 1
Diamondbacks 5   Rockies 1
Yankees 10                    Mariners 2
Pirates 2               Giants 1
Dodgers 9             Nationals 3
NBA Finals Tonight
Game 1
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets  
8:30pm on ABC in Denver, CO

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Saturday
Game 1
Panthers vs Golden Knights
8pm on TNT in Las Vegas, NV

SELINSGROVE WOMAN GETS TO 5 TO 25 YEARS FOR DUI ACCIDENT

The Selinsgrove woman who crashed her vehicle onto the roof of a Shamokin Dam restaurant with an improperly restrained one year old in the vehicle, has been sentenced to 5 to 25 years in state prison.  According to media outlets, Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch said 44-year-old Theresa Risso also received 10 years of probation for the incident to which she was found to be impaired by alcohol more than four times the legal limit in March of 2022 and pleaded guilty in April. Risso had been released initially on bail, but violated conditions and was re-incarcerated prior to her trial.

VETERAN OFFICER TO BE CHIEF OF POLICE AT PENN COLLEGE

The Pennsylvania College of Technology police officer honored with a Silver Star for Bravery has been named the new campus chief of police and director of campus safety who will replace the retiring Chris Miller.  According to North Central PA dot com, David C. Pletz will assume the role Miller has held for 21 years on June 1^st.  Pletz was recently recognized by The National Association of Chiefs of Police for his response to an off-campus incident last year where he assisted in apprehending an armed suspect on September 28^th on Vine Avenue in Williamsport, just north of campus.  Pletz has been with Penn College police since 1997 and will now oversee 13 police officers and two support staff.

CAC RECEIVES DONATION FOR EDUCATION SERIES

The Community Arts Center in Williamsport is a recipient of a 20 thousand dollar donation from Citizens & Northern Bank as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.  According to executives at C&N they are  proud to continue the support of these programs that allow our younger generation to gain exposure to the arts in a facility that has a rich history.  Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC says the financial support is essential to provide quality educational programming to area K-12 learners through their Educational Series.  The Community Arts Center is an approved Educational Improvement Organization by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

DMV CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

PennDOT says they are closing all driver license and photo centers for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, However, online services will continue to operate throughout the holiday. Residents can renew driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals, get driver license and photo ID duplicates, schedule driver exams and more. Get more information at pa.gov.

PARENT TO BE SENTENCED IN CHILDS ACCIDENTAL FENTANYL OVERDOSE

A man from Danville who admitted he was using illegal drugs when his child overdosed on fentanyl will be sentenced May 30^th.  According to the Daily Item, police say 34 year old Justin Cressinger was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child after the child swallowed a pill he illegally purchased that had fallen on the floor.  Cressinger did seek medical treatment for the 16 month old when they went into cardiac arrest from the drug.  The child was given Narcan at Geisinger and survived the incident.  Cressinger will be sentenced by Montour County President Judge Gary E. Norton.

MOTORCYCLE THEFT CHARGES FOR MUNSON MAN

A man from Munson who was to fix up a motorcycle for a woman, instead traded it to another man and then reported the bike stolen when the owner came looking for it in August of 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim, Dawn McGarry told state police at Rockview that she had asked Jeffrey Allen Clark to store the bike on  his property after he agreed to fix it but when she came back for it, he said it had been stolen and was at another location.  State police investigated and was told by Shawn Wilkinson, also of Munson that he had received the 2010 black Yamaha in a trade for a van and another bike.  Clark was charged with felony theft and theft by deception along with other charges.  His preliminary hearing is June 1^st.

ELSD WORKING ON BIDS FOR ASHKAR RENOVATION

Bids for the construction of the new Ashkar elementary school in the East Lycoming School District were officially rejected this week after they came in millions of dollars more than the district’s budget would allow.  According to the Sun Gazette, ELSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm said they are working on a solution and  hoping for a revised plan for board consideration sometime this summer.  Dr. Stamm said the district is working with architectural and construction firms that are guiding the district through the bidding process.

BOAT LAUNCH RIBBON CUTTING THIS WEEK

There was a ribbon-cutting this week at the new Winfield Access area, along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Union Township.  According to the Standard Journal, the public access point was built in partnership with PennDOT, and is a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail, for powered and unpowered boats.  The PA Fish and Boat Commission event had local leaders on hand to cut the ribbon including Sen. Lynda Culver, PFBC executive director Tim Schaeffer and others.  The Winfield access point includes parking for several dozen vehicles and boat trailers.  National Safe Boating Week continues through this week.

SPORTS

HS Baseball 

Williamsport 11  Wyoming Valley West 5

Six A Championship Game 

Williamsport vs Hazelton 
Memorial Day Monday 4pm  at PNC Field in Moosic
HS Baseball District 4 Championships
All games @ Bowman Field
Friday
Class A
   Northeast Bradford vs Benton 4pm
Class 3A
   Central Columbia vs Hughesville 6:30pm
Saturday
Class 2A
  Wyalusing vs South Williamsport 12pm
Class 4A
   Montoursville vs Mifflinburg 3pm
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs
Class A
  Bucktail 12                 Montgomery 2
Class 4A
  Montoursville 8         Selinsgrove 3
  Jersey Shore 6            Shamokin 5
Playoffs Today All games @ Elm Park
Class 2A
  Northeast Bradford vs Muncy – 3pm
  Troy vs South Williamsport 4:30pm
Class 3 A
  Mifflinburg vs Liberty – 3pm
  Towanda vs Warrior Run – 4:30pm
Softball Playoffs Tuesday May 30^th@ Elm Park
Class A
  Canton vs Bucktail – 4:30pm 
Class 4A
    Jersey Shore vs Montoursville – 4:30p

MLB

Cardinals 2                     Reds 1
Rays 6                  Blue Jays 3
Rockies 7              Marlins 6
Padres  8              Nationals 6
Tigers 7                White sox 2
Orioles 3              Yankees 1
Braves 8               Phillies 5
Mets 10                Cubs 1
Giants 5                Brewers 0
Mariners 3           A’s 2

NASCAR Sunday
Coca-Cola 600 @ Charlotte Motor Speedway Pre-Race coverage 5pm,  Green flag at 6pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network and WILQ’s HD3

NBA
East Finals Game 5
Celtics 110 Heat 97 Miami up 3-2
Game 6 Saturday 8:30pm on TNT
NHL
West Finals Game 4
Stars 3  Golden Knights 2  Vegas leads 3-1
Game 5 Saturday 8pm on ABC

JUVENILE CHARGED WITH THREATENING SCHOOL

The Snyder County District Attorney has announced terroristic threat charges have been filed against a juvenile accused of making the threats at the Selinsgrove area School District.  According to DA Mike Piecuch, the alleged offender, who posted threatening comments on social media posing as another individual is not being publicly identified.  Through the investigation using digital forensics, police found that the threats were not credible.  The juvenile faces charges of felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor stalking, cyber harassment and more, and will face a Common pleas judge to determine the truth of the allegations and next steps.

TWO CHILDREN ATTACKED BY A BEAR

Two children were attacked by a bear while playing in the driveway of their home near Walden Park in Wright Township.  According to WTAJ, the PA Game Commission said the children ages 14 months and 5 years old were treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for bites and scratches, and they are unsure what provoked the attack.  PGC investigators have set traps nearby and are attempting to capture the bear for testing.  Officials advise Pennsylvanians to keep your distance from bears since they are fast and strong.  You can find information about living safely and responsibly with bears at bearwise.org.

CHECK ELECTRIC RATES BEFORE JUNE CHANGE

Electric rates are set to change for residential and small business June 1^st according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.  Officials from the PUC say now is the time to evaluate energy options for optimal rates heading into the summer months when upcoming price changes and increased utility use could mean generally higher bills anyway.  Check your contract expiration dates if you’ve chosen competitive energy suppliers and if you have problems with your current supplier, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

WILLIAMSPORT POOL TO OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The City Pool at Memorial Park opens for the holiday weekend Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette the City of Williamsport’s Public Works Committee announced the grand opening and say it will be open again the next weekend and then open regularly for the season on June 10^th.  The day before the opening on June 9^th, the city will hold a festival at the park with activities including food vendors, alongside the US Air Force who donated portions of the upgraded facilities.

OFFICE AIDE AT MIFFLINBURG CHARGED FOR CHILD PORN

A man formerly employed as an office aide by the Mifflinburg Area School District is facing possession and dissemination of child pornography charges.  According to Penn Live, Police interviewed 25 year old Brendan Stepp at his Sunbury home.  Police say that during the interview,  he admitted to uploading the pornographic content.  Stepp was initially jailed, and then posted 25 thousand dollars bail after his arraignment.  According to Mifflinburg Superintendent  Kenneth Dady Jr., Stepp no longer has any access to the school, even though no criminal activity ever took place on school property.

FORMER GYM COACH FOUND NOT-GUILTY

The former cheerleading coach from Montoursville accused of rape of a former student has been found not-guilty before President Judge Nancy Butts yesterday evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, the verdict ends the three year ordeal for 46 year old George William Scholl who owned Epidemic Stunt and Tumble Gym, which is now closed.  The accuser testified about the incidents that allegedly happened between June 2016 to February 2018  from a remote location during the trial.

TWO GUN CONTROL BILLS PASS IN DEM CONTROLLED HOUSE

The Pennsylvania House Democrats could only get two of four bills passed in the house on gun control  after Republicans argued the bills run afoul of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and won’t necessarily prevent gun violence carried out by those involved in criminal activity.  According to WGAL, one of the two bills that were approved require background checks for private long gun sales and the other , a “red flag” bill, allows judges to let police to seize firearms when a person is in crisis.  The bills must still go through the Senate, which Republicans still control by six votes.

WMSPT BASKETBALL STANDOUT CHOOSES MISSOURI STATE

St John Neumann’s standout basketball player, Davion Hill, has made it official that he will be a Bear next year at Missouri State following in the footsteps of his older brothers, David Hill and Alize Johnson.  Davion became the first player in Williamsport area history to earn first team all-state honors in all four years of high school basketball. According to Hill’s mother, Chanelle Edwards, her son has wanted to go to Missouri State since he was in 9^th grade.  Hill, the 6-foot-2 guard from Williamsport, Pa., was twice named Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs

HS Baseball
Class 3A
Hughesville 8                 Warrior Run  1
Central Columbia  6      Mount Carmel  3
Class 4A
Mifflinburg 10               Athens  4
Montoursville 1             Midwest 0

Class 2A HS Baseball Today
Wyalusing vs Canton @ MU 4:30pm
Muncy vs South Williamsport
        @ Central Columbia HS 6pm
HS Softball PIAA District 4 Playoffs
Class A
Montgomery 16   Sullivan County 4
Class 2A
S. Williamsport 3   E. Juniata 2
Troy 12                Wyalusing 2
NE Bradford 5     Cowanesque Valley 2
Muncy 2               Northwest 0
Class 3A
Mifflinburg 3        Midd-West 2
Warrior Run 5      Central Columbia 3
Towanda 6           Loyalsock 4

MLB

White Sox 4         Guardians 2
Rangers 6             Pirates 1
Diamondbacks 4 Phillies 3
Cardinals 8           Reds 5
Blue Jays 20         Rays 1
Yankees 6            Orioles 5
Padres 7               Nationals 4
Dodgers 8             Braves 1
Royals 4               Tigers 1
Brewers 6             Astros 0
Cubs 7                  Mets 2
Giants 4                Twins 3  
Rockies 5              Marlins 4  
Angels 4               Red Sox 0
Mariners 3            A’s 2

NBA
East Finals Game 4
Celtics 116 Heat 99
Miami leading 3-1
NHL
West Final Game 3
Golden Knights 4 Stars 0 Vegas leads 3-0
NHL Tonight 8pm on TNT
East Final Game 4
Hurricanes vs Panthers Florida leads 3-0