MONTGOMERY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER PRESIDENT DIES

Proceedings were suspended at the Montgomery Area School Board meeting this week after it was learned that the School Board President had died.  According to North Central PA dot com, a statement was issued yesterday from the district that informed the public of their mourning over the passing of  President Michael (Tony) Wright.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, no cause of death has been released at this time, with an investigation ongoing.  Tuesday’s meeting in Montgomery was meant to have a public comment period over the projected 33 million dollar school building project, that some members of the community oppose.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT FROM 23 YEARS AGO

A man from Michigan has been arrested 23 years later for raping two women in two separate incidents, one from July of 2000 in State College and another incident in June of 2011 in Oakland, Michigan, and an investigation including DNA testing confirmed the suspect’s identity.  According to the Lock Haven Express, DNA from Kurt Rillema of West Bloomfield, Michigan, matched the evidence in one assault that took place on the Penn State Blue Golf Course 23 years ago, and DNA from a similar incident investigated by Michigan police also matched Rillema’s.  He was taken into custody and charged in his home state.  No word if he’ll be extradited to face charges in State College.

FOUR YEARS OF FREE MEALS FOR SOUTHSIDE SCHOOLS

A four year agreement for free meals to all students in the South Williamsport district was approved this week at the school board meeting.  According to the Sun Gazette, under the Community Eligibility Provision Program, the district is reimbursed through a formula considering the number of students who otherwise qualify for the free breakfast and lunches.

TOWN HALL MEETING FOR VETERANS AT PENN COLLEGE

Veterans and families in Williamsport have been invited to a Community Town Hall and enrollment event sponsored by the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center at Penn College April 26^th at 5pm  According to Russell Lloyd, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs at Wilkes Barre, the event will provide an open forum to raise relevant questions and concerns to VA officials, and to start the application process if you are not already enrolled in the VA. The town hall will be in the Davie JHane Gilmour Center on the Penn College Campus April 26^th at 5pm.

DRAG SHOW AT LYCOMING COLLEGE CANCELLED OUT OF CAUTION

The City of Williamsport and Lycoming College police are investigating two threats directed toward the LBGTQ+ community that brought about the cancelling of a drag show that was scheduled on campus last Saturday April 15^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the two threats ultimately caused the administration of the school to feel unsure if the event could proceed in a safe and secure way.  The campus Gender and Sexuality Alliance is now in discussion with the college about how to hold the event safely in the future, and the school is providing resources to students who may also feel unsafe over the alleged threats.

CORRECTIONS OFFICER TO BE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sentencing for a former corrections employee who pleaded guilty to institutional sexual assault against an inmate is scheduled for this July.  According to North Central PA dot com,  53 year old Kimberly Danfelt was charged one felony count of institutional sexual assault  in June of 2022 for having contact with an inmate at SCI Huntingdon when she was the inmate’s supervisor.  Danfelt and the inmate admitted to engaging in acts around the garment factory facility where the inmate worked, and police say the investigation turned up video evidence of the inappropriate relationship.

CORRECTIONS OFFICER TO BE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sentencing for a former corrections employee who pleaded guilty to institutional sexual assault against an inmate is scheduled for this July.  According to North Central PA dot com,  53 year old Kimberly Danfelt was charged one felony count of institutional sexual assault  in June of 2022 for having contact with an inmate at SCI Huntingdon when she was the inmate’s supervisor.  Danfelt and the inmate admitted to engaging in acts around the garment factory facility where the inmate worked, and police say the investigation turned up video evidence of the inappropriate relationship.

WILLIAMSPORT AIRPORT GETS GRANT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

A US Department of Transportation grant has been awarded to the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority that will be used for infrastructure improvement at the Montoursville facility.  According to the Sun Gazette, airport authorities say the over 332 thousand dollar federal grant secured by US Representative Dan Meuser a Republican of Dallas, PA, will be used to rehabilitate an access road into the airport.  At this time, there are no commercial flights using the Montoursville airport, but the airport is open for other flights.

EARTH DAY EVENT IN WILLIAMSPORT

There will be a citywide cleanup event Saturday in celebration of Earth Day in Williamsport.  According to the Webb Weekly, Williamsport’s Recreation Department, Lycoming College, Penn College, and Newberry Community Partnership spearhead an effort to clean trash and debris from parks, sidewalks and riverways.  The community event helps college students and the community to work together from Washington Boulevard to Williamsport Middle School. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and PennDOT’s PickUp PA program, will help provide supplies and resources. Find out more at newberrycommunitypartnership.org.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Midd-West 12                Montoursville 2
Bloomsburg 8                Hughesville 7/11
Mifflinburg 9                 Danville 6
Mount Carmel 7            Loyalsock 0
Southern Columbia 8     Warrior Run 6
Shikellamy 16                Shamokin 4
Selinsgrove 21               Milton 8
Central Columbia 7       Lewisburg 6
So. Wmsport 13   N Penn-Mansfield 3
Bald Eagle Area 9              Jersey Shore 1
Central Mountain 3       Williamsport 1

Softball
Loyalsock 10                 Midd-West 0/5
Bucktail 21                        CMVT 0
St. John Neumann 8      Sullivan County 7
Troy 7                            Towanda 3

Boys Tennis
Central Columbia 4       Loyalsock 1
Wellsboro 4                   Muncy 1
Hughesville 5                 Milton 0
Jersey Shore 4               Williamsport 1
Lewisburg 4                   Shikellamy 1

MLB
Guardians 3                   Tigers 2
Rays 8                  Reds 0
Giants 5               Marlins 2  
Cardinals 14         Diamondbacks 5
Phillies  5             White Sox 2
Rangers 12           Royals 3
Mets 5                  Dodgers 3
Pirates 14             Rockies 3
Cubs 12                A’s 2
Brewers 5             Mariners 3
Padres 1               Braves 0
Yankees 3            Angels 2
Orioles 4              Nationals 0
Twins 10              Red Sox 4
Astros 8               Blue Jays 1
NBA
Grizzlies 103        Lakers 93       West 1^st Round game 2 tying it up 1-1
Nuggets 122         Timberwolves 113     Denver leads in the West  2-0
Bucks 138            Heat 122    Tied up 1-1 in the East
NHL Playoffs Game 2
East – Hurricanes 4        Islanders 3/ Carolina leading 2-0
          Panthers 6            Bruins 3 /1-1
West – Stars 7                Wild 3 /1-1
          Oilers 4                Kings 2 /1-1

MILTON FIRE DESTROYS TWO STRUCTURES

There was a two-alarm barn fire in Montour County Sunday that killed 10 sheep and destroyed two structures along Bald Top Road in Liberty Township.  According to the Daily Item, fire officials say the blaze was electrical in nature and started a fire in the hay in one barn and then wind blew sparks that started the fire in the other barn.  The wind kept the fire away from the residence on the property. More than a dozen companies and first responders assisted Liberty Township Fire Company at the 11pm call, which took about three hours to get the fire under control.

FALSE CALLS TO 911 LEAD TO CHARGES

A Williamsport man was recently charged for allegedly making false calls to 911 April 6^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 48 year old Michael Howard Burd, initially called 911, telling the operator he was Charles Manson, claiming to still be alive and maintaining innocence, but not asking for any help from an emergency.  Police allege that Burd called 911 three more times from his High Street home without a legitimate emergency.  He was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and bail was set at 25 hundred dollars unsecured. 

HABITAT GIVEN OK TO START SCOTT STREET BUILD

Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity recently received reassurance that plans for an area of Scott Street marked for six family homes and a recreational area, is able to move into the construction phase.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City Council approved the subdivision after waiving a provision in the planning code.  Once complete the open lots of the former Brodart warehouse site will feature homes that will maintain residential characteristics and Lot 1 will be turned into a pocket park area for recreation.  Habitat for Humanity and the chosen families will partner together to build good single family housing in the residential unit district.

ATV PERMITS AVAILABLE FOR CONNECTOR

Permit applications for the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot, are available for purchase for $40 each through an application on the DCNR website. The designated PennDOT and State Forest ATV Connector Roads in Potter and Tioga counties, and parts of Clinton and Lycoming counties will be used to determine whether sections of state forest roads may serve as permanent strategic connectors for regional ATV trails.  The pilot riding area will open for use on Friday, May 26, 2023, and will remain open until, Sunday, September 24, 2023.  A map of the pilot riding area and an application to be mailed is available at dcnr.pa.gov.

BARN FIRE KILLS LIVESTOCK, HOME SAVED

A Northumberland County barn fire broke out Sunday afternoon just after 2pm that killed a hundred chickens at the Mexico Road property in Milton.  According to the Standard Journal, one firefighter suffered a minor injury by getting hit with a hose, which was the only injury reported in the blaze that took volunteers from over 8 companies to fight. According to the Milton Fire Department, volunteers worked the fire and doused hot spots for about 4 hours.  Tankers hauled water from a hydrant about a mile away, and saved the other two barn structures on the property.  The barn where the fire initially began was destroyed. 

ELDERLY COUPLE SURVIVES ACCIDENT

An accident on Shirk Hollow Road in Lock Haven only caused minor injuries to the couple involved in the crash Saturday.  According to the Record Online, the unnamed husband and wife were trapped inside their pickup truck after police say they drove off the roadway at the intersection of Coudersport Pike and overturned.  Emergency responders from Dunnstown and Lock Haven transported the couple who only suffered minor injuries to UPMC Williamsport for observation.  The 70 year old driver told police he had no recollection of the accident and may have blacked out.

REMAINS OF WWII SOLDIER RETURN TO THE VALLEY

The body of US Army Private Horace Middleton of Northumberland came home last Friday to a hero’s welcome that brought out local residents.  Many lined certain sections of the roadway as the parade of escorts took Middleton’s coffin up Routes 11 & 15, past his childhood home in Northumberland, then to Milton where he will be prepared for burial April 22^nd.  Local VFWs, American Legion Posts, and numerous other veterans groups and individuals honored the soldier’s remains as Middleton was returned to The Valley. 

MONTGOMERY LIBRARY TO GO FINE-FREE

The Montgomery Public library has made the decision to become fine-free beginning today.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Montgomery Area Public Library will join other area libraries and  remove the money barriers for library patrons.  Fees could still be charged in Montgomery if the materials are owned by another entity of the Lycoming County Library System which does charge a late fee.  Patrons will still  be responsible for lost, damaged or never returned items.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Troy 21                      Northeast Bradford 1
Selinsgrove 9            Williamsport 1
Montoursville 12     Lewisburg 0 /5
Hughesville 8            Mount Carmel 7
HS Softball
So. Williamsport 12 Montgomery 0 /5
Bald Eagle 9              Selinsgrove 0
HS Boys Tennis
Williamsport 5          Milton 0
Montoursville 5        Mifflinburg 0
Central Mountail 5   Shikellamy 0
Danville 3                  Loyalsock 2
Hughesville 5            Bloomsburg 0
Lewisburg 5             Jersey Shore 0

MLB
Angels 5               Red Sox 4
Marlins 4             Giants 3
Reds 8                  Rays 1
Rangers 4             Royals 0
Diamondbacks 6 Cardinals 3  
Astros 9               Blue Jays 2
Pirates 14             Rockies 3
Cubs 10                A’s 1
Brewers 7            Mariners 3
Braves 2               Padres 0
Mets 8                  Dodgers  6
Phillies and White Sox were postponed for wind, Guardians and Tigers for cold – Make-up games today.


NBA
76ers 96     Nets 84 – East 1^st  Round Game 2 Philly is up 2
Kings 114   Warriors 106  West Game 2 Sacramento up 2

NHL Playoffs – East 1^st Round
Hurricanes 2        Islanders 1
Bruins 3               Panthers 1
West
Wild 3                  Stars 2
Kings 4                Oilers 3

TROOPER, SUSPECT INJURED IN WATSONTOWN SHOOTING

A shooting in Watsontown injured both the suspect and a state trooper yesterday while they were responding to a domestic incident. According to State Police, the trooper had been accompanying a local officer on the investigation near 8^th Street and Merrill Drive around 8am yesterday when they came upon the suspect who had originally fled and exchanged gunfire which wounded the trooper and critically wounded the suspect, 19-year-old Hunter Shaheen.  Shaheen was charged and is now hospitalized in stable condition. The trooper was discharged after treatment for a gunshot to the leg. Police say all involved parties are on administrative leave and they are continuing an investigation.

CAR CRASHES INTO DEALERSHIP

Muncy Township police have not released the identity of a man who crashed into Ciocca BMW of Williamsport yesterday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, a 63 year old man from Hughesville was injured yesterday after he lost control of his Jeep Compass and struck the dearlership at 205  Lycoming Mall Drive just before 2pm.  First responders from Pennsdale and UPMC responded to the accident and transported the driver to the hospital.  No other injuries were reported.

CSVT SOUTHERN SECTION WORK TO BEGIN MONDAY

A busy connector in Shamokin Dam will be closed for about seven months, starting Monday as more work gets underway for the CSVT southern section. According to PennDOT says Sunbury Road will be closed between Route 15 and Park Road while excavation work begins.  A detour using Park Road, Grangers Road, and Route 15 will be in place for the duration of the project. Once excavation work is complete, PennDOT says a bridge will then be constructed to carry Sunbury Road over the new CSVT alignment. Work should be finished in November and Sunbury road can reopen.

WILDFIRES STILL A THREAT TODAY

There are calmer winds today but much of Pennsylvania is to be vigilant about preventing potential wildfires with the dry conditions, higher temperatures and no rain in the forecast.  Red Flag Warnings were issued yesterday when there were more windy conditions and requested  that residents in Lycoming County  avoid activities that could cause wildfires. Drivers are reminded to not throw cigarettes out the car window and if you must burn,  extinguish all outdoor fires properly.

DRIVER ID’D IN FATAL ACCIDENT

State police have released the identity of the operator of a motorcycle who succumbed to his injuries over the weekend from a crash on Route 405 in Hughesville Friday.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 20 year old Daniel Harding of Hughesville died of blunt force trauma injuries early Saturday morning at UPMC Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say Harding’s motorcycle struck the side of a vehicle driven by John Murray of Muncy who was making a turn into the Muncy Bank and Trust in Hughesville on Friday morning.  Harding’s bike went down and skidded along the roadway striking another vehicle driven by Jane Buck of Muncy.

TRUCK BOOM STRIKES BRIDGE, GUARDRAIL

Clinton and Washington Township emergency responders worked yesterday to clean up an accident that damaged the railroad bridge at Route 405 and Armstrong Road in Clinton Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, State police say a driver from Williamsport lost control of the truck after its hydraulic boom struck the bridge just after noon yesterday.  More than a hundred feet of guardrail was damaged when the truck overturned after going down an embankment.  The driver did not suffer any major injuries in the crash.

LOCK HAVEN MAN RESENTENCED AFTER VET PROGRAM REVOKED

A Lock Haven man was sentenced for a new charge and re-sentenced this week for previous ones after consideration for him in a special Veteran’s Court Program was revoked following his most recent arrest.  According to The Record Online, 37 year old, Garret Duane Musselman was re-sentenced to 60 months maximum in state prison in Clinton County Court Tuesday from seven previous cases, including 5 counts of driving with a DUI suspended license, a charge of retail theft and the most recent in September of 2022 from driving with a DUI suspended license. President Judge Craig P. Miller said Mussleman will serve his penalties concurrently at SCI Camp Hill and will be parole eligible after 2 years.

JAZZ SHOW IN APRIL

The Pajama factory will host the Williamsport Civic Chorus April 30^th at 3pm for an afternoon of Jazz, celebrating standards from the 40s and 50s. According got the Sun gazette the Chorus will be accompanied by the Dave Miller Trio.  Tickets are available at the door but for a discount, in advance at Robert M Sides and Otto Bookstore.  Details at Williamsport civic chorus .org.

SPORTS

MLB
Yankees 4           Guardians 3
Astros 7               Pirates 0
Twins 3               White Sox 1
Mets 5                 Padres 2
Mariners 5          Cubs 2
Cardinals 7         Rockies 4
Diamondbacks 7 Brewers 3
Marlins 3            Phillies 2
Angels 3              Nationals 2
A’s 8                    Orioles 4
Rays 9                 Red Sox 7
Blue Jays 4         Tigers 3
Braves 5              Reds 4
Royals 10            Rangers 1
Dodgers  10        Giants 5

NBA Play-In
East  – Bulls 109          Raptors 105
West – Thunder 123    Pelicans 118

The NBA’s first-round playoff begins with four Game 1s on Saturday and four on Sunday. Brooklyn Nets vs 76ers open the playoffs Saturday along with Golden State vs Sacramento on Saturday, and Lakers vs Grizzlies &  Clippers vs the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

NHL
Islanders 4          Canadiens 2
Stars 5                 Blues 2
Flames 3              Sharks 1

HS Baseball
Mifflinburg 12                southern Columbia 2
Northwest  6                  Millville 1  
Shikellamy 4                  Lewisburg 3  
Warrior Run 6               Montgomery 3
Williamsport 14             Montoursville 2
CMVT 11                      Sullivan County 10
Hughesville 11               Wellsboro 1
Central Columbia 6       Bloomsburg 5  

HS Softball
Williamsport 9               Jersey Shore 8
Bucktail 14                              Saint John Neumann 1
Montgomery 16             Benton 3  
N. Penn Liberty 4                    Muncy 0

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

A Danville man is facing charges for flashing a 9mm handgun at driver from New York State in a vehicle along Route 15 in Union County last month.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim told state troopers that he accidentally merged near a F-150 truck driven by 45 year old David Andrew Hess about 3:30pm on March 30^th causing Hess to brake check the man and pull the handgun until the victim pulled over.  Police say Hess pulled into a gas station in New Columbia and turned around pulling back out onto Route 15 north.  During an investigation Hess admitted to showing the gun to the victim who was with his wife and two young children.  Hess was charged with felony aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and more with bail set at 75 thousand dollars and a preliminary hearing May 23^rd.

WATER MAIN BREAK IN WILLIAMSPORT

There was work last night on a water main break on Alvin Avenue in Williamsport just south of Ritchey Street that may or may not affect the water pressure or access to water in the area today.  According to the Sun Gazette, a section of the street was dug to do an evaluation of the extent of damage in the 6 inch cast iron pipe, how long a repair would take and if there would be loss of water use at all.  The decision was based on whether the problem was a circular break or a crack since a crack would take many more hours to repair.  Watch for a section of the street around the road work to be closed if work continues today.

HAZMAT TRAINING AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

Training for HAZMAT and mass casualty response will be taking place this morning at UPMC Williamsport at 700 High Street.  According to North Central Pa dot com, hospital officials want to reinforce that the emergency preparedness planning, which involves setting up tents and other equipment, is only training and the community should not be alarmed.  Watch for UPMC and Susquehanna Regional EMS to be in the 699 Parking lot near the Emergency area from 7am through 5pm today.

EAGLE WATCH AT LITTLE PINE STATE PARK SATURDAY

The public is invited to watch bald eagles this Saturday at the Eagle Watch at Little Pine State Park.  According to the Lock Haven Express binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided to observe some of the eagles that make their home in Little Pine Creek Valley.  All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.  Those interested should meet Saturday at the Eagle Watch at 4205 Little Pine Creek Road in Waterville at 9:30am.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR TWO SPITTING INCIDENTS

A woman from Milton was arrested on March 13^th for spitting on a state trooper during a domestic incident in Kelly Township, and during her booking at the prison facility, she allegedly spit on a corrections officer and received more charges.   According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old Kimberly Mae Dieffenderfer had previously been charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, DUI and more, but now faces felony aggravated assault by a prisoner, and a judge has set bail at five thousand dollars.  She remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison.

THREE SELINSGROVE COUNCIL MEMBERS RESIGN

Three Selinsgrove council members have submitted individual letters stating their intent to  resign after they feel they have had to endure an uncomfortable and unprofessional environment on the council. Separate letters from Council President Marvin Rudnitsky, and council members Sara Lauver and Christopher Kalcich were submitted to borough Solicitor Robert Cravitz just before last Monday’s public meeting.  According to the Daily Item, Vice President Richard Mease and council members Bobbie Owens, Scott Frost and Sara Maul remain and some have only speculated as to why the three left all at once.

SENATOR BOB CASEY TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION

Democratic US Senator, Bob Casey announced his bid for reelection Monday, a successful run would mean his fourth term in office.  According to a press release, Casey points to the successful landmark legislation that has come about in the Democratic controlled Congress, like spending on infrastructure, reinvigorating the domestic semiconductor industry, subsidizing hydrogen fuel plants and lowering drug costs for Medicare recipients. Casey aligns with labor unions and President Biden.  He turns 63 this week.

CUTTERS TO CELEBRATE THE POTATO CAPER

Williamsport Crosscutters celebrated the Great Potato Caper last year by inviting the man responsible, Dave Bresnahan, back for the 35^th anniversary of the trick that got him kicked out of the league, but secured his place in baseball history.  Now the Cutters will spend some of this season wearing the  new and specially designed jerseys and hats assuming the identity of the Potato Capers for all six of the Friday night home games, in honor of Bresnahan’s throw of a peeled potato during the game instead of a baseball.  Watch crosscutters.com for a full promotional schedule to be released at the end of the month.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
South Williamsport 9    Montoursville 4
HS Boys Tennis
Loyalsock 5          Bloomsburg 0
Danville 3             Montoursville 2
Jersey Shore 4      Milton 1
College Baseball
Lycoming College 8 Kings 5
MLB
Guardians 3                   Yankees 2
White Sox 4          Twins 3
Orioles 5              Athletics 1
Astros 8               Pirates 2
Rays 1                  Red Sox 0
Phillies 15             Marlins 3
Mets 5                  Padres 0
Braves 5               Reds 4
Cubs 3                  Mariners 2
Rangers 11           Royals 2
Rockies 7              Cardinals 4
Nationals 6           Angels 4  
Diamondbacks 3   Brewers 0
Dodgers 9             Giants 1

NHL
Stars 6                  Red Wings 1
Maple Leafs 2      Panthers 1
Sabers 3                Rangers 2
Senators 3           Hurricanes 2
Capitals 5             Islanders 2
Jets 6                   Sharks 2
Wild 4                  Blackhawks 2
Predators 3          Flames 2
Kraken 4              Coyotes 1
Kings 3                 Canucks 0

NBA Tonight
NBA Play-In East and West
Hawks and Heat @ 7:30pm on TNT
Timberwolves and Lakers @ 10pm TNT

GARAGE FIRE SPREADS TO JERSEY SHORE HOME

Smoke could be seen from across the valley Tuesday evening in Crawford Township when a garage fire spread into the home of a Jersey Shore couple on Fox Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, a fire was reported at the home of Kenneth Heck around 5:30pm and due to lack of fire hydrants in the area and no access to private ponds at the time, firefighters had to set up a fill stations at Ravensburg State Park just outside of Rauchtown and haul water to fight the blaze. Almost a dozen companies from Lycoming and Clinton Counties responded and controlled the fire in about an hour.  The home sustained water smoke and fire damage and the Red Cross is assisting the family.  No injuries were reported.   

DUI SUSPECT WHO DESTROYED RESTAURANT PLEADS GUILTY

The woman accused of DUI who crashed and flipped her car into the Golden Chopsticks restaurant in Shamokin Dam in March of 2022, plead guilty this week in Snyder County Court to felony endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault with DUI and risking a catastrophe.  According to court records, 44 year old Theresa Risso drove with a blood alcohol level more than 4 times the legal limit with her one year old daughter improperly restrained in a vehicle at a high speed, which resulted in the car flipping over a concrete barrier crashing into and demolishing the restaurant.  Risso will be sentenced at a later date. She is free on 200 thousand dollars bail.

SHOOTING BY TROOPERS JUSTIFIED

A determination has been made in whether a shooting was justified by state troopers last November when a man who killed three seemed to go on a rampage that started in a home near Unityville. According to PennLive, the Lycoming County District Attorney, Ryan C. Gardner, says when State Troopers from Bloomsburg shot Brian A. Taylor after he had shot his wife Linda and two others, it stopped his “homicidal mayhem”.  Gardner made the decision after reviewing mobile video recordings and investigative reports.

CUTTERS TO SALUTE THE MILITARY AGAIN THIS SEASON

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that they, along with partner EQT, will continue the special Military Salute to active and retired military members at all Williamsport Crosscutter home games this season.  According to Crosscutters Vice President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi, nominated members of the armed forces will be highlighted in a pregame ceremony.  To nominate someone, go online to crosscutters dot com and fill out a short form.  Those armed forces members who are chosen will receive 4 tickets to the game, given a cutters gift card and will throw in the ceremonial first pitch.  Online nominations will stay open till all the spots have been filled. EQT Corporation is a leading independent natural gas producer with an evolutionary focus on the future.

PATIENT THREATENED HOSPITAL STAFF OVER CELL PHONE

A patient at UPMC Williamsport was charged with terroristic threats after he was prohibited from using his cell phone and threatened to come back to the facility with a weapon when he was discharged to kill everyone there.  According to the Sun Gazette, hospital police say Joshua Roy-Morrison of Shamokin became angry about 6pm Saturday in the hospital emergency room special unit where he could not use his phone, when witnesses say he made the threats about bringing back an AR-15 rifle.  Roy-Morrison was arraigned in Lycoming County Court and jailed in lieu of 20 thousand dollars bail.

GRANDCHILD SCAM TRICKS ELDERLY WOMAN

An elderly woman from Paxinos was scammed out of about 96 thousand dollars when someone calling saying they were her granddaughter had legal trouble and needed the money for fines after a drug conviction.  Police say over thirty days the 81 year old woman continued to send money to the scammer, ignoring warnings from the police as well as warnings from the money transfer service that recognized the scam activity.  The Northumberland County District Attorney’s office says that any resident who gets a call like this need only call the grandchild or a family member directly, or check with the grandchild’s friends or colleagues to confirm.

WESTERN PA COAL PLANT TO CLOSE

A coal plant 50 miles east of Pittsburgh that has been in operation since 1969, will close this July.  According to the Center Square dot com, the Homer City Power plant will be decommissioned after a study determined it has been running at half capacity since 2015 and only at 20 percent since 2022.  According to WTAE, more than 100 people will be laid off and even though environmental groups are happy about the move, local leaders are concerned about the loss of jobs and what the plant closing will do to the local economy.  The plant itself has struggled through financial hardship and ownership changes in the last few years.

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

It’s time for PennDOT to update their 12 year program and the department is seeking input from the public during a public forum coming up the evening of April 12^th.  The comment period has been available since March 1^st and will continue through April 30^th and is provided for public feedback and opinion via email about the needs and priorities for transportation projects. Register and submit questions in advance by going online to “talk pa transportation.com”, and attend the online forum next Wednesday from 6:30 to 8pm on PA cast or through PennDOT social media channels.

SPORTS

One HS Baseball score after a rainy Wednesday
Midd-West 8      Central Columbia 5

NCAA Football
Penn State gets a running back as Williamsport native Trey Potts transfers out of Minnesota to join the Nittany Lions.  In high school, Potts totaled 59 touchdowns on the ground for the Millionaires and has two years of eligibility remaining. 

MLB
Guardians 6                             A’s 4
Yankees 4                      Phillies 2
Rays 7                           Nationals 2
Braves 5                        Cardinals 2
Pirates 4                         Red Sox 1
Brewers 7                      Mets 6
Rangers 5                       Orioles 2
Marlins 5                       Twins 2
Astros 8                         Tigers 2
White Sox 7                   Giants 3
Angels 4                         Mariners 3
Blue Jays 3                              Royals 0
Cubs and Reds were postponed due to weather

NBA

Nets 123              Pistons 108
Knicks 138         Pacers 129
Hawks 134          Wizards 116
Celtics 97            Raptors 93
Bucks 105           Bulls  92
Pelicans 138       Grizzlies 131  
Mavericks 123   Kings 119
Clippers 125       Lakers 118

NHL  
Rangers 6   Lightning 3
Flames 3              Jets 1
Oilers 3                Ducks 1

GOLF
The Masters Tournament at Augusta National begins today.  Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson will serve as honorary starters this morning at 7:40am. Tiger Woods, a five time Masters champion, is set to play.  He’ll tee off at 10:18 this morning and 1:24pm tomorrow.