BURN BAN IN CITY AHEAD OF FORECASTED RAIN

A burn ban has been declared for the City of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township through 8pm Saturday evening.  According to a press release from the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and Old Lycoming Volunteer Fire Department no open burning is permitted, whether in a container or on the ground due to the dry and breezy conditions.  Recreational burning is also prohibited at this time.  The National weather service recently announced an elevated risk of wildfire spread for the entire area of North Central Pennsylvania.  Get information about the risk of wildfire spread at dcnr.pa.gov/communities/wildfire.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP HOUSE FIRE

A house fire displaced a Clinton Township family yesterday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, neighbors rescued the dog and called 911 at about 5:15 when they saw fire at the home of Kristy Bonnell and her son Donald “Bubba” Bonnell – who weren’t at their Snaurytown Road home at the time.  Clinton Township Fire Chief Todd Winder said extra tankers from several communities responded to the home that was engulfed in flames when he arrived on the scene.  The Red Cross is assisting the family and the state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

SOLAR SENSOR USE MAY WARN OF FLOODS FASTER

Taking steps toward reducing flood risk in the city, Williamsport City Council yesterday approved solar sensors to monitor stream levels at Grafius Run.  According to the Sun Gazette, funding for the solar sensors along with four upstream water level monitors will notify Public Works Department quicker when flooding is about to occur.  The costs of the solar monitors come from the Grafius Run Account for 300 thousand dollars with just over 150 thousand for the upstream monitors. Next steps potentially include new retention ponds in the city as well as automated trash and debris clearing equipment from the stream.

FREE GENALOGY CLASS AT THE TABER

The Lycoming County Genealogical Society will present a free beginner genealogy class this month, and will highlight introductory topics for those who have done little to no family history.  The program is open to the public and will start at 1pm Saturday April 22^nd at the Taber Museum 858 West Fourth Street in Williamsport – doors open at 12:30pm.

MONTOURSVILLE MAN SENTENCED IN PLEA DEAL

A man from Montoursville was sentenced in Lycoming County Court Tuesday to 8 to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to rape and stalking and dissemination of child pornography involving high school age juveniles from Montoursville High School.  According to the Sun Gazette, 27 year old Kryshane Goas had acknowledged guilt to several sets of charges and accepted a plea deal.  He will be required to register as a lifetime offender on the SORNA list, however, he did not qualify as a sexually violent predator.

POLICE DISCOVER JUVENILES SHOOTING BBS FROM A STOLEN CAR

Police responded to reports of people being shot with BBs from a moving car in Williamsport this week and discovered two juveniles to be the suspects who were driving a Mazda SUV that had been reported stolen on Sunday..  According to police reports, City police engaged in a pursuit about 9:45 pm Monday beginning on Memorial Avenue around the city and ultimately to the 1000 block of West Fourth Street when the occupants fled from the stopped car,  where police found a pellet gun. According to North Central PA dot com, The Lycoming County Juvenile Probation Office assisted with placing the juveniles, but they were released to their respective guardians since no facility is available to take them in.  Charges are pending.

PROCESS COULD ALLOW SALE OF GOLF AREA PARCELS

The Lycoming County Commissioners approved funding this week for an environmental assessment at the White Deer Golf course property that will lead to some of the parcels of land surrounding the Lycoming County course being subdivided and converted into city owned recreation areas as well as for housing.  According to the Sun Gazette, Larson Design Group was approved to do the assessment for just under 20 thousand dollars.  The parcels of land need to be converted after 435 acres of property was acquired by federal grant in the 1970s.  As these steps are completed, a land sale can take place for future opportunities.

EARLY COLLEGE AVAILABLE FOR WASD STUDENTS

The Williamsport Area School Board approved a new program that will allow Williamsport district students to complete college courses.  According to the Sun Gazette, the opportunity to be in the Early College Program, taking courses as non-degree students will later be reviewed and considered conditionally for admittance. The dual enrollment will be for Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses with students able to take courses for a single reduced rate of 115 per credit hour of instruction.  The program will be during the 2023 to 2026 school year.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Mifflinburg 11                Lewisburg 3
Williamsport 5               Selinsgrove 4
Jersey Shore 6                Shikellamy 3
Loyalsock 14                  Warrior Run 1/5
St. John Neumann 22    CMVT 11 /5
Central Columbia 12     Shamokin 5
Southern Columbia 6     Hughesville 2
Montoursville 17            Milton 2 /4
Central Mountain 10     Danville 0

HS Baseball
Athens 3                         Wyalusing 0
S.Williamsport 16                   Canton 6 /5
Mount Carmel 16                    Shamokin 5/5

MLB
Orioles 8     A’s 7
Rays 9        Red Sox 3
Reds 6        Phillies 2
Twins 11    Yankees 2
Tigers 3      Blue Jays 1
Pirates 5     Cardinals 0
Brewers 4   Padres 3

NBA Play-in continues tonight
East – Bulls vs Heat @ 7pm on TNT from Miami, FL
West – Thunder vs Timberwolves  @9:30pm on ESPN from Minneapolis



NHL
Sabers 4               Senators 3
Blue Jackets 3      Penguins 2
Hurricanes 6         Panthers 4
Bruins 5               Canadians 4
Maple Leafs 3      Rangers 2
Lightning 5                    Red Wings 0
Devils 5                Capitals 4
Avalanche 4         Jets 2
Stars 1                  Blues 0
Predators 4                    Wild 3
Flyers 5                Blackhawks 4
Oilers 5                Sharks 2
Kings 5                 Ducks 3
Canucks 5            Coyotes 4
Golden Knights 3           Kraken 1

JUVENILE INVOLVED IN NEWBERRY PARK STABBING

Williamsport police say a 15 year old boy will be tried as an adult for his role in a stabbing in the Newberry neighborhood Monday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Caidyn Earnest allegedly stabbed another juvenile during a physical fight on Diamond Street.  The victim was transported to UPMC Williamsport from nearby Newberry Park where officers discovered he had suffered several stabbing wounds in his back and thigh.  Earnest  was taken into custody at his home and arraigned.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DROWNING CATS

Police have arrested a man from Coal Township for trying to drown cats underneath the Cameron Bridge Saturday morning.  According to police, witnesses said 59 year old Kip Dorkoski was seen by the creek with a cat carrier and fled when approached.  Police found Dorkoski at his home later Saturday and took him into custody.  He was charged with felony and misdemeanor aggravated cruelty to animals.  The body of one cat was along the creek bed, but a second cat was found alive and is being treated at Sunbury Animal hospital.

YAW PROPOSES REGULATION FOR SKILL GAME TAXING

Senator Gene Yaw has proposed legislation that will support the emerging skill-game industry that will work to establish a regulatory framework and taxing structure to ensure it flourishes in the Commonwealth.  According to a press release, in a memo to lawmakers in Harrisburg, Senator Yaw showed that the plan could generate an estimated 300 million in immediate annual tax revenue.  The legislation proposes a collection and control system that also strengthens penalties for those who operate unlicensed games, potentially ridding the market of the illegal games that harm small businesses.

ROTORFEST AT PENN COLLEGE

An interactive career day, called “Rotorfest”, took place at Pennsylvania College of Technology yesterday with an array of emergency services helicopters, drones, and large emergency response vehicles landing near the Maynard Street campus.  The event was not open to the public but visiting high school students from seven counties, Penn College students and other local tech students had firsthand exposure to the Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter, Pennsylvania Army National Guard HH-60 Blackhawk Air Ambulance, and other vehicles.  According to the Sun Gazette about one thousand people attended the inaugural “Rotorfest” at Penn College.

SENTENCING FOR FORMER MOUNT CARMEL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The four former Mount Carmel Football players charged with hazing from a September 2020 incident each have received their sentences in Northumberland County Court, as announced by State Attorney General Michelle Henry yesterday.  According to Penn Live, the defendants pleaded no contest Monday to charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and hazing. Two will spend a year on probation a third – just 9 months.  But defendant 21 year old Michael R. Balichik, could have h is record vacated is he completes the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program.  Nine were charged in the hazing incidents that took place in September of 2020, but the other five were juveniles. The accused were also fined and required to write an apology to one of the victims.

PAVING CONTINUES ON SOUTHSIDE TODAY AND TOMORROW

Paving of the berm on Route 15 in South Williamsport Borough continues today.  According to PennDOT, a UGI contractor will be paving in both directions on Route 15 near the Little League Museum and south towards Montgomery Pike.  The work will begin around 9am and continue through 3pm today and tomorrow.  Watch for lane changes and workers on the road throughout the day.  You can always check road conditions in the commonwealth 24/7 at 511 pa dot com.

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION THIS WEEK

The online auction of unclaimed property in the Commonwealth announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity takes place today and tomorrow online.  According to Penn Live, interested bidders can register at auctioneer and appraiser Pook & Pook Incorporated’s website, pook and pook dot com, where items can also be previewed.  There are over 4 thousand items up for auction from Liberty head double eagle gold coins to comic books and magazines.  Garrity says unclaimed property comes to Treasury in accordance with state law often from abandoned safe deposit boxes, with other items coming from college dorms, nursing homes or police evidence rooms. Property is safeguarded in the vault for at least three years before being auctioned.

REMAINS OF LOCAL WWII SOLDIER RETURNING HOME EARLY

The remains of a Northumberland soldier from World War II who was positively identified as US Private Horace Middleton, who died at age 20 during the summer of 1944 in Burma, will be flown home a week earlier than expected.  According to the Daily Item, Middleton’s remains will be flown by commercial airline from Hawaii to the Harrisburg International Airport on Friday.  Family members say a Pennsylvania State Police escort will be given from the airport to Shaw’s Funeral Home in Milton, and they hope many can be there to welcome Middleton home.  A graveside service is still on April 22 at 11 a.m. in Milton at the Harmony Cemetery, 257 Willow Street.

SPORTS

Baseball
CMVT 5                                St. John Neumann 4
N. Penn-Mansfield 5            Towanda 4 /8
Williamsport 10                   Midd-West 8
Lewisburg 3                          Jersey Shore 0
Athens 7                                Wellsboro 2
Sayre 16                                 Williamson 7
Central Mountain 6              Loyalsock 3

Softball
Mifflinburg 3                        Montoursville 2 /9
Midd-West 9             Warrior Run 1
Selinsgrove 4                        Danville 1
Northwest Area 12   Millville 2
Muncy 14                  St. John Neumann 1 /5
Central Columbia 16Milton 0
Shamokin 15             Lewisburg 8
Loyalsock 7              Hughesville 0
Sullivan County 18  CMVT 8
Central Mountain 4  Shikellamy 1

Boys Tennis
Galeton 3                   Towanda 2
Muncy 3                     South Williamsport 2
Lewisburg 5               Selinsgrove 0
Loyalsock 4                Shikellamy 1

MLB
Yankees 11                    Guardians 2
Orioles 12            A’s 8
Pirates 7               Astros 4
Ray’s 7                Red Sox 2
Marlins 8              Phillies 4
Blue Jays 9           Tigers 3
Padres 4               Mets 2
Braves 7               Reds 6
Twins 4                 White Sox 3 /10
Cubs 14                Mariners 9
Rangers 8             Royals 5
Cardinals 9                    Rockies 6
Angels 2               Nationals 0
Brewers 7             Diamondbacks 1
Giants 5                Dodgers 0

NHL
Bruins 5               Capitals 2
Hurricanes 4         Red Wings 1
Devils 6                Sabers 2
Flyers 4                Blue Jackets 3
Maple Leafs 4      Lightning 3
Blackhawks 5       Penguins 2
Jets 3                             Wild 1
Oilers 2                Avalanche 1
Canucks 3            Ducks 2
Golden Knights 4           Kracken 1

NBA Play-in
East – Hawks 116          Heat 105
West – Lakers 108 Timberwolves 102

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

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER DENIED BAIL

An incarcerated man charged with rape, attempted murder and other assault charges, has been denied bail again in a Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, 24-year-old Unique Terrell Robinson’s alleged victim testified in court that Robinson had cut her throat with a knife during the assault January 2^nd and she was fearful of Robinson.  Judge Ryan Tira denied his request for bail that had originally been denied in January during his preliminary hearing.  Robinson remains in custody at the Lycoming County Prison with nine counts held for court.

TEEN WHO TREATENED LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SENTENCED

A teenager from Williamsport has been sentenced to over 5 months in prison and 2 years of probation for threatening to shoot up Loyalsock Township School while on the phone with several students there last December.  According to Penn Live, 18 year old Dejuan Angel Rivera, was sentenced by President Judge Nancy Butts after pleading guilty to terroristic threats last month.  Rivera is also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.  Prior cases of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and disorderly conduct were also resolved by the current sentence.

FIRE DISPLACES EAST END FAMILY

Another family in Williamsport has been displaced by fire.  According to the Sun Gazette, a two-alarm fire broke out at 838 Tucker Street in the East End of the City at about 2:30 am Tuesday, and three adults, two children and a cat escaped the burning home.  City Fire officials say the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, which was found in the walls of the home with smoke pouring from the attic as well.  Montoursville and Old Lycoming Fire departments responded to the blaze and the Red Cross is assisting the family who was left homeless by the fire that remains under investigation.

PA VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 1, 2023

Pennsylvania residents are reminded to make sure they are prepared for the May 16^th municipal primary, by checking their voter status and registering before May 1^st, 2023.  To be eligible, you must be a US citizen for one month before the primary, a resident of PA and a resident of the district in which you will vote for 30 days and 18 years old on or before Election Day.  Pennsylvania is a closed primary, meaning Republicans and Democrats only are allowed to choose their own party’s nominees.  Go to Lyco.org to check your voter status.

NEW CHARGES ADDED TO CAREGIVER IN FORGERY AND THEFT CASE

A woman who cared for an elderly couple beginning in October of 2018, who was charged with felony forgery and aggravated assault for cashing checks and using funds from their accounts and mixing poison into their cigarette tobacco plead guilty yesterday in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, charges against 41 year old Tina Marie Young were amended yesterday to include the poisoning charge from an incident investigators say happened in June of 2019.  Young is free on 100 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

MIFFLIN COUNTY MAN GIVEN 84 MONTHS IN STATE PRISON

A man from Mifflin County has been sentenced to 7 years in state prison for an August 2022 burglary at Peters Marine in Mill Hall, the maximum sentence possible.  According to the Record Online, police say 48 year old Daniel Elroy Powell attempted to steal a motorcycle from a shed at the business on Eagle Valley Road, but couldn’t start it, causing damage to other equipment on the property.  Powell was ordered to pay restitution to the victim and is eligible for parole in 12 months.

100K GRANT AWARDED TO COUNTY CORONER

One hundred thousand dollar grant for the purchase and development of a new building for the Lycoming County Coroner was awarded  to the office and according to the Sun Gazette, Coroner, Charles Keissling, Jr. said that Representative Jamie Flick of South Williamsport  and Representative Joe Hamm of  Hepburn Township were instrumental advocates for the much-needed funding.  Flick recently announced the grant made possible through the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act which provides gaming revenue distributions for projects of public interest in the state. Talks of a new facility for the county coroner have been taking place for years; Keissling says he hopes the grant will expedite the project.

BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL FOR SOLAR COMMUNITIES IN PA

In a creative solution to try and maintain reasonable utility costs, a bipartisan proposal is now in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that would allow Pennsylvania to join 22 other states that allow “community solar” projects giving solar access for all Pennsylvanians whether they have panels on their property or not. According to the Capital Star, the bill is sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown, a Republican from Monroe County and it could green light over 230 community solar projects, including 5 in Lycoming County. According to the website EnergySage, community solar programs can save participants between 5% to 15% off their typical electricity bills , create more than 12,000 jobs statewide, and generate $1.8 billion in economic activity in the state.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Montoursville 8                    Central Columbia 7
Selinsgrove 1               Jersey Shore 0
Warrior Run 4              Bloomsburg 1
Midd-West 9                Hughesville 5
Williamsport 6             Central Mountain 5
HS Baseball
Selinsgrove 15             Shikellamy 5
Northwest 17               Sullivan County 4

MLB

A’s 4                    Guardians 3
Diamondbacks 8         Padres 6
Cubs 12                       Reds 5
Marlins 1                     Twins 0
Phillies 4             Yankees 1
Rays 10               Nationals 6
Pirates 4              Red Sox 1
Brewers 9            Mets 0
Blue Jays 4                  Royals 1
Braves 4              Cardinals 1
Orioles 7             Rangers 2  
Tigers  6                      Astros 3
Mariners 11                 Angels 2
Dodgers 5                   Rockies 2

NBA   Raptors 120               Hornets 100
Heat 118                    Pistons 105
Cavaliers 117            Magic 113
Bucks 140                 Wizards 128  
Timberwolves 107  Nets 102
76ers 103                   Celtics 101
Hawks 123                Bulls 105
Rockets 124             Nuggets 103 
Grizzlies 119            Trailblazers 109
Kings 121                  Pelicans 103
Lakers  135               Jazz 133
Warriors 136             Thunder 125
Suns 115                    Spurs 94
NHL
Hurricanes 3                         Senators 2
Panthers 2                  Sabers 1
Red Wings 5             Canadians 0
Devils 5                     Penguins 1
Maple Leafs 4           Blue Jackets 2
Predators 3                Golden Knights 2
Blues 4                       Flyers 2
Blackhawks 4           Flames 3
Kraken 5                    Canucks 2
Oilers 3                      Kings 1
Avalanche 4             Sharks 3

PPL RESTORES ELECTRIC AFTER GUSTY WEEKEND

All electrical outages under PPL’s jurisdiction have been restored according to their outage map this morning. High winds this weekend gusted up to 55 miles per hour brought down limbs and trees, stripped siding from homes and had Central Pennsylvania  emergency crews clearing roadways of downed poles and wires in some areas.  According to the Sun Gazette, in Williamsport the exterior overhang at the front of Tony’s Deli on Washington Boulevard was brought down by the windy conditions. No injuries were reported – the store was not open at the time.

TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 EAST

Both Lanes of eastbound I-80 were closed this morning after a tractor trailer accident occurred there around 4am this morning.  According to PennDOT, there are no specific details about the crash but the interstate was shut down eastbound between mile marker 178 – the Route 220 Lock Haven exit and mile marker 210, the Route 15 south, Lewisburg exit.  Go online to check 511pa dot com 24/7 to find out all Pennsylvania road conditions.

WILLIAMSPORT SPRING CLEAN UP STARTING APRIL 10

The annual spring clean-up in Williamsport is on the way this month, and residents will be able to place yard debris at the curb for pick up.  According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, between Monday April 10^th and Sunday April 16^th, property owners can collect loose limbs, leaves, plant, and shrub clippings and place it along a main Street in the city for pick-up, but no debris will be collected from alleyways and side streets due to the size of the collection equipment.  NO grass clippings will be accepted and there will be on collection only.  If residents miss the collection time, yard debris can be brought to the brush pile at 1550 West Third Street.  Placing yard debris is only permitted in Williamsport during the designated pick-up days. 

NEW ROOF FOR WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT

After years of patching the roof when necessary at the Williamsport Bureau of Fire headquarters on Walnut Street, a contract to replace it has been approved by the Williamsport City Council. According to the Sun Gazette, a fabric roofing system that meets the city’s energy codes will be installed by Hillside Roofing of Allentown for just over 75 thousand dollars, which will come from facility maintenance in the capital budget. The new roof will dispel rainwater and snowmelt as well as deflect sun and ultraviolet rays. Fire Chief Sam Aungst said the fire headquarters was originally built in 1979 and has been leaking over the years.

WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT FILED BY INMATE’S MOTHER DISMISSED

A federal lawsuit filed by Sherry Beers,  the mother of a Northumberland County Jail inmate who took his life while incarcerated there in 2021, was dismissed by a federal judge. As reported by the Daily Item, Chief United States District Judge Matthew W Brann granted the county’s motion to dismiss, without prejudice. According to reports, Brann indicated that the lack of staffing or training is not either a policy or custom but an unfortunate state of affairs.  Beers had been seeking damages in excess of $225,000.

FUNDING IN CITY TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

With funding from the Williamsport Department of Community and Economic Development and help from non-profit agencies in the area, a plan for over 880 thousand dollars is available from the Williamsport City Council to address the concern of homelessness in the city.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city will behave as a pass-through for the funding allowing various organizations to submit proposals for use of the funds and use them in the best way.  Non-profits such as YWCA, American Rescue Workers and STEP Inc would be funded to help those most affected by the problem of homelessness.

FIRST FEMALE WARDEN AT LEWISBURG

The US Penitentiary at Lewisburg has hires their 30^th warden and the first female to lead the facility. According to the Daily Item, 43 year old Jessica Sage had worked as a staff psychologist at the Union County prison in 2013 and set her sights then on becoming the warden – which officially took place February 27^th.  Sage is one of only 27 female wardens in the Bureau of Prisons and began her career in Tucson in 2009 . She’s in charge at the US Penitentiary at Lewisburg, known as The Big House, which houses just over 1,000 total male inmates.

COUNTIES ADDED TO SPOTTED LANTERNFLY QUARANTINE

Clinton and Clearfield Counties were added to the list of counties under a quarantine for spotted lanternfly the quarantine covers 51 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, residents are encouraged to remove and scrape egg masses before they hatch, which usually occurs in May-June.  Ag Secretary Russell Redding said spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is disruptive and damaging to Pennsylvania’s agriculture commodities and a nuisance pest for all Pennsylvanians.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
LSU 102             Iowa 85
NCAA Men’s Basketball
San Diego State 72  Florida Atlantic 71
UConn 72 Miami  59
NCAA Men’s Championship tonight
San Diego State vs UConn  9:20 PM on CBS from Houston, TX

NASCAR
Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway, VA – Kyle Larson took the checkered flag followed by  Chase Elliot, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell and Kevin Harvick rounding out the Top 5.

NBA
Raptors 128        Hornets 108
Nets 111              Jazz 110
Bulls 128            Grizzlies 107
Trailblazers 107 Timberwolves 105
Hawks 132          Mavericks 130
Knicks 118         Wizards 109
Magic 128           Pistons 102
Spurs 142           Kings 134
Lakers 134          Rockets 109
Suns 128             Thunder 118
Cavaliers 115     Pacers 105
Bucks 117           76ers 104
Nuggets 112       Warriors 110

NHL
Rangers 5            Capitals 2
Bruins 4              Blues 3
Hurricanes 2       Islanders 1
Blue Jackets 4     Senators 3
Penguins 4          Flyers 2
Red Wings 5       Maple Leafs 2
Jets 6                   Devils 1
Flames 5              Bucks 4
Kings 4                Canucks 1
MLB
Guardians 6        Mariners 5
Nationals 4         Braves 1
Rays 5                 Tigers 1
Red Sox 9           Orioles 5
Yankees 6           Giants 0
Mets 5                 Marlins 1
Reds 3                 Pirates 1
White Sox 6        Astros 3
Twins 7                 Royals 4
Cardinals 9         Blue Jays 4
Brewers 9             Cubs 5
Angels 6               A’s 0
Diamondbacks 2   Dodgers 1
Padres 3               Rockies 1
Rangers 2            Phillies 1