SUSPECT WITHDRAWS NO CONTEST PLEA IN NORRY COURT

The 20 year old Watsontown man on trial for shooting a state trooper in April of 2023, withdrew his no contest plea for aggravated assault on a police officer. According to PennLive, Hunter Shaheen originally faced two counts of felony attempted  homicide after a 2023 incident in which State police were assisting the Watsontown Borough police during a domestic dispute and a trooper was shot in the leg with a non-life-threatening injury by Shaheen, who was also shot and taken into custody after the exchange.  Shaheen’s defense attorney says the prosecution is seeking a weapon enhancement for the charges and they had only just found that out in the presentencing report.  Now the original charges are back on the table against Shaheen which could carry a 40 year sentence.

SERIOUS INJURIES FOR ONE DRIVER AFTER TWO-CAR ACCIDENT

Life Flight was dispatched last night for a two-car crash at the 9000 block of State Route 522 in Franklin Township in Snyder County.  According to State police Selinsgrove, 75 year old Claude Stanley of Middleburg was seriously injured when his northbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt crossed into the southbound lanes near Dock Hill Road and collided with a tractor trailer driven by 55 year old Scott D. Solomon, of New Columbia, who was not injured. Police say Stanley was not wearing a seat belt.

BASSMASTER TOURNEY WINNER FROM VIRGINIA

A man from Virginia won the national Bassmaster Kayak Series Tournament over the weekend.  According to the Basscast, Ewing Minor of Virginia scored a two-day total of 187.75 inches, and won just over $11 thousand. Just a quarter of an inch separated Minor from second-place Kristine Fischer from Nebraska, who put up a two-day total of 187.50 inches.  Over 200 anglers were free to fish anywhere on the Susquehanna river in this region and over 2,400 bass were caught during the tournament; sponsored by the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.

CLINTON COUNTY FAIR ENDS THIS WEEKEND

The 51^st Clinton County Fair continues tonight in Mill Hall and will highlight the week of community, agriculture and local talent.  There are many favorite activities at the fair, including the Bill Yost Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, a Corn Hole Tournament and various 4-H and FFA awards programs.  The public is invited to compete in the Animal Dressing Contest, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Youth Pie Eating and more.  Plus. there is a prize drawing each night at 9:30 on the AuxStage in which you must be present to win.  The gates open every day at 7am with a 5 dollar admission and 2 dollar parking. Children 12 and under are free. Get details and the full schedule at clintoncountyfair.com.

MAN SENTENCED 6 TO 25 YEARS FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT

A 73 year old man from Cogan Station was sentenced to at least six and a half years but up to 25 years in state prison after police said the man kidnapped a woman binding her hands and feet, and gagging her, before a neighbor heard her screaming in a Watsontown alley and came to her aid. According to the Daily Item, Byron Magargle appeared for his sentencing hearing by video in Northumberland County Court.  Magargle’s attorney told the judge that his client suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and blacked out and didn’t remember the incident.

WOMAN USES FALSE NAME WITH POLICE TO HIDE PRIOR ARRESTS

Police recently arrested a Lock Haven woman who they say gave a false name during a traffic stop, trying to keep details about her previous violations from them.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 54 year old Nicole Pauline Burns has several warrants out for her arrest and has a suspended driver’s license, and gave her maiden name “Shoemaker” when police questioned her at Woodward Avenue.  Burns was taken into custody and taken to the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

BERWICK WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM GRANDMOTHER

34 year old granddaughter from Berwick is being charged with felonies for taking advantage of a care dependent person and stealing all her grandmother’s money.  According to family members, Shawna Rae Francis was given control over her grandmother’s accounts for paying bills in January 2023.  Over the course of a year over 53 thousand dollars was drained and Francis’ aunt was asking for financial records that the woman wouldn’t disclose.  Police discovered Francis transferred large sums of the money to her account to pay for household items and her own mortgage.

RECONSTRUCTION OVERNIGHT IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The reconstruction and bridge replacement project continues today on Lycoming Mall Drive and Fairfield Road in Fairfield Township. Work is scheduled for tonight at 7pm through until 6am. Vehicles traveling Lycoming Mall Drive at the intersection with Fairfield Road will be switched to the newly completed part of the structure over Bennetts Run. After that side is complete, the contractor will begin reconstruction work on other half of the bridge. Watch for flaggers while the work is being performed.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League – Last night in Trenton
Williamsport Crosscutters 2  Trenton Thunder 1
Williamsport hosts Trenton for Game 2 of their three-game series,  tonight at 6:35pm
MLB
Guardians 8         Tigers 4
Game 1 –     Orioles  11           Blue Jays  5
Game 2 –     Blue Jays 8           Orioles 4
Yankees  14         Phillies  4
Mets  15               Twins  2
Pirates  5              Astros  3
D’backs  9                      Nationals 8
MLB Tonight
Yankees vs Phillies  6:40pm TBS
Mets  vs Twins 7:10pm
Pirates vs Houston 8:10pm
Nationals vs D’Backs 9:40pm

Olympics
Women’s Basketball Olympic Opener
* The Americans defeated Japan 102-76 – in a rematch of the 2021 gold medal game in Tokyo.
* They are now 56-0 in the Olympics since 1992 as they take the first step toward winning their eighth consecutive gold.
* Japan’s tallest player stands 6-foot-1, and Team USA has six players that height or taller.
Triathalon
* The men’s Olympic triathlon planned for Tuesday has been postponed over concerns about water quality in Paris’ Seine River.
* They will try to hold the men’s triathlon Wednesday the same day as the women’s competition and both are subject to water tests.
Men’s Tennis
* Novak Djokovic, defeated Rafael Nadal, 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Summer GamesWomen’s Rugby
* Down 7-0, the U.S. women’s team cameback  to defeat Great Britain 17-7 in the quarterfinals.
* It’s the first time that the U.S. reached the semifinal since rugby became an Olympic sport in 2016.
* The Americans will face New Zealand next for a spot in the final.
Medal Count
USA 20  3-gold, 8-silver, 9-bronze
France 16  5-gold 8-silver 3-bronze
japan 12 6-gold 2-silver  4-bronze

ALLEGED SHOOTER’S MOTHER CHARGED AS ACCOMPLICE

The mother of the alleged shooter in an incident that happened in Loyalsock township that killed 15 year old Ahmeen Palmer is being charged as an accomplice to murder and her preliminary hearings started yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Johneice Francin Legare faces 10 charges and most remain sealed from the public.  After an investigation, police say Legare drove the suspect to the East Third Street parking lot March 2^nd allegedly to confront the victim, and after the shooting, drove away with the suspect in her car and cell phone records indicated they went to the Philadelphia area.  District Judge Gary Whiteman bound over all charges in the case and a trial date of Legare  has not been set.  The alleged suspect, Ja’hsir Legare, remains at large at this time.

COGAN STATION MAN ARRESTED FOR NOT PAYING TAXES

A man from Cogan Station was in U.S. Middle District Court this week and pleaded guilty to not paying taxes. According to Penn Live, J. Michael Barr, of Barr Construction, admitted to using a cash system between 2017 and 2020, paying out around 615 thousand dollars to his employees to avoid taxes.  He may now face up to two years in prison.  An amount of full restitution has yet to be determined at an upcoming hearing.  Barr is free pending an upcoming sentencing hearing.

FREE MEALS AT MONTOURSVILLE THIS YEAR

Students in Montoursville will not have to pay for meals this upcoming school year.  According to the district, students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch on the days school is in session throughout the entire 2024-2025 schoolyear.  Students will be allowed to keep balances on their account and may use it for extra purchases, approved snacks or for drinks.  Details and a list of the prices for extra meals are on the Montoursville Area School District’s website for each school.

FAYLOR LAKE RECOGNIZED FOR DISC GOLF COURSE

Snyder County has been recognized by the National Association of Counties for their development of the Faylor Lake Disc Golf Course in Beavertown.  According to the Daily Item, the award is in the community and economic development category and calls the course an “outstanding government program.”  The course opened in 2021 and over time, the commissioners have installed a pavilion on the site, with seating and restrooms.  The 18 hole course was designed by Steve Braud and is maintained by Lee Zimmerman, regularly hosting disc golf tournaments in the past.

MAN CHARGED WITH MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS

A man from Hughesville who said he won the gun in a raffle is facing charges after he provided false information on an application to transfer a firearm into his name.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Patrick Ranck knowingly lied on a federal form at Craig Dostick Guns in Muncy Creek Township, and that he had previously been convicted of charges that prohibit him from owning a gun.  He now faces felony attempted illegal transfer of a firearm and making false statements, but is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

MAN CHARGED WITH ENDANGERMENT  AFTER CAR ACCIDENT

A Watsontown man was charged with endangering the welfare of children after two teens were injured during an accident in which the police say the man had been drinking.  According to the Daily Item, 51 year old Franklin Rovenolt was involved in a crash that he said was caused by hydroplaning around 10pm May 25^th on Continental Boulevard in Limestone Township.  Police say his passengers suffered broken bones and cuts due to the accident.  Police say Rovenholt consented to a blood test, which measured his Blood alcohol content at .106 percent. He is free on 10 thousand dollars unsecured bail and will be in court for a preliminary hearing August 6^th.

WASD SCHEDULES OPEN HOUSES

There are upcoming open houses at Williamsport Area schools for parents and students to get familiar with their new buildings and teachers.  Williamsport Area Middle School will hold their open house Tuesday, August 20^th with separate times for 7^th and 8^th grade students.  Curtin and Lycoming Valley Intermediate Schools will hold their open houses Wednesday August 21^st, and Primary Schools, Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming and Jackson will hold their open house August 22^nd – the same night as the High School.  Rising seniors can attend a “What’s my graduation plan?” session on Thursday the 22^nd, too.  Get more specific times and details at wasd.org, under the academic calendar tab.  The first day of school for Williamsport is August 26^th.

BASS TOURNAMENT IN LEWISBURG THIS WEEKEND

The race for Angler of the Year continues this weekend in Lewisburg during the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Susquehanna River.  According to North Central PA dot com, the competitors will use Lewisburg is the home base but may launch from any public launch listed in the official rules at bassmaster.com.  The “Susky” is Saturday and Sunday and is hosted by Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.  Josh Chrenko from Indiana won the Kayak Series finale with a two-day total of 194 inches.

SPORTS

Little League State Championship
TriTown defeated West Point yesterday  4-3 in 7 innings
MLB Little League Today
Tri Town is in the winners’ bracket semifinals against Back Mountain 10am @ Newville

MLB Draft League
WV Black Bears 8       Williamsport Crosscutters 5 /8 innings – Rain
Cutters are in WV for Game 3 of the series tonight, then are back at home Friday hosting the State College Spikes 6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Guardians 2        Tigers  1
Pirates 5              Cardinals 0
Twins  5              Phillies 4
Marlins  6           Orioles  3
Padres  12           Nationals  3
Mets  12              Yankees 3
MLB Today
Padres  vs Nationals  12:05pm  ESPN+
Orioles  vs Marlins  12:10pm
Tigers vs Guardians  1:10pm
Braves vs Mets  7:10pm

Olympic News
US Men’s Soccer
 * United States men’s Olympic soccer team lost 3-0 to host country France in the tournament opener
* Tens of thousands of fans at Parc des Princes Stadium booed and hissed and whistled their way through the Israeli national anthem before the soccer match between Israel and Mali. Participants say the voices of Israel’s fans, even though in the minority, became loud enough to drown out the dissent.

SUNBURY MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT CASE HELD FOR COURT

A judge from Northumberland County decided Monday that there is enough evidence to move forward in a trial against a man from Sunbury who police say committed sexual assault against a 15 year old last November.  According to the Daily Item, the victim reported the incident in January after she said 21 year old Anthony Ponce were together playing video games when the assault occurred.  Ponce first denied the allegations but then in an interview in February admitted to the assault.  His attorney had originally asked for the case to be dismissed, but the case will now go to court.

TWO ADULTS CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION OF MINORS

Two adult women who previously worked for Keystone Central school district as staff support, have now been charged with corruption of minors.  According to the Lock Haven Express, 36 year old Dana Ann Kitchen of Lock Haven and 29 year old Brittany Kay Koch from Beech Creek were each found to have sent sexually explicit messages to a 14 year old juvenile while they were employed at the school.  As a result of the investigation into the inappropriate relationships, Kitchen and Koch were taken into custody Friday and incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional facility in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

JERSEY SHORE ROAD WORK THIS WEEK

Daytime work is going on this week for the box culvert replacement spanning Lawshe Run and will affect traffic along Main Street and Main Street/River Road in both directions in Jersey Shore Borough and Porter, Piatt, and Nippenose townships. According to PennDOT,  Route 44 is scheduled to be closed through the summer at the Jersey Shore Borough / Piatt Township line.  A detour will be in place using Route 220, Thomas and Allegheny Streets through September 20^th. Get details about road conditions 24/7 at 511PA dot com.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS IN AUGUST

Three National Night Out events will be happening in Lycoming County this August, as the Lycoming Regional Police Department partners with Seneca Resources to bring about camaraderie between the community and law enforcement.  The annual event held this year on August 4^th, will provide fun free activities at Fairlawn Community Church, Old Lycoming Township Park, and Crossroads Church from 6 to 8pm in each location.  National night out was started to give citizens the opportunity to interact with police in a casual, stress-free environment.

Three National Night Out events will be happening in Lycoming County this August, as the Lycoming Regional Police Department partners with Seneca Resources to bring about camaraderie between the community and law enforcement.  The annual event held this year on August 4^th, will provide fun free activities at Fairlawn Community Church, Old Lycoming Township Park, and Crossroads Church from 6 to 8pm in each location.  National night out was started to give citizens the opportunity to interact with police in a casual, stress-free environment.

State police in Towanda recently arrested a Rome woman after finding the car she drove contained illegal drugs and paraphernalia. According to North Central PA dot com, the 38 year old Ashley Sarah Richlin was pulled over by state police for window tint. During the stop officers noticed the smell of marijuana and Richlin’s bloodshot eyes. In a search of the vehicle, it was found Richlin was carrying methamphetamine and marijuana as well as drug supplies and a handgun. Richlin is being charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and improper sun screening. She is arraigned on $100,000 bail.

WOMAN WHO ALLOWED ABUSE OF DAUGHTER PLEADS GUILTY

The woman who allowed her boyfriend to sexually assault her young daughter in 2022 during a drug binge, pleaded guilty in Lycoming County Court last week.  According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Michelle Renae Strayer admitted to allowing the assault and will face five felony counts and a misdemeanor including obstruction of justice.  The man involved in the crime, Marcus Drake McDaniel, has been found guilty on multiple counts, and has already been sentenced to multiple years in state prison.

BLUE ENVELOPE TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT

A blue envelope program has begun in Northumberland to help law enforcement there communicate with drivers they come in contact with who are on the autism spectrum.  According to the Northumberland Police Department, the voluntary program is a way to keep important documents like registration, insurance card, and driver’s license, in a blue envelope that lists instructions about the best way for the officer to interact with the person who is challenged with communicating during a stressful interaction. Contact the Northumberland Police department to obtain an envelope.

STAR GAZING PARTY IN RYDER PARK

An opportunity to participate in a star party and night sky watching at Ryder Park in Trout Run is coming up in August.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Cntral Pennsylvania Observers will host the event that invites registered participants to the park at 8:30pm August 9^th with binoculars, a chair, warm clothes and red flashlights if possible.  To register call 570-321-1500 or email [email protected].  An email will follow with information.

SPORTS

Little League PA State Championship
Tri-Town will face West Point on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Newville 

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters are on the road tonight with the WV Black Bears starting a 3-Game series.  They’re home again Friday hosting the State College Spikes at Journey Bank Ballpark/Historic Bowman Field 6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Tigers  8     Guardians  2
Yankees  9  Rays  1
Mets  6       Marlins  4
Pirates  2    Cardinals  1
Twins  7     Phillies 2
MLB Tonight
Orioles vs Marlins  6:40pm
Cardinals vs Pirates  6:40pm
Padres vs Nationals  6:45pm
Mets vs Yankees 7:05pm TBS
Phillies vs Twins  7:40pm

Pre-Olympic Tour Basketball
 Team USA 92   Germany 88 

Olympic Facts
* The 2024 Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11^th
* The games will take place in 17 different cities across metropolitan France and Tahiti who is hosting the two-day surfing competition 9,765 miles from Paris.
* The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place July 26 in the heart of Paris along the Seine River.
* The 2024 Games will be the first to have an equal number of men and women participants with a total of 206 countries represented.