POSSIBLE SAVING GRACE FROM THE SHERIFF SALE

Although the Lycoming Mall in Muncy Township faces another sheriff’s sale, the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority wants to work with the owner to resolve the issue. According to the Executive Director of the Lycoming County Water and Sewer, Christine Weigle, a sheriff’s sale is considered a last resort to collect an overdue payment. As reported by SUN Gazette, Kohan Retail Investment Group is the owner of the mall and needs to pay their bill in full in order to stop the upcoming May 6 Sheriff Sale.  According to reports, the total owed for water and sewer bill is upwards of $240,000. However, the mall is not new to this issue; in 2019 it faced a sheriff sale as well for the same reasons.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

A Williamsport man charged a city police car, screaming at an officer who simple asked him to move from the middle of the roadway. Shannon Mitchell was seen wandering down the middle of the street as the office was attending to a traffic stop. Her concern was for Mitchell safety, as traffic on the street had to swerve to avoid striking him. Instead, Mitchell, who was under the influence of alcohol, continued his verbal assault on officers as he was taken into custody.  As reported by Sun Gazette, Mitchell was arrested under multiple charges and after the arraignment with District Judge Christian Frey, Mitchell was committed to the Lycoming County Jail in lieu f $15,000 bail.

TWO ALARM BLAZE AND A BURN VICTIM IN SERIOUS CONDITION

Multiple fire crews, including Life Flight, responded to a two-alarm garage fire in East Buffalo Township, Union County Monday afternoon. As reported by an online news media, crews received the call just before 3 p.m. for a fire in the 3,300 block of Stein Lane, south of Lewisburg.  A second alarm was called a short time later. Life Flight was on scene on reports of a possible burn victim. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze about a half hour later after encountering heavy flames. The investigation into this fire continues.

GUILTY VERDICT IN CLINTON COUNTY

Friday night, a Clinton County jury found Shawn Michael Mills, 43, of North Bend, guilty of Aggravated Assault for a bar parking lot attack that occurred in the Renovo area in October of 2020.  Following a two-day trial before visiting Senior Judge David Klementik of Somerset County, the jury deliberated for just over two hours Friday evening before returning their unanimous verdict.  Mills was convicted of multiple charges including Felony 1 Aggravated Assault – Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Felony 2 Aggravated Assault – Causing Bodily Injury With a Deadly Weapon.  Mills faces a maximum of 35 years in prison on the three charges.  The Court permitted Mills to remain on house arrest pending sentencing, over the objection of the Commonwealth.  Sentencing will be scheduled within 90 days.   Source:  Clinton County District Attorney’s Office

PA MAP DECISIONS FOR JUSTICES

Ranks of lawyers packed the courtroom of Pennsylvania’s state Supreme Court on Friday, with most of them arguing for their clients’ preferred map of new congressional districts as justices weighed how to decide which one is best. Meanwhile, justices did not necessarily embrace a Republican-backed map recommended by a lower court judge, but viewed by Democrats in the presidential battleground state as blatantly partisan. The justices on Pennsylvania’s Democratic-majority high court repeatedly said they did not want to have the political task of picking a map in the once-a-decade exercise of adjusting for demographic shifts. Still, they are faced with more than a dozen maps, drawn primarily by partisans, and are stuck with the decision because of deadlock between Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled Legislature. One thing seemed clear: justices will not give any special deference to the recommended map just because it passed the Legislature.

IDENTITY THEFT

A homeless couple was accused of stealing a wallet in order to use their identity to rent a room and purchase food at a Lewisburg hotel. As reported by the Daily Item, Melvin Rivera and Keisha Figueroa, both of Florida, were charged with multiple felony counts of identity theft and unlawful taking. Milton Police filed the charges with District Judge Michael Diehl, who arraigned the couple and committed them to the Northumberland County Jail in Coal Township in lieu of $25,000 bail each. They have their preliminary hearing tomorrow.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR MAN IN JAIL

Additional charges for an already incarcerated Jersey Shore man. As reported by Sun Gazette, Dartagnan Zuback allegedly assaulted another inmate in August and then spit at a corrections officer November, bringing additional criminal charges. According to the police affidavit Zuback responded by saying, “What’s a few more charges?” He faces felony aggravated harassment by a prisoner and simple assault and recommitted in lieu of additional $75,000 bail.

DISTURBANCE IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

It was Friday morning just after 9 am when the Old Lycoming Township Police were dispatched to McDonalds, 1940 Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township. Police were advised that a disorderly male had entered the restaurant and, after causing a disturbance and threatening employees and customers, refused to leave when asked by employees. Azeem Burton did flee when police were summoned and was located with the assistance of McDonalds staff and customers. Burton was taken into custody in the nearby parking lot of Weis Markets. He was arrested on charges of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, trespass and harassment, arraigned by District Judge Frey, denied bail and remanded to Lycoming County Prison.

SUIT GOING TO COURT

A sexual harassment suit involving an 8-year-old boy in a local school district is moving to federal court. As reported by an online media outlet, US Middle District Judge Matthew Brann denied a previous motion for a summary judgement. Parents claim the Shikellamy school district’s failure to act on a complaint led to an even more severe incident. They seek unspecified damages.

CONVICTION IN 2019 KILLING IN MONTOUR COUNTY

A St. Louis man was convicted in the 2019 killing of Derrick Potts in a Montour County motel. As reported by the Daily Item, David Downing has been sentenced 45 months to 12 years in state prison. He has received credit for 875 days he has been incarcerated.  Miquel Brown, Downing’s then girlfriend also faces multiple charges for her role in the December 2019 killing.

LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT CHARGE

A Watsontown man struck a pedestrian with his vehicle and left the scene. As reported by the Daily Item, 75-year-old Larry Larue Watkins, allegedly struck Theresa Wetzel on December 16^th around 10 am, as she walked South on Matthew Street in Watsontown. Watkins’ passenger side mirror allegedly impacted with Wetzel’s left arm. Watkins faces multiple charges and has a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Michael Diehl on March 23^rd.

THE FILING OF AN AMICUS WITH THE STATE

The redistricting battle has gained yet another participant. The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is contesting the U.S. Congressional reappointment map. According to Bob Garret, CEO and President of the chamber, along with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce have filed an amicus brief with the state supreme court. As reported by an online media outlet, the brief allows the chambers to have input on the court discussions.

PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTER OF A PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing dealing with the nearly 100-year-old Stevens Primary School was last week with the Williamsport Area School District officials. Including in the hearing was an architect and concerned residents in an attempt to decide to repair or sell. The public will have the opportunity to provide the district comments and opinions for the next three months on the district’s website or by attending meetings. As reported by the Sun Gazette, construction of a new school on the site or renovation of the structure carries a price tag of roughly the same amount, $23 million.

COUNTRY CUBPORD DINING HALL CLOSES ITS DOORS

Saturday was the final dining day for the Country Cupboard.  As reported by an online media outlet, the Union County restaurant says they have had an overwhelming response in the dining room, but they have a lack of staff and must close. The Country Cupboard will be closed with only the gift shops and the bakery open from Wednesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.  The Country Cupboard announced its permanent closing, through a press conference, late last month, after 49 years in business.

VOTE AGAINST AN INSPECTION

It was a no go on Thursday night for awarding upwards of $10,000 in professional architecture/engineering services to evaluate City Hall.  As reported by Sun Gazette, the Williamsport City Council City Engineer Jon Sander, reported he presented the request for the inspection of the condemned building.  However, the vote was unanimous against the inspection.  The reasons included such things as the final costs to make the building functional for government workers and visitors.

IMPORTANT MEETING TONIGHT FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL

A public hearing discussing the transit authority its creation, use and how it affects the public will be held tonight at the Williamsport City Council Meeting. The meeting will be tonight at the Trade and Transit Center 2 at 7pm. The public is welcome to attend and to voice concerns and opinions.

BURNING ORDINANCE FOR SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

An amendment based on a dimensional setback allowance with a fine increase to $300 per offense was approved by the South Williamsport Borough Council for their outdoor burning ordinance. As reported by SUN Gazette, the setback is written to be 15 feet requirement for a fire pit or fireplace away from the homeowner’s structure or the adjoining property. According to South Williamsport Borough Manager and Public Safety Director Steven W. Cappelli, this amendment is to help improve the safety of the residents while burning outdoors and to prevent fires.  Enforcement of the ordinance will be done by borough codes, South Williamsport Fire Department and/or South Williamsport Police Department.

COVID UPDATES FOR LOCAL AREAS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 31 new cases. Centre County added 35; Tioga County added 16 and Lycoming County listed 29. In The Valley, there are 38 in Northumberland County; 10 new cases in Snyder County; 18 new cases in Union County and 11 new cases in Montour.

MS-13 TRANSFER TO USP LEWISBURG

The U.S. Penitentiary at Lewisburg is bracing for some new guests. Many of the members of the violent MS-13 gang are held across the country are being transferred to Lewisburg, Pa. As reported by the Daily Item, staffs at USP Lewisburg were advised Monday that current inmates would need to be moved in order to make room for an undisclosed number of gang members who are being transferred in. According to Fred Keller, the chairman of the House Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, his office is investigating the reports and remains in communications with officials from the Bureau of Prisons and the Council of Prison Locals.

WOLF RENEWS HIGHER-ED SCHOLARSHIP IDEA, AMID WORKER SHORTAGE

Gov. Tom Wolf says it’s time for lawmakers to get on board with his proposed college scholarship program, saying it’s urgently needed because of difficulties finding workers across industries. In an interview Wednesday, Wolf said the program makes sense because Pennsylvania’s state government is currently in a strong financial position, and because of a growing demand for workers, including college graduates. But, by just about every measure there is, Pennsylvania is still ranked at the bottom among states in the level of state aid for higher education, size of student debt and affordability of its colleges.

WOLF ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES INCREASE PROTECTION FROM WILDFIRES IN RURAL AREAS

​ The Wolf Administration today announced that the application window is now open for grants to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities increase protection from wildfires. Acting State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook pointed to volunteer fire companies’ service to communities close to home, noting that many volunteer firefighters often join DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry crews battling wildfires across the U.S. Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s grant website by 4:00 P.M., Thursday, May 12, 2022. To expedite applications and decision-making processes, DCNR is accepting only online applications. Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.

ARREST OF WATSONTOWN MAN ON FELONY CHARGES

On Tuesday at approximately 1750 hours, Officers from the Watsontown Police Department, Milton Police Department and Troopers from the Milton State Police Barracks, arrived at a Delaware Drive address in Delaware Twp. in an attempt to take Logan Mathias, of Watsontown, into custody on felony forgery charges. Mathias fled, but was taken into custody by troopers. Mathias was arraigned by District Judge Michael I Diehl and incarcerated at the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

PENNDOT, STATE POLICE HIGHLIGHT LAW AWARENESS WEEK, URGE SAFE DRIVING

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) came together with Penn State Health at their Life Lion Hangar to highlight driver safety laws and urge motorists to put safety first. According to early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), national traffic fatalities in the first nine months of 2021 rose approximately 12 percent over 2020. In Pennsylvania, 2021 preliminary data shows deaths on our roadways increased by as much as 10 percent, including increases in fatalities in speeding crashes, distracted driving crashes, crashes involving a 16- or 17-year-old driver, as well as unrestrained fatalities. While fatalities in crashes involving impaired driving have remained relatively flat in recent years, data shows fatalities in crashes involving drinking drivers have been declining, while fatalities in crashes involving drugged drivers have been increasing.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING 1980 BABY DOE COLD CASE, SEEKING TIPS

​ The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today that it continues to investigate a 1980 cold case involving the homicide of Baby Boy John Doe in Larksville Borough, Luzerne County. In addition to a partnership with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and Othram Inc. to modernize the investigative response, PSP encourages the public to submit tips to Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

11 WAHS STUDENTS EARN TOP 3 PLACEMENTS IN REGIONAL SKILLSUSA COMPETITON

Twenty Williamsport Area High School students competed in the regional SkillsUSA competition at Pennsylvania College of Technology last week.  Four seniors earned first-place finishes in the following competition categories: Ben Pennings, CNC (Computer Numerical Controls) Milling Specialist; Madison Waugh, Early Childhood Education; Raymond Hartman, Medical Math; and Emily Scaife, T-shirt Design. These four students now move on to the state competition in Hershey in April.  According to the organization’s website, “SkillsUSA is a national student organization that develops employability, participatory and leadership skills to complement the occupational skills developed by students in technical education classrooms or work-based learning sites.  SkillsUSA is an integral part of approved technical education occupation programs.”  WAHS has 15 workforce development courses made available to students through the its Career and Technical Education program.

11 WAHS STUDENTS EARN TOP 3 PLACEMENTS IN REGIONAL SKILLSUSA COMPETITON

Senior Quaseer Saunders won second place in the Job Interview contest.  Three earned third-place wins in the following categories: senior Emily Reeder, First Aid/CPR; senior Domonic Cendoma, Related Technical Math; and seniors Adelia Engel, Madalyn Gross, Matthew Lavallee Harris, and junior Elizabeth Ryder in Health Knowledge Bowl.  According to the organization’s website, “SkillsUSA is a national student organization that develops employability, participatory and leadership skills to complement the occupational skills developed by students in technical education classrooms or work-based learning sites.  SkillsUSA is an integral part of approved technical education occupation programs.”  WAHS has 15 workforce development courses made available to students through the its Career and Technical Education program.

CHECK THE WELFARE TURNS INTO PURSUIT

Sunday State Police (PSP) responded to the area of Canterbury Rd, Loyalsock Township to check on the welfare of a white, non-Hispanic male inside his vehicle. Information had been provided to PSP that the individual had previously been making suicidal comments. Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with the driver who refused to roll down the window or comply with Troopers requests. Troopers attempted to take the driver into custody. Instead, the driver sped off, almost striking several Troopers. At this time, a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended at the Sheetz in Loyalsock Twp. where a collision occurred. Once the driver was removed from the vehicle, he continued to physically resist arrest. The driver was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the hospital for evaluation.

 DOULA SERVICES FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN

First Lady Frances Wolf and the departments of Corrections (DOC) and Human Services (DHS), along with the Tuttleman Foundation and Genesis Birth Services, today announced a new partnership that is bringing doula services to women who are pregnant while incarcerated. The goal of the program is to support mothers through a difficult and vulnerable period and empower them as they prepare to reenter their communities. Funded through the Tuttleman Foundation, the doula pilot at SCI Muncy is a first step in expanding pregnancy and parenting supports for women incarcerated in DOC facilities.

CARES ACT CLINTON COUNTY

Governor Tom Wolf announced nearly $14.2 million in Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding to support communities and their residents on a path to success. The following projects were included in the most recent block of CDBG-CV funding approvals: $510,962 to Clinton County to improve emergency services radio communication between their 911 center in the Borough of Flemington and the western portion of the county. The existing system has many coverage gaps (dead zones) where responders in western Clinton County cannot communicate with the 911 center, receiving hospitals, or with one another.

CARES ACT LYCOMING COUNTY

Governor Tom Wolf announced nearly $14.2 million in Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding to support communities and their residents on a path to success. The following projects were included in the most recent block of CDBG-CV funding approvals: $1,040,000 to the Covation Center Inc. through the Partnership for Regional Economic Performance (Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties) to provide grants of up to $85,000 to small businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania.

DRIVER LICENSE CENTERS CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, February 19, through Monday, February 21, in observance of Presidents Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

NEW JUDGE SWORN INTO PA COMMONWEALTH COURT

During a ceremonial session today, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court welcomed its newest judge as Stacy Wallace was sworn-in by the Honorable P. Kevin Brobson, Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Wallace of McKean County won election to the Court in Nov. 2021 and will serve a 10-year term. The Commonwealth Court was established in 1968 and is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. The Court has subject matter jurisdiction over state and local government matters. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against Commonwealth officials and Commonwealth agencies. Appellate cases are generally heard by panels of three judges in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, although, on occasion, the Court sits in other locations.

AMBULANCE ALLIANCE

Hepburn Township, Trout Run and Ralston volunteer fire companies officially formed an alliance to bring regionalized paid ambulance service to cover ambulance service for Hepburn, Lycoming, Lewis and McIntyre townships. As reported by Sun Gazette, the initial crews will consist of two paid emts to run the ambulance calls from 6 am to 6 pm with a future goal of 24 hour paid emergency service.  A public signing of the alliance is set for 6:30 p.m tonight at the Trout Run Vol. Fire Co. social hall, Trout Run.

CRASH UNDER INVESTIGATION IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport Bureau of police are investing a vehicle accident in where a Ford Fusion plowed into a parked car on Memorial Avenue, just west of Stevens Street about 9 p.m. last night. As reported by SUN Gazette, all three occupants fled on foot and were picked up a few blocks from the scene. The driver, who was suspected of driving under the influence,  was taken to UPMC to be treated for injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

 COVID CASES IN UPPER COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported seven new cases. Centre County added 23 and Lycoming County listed 35. Tioga County added 5.

WILLIAMSPORT SET TO FINISH PAVING

Williamsport City streets will receive the finish they need through the spring and summer.  As reported by SUN Gazette, milling will be completed for those streets with temporary patchwork and even those that are bumpy throughout.  Following the milling, according to city officials, the streets will receive a paving of a top coat of asphalt.  Councilwoman Vice President Bonnie Katz, committee chair, recently noted a majority of the streets to be done in 2022 were going to be half-width pavings and, Katz continued, the half-width will not endue and last as long as a paving the full cartway. Big Rock Paving is the city contractor for this year.

COVID LATEST CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 18 new cases. Centre County added 49 cases and Lycoming County listed 67. There were seven cases in Montour County, 50 in Northumberland, 23 in Snyder and 20 in Union.

GRANTS OFFERED

PAsmart Advancing grants of up to $500,000 each support cross-sector partnerships that provide quality STEM and CS experiences to learners of all ages – early childhood, PreK-12, postsecondary, and adult learners – as part of high-level strategic approaches to workforce readiness. The grants enable regions to expand STEM ecosystems; grow partnerships between Local Education Agencies, postsecondary institutions, and businesses; expand CS/STEM opportunities to historically underserved populations; and expand the pool of CS/STEM educators at all levels of education. Advancing grant applications must be submitted to PDE by Monday, March 21, 2022. Grant applications and additional information is available on the PDE website.

BUCKNELL ANNOUNCED SPECIAL ADVISOR

Not everyone is thrilled to see the former retired chief of public safety at Bucknell University in a new role with the university. As reported by northcentralpa.com, Steve Barilar, is now the special advisor to the general counsel. Barilar fell under the watchful eye of the state attorney general following a complaint from a former public safety officer, Colby Snook, highlighting Barilar’s alleged mismanaged response during a sexual harassment case on Bucknell’s campus. Snook had claimed Barilar and the university violated the Pennsylvania whistleblower law. Snook claimed he left due to a hostile work environment following his allegations against the then chief of public safety. In an error, discovered by Northcentralpa.com, Barilar was listed as Casual Public Safety. However, as further reported by the online media outlet, “The title listed on the website was in error,” said Mike Ferlazzo, Director of Media Relations at Bucknell. Ferlazzo said there was a short-term extension of Barilar’s retirement so that he could conclude work on a student discipline case, unrelated to the situation outlined in the lawsuit. Barilar had been accused of misconduct  in 2000, when he worked for Pennsylvania State. Barilar had an of obstruction of administration of justice and intimidation of a witness were filed against him. This case dealt with Barilar’s wife, who was stopped and cited by state police for speeding. Following a conversation and alleged pressure, the speeding ticket was thrown out in court.

ACTED REASONABLY

In a statement released by the Clinton County District Attorney regarding the Oct. 5, 2021 shooting of a man by State Police officers in Greene Township.   As reported by northcentralpa.com, the incident took place near a rest stop and mile marker 194 on interstate 80..  DA David Strouse said troopers from PSP Lamar, Montoursville, and Milton were justified in their use of force that left Nurgazy Mamyrov, 27, of Langhorne deceased. “At the time the officers discharged their weapons, they reasonably believed that both they and their fellow officers were in a life-or-death situation that posed both the threat of serious bodily injury and death,” wrote Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse. Mamyrov was accused of attempted robbery while being armed with a firearm.  “Based upon my review of the facts and circumstances surrounding Mamyrov’s death, the law enforcement personnel involved in this incident acted reasonably under the circumstances and bear no criminal liability for their actions,” Strouse wrote.

WOLF ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE, UNVEILS EQUITY PRINCIPLES FOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

​Officials from the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) today highlighted benefits to Pennsylvania from the passage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), specifically for electric vehicle (EV) and alternative fuel infrastructure. PennDOT also unveiled its EV Equity Guiding Principles for private industry and other agencies to consider as they plan and deploy EV charging infrastructure. The principles aim to increase accessibility to the infrastructure and maximize benefits for all Pennsylvanians. Signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, the BIL provides states with $7.5 billion to expand the EV charging network. Over five years, Pennsylvania will have access to $171.5 million in formula funds for EV charging infrastructure and $2.5 billion in discretionary grant funding opportunities for all alternative fueling infrastructure. The funding supports the commonwealth goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (list) and Interstate lookalikes. Federal AFC criteria was updated this week to require AFC designated ready corridors to have charging stations no more than 1 mile from an Interstate exit or highway intersection (previously 5 miles) and no more than 50 miles apart. The department will review all corridors to align ready and pending corridors with the new criteria.

TIOGA COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO 51 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MARIJUANA GROW OPERATION

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2022, James Burrous, age 47, of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to 51 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a marijuana grow operation. According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Burrous possessed more than 100 marijuana plants that he intended to distribute.  When a search warrant was executed on Burrous’s home in February of 2017, other controlled substances such as Dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”) and lysergic acid diethylamide (“LSD”) were also recovered. Co-defendant, Zack Boyer, age 37, of Tioga County, was previously sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for his role in conspiring with Burrous to manufacture and distribute controlled substances. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY FROM BLOOMSBURG MAN

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alexander Stroup, age 33, of Bloomburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 11, 2022, by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted production of child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and transmitting obscene material to a minor. According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from or about October 23, 2021 through October 23, 2021, Stroup attempted to persuade, induce, and entice, a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct using a facility of interstate commerce.  The indictment also alleges that Stroup did transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to another individual who had not attained the age of 16 years.The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

CAUGHT WITH SHANK IN PRISON

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rigoberto Garay-Lopez, age 34, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Allenwood (FCI Allenwood), was indicted on February 10, 2022, by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison.  According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on January 22, 2022, Garay-Lopez was found in possession of a piece of sharpened metal with a plastic handle, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that is intended to be used as a weapon. The charge stems from an investigation by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin are prosecuting the case. If convicted, the maximum term of imprisonment is five years and a $250,000 fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

COVID CASES LISTED

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported new cases of COVID-19.  County reported 26 new cases. Centre County added 93 cases and Lycoming County listed 56 new cases.There were 31 in Northumberland County, 19 in Union, six in Snyder and two in Montour County.

THREE PEOPLE IN CUSTODY

Sunbury police have successfully rounded up three people following the intensive investigation of the Feb 6 stabbing on North Third Street. As reported by the Daily item, Jordan Seelye of Northumberland was taken into custody yesterday morning and charged with attempted homicide. Blake Dunbar and Paul Byers, both of Sunbury were jailed in relation to the incident.  Seelye was arraigned Saturday and sent to Northumberland county jail with no bail. (print daily item)

FIRE DESTROYS HOME ALL ESCAPE SAFELY

Fire forced the evacuation of an Amish family from their frame home off Eisenhower Crossroad in Lamar Township early yesterday morning. The home was already well engulfed in flames when firemen arrived before 5 a.m. Saturday, according to Lamar Township Fire Chief Shane Steinbacher. The two story frame dwelling was a total loss. Steinbacher said it’s believed the fire was caused by a heating device inside a garage attached to the building. According to therecordonline, the home was occupied by the Henry Kauffman family consisting of Kauffman, his wife and four young children; who all escaped safely.