WOMAN WHO STOLE IDLING CAR WITH TODDLER INSIDE ON THE RUN

Police are still looking for the 27 year old woman who triggered a statewide Amber Alert Sunday when she stole a car with a toddler in the back seat from a convenience store in York County.  According to Penn Live, surveillance footage shows Maria McKenzie driving away in a 2005 Suzuki SUV that was left idling outside the store by the child’s mother, Tiffany Campbell.  McKenzie was pulled over in Philadelphia about 2 and a half hours later on Sunday night with the unharmed child still in the car, but she eluded the police at the traffic stop and police are still searching for her.  She faces charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, theft and other felonies.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN WANTED IN NEW YORK ARRESTED

A man from Williamsport who is wanted on felony criminal contempt charges in Central Islip New York, was taken into custody by Williamsport’s police fugitive task force May 23^rd near Federal Avenue.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31 year old Gerald B. Batton is wanted for felony criminal contempt by the  Suffolk First District Court in New York and had his preliminary hearing last Tuesday in Williamsport.  Magisterial District Judge Christian Frey denied bail for Batton.

PARKING BAN ORDINANCE IN DUBOISTOWN

Following safety concerns in about parking, the Duboistown Borough Council has passed a parking ban ordinance that will go into effect on July 2^nd.  According to the Sun Gazette, the group voted at their last monthly meeting to keep cars from parking on the both sides of the lower end of Edgewood Avenue.  There is a danger there when cars pull onto the street from Euclid Avenue.  In other business in Duboistown, the rental inspection ordinance that was approved by council last week will have a public hearing Thursday June 16^th to consider it.  Residents will be able to provide their input.

LITTLE LEAGUE CONGRESS RETURNS TO WILLIAMSPORT

The Little League International Congress will be held in Williamsport this week, the first time the gathering has been held here since 1989.  According to a press release by little league international, the congress will welcome over a thousand volunteers to our city this weekend, including 450 delegates who will represent their leagues in policy and rule changes to be discussed during the event that will run from June 10^th thru 13^th.  The last day of the Congress kicks off the Little League International Tournament season and the 75^th Little League Baseball World Series. 

DRUGS FOUND STASHED IN A CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE

A Snyder County homeowner discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia left behind inside a children’s playhouse at their home in Carter Township.  According to north Central PA dot com, police were called to the residence and after an investigation, uncovered that a Mount Carmel man was the owner of the drugs that he had allegedly stashed outside the home.  Twenty-eight year old Lucas Klingerman was charged with misdemeanors of possession as well as a summary of scattering rubbish.

MILLMONT MAN LIFEFLIGHTED FROM MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A man from Millmont crashed his motorcycle in Union County Friday and is listed in critical condition today at Geisinger.  According to media outlets, 32 year old Brandon Mottern hit a tree when he was traveling west on Weikert Road in  Hartley Township.  State Troopers say the accident happened around 5:45pm when Mottern drove off the road and struck a tree.  He was transported to the hospital by Life Flight who were assisted by the West End Fire Company and EMS along with state police who were at the scene.

WATER AUTHORITY RAISES WAGES

Inflationary wage increases were approved for Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority employees at the latest Authority Board meeting. According to the Sun Gazette, the board approved a two dollar an hour increase for each of the 22 full time employees on the staff.  The Authority’s Executive Director, Christine Weigle said the move was unprecedented, but imperative to retain employees who have the technical, industry knowledge to fulfill the water authority’s mission.  The board’s next meeting is July 6^th in Montoursville.

FLAGS FOR HEROES IN SUNBURY FOR THE 4^TH

The Sunbury Rotary Club is inviting the public to support your favorite local hero by flying a flag in their honor over the 4^th of July Holiday.  According to the Rotary club in Sunbury, the 3^rd annual local event takes place in the Merle Phillips Park on Front Street in Sunbury again.  The cost is 50 dollars per flag and the deadline to sponsor is June 12^th.  Sponsors receive a keepsake medallion with the name of their hero on it after the event.

SPORTS

PIAA State Playoffs Varsity Baseball Round 1
Class A      Halifax 3                      Benton 0
Class 2A    South Wmsport 13      Holy Cross 1
Class 3A    Central Columbia 5     Scranton prep 4
Class 4A    Montoursville 5           Wyoming Area 2
Class 5A    Selinsgrove 1               Susquehanna 0
                  Bethel Park 4               Central Mountain 3

PIAA State Playoffs Varsity Softball Round 1
Class 1A    Montgomery 1             Tri Valley 0
Class 2A    South Williamsport 8 Elk Lake 7
                  Johnsonburg 3             Muncy 1
Class 3A    Lewisburg 14               Palisades 0
                   Bald Eagle Area 4        Southmoreland 1
Class 4A    Tunkhanock 2              Shamokin 1
Class 5A    Central Mountain 1     North Hills 0
Class 6A    Williamsport 7             Haverford 1

NHL Stanley Cup playoffs
Avalanche 6        Oilers 5 – West Final Game 4,  Colorado wins the series 4-0
NHL Tonight
Rangers are in Tampa to play Lightning @8 PM on ESPN and ESPN+ in the East Final Game 4, Rangers leading 2-1
NBA this week
Golden State is in Boston tomorrow @9 PM on ABC for the NBA Finals Game 3, series tied up 1-1
MLB
Reds 7                 Diamondbacks 0
Mariners 7          Astros 4
Blue Jays 8         Royals 0
Red Sox 1           Angels 0
Mets 11               Padres 5
Rangers and Guardians were postponed due to rain – they’ll make that up today in Cleveland.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF MINORS

 A Williamsport man has been incarcerated after investigators learned that over a two year period, he was paying juveniles after he sexually assaulted them.  According to the Sun Gazette, 35 year old Devin Mims of Dove Street also promoted the prostitution of minors and threatened several juveniles with guns if he was unhappy with the circumstances.  Court recordfs that were previously sealed have become public revealing that Mims faces more than 250 criminal charges including 25 counts of statutory sexual assault as well as trafficking in individuals charges.  A district judge remanded him to the Lycoming County Prison without bail.

LANE RESTRICTIONS ON 654 THIS WEEK

There will be lane restrictions beginning this morning on Route 654 in Limestone, Bastress and Susquehanna Townships in Lycoming County today.  According to PennDOT, maintenance crews will be out this morning until 5pm today and again tomorrow 6a-5p for sealcoating on 654 between the intersection with Route 44 and the Duboistown Borough Line with flaggers taking traffic down to a single lane.   District 3 officials say seal coating has proven to be a cost-effective means to preserve our roadway network and also enhances the skid resistance of the roadway.

CITY SEEKS PUMP STATION DESIGN UPGRADE BIDS

Williamsport levee pump stations at Spring Run, Mill Race and Arch Street were reviewed recently by engineering companies potentially interested in putting in a proposal for designs of the upcoming repairs that will be needed.  According to the Sun Gazette, city engineer Jon Sander said nine pump stations in all need upgrades after they were installed in the 1960s and 70s.  The levee repairs are a priority eligible project using American Rescue Plan Act funds with expenditures expected to reach about 2.1 million dollars.  Bid specifications are to be coordinated with the US Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District with the job specs listed now on PennBid, and remaining for two months.

FIRE COMPANY REQUESTS GRANT FOR RENOVATIONS

The Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company has received a letter of support from the board of township supervisors to accompany a million dollar grant for upgrades and renovations for the Dewey Avenue building they currently use.  According to the Sun Gazette, if the company obtains the grant, they will modify the stations current 32 year-old building to accommodate growth that would help recruit and retain future volunteers. It could include renovating close to 1500 square feet of space within the existing facility, to include dormitory housing and bath facilities for volunteers, paid staff and college live-ins.

WOMAN CHARGED IN BABY WIPE CHOKING DEATH

A woman from Everett, PA has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and other charges after doctors determined a three year old in her care Saturday died after choking on baby wipes.  According to WTAE Pittsburgh, 31 year old Chelsea Cooley called 911 to report the choking and 3 year old Travis W. Young was airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital where doctors say he died Sunday.  An autopsy determined the death of the boy to be strangulation. They did not list the relationship between Cooley and the boy.  A preliminary hearing for Cooley is June 8 @9 in Bedford County Central Court.

CENTRE COUNTY MAN FLEES FROM SHOOTING SCENE

A man who fled from police after a shooting in Centre County yesterday is in custody.  According to North Central Pa Dot com, a shooting occurred at a home between two males on Capstone Lane in Worth Township and State Troopers at Rockview were called to the scene.  The shooting suspect fled the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Police eventually tracked down the shooter and arrested him without incident. 

CITY COUNCIL WANTS BUDGET INFO EARLIER

The Mayor of Williamsport has responded to city council’s request to begin addressing the 2023 budget this summer so that the Williamsport City Council Finance Committee can include relevant budget talks with city departments as they roll toward the end of the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter told the council in a statement that the request to have information early is reasonable, but he’s waiting for information from state and city auditors who have not yet completed their audits.  Councilwoman Liz Miele has asked the administration for a report on the city’s debt and other information that can benefit the council as they prepare for budget talks.

BOALSBURG COUPLE PROVIDES PENN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Pennsylvania College of Technology has established the Thomas C. and Rhonda R. Miller Scholarship for Penn College students enrolled in automated manufacturing or welding and metal fabrication programs.  According to a press release, the couple from Boalsburg gifted the endowed scholarship out of a strong belief in the impact the program at Penn College has on the economy in the commonwealth.  The scholarship gives first preference to full time students from Northcentral Pennsylvania, and is renewable as long as a student maintains a 2.5 GPA or higher.

BLOOMSBURG FAIR RACEWAY CANCELS TONIGHT DUE TO POTENTIAL BAD WEATHER

Severe weather has caused the cancellation of the evening of racing tonight at the Bloomsburg Fair Raceway that was to feature the Rapid Tire USA East Coast Sprints, ARDC Midgets and FWD 4-Cylinder Stocks. According to a press release, they’ll race again June 7th with modifieds in a North/South combo race with the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series. Get details at racing.bloomsburgfair.com or on Facebook under “Bloomsburg Fair Raceway”.

SPORTS

District 2-4 Class 6A Softball Final from Tuesday
Williamsport beat Hazleton 8- 2 – The Millionaires win their first Sub-regional Title since 2012

NCAA Football
The dates and themes for Penn State football’s 2022 seven-game home schedule were released yesterday.  One favorite, the annual White Out game will be a prime-time showdown with Big Ten West rival Minnesota, on Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm– the same day as State College’s Homecoming weekend.

NHL
Rangers 6 Lightning 2-  East Final Game 1
NHL Tonight
Oilers and Avalanche @8 PM on TNT – West Final Game 2 – Colorado up 1 in the series.

NBA Tonight
Boston is at Golden State for the NBA Finals Game 1 @9 PM on ABC

MLB
Guardians 4 Royals 0
Mets 5 Nationals 0
Braves 6 Diamondbacks 0
Phillies 6 Giants 5
Rockies 13 Marlins 12 in 10
Orioles 9 Mariners 2
Red Socks 7 Reds 1
Pirates 8  Dodgers 4
Angels and Yankees were postponed due to weather

MAN ASSAULTS PREGNANT WOMAN

A Mount Carmel area man is facing charges after he allegedly strangled and bit a pregnant woman inside a vehicle.  According to media outlets, witnesses say, 21 year old Julio Omar Rivera-Lopez, reached across the driver’s seat of his vehicle and grabbed the pregnant woman’s throat while the vehicle was parked in Coal township. Officers said they observed marks on the accuser’s neck and teeth marks on her leg, allegedly from Rivera-Lopez also biting her. He has been charged with second degree felony strangulation, second degree misdemeanor simple assault and harassment, and is in jail in lieu of $1,000 monetary bail. His preliminary hearing is June 7th.

75 YEAR SEXUAL ASSAULT SENTENCE

A Montgomery man was sentenced to a minimum of 75 years after being found guilty of multiple felonies in a November 2019 sexual assault. According to North Central PA dot com, 43 year old Collin Scott Reid was sentenced this week at the Lycoming County Courthouse. Reid was found guilty of multiple felonies that included aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, forcible compulsion, and statutory sexual assault, along with other misdemeanors.

LYCOMING COUNTY RESIDENTS TO PLEAD GUILTY FOR CAPITOL BREACH

Two Lycoming County residents that allegedly participated in the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol building are expected to enter guilty pleas next month. According to online reports,  Mark R. Aungst, of South Williamsport and Tammy A. Bronsburg, of Williamsport, will have a phone conference on June 27 with District of Columbia federal Judge Reggie B. Walton, according to court records. Attorneys for the pair, entered their intent to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charges May 23. At least 846 individuals have been charged for breaching the Capitol.  Brian Gunderson from Centre County also had been charged for his alleged involvement.

NEW TREASURER FOR WILLIAMSPORT

There is a new treasurer for the City of Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kevin Mackey – no relation to Councilman Jon Mackey – received the appointment and was approved by council on Thursday night. Mackey replaces outgoing treasurer Nicholas Grimes, who submitted his letter of resignation on April 15, and has since accepted a job offer at Keystone Central School District. Grimes had served as treasurer since 2015.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DISTURBANCE

A Williamsport woman caused a disturbance at a Grampian Blvd apartment complex last Thursday night and was arrested by city police. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 30 year old Brandy Jean Little who lives on Almond Street was yelling expletives at an ex-boyfriend driving around the parking lot in his vehicle following a domestic altercation.  She refused to leave the area and tampered with her restraints in the cruiser when State Troopers responded to the call and detained her.  Little was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness

SERIOUS INJURIES FOR MILTON MAN IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A Milton man sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash Sunday morning in Northumberland County.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 65 year old Christopher Smith lost control of his bike when traveling north on Susquehanna Trail south of the intersection with Rovendale Drive.  Smith tilted left making contact with the asphalt which threw him.  He was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and was in the ICU Monday according to hospital officials.  

ROADWORK IN SHAMOKIN DAM

Penn DOT says there will be roadwork for the remainder of this week in Shamokin Dam.  According to a press release, there will be lane restrictions for about a mile and a half on Route 11/15 near Monroe Marketplace.  The lanes will have crews between the hours of 9 and 5 today through Friday between Runyan Road and Stetler Avenue. 

GOLD STAR MONUMENT DEDICATED IN WILLIAMSPORT

The Gold Star Family Monument was dedicated Saturday at the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial park Saturday at the annual Memorial Day weekend event.  According to the Sun Gazette, the monument is now a permanent fixture in the park on Wahoo Drive that is included as a memorial to all fallen military men and women in all branches.  A special tribute was mentioned for Bart and Constance Howard, the Gold Star parents of  Lance Cpl. Abram Howard, of Williamsport, who was killed in action in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan.  Veterans Memorial Park commission chairman and Korean war veteran, Howard Wilt said more monuments for  the park are being planned; including recognition for those earning a Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and Congressional Medal of Honor.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Class AAAA Championship
          Montoursville 15         Danville 0
Today Varsity Baseball Championships
Class AA
             Muncy and South Williamsport -Bowman field @3pm
Class AAA
            Central Columbia and Hughesville – Bowman Field @5pm

PIAA Varsity Softball Championships
Class AA Championship
          Williamsport 3             Muncy 2

Today Varsity Softball Championships
Class AAA
Central Columbia and Lewisburg 3 PM at Elm Park
Class AAAA
Jersey shore and Shamokin – Elm Park @4:30  
Class A
Cowanesque Valley and Montgomery – Elm Park @4:30pm

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Rangers 6            Hurricanes 2 – Rangers win the series 4-3
NHL Tonight
Oilers and Avalanche – Denver at 8 PM on TNT Game 1 of the West Finals  

NBA Sunday
Celtics 100  Heat 96  – advancing Boston to their first NBA finals since 2010
NBA Finals Game 1 – Thursday, June 2 at 9 PM on ABC between the Celtics and the Golden State Warriors  

MLB
Giants 5               Phillies 4/10 innings
Guardians 7        Royals 3
Orioles 10           Red Sox 0
Mets 13               Nationals 5
Pirate 6                Dodgers 5

NASCAR from Sunday
Denny Hamlin held off Kyle Busch in overtime to get the checkered flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca-Cola 600 Sunday followed by Kevin Harvick in 3^rd,  Chase Briscoe 4^th, and 5^th Christopher Bell

MAN JAILED FOR SHAKING INFANT

An infant remains hospitalized in an undetermined condition after a Cogan Station man allegedly shook the 5-month old which caused traumatic brain injury.  According to North Central Pa dot com, police say on April 30^th,  31 year old Owen W. Moore was in the care of the baby and a 3 year old at a home in Gregg Township, when he called 911 to report the baby was unresponsive.  First responders attempted resuscitation and then transported the infant to Evangelical, but she was then transferred to Geisinger, where pediatricians determined she suffered from physical trauma and fractures on her foot and leg, which are consistent with abuse.  Moore has been charged with felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children, and went to the Union County Jail this week in lieu of 25 thousand dollars monetary bail.

LITTLE LEAGUE REACHES OUT TO EXTENDED FAMILY IN TEXAS

The people of Little League International made an effort this week to comfort its extended baseball community in Uvalde, Texas, who’s loss of 19 elementary school children in a school shooting included several little league players.  According to the Sun Gazette, Little league officials connected Texas families with counseling and assistance for children experiencing trauma using resources through  a licensed psychologist from Georgia on the board of Little League International.  Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger alsp told the paper that he spoke with the president of Little League in Uvalde, Jesus Suarez, Jr.,  to express sympathy and support for the families there.  The Chairman of Little League International’s Board of directors is from Texas.

NOMINATION FOR JERSEY SHORE TEACHER

A ninth grade English teacher at Jersey Shore Area School District has been nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the year for 2023.  According to a press release, Mrs Brooke Menzen has taught for only ten years , but she is a caring, effective teacher and she says she is grateful for all the people who has supported her since she began teaching.  The Pennsylvania Teacher of the year is awarded in May of each year.  Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the year for 2022 is Elizabeth Raff, a teacher at Penn Manor School District in Lancaster County.

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY

There will be plenty of Susquehanna Valley Memorial Day observances this weekend, including the annual Lycoming County Veteran’s Memorial Service at Veteran’s Memorial Park.  According to the Sun Gazette, the memorial at West 4^th and Wahoo Drive will begins at 11am Saturday and features guest speaker retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Earl Hailston.  Earlier this week, a dedicated group of current and retired city volunteer firefighters adorned the 380 gravestones at the park with American flags.  There will be performances of patriotic music, taps and a rifle salute Saturday, along with the dedication of the New Gold Star Family Monument. 

JERSEY SHORE SCHOOL RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA GUN THREAT

A second incident involving a gun threat occurred at the Milton Area School District this week.  According to media outlets,  Wednesday reverse evacuation protocols were begun just before 1pm, after officials from the district got word of a social media post involving a gun was circulating among the students, and activities that were happening outside were brought indoors.  Milton Police conducted an investigation and say they interview the student responsible for the post.  On May 16^th another student brought a handgun and ammunition to school which prompted an investigation by local police.  Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan says even though there is no threat at this time, a police presence will remain on all the district campuses.

MURDER SUSPECT’S TRIAL MOVED

Due to security concerns the man accused of murdering a man inside a Sunbury convenience store last week will have his preliminary hearing at the Northumberland county Court house instead of the District Judge’s Courtroom.  According to the Daily Item, Ajani Uhuru will face Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey June 7th, in Courtroom 1 at 1:30pm.  Uhuru was apprehended in the Philadelphia area earlier this week after he fled the scene of the murder. Uhuru’s father is also facing charges after he interferrred with the investigation by allegedly attempting to secure the vehicle that was used as a getaway car in the shooting.  Both men are in Northumberland County Jail.

LOCAL WEALTH MANAGER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY

It’s the 13^th  year that Barbara B. Hudock, CEO and Founding Partner of Hudock Capital Group has been named as one of the highest-ranked financial advisors in the country, following her being recognized on Forbe’s Top Ten Women Wealth Advisors in Pennsylvania list.  According to North Central PA dot com, Forbes rankings are developed by SHOOK Research and chosen based upon an in-person interview, industry experience, compliance records, revenue produced, and assets under management.  Hudock says their philosophy of strategic, philanthropic community support is a core value of the firm. 

POINT DRIVE IN CLOSING THIS SUMMER

If you purchased a season pass for the Point Drive in this year, you may be eligible for a partial refund because after 70 years, the theater is going to close at the end of July.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Point Drive in, which used to be called the Arrow drive in before 1957, will give refunds for family or couples passes purchased earlier this year. According to social media the theater will remain open on weekends through July with limited weekday hours due to circumstances beyond their control. 

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball Championships

Class A Benton 3                  St. John Neumann 0  — Benton wins the Championship
Today
Class AAA Hughesville and central Columbia today –  Bowman Field @4:30
Tomorrow
Class AA  Muncy and Williamsport – Bowman field @11am
Class AAAA Montoursville and Danville tomorrow at 2 PM at Bowman Field

PIAA Distirct 4 Varsity Softball Championships
Today
Class AA South Williamsport and Muncy the Elm Park @4:30
Class AAAA Jersey Shore and Shamokin – Elm Park @ 4:30  
          Tues. May 31
Class AAA Central Columbia and Lewisburg – Elm Park @4:30
Class AAAA Cowanesque Valley and Montgomery – Elm Park @4:30

NBA
Warriors 120      Mavericks 110 Golden State wins the series 4-1
NBA Tonight
Miami is in Boston @8:30 on ESPN for the east finals Boston up 3-2

NHL
Hurricanes 3       Rangers 1 Carolina leads 3-2
Oilers 5               Flames 4 /OT   Edmonton wins the series 4-1 in the west
NHL Tonight
Blues and Avalanche are in Missouri at 8 PM on TNT Colorado leads 3-2

MLB
In their highest scoring day in 23 years, the Reds routed the Cubs 20 to 5
Yankees 7           Rays 2
Nationals 7         Rockies 3
Tigers 4               Guardians 3
Phillies 4             Braves 1
Brewers 4            Cardinals 3
Red Sox 16         White Sox 7