POLICE CHASE LANDS A CITY WOMAN IN JAIL FOR 6^TH DUI

A Williamsport woman is facing her 6^th DUI charge after she led police in a dangerous pursuit through the city about 4pm Tuesday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 42 year old April Mohn drove her Volkswagen Jetta through several red lights and stop signs starting from the 700 block of Hepburn Street.  Police stopped the chase on Memorial Avenue due to school children being in the area, but an officer located Mohn a few minutes later on Light Street when she drove down a dead end.  They took Mohn into custody after she kicked and swore at officers and told them she was drunk, and they found a half bottle of vodka in the car.  She faces felony fleeing police, assault charges, DUI and other traffic violations.  A judge determined she was unfit for arraignment and was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollar bail.

POLICE LOOKING FOR MEN COMMITTING STRING OF THEFTS

Police say they are looking for two men who are committing thefts across Pennsylvania, including incidents in Blair County and recently in Centre County May 26^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say the men have stolen wallets in several cities and used the cards inside those wallets to make large purchases.  Investigators say the pair were driving a white sedan when they left the Giant Food store in State College last month. If you have any information about the pair, contact the State College Police Department – Or contact Officer Nicholas Graves at 814-234-7150.

WASD KEEPING TAX RATE THE SAME NEXT YEAR

The Williamsport Area School Board has approved a hold in raising district property taxes for 2022-2023, keeping the real estate millage at 17.24 as well as keeping the earned income tax at 1.5% and transfer tax at .5%.  Other breaks for some homeowners could be an opportunity to benefit from the Homestead Property Inclusion Act if they qualify, and all families benefit from the board approving the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility meal program; which allows students to have free breakfast and lunch regardless of family income.

PA HITS HIGH MARK FOR GAS

The average price for a gallon of gasoline has gone over $5 a gallon in Pennsylvania.  According to AAA, the average now is the highest ever recorded for unleaded at $5.04.  In Lycoming County the average price for gas just over $5.02.  Warren County has the lowest average price today at just over 4 dollars and 90 cents per gallon. Nationally the average right now is at $4.96.

FATAL CRASH IN ELYSBURG

Traffic was tied up for hours Tuesday after a fatal head-on crash happened along Route 487 near Route 54. According to the Daily Item, witnesses say a man driving a black Jetta eastbound on West Valley Avenue in Elysburg swerved into the westbound lane and struck a man driving a green Toyota Tundra who tried to avoid the impact.  The man in the Jetta was declared deceased by the Clinton County Coroner who arrived on the scene.  The driver of the Toyota was transported to Geisinger Medical Center, but no word on his condition today.  Ralpho Township police will release the names of the victims following a conclusion of the investigation of the crash.

BILL PROHIBITS SPORTS PARTICIPATION FOR TRANSGENDER WOMEN

A Republican sponsored bill that prohibits transgender women from participating in women’s sports passed 30 to 20 in the Pennsylvania Senate this week.  The bill that opponents say will harm vulnerable young people now goes to the House.  Those who support the legislation say the bill levels the playing field for students. A spokesperson for Governor Wolf said he would veto the bill if it got to his desk.  According to Penn Live, a dozen other states have enacted legislation that bans transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.

FIRST BIDS REJECTED IN GRAFIUS RUN DESIGN PROJECT

Williamsport City’s engineer, Jon Sander, has rejected proposals from six engineering design firms after it was shown that the footprint of basins that would keep flood waters from overwhelming Grafius Run would be too big.  The advertisement for bids for the 3.2 million dollar budgeted project will be re-run until July 22^nd.  Engineers will need to propose a design for two flood control basins that would contain peak floods and allow the water from a 50 to 100 year storm to flow out slowly.  Funding is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act for the overall project.

BILL REQUIRES NOTIFICATION FOR EZ-PASS CUSTOMERS

A bill requiring the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to notify E-ZPass holders of     v-toll fees they incur as they use the commonwealth’s highway system has passed.  According to WHTM in Harrisburg, a 10 dollar fee – or a v-toll – is charged when a car goes through the toll plaza without a transponder being detected.  House Bill 2139 passed unanimously in the house 203-0 and now goes to the Senate.  The bill could also increase penalties for those who don’t pay or evade tolls.  In 2021 more than 200 thousand customers were charged the v-toll fee without being aware of it.

REPUBLICAN US SENATE SEAT RECOUNT COMPLETE IN PA

Dr. Mehmet Oz defeated Lycoming County favorite, David McCormick by 951 votes in the US Sentate Republican Primary after the official recount was competed yesterday.  According to PennLive, the final count was Oz with 419 thousand 999 votes to McCormick’s 419 thousand 48 votes.  McCormick conceded the race last Friday evening after his attempt at recounting the votes county by county was not closing the gap between him and Oz.  There was a 21 vote difference between the first count and the recount.  1.3 million votes were cast in the Pennsylvania Primary May 17^th.

SPORTS

PIAA Varsity Baseball State Quarterfinal Playoffs
TODAY
Class 2A South Williamsport vs Everett at Cedar Cliff HS – Camp Hill 4:30 PM
Class 3A Central Columbia vs Lancaster Catholic at Wenger Field -Fredericksburg 6:30pm
TOMORROW
Class 4A Montoursville vs Monsignor Bonner at Cumberland Valley HS – Mechanicsburg 4pm

P I-AA Varsity Softball State Quarterfinal Playoffs
TODAY
Class 1A          Montgomery vs Faith Christian Academy at Central Columbia HS – Bloomsburg 4pm
Class 2A          South Williamsport vs Claysburg Kimmel at Milesburg Little League Complex 3 PM
Class 3A          Bald Eagle Area vs Deer Lakes – Saint Francis University 4:30 PM
                        Lewisburg vs Kutztown  – Pine Grove Area HS 5 PM
Class 5A          Central Mountain vs Armstrong at Saint Francis University 2 PM
Class 6A          Williamsport vs North Penn at Wilkes University at noon

NBA Finals Game 3
Celtics 116          Warriors 100
– Boston leads the series 2-1 … Next NBA match-up Friday night in Boston 9 PM on ABC for Game 4
 
NHL Tonight
Lightning and Rangers play the East final Game 5 @8 PM  on ESPN/ ESPN+ tied up 2-2

MLB
Tigers 3               Pirates 1
Diamondback 7 Reds 0
Marlins 2            Nationals 1
Guardians 4        Rangers 0
Twins 8               Yankees 1
Phillies 10           Brewers 0
Padres 13            Mets 2
Cubs and Orioles were postponed due to rain – make-up game in August

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