BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 19, 2022

SIX MONTHS OF ABUSE

A Williamsport man allegedly abused a woman over a six month period. Anthony Williams, allegedly struck the woman with a closed fist numerous times, according to Williamsport police. Over the past 6 months, this abuse continued as well as threats and not allowing her to leave. According to SUN Gazette, the woman escaped the house the next day when she climbed out a window. District Judge Christian Frey arraigned Williams for multiple charges including false imprisonment and simple assault. He was initially incarcerated on $50,000 bail, but was later released on unsecured bail.

 

DISTRICT JUSTICE RETIREMENT

A local District Justice quietly retired after 10 years in office, District Judge Jon E. Kemp retired on Jan. 2. According to SUN Gazette, President Judge Nancy Butts has appointed District Judge William C. Solomon to serve as administrative judge for the magistrate’s office at 2134 Route 405. Solomon, whose office is on Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township, will ensure that matters are properly handed in the office until a new judge is elected in November 2023 and takes the bench in January 2024, Stahl explained. Retired Senior District Judge Allen P. Page III will serve in the Route 405 office one to two days a week and will handle preliminary hearings until mid-May when Kemp is expected to return to handle such hearings for the remainder of the year, Stahl said.

 

BOOST TO VETERANS PARK

The Veterans Park in Clinton County has received a welcome boost with a $5,000 donation from Northwest Bank in the form of a $5,000. According to Dave Harger from project developer Harger Utility Charities, the project has commitments of $216,167 to this point. He said the goal is $500,000, which will include some level of in-kind services as well as cash. As reported by therecordonline.com, the anticipated start date for the park renovations is this spring. Then, there will be a dedication date of Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

 

GOV TOM WOLF ASKING FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is urging the U.S. Senate to prevent election sabotage and protect our freedom to vote by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  The governor is also encouraging the Pennsylvania state legislature to pass HB 2090 from prime sponsor House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton that would bolster the state’s election process and further remove barriers to voting.

 

BOATING NEAR SUNBURY POSSIBLY NOT A REALITY FOR 2022

A huge majority of this year’s upcoming boating season will be gone near Sunbury due to delays in Fabridam repairs.  In fact, according to an online media source, the marina docks may not even be installed this year.  The Fabridam repairs were delayed due to this past fall’s multiple high water events, most notable events were Fred, Henri and Ida. However, sources say there is still a possibility for a partial boating season, as the main Shikellamy Marina boat ramp will remain open. With many questions for the Susquehanna River and the Fabridam, answers may become clearer the closer we get to summer.

COVID CASES FOR OUR LOCAL AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 32. In Centre County 140 new cases and Lycoming County added 129. There were 208 cases in Union County and 141 new cases in Northumberland County, 53 in Snyder and 26 in Montour County. Tioga County added 7.

THE COMMONWEALTH COURT IS STEPPING IN

A statewide court has given lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf two weeks to break a stalemate around redrawing Pennsylvania’s congressional districts to account for a decade of demographic shifts. The Commonwealth Court issued the order Friday, acting on a request last month for it to get involved in the process. It set Jan. 30 for the deadline for it to render its judgment on proposals that are submitted to it. That deadline is barely two weeks before the date — Feb. 15 — when candidates can start circulating petitions to get on primary election ballots. The primary election is May 17. The Commonwealth Court told parties in the case — including lawmakers, activists and Wolf — that they must submit a proposed map by 5 p.m. on Jan. 24.

 

ANOTHER VEHICLE THEFT FOR WINFIELD MAN

Vehicle thefts in the area are charged to a Winfield man. State police utilized an aircraft to find a man facing two vehicle theft charges. David Gockley of Winfield was arrested on January 5 for a vehicle theft on Tame Deer Road. Gockley fled into the woods and the State Police called their aviation unit to assist in finding him. According to an online media source, Gockley was jailed on $100,000 bail and faces a number of charges including DUI, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property.

 

POSSIBLY $20 MILLION TO BRING CITY HALL BACK

Moving forward, yesterday’s Williamsport City Council’s public works committee asked Mayor Derek Slaughter for a cost estimate to repair and repurpose Williamsport City Hall. The building recently suffered major damage from water leaking in the roof and then a coil that broke in the heating system.  As reported by SUN Gazette,  according to Jon Sander, city engineer, the project, which includes the needed accessibility upgrades and to repair and recondition the building will be well above $6 million and closer to $20 million to complete.  As reported by SUN Gazette, a deadline exists where the court ordered consent decree for accessibility guidelines and corresponding upgrades must be finalized by March.

MATCHING GRANT FUND TO REVITALIZE A WILLIAMSPORT STAPLE

It was a Redevelopment Assistant Capital Program and a matching grant of $1 million which received approval from the Lycoming County Commissioners for DiSalvo’s Restaurant. According to SUN Gazette, DiSalvo’s, located in the East Fourth Street/Basin Street area of the city, can now begin work on their $2 million renovation project. Lycoming County will enter into a sub-recipient agreement with DiSalvo’s for the state grant money which passes through the county to DiSalvo’s project. According to Commissioner Rick Mirabito, the $2 million project will create jobs for people in the community.

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BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 18, 2022

CLEAR THE SNOW OR FACE A FINE

Clearing the snow in front of your residence or business does more than just clear a walkway, insurance companies report it is also the best way to prevent injuries and those lawsuits associated with snow and ice accidents.  According to the Williamsport City Bureau of Codes there is a 24 hour time period after the precipitation stops, where the owner of any building fronting on any street or alley and the vacant lot owner where there is a sidewalk in front up to and including the corner crosswalk of the premises must clear the sidewalks. According to SUN Gazette, there is a grace period, but it does not last long and business and homeowners can face fines up to $2000 for not removing the snow and ice.

 LOCAL COVID CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 29 new cases. In Centre County added 104. Lycoming County added 107. There were 82 in Northumberland County, 47 in Union, 28 in Snyder and 17 in Montour. Tioga County added 13.

NO CHANGES TO DESIGNATIONS IN LOCK HAVEN

The residential to commercial designation for several blocks on the northern side of East Main Street will have to wait, as the Lock Haven City Council declined to act to change the designation. Representatives from the old E Main Street United Methodist Church in Lock Haven started the process moving from residential to centre business district designations that were favorably received from Clinton County and the City of Lock Have Planning Commissions.  However, city council has not followed suit. According to therecordonline.com, Council member Richard Morris made a motion to send the zoning request back to the planning commission so they could respond to several questions from the council.

AIRPORT BUDGET APPROVED

A $1.4 million budget for the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority was approved for this year at its recent monthly meeting. In the discussion was the 5% increase in wages and benefits for employees and the overall operating costs. According to Sun Gazette, CARES Act funding of $660,000 is expected to make up the deficit with the budget.

SEN. YAW:  LYCOMING COUNTY FARM RECEIVES CENTURY FARM AWARD DURING THE 106TH PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and his staff on Friday recognized the Scott and Bonnie Wheeland Farm, Cogan Station, as a “Century Farm” Award recipient through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s nation-leading Farmland Preservation Program.  The special event was held during the 106th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The “Century” and “Bicentennial” farm program was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to help promote the strength and durability of Pennsylvania’s farm families.  In order to qualify, a family member must live on the farm on a permanent basis, and the farm must include at least 10 acres of the original holding or gross more than $1,000 annually from the sale of farm products.

DOMESTIC ALTERCATION SENDS WOMAN TO HOSPITAL

A Jersey Shore woman was seen at the hospital for injuries to her head. She suffered from a four inch laceration on her forehead and was covered in her own blood.  According to state police, the victim reported to the emergency room physician she was struck during a domestic altercation with an artic tumbler cup.  Christopher Eck of Jersey Shore was taken into custody and transported to the Clinton County Correctional facility.  District Justice Keith Kibler arraigned Eck and set his bail at $7,500.

POINTING A FIREARM AT MULTIPLE VEHICLES BRINGS A MILTON MAN CHARGES

A Milton man pointed a gun at a vehicle full of passengers.  According to state police, Williams Smith, was reportedly standing  in the middle of the road near Pottsgrove last Sunday around 12  noon.  State police reported they received multiple calls on the male waving his handgun about.  However, when the police arrived, Smith was facedown in the roadway with his arms and legs spread and his handgun over 15 feet from him, according to the Daily Item.  He was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault with a pendng preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Michael Diehl.

WANTED MAN IN JAIL

A wanted man was picked up on Sunday during a criminal sweep and is now jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.  Farrington Fitch is a  homeless man who, Sunbury police allege, pulled a knife during a robbery of a victim who was giving him a ride last November. According to Daily Item, after Fitch asked for a ride, he pulled out a knife and stole upwards of $500 and the victim’s cellphone.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 17, 2022

SUNDAY EVENING FIRE

Fire destroyed a home, leaving at least one person was homeless Sunday night on Cement Hollow Road. According to reports, around 8:25 pm last evening, Tiadaghton Valley Police arrived to find fire through a majority of the second floor. Fire reports say the first fire officer finding a fully involved structure upon his arrival.  Several fire companies battled the flames as the snow fell, creating a hazardous condition for both feet and vehicles. According to SUN Gazette, the fire was reported knocked down by 9 pm with no injuries reported.

A LETTER OF COMMENDATION

A Letter of Commendation was presented to South Williamsport Detective Devin A Thompson. He served with leadership and integrity through recent investigations, including the investigation of embezzlement of more than $180,000 from the South Williamsport Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. Stepping above and beyond through his actions, perseverance, dedication and attention to detail not only brought high honor upon himself, but also the borough and police department. Congratulations Detective Thompson.

AIRPORT BUDGET APPROVED

A $1.4 million budget for the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority was approved for this year at its recent monthly meeting. In the discussion was the 5% increase in wages and benefits for employees and the overall operating costs. According to Sun Gazette, CARES Act funding of $660,000  is expected to make up the deficit with the budget.

About $660,0000 in CARES Act funding is expected to make up a deficit in the budget.

FULL REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE TODAY

Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin announced Sunday evening that the school district will operate on a full remote schedule school day today due to the snow storm. Her announcement also said she anticipates the district will return to in-person learning at all levels as of Tuesday. The district had seen online learning at the high school and middle school levels from Thursday of last week, scheduled through Monday, due to the COVID numbers at that level.

COVID CASES FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 139 new cases. In Centre County 415 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added a staggering 445. There were 267 cases in Northumberland County, 131 in Union, 62 in Montour and 45 in Snyder. Tioga added 94.

DUI ARREST FOR WATSONTOWN MAN

On Friday, December 24, 2021 at 1955 hours, Watsontown Police conducted a traffic stop on Brian C. Nye, 28, of Watsontown, for a traffic violation. A subsequent investigation found that Nye was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, with a BAC of.127%. Nye has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI and a summary traffic offense. Charges have been filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Michael I. Diehl of Milton.

SEN. YAW:  LYCOMING COUNTY FARM RECEIVES CENTURY FARM AWARD DURING THE 106TH PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and his staff on Friday recognized the Scott and Bonnie Wheeland Farm, Cogan Station, as a “Century Farm” Award recipient through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s nation-leading Farmland Preservation Program.  The special event was held during the 106th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The “Century” and “Bicentennial” farm program was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to help promote the strength and durability of Pennsylvania’s farm families.  In order to qualify, a family member must live on the farm on a permanent basis, and the farm must include at least 10 acres of the original holding or gross more than $1,000 annually from the sale of farm products.

PHONE SERVICE IS CHANGING

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are urging residents with older cell phones to prepare for the phase out of 3G cellular networks and service in 2022. The nation’s three major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile) have announced plans  to shut down their 3G networks to accommodate more advanced services, including 5G, as early as February 2022. As a result, many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services. This may also affect other devices that rely on 3G connectivity, such as medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems, and in-vehicle safety, security, and roadside assistance systems.

Low-income individuals concerned that their 911 only phones will no longer be supported should consider applying for service through the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program.

OVERDOSE OF LOCK HAVEN WOMAN

It was deemed a multi-drug overdose of what some say were anti-depressants that caused the death of a Lock Haven woman who was charged in the death of her son upwards of a year ago. Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse and County Coroner Zach Hanna ruled the death as accidental, according to therecordonline.com. However,  the death of Jamie Lynn Jackson remains under investigation by state police. It was November when she experienced a medical emergency and was transported from the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Her trial was scheduled for the spring for the murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover.

BODY FOUND IN CREEK

A man’s body was found along the bank of Penns Creek. State police at Selinsgrove are investigating the appearance of the white male’s body near the Green Bridge at Selinsgrove at Routes 11-15 and 522 on Friday at approximately 12 noon.  Snyder County Coroner William Pheasant said he pronounced the man dead at 1:03 p.m. Friday. The man, who Pheasant described as being in his mid-20s and from out of state, was laying in shallow water in the creek. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday morning, he said. State police confirm an investigation is ongoing.

 

STABBING SENT MALE TO HOSPITAL, FEMALE TO JAIL

Following an early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres in Sunbury,  that sent a male to the hospital in serious condition, an 18-year-old Sunbury woman is in jail. Samantha Barge is jailed on $200,000 bail after appearing before Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey  Friday morning on charges of felony aggravated assault, according to the Daily Item.  Barge will appear before Toomey for a preliminary hearing at a later date.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 15 & 16, 2022

REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) said the Department of Environmental Protection must address skyrocketing clearing prices set during recent Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions. Yaw, as chairman of Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, in a letter sent Thursday, encouraged DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell to reconsider his invitation to testify at the panel’s Jan. 18 hearing to discuss the issue. Yaw and 161 other state lawmakers oppose RGGI because it will spike electricity rates, force plant closures, cost thousands of jobs, threaten the power grid’s reliability and derail future economic investment.

 

NO TAX INCREASE PICTURE

They are working towards a no-tax-hike budget for next year in the Keystone Central School District. The school board’s voting session meeting with the bulk of the session focusing on budget-related matters. In fact, the “5-Year Financial Picture  has a NO TAX INCREASE” with an $82 million budget for the current school year and a comparably sized budget ($82,670, 408) for 2022-23. According to therecordonline.com, the new budget will be unveiled in May with a final vote in June.

 

 

SUNBURY STABBING

An early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres sent one person to the hospital in serious condition. According to Sunbury Police, one person is in custody following the domestic disturbance call at 2 am.  As reported by the Daily Item, a male was found on the ground when police arrived. Police are not releasing any further information at this time.

 

COVID CASES FOR SATURDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 33 new cases. In Centre County 196. Lycoming County added 167.  Northumberland County registered 179 new cases. Union County added 92 cases, while Snyder added 61 and Montour 29.

 

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

Governor Tom Wolf today stood alongside U.S. Transportation Secretary to launch the largest bridge formula program in American history, made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Pennsylvania is set to receive $1.6 billion to fix more than 3,000 bridges across the commonwealth. The program represents the largest investment ever made in fixing bridges – dedicating $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over the five years of the law and $825 million for Tribal transportation facilities. The amount that will be available to states in Fiscal Year 2022 is $5.3 billion along with the $165 million for tribes. Today, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also published initial guidance on the program.

 

COMPLEX STORM APPROACHING COMMONWEALTH

Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians to monitor their local forecasts for details on a complex winter storm expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet and rain to much of the state starting Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, most areas will see snow as the storm system enters the state Sunday afternoon. The heaviest snow will fall in the western half of the state, with snow totals decreasing to the east where more sleet and rain are expected. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will increase staffing at 3 p.m. on Sunday with support from PA Turnpike Commission, PennDOT, PA State Police and PA National Guard. PEMA personnel will work with county emergency management partners to monitor the storm and any unmet needs and provide state resources as needed.

 

QUESTION OF QUARANTING  STUDENTS

‘The quarantining of students at the Loyalsock Township School District is getting a second look by the school board. According to Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin, the time may have come to take a serious look at not quarantining those asymptomatic individuals, even if they have come into contact with COVID infected people.  It is being done in similar situations in other school districts. According to SUN Gazette, the school district is doing the best it can at monitoring the COVID infections, however many believe it will get worse this winter.  There was no further discussion or action on this conversation.

 

 

DESTRUCTION OF PAPER RECORDS

The approval to destroy paper records for both the Old Lycoming Township and Old Lycoming Township Police was approved at the most recent meeting of the Old Lycoming Township Supervisors. The files in question includes those paper records from pre-2014 and that have been deemed legally permissible to destroy based on the provisions of Title 46 of the PA Code. Digital copies will remain on file and part of the active record system, just not in a paper form.  Old Lycoming Township will next meet Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Old Lycoming Township municipal building.

 

PARKING CHANGES IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Snow events require parking changes in Loyalsock Township in the form of an ordinance that temporarily regulates parking on township streets during snow events. Residents who live on township streets are not to park any motor vehicle on the public street following an accumulation of two inches or greater depth of snow on the road surface until the township plow trucks have cleared the full width of the roadway, according to the ordinance. According to SUN Gazette, if properties do not have a driveway, an exception of the ordinance will be granted but residents are still required to follow the odd/even parking schedule for snow events.  

This would require a vehicle to be parked on the odd house numbered side of the street on odd calendar days and the even house numbered side of the street on even calendar days.

 

AN OVERDOSE WAS THE CAUSE

It was deemed a multi-drug overdose of what some say were anti-depressants that caused the death of a Lock Haven woman who was charged in the death of her son upwards of a year ago. Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse and County Coroner Zach Hanna ruled the death as accidental, according to therecordonline.com. However,  the death of Jamie Lynn Jackson remains under investigation by state police. It was November when she experienced a medical emergency and was transported from the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Her trial was scheduled for the spring for the murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover.

 

COVID CASES FOR FRIDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases.  Clinton County reported 89 new cases. In Centre County 332 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 300. Northumberland County registered 200 new cases. Union County reported 94 new cases — buoyed by 65 new cases at USP-Lewisburg — while Snyder County added 63 and Montour County 42.

 

BODY FOUND IN CREEK IN SNYDER COUNTY

A man’s body was found along the bank of Penns Creek. State police at Selinsgrove are investigating the appearance of the white male’s body near the Green Bridge at Selinsgrove at Routes 11-15 and 522 on Friday at approximately 12 noon.  Snyder County Coroner William Pheasant said he pronounced the man dead at 1:03 p.m. Friday. The man, who Pheasant described as being in his mid-20s and from out of state, was laying in shallow water in the creek. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday morning, he said. State police confirm an investigation is ongoing.

 

EARLY MORNING STABBING SENDS SUNBURY WOMAN TO JAIL

Following an early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres in Sunbury, that sent a male to the hospital in serious condition, an 18-year-old Sunbury woman is in jail. Samantha Barge is jailed on $200,000 bail after appearing before Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey Friday morning on charges of felony aggravated assault, according to the Daily Item.  Barge will appear before Toomey for a preliminary hearing at a later date.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 14, 2022

IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE HABITAT

It’s not too early for landowners to begin making plans to improve wildlife habitat this spring and into the future by planting tree and shrub species offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery. The 2022 seedling order form is available online, and sales began Monday. The Howard Nursery, located in Centre County, grows tree and shrub seedlings for use on State Game Lands, Hunter Access properties, the Seedling for Schools program, and other Game Commission conservation partners. Any remaining surplus is available to Pennsylvania residents for purchase. Seedlings are sold in units of 25. The order form is available at www.pgc.pa.gov. There is a link under Quick Clicks.

GAME COMMISSION ASKING FOR HELP TO FIND TURKEYS

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkeys to trap for ongoing and new turkey projects. The agency is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any turkey flocks they see between now and March 15. Information is being collected online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey. Visitors to that webpage will be asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location, and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen, among other things. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg banded and released on site. In four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) a sampling also will be outfitted with GPS transmitters, then be released back on site, to be monitored over time.

STANDOFF WITH PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP MAN

A Pine Creek Township man was served with a Protection From Abuse order by the Clinton County Sheriff’s office yesterday. Later the same day, Daniel Harold Mikitko allegedly called the victim upwards of a dozen times.  The victim contacted the state police and Mikitko refused to exit his residence, instead threatening troopers and other local police.  The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was activated around 10 pm.   Mikitko continued to threaten officers with a firearm until 5 am when he was taken into custody with less lethal force with no injuries to Mikitko or the police. Multiple charges, including terroristic threats and resisting arrest, have been filed.

REGIONAL REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) said the Department of Environmental Protection must address skyrocketing clearing prices set during recent Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions. Yaw, as chairman of Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, in a letter sent Thursday, encouraged DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell to reconsider his invitation to testify at the panel’s Jan. 18 hearing to discuss the issue. Yaw and 161 other state lawmakers oppose RGGI because it will spike electricity rates, force plant closures, cost thousands of jobs, threaten the power grid’s reliability and derail future economic investment.

FUNDING WILL AID HOMEOWNERS FACING COVID-19 PANDEMIC-RELATED FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS 

Governor Tom Wolf announced the statewide launch of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. PHFA’s plan for administration of the PAHAF has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. PAHAF applications will open to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners beginning February 1. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded more than $350 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund supports Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) that now must grapple with additional unforeseen financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHAF will use these funds to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with much-needed assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

MASKING IN MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The requirement to mask in the Montoursville Area School District was rejected by the school board at its meeting this week. According to SUN Gazette, the board considered a masking requirement until transmission levels decreased across Lycoming County. However, discussion from interested members of the community and a genuine disinterest in tabling the issue led to the vote. The next board meeting is set for Tuesday, January 25.

WARRANT ARREST

A Montoursville man allegedly led police on a high-speed chase through the city. According to police, Michael Powell had an active warrant out for his arrest. Police reported Powell slipped out of handcuffs in city hall following his arrest for drug charges. Last month when police attempted to stop his vehicle, Powell allegedly fled north on Almond Street, at high speeds. He was apprehended and appeared in front of District Judge Christian Fry with multiple charges including fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and recklessly endangering. Without the $300,000 for three cases against him, he was remanded to the Lycoming County Jail.

 

 COVID CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 74 new cases. In Centre County 308 were recorded. Lycoming County added 225. Northumberland County registered 200 new cases. Montour County registered 53 cases, just off the record of 59 set in December 2020. Snyder County added 60 cases, along with 59 in Union. Tioga County added 51.

 

NO TAX INCREASE PICTURE

They are working towards a no-tax-hike budget  for next year in the Keystone Central School District. The school board’s voting session meeting with the bulk of the session focusing on  budget-related matters. In fact, the “5-Year Financial Picture  has a NO TAX INCREASE” with an $82 million budget for the current school year and a comparably sized budget ($82,670, 408) for 2022-23. According to therecordonline.com, the new budget will be unveiled in May with a final vote in June.

STABBING IN SUNBURY

An early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres sent one person to the hospital in serious condition. According to Sunbury Police, one person is in custody following the domestic disturbance call at 2 am.  As reported by the Daily Item, a male was found on the ground when police arrived. Police are not releasing any further information at this time.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR BUSINESSES WITH AT LEAST 100 EMPLOYEES DEEMED AN OVERSTEP

The Supreme Court has stopped a major push by the Biden administration to boost the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, a requirement that employees at large businesses get a vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job. At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S. The court’s orders Thursday came during a spike in coronavirus cases caused by the omicron variant. The court’s conservative majority concluded the administration overstepped its authority by seeking to impose the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine-or-test rule on U.S. businesses with at least 100 employees. More than 80 million people would have been affected and OSHA had estimated that the rule would save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 13, 2022

CLINTON COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSING FOR AT LEAST FIVE DAYS

Due to the rising number of positive cases of Covid-19 in the secondary schools, the threshold of 5% of cases among students and staff at Bucktail High School and Central Mountain High Schoo has been reached.  Central Mountain Middle School is currently at 4% and awaiting test results for many others.  All elementary schools are currently at 3% or lower for total cases.  The PA Department of Health recommends full remote learning when the 5% threshold is reached.

As of Thursday, January 13, 2022,  we will be closing Bucktail High School (7-12), Central Mountain High School (9-12) and Central Mountain Middle School (5-8). 

We will close for a minimum of five days with an expected return on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

COVID CASES LOCALLY FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 68 new cases. In Centre County 353 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 241. Tioga added 40. Northumberland County registered 183 new, while Union County had 54, Snyder 37 and Montour 24

GUILTY PLEAS FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES ON AVIS MAN

Aaron Confer, 23, of Avis, entered guilty pleas in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday morning to one count of Aggravated Assault of a victim less than 6 years old (F2), and one count of Endangering Welfare of Children (F2).  The two guilty pleas were taken by Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury just a few days before Confer was slated to pick a jury on Friday, January 14th.  Pine Creek Township Police filed charges after they were called to the Lock Haven Hospital after a mother had taken her 3-month-old child to the hospital for injuries and bruises on the infant’s body.  Police allege that the child suffered a fractured clavicle in the assault. Confer posted $250,000 bail and remained free as he awaited trial. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2022 at 8:30AM.  He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years incarceration.

NEW BUILDING FOR SUNBURY POLICE

It is a new building, a new year and a new fresh outlook for the Sunbury Police Department.  The new venture at 337 Arch Street began last spring with a price tag over $1 million. Some minor details are becoming reality. According to Chief Hare, they will have a child-friendly interview room, thanks to the Sunbury Arts Council. It will be a room where the children can feel safe and as comfortable as possible, with a softer tone in the paint and décor. According to an online media source, Hare went on to say corporate sponsors will be mentioned at a later date when officers host a grand opening.

HOUSE ADVANCES CITIZEN’S CONGRESSIONAL MAP, GROVE SAYS

For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, the House advanced a congressional district map created by a citizen of Pennsylvania, Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) announced. The map approved in House Bill 2146 remains largely identical to the plan submitted by citizen and Lehigh Valley resident Amanda Holt. It includes very minor adjustments recommended by citizens across the Commonwealth to improve the compactness of districts, respond to citizen concerns regarding communities of interest and increase minority representation in Philadelphia.Holt’s map was one of the 19 verified statewide maps submitted to the committee through the website, which also allowed residents to identify their communities of interest and comment on proposed plans. House Bill 2146 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

FIRST SEMESTER TO START ONLINE

Lock Haven University has announced that its spring 2022 semester will begin on Monday, Jan. 24, with the first week of classes to be delivered online. The university will continue all classes the week of Monday, Jan. 31 as regularly scheduled – in-person, hybrid or online. By starting the semester online, it will allow time for the expected post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases to subside. LHU will also stagger the move-in schedule and provide a robust testing protocol for students living on campus. All students residing on campus will be required to have a negative COVID test before being permitted to complete the move-in process.

PACE AND PACENET

Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by state and local officials and older Pennsylvanians to celebrate recently signed legislation to expand eligibility in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) programs.“Ensuring that older Pennsylvanians have access to necessary services, including quality health care and affordable prescription drugs, is a priority of my administration,” said Gov. Wolf. Programs like PACE and PACENET serve as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of older adults who need assistance with paying for their prescription medications and provide critical support to older Pennsylvanians.” PACE and PACENET currently enroll more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The income limit expansions mean that an additional 100,000 older adults are now eligible with an expected 20,000 older adults expected to enroll in 2022. Enrollment begins in February.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES ON DANVILLE MAN

Charges of statutory sexual assault and over a dozen related counts for a Danville man as he is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl upwards of a dozen times over a span of two occasions last week. State police report John Andrew Kriner provided drugs and alcohol to the minor before engaging in intercourse. It was the second arrest for Kriner on similar charges with this girl. According to the Daily Item, police warned Kriner as a juvenile to end contact with the girl when he turns 18. Kriner was charged with rape and other charges,  jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail with a preliminary hearing in front of District Justice Marvin Shrawder on Jan. 20th.

BUCKNELL GRADUATE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The first transplant of a pig heart into a human patient last week was led by a doctor who graduated from Bucknell University in the biomedical engineering program. Dr. Bartley Giffith, who graduated in 1970, performed a seven-hour surgery Friday at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. According to the DailyItem, Griffith was a biology major, played men’s lacross and was instrumental in launching the biomedical engineering program at Bucknell University.

IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE HABITAT

It’s not too early for landowners to begin making plans to improve wildlife habitat this spring and into the future by planting tree and shrub species offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery. The 2022 seedling order form is available online, and sales began Monday. The Howard Nursery, located in Centre County, grows tree and shrub seedlings for use on State Game Lands, Hunter Access properties, the Seedling for Schools program, and other Game Commission conservation partners. Any remaining surplus is available to Pennsylvania residents for purchase. Seedlings are sold in units of 25. The order form is available at www.pgc.pa.gov. There is a link under Quick Clicks.

GAME COMMISSION ASKING FOR HELP TO FIND TURKEYS

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkeys to trap for ongoing and new turkey projects. The agency is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any turkey flocks they see between now and March 15. Information is being collected online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey. Visitors to that webpage will be asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location, and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen, among other things. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg banded and released on site. In four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) a sampling also will be outfitted with GPS transmitters, then be released back on site, to be monitored over time.

STANDOFF WITH PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP MAN

A Pine Creek Township man was served with a Protection From Abuse order by the Clinton County Sheriff’s office yesterday. Later the same day, Daniel Harold Mikitko allegedly called the victim upwards of a dozen times.  The victim contacted the state police and Mikitko refused to exit his residence, instead threatening troopers and other local police.  The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was activated around 10 pm.   Mikitko continued to threaten officers with a firearm until 5 am when he was taken into custody with less lethal force with no injuries to Mikitko or the police. Multiple charges, including terroristic threats and resisting arrest, have been filed.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 12, 2022

 

FIREFIGHTERS SAY GOODBYE TO ONE OF THEIR OWN

It was an emotional gathering of friends, family and brothers in the fire service at St. John’s – Newberry United Methodist Church in Williamsport to celebrate the life of former Old Lycoming Township Fire Chief Paul Stroble Jr, who, last week died at the age of 83. According to Sheriff Mark Lusk, “He was a man who did it all. He served his country, his community and his God.” Chief Paul K. Stroble joined the Old Lycoming Twp Fire Company on January 11, 1965.  He was interred on his 57th Anniversary date of joining the Company.  As one in a 3 generation family of firefighters, Stroble served as Chief from 1978 – 1984 and was very active right up until his passing – even when his health was failing.    

 

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD SEATS TAKEN

Three open seat vacancies were filled at the last South Williamsport Area School Board work session meeting. According to SUN Gazette, Ben Brigandi for Region I; Summer Bukeavich, Region II and John Hitesman, Region III  will be sworn in at an upcoming meeting.

 

 LOCAL COVID CASES YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 51 new cases. In Centre County 172 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 124. Tioga County added 56. Northumberland County registered 131 new cases, while Snyder County had 47, Union 46 and Montour 30.

 

FIRE GUTTED BUILDING IN MILL HALL

Fire tore through a frame home yesterday afternoon in the 200 block of South Water Street in Mill Hall. Upwards of 40 firemen responded and according to Fire Chief Tony Walker,  the fire fighter battled for over 45 minutes in sub-freezing temperatures. According to therecordonline.com, the two-and-a-half story structure was gutted by flames.  Reports say there were no injuries, however it is unknown if the family pets escaped. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was requested to investigate.

 

LOCAL LOTTERY WINNER

A Clinton County woman won $1 million dollars in the Pennsylvania Lottery Match 6 Jackpot game. According to therecordonline.com, April Williams purchased her ticket at the Sheetz on Hogan Boulevard near Mill Hall. A lottery spokesperson said lottery officials and representatives from Sheetz will be present Wednesday at the Mill Hall location for a commemorative check presentation.

 

REMOTE LEARNING FOR TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Remote learning for Danville Area School District is due to an increase in COVID throughout the four schools. On a Facebook post and communication from Superintendent Ricki Boyle, As per the PA DOH, DASD students will be moved to virtual learning  beginning today  with a tentative return date of Tuesday, January 18. All extracurricular activities and athletic practices and events will be rescheduled. Monday, January 17 is a professional development day and no student classes. During this time K-5 students are expected to follow the posted schedule in the teacher’s Google Classroom and attend scheduled Google Meets.  6 – 12 students are expected to follow their normal schedule by attending Google Meets and accessing Google Classroom.

Milton Area’s Baugher Elementary added to the remote learning with the Milton Middle and High Schools for the rest of this week.

 

HELICOPTER CRASH IN PA

A pilot crash-landed a medical helicopter Tuesday without loss of life in a residential area of suburban Philadelphia, somehow avoiding a web of power lines and buildings as the aircraft fluttered, hit the street and slid into bushes outside a church, authorities and witnesses said. It was a “miracle” that none of the four people aboard, including an infant patient, suffered life-threatening injuries, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt said. Rescue crews rushed to the wreckage by the Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Upper Darby at about 1 p.m. and helped get the pilot, two crew members and the infant out of the aircraft, Bernhardt said at a press conference.

 

 

WOLF: VACCINE IS STRATEGY TO FIGHT COVID-19, NOT SHUTDOWNS

The Wolf administration said Tuesday it has no plans to pursue another COVID-19 emergency declaration, or attempt to impose new statewide restrictions or vaccine mandates, in response to the highly contagious omicron variant that is spreading quickly and overloading Pennsylvania’s hospitals.  Statewide, new confirmed cases have spiked by 50% in a week, rising to 27,545 per day, according to weekly Health Department data released Tuesday. Cases are expected to peak this month. More than 7,100 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, a pandemic record, and nearly a third of all patients in intensive care units have the disease. Deaths have risen by more than a third in two weeks, averaging about 127 per day.

 

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR MUNCY MAN

A Muncy man allegedly was in possession of a stolen firearm after Sunbury Police continued their probe into the January 3rd shooting on Packer Street.  Hakeem Jefferson of West Water Street is wanted after police reported a search of his vehicle revealed a stolen Beretta handgun, two magazines and a black ski mask, according to the Daily Item.  Anyone with any information is asked to call the  Northumberland County 911.

 

SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES FOR UNION COUNTY MAN

A Union County man threw a glass against the victim that shattered around their four-month-old child.  Shannon Parrish III then placed the victim in a chokehold, preventing her to breathe.  Parrish was taken into custody and a follow up search warrant revealed methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and paraphernalia.  Parrish was charged with strangulation, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault amongst others. He was remanded to Union County Jail on $45,000 bail.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 11, 2022

STRUCTURE FIRE IN VACANT BUILDING

Flames tore through a vacant structure yesterday morning.  A building known for being a long time general store in Elimsport, at the intersection of Gap and Elimsport Roads was a total loss.  According to Sun Gazette, with no reports of injuries, firefighters from Washington Township, Clinton Township, Nippenose Valley and Montgomery responded on the initial alarm. Firemen from Warrior Run Area and White Deer responded on the additional alarm.

POSSIBLE SPACE HEATER MALFUNCTION

Fire consumed a mobile home at 74 Ikes Drive around noon yesterday. According to Clinton Township Fire Chief Todd Winder, the fire was out in minutes, but the structure still suffered significant damage. As firefighters were finishing up at this scene, 911 dispatchers received a report of a mobile home fire at 74 Ikes Drive, just north of the Lycoming-Union county line, in Brady Township about 12:15 p.m. According to SUN Gazette, the occupants were uninjured and were received emergency assistance from the local American Red Cross. Chief Winder reported the fire has been ruled accidental.

WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO NOTIFY DEPARTMENT

The Watsontown Police currently have a felony warrant for 57 year old Bautista Beers aka Bautista Bonett with a last known address of 27 ½ Main St. in the Borough of Watsontown.  Beers is a lifetime registrant through the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Division.  Beers relocated to another residence and failed to update his information as required.  Anyone with information about Beers’ whereabouts are requested to contact the Watsontown Police at (570)538-2773. 

IT IS A SENTENCE IMPOSED FOR RAPE OF A CHILD FOR LOCK HAVEN MAN

Edgar John Willits, Jr., was sentenced yesterday to a total term of 47 years in a State Correctional Institution for Rape of a Child and related offenses.  Following a one-day trial in August 2021, Willits was convicted of multiple felonies.  The sentence was imposed Monday morning by Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury, who also presided at trial. When offered an opportunity to speak to the Court, Willits said he wanted to apologize to the victim for “any inconvenience” he had caused her.  Before announcing his sentence, Salisbury told Willits that his actions were “despicable, disgusting and heinous,” and that he was appalled by the Defendant’s description of this event as an “inconvenience” to the victim.  Judge Salisbury stated that his goal in fashioning a sentence was to remove Willits from society, so he is no longer able to put children at risk.  Ultimately, the Court imposed a total term of incarceration of up to 47 years, followed by 3 years of mandatory probation.  Willits is considered parole eligible after serving 21 years and 4 months of his sentence, and will be a lifetime Megan’s Law Registrant.

COURT REFUSED

 A Pennsylvania court declined Monday to block an entire subpoena to state election officials in what Republican state lawmakers call a “forensic investigation” of 2020′s presidential election, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims that Democrats stole the election. But the statewide Commonwealth Court that issued the seven-page order did not immediately greenlight the release of some information that Democratic state Attorney General Josh Shapiro challenged as being protected by privacy laws. In the unsigned order, the court said state officials and Democratic lawmakers did not persuade it that the subpoena issued in September by a Republican-controlled Senate committee had no legitimate legislative purpose.

NEW MEDICAL FACILITY TO MAKE BETTER HEALTH EASIER FOR PATIENTS CLOSER TO HOME

Geisinger Medical Center Muncy began welcoming its first patients on Monday, Jan. 10. The full-service hospital is part of a clinical joint venture between Geisinger and Highmark Health that expands access to care for those who need it most in a four-county region covering Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties.  The 120,000-square foot, three-story facility includes an emergency room, clinical decision unit, intensive care unit, surgical suites and primary and specialty care areas. Approximately 300 employees at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy will meet the routine and acute care needs of those living in Lycoming, Sullivan, Clinton and Tioga counties.

 UPDATED COVID CASES IN AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 56 new cases. In Centre County 305 were recorded. Lycoming County added 93.Northumberland County had 162. Union County added 87. Snyder County had 47 new cases, while Montour County recorded 36. Tioga County added 15.

MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL MOVING TO 100% VIRTUAL LEARNING

The Milton Area School District is experiencing high levels of positive COVID-19 cases and quarantining staff and students due to positive COVID exposure at the secondary complex. To date, we have 28 positive cases in the Middle School and High School, with over 200 students and staff quarantining. We have met the PA DOH criteria for identification of an outbreak and need to move towards outbreak containment. Additionally, we are awaiting test results on two more students. In order for us to preserve in-person learning, they will be going virtual at the Milton Middle School and Milton High School on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12, Thursday, January 13, and Friday, January 14. We are closed on Monday, January 17 to observe Martin Luther King Day. Buildings will reopen on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 7:15 AM for in-person learning. The Middle School and High School offices, along with the District Office will remain open. This closure allows us to hit the reset for the 14-day rolling average in our buildings, based on DOH guidelines.

 

FIREFIGHTERS MORN ONE OF THEIR OWN

Old Lycoming Vol Fire Fighters are morning the loss of one of their own.  Chief Paul K. Stroble joined the Old Lycoming Twp Fire Company on January 11, 1965.  He will be interred on his 57th Anniversary date of joining the Company.  He is one of a very seldom seen 3 generation family of firefighters. He served as Chief from 1978 – 1984 and was very active right up until his passing – even when his health was failing.    He will be laid to rest at the Twin Hills Cemetery in a service starting at 9 am …

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 10, 2022

THE LIGHTS OF HOPE A SUCCESS

On Friday evening, on the front lawn of UPMC Williamsport, 1,000 luminarias glowed brightly into the night, sending a message of hope.  The lights, a salute and offering of thanks to our healthcare workers who continue to serve the communities they love. Speakers talked of thanks, hope and the continuing fight against COVID. The Lights of Hope Celebration included Sojourner Truth Ministries, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, UPMC and the Lycoming County United Way.

RECKLESS ENDANGERING FOR A BROKEN DOOR

A Montoursville man allegedly kicked a door, shattering the glass dangerously close to a woman and child. On Dec. 21, Cody Bomberger was arrested and appeared before District Judge Gary Whiteman. According to SUN Gazette, Bomberger was charged with recklessly endangering and endangering the welfare of children.

KEEPING A WOMAN FROM FLEEING, BROUGHT CHARGES

During a heated argument, a Route 14 man allegedly created a situation where a woman was unable to flee. Donald Nash blocked the escape of a woman on Dec 21, according to state police.  As reported by Sun Gazette,  Nash was charged with recklessly endangering and simple assault and appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon for arraignment.

APPROVAL FOR FULL TIME AND THE HIRING OF A PART TIME POLICE OFFICER

A part time police officer has been hired in Muncy Borough.  Retired State Police trooper David Kirkendall will be working as a part-time police officer on a short-term basis. Police Chief James Dorman has been cleared by the Muncy Borough Council to begin the process of seeking a permanent full-time officer. According to Dorman, his department has been in the midst of staffing issues and believes this position will serve until he can obtain another full time officer. Especially now, as reported by SUN Gazette, as Brady Township has agreed to a five-year contract for police coverage. In other news, council decided that meetings in 2022 would be at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Muncy Borough Hall, 14 North Washington St.

COVID RESULTS LOCALLY FOR YESTERDAY

 The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 87 new cases. In Centre County 323 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 265. Northumberland County added 159. Union County added 49 new cases and Montour and Snyder counties added 32 each.  Tioga County added 58.

GARAGE FIRE DESTROYED THREE VEHICLES INSIDE

Fire swept through a garage, destroyed the garage and three vehicles inside. Multiple fire companies responded to the 200 block of South Jones Street in Lock Haven. The loss was estimated at $67,000, according to therecordonline.com. With no injuries reported, the fire remains under investigation.

A NEW CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT BUCKNELL

Anthony Morgan will be Bucknell University’s new chief of public safety following a nationwide search. His first day on campus will be Feb. 1. According to the Daily Item, Morgan brings over 19 years of experience to lead a university public safety department consisting of 24 full-time staff.

BRIDGE PROJECTS IN UNION COUNTY

In Union County seven county-owned bridges have been replaced since 2016 and a major rehabilitation project has been completed. In 2021 alone, Union County had five bridges closed, repaired and reopened. According to the Daily Item, up to and including 2023, an estimated $11 million will have been spent on bridge infrastructure improvements and the county will then own 25 bridges.  

DEFERRAL OF SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Turbotville woman who allegedly fell asleep, and her 3-year-old son, who left the house, unattended, was found dead in the neighbor’s pool, has not been sentenced. The deferral was until a later date, because she arrived at the Northumberland County Court with a week old, newborn child.  Britney Bridges was scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a jury in October found her guilty of a felony count of child endangerment, according to the Daily Item.  Milton state police reported Bridges as “recklessly negligent.”  Bridges has been free since Nov. 10, 2020, after her $125,000 bail was listed as ROR (released on her own recognizance).

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR SHOOTER

Shots fired into a home on Friday night has Sunbury police looking for the shooter. The gunfire occurred around 11:30pm on Bainbridge Street, when a man walked up, shot upwards of 6 or more rounds into the home and left. A dark colored SUV was in that area at the time and there are no injuries, no suspects. The incident remains under investigation and if you have any information on any of the shootings in Sunbury, please contact Northumberland County 911.

AREA UNIVERSITIES GETTING READY FOR SPRING SEMESTER

Bucknell and Susquehanna University students will be required to attend spring semester classes in person and get the COVID-19 booster shot while Bloomsburg University students will start the first week online. Bloomsburg students will be studying remotely from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28 and return to a regular schedule on Jan. 30. Bucknell University President John Bravman sent out an email to all students, requiring all students to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival on campus or risk being un-enrolled from spring course. The spring semester starts on Jan. 18 at Bucknell and Jan. 31 at Susquehanna.

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