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.

UTILITY PROTECTION FROM SENATE BILL 275

According to State Senator Gene Yaw, in October, six Democrats, including two from the southeast corner of the state, joined all 28 Republicans and our chamber’s lone Independent to approve Senate Bill 275. The bill’s purpose is simple: it prevents Pennsylvania’s 2,500-plus municipalities from banning access to certain utilities, like natural gas or heating oil. This will preserve consumer access to affordable electricity, no matter where they live, and prevent a chaotic patchwork of regulations that ultimately undermine statewide environmental and energy policies.

JUST SAY NO … FOR NOW

The Montoursville Borough Council, in a unanimous vote, said no to signing an agreement with River Valley Transit, for now. Reasons were clear to the council, who faces upwards of a 50% increase in unexplained River Valley Costs. According to President of council, Eric Greenway, more information is necessary prior to handing off the increase to the taxpayers for bus service in Montoursville. As reported by Sun Gazette, RVT has plans of reaching out to Montoursville Borough Council. This issue will be revisited when the necessary information is received.

NEW TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

A new transportation authority resolution is scheduled for the agenda tonight and the Williamsport City Council is expected to vote to authorize a public hearing pursuant to the formation of a new transportation authority. According to SUN Gazette, after the adverse opinion audit from 2019-2020 RVT, the formation of a transportation authority was discussed. Council previously approved the formation of a transit oversight committee that will consist of members of the administration, River Valley Transit, Williamsport Area Transportation Study and council.

AMENDED CHARGES

A Williamsport woman had amended charges now including multiple counts of homicide, filed against her this morning.  Marie Snyder appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon in Old Lycoming Township this morning for her preliminary hearing. According to SUN Gazette, homicide charges against Echo Butler will be filed. Michele Butler is also facing additional charges this morning. These charges are stemming from the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Snyder’s two daughters, Nicole and Jasmine Snyder, last year in Hepburn Township.

FOURTH STREET FACE LIFT

Resurfacing of Fourth Street in Williamsport, which is to include accessible ramps and curb cuts is scheduled for the upcoming construction season, according to state Department of Transportation  and Williamsport city officials. PennDot District 3 spokeswoman, Maggie Baker, explained the project has an additional 69 accessible ramps, with milling and paving completion expected this construction year. As reported by SUN Gazette, the project began in summer and hopes are a completion by this fall with a price tag of $1.9 million.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 71 new cases.  In Centre County 210 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 203. There were 109 new infections in Northumberland County, 45 in Union, 31 in Snyder and 21 in Montour. Tioga County added 29 new covid cases yesterday.

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES

A Lewisburg man has additional felony charges in an ongoing case of physical abuse of a minor. Spencer C. Hackenberg, of Lewisburg, faces felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children in conjunction with two counts of misdemeanor simple assault. These charges are a result of the  Nov. 18^th case of Hackenberg striking a 9-year-old with a bat. Police said Hackenberg is in jail on $100,000  bail an earlier incident in  December, when he struck a juvenile with a closed fist and held a knife to the child’s throat, according Daily Item. Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe arraigned Hackenberg on the additional charges. Hackenberg will appear for a preliminary hearing in at a later date on the new charges.

PENNSYLVANIA HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND

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.

PAHAF applications become available Feb. 1, it will be possible to complete them entirely online, eliminating the need for paper submissions and simplifying the process for applicants.

FINAL PAYMENT APPROVED

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority Board approved the final payment for Montoursville’s Church Alley sewer lateral project. According to Christine Weigle, executive director the approval is contingent on multiple ducks in a row. These include receipt of the signed pay application, a engineer final review of the video by the engineer, record drawings being received and the closeout paperwork. Also, the board approved $51,092 for expenses for the 2020 Capital Additions Project. Included here are the payments for the Church alley project and the outfall project portion of the Montoursville Regional Sewer System.

CONCEALED CLASSES IN LYCOMING COUNTY

Rep. Joe Hamm will be co-hosting three Concealed Carry Seminars.

Thursday, Jan. 27, from 6-8 p.m. 
Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company
1600 Dewey Ave., Williamsport

Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m. 
Community Baptist Church
1853 State Route 87, Montoursville

Thursday, March 24, from 6-8 p.m.
Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company
2311 Route 54 Highway, Montgomery

If you are interested in attending one of the seminars, please register at repwheeland.com/events.

NEW PRESIDENT FOR PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Following a national search, beginning after President Davie Jane Gilmour announced in May 2021 her intention to retire after 24 years at the helm of the institution,  Pennsylvania College of Technology has chosen Michael J. Reed to lead the institution as its eighth president, effective July 1. The Penn College Board of Directors on Wednesday approved the choice of Reed, the college’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, after an extensive search process led by Storbeck Search, of Media. He will succeed longtime President Davie Jane Gilmour.

CORONAVIRUS WORKING HARD ON HOSPITAL RESOURCES

Surging coronavirus cases have sent hospital system in the region to capacity and beyond. The surge in cases, coupled with the non-COVID patients, has placed UPMC, Geisinger Medical Center and Evangelical Community Hospital in a precarious position. According to SUN Gazette, the Centers for Disease Control labeled this region as 94% omicron variant. Throughout the northcentral Pennsylvania, the UPMC hospitals are seeing 92 COVID inpatients. At Geisinger, upwards of 318 COVID patients were hospitalized. Evangelical Community Hospital reported their COVID hospitalization is currently at 55 patients.

BOARD SEAT REMOVED IN WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Earlier this week, a vote was held to remove a board seat at the Williamsport Area School Board. The vote 7-1 was reached, following a closed-door session, and Star Poole was removed from the board. According to SUN Gazette, Poole was removed for missing at least two of the school board meetings.

NO REAL ESTATE TAXES RAISED FOR WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Real estate taxes will not be raised, at an amount which exceeds the Act 1 index, to support next year’s budget. According to SUN Gazette, the vote, by the Williamsport Area School Board, does not preclude any tax hike. The next fiscal year’s index is at 4.8. Budget approval deadline is June 30.

LOCAL SERVICES TAXES DUE FROM EMPLOYERS IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Dottie Mertz, tax collector, will begin collecting the local services tax from each employer in South Williamsport Borough beginning this month. Due Jan 31 is the fourth quarter of 2021. Businesses can expect future quarters will be submitted to Mertz, who is also the tax collector in Loyalsock Township.

LOCAL COVID CASES FOR YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 44 new cases. In Centre County 293 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added169 and Tioga added 48. There were 163 new infections in Northumberland County, 55 in Snyder County, 53 in Union and 40 in Montour.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MUSIC TEACHER RECEIVES GRANT MONEY

The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools Teacher Grant for the 21-22 school year was issued to Central Mountain High School music teacher Ashley Crust. According to therecordonline.com Ms. Crust won $1799.65 which can be utilized toward the creation of an electronic musical instrument workshop, led by local electronics tech, Brian Douty.

TRIAL RESUMES IN HARRISBURG

It is a trial with the potential of changing how Pennsylvania funds it’s over 500 public schools and it resumes today in Harrisburg. The state Supreme Court in 2017, revived and set six school districts, parents, the Pennsylvania conference of the NAACP, and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools in odds and against Gov Tom Wolf, Department of Education and the education secretary, state Board of Education, and the highest-ranking leaders in the House and Senate. According to therecordonline.com, the trial will be live-streamed, beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.

SELLING PROPERTY THAT WASN’T HIS

A Williamsport man tried to sell a house in Shamokin to an out of state woman. Problem existed when the Williamsport man did not own or have rights to the house, according to Northumberland County Detective Degg Stark. Gabrial Lopez, is wanted by police after Stark illegedly received $17,000 worth of payments on the home. Lopez faces felony charges including disposition of funds and theft by deception, according the Daily Item. Anyone with information on Lopez is asked to call Northumberland County 911.

GOING WITH A MASK MANDATE IN THE DANVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

With over 100 students and staff quarantined throughout the Danville Area School District, the decision has been made to reinstitute a universal masking district-wide. According to an alert delivered to parents yesterday, the rule goes into effect today until further notice. As reported by the Daily Item, the new rule will go into effect today, according to an alert sent to parents Wednesday afternoon, and will remain until further notice. School officials cited surging COVID-19 infections.

BUCKNELL SETS NEW RULES FOR VISITORS TO CAMPUS GAMES

Beginning today, there are new policies for spectators at all Bucknell athletic home events due to the COVID surge. According to Bucknell,  all spectators 12 years and over are required to produce either a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before entry to Sojka Pavilion, according to the Daily Item. Also, the spectator capacity and the number of attendees at upcoming athletic events will be smaller starting Monday as well with masks to be worn at all times and no concessions will be sold during games.

CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS MAN ON BENCH WARRANT

The Lock Haven City Police arrested BENNETT, TRAVIS LOGAN on Wednesday January 5th, on a Bench warrantthat was issued Monday August 30th, 2021 by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.  Bennett was charged with Defiant Trespass, a misdemeanor 3.

11 PROJECTS FUNDED BY GOVERNOR WOLF

Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 11 projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to assist local governments in nine counties with planning for zoning and updating of comprehensive plans. Clinton County $19,500 to Clinton County to update its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. It covers 15 municipalities – three boroughs and 12 townships – that do not have their own SALDO.  Northumberland County $42,500 to help Mt. Carmel Township, Kulpmont Borough, and Marion Heights Borough create a joint comprehensive plan and develop municipal zoning ordinances.

MONTOURSVILLE NATIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT

A Montoursville native has taken the oath of office to become a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Republican Kevin Brobson was sworn in on Monday in the high court’s Harrisburg courtroom. The oath was administered by Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt, who served with Brobson on Commonwealth Court. A ceremonial event had been scheduled for Friday but was postponed because of the pandemic. Brobson is a Montoursville native who now lives in Dauphin County. He spent more than a decade on Commonwealth Court, including as its president judge, and has been a member of the state’s Judicial Conduct Board. He is a graduate of Lycoming College and Widener University Law School.

ASSAULT CHARGES ON HUGHESVILLE MAN

A Hughesville man assaulted a woman who was driving with him in a car on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township on December 9^th. According to SUN Gazette, Dominic J. Thomas suddenly turned to the female driver and struck her several times, while threatening to slice her throat.  State Police in Montoursville have charged Thomas with several charges and he is now free on $10,000 bail.

WILLIAMSPORT COMPANY HAS TOURS PLANNED FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Spartronics Williamsport is a leading supplier of mission-critical defense electronics in Williamsport, which started with the inception of GTE in 1959 in Williamsport.  According to SUN Gazette, Spartronics is expecting to welcome elected state, county, and local officials to tour the Williamsport facility this month to discuss federal investments, reach out and obtain local government support and enable the growth of the workforce in Pennsylvania.

COVID-19 CASES FOR LOCAL AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 13 new cases on Tuesday. In Centre County 174 new cases were recorded on Tuesday. Lycoming County added 92.Tioga County added 15. There were 95 new infections in Northumberland County, 53 in Snyder County, 28 in Union and 16 in Montour.

ICE FACILITY PLANS MOVING FORWARD IN WILLIAMSPORT

Plans continue to move forward for the Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) facility, according to Gary Knarr, city zoning officer. The proposed location is 2851 South Reach Road is set to be an ICE facility, according to SUN Gazette.  Knarr went on to say the facility will not be a location used to jail or house immigrants. When all is done, codes Administrator Joseph Gerardi and Gary Knarr will conduct a final walk through and inspection, thereby providing the occupancy permit that is needed to use the location.

WOMAN DIES AT GMC FOLLOWING MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY

An accident caused injuries that ended the life of a woman on Sunday, Jan. 2. Leah M. Fisher was traveling south on North Mill Street near Pepper Run Road. According to state police, Fisher lost control and veered into the northbound lane, striking another vehicle. Fisher was taken to Geisinger Medical Center Danville by Flemington Goodwill Hose Ambulance Association where she succumbed to her injuries, police said.

SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING SHOOTING IN SUNBURY

Police allege a Sunbury man shot two men on Monday night near Packer Street in Sunbury.  According to police, Felix Pena and Tyrone Short were transported to Geisinger Medical Center in critical condition after Yusuf McLaurin shot them during a possible drug interaction. As reported by Daily Item, McLaurin is slated to appear before Judge Toomey for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 11. McLaurin will appear before Toomey on Jan. 11 for a preliminary hearing on the charge. The investigation continues and more charges are expected to be filed.

SENTENCE HANDED DOWN FOR MAN GUILTY IN THE DEATH OF A 3-YEAR-OLD

It was a sentence based on his responsibility in the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker.  Jahrid Burgess will see upwards of 50 years but no less than 24 years in state prison. It was November when Burgess was found guilty by jury for multiple charges including homicide and four felony counts of aggravated assault for a person under 13 for the beating death of the 3-year-old, whose injuries caused her death a month later.  According to District Attorney Tony MAT UH LVICH , it was one of the worst crimes he has experienced in his two year terms as district attorney.

INVESTIGATION OF VOTING MACHINES IN PENNSYLVANIA

Dominion Voting Systems has asked a court to restrict any inspection of its voting machines as part of what Republican lawmakers call a “forensic investigation” of Pennsylvania’s 2020 election to a laboratory that has specific credentials. The Denver-based voting-system manufacturer filed paperwork in court Monday evening as Republican lawmakers move to inspect Dominion’s machines and software in southern Pennsylvania’s sparsely populated Fulton County using an unaccredited contractor that has no election experience. In its court papers, Dominion requested an order requiring that any inspection be conducted by a federally accredited voting system test lab or a national laboratory used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Fulton county heavily backed former President Donald Trump, whose baseless claims about election fraud in 2020′s presidential election have propelled various Republican endeavors to search for fraud in states Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

GOVERNOR SET TO DELIVER FINAL BUDGET PROPOSAL

Pennsylvania is sitting on a fat budget reserve, a healthy and growing surplus, and billions in unspent federal coronavirus relief cash. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, about to deliver his eighth and final state budget proposal to lawmakers, says Pennsylvania’s flush accounts make this a “magical year” in “budget surplus territory” that won’t require higher taxes or spending cuts. The governor’s annual budget address is scheduled for Feb. 8 and will be followed by weeks of hearings by the appropriations committees in the House and Senate. Normally, arm wrestling between the governor and Legislature over the budget gets done in June, with passage shortly before or after Pennsylvania’s next fiscal year begins July 1.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO FORSYTH

President Judge Nancy Butts sentenced a Williamsport man with the maximum sentence yesterday after he was charged in the death of a 19 month old child. Jason M. Forsyth will see between five and 10 years in state prison for involuntary manslaughter, a second-degree felony. According to SUN Gazette, Forsyth is not eligible for parole.