LYCOMING COUNTY JUDGE RETIRING
It’s been something he’s been thinking about for a year and now Lycoming County court of common pleas Judge Marc F. Lovecchio announced he will be retiring on January 2, 2022. Over the 12 years since his election to the bench, Judge Lovecchio has held the title of Judge of Hope. Although a lighter look at his career, Lovecchio has said he put a lot of effort into making the right calls in the right circumstances.
CRIMEWATCH FOR CITY POLICE
The Williamsport Bureau of Police and Police Chief Damon Hagan announce the launch of Crimewatch, a new website to keep residents informed and new ways to make reporting crime easier and more convenient. The WBP is the first Lycoming County based agency to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network, according to northcentralpa.com. Residents and students are encouraged to visit WilliamsportPD.org, connect with police department social media sites, and/or download CRIMEWATCH Mobile from the Apple App Store or Android App Store.
THREATS ON EMS PERSONNEL
Pennsylvania State Police at Milton were called to a residence on Blue Springs Terrace in Derry Township, shortly before 3:30 a.m. May 4 for a report of a suspicious person. Rodney Beachel, was outside and acting erratic, according to a state police press release. Beachel asked for an ambulance then allegedly threatened EMS personnel with harm while enroute to the hospital. Charges were filed at the office of District Judge Marvin K. Shrawder in Danville.
WOMAN IDENTIFIED IN DANVILLE
Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn identified the female discovered in a hot tub in Danville on Tuesday. June Savage, 65, was discovered in a residence on West Mahoning Street and was believed to have died on Saturday. According to Lynn, an investigation is underway to exclude foul play.
ARREST MADE IN ARMED ROBBERY OF JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS ON BASIN STREET
He was recently charged with the armed robbery of Jersey Mike’s Subs in Lewisburg and gas station in New Columbia. Now, Kenneth Robert Gough Jr has been charged with committing two robberies at Jersey Mike’s Subs on 201 Basin St in Williamsport. He was arraigned via video late Wednesday morning before District Judge Aaron Biichle on charges stemming from the March 15 and April 9 holdups, said Agent Jeremy Brown, the lead investigator. According to an online media outlet, Gough remains jailed in lieu of an additional $250,000 bail.
LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES TAX INCREASE
The Montgomery School District School Board approved a .59 mill tax increase, which will bring the tax rate to 15.80 mills. Some of the main drivers for the increase in expenditures were the need for specialized individualized costs for students, necessities such as sign language interpreters, which were approved at the meeting. The proposed budget is now on display for 30 days before final adoption next month. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m., June 15 at the district board room, 120 Penn St.
GRADUATION FOR THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Williamsport Area School District is gearing up for an in-person traditional graduation in the stadium, with cooperation from the weather. Plan B is to move inside and a ticketed event. Graduation is scheduled for June 10 at 7 pm. next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 1 at the District Service Center, 2780 West Fourth St.
AMERICAN RESCUE ACT
Pennsylvania schools have almost $5 billion in federal funds available from the American Rescue Act to address disruptions to education caused by the pandemic. At least one-billion-dollars is specifically targeted at intensifying support for students who need extra help to get back on track. According to Pennsylvania State Education Association President Rich Askey, school districts have a great deal of flexibility in determining how to use the American Rescue Plan funds and they have until September 2024 to allocate the funding.
