PHELPS MILLS CANOE LAUNCH
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Deputy Secretary John Norbeck joined the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) for a dedication ceremony at the Phelps Mills Canoe Launch on Pine Creek in the Tiadaghton State Forest in Clinton County. According to northcentralpa.com, the ceremony formally welcomed Phelps Mill Canoe Launch on Pine Creek under the Bureau of Forestry umbrella, which has been managed as a part of Tiadaghton State Forest since late 2019 when DCNR purchased the property.
USE OF STOLEN CREDIT CARDS
When city police accused John Dennis Best of allegedly using a woman’s missing credit card three times, Best told them “the devil made me do it,” according to an affidavit filed at the office of District Judge Christian Frey. The card belonged to Lisa Rollins. Best first used it at Conoco Gas Station, Weis Market, then it was on to Shoe Carnival. Police report Best has been sent a summons to appear before the judge for the multiple charges that were filed on him.
CONCERT CANCELLED
Without much warning, the Bloomsburg Fair announced the Brad Paisley concert, Sept. 26 at the Fairgrounds, cancelled without any reason as of yet. However, the fair reported the tickets will be automatically refunded.
MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE
Muncy man was charged with rape. Muncy Borough Police allege Patrick Racey, raped a woman, despite her yelling for him to stop, according to court papers filed last week with District Judge John E. Kemp. According to a media outlet, the incident occurred inside a residence between Nov 29th and Dec 7th. Following his arraignment last week on multiple assault charges and rape, he was released on $50,000 bail.
75TH ANNIVERSARY FOR LOCAL FIRE COMPANY
The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company celebrates their 75th anniversary with the arrival of a new pumper truck and receipt of a proclamation acknowledging their anniversary from the Lycoming County Commissioners. Also, Congressman Fred Keller was on hand to present the fire company with recognition from Congress. The fire company handles about 600 calls for fire, rescue and ambulance services per year.
FATAL SUNDAY MORNING CRASH
Early Sunday morning, the driver of a rig hauling fracking water used in the natural gas industry was killed when his vehicle rolled over at the Route 220 spur in Williamsport, heading towards Lock Haven, according to the county coroner. The driver from Bradford County lost control of the rig about 3 a.m. His name was withheld pending notification of the family, according to Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. Police are investigating as to a cause of the crash.
GAS PRICES ON THE RISE
Pennsylvania gas prices have risen 0.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.19/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,269 stations in Pennsylvania. Gas prices in Pennsylvania are 75.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Pennsylvania is priced at $2.92/g today while the most expensive is $3.85/g. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “As we approach July 4, it appears the only way forward is for gas prices to continue their rise motorists should prepare to dig deeper for the second half of the summer.”
LYCOMING COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN MEETING
Candidates for local elected and state judicial seats met with a Lycoming County Democratic Women group to speak to members about why they represent the best choices for voters. Among the Democrats talking to the gathering at Susquehanna Park Thursday night were Lauren Baumann Frisco, who is running for Loyalsock Township supervisor, and McKenna Long, a candidate for Hughesville Borough Council. Judicial candidates were Laurie Dumas, Maria McLaughlin, and Timika Lane, as reported by SUN Gazette. The common thread, which spread from local government to the state was the need to listen to constituents.
EMERGENCY OWNER-OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME REHABILITATION
City Council approved a resolution for an “Emergency Owner-Occupied Single Family Home Rehabilitation” application for Ronald Rummings and Linda Woodring who are qualified for the program. Woodring is the daughter of Margaret Woodring, city controller and loan review committee member. As reported by SUN Gazette, the notice of the proposed repair resolution was advertised in the newspaper or record and was reviewed by council and the city finance committee, which gave it a positive recommendation.
MCCRACKEN HEATING & COOLING
The Lycoming County Housing Authority, at its regular monthly meeting, approved McCracken Heating & Cooling for work involving installation of 80 furnaces and 80 water heaters at the Michael Ross development in Williamsport. McCracken’s bid of $89,000 was the lowest of among several firms for the work set for July with the purchase of the heaters and furnaces was approved by the board in April, according to a media outlet.
LIFE SKILLS AND GOLF PROGRAM
The Lycoming County Housing Authority, at its regular monthly meeting, approved a partnership with Williamsport Area Junior Golf to provide a golf and life skills program for youths, a program is similar to the First Tee program backed by the Professional Golfers Association. In other news, according to a media source, the authority reported that charge-offs, uncollected rents or unpaid expenses, for the month of May amounted to $728.94, bringing the total charge-offs to $11,295 for the year.
WOODCOCK FOUNDATION APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS GRANT
The Community Arts Center announced it is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from The Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts. The funds will be used to underwrite the Student Summer Stock production of “SpongeBob the Musical.” According to SUN Gazette, every summer, the Student Summer Stock extends an offer to 7th through 12th grade students with the opportunity to participate in the production of a Broadway-type musical onstage at the Community Arts Center in the historic Martin Theatre.
$40 BILLION STATE BUDGET
Gov. Tom Wolf has announced his support for a nearly $40 billion state budget that was passed by the legislature on Friday. The state House approved the measure, 140-61, the Senate a short while later, 43-7. This budget adds $416 million, the largest single-year education funding increase in state history, raising the increase in annual education funding during Gov. Wolf’s term to more than $1.8 billion. The governor said he will sign the budget next week.
