JURY TO GET MURDER CASE TODAY
Testimony wrapped up yesterday in the Lycoming County murder trial of a man who is accused with two others of a home invasion and then the murder of two residents in the city of Williamsport on Halloween of 2017. The defense attorney for Joseph Coleman tried to cast doubt in the jury’s minds regarding testimony of co-defendant Casey Wilson who has already entered a guilty plea to 3rd degree murder in the killings of 25 year old Wright and his mother, 50 year old Kristine Kibler at their Newberry home. The jury is expected to begin deliberations today. The trial for a third man involved Jordan Rawls is to take place in April.
PLANS PUT ON HOLD
In an about face, the city of Williamsport has put plans for a new scoreboard and other improvements at BB&T Ballpark at Bowman Field on hold. A $600,000 dollar grant had been approved for the work, but the city would have to come up with another $600,000 dollars in matching funds. Saying he doesn’t want the city of have to borrow any more money on his watch, Mayor Gabriel Campana announced that the upgrades may have to wait several more seasons. Council then pulled a resolution for a contract on the scoreboard from their agenda, giving it at least another two weeks.
MAN ARRESTED FOR DEALING HEROIN
The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit arrested a Philadelphia man in the city of Williamsport on Wednesday. 31 year old Nadir Johnson who also goes by the street name of Dom was arrested at First Avenue and Park Place in the city and charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin as well as related offenses. He was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 dollars bail.
BICYCLIST STRUCK
Emergency crews were called out last night in the city of Williamsport to the corner of West Fourth and Walnut Streets for reports of an accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle. That accident happened around 9:45 last night and Walnut Street north from West Fourth Street was closed down so emergency crews could get to and work at the scene safely. No word on the extent of injuries and not other details were available regarding that city accident.
WOMAN ACCUSED OF STABBING HUSBAND
]A Danville woman was arrested yesterday morning after stabbing her husband in the neck with a pen. The incident happened just before 7am as Brenda Solorzano went ot the Spirit Gas Station at A Street and Route 11 in Danville where her husband, Julio was having coffee. After having words with the man, she allegedly pulled out the pen and stabbed him in the neck causing an abrasion. She was charged with simple assault and harassment and released after posting $10,000 bail.
$15,000 IN WATER DAMAGE
State police in Milton are investigating a large amount of damage done to a residence in Union County. The incident happened sometime between January 17th and February 4th at a residence owned by Pedro Valdes along County Line Road in Union Township. Someone broke into the rear of the house and cut here water lines. The water subsequently did $15,000 dollars damage to the home. Anyone with information is asked ot contact State Police in Milton.
TWO MORE EXPRESS INTEREST
Two more persons have announced that they would like to be the Republican Candidate for the special election to the U.S. 12th District Congressional seat recently vacated by Tom Marino. Bradford County resident and Global Tungsten Vice President Stacy Garrity has announced her interest and Clarion County resident Robert Noerr has also announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination. They join a group of others who have also expressed interest in running in the May 21st election. The State Republican Committee is expected to choose a candidate soon to run against Democratic choice Marc Friedenberg who lost to Marino in November.
HIGHWAY SAFETY LAW AWARENESS WEEK
As the state of Pennsylvania gets set to observe Highway Safety Law Awareness week, officials with Penn DOT and the State police are urging drivers to review and obey driver safety laws that were recently updated and that impact crash rates yearly. Those laws include automated speed enforcement in work zones, the State’s Steer Clear law, a recently updated DUI law which enforces stiffer penalties for repeat offenders as well as others. Each is the subject of a short video which can be viewed on the PennDOT Facebook page.
LANDSLIDE WORK TO COST $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS
Work continues to get Slate Run Road in Brown Township repaired following multiple landslides in the area last September. It is estimated it will cost $1.5 million dollars to repair the roadway. The affected area runs 725 feet and the road has been closed to traffic since the slides affecting both homes and businesses and causing a 16 mile detour. It’s hoped the work to fix the road can be done by summertime.
