COLD FRIGID WEATHER
Waking up to frigid temperatures this morning in the single digits. There is still plenty of snow and ice on the ground especially on back roads and in the higher elevations. The state has lifted all vehicle restrictions on highways across the commonwealth and speed limits have been put back to normal. You are reminded though that is you are headed out this morning and you have not done so yet, please clean off your vehicle completely, and take it easy. Leave early for your destination this morning.
TROUT RUN CRASH TAKE MAN’S LIFE
Saturday’s weather contributed to a fatal crash in Trout Run on Saturday afternoon. The crash happened around 3:30 in the 1800 block of State Route 14 North in Lewis Township as a vehicle driven by 82 year old John Covert of Ralston failed to negotiate a curve and slid off the roadway striking a rock covered embankment. The car then rolled onto it’s driver’s side. Covert was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 78 year old Jean Covert of Ralston was taken UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Her condition not released.
BURGLARY INVESTIGATION
State police in Montoursville are investigating the burglary at a residence in Muncy Creek Township which occurred late last year. Police say that someone entered an unlocked door behind the home along Sterling Drive and got into a large shed, taking a firearm as well as several tools. Total loss was more than $2,000 dollars. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police in Montoursville at 5709-368-5700.
POLICE TURN DOWN CUT IN PAY INCREASE
A suggested cut in pay increases for Williamsport City Police has been shot down by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. In a vote taken last week, a majority of officers voted against a suggestion that they take a 2% pay raise instead of a 3% raise in the coming year. Mayor Campana had suggested the reduction in order to save about $125,000 on a city budget which is stretched to the limit. Campana says that the no vote could contribute to a large tax hike in 2020 for city residents. City police are in the middle of a negotiated four year contract.
TWO CHARGED WITH OPERATING METH LAB
Two persons were charged last week with operating a meth lab in the city of Williamsport which was found back at the end of December. 34 year old Michael Puch and 35 year old Jennifer Berkebile of Williamsport were reportedly cooking meth in an apartment at Newberry Estates when a woman stopped by for a surprise visit. The two did not live there but were reportedly being allowed to stay there while the tenant was away. They were arrested this week on several charges. Berkebile is jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail, Puch in lieu of $150,000 bail.
FREIDENBERG WOULD LIKE MARINO’S SEAT
A Centre County man has announced his intentions to run in the special election to replace 12th district congressman Tom Marino who resigned last week. Marc Fridenberg, an democrat who lost in the fall to Marino who won a fourth term in Washington has announced that he would like to be the Democratic candidate in the special election which will be held within 60 days. Freidenberg would have to be nominated by the Democratic Committee to be places on the ballot. Marino is resigning to take a job in the private sector.
CANDIDATE FOR LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES
A former Lycoming County Probation officer has his sights set on becoming County Commissioner. Scott Metzger announced late last week that he will seek the Republican nomination in the May 21st primary election to run on the ballot on the fall for one of three Commissioner spots. Metzger, from Montoursville plans to campaign on three crucial areas while seeking the nomination. They are Public Safety, taxes and job creation. No word yet on if the two incumbent republican commissioners are running for re-election.
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY EVENTS
A week long of events for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day began on Saturday in the city of Williamsport with a Peace Walk and a service which followed honoring the late doctor’s work as well as that of local Beloved Community Council Volunteer Richard James who died early last year. The walk took left from the First Church of Christ United Methodist Church and went about a mile returning to the church. There are several events planned for this week and more information can be found on the Beloved Community Council’s Facebook page.