SLIPPERY CONDITIONS OVERNIGHT
Snow turned to sleet and freezing rain last night making for slippery conditions across our area into the overnight hours. Several accidents were reported including a collision which shut down the Market Street bridge for about a half an hour and briefly trapped the driver. No one was injured. . Main roads are clearing up, but back roads and roads in the higher spots are slippery. You are reminded to leave early for your destination. Rising temperatures should contribute to melting today, but area schools are on delay this morning. Here is that list.
ACCUSED MURDERER WAIVES HEARING
A Williamsport woman was in court yesterday to face a preliminary hearing in the New Year’s stabbing death of a man inside a city apartment. Monica Burns is charged with homicide and aggravated assault in the stabbing death of 28 year old Ryan Jones following a fight amongst Jones and others in the unit at the Timberland Apartments. It’s believed the stabbing occurred shortly after 1am, and Jones then left the apartment on foot and was found dead behind city fire headquarters several hours later. Burns, who is said to have not be cooperating with investigators waived her preliminary hearing yesterday and faces further court proceedings.
NEXT STEP FOR FLOOD GRAFIUS RUN FLOOD MITIGATION
It’s hoped the city of Williamsport can get some help from the state for a flood mitigation project along Grafius Run in the city which has been causing issues during heavy rain over the past several years. It was reported in the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the city has completed ht stage of handing out and getting back surveys by residents along the run, documenting flood damage over the past ten years. The surveys have been delivered to the State’s Department of Environmental Protection for review and consideration of the state’s involvement in the project.
MAN ARRESTED FOR DEALING
Williamsport police have arrested a city man who they say tried to deliver a large bag of marijuana at his city home earlier this month. 30 year old Quinton Drummond is accused of the delivery of the drug as well as related charges at his Rose Street home on February 9th. He was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 dollars bail.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET POINTS TOWARDS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE
One Lycoming County School district may be looking at a substantial tax increase in their next budget. The East Lycoming School Board this week adopted a 2019-2020 preliminary budget which has with it an increase in spending close to a million dollars. Increases are expected in salary and wages, retirement contributions and other aspects of the budget. It’s possible a 1 mill tax increase could be instituted which would mean the board would have to apply to go above the Act 1 index. District officials say the budget is preliminary and there are several things that need to be factored in before a final budget is passed.
CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE
The candidates continue to line up for county and municipal primary elections in May. In the city of Williamsport, City councilman Derek Slaughter has announced that he will run for the Democratic nomination for Mayor in May. Slaughter is in his first term on council. Local business owner Jon Mackey will seek the democratic nomination to run in the fall for city council, and City treasurer Nicholas Grimes has said he will seek the Republican nomination to run for another term. In addition, Steve Brady, the Covation Center executive director will seek the Republican Party nomination to run for Lycoming County Commissioner in the fall.
PRISONER DEATH IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Police and other Northumberland County officials are investigating the death of a prisoner at the new Northumberland County Prison. 45 year old Tara Yancheski was found unresponsive in her cell in the prison in Coal Township around 5:15 on Sunday afternoon. Emergency personnel were not able to revive her. Yancheski was serving time on a parole violation and an autopsy and toxicology results are pending to determine the cause of death.
OLLIES TO COME TO AREA
The former Toys R Us store along Lycoming Mall Circle will soon be occupied by another store. It has been reported that Ollie’s Discount Department Store which sells overstocked or old-packaged name brand items will soon be opening in the former Toys R Us Store. The company is seeking employees through on-line ads. The closest Ollie’s location is currently in Mill Hall. It’s not been reported as to an opening date.
