TORNADOES STRIKE CENTRAL PA
Two tornadoes touched down in North Central Pennsylvania yesterday afternoon that caused severe damage at several area businesses and closed Route 15 in Kelly Township for several hours. According to the National Weather Service, one tornado was reported to touch down at 4:15pm in Mifflinville Columbia County and at 4:38 in Milton, Northumberland County. PennDOT, reported debris and wires down that closed Southbound Route15 between Colonel John Kelly Road and Hospital Drive in Kelly Township, Union County until after 11pm. Lite It Fireworks along Westbranch Highway was partially destroyed by the tornado and areas of the Silver Moon Flea market were also damaged, according to pictures shared on Union County Firewire Facebook pages. According to PennLive, no storm related injuries were reported at Evangelical Community Hospital.
MONTGOMERY MAN DIES IN CRASH
A fatal crash in West Buffalo Township claimed the life of a Montgomery man and DUI charges for another. According to police, 30-year-old Spencer Charles died as a result of his injuries. State police say the accident occurred in the area of 2300 Grand Valley Road, closing the roadway for hours. State police say 35-year-old Benjamin Martin of Mifflinburg has been charged with multiple felonies including homicide by motor vehicle while DUI. There is no report as to Martin’s injuries.
NEW POLLING PLACES APPROVED
Moving the polling locations to school buildings was approved by the Board of Elections this week. According to the SUN Gazette, the move was a last resort effort to move Lycoming County into compliance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Reports say Williamsport Area School District will house three of the polling places, with 11th and 12th wards going to Cochran Elementary and the 7th Ward at the Williamsport Area Middle School. Meanwhile other polling moves approved included Muncy Creek Township and Williamsport 4th and 9th Wards.
EVERETT TO BE HONORED WITH BOAT LAUNCH
Representative Garth Everett will be honored posthumously with a new boat launch access area being named for him in Muncy, a project that Everett himself was an advocate. According to a press release from Senator Gene Yaw, the Senate passed House Bill 1031, sponsored by Representative Joe Hamm, to see the boat launch through to reality for use in rural Lycoming County. Representative Everett was elected to seven terms representing the 84th district, then choosing not to seek reelection in 2020, he passed away in January.
NO POWER OUTAGES LINGER TODAY AFTER TORNADOES
There are no power outages reported on the PPL outage map this morning after tornadoes touched down in Central PA yesterday. According to Facebook posts on Union County Firewire, debris and wires came down along the West Westbranch Highway and Silvermoon Fleamarket along Route 15 after tornadoes were reported. They touched down at 4:15pm in Mifflinville, Columbia County and at 4:38 in Milton, Northumberland County. The NWS also reported a touchdown in Union County between 4:30 and 5 p.m. in Kelly Township near Lewisburg. According to PennLive, areas of Dauphin County north of Harrisburg also experienced storm activity that brought down trees and wires.
PA POLICE TO CRACK DOWN ON AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
State police and Shamokin Dam Police will join over 300 law enforcement agencies to work to curtail aggressive driving next week. Starting this Wednesday through August 20, officers say any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive at ticket. The goal of this enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state, with a focus on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, and tailgating. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited.
FORMER ASSISTANT DA NEW LYCOMING COUNTY JUDGE
According to Senator Gene Yaw, Kirsten Gardner was nominate by Governor Shapiro and confirmed by the full Senate as Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge, replacing retired Judge Jon Kemp, after winning both the Republican and Democratic primaries in May. Prior to her confirmation, Gardner served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office where she has prosecuted hundreds of adult and juvenile cases, including those involving special victims, violent crimes, and homicides.
FIREWORKS RULES FOR THE 4TH
This 4th of July, the Williamsport Bureau of Police reminds residents fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner, fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building, toward a motor vehicle or building or within 150 feet of an occupied structure or while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug. Any violation of these provisions could be subject to a fine of up to $600 and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days.
SPORTS
MLB
Guardians 8 Cubs 6
Orioles 2 Twins 1
Braves 6 Marlins 3
Nationals 5 Phillies 4
Brewers 6 Pirates 3
Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 4
Reds 4 Padres 3
Royals 9 Dodgers 1
Cardinals 5 Yankees 1
Astros 5 Rangers 3
Tigers 14 Rockies 9
Angels 5 Diamondbacks 2
White Sox 8 A’s 7
Mariners 7 Rays 6
Mets 8 Giants 4
MLB Draft League
Crosscutters was canceled last night ending the weekend tied up 1-1 with the Trenton Thunder. The Cutters head to State College tonight but play the Spikes at home July 4th with a 1:05pm first pitch
NASCAR
34-year-old Shane Van Gisbergen from New Zealand, who is the first driver to win his Cup series Debut since Johnny Rutherford at Daytona in1963, won the Grant park 220 in downtown Chicago Sunday, followed by Justin Haley and Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Kyle Busch
COMPETETIVE EATING
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is tomorrow. Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, two food-eating legends, will be returning to defend their titles 10:45am for the women’s and noon for the men’s competition. Joey Chestnut is expected to win the men’s annual event for the 16th time. The competition is at Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y., where competitors see who can consume the most hot dogs (with buns) in a 10-minute span.
