LIFE SENTENCE HANDED TO WILLIAMSPORT MAN FOR 2023 HOMICIDE
A Lycoming County man will spend the rest of his life in prison for a deadly 2023 shooting. A jury convicted 35-year-old Benjamin Villanueva the Third of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, evidence tampering and firearms violations in the shooting death of 39-year-old Jermaine Mullen in December 2023. The judge imposed a mandatory life sentence without parole, along with additional prison time on other charges. Authorities say Villanueva is a repeat violent offender, and an alleged accomplice is still facing charges in the case.
ANOTHER SUSPECT CHARGED IN WILLIAMSPORT WILDLIFE CASE
A third suspect is now charged in a disturbing wildlife case in Williamsport. Twenty-year-old Austin B. Grossnickle Jr. is accused of being involved in the killing of a deer that investigators say was intentionally run over. Authorities say the impact broke the animal’s legs and neck. Grossnickle faces misdemeanor hunting-related charges and has waived his preliminary hearing. Two others, including the driver, were previously charged in the case.
PA GOVERNOR CAMPAIGNING IN WILLIAMSPORT
Governor Josh Shapiro made a campaign stop in Williamsport, urging voters to push back against what he called chaos and corruption in government. Speaking at Lycoming College Saturday, Shapiro highlighted his record on education funding, tax cuts, and crime reduction, while calling for a higher minimum wage and more affordable housing. According to the Sun Gazette, he also encouraged support for Democratic candidates, saying voters play a key role in shaping policy and future leadership.
BUCKNELL TO HOST “WICKED” ACTRESS
An actress making history in Hollywood is coming to Bucknell University. Marissa Bode, the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose in the “Wicked” films, will speak April 20 at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The event will feature a moderated discussion on her career and advocacy for disability representation. Officials say her visit will bring an inspiring perspective to campus. The lecture is free, with limited tickets available to the public.
BLAIR COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FROM DRUG ARREST IN CLINTON COUNTY
A Blair County man is heading to state prison following a drug arrest in Clinton County. Forty-five-year-old Ernest Paul Coit was sentenced to six to 12 years for possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Police say he was found with more than 130 grams of meth, additional cocaine and over two-thousand dollars in cash during a 2023 traffic stop near Mill Hall. Prosecutors say the case faced years of delays, and note Coit has several prior felony drug convictions.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR DOWNTOWN SHAMOKIN
Shamokin is set to kick off a major downtown improvement project. City leaders, along with SEDA-COG, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony April 20 at 10 a.m. at 9th and Independence Streets for the Independence Street Streetscape Project. Construction is expected to begin later this spring. The project will focus on improving sidewalks, lighting, and pedestrian safety, while supporting local businesses. Officials say it’s a key step in the city’s long-term revitalization plan.
CHANGES AT US FOREST SERVICE EFFECT FOUR PA OFFICES
The U.S. Forest Service is making major changes that will impact Pennsylvania. The agency is relocating its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City and shifting to a more state-based model. As part of the move, four research facilities in York, Irvine, Long Pond and Williamsport will close. Officials say the change will improve efficiency and bring operations closer to forests and communities, but the closures are raising concerns about job losses and the future of research in those areas.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP IN PENNSYLVANIA
The number of first time filings for unemployment are increasing across Pennsylvania. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which says for the week ending April 4th, there were nearly eleven-thousand first time filings in the state. That number is nearly 25-hundred more filings than the week prior. Nationally, the number of initial filings increased compared to the week prior.
SPORTS
NASCAR Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday
Ty Gibbs earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway, outdueling champions Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott. The 23-year-old reached victory lane in his 131st start, marking an emotional milestone in his fourth Cup season.
1st Ty Gibbs 2nd – Ryan Blaney 3rd – Kyle Larson 4th – Tyler Reddick 5th– Chase Briscoe
GOLF Master’s Tournament
Rory McIlroy is a Masters champion again, winning The Masters Tournament for the second straight year with a one-shot victory at 12-under. After losing a big lead Saturday and battling early Sunday, McIlroy took control on the back nine to secure his sixth major title, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Woods.
MLB
Braves 13 Guardians 1
D’Backs 4 Phillies 3
Orioles 6 Giants 2
A’s 1 Mets 0
Rays 5 Yankees 4
Nationals 8 Brewers 6
Cubs 7 Pirates 6
Rangers 5 Dodgers 2
MLB Tonight
D’Backs vs Orioles 6:35pm
Cubs vs Phillies 6:40pm FS1
Nationals vs Pirates 6:40pm
Angels vs Yankees 7:05pm
Guardians vs Cardinals 7:45pm
Mets vs Dodgers 10:10pm ESPN Unlmtd
NBA
Hornets 110 Knicks 96
Celtics 113 Magic 108
Cavaliers 130 Wizards 117
76ers 126 Bucks 106
Raptors 136 Nets 101
Clippers 115 Warriors 110
Nuggets 128 Spurs 118
NBA Tuesday NBA Play-In East/West
Heat vs Hornets 7:30pm Prime Vid
Trail Blazers vs Suns 10pm PrimeVid
NHL
Capitals 3 Penguins 0
Canadiens 4 Islanders 1
Bruins 3 Blue Jackets 2
Devils 4 Senators 3
Canucks 4 Ducks 3
Flames 4 Mammoth 1
NHL Tonight
Rangers vs Panthers 7pm ESPN+
Hurricanes vs Flyers 7pm ESPN+
Kings vs Kraken 9:30pm ESPN
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