FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT
More rain moving in tonight into tomorrow has prompted the National Weather Service with instituting a Flood watch for our area. The watch is effective tonight into tomorrow night. It’s believed that 1 to 2 inches of rain, even more in some spots will fall and with the soil already saturated by recent precipitation, conditions are right for possible flooding. The flood watch has been issued for Lcyomign, Columbis, Montour, Clinton, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties. Residents who live along creeks and streams are being advised to keep an eye on the possibility of rapidly rising waters.
PLANS TO SAVE A CITY BUILDING
It looks like the former Williamsport YMCA/Children’s Discovery Workshop building will be saved from the wrecking ball afterwards. A report in the Williamsport Sun Gazette this morning says that negotiations are underway between the building’s owner, Herman Logue and an unnamed developer who it’s believed wants to put high end apartments in the building. The building which was built in 1923 and which according to city codes director Joe Gerardi, needs to undergo about $5 million dollars in renovations to bring it up to specifications was to be demolished earlier this year, but was saved when city councilperson Liz Miele stepped in vowing to find a developer to save the structure.
MAN ARRESTED FOR SUNBURY STABBING
A man faces assault related charges stemming from a stabbing in the city of Sunbury early yesterday morning. Around 3am, police were called to the area near the Sunbury Office Park and found a man suffering from a stab wound to the head. The man, said to be a Sunbury volunteer fire company was transferred to the hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries, and police chased down his alleged assailiant identified as 25 year old Jonathon Hunter. Hunter was arraigned yesterday morning on multiple charges and jailed in Northumberland County Prison.
7 LESS POSITIONS, SERVICES NOT EXPECTED TO SUFFER
As the city of Williamsport heads towards a New Year and a budget which has cut seven city positions, Williamsport’s Mayor is reassuring residents that the city will not see a drop in services due to the job cuts. The budget cuts out four city police positions, two codes department jobs and a Streets and Parks assistant administrator. All the jobs will be cut through attrition and there will be no layoffs. Mayor Campana in a story in the Sun Gazette this morning says that city services will remain steady though city workers may have to take on more responsibilities. City police officials say patrol numbers should not be affected.
GOVERNOR ON THE SIDE OF LEGALIZING MARIJUANA
It looks like Pennsylvania’s Governor is on board with legalizing recreational marijuana. While answering Twitter questions from state residents yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf said it’s time for Pennsylvania to take a serious and honest look at recreational marijuana. Saying that more and more states are successfully implementing marijuana legislation, Wolf says such a change would require action by the Republican Majority Legislature. A medical marijuana law has been passed in Pennsylvania and continues to be implemented.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING
Pennsylvania residents will now be able to report suspicious prescription drug activity online with the click of a button. Governor Wolf and State Attorney General Tom Shapiro yesterday introduced the new Prescription Drug Monitoring Tool designed to help combat the state’s opioid epidemic. The tool lets anyone report doctors or pharmacies who may be going out prescription drugs illegals. The suspicious drug activity can be reported anonymously by going to the State Attorney General’s Website.
MORE DEVELOPMENT IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP
It looks like some more development will go forth in Woodward Township in Lycoming County in 2019. Township Supervisors last night approved plans for a new 9100 Square foot Dollar General Store ot open up alongside Muncy Bank and Trust and the Harvest Moon Plaza along Route 220 in the Township. Supervisors approved four variances asked for by the developer for the store, Hutchinson Realty. In addition last night, they passed the 2019 township budget which does not contain a tax increase.
HISTORICAL GRANTS AVAILABLE
23rd District State Senator Gene Yaw has announced that qualified museums and official county historical societies are eligible for nearly $2 million dollars in Cultural and Historoical Support Grants, available statewide. The money comes from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and funding is available through a grant program which is designed to strengthen the PA museum community, provide general operating support. Maximum awards for qualified museums could reach up to $65,000 dollars and Historical societies could receive anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 dollars. The application period is open to January 25th with eligibility information and grant guidelines found on the PHMC website.
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO SUMBILT IDEAS
Students in grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to submit innovative ideas regarding work zone safety. The Statewide contest from PennDOT is inviting students to explore innovative technologies and methods aside from laws and educational campaigns to get drivers to slow down in work zones. The Innovations Challenge aims to educate students on challenges the department faces and encourages them to consider PennDOT as a full time employer. The deadline for students to submit ideas is January 25th. The winners will compete in a statewide challenge in Harrisburg in April. More information is available online at www.penndot.gov/innovation.
