SLIPPERY CONDITIONS
Some slippery conditions still this morning, mostly on back roads and in the higher elevations. You are reminded to take it easy as you head out this morning and leave early for your destination. Most main roads are in good shape, thanks in part to Penn DOT pre-treating roadways yesterday. We do have some school delays to report this morning. Here they are.
LOOKING FOR CONCESSIONS
A report in the Williamsport Sun Gazette this morning says Mayor Campana wants to sit down with leadership from both the city police and fire departments to discuss the possibility of a 1% pay cut for members of both departments. The mayor, looking at saving money for the city says the cuts could save the city about $225,000 dollars annually all together. Leader of both unions say they would be willing to talk with the mayor but the decision would be up to the rank and file of both departments.
SNOW CAUSES ACCIDENTS
Though there were few problems reported on the roadways overnight, a little snow yesterday afternoon caught drivers off guard. There were several accidents reported across the region yesterday as snow fell, whitening up roads for a short time. Some minor injuries were reported and emergency crews were kept busy for a time yesterday afternoon. Road crews were busy into the afternoon making sure roadways were clear and passable.
YAW REGAINS CHAIRMANSHIP
23rd district State Senator Gene Yaw from Loyalsock Township will continue his chairmanship on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the 2019-2020 legislative session. Yaw announced yesterday that he has been reappointed to head up the committee which has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development including regulations and conservation efforts. Yaw has been chairman of the committee since 2013, and has helped to sponsor a number of energy related bills.
ROBBERY AND ASSAULT CHARGES
A robbery and assault on Thursday of last week has landed a city teen in jail. Williamsport police arrested 18 year old Rahshaan Gaines after he allegedly tried to rob a man of money on Thursday night at West Fourth Street and Seventh Avenue and when the man pushed the teen away, Gaines allegedly punched the man in the face several times. He is jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail. A 14 year old teen has been sent to a juvenile detention center for his participation in the incident.
ROBBERY IN CITY
Williamsport police are investigating a robbery attempt which occurred on the city last night. The incident happened just past 9:30 as a heavy set black male, wearing a grey knit cap and brow jacket tried a strong armed robbery at the Mini Mart in the 1000 block of High Street. No one was reported injured, and it’s not known how much the man got away with. The investigation continues. No other details are available.
MAN CHARGED WITH FLEEING POLICE
A Milton man has been charged with fleeing and eluding and other related counts following a police pursuit in Northumberland County over the weekend. State police in Milton say that on Saturday night around 8pm, they attempted to conduct a traffic stop for an equipment violation, when the operator, 27 year old Brandon Kerstetter took off from them leading them on a high speed chase which subsequently ended when Kerstetter pulled over. No one was injured and charged have been filed through district court.
MORE MONEY FOR FIGHT AGAINST OPIOIDS
A year after Governor Tom Wolf issued a statewide declaration to battle the rise in opioid deaths, progress has been made. A report by state leaders yesterday shows that opioid-related deaths in the state dropped 11 percent last year. They do say that opioid addiction remains as an epidemic and that the state will spend an additional $56 million dollars on several programs including drug education, helping professionals in the field by repaying college loans and creating a public service campaign to publicize a 24 hour hotline.
