TRIAL UNDERWAY IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE
The 24 year old Williamsport man accused of attempted homicide after allegedly cutting a woman’s throat last January and sexually assaulting her is on trial this week in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Assistant DA called Unique Terrell Robinson to the stand several times throughout the trial and called 9 witnesses. Closing arguments are expected to happen today. Since being jailed in January, a judge has denied Robinson bail.
MAN USES BOLT CUTTERS TO BREAK INTO GARAGE
A Danville man who witnesses say used bolt cutters to enter a garage is now facing felony burglary charges. According to the Daily Item, Jason Rafter is accused by Danville Police for entering a garage and stealing items in October. A caller reported a male and a female entering garages in the area of Koohers Court and Peters Court with the male seen using bolt cutters. After an investigation, police say Rafter faces felony burglary, criminal conspiracy and criminal trespass, along with multiple misdemeanors and waived his a preliminary hearing last week, with further proceedings expected soon in Montour County Court.
NEW OWNER OF TRUCK PLAZA PLANNING ON ELECTRIC CHARGING
The new manager of the American Truck Plaza at the I-80 interchange in Turbot Township, Northumberland County is working to upgrade the facility, installing electric charging stations this spring thanks to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds, and providing a mixture of premium paid parking and over 200 re-opened spaces of free parking. According to the Standard Journal, the plaza is also re-applying for the second round of grant funding for Tesla Chargers that are planned to be available. NEVI funds are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – part of $33.8 million in federal money distributed to 54 projects in 35 counties across the state.
PROM DRESS EVENT COMING TO SHAMOKIN IN MARCH
A Shamokin woman who started a group in Coal Township called “Girls Play Off-Road” that aims to bring a family and female friendly vibe to the sport, held a successful Prom-Dress giveaway in the social room of Oasis Community Recovery Club Saturday and is planning another one in March. According to the Standard Journal, founder of Girls Play Off-Road, Jaimee Stecker-Betts, has collected hundreds of donated prom dresses for this event as well as for Cinderella’s Closet at the YWCA in Williamsport. Girls Play Off-Road will hold another prom dress event at Oasis at 210 E. Independence St in Shamokin between on Saturday, March 2nd.
CAR THIEF SENTENCED TO PROBATION
A South Williamsport man who stole two cars in two separate incidents has been sentenced in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette 21 year old Brett Kimber Guthrie pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by unlawful taking, and Judge Ryan Tira gave him 3 years of probation. Guthrie also has to attend self-help meetings the first year od his probationary period and must perform 100 hours of community service to the South Williamsport Lions Club since he stole a Chevrolet Equinox July 10th that was being used for loading aluminum cans at a Lions Club trailer collection site.
INMATE ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM UPMC WILLIAMSPORT
An inmate who was being treated at UPMC Williamsport December 29th, tried to escape custody of the two corrections officers who were guarding him. According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Alex DeJesus was unshackled to use the restroom, but jumped from the bed and attempted to flee the hospital room, running down a hallway. Officers deployed a taser twice to stop DeJesus, and they once again took him into custody. He was jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail
JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF LYCO CONTROLLER AGAIN
The court has once again ruled in favor of Krista Rogers, Lycoming County Controller. According to the Sun Gazette, the court had released its first ruling in favor of the Lycoming County Controller a year ago. These rulings revolve in the ongoing dispute with the Lycoming County Commissioners and the interpretations of the Lycoming County code indicating what office has the ultimate responsibility for specific fiscal functions in county government. In this current ruling, the state’s Commonwealth Court affirms the previous interpretation of visiting Potter County Senior Judge John B. Leete last January.
LYME DISEASE AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST
Students, scout troops and community youth programs are encouraged to take part in the PA department of health ‘s Annual 2024 Lyme Art Contest, by making a poster or short video focusing on preventing Lyme disease. According to the PA Pressroom, the Shapiro administration invites first through 6th graders to participate in the contest with the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.” The deadline for entries Mach 15th at 5pm Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Finalists will be notified by mail and will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May. Get details at health.pa.gov/ticks.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Girls
Lewisburg 37 South Williamsport 17
Jersey Shore 56 Danville 25
Shamokin 47 Montoursville 32
Milton 48 Mifflinburg 29
Boys
Warrior Run 48 Hughesville 45
So. Columbia 61 Lewisburg 58
Shikellamy 72 Milton 47
NBA
Knicks 113 Hornets 92
Cavaliers 118 Clippers 108
Celtics 118 Pelicans 112
Nets 147 Jazz 114
Suns 118 Heat 105
Rockets 135 Lakers 119
Wizards 118 Spurs 113
Trl Blzrs 130 76er’s 104
NBA Tonight
Indiana vs Boston 7:30pm TNT
76ers vs Golden State 10pm TNTNHL
Senators 4 Predators 3
NHL Tonight
Columbus @ St. Louis 8pm NHL Net
Seattle vs San Jose 10:30pm ESPN+
