HOUSE FIRE CLOSES ROADS
Several local hose companies responded to a house fire in Mifflinburg Monday which closed some roads there for several hours. The Mifflinburg Hose Company reports through social media that Chestnut Street and Forest Hill Road were closed while volunteer firefighters worked on the house fire that began around 8am. All lanes are open again today and no injuries were reported.
FORMER LAWYER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORN CHARGES
A man from Lycoming County has pleaded guilty in a child pornography case. Sixty-six year old James Protasio faces a state prison term of 36 to 96 months for the 11 counts against him. Police told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that they found pornographic images of children on a computer in Protasio’s residence in May of 2010. The former Lycoming County lawyer represented himself in court and will undergo an evaluation with the state sexual offenders assessment board to determine his classification as a sexual predator.
POLICE CHIEF URGES RESIDENTS TO LOCK CARS
At the Williamsport Borough Council meeting last night, the chief of police stressed the need for residents to lock their vehicles. A rash of vehicle robberies recently in South Williamsport have occurred with no evidence of forced entry into the cars. Police are working on identifying the suspects in the alleged robberies that have occurred in DuBoistown, Williamsport and the borough.
SELINSGROVE PLAYGROUND VANDALIZED
There’s been some vandalism reported at the soon to open All Inclusive Playground at East Snyder Park in Selinsgrove. The playground, built to address the needs of those with disabilities and service dogs, was vandalized over the weekend according to a volunteer. Some say the damage might just be sloppy parking near the newly seeded ground. All the damage is reportedly repairable. WKOK reports that the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation provided the funding for the facility in the East Penn Township recreation area – about 600 thousand dollars.
LIVING ROOM FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY
Four people were displaced after an electrical outlet caught fire in the living room of the house in Williamsport. A neighbor saw smoke coming from the home at 527 Wolf Place and called emergency crews around 11 am yesterday. According to the Sun Gazette, the landlord, Derreck Cimini, was aware that the family was having electrical issues in the home. Lycoming County Fire authorities said the fire did about one thousand dollars damage. A Williamsport couple and their two toddlers are able to stay with family members
ANONYMOUS REPORTING LAW STRENGTHENS STUDENT OPTIONS
Lawmakers in our state have strengthened a law to help students in Pennsylvania feel safer while on university campuses here. The “It’s On Us” campaign requires PA’s colleges and universities to develop online anonymous reporting systems for complaints from students and employees about sexual assault, and the law will also excuse victims from their violation of any conduct or drug policies. Administrators say anonymous reporting of assault is a faster way to get a snapshot of actual abuse on campuses, allowing authorities to act quicker and solve the problems they face.
BRIDGE TO CLOSE WEDNESDAY
PennDOT will close the Veteran’s Bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven Wednesday to test the floodgate system there, weather permitting. Crews will close Route 664/ Jay Street during daylight hours and there will be message boards in place to alert drivers to new additions to local detours. Motorists who use Paul Mack Boulevard there are encouraged to use Church Street instead of Jay Street or Water Street. Crews will work Thursday this week if weather keeps the tests from being completed.
FALLINGWATER DESIGNATED WORLD HERITAGE SITE
If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and a Pennsylvanian, then the latest news that Fallingwater in Mill Run has gained the lofty status as a World Heritage Site is good news. Fallingwater was designed in 1935 by Wright who is widely considered the greatest architect of the 20th century. The home was built over a 30 foot waterfall and shows Wright’s philosophy, the harmonious union of art and nature. In October 1963, Fallingwater, its collections and 469 acres of surrounding natural land were entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which continues to own, operate and preserve Fallingwater. PA’s other World Heritage site is Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Sports
Major League Baseball
In the Home Run Derby last night, the Met’s rookie Pete Alonso outlasted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the final round and collected the million dollars. Alonso will play tonight in the All Star Game.
NY Penn League
Mahoning Valley Scrappers defeated the Williamsport Crosscutters 4-nothing
in Game 1 of the doubleheader – and in Game 2 Crosscutters over the Scrappers 3-nothing
9-11 Softball
Loyalsock 17 Jersey Shore nothing in 4 innings
Wimbledon
Women’s Singles – Romania’s Simona Halep defeated US’s Coco Gauff in the 4th Round yesterday 6-3, 6-3
