BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS FEB 19 & 20, 2022

DISTURBANCE IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

It was Friday morning just after 9 am when the Old Lycoming Township Police were dispatched to McDonalds, 1940 Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township. Police were advised that a disorderly male had entered the restaurant and, after causing a disturbance and threatening employees and customers, refused to leave when asked by employees. Azeem Burton did flee when police were summoned and was located with the assistance of McDonalds staff and customers. Burton was taken into custody in the nearby parking lot of Weis Markets. He was arrested on charges of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, trespass and harassment, arraigned by District Judge Frey, denied bail and remanded to Lycoming County Prison.

SUIT GOING TO COURT

A sexual harassment suit involving an 8-year-old boy in a local school district is moving to federal court. As reported by an online media outlet, US Middle District Judge Matthew Brann denied a previous motion for a summary judgement. Parents claim the Shikellamy school district’s failure to act on a complaint led to an even more severe incident. They seek unspecified damages.

CONVICTION IN 2019 KILLING IN MONTOUR COUNTY

A St. Louis man was convicted in the 2019 killing of Derrick Potts in a Montour County motel. As reported by the Daily Item, David Downing has been sentenced 45 months to 12 years in state prison. He has received credit for 875 days he has been incarcerated.  Miquel Brown, Downing’s then girlfriend also faces multiple charges for her role in the December 2019 killing.

LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT CHARGE

A Watsontown man struck a pedestrian with his vehicle and left the scene. As reported by the Daily Item, 75-year-old Larry Larue Watkins, allegedly struck Theresa Wetzel on December 16th around 10 am, as she walked South on Matthew Street in Watsontown. Watkins’ passenger side mirror allegedly impacted with Wetzel’s left arm. Watkins faces multiple charges and has a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Michael Diehl on March 23rd.

THE FILING OF AN AMICUS WITH THE STATE

The redistricting battle has gained yet another participant. The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is contesting the U.S. Congressional reappointment map. According to Bob Garret, CEO and President of the chamber, along with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce have filed an amicus brief with the state supreme court. As reported by an online media outlet, the brief allows the chambers to have input on the court discussions.

PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTER OF A PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing dealing with the nearly 100-year-old Stevens Primary School was last week with the Williamsport Area School District officials. Including in the hearing was an architect and concerned residents in an attempt to decide to repair or sell. The public will have the opportunity to provide the district comments and opinions for the next three months on the district’s website or by attending meetings. As reported by the Sun Gazette, construction of a new school on the site or renovation of the structure carries a price tag of roughly the same amount, $23 million.

 

COUNTRY CUBPORD DINING HALL CLOSES ITS DOORS

Saturday was the final dining day for the Country Cupboard.  As reported by an online media outlet, the Union County restaurant says they have had an overwhelming response in the dining room, but they have a lack of staff and must close. The Country Cupboard will be closed with only the gift shops and the bakery open from Wednesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.  The Country Cupboard announced its permanent closing, through a press conference, late last month, after 49 years in business.

VOTE AGAINST AN INSPECTION

It was a no go on Thursday night for awarding upwards of $10,000 in professional architecture/engineering services to evaluate City Hall.  As reported by Sun Gazette, the Williamsport City Council City Engineer Jon Sander, reported he presented the request for the inspection of the condemned building.  However, the vote was unanimous against the inspection.  The reasons included such things as the final costs to make the building functional for government workers and visitors.

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