SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES FOR JSAD EMPLOYEE
A Jersey Shore Area School District employee is facing multiple felony charges, including rape of a child. Police say 39-year-old Brian Witner turned himself in Friday after Lycoming Regional Police filed charges connected to alleged sexual assaults involving a minor. According to the Daily Item, Witner worked as an in-school suspension paraprofessional at Jersey Shore Middle School and was immediately placed on leave after the district learned of the allegations. A judge set bail at 150-thousand dollars, and Witner remains barred from contact with children.
BELL TOWER IN MILTON COLLAPSES
Part of the bell tower at the former St. John’s United Church of Christ in Milton collapsed over the weekend, forcing road closures near the downtown area. Borough officials say a large section of the tower fell into Pine Alley Saturday afternoon. Arch Street between Broadway and Walnut remained closed Sunday as engineers prepared to assess the damage. Officials say no one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.
BUSH HOUSE ESTATE LAWSUIT WITHDRAWN
The former owners of the historic Bush House Estate in Muncy Township have withdrawn their lawsuit against the development firm now controlling the property. According to the Sun Gazette, attorneys say a resolution has been reached with State College-based FAMvest, which is redeveloping the former Lycoming Mall site into The District. The lawsuit sought to stop possible demolition of the mid-1800s Bush House as part of plans that include a hotel, Wawa and Bass Pro Shops development. Supporters continue pushing to preserve the historic property.
LOCAL SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY
Donald E. Schick Elementary School has earned national recognition for its music program. The school’s band program was named a 2026 Advocacy in Action Award winner for Elementary Excellence by Music for All. Elementary band director Emily Brumbaugh says the honor highlights the importance of music education at the elementary level. Officials say the program was recognized for helping students build confidence, teamwork and musicianship through classroom learning and community performances.
POLICE: THC IN SYSTEM OF CRASH SUSPECT
Police in Union County say a Montandon man was under the influence of marijuana before a serious head-on crash on Route 15 in Kelly Township. State police say 42-year-old Jamie Vincent lost control of his Dodge Charger in March, crossed the median and slammed into an SUV driven by a Lewisburg woman. Both drivers suffered injuries and were taken to Geisinger Medical Center. Troopers say Vincent later admitted to using a marijuana vape pen earlier that day, and lab results confirmed THC in his system.
DROWNING VICTIM IDENTIFIED
The Lycoming County coroner has identified the man found deceased in a pond in Muncy Creek Township Thursday evening as 77-year-old James Frey. Officials say Frey’s body was discovered in the water along Musser Lane just before 5 p.m. Investigators believe he had been using a weed eater near the pond when he collapsed into the water. Multiple fire and water rescue crews responded and pulled Frey from the pond.
JUDGE WANTS OFFICERS TO TESTIFY ABOUT MISSING DOCUMENTS
A Northumberland County judge is demanding answers after grievance documents connected to an inmate assault case reportedly went missing from the county jail. Judge Edward Greco says jail officials will have to testify under oath about the missing records tied to 37-year-old Bruce Thompson Junior of Mount Carmel. Thompson faces felony aggravated assault charges for allegedly attacking three correctional officers during a 2023 incident inside the Northumberland County Jail.
NEW HOUSING INITITAIVE TO FIGHT BLIGHTED PROPERTY ISSUES
Williamsport City Council has approved a new housing initiative with STEP Inc. aimed at rehabilitating vacant homes and increasing affordable homeownership in the city. The program will use more than 317-thousand dollars in HOME funding to purchase and repair salvageable properties before they become blighted. Officials say renovated homes will then be sold to low- and moderate-income buyers at affordable prices, helping strengthen neighborhoods across Williamsport.
SPORTS
NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen continued his road-course dominance in NASCAR Sunday with a commanding win at Watkins Glen International. The Trackhouse Racing driver started on the pole and led 74 laps on the way to his seventh Cup Series victory. The New Zealand native charged back from 24th place after a late pit.
Shane van Gisbergen 1st – Michael McDowell – 2nd Ty Gibbs – 3rd Chase Briscoe – 4th Tyler Reddick – 5th
MLB
Marlins 5 Nationals 2
Orioles 2 A’s 1
Phillies 6 Rockies 0
Brewers 4 Yankees 3
Giants 7 Pirates 6
D’Backs 5 Mets 1
Braves 7 Dodgers 2
MLB Today
Angels vs Guardians 6:10pm ESPN Unlmtd
Yankees vs Orioles 6:35pm MLB.tv
Mariners vs Astros 8:10pm FS1
NBA Semi Finals Game 4
Knicks 144 76ers 114 NY wins 4-0
Timberwolves 114 Spurs 109 tied 2-2
NBA Semifinals Game 4 Tonight
Pistons vs Cavaliers 8pm NBC/Peacock DET leads 2-1
Thunder vs Lakers 10:30pm PrimeVid OKC leads 3—0
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round
Canadiens 6 Sabres 2 MTL leads 2-1
Ducks 4 Golden Knights 3 tied 2-2
NHL Tonight 2nd Round Game 4
Avalanche vs Wild 8pm ESPN COL leads 2-1
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