SLIPPERY CONDITIONS
The snow is falling this morning. We could see anywhere from 3 to 6 inches across the area before it then turns to some freezing rain. Roadways are snow covered and slippery this morning and you are reminded to take it easy and clean off your vehicles when you head out this morning. Speed limits have been reduced to 45ph on I-180 from Route 15 to the Northumberland County Line, and I-80 from Clinton County all the way to Luzerne County. There are both school delays and closures as we get started this morning and here they are.
MAN CHARGED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT
A Williamsport man was jailed last week following a domestic incident at his Arch Street home. Williamsport police were called to the home of 50 year old Calvin Spann on February 4th following an incident where he is accused of striking a woman multiple times, and then putting his hands around her neck and choking her. He was charged with strangulation, simple assault and harassment and was jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $30,000 bail.
BUDGET TALKS BEGIN
The State House Appropriations Committee began hearings yesterday concerning Governor Wolf’s $34.1 billion dollar budget proposal. Leaders of the Republican controlled legislature centered talk on the governor’s proposal to raise the minimum wage in the state. Republicans on the committee repeatedly criticized the broader impact of the wage hike questioning whether it might choke of entry level jobs, squeeze small businesses or drive up inflation. The hearing signaled a tough road ahead for the Democratic Governor to get the minimum wage increased.
HUGHESVILLE NOT THRILLED TO CONSOLIDATE VOTING
Hughesville borough council held discussion last night on a suggestion by the Lycoming County Department of Voter services that they consolidate their voting wards in order to help with the cost of new voting machines which has become a state mandate. Borough officails say they are leaning against doing that saying that a consolidation would mean that Hughesville would have to go to seven person borough council as voters would have to vote for candidates instead of those just in their ward. Officials say they are having a tough time getting candidates to run for the current six seats.
CLAUSI DROPS OUT OF RACE
A former Northumberland County Commissioner who announced in December that he was interested in running there again, has pulled his name from that candidates list. Vinny Clausi who was a commissioner there from 2008 to 2015 released a statement yesterday saying that following a long conversation with family and friends that he was withdrawing from the race. Clausi says that the hardest part about reaching the decision is letting down county voters who offered their support, but says that despite not being an elected official he will continue to stay active and continue to expose corruption in county government.
WEISS TO RUN FOR COMMISSIONER
Another candidate has thrown his hat in the ring to run for Lycoming County Commissioner. Retired Attorney Elliot Weiss has announced that he will run for the democratic nomination in the May 21st primary to run in the fall. Weiss who serves on multiple boards and who also was a Williamsport City Councilman from 1990-1996 the first responsibility of a county commissioner is to promote economic growth through fiscally responsible actions.
CSVT SECTION APPROVED
It looks like another section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway is a go. At last week’s meeting of the Grater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, PennDOT Assistant Plans Engineer Mark Beck announced that the eastern alternative for the southern section of the Thruway is a go. Beck says environmental clearances have ben finalized and fini9shed plans could be announced as early as next month. The eastern alternative is PennDOT’s preferred choice meeting traffic needs with the lease impact on homes, farms and is less noisy. It also avoids fly ash basins which were discovered in Shamokin Dam and Monroe Township.
MEETING TOMORROW FOR DUKE STREET PROJECT
Residents and business owners in Northumberland are reminded that a public meeting regarding the next phase of the Duke Street Reconstruction project there is scheduled to tomorrow evening beginning at 6pm at Front Street Station, 2 Front Street in Northumberland. The meeting will include a presentation and an opportunity for attendees to review and comment on the project and traffic control plans.
