ASSAULT CHARGES FILED State police say a Fairfield Township man is facing charges after allegedly assaulting his fiancée during a domestic dispute while their young child was nearby. Investigators say 37-year-old Joshua Louis Cooke punched the woman in the face while she was holding the couple’s 5-year-old child inside their Country Lane home in April. Police also allege Cooke later picked the woman up and slammed her onto a hardwood floor several times. Cooke faces child endangerment and assault charges and has been released on 15-thousand dollars bail.
AIRPORT GETS UPGRADE GRANT The Williamsport Regional Airport has received a 900-thousand dollar federal grant to rehabilitate part of Taxiway B and improve airfield operations. Airport officials say the FAA funding will help extend the life of about 2,500 feet of pavement while improving safety and reliability for aircraft traffic. Leaders say the airport plays an important role for regional businesses, travelers, medical flights and visitors attending events like the Little League World Series.
COLLEGE STUDENT ITEMS GIVEN A SECOND LIFE A sustainable move-out effort is underway again at Bucknell University to help local families and students in need. The annual Sustainable Move Out program runs through May 18th in partnership with the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency and DIG Furniture Bank. Students are encouraged to donate non-perishable food, gently used furniture, household items and winter clothing instead of throwing them away during move-out week. Donations are being collected at several campus locations in Lewisburg.
FINES TO BE ASSESSED FOR USING PHONES Starting June 5th, Pennsylvania drivers caught using a hand-held phone behind the wheel will face a 50-dollar fine, plus court costs and fees, under Paul Miller’s Law. The law bans holding or using a phone while driving — even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. Drivers can still use hands-free technology for calls, GPS, and music, and phones may be used to contact emergency responders. Police spent the past year issuing warnings, but full enforcement now begins statewide. Pennsylvania’s existing texting-while-driving ban also remains in effect, with tougher penalties possible in serious crashes
AXE WIELDING GUNS AND DRUGS State Police have charged 44-year-old Jason Wade Mikitko of Lock Haven with attempted homicide following a violent confrontation Monday evening in Woolrich. According to NorthcentralPa.com, Mikitko allegedly tried to hit another man with his pickup truck at a high rate of speed, then chased the victim with a small axe after getting out of the vehicle. Police say the victim retrieved a firearm, causing both men to flee. Based on interviews and surveillance video, prosecutors approved multiple charges, including attempted homicide and terroristic threats. Mikitko was arrested the following morning. Police also say drugs and paraphernalia were found during a search of the victim’s home. The investigation remains ongoing
JUVENILE PROBLEMS IN WILLIAMSPORT Lycoming County Commissioners are calling for a community-wide response to growing juvenile crime and behavior issues in Williamsport. A public meeting is set for May 27th at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room at Third Street Plaza. Officials want parents, schools, nonprofits, law enforcement and local leaders to share ideas and solutions. Commissioner Scott Metzger says government alone can’t solve the problem, stressing the need for stronger parenting, accountability and community partnerships. Commissioners also noted juvenile probation costs in the county have more than doubled this year, rising to over 5 million dollars.
DISASTER RELIEF FOR FARMERS Governor Josh Shapiro is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide disaster relief for Pennsylvania farmers impacted by April’s damaging freeze. State officials estimate specialty crop losses could reach up to 200 million dollars after freezing temperatures devastated orchards and farms across the state. Shapiro says faster federal action is needed so growers can begin filing crop insurance claims and recover from catastrophic losses.
YOUNG STUDENT WINS ART CONTEST A Columbia County student is being recognized statewide for helping raise awareness about Lyme disease prevention. Malorie Spiece took first place in the first and second grade category of Pennsylvania’s annual “Protect. Check. Remove.” student art competition. Her poster featured ticks dressed as police officers, along with crime scene tape and safety tips for avoiding tick bites. More than 145 entries were submitted from across the state. Spiece’s winning artwork is now on display in the East Wing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol through the end of May
SPORTS
HS Baseball
Williamsport 12 Holy Redeemer 1
HS Softball
Williamsport 3 Bald Eagle Area 0
Muncy 32 Benton 22
Jersey Shore 6 Danville 4
Hughesville 4 North Penn/Liberty 3 (9 innings)
MLB
Pirates 7 Rockies 2
Reds 15 Nationals 1
Mets 9 Tigers 4
Phillies 3 Red Sox 1
Cubs 2 Braves 0
White Sox 6 Royals 2
Dodgers |5 Giants 2
MLB Tonight
Yankees vs Mets 7:10Apple TV
Phillies v s Pirates 6:40p MLB TV
NBA Semi Finals Tonight Game 6
Pistons vs Cavaliers 7pm PrimeVid
Spurs vs Timberwolves 9:30pm PrimeVid SA leads 3-2
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round Game 6
Canadiens 6 Sabres 3 MTL leads series 3-2
Golden Knights 5 Ducks 1 VGK leasds series 4-2
NASCAR
NASCAR All-Star Open & Race
Dover Motor Speedway Sunday ( 2pm)
Coverage begins at noon on the TwinValley’s Talk Radio Network
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