JERSEY SHORE ELEMENTARY JANITOR ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED CONTACT WITH STUDENTS
A janitorial employee at Jersey Shore Elementary School has been arrested following allegations of unwanted physical contact involving six students. Lycoming Regional Police say 28-year-old Dakota Gardner of Clinton County allegedly grabbed and tickled children repeatedly, causing emotional distress. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed students before filing six counts each of felony unlawful contact with a minor, stalking and harassment. Gardner was released on 50-thousand-dollars bail. The school district suspended him and barred him from district facilities.
WOMAN CHARGED AFTER ASSAULTING OFFICER AND FLEEING TRAFFIC STOP
A woman is jailed on 50-thousand-dollars bail after police say she assaulted an officer and fled a traffic stop in Williamsport Monday night. According to court documents, 34-year-old Melissa Marie Mertz struck an officer in the face during a stop on Lycoming Creek Road, then drove away and crashed into a utility pole. Police say she resisted arrest and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Mertz faces felony aggravated assault, fleeing police, DUI and other charges.
LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ELIMINATE 13 POSITIONS
Lycoming County Commissioners are eliminating 13 county positions as part of what they call a permanent restructuring of two departments. Five positions are being cut in Information Technology and eight in Facilities Management. Commissioners say the departments had become overstaffed, and the decision was not based on employee performance. Affected workers can apply for other county positions or consider early retirement if eligible. Officials say the changes are not directly related to the upcoming 2027 county budget.
STATE POLICE SEEK DONATIONS FOR SUNNY DAY CAMP
Pennsylvania State Police Troop F is asking for donations to bring Sunny Day Camp back in 2027. The free event provides activities and memorable experiences for children and families in the special needs community. It’s tentatively scheduled for September 22nd at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville, but funding is needed. Donations can be made payable to Lycoming County Camp Cadet, with Sunny Day Camp in the memo line. For information, call Troop F at 570-368-5700.
WILLIAMSPORT FAMILY DISPLACED BY HOUSE FIRE
A Williamsport family of four and their two dogs are displaced following a house fire Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters responded to 428 Anthony Street around 5:20, where flames were coming from a third-floor window. A second alarm brought additional crews from surrounding communities. Fire officials say the blaze started in the attic and was largely extinguished within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is assisting the family, and the cause remains under investigation.
WILLIAMSPORT MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING DRUG INVESTIGATION AND PURSUIT
A Williamsport man is jailed on 75-thousand-dollars bail following a police pursuit and drug investigation. Authorities say 55-year-old George Holley fled officers Monday on an electric dirt bike before being arrested on West Fourth Street. Investigators recovered cocaine packaged for sale and cash allegedly hidden by Holley in School Alley. A subsequent search of his Motel 6 room in Loyalsock Township uncovered additional cocaine and a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
ATTORNEY GENERAL URGES CONGRESS TO PASS KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is joining a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The legislation would establish nationwide safety standards for social media and gaming platforms to better protect children and teens. Sunday says parents need stronger safeguards against online dangers and harmful content. The coalition also wants states to retain authority to enforce their own protections. The effort follows a multistate settlement with Meta requiring additional safeguards for younger users.
CLINTON COUNTY SHOP WITH A COP SEEKS DONATIONS
Clinton County’s Shop with a Cop program returns December 5th at the Mill Hall Walmart, and organizers are seeking donations. The Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club is coordinating the event, pairing 25 children with police officers and other first responders for holiday shopping. Each child will receive 120 dollars to spend. Organizers hope to raise at least three-thousand dollars, with donations requested by November 25th. More information is available on the Clinton County Shop with a Cop Facebook page.
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