Falling tree kills woman
GENESEE-A 66-year-old woman was pronounced dead after a torrential storm swept through a campsite, causing a tree to fall, striking her on the head and killing her instantly Thursday at 3:20 p.m., state police at Coudersport said.
Linda Lou Button of Andover, N.Y. was camping with her two grandchildren and great-grandchild at a private campsite on Wintergreen Road near Route 449 in Potter County when Button received a text message warning of a severe storm approaching and a tornado warning, police said.
The storm developed rapidly in Potter County with extremely fast-moving wind gusts and driving rain. Planning to evacuate the area via car, the grandchildren, 19 and 20, were securing the infant child in a safety seat. As they helped their grandmother out of her camper trailer, the storm hit, shearing and knocking over trees. One of the falling trees dealt the fatal blow, police said.
The tree also struck one of the grandchildren, who sustained injuries to her leg and arm and was transported to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, N.Y., police said.
Button was pronounced dead at the scene by Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury.
Military rocket found on road
STATE COLLEGE-A military veteran motorist found a military ordinance rocket on the berm of Route 99 at the Shiloh Road southbound exit ramp in Benner Township at 1:27 p.m. Friday, state police at Rockview said.
Troopers responded and contacted two explosive unit members from the State College Police and state police at Harrisburg. The ordinance was inspected and cleared by a Hazmat Team for radiation because it can contain uranium, police said. It was also X-rayed and was found to have no explosive material. It was placed in an explosive bag and will be disposed of properly, police said.
The exit ramp was closed for about an hour and was re-opened at 4:20 p.m.
Fraudulent calls?
JERSEY SHORE - The Lycoming County Department of Public Safety has received reports of a person or persons making calls to residents advising they were from "9-1-1" and that they could put the individual's medical history into the 9-1-1 system to provide better information to first responders. The caller(s) then advised the fee for this service would be $480.00.
These calls are not being made by, on behalf of, or endorsed by, the County of Lycoming's 9-1-1 Center. If you are contacted by an individual or firm offering the service, please get as much information from the caller as you can and then notify your local law enforcement agency.
One-vehicle crash
PLEASANT GAP-A vehicle traveling south on Route 99 hit a small generator in the middle of the right lane, causing minor damage to the front of the vehicle, but it was able to be driven from the scene, Thursday at 2:40 a.m., state police at Rockview said. The driver was not injured, police said.
Fender bender
BENNER-A two-vehicle crash occurred on Benner Pike when a person driving a 1999 Dodge Dakota was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the 2006 Toyota Rav4 that had stopped ahead, and impacted its rear, Wednesday at 7:52 a.m., state police at Rockview said. Both vehicles were driven from the scene and there were no injuries.
Bike found
FARRANDSVILLE - A bicycle was found along Route 664 and the Farrandsville Road in Woodward Township Thursday.
The boy's red 21-speed bicycle can be claimed by contacting Woodward Township police.
Disorderly conduct
LOCK HAVEN - Zachery Wayne Boone of 17 Homestead Drive, Mill Hall, and Anthony Richard Coil of Mill Hall, both 21, will be cited for disorderly conduct for an episode earlier this week, city police said.
Police said both men engaged in public at an East Church Street address.
Theft of medication
LOCK HAVEN - About 27 tablets of prescription medication were stolen late Monday or early Tuesday from a city residence.
The tablets were taken from 125 N. Jones St., police said.
Gas can stolen
NORTH BEND-A 2.5 gallon gas can was stolen from Douglas Boyer, 50, of Dalmatia, at 80 Left Hand Branch Road, overnight June 28, state police at Lamar said. Anyone with information, please contact PSP Lamar, 726-6000.
